We shall see...

Today was day 2 of my job and having to drive all the way to Ashton on horrible roads in the snow and therefore having to take the truck. As of right now, it is not looking like it is worth it. I need to make something and these past two days I have spent $40 in gas, used up all $40 worth and havent even earned $40 from working. So I am still looking for better jobs. We need to pay things off and definetely SAVE!! Not sure driving to Ashton every day is going to make that happen!

Christmas

Christmas Eve we packed up and went to my parent's house as soon as Brad got off work. We had dinner and got the Traditional Red nightgowns on. After putting the kiddos to bed and wrapping up presents Brad and I went out to the hot tub! It was so nice! The sky was clear and the moon was bright and we could see the stars all while being in the hot tub! Running out there to get in is the hardest part!








Christmas morning Hunter didnt wake up until 8:30! That was great. The kiddos are still young that they werent focused on waking up for presents. In fact, when we got downstairs Hunter didnt even notice the presents or stockings. After a few minutes we had to turn his attention to them and remind him that santa came. Opening presents was fun.






In the afternoon we went sledding. So much fun!!! Hunter mostly likes running down the hill, Brooke and I LOVE going down and let's just say that Brad has snowmobiling in his blood, NOT sledding. My mom even went! The videos of Brad are HILLARIOUS!






This video KILLS ME! Brad is hillarious! He makes me laugh so hard


Then we packed up at 3 and headed to Shelley. The kiddos fell asleep which was a life saver!




When we got to Memaw and Papa Steve's they got out the little snowmobile. I was very proud of Hunter!! he did it all by himself, poor uncle Dave got a good work out. Unfortunately we left our snow clothes behind so he was cold! I love the smile on his face as he comes in.


Then we had a delicious dinner and opened so many presents! We had a good time with family and Hunter loved playing with his cousins!

When we got home we were all exhausted! It was a great Christmas!

A Light Unto All: A Christmas Gift

Please take 6 minutes of your time to watch. Merry Christmas!

Peace

I just got back from an orientation for this new job. I walked in the door and the family room was clean and vacuumed thanks to my awesome husband.

But most importantly I feel peaceful about having to work and this job. I have been sad, torn, and a litle unsure about this specific job so it is really nice to have peace. They are flexible with my schedule wich will be scheduled around Brad's schedule and so the kiddos will have either Mom or Dad home with them. Basically I am working for a company that is paid by medicaid to go into people's homes and do what ever I need to. I will be a CNA/caretaker. It isn always necessarily older people either, but could be adults/children with disabilties. It sounds a heck of a lot more enjoyable than the nursing home I worked for after high school. I hated being rushed and having a HUGE load to care for.

So again, I feel peace, and it feels great.

Miracle

Today a check came in the mail from my sister for the EXACT amount of tithing we just paid. It is a tithing and Christmas miracle. I am humbled, grateful and it is a reminder that the Lord knows our situation, we are not forgotten.

I love you Sister!

Gookie talking

I needed this today

When it rains, it pours.

Just found out this evening that as of Jan 1st our rent will be raised $200. crap..crap....crappy times.

Christmas Shindig

We had a dinner and white elephant exchange with our dear friends before they leave this weekend to all go home for Christmas. It was a good time.

They got presents for the kiddos and it was all things I have been thinking of getting the kiddos! They sure know and love our kiddos. Hunter got a mr. potatoe head and the fishing game and Gookie got a baby doll and my little ponies. Both kiddos LOVE their presents!

Thank you guys! See you next year!

Santa

Hunter was too fast and I didnt have my camera ready to capture him running up to Santa and giving him a big hug!
I love how Gookie goes up once she sees a bag full of goodies. She's smart.

Gookie and Santa

sledding

Hunter and I BOTH giggle when Jill runs him over. Related?

Sledding

Grammie and Papa's driveway made the perfect hill for sledding. I dont know why but watching them go sledding made me giggle.

Girl's Night

Friday we went to Grammie and Papa's house and some girlfriends of mine came too and spent the night. I think it was a get away we all needed!! We went hot tubbing Friday night and stayed up playing games. Then Saturday we took the kiddos to see Hunter, went to a craft fair which we renamed as the "Hippie Fair" and then went sledding! And to top it off they got their car stuck and it took 2 trucks and an hour to pull it out!

It was a ton of fun. Pics and videos being uploaded!

Cant wait to do it again!

The Breakfast argument

We got two big tubs of cheese balls as a white elephant gift. Well we have to hide them or that is all the kiddos will eat. So of course, that's what Hunter wanted for breakfast. I gave him his choices of eggs, cereal or oatmeal. He cried and had a fit. 5 minutes later he said "I dont want oatmeal!!" and opened the fridge and said in a huffy voice, "I want carrots!" . Fine with me. We both won on this one. He is getting what he wants and it's not cheese balls so go to town on those carrots Hunter!

Mixed Feelings

Well with all of the doctor appointments we have been to with Gookie the bills are now coming in and we know that the truck will take a good chunk of $$$. And today we received another bill and I just felt like we are drowning and bills. I am sure MANY of you who are reading this know the feeling. Its a sickening feeling.

For some time now I have applied to many jobs. Knowing the day was going to come when the truck would break down. I called about a job today and basically got the job just by walking in to fill out the application. Although I am very relieved to be able to make some extra money to avoid debt, my heart it sick.

The only job I have EVER wanted is to be a mom. And the thought of leaving my babies is sooooooo hard for me. And yet i know that at this time it HAs to be done. So for now it is a duty and a necessity. It;s either leave my babies for now to get things paid off and money saved, or be drowning financially for quite some times.

I understand that Brad has found a great job, loves it, and it will give him the experience he needs for future better paying jobs. Gotta do what we need to do now to have a better future.

So I am looking on the positive. Thanking Heavenly Father for this oppurtunity to pay off bills and not be in financial bondage. I mean there is nothing more we can do. We only pay $350 for rent and NO Utilities and we have been able to pay the bills we have had. But with the additional ones coming in, I need to work. It is what it is.

EEG

Gookie had her EEG today in Idaho Falls. She did amazing! She sat really well while they hooked up all the wires to her head and even fell asleep. So now we just wait for the results and we are praying they are negative.

My daughter the ham...

Humbled

Our truck is out of commission, the car doesnt have heat and our pockets are empty. This all hit me yesterday and I have been stressing, crying and praying. Only to be greatly humbled by those around me.

My father in law has loaned us a car and so we can drive in heat. We sooo appreciate this. Thank you Papa Steve.

We were gone last night and we were both very stressed as we talked about circumstances on the way home. Only to come home, open the door and walk in to a decorated Christmas tree that our dear friends had bought, set up and decorated for us. Yes, I cried! Thank you so much! It is beautiful and I love it.

We are so thankful for the blessings in our lives that surround us by those we love.

She loves Blueberries. Need I say more?

BLAST OFF!!

For the past two Fridays we have gone to blast off in Idaho Falls. It is an awesome place and we are all happy to get out of the house. This last time we had friends and cousins to play with. See you there Friday!

Hunter Playing

Kiddos Playing

Gookie's First Snow Experience

Snow video 2

Snow Video

Snow!

We needed out of the house! So this afternoon the kids and I bundled up and went outside. We didnt do this last winter because Gookie was only 7 months old. But the kiddos loved it! Gookie would purposely throw herself into the snow and then eat it. And Hunter loved walking and rolling in the snow. Gookie didnt last too long and right now HUnter is outside with Bethany and Joe building a snow man. Good Times.