So I guess it's time to offer the details, although probably most of you know them by now. With December 17th (BYU's December graduation) looming in the near future, we weren't sure that we were going to have an income for much longer. Devin had exhausted most of the referrals he'd been given, but I wasn't worrying yet. Not sure why the Lord decided to bless me with so much patience and serenity, but it was so, and I will forever be grateful. Here's the long story, broken down into a MUCH shorter story:
December 4, 2010--Devin and I are babysitting my cousin's kids and she and her husband tell us they've heard of a job opening in Las Vegas, of all the impossible places, for a project manager position with a paint & drywall subcontractor.
December 3, 2010--Devin has an interview with a company based in Alamogordo, New Mexico for a superintendent job.
December 9, 2010--Devin has an over-the-phone interview with the Las Vegas subcontractor
December 12, 2010--Devin finds out he's been offered the job in Las Vegas. I get assigned to plan and decorate the Ward Christmas party. I contact my friend from high school to have her send me some apartment links. Over the next couple of days, Devin and I go back-and-forth between whether or not we should buy a house or rent an apartment for a few months and then do so, or live with our parents for a few months before we buy a house. Poor Adria had to continually send us different types of real estate listings depending on which decision we had made that particular day. But she was a trooper and we appreciated ALL of the help!
December 13, 2010-- Devin realizes the company in NM isn't going to tell him their decision quickly enough. He decides not to make the Las Vegas company wait any longer and accepts their offer.
December 13, 2010--I start rearranging our entire lives! I list, show, sell our apartment contract over to someone else, nanny my last day, ask my cousin to take over some of the nannying for the remainder of the week, shuffle through the rental listings sent to me via email, bring order to the elderly finances, switch over our mail from every place I can possibly think of, cancel our utilities, etc. and start packing.
December 13-17, 2010--LOTS of help from siblings to get our stuff packed up! (Thanks to ALL of you!) And I planned and decorated (with the help of my good friend Joannie) the entire Christmas party. Luckily, I didn't have to do the food, but it was certainly quite a task anyway. I'll just say, by Friday night, I was exhausted. Still, I didn't feel like I had reached my limits. The Lord really, REALLY blessed us that entire week; especially because Devin was studying for finals and couldn't be around to help with Camden, packing, or the party very much.
December 18, 2010--The Elders Quorum, and Kyle, picks up all our belongings and loads the moving truck. Devin drives the truck down to Las Vegas. Camden and I stay behind to clean the apartment.
December 19, 2010--I play the piano for one musical number, sing in another, and train the new Relief Society Secretary.
December 20, 2010--Devin starts the project manager position at L.&R. Integrity, Camden and I drive down (in quite the snowstorm, I might add), stop by to see Devin's sister who is in pre-term labor and on bed rest, do some grocery shopping, and we all stay the night at Devin's parents house.
December 21, 2010--I go apartment shopping. We find a place to move in, with the help of Adria.
December 22, 2010--Fill out all of the paperwork, get the money order & cashiers checks for deposit, negotiate with the landlord to do month-to-month and bring down the rent a little, get the keys, move in.
So, that pretty much, in-a-really-short-and-completely-undramatic-and-not-even-able-to-do-it-justice sort of way, sums up the move. Devin enjoys his job so far, and I am reacquainting myself to life in Vegas. And surprisingly, really missing Utah. But, of course, that will be for another time. To all of my Utah friends, just know, I miss and love you all! I am sure we'll be back to visit frequently.
P.S. Whoever you are that blessed us with the food to eat on my previous post, you will never know how much it got us through moving week; especially with Camden and I being sick the entire week prior to that one! Thank you, again from the bottom of my heart!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thank you, dear friend
I had the most wonderful thing happen to me tonight!!
I admit, things have been tough on us lately. For various reasons, and nothing grandiose like a death in the family or anything like that. It's just a bunch of those small things--and a few pretty serious things--that add up and make it a little difficult to not feel overwhelmed by everything.
I know you all know Camden and I have been sick this last week. That's not the half of it, but a great contributor to our madness. I had all these great plans for Christmas, and haven't been able to accomplish many of them because I've been fairly exhausted. Which of course, makes it difficult to feel productive and successful, which may or may not put me even more down in the dumps. We have had some very good moments too among those hard things (I feel like I've been down on the blog a lot lately) so here is one of the great blessings we have received.
Last night, I was contemplating all of the things I still need and want to do (this week and before Christmas). There was a long list of things, but I knew some of the more important included grocery shopping for the next week and getting the info for my other job so I could complete payroll before Monday. We need the work and the money, so we can cover the bills and try to make it go toward the coming year if Dev doesn't get a job, and I wasn't able to work my nannying job most of this week because I didn't want to infect the other little kiddos, as they certainly agreed. :O)
Lo and behold, as I was right in the middle of the previous thought, we get a ding-dong. I bound into the bedroom so no one has to see me in my sick clothes (read, a robe) and Devin goes to answer the door. No person is there, but there is the following on the doorstep.
Recipes for MEALS (FOUR to be exact--just the number I needed)! And all the ingredients needed to make them! Which means I no longer have to go shopping for the next full week (we'll just pick up a few minor things like milk--Devin can even do that pretty easily)!
I broke into some serious tears (which I still continue to do every time I think about this). From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more grateful! It was the perfect gift at the perfect time. The Lord is truly watching out for us through some angels right now. It means so much to me to have someone put that kind of thought into us. We've had some wonderful friends who have done so much for us this year and for that, I am just so appreciative.
I remember when I was younger, we used to do something similar to what was given to us tonight. I loved that tradition and am excited to bring that tradition back into my own little family so we can pass it on. It truly touches people's lives more than I ever thought possible--so Christlike and service-filled at this special time of Christmas.
Thank you, dear friend, for your thoughtful gift.
(And Camden sure thinks it neat, too! He is really enjoying taking the things in and out of the bags, tossing his ball inside--to make a basket, and stacking the canned food items on top of one another)
I admit, things have been tough on us lately. For various reasons, and nothing grandiose like a death in the family or anything like that. It's just a bunch of those small things--and a few pretty serious things--that add up and make it a little difficult to not feel overwhelmed by everything.
I know you all know Camden and I have been sick this last week. That's not the half of it, but a great contributor to our madness. I had all these great plans for Christmas, and haven't been able to accomplish many of them because I've been fairly exhausted. Which of course, makes it difficult to feel productive and successful, which may or may not put me even more down in the dumps. We have had some very good moments too among those hard things (I feel like I've been down on the blog a lot lately) so here is one of the great blessings we have received.
Last night, I was contemplating all of the things I still need and want to do (this week and before Christmas). There was a long list of things, but I knew some of the more important included grocery shopping for the next week and getting the info for my other job so I could complete payroll before Monday. We need the work and the money, so we can cover the bills and try to make it go toward the coming year if Dev doesn't get a job, and I wasn't able to work my nannying job most of this week because I didn't want to infect the other little kiddos, as they certainly agreed. :O)
Lo and behold, as I was right in the middle of the previous thought, we get a ding-dong. I bound into the bedroom so no one has to see me in my sick clothes (read, a robe) and Devin goes to answer the door. No person is there, but there is the following on the doorstep.
With the following note
Which reads:
Merry Christmas, Romneys!
We would write this in a poem, and wrap everything up
read cute, but we're not that talented.
So, Instead we'll just say:
We got a little something for adults only!
Great for a night out.
Some things for the little guy
(and gift receipt in case they're the wrong size or style)
And ingredients for some meals and treats we love.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Love,
a few secret elves
(Devin proceeded to yell "Thank you" as loud as he could for whoever-it-was to hear. I hope they did!)
I broke into some serious tears (which I still continue to do every time I think about this). From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more grateful! It was the perfect gift at the perfect time. The Lord is truly watching out for us through some angels right now. It means so much to me to have someone put that kind of thought into us. We've had some wonderful friends who have done so much for us this year and for that, I am just so appreciative.
I remember when I was younger, we used to do something similar to what was given to us tonight. I loved that tradition and am excited to bring that tradition back into my own little family so we can pass it on. It truly touches people's lives more than I ever thought possible--so Christlike and service-filled at this special time of Christmas.
Thank you, dear friend, for your thoughtful gift.
(And Camden sure thinks it neat, too! He is really enjoying taking the things in and out of the bags, tossing his ball inside--to make a basket, and stacking the canned food items on top of one another)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Take 2 of 2
I don't do Christmas cards.
Maybe that makes me an awful person, but there are very few reasons I actually like them; especially nowadays when technology has allowed us to become so consumed in other people's lives throughout the year that it no longer seems logical to send out the same information via Christmas letter. Not to mention the fact that when I get a whole stack of Christmas cards, I just don't know what to do with them. I hate clutter, and I hate throwing things away. True, it is my own personal weakness for which repudiation is needed, but seriously, they become momentos to me that I....(choke) treasure. I have to hang them on my refrigerator and then--a few months later--convince myself it's time to take them down, and worse, load them into my scrapbook, special box for special items (which I never view again until it's time to fill it with MORE), or some sort of journal.
(I do like that most people are converting to e-mailed Christmas letters--considering it lessens my refrigerator load, but still allows the wonderful creativity which is CHRISTMAS)
Everyone sees a little too much of my family through Facebook, this blog, (and perhaps even in person) to really justify sending out MORE anyway. But I still want to get pictures taken EVERY year (this not being something we ever really did growing up--not regularly anyway) because I think it is so fun to document and laugh at all of the funny styles we thought to be so very fantastic at the time! Plus, isn't it wonderful to see how your kids have grown and multiplied through the years (or your dog--because at one time, I did want to take family pictures with my little Scruffy--too bad Devin didn't like him--or anyone else besides me, for that matter).
This post is documenting take 2 of 2 for Camden/Family pictures 2010 because the first time failed miserably. Not by any fault of our photographer, mind you. I had everything all ready. Props in the car. Camden carefully dressed and combed--his hair a tad shorter at the time--happy, and even in his car seat. Driving away, JaNae and I hear the sound all mothers dread. Gagging, vomiting, spewing, and sopping-wet-falling-down. Camden was vomiting. All.over.my.car, his car seat, clothing, props! We turned right back around, cleaned up, and didn't attempt going out again as he continued to vomit all over my family room, his bedroom, blankets, and replacement clothing (on both our parts).
Fast forward a few weeks and here are our family pictures taken for this year (and probably all of my future years for decades to come) by my fabulous sister, JaNae! Not quite as carefully planned, but still turned out fabulously--DUH because if she's fabulous, that's the only way they COULD turn out! JaNae has a real talent--one I wish she'd pursue more, because this is what she does without any training--AT ALL! (And we are no easy bunch to shoot--on this second attempt, Camden wasn't quite as pleased to be taking pictures). Anyway, without further adieu, our 'The Romney Clan 2010' photo album, specialty of JaNae is LoveLee Photography.
(DUDE, this shutterfly slideshow thingie really does some distortion damage! Click on the link to make it larger and it does a better job. Because, I just can't allow you to believe that is the type of work JaNae really does, nor is it what we really look like; and I don't have time to save each file individually in the nice format they should be in order to repost them here. Excuse my laziness, but don't you be lazy) :O)
Ok, but seriously, keep sending your paper Christmas cards our way anyway. I'd hate to miss an update of people who are so dear to my heart (and sometimes the e-mailed versions don't work, as I've come to find out)!
P.S. Turns out, when you're sick, you have lots of time for blogging, so be sure, if you're interested, to note this is not the only thing I posted today
Maybe that makes me an awful person, but there are very few reasons I actually like them; especially nowadays when technology has allowed us to become so consumed in other people's lives throughout the year that it no longer seems logical to send out the same information via Christmas letter. Not to mention the fact that when I get a whole stack of Christmas cards, I just don't know what to do with them. I hate clutter, and I hate throwing things away. True, it is my own personal weakness for which repudiation is needed, but seriously, they become momentos to me that I....(choke) treasure. I have to hang them on my refrigerator and then--a few months later--convince myself it's time to take them down, and worse, load them into my scrapbook, special box for special items (which I never view again until it's time to fill it with MORE), or some sort of journal.
(I do like that most people are converting to e-mailed Christmas letters--considering it lessens my refrigerator load, but still allows the wonderful creativity which is CHRISTMAS)
Everyone sees a little too much of my family through Facebook, this blog, (and perhaps even in person) to really justify sending out MORE anyway. But I still want to get pictures taken EVERY year (this not being something we ever really did growing up--not regularly anyway) because I think it is so fun to document and laugh at all of the funny styles we thought to be so very fantastic at the time! Plus, isn't it wonderful to see how your kids have grown and multiplied through the years (or your dog--because at one time, I did want to take family pictures with my little Scruffy--too bad Devin didn't like him--or anyone else besides me, for that matter).
This post is documenting take 2 of 2 for Camden/Family pictures 2010 because the first time failed miserably. Not by any fault of our photographer, mind you. I had everything all ready. Props in the car. Camden carefully dressed and combed--his hair a tad shorter at the time--happy, and even in his car seat. Driving away, JaNae and I hear the sound all mothers dread. Gagging, vomiting, spewing, and sopping-wet-falling-down. Camden was vomiting. All.over.my.car, his car seat, clothing, props! We turned right back around, cleaned up, and didn't attempt going out again as he continued to vomit all over my family room, his bedroom, blankets, and replacement clothing (on both our parts).
Fast forward a few weeks and here are our family pictures taken for this year (and probably all of my future years for decades to come) by my fabulous sister, JaNae! Not quite as carefully planned, but still turned out fabulously--DUH because if she's fabulous, that's the only way they COULD turn out! JaNae has a real talent--one I wish she'd pursue more, because this is what she does without any training--AT ALL! (And we are no easy bunch to shoot--on this second attempt, Camden wasn't quite as pleased to be taking pictures). Anyway, without further adieu, our 'The Romney Clan 2010' photo album, specialty of JaNae is LoveLee Photography.
(DUDE, this shutterfly slideshow thingie really does some distortion damage! Click on the link to make it larger and it does a better job. Because, I just can't allow you to believe that is the type of work JaNae really does, nor is it what we really look like; and I don't have time to save each file individually in the nice format they should be in order to repost them here. Excuse my laziness, but don't you be lazy) :O)
Ok, but seriously, keep sending your paper Christmas cards our way anyway. I'd hate to miss an update of people who are so dear to my heart (and sometimes the e-mailed versions don't work, as I've come to find out)!
P.S. Turns out, when you're sick, you have lots of time for blogging, so be sure, if you're interested, to note this is not the only thing I posted today
I'm a leaf on the wind
I am SOOO covered in snot right now. Wishing this virus of Camden's (and now mine) would go away for good. Didn't we just get over this, like 3 weeks ago?!
Poor little Camden. Took him to the doc yesterday and did a swab of his throat for strep. (We've seriously been to the doctor to do said swab tests no fewer than 6 times in the last 3 months). His throat was so bad, the swab came back with blood. But still, no strep. He's never had strep...no, not once, and I have to admit, I sometimes come away a little disappointed that it isn't. At least with strep, you can get antibiotics to aid in gaining full health. With this virus, all I can give him is tylenol and ibuprofen--for the fever, and another type of medicine to numb his throat while he rides out the sickness.
We're still managing to have a little bit of fun. With pretzels, no less. Still, there are some unhappy faces. His lack of clothing= too high a fever, so we need to keep it down+more cuddles for MOM :O)
I will spare you the pictures of me :O)
On another note, Devin has a few interviews this week. Hopefully, one of them will produce a future career (and by future, I'm talking, in the next two weeks, please). Construction management is a tough field, as are many, in obtaining a job right now. All in all, I am not sure what we will do if he can't find one quickly. I think I've mentioned he will lose his current job because he will no longer be a student (GRADUATION IS IN SIGHT, BABY!) and so there aren't many options for us. We do have a few, which is better than some people, I know. Because of that, I haven't been too worried overall.
Yesterday afternoon, I had my first semi-panicky moment. I have otherwise stayed unbelievably calm for my personality type in this situation, so I am quite pleased the Lord has blessed me with peace. I do feel, however, that He wants me to feel SOME urgency, hence the semi-panic yesterday--in which case, I started getting on Devin's e-mail to write to potential employers I know he hasn't had time to contact yet. (No, I didn't actually send the e-mails)
I have mixed emotions. I love the friendships I have gained, am currently gaining, and could possibly gain here in Utah (add to that the self-improvement I've measured), so I would love to stay here--not to mention how WONDERFUL I would feel to be able to continue our close proximity to so many of Devin's and my siblings. We just love them! (And a few more will probably be added next year) But I would also like Camden to be near his grandparents. A job opening in LAS VEGAS (and if you knew how bad their economy is right now, you would certainly see this as a miracle) and a slight POSSIBILITY that we could end up near our family there, kind of increases my desire to live there too. But I, believe it or not, have learned to love Utah. Note: I should pull up some of my journal entries prior to moving here (they didn't have blogger then) so you can know HOW MUCH I loathed the idea of Utah and coming here for school. That is also one of the many miracles of miracles. I may just miss it here. (But I'll save that for another post--IF we end up leaving after all).
I guess I just need to learn from that experience that I will love anywhere I go. Ultimately, it may take some time, but because I love people and culture, and my family, anywhere I go will be desirable-ish :O) Even if we end up in Afghanistan (REALLY! He applied for a job THERE this past week!!). I think I'm not quite THAT desperate...yet
Poor little Camden. Took him to the doc yesterday and did a swab of his throat for strep. (We've seriously been to the doctor to do said swab tests no fewer than 6 times in the last 3 months). His throat was so bad, the swab came back with blood. But still, no strep. He's never had strep...no, not once, and I have to admit, I sometimes come away a little disappointed that it isn't. At least with strep, you can get antibiotics to aid in gaining full health. With this virus, all I can give him is tylenol and ibuprofen--for the fever, and another type of medicine to numb his throat while he rides out the sickness.
We're still managing to have a little bit of fun. With pretzels, no less. Still, there are some unhappy faces. His lack of clothing= too high a fever, so we need to keep it down+more cuddles for MOM :O)
I will spare you the pictures of me :O)
On another note, Devin has a few interviews this week. Hopefully, one of them will produce a future career (and by future, I'm talking, in the next two weeks, please). Construction management is a tough field, as are many, in obtaining a job right now. All in all, I am not sure what we will do if he can't find one quickly. I think I've mentioned he will lose his current job because he will no longer be a student (GRADUATION IS IN SIGHT, BABY!) and so there aren't many options for us. We do have a few, which is better than some people, I know. Because of that, I haven't been too worried overall.
Yesterday afternoon, I had my first semi-panicky moment. I have otherwise stayed unbelievably calm for my personality type in this situation, so I am quite pleased the Lord has blessed me with peace. I do feel, however, that He wants me to feel SOME urgency, hence the semi-panic yesterday--in which case, I started getting on Devin's e-mail to write to potential employers I know he hasn't had time to contact yet. (No, I didn't actually send the e-mails)
I have mixed emotions. I love the friendships I have gained, am currently gaining, and could possibly gain here in Utah (add to that the self-improvement I've measured), so I would love to stay here--not to mention how WONDERFUL I would feel to be able to continue our close proximity to so many of Devin's and my siblings. We just love them! (And a few more will probably be added next year) But I would also like Camden to be near his grandparents. A job opening in LAS VEGAS (and if you knew how bad their economy is right now, you would certainly see this as a miracle) and a slight POSSIBILITY that we could end up near our family there, kind of increases my desire to live there too. But I, believe it or not, have learned to love Utah. Note: I should pull up some of my journal entries prior to moving here (they didn't have blogger then) so you can know HOW MUCH I loathed the idea of Utah and coming here for school. That is also one of the many miracles of miracles. I may just miss it here. (But I'll save that for another post--IF we end up leaving after all).
I guess I just need to learn from that experience that I will love anywhere I go. Ultimately, it may take some time, but because I love people and culture, and my family, anywhere I go will be desirable-ish :O) Even if we end up in Afghanistan (REALLY! He applied for a job THERE this past week!!). I think I'm not quite THAT desperate...yet
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Love, Actually
I don't know about you, but since we've had a child, our relationship has been anything but the easy-to-maintain relationship we had prior to Camden's birth. Lucky for me, I still have a great husband, and a desire to work on that; so, I was thrilled when I saw my ever-so-talented friend's blog with a link to THIS.
The crazy thing is, we used to do so many FUN things on our date nights, and now we hardly have the energy. I am glad to know this website promotes things that cost little to nothing, we can use our creative minds (which when I begin, always gets a little out of hand and it really is SO enjoyable), and further, be the strong FOUNDATION for our family we should be as a couple first. Because I truly believe that the stronger couples are, the easier it is for the rest of the family to follow suit. It's not as easy and carefree once kids come into the picture, but it's possible! And we can find a way to bring that creative dating back to our lives again; even on a tight time/energy/money budget.
First step: Make our family mission statement! TOGETHER, for a date night--So excited!
I'm certain ours will be based off of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Because I LOVE that inspired document! I'll be sure to include a picture of the finished product!
And for the men, you may enjoy this. (The movie related to the book is a little cheesy, but it's still great for the sap!) I even have it (the book, not the movie) if you want to borrow it!
So, this is what has me renewed, rejuvenated, and inspired lately! What's inspiring you?
Love, Actually.
(Shhh....don't tell my husband)
First step: Make our family mission statement! TOGETHER, for a date night--So excited!
I'm certain ours will be based off of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Because I LOVE that inspired document! I'll be sure to include a picture of the finished product!
And for the men, you may enjoy this. (The movie related to the book is a little cheesy, but it's still great for the sap!) I even have it (the book, not the movie) if you want to borrow it!
So, this is what has me renewed, rejuvenated, and inspired lately! What's inspiring you?
Love, Actually.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Growing, Growing
Why is it so hard to clean out the baby clothes that don't fit Camden anymore?
Every time I do this, it just gets more difficult. :O) Oh, how I love my little boy...
Every time I do this, it just gets more difficult. :O) Oh, how I love my little boy...
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Holiday cheer? What's that this year?
I know the holidays are coming up, so what the heck is wrong with me?! I am having a serious lack of motivation to get into the holiday spirit. Don't get me wrong! I am completely, 100% thrilled, ecstatic, and enamored to be going home for the holidays this year. BOTH of the major holidays! That hasn't happened in a long while. It's just, I have a lack of enthusiasm in getting our family involved in our typical traditions. (Halloween almost entirely escaped me--besides, a pumpkin and some colorful corn husks, we didn't do one bit of decorating. NOR did we do our usual chili in pumpkin bowl dinner--it didn't help, of course, that Camden ended up with a 104 degree fever on Halloween which prevented our trick-or-treating escapades and some dressing up in costume). Why has this happened?! How can I get into the spirit?
Let me explain a few of my ideas before you shower me with yours (and please do). First of all, we are potentially moving by the end of this year. Potential is a stretch, as thus far, we have not nailed down a job following graduation. So whether or not we are moving is pending. Who wants to get out boxes of decor (even if that is a minimal amount) only to pack it all back up before the season ends and move on? Don't pick me...
The second, and probably the reason most directly affecting my current problem, is in actuality, related to reason numero uno. We do not have money with which to purchase gifts. Okay, okay. Some people's response would be...what happened to your 3-6 month emergency money supply?! My response to that would be that it went out the window about 4 years ago when we were paying $6000 every four months for both of us to finish school. Finish I have, finish Devin will, and hopefully, the emergency supply will come with a job (don't get me on that again :O). But it's been pretty much non-existent (plus less) while Devin works only 16 hours at the Carpenter shop weekly, and I am trying to stay at home/earn money at home, to recover what cannot be earned monetarily by following BYU's 20 hour work week policy to cover our monthly bills. I am currently in the market for additional ideas.
Third, perhaps it has been my failing health this past year? Am I simplifying out of necessity? I seriously have the energy to only do the necessary things. Maybe those other things just really aren't necessary after all? But I'd like to create sweet memories for my children--if it's not possible to permanently ingrain it in their minds at young ages, at least in pictures.
Now that I'm off my soap box (or am I??), realize, I know that it's always a possibility to make gifts. I, however, have no idea what I can make for Devin, Camden, my family (3 siblings, two parents, 2 sets of grandparents), and my husband's family (7 siblings, 2 parents, a niece, and 1 set of grandparents) on a $30 budget. And some of that is probably money we don't actually have, but I am fooling myself into believing we do so I don't feel like a complete and utter failure. You see, gift giving is BY FAR one of my favorite things to do. There is literally an emptiness inside of me since we've been married because of my lack of funds to support this lovely hobby. Does anyone out there have any ideas? I am really needing something to get me into the holiday spirit*, and searching for gifts to give to my beloved family is a great contributor to making that happen. I just LOVE seeing faces light up!
*(I'm talking excitement wise, NOT spiritually-minded, as Christ will always be the main focus of our Christmas experience and I know it will still be a wonderful Christmas without gifts because of the real celebration of that day)
My family is just so very generous to us all throughout the year. It would be wonderful to attempt to make up at least 1% of that generosity!
P.S. Making my own decorations to get in the spirit is likely not an option (including garage sales--because my mother-in-law does that for us for Camden's clothes--which I say "THANK YOU, THANK YOU" repeatedly because it literally saves us!), due to lack of funds. Unless, of course, you know of places I can pick up FREE DIY Thanksgiving/Christmas decor items :O) Which, by the way, I would love dearly; especially if it's something Camden and I could do together while Devin's at school/work.
And any and all prayers are appreciated as we are in the limbo process of Devin's future career, and will be out of a job come the end of December (due to the fact that Devin's job is a student one--in which he needs to be a STUDENT to keep). I'm not stressing....yet :O)
Love to you all! And here's to hoping your holiday spirit is coming more easily to you this year than it is to me! It can certainly make for a light, more joyful season if it so occurs!
Let me explain a few of my ideas before you shower me with yours (and please do). First of all, we are potentially moving by the end of this year. Potential is a stretch, as thus far, we have not nailed down a job following graduation. So whether or not we are moving is pending. Who wants to get out boxes of decor (even if that is a minimal amount) only to pack it all back up before the season ends and move on? Don't pick me...
The second, and probably the reason most directly affecting my current problem, is in actuality, related to reason numero uno. We do not have money with which to purchase gifts. Okay, okay. Some people's response would be...what happened to your 3-6 month emergency money supply?! My response to that would be that it went out the window about 4 years ago when we were paying $6000 every four months for both of us to finish school. Finish I have, finish Devin will, and hopefully, the emergency supply will come with a job (don't get me on that again :O). But it's been pretty much non-existent (plus less) while Devin works only 16 hours at the Carpenter shop weekly, and I am trying to stay at home/earn money at home, to recover what cannot be earned monetarily by following BYU's 20 hour work week policy to cover our monthly bills. I am currently in the market for additional ideas.
Third, perhaps it has been my failing health this past year? Am I simplifying out of necessity? I seriously have the energy to only do the necessary things. Maybe those other things just really aren't necessary after all? But I'd like to create sweet memories for my children--if it's not possible to permanently ingrain it in their minds at young ages, at least in pictures.
Now that I'm off my soap box (or am I??), realize, I know that it's always a possibility to make gifts. I, however, have no idea what I can make for Devin, Camden, my family (3 siblings, two parents, 2 sets of grandparents), and my husband's family (7 siblings, 2 parents, a niece, and 1 set of grandparents) on a $30 budget. And some of that is probably money we don't actually have, but I am fooling myself into believing we do so I don't feel like a complete and utter failure. You see, gift giving is BY FAR one of my favorite things to do. There is literally an emptiness inside of me since we've been married because of my lack of funds to support this lovely hobby. Does anyone out there have any ideas? I am really needing something to get me into the holiday spirit*, and searching for gifts to give to my beloved family is a great contributor to making that happen. I just LOVE seeing faces light up!
*(I'm talking excitement wise, NOT spiritually-minded, as Christ will always be the main focus of our Christmas experience and I know it will still be a wonderful Christmas without gifts because of the real celebration of that day)
My family is just so very generous to us all throughout the year. It would be wonderful to attempt to make up at least 1% of that generosity!
P.S. Making my own decorations to get in the spirit is likely not an option (including garage sales--because my mother-in-law does that for us for Camden's clothes--which I say "THANK YOU, THANK YOU" repeatedly because it literally saves us!), due to lack of funds. Unless, of course, you know of places I can pick up FREE DIY Thanksgiving/Christmas decor items :O) Which, by the way, I would love dearly; especially if it's something Camden and I could do together while Devin's at school/work.
And any and all prayers are appreciated as we are in the limbo process of Devin's future career, and will be out of a job come the end of December (due to the fact that Devin's job is a student one--in which he needs to be a STUDENT to keep). I'm not stressing....yet :O)
Love to you all! And here's to hoping your holiday spirit is coming more easily to you this year than it is to me! It can certainly make for a light, more joyful season if it so occurs!
Happy are we, Happy are we
He calls me his pookie. Don't know where that came from, but I prefer it over Rooski (my other nickname) any day.
That's just him--so "creative" like that. He is definitely his own person--no ifs, ands, or butts about it. He won't be coerced into being someone else, but he is never satisfied with just staying at the level he is at present either. Each Sunday, and everyday really, he takes time to ponder, set goals, evaluate past goals, and make a new resolve to be even better the next week. And he does.I wish I could be more like that really. He's a great example of setting goals and carrying them through.
Dev wouldn't necessarily be considered a romantic (that's not obvious, is it??), but he's still sweet, zesty, and always striving to be a better husband and father; especially in the ways that truly count. He calls our family to scripture study and prayer each day. He gives me priesthood blessings on a regular basis. He holds a family council every week. He fulfills his callings. He serves others regularly. He works hard at keeping his body healthy and involved. He writes in a journal. Etc. Etc. "Always striving" doesn't do it justice.
Camden LOVES his father. When Daddy gets home from work/school, Camden is immediately excited. Daddy is a good friend. He is playful. He is involved. 'Dad' was his first word for a reason, and Dad makes Camden a very happy boy!
(L-just clownin' around, R-best buds bouncing
--and hanging on for dear life!)
He does the menial tasks of the family as well. Nothing is beneath him when it comes to his family. That is ultimately the most important thing to me, and I am grateful that he is so wise.
I can't adequately express my Happy Birthday sentiments to my husband without thanking this wonderful woman who birthed him.
(Hint: the one on the right; though
I know it's difficult to tell, since they're both
so young, vibrant and beautiful)
She has taught him peace. She has taught him calm. She has taught him wisdom is found in the Lord. And she has taught him to keep it simple; all the while going for everything he desires--but to make sure, above all else, that he and his family are truly happy. *And HAPPY we are!
Happy to celebrate his big 27!!!
LOVE and HUGS to you Sweetie Petey!
*She has obviously also taught him her picture evading skills, because that is basically the only picture I have managed to take of her in the 5+ years I've known her
Monday, November 1, 2010
Pumpkinland
We had a GREAT time at the pumpkin patch a few weeks ago! Luckily, it was in between Camden's sick times!
He got his first ride in a wagon (right)
And every pumpkin was a 'ba'--ball (left)
What is this thing? (left)
Oh, is this what I'm supposed to be doing? (right)
He loved the mirror room,
climbing through tunnels,
staying busy running around from one exciting thing to another,
the bounce house,
and the animals! (This was, by the way, the goat that bit his arm while
Camden was practicing being "soft"--I guess the ole' Billy didn't even want a slight stroke)
Peek-A-Boo!
Daddy wasn't with mommy and me at the pumpkin patch, so I wouldn't sit very still.
That's also why Mom and I didn't get any pictures together. I
think you won't mind though, since I'm definitely the cuter of the two! :O)
think you won't mind though, since I'm definitely the cuter of the two! :O)
We really had a lot of fun at the patch! We definitely got lost in the cornmaze, but Camden loved, loved, LOVED the free space to just walk and walk and walk as he pleased! Seeing all of the colorful characters was also a lot of fun, though difficult to get him to sit still to capture his face in the circles. I think the funniest part was when the goat bit him. Honestly, I know I should have, but I wasn't expecting it! I've taught Camden to be very soft with animals. With no signs about ferocious, baby-attacking goats in sight, I thought he was good to go. At first touch, everything seemed fine, but as Camden began to stroke Billy, he turned right around and chomped down on Camden's right arm. I couldn't resist laughing out loud! Camden turned to me with the most pitiful tears in his eyes and puckered down lips and began to cry. I know, I'm an awful mother, but it was just so darn funny--only because no Camden's were actually hurt in the making of this story. It was just a startled reaction.
We had a good old time at Pumpkinland. Picked out a few pumpkins and some corn to add a little Fall to our living room. I think, despite the goat, Camden will enjoy going again! And so will I!
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