Grateful for inspiration

Three plus years ago James graduated with his bachelors. He was offered an amazing opportunity to get his masters by one of his professors. It would have paid tuition plus a monthly stipend. I firmly believe that in a lot of decisions that we make, the Lord expects us to ponder it out in our minds first. Do your research, try to make a logical decision, and then go to him for confirmation. So we did. Sounded like a perfect chance.

But to be honest... we were exhausted with school. DONE... We just wanted to get on with life. Plus, the difference in salary for his profession with a masters vs. a bachelors was insignificant for the most part. We decided that we were going to move on and look for a job. After praying about it we felt good about our decision. There was no lightning bolt or burning yes, but we didn't get a no so we pressed forward.

A month after James graduated we still had no job. But then he got this job and was offered two more in this same area. So we really felt like this was where we were supposed to be.

But I cant tell you how many times over the last three years I have wondered if maybe we shouldn't have stayed and gotten that masters. It really was perfect and he wont ever get a chance like that again.

Then last night we were talking and there are THREE people working as lab techs where James works that have a MASTERS DEGREE... three... because, as fresh college graduates in this economy, with little work experience, they haven't been able to find work. If we had stayed in school, it would have put us looking for a job right after the economy tanked and we would likely be in this same situation.

So today, I am so grateful that we went with our gut on this one. Even though it meant doing something that went against common sense. My heart goes out to those who are struggling right now. People without jobs, or jobs that are not what they were hoping for. I know that there are struggles that we are supposed to weather and we have had our share, but i am thankful that this was not one that was meant for us at this time.

Catching up... again

So... Its time to catch up again. I was uploading pictures to the computer and found some good ones from the last month.

A Few weeks ago we lost power for over three hours! Kaden thought it was great! We lot a TON of tea light candles and our propane camping lantern and snuggled up to read a bunch of books until he fell asleep. Thank goodness for cell phones because that is the only way i was able to fine our matches and lantern in the pitch black dark! hehe

A few weeks ago, Kaden was having a play date with one of his little buddies. I was working on something and suddenly realized that the baby was missing! So i went to check with the boys to see if they knew where she was. And this is what I saw! So cute. They didnt want her to be alone so they brought her outside with them. And she was yelling at them and cheering them on in their jumping festivities.

And then she caught me!

Halloween!

Sorry its taken me so long! But here are our Halloween Pictures!

First I have to brag a little. This year our family did a peter pan theme. I was Wendy, James was Hook, Kaden peter and Addy was Tink. At our ward party we got the award for best family costume. I will post a picture of that later when i can get it from whoever was taking pictures that night. We didnt get many quality pictures this year. :(

Since it was James and His brothers birthday over the last week or so we had a party for them that night too. We were also lucky because James Uncle and Aunt, (Who are actually closer in age to him...) were visiting too so their kids joined in as well. It was a really fun night!

This is the best picture i could get of the tinkerbell costume. She just would not hold still. She was so happy to have so many people to play with!

The little shoes! I LOVE them!

Addy with Cousin Tylita being pulled around for trick or treating.

The trick or treat crew!

James Cousin Allan pulling the babies

PETER!

Tylita decided she needed a rest... hahaha!

30

This month my sweet husband turned 30! He had a goal to have a six pack by the time he turned 30. This didn't happen but he has lost a lot of weight. He is down about 20 lbs i think. He came back from his long hunting trip this weekend and when he went to work today this greeted him. :)
Happy Birthday Honey!

New Pet

Here is Kadens New pet!


This isnt an actual picture of his dragon fish, but this is what it looks like. He saw these in Wal-Mart a few weeks ago and has been BEGGING us for this to be his new pet. We already have an aquarium at the house from previous fish ventures. So we had everything we needed except the fish.

Due to the fact that this is a 7 dollar fish I didnt really want to get it for him. So I have been putting it off. But for his birthday Kaden got $15 from various Aunts and Grandmas, so he decided that this was what he wanted to get. So he bought his dragon fish today along with a sunken pirate ship that the fish can hide in. He is so excited and proud of his fish! Lets see how it goes. ;)

5 Year Pictures

I cant get blogger to upload my pictures today... sooooo...
Go HERE to check them out!
My friend Emily took them and she is going ot be in the rexburg area soon if you want to book a session!

5

And here we are... five years later. Kaden is 3'10" and 48 lbs. Enormous! He is in the 99% for height and 90% for weight. Its hard to believe that he is 5 already.

Everyone told me that i should cherish him when he was a baby because time would fly. And i believed them. I just didnt know how it would feel. :) It is joyful to think that I am raising such an amazing little boy. But sad at the same time. For nine months i litterally carried him beneath my heart. Keeping him safe. And everyday I have less and less influence in his life already. he believes his friends over me now! But mostly joy I think. He is my friend. And that is a blessing.

He was our first miracle. Not knowing if we would even have children he came and has blessed us every day. He makes us laugh ALL THE TIME! He is intelligent and thoughtful. I pray every day that I can be the kind of mother the Lord would have me be. I fall short. But I hope that someday he will remember that im a mere mortal and forgive me my shortcomings. ;)

I love this little guy! He is one of my greatest dreams come true!