Refletions on a very tough year

Wow, is it already 2009. Well, almost! This year has been the thoughest one I think I've ever had. Having two small children and not know where we were going to end up living and what we were going to do about a job. People always say, "I don't know how you do it, I don't know what i would do." Really, I don't know that I've done anything at all. I just keep going for my kids. They need me and I can't let them down. There are two mottos we use around our house:
1. Keep moving forward. (from Meet the Robinsons)
2. Keep calm and carry on. (from a WWII poster)
There really isn't much else you can do. Well, really you could give up but then what??

Anyway, something I'm working on is reflecting on how lucky I have been and how happy we are as a family. This lady has a good take on it: http://simplemom.net/new-years-eve-questions/ . It is simply a list of questions to ponder over. Try it and see where you end up.

In a strange way I think that Russ gettting laid off, the first time, helped us as a family so much. You really get a chance to learn what's important to you and what is just filler. He always says that he feels lucky to have spent so much time with the kids and I love the fact that he missed them so much when he was working. Also, we really pulled together. It is so easy to lay blame and say mean things but what good does that really do you at the end of the day. One thing that helped me, besides my wonderful friends and family, was finding other families who are going through the same thing we are. Seeing how other people deal with the struggle and the joys is helpful.

We are hoping that everyone has a safe and wonderful New Years Eve and a blessed New Year.

Merry Christmas Babies!

We miss all of you so much and hope your holidays are wonderful. The weather here has been great, yesterday was 55 and today is 63. The kids have loved playing outside and it's been great for all of us to have so many great neighbors to keep us company.

Off line for too long

(this is our house)

Ok, so I'm back! Yeah! We have finally finshed getting most things unpacked and settled into a routine and now it looks like we will be moving again. Russ was unfortunatley laid off, the week before Thanksgiving. This time of year is really hard on us. Last year he was laid off the day before Thanksgiving. He is interviewing almost daily and we are praying and staying positive. I know something good is right around the corner for us. He probably won't have another face-to-face interview until after the first of the year so we will keep everyone posted on what kind of progress we are making.

The kids are doing well and making lots of friends around the neighborhood. Charlie is getting very big and is showing some interest in reading so I think we will start focusing more on learning letters, he is reluctant to learn them. He does well with numbers but he likes to act like he doesn't know them when asked about them!

Jillian is getting so big! She is actually kissing the baby, not eating her! She is walking now and loves to stand around and watch the kids when we go down the street to play. She is mommie's little helper, constantly under my feet!

Please send us all your postive energy and prayers! We need them!

The beauty of a thoughtful child

The beauty of a thoughful child cannot be surpassed by any other beauty. When a child puts another first that is a sure sign we as parents have done something right. This is the birthday card my 3 year old son made for his uncle.

According to the little man, this is my hand riding in a car. I can totally see it.