Loves

This might be slightly morbid, but I have had a full heart lately and have got to thinking of life and the lack of it for some. I have known of 3 young children who have lost their lives 5 and under in just as many months and it really has touched me and made me think, probably more than I have wanted to on the fragile state of mortality.

I love, love this song. I have requested that Cory have it play at my funeral if something were to happen to me.
Katie Herzig - Wish You Well by Podcast:Music

I have some wonderful (for me) resolutions that I am setting for myself and to sum these up in a three words ... SIMPLE. HEALTHY. FOCUSED ...

I am so going to achieve this, in every area of my life. I have been awful at goals and setting a clear path to reach them, but this year.... good things people!!

What about you? Resolution maker? Resolution keeper?

Merry Christmas 2010

Just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Letter 2010

Family and Friends,
‘Tis that time, when the year end if fast approaching and we get to reflect on the year that has been 2010! It has been an eventful year for us, with lots of changes. Cory graduated in May and accepted a job and started the Management Training Program with Sherwin Williams that same week. We were relocated to Cheyenne, WY and after being there for 4 months and having 13 different positions open up for placement, they chose to place us back in ...... ! Apparently ...... is not done with us after 7 years so we are back in the thick of it. Cory is now the Assistant Manager and they want him on to bigger and better things in a year – 18months. He is enjoying it and never thought he would be in the business of paint but we have been blessed! Kathryn has been busy with the boys, and sharing Juice Plus+ through workshops and just started back at work part-time at the bank she previously worked at before Cade was born, and she is really enjoying it. She has just fit right back in and they have so appreciated her help and the fact that she did not have to be trained. It was a true blessing for us that Cory’s schedule is able to work around Kathryn’s so he is home with the boys when she is not. The boys are doing great! Cade just turned 4 and is a ball of fun. He has such spunk and personality and we just enjoy him so much. He tries hard to be a good boy and enjoys wrestling, creating whether with blocks, crafts or drawing and telling you long stories and loves primary. Ethan is 20 months and is just a sweetheart. He melts everyone’s heart with those big blue eyes. He is really starting to talk and loves to play whatever Cade is playing and enjoys music, singing and reading books. The boys both adore dogs and would love a puppy for Christmas, but I think, not this Christmas! We have been spoilt again this year with visits from Kathryn’s family. Kathryn’s sister Annette and brother-in-law Ronnie came at the perfect time and Kathryn had no clue (Cory was in on the secret). Then we were fortunate to have her mom came in October followed by her sister Allison. We were so grateful and enjoyed all their company, fun and laughs. This year has been one of ups and downs but we are thankful for each other, our families and their continued love, support and prayers and are so thankful for the peace the gospel brings to our lives.
May your Christmas season reflect all the happiness of the year that was, and that the new year holds great opportunities, the best of health and the happiest of blessings!
All our love, Cory, Kathryn, Cade, Ethan Anderson

(for privacy, the location has been left out)

If you would like a card and I did not get you one, or if you want to receive one next year, shoot me a message and I will get you added! Sorry I did not have everyones address.

A Few Questions

Just had my thinking hat on today....

1. If you were to choose a new profession or select a career, go back to school etc, what would you do?

2. Could you/would you ever run a day care from your home?

3. What is your biggest pet peeve about a loved one (child/husband/parent)?

4. How do you name your children? Lists? Names in a hat? Have to see the child for final decision?

5. Do you ever have reoccuring dreams?

6. If you could live anywhere, perfect circumstances (with job etc), where would you live?

ME...
1. I think about this every now and then, I think about nursing alot. I would like to be a post-partum nurse I think. I met a beautiful girl at MOPS and she is becoming a doula and that sounds like something I would totally be into. Nutrition is also something I am super keen to get into further. I met a great speaker who is a clinical dietician and she has dealt exclusively with late stage cancer patients etc. That would be great too, to see the benefits of good nutrition. I personally would like to do childrens nutrition or elderly nutrition I think.
2. I always thought I would, but I don't think I could do it. Just at this point in my life, I perhaps could take on one child, but think that would be it.
3. I would have to say, when my boys want to be in the kitchen ALL.THE.TIME I forever am saying, "Out of the kitchen boys!"
4. Right from the get go I am thinking names. We never agree and talk the whole pregnancy about names, I have lists gallore, but usually we have it nnarrowed down to 3 or 4 and then there is always a wild card thrown in at the end. We need to see that baby as I have, both times, had a dead set front runner and have not liked it once I saw my boys.
5. I sometimes have this dream about tidal waves. SCARES.THE.POOP.OUT.OF.ME kind of dream. I think it's cause I lived by the beach my whole life pretty much and nearly drowned at a young age? hmmm not sure.
6. Perfect world, we would live 6 months in the USA, 6 months in Australia. Not sure where in those countries, I would say close to the beach in Australia and near the snow in the USA.

Happy 4th Birthday Cade!

Today is Cade's 4th birthday and it has been a great day. We have just been home but he has had a wonderful day. He has been so lovely and just feels like such a big boy!
We had a family dinner last night, just simple but sweet and then he picked to eat out for dinner tonight and got a special treat when the waitress sang him a happy birthday song and had a yummy dessert. He chose to have an rocket cake and alien cupcakes. We had fun searching for the designs he liked.
For about 6 or so months, Cade has been begging for a pillow pet and spots them any store we happen to go to. He wanted a dog and they were hard to find, but find one I did, about a month ago and he LOVES it. He was very happy with all his presents and the cards in the mail, so thank you to our family for making it special for him!
We sure love our Cade and he is just as much a joy as the day we had him those 4 years ago!
(photos to follow)

Oh Happy Day!

Today my friends, I am happy to say, we own our car! Outright. In full. Paid!!
And it feels good!

Conversations with Cade...

Cade was repeatedly saying "Bum" in some sort of sentence and I told him I did not want to hear that word again and if I did I would smack his bottom. He was jumping around naked after drying from the tub, this conversation follows...

CADE - "Ouch I have buzzy bees stinging my bum!"
ME - "Cade! I have told you not to say word, come here so I can smack your bottom!"
CADE - "Ok, but not too hard"
Then he pokes his naked bum out for me to smack it. It was an awkward angle to smack at as I was dressing Ethan at the time too so the smack was pretty lame.
CADE - "Oh, that wasn't too bad!"
ME - "Want me to do it again?"
CADE - "NO!"

I had to walk away so I wouldn't laugh! He has a fascination with saying, poop, bum, boobies and cracks himself up each time he says it. Tell me this is age appropriate.

Ethan

I have been awful with my monthly updates on the growing boy. I have been awful updating in general. Times will change I hope...

Anyway, Ethan is still our little delight. Well he is not so little anymore (he is 19 months today actually) at his 18 month appointment he was 25lb 6oz (45th percentile) and 33 and 1/2 inches long (just over the curve of 75th percentile). He had to have 4 shots, thanks to missing his 15 month wellness visit. He was sore for about 2 days, didn't want to climb the stairs etc. Poor Ethan.
~ Developmentally Ethan is doing great. He can say quite a few words, thank you, yeah, no, bottle, paci, up, all finished-"Done, Done", down, puppy, bird, fish, cow, kitty, ouchie, better, tooth, breakfast, off, jelly beans, poo poo, tubba, and the regular, momma, daddad, Nannan (nanny), Al (Allison my sister who is also visiting. I have yet to hear him say Cades name clearly. He is so good at communicating. That little pointing finger lets you know his wants and needs and he will nod and shake his head to let you know if you are guessing right.
~ He has started to show a real interest in Cades toys (and this has caused some fights and tears to arise... arrrrggghhh) they for the most part play well together thankfully but there are times where it is not so pleasant and I threaten to put toys away if it doesn't stop. He seems to really have learnt to put sounds to cars, planes etc. Just this week he started to climb out of his crib so we put the bar up instead of leaving it down, we'll see how long it takes him to master the bigger climb!
~ Ethan LOVES dogs. He has about 6 stuffed toys that are puppies and he loves them. He is not often seen without one under his arm. It is cute. He gets so excited to see puppies (real or toy) anywhere, in public, at the store.
~ Ethan is teething... ALL.THE.TIME. He is getting 5 teeth at the moment, his canine eye teeth ALL.AT.ONCE and his top left molar. For this reason he is still our Jekyll and Hyde when it comes to night times. We have yet to have a full week of Ethan not waking at night.
~ He has shown signs of wanting to potty train and has been happy to come sit on the toilet but nothing has been left behind as yet.
~ Ethan is the smiliest little man. We often get comments that he is so happy and always smiling and that a smile is never far away and it is true. He is a spunk!
~ He loves to kiss. He gives smooches and is so affectionate. Sometimes he is a bit of a scrooge with them though, holding out. He also still loves to sit and snuggle which is so nice.
~ Ethan likes to sing, be sung to and be read to. He particularly likes anything with animals.
~ He loves shoes. Will run and get his shoes and socks if he thinks we are going anywhere or if I have asked Cade to get his own shoes.
~ Ethan loves to be out and about. Whether it be outside running around, where he is in his total element or shopping. He is a great little shopper and I hope he stays that way!

We got family photos this week and I got Ethans hair cut pretty short and I spiked the front and on my goodness, I lost my little baby. He is a total little boy. He still has that sweetness of a baby and it is good for me, makes me not want for another just yet :)

We just so love our Ethan. All my family that have visited have an affinity for Ethan, he snuggles, cuddles and listens! Cade just adores him and pacifies him throughout the day. They are quite the little buddies.

*photos to follow*

Meanie

I have two little boys crying at the moment. I have for the last 3 hours put up with said two little boys playing/fighting over an empty tote and I had enough!
I threatened, "Any more tears or growling at each other and I am taking the tote!"
Well follow through I did! Hence the crying and begging faces at the window in the door while I put the tote away!
I am so fed up today, not sure what's the go there, but the tote got it! Early night for little men tonight I am thinking! Yep, I'm a meanie!

P.S. Cade just immerged, "Mommy, I miss boxie! I miss the box!"
Me, care factor of zero~!

Tooting Cades Horn

An update on Ethan is coming...

Cade had his first primary program in sacrament meeting yesterday and did AWESOME! On Saturday I took him to his practise and he was so obnoxious but so were all the other kids, but yesterday, he said his line without prompting and knew it word for word. (He then sat on the stand pointing to his foot tapping away to the songs, rolling his tie or saying his line again and again) ARGH!

I just asked him, "Cade what was your special part in church?" and he states with a huge smile.... "Jesus Christ died for us, but he lives again!" What a spunk!

They had the sunbeams on a little bleacher type stand and I sat in the front row to help the teachers with the kids (mine especially). It was pretty cute though, they were all very proud of themselves and one of the little girls in his class would sway and dance to the songs. She said to me afterwards, "I sure did dance and move to those songs!" You sure did MaKadee!! So cute!

I didn't get a photo of the spunk in all his spunkiness, but I will next Sunday!

My Boy Cade

I have not done an update on my boys in a while so thought it was about time I did so!

Cade is just short of turning 4 years old and at this stage of life, he is a busy boy. He keeps me on my toes, can be sassy, challenging and bossy but is so helpful with his brother, so smart and affectionate. He always asks if he is a good boy, which I worried about at first thinking he thought that I thought he was naughty, but I have since come to realise he wants reassurance he is doing what is appropriate and 'choosing the right'. He wants to please and apologised for having a rough day or being cheeky, usually at the end of the day or when he is getting tired. He has a bit of a temper at times that I am trying to help him learn how to channel. He states, "That makes me mad! That makes me stomp!" and he will stomp his foot. I had to walk away and laugh the first couple of times but since then, it is not so funny. He wakes each morning with a "Good morning mommy, good morning daddy! Did you have good sleepys?" He gets Ethan out of his crib and they come toddling in and climb into bed with us. He loves educational shows and puppet shows. We once went to a puppet show at UW and he has since talked about it and asks me if I remember it and certain other things, like the tall house we use to live at, certain friends etc. He has had a harder time going to class at church since we moved and realises the change in friends. I am hoping we can get him into pre-school or because we might have missed the intake, to get him on a waiting list. He does not like me to try and teach him anything, he would rather teach me. At times it is a battle of wills and that drives me crazy.

Cade loves to sing, loves to tell stories and is very creative with both. He loves showers and riding his new bike! He asks each day, "Where are we going today Mommy?" or "What are we doing today Mommy?" (So like his mother in this regard)

He insists on saying each and every prayer we give and is not shy to do it at others homes too. I love that. Confidence I hope he always has. Cade plays with the same toys each day. Still enjoys his trains and gets distressed if they are not coming together the way his mat goes. No matter how many times I tell him they don't match, he still tries his hardest to get them to. He loves to create with blocks and I will have to get a photo of the awesome little trains he makes from his wood blocks. He LOVES to watch Thomas and Fraggle Rock (Gobo the Rock as he calls it). He also likes Barney (much to Cory's dismay) but redeems himself by liking Phineas and Ferb. He goes through stages of things he likes to watch but I hate that he loves TV so much. I often hear him saying, "Curse you Perry The Platypus!" He has a liking for Astro Boy but when I heard him saying, "I shoot out my butt coz I have guns in my butt!" I have not offered that one since. He has picked up on words we say that I have had to eat my words about, "Crap" being one of them "Stupid" being another. Yep, it's started. I am surprised it too this long really.

Cade is sweet and gentle and loves to have his back tickled. He will tell you he loves you and gives lovely kisses and cuddles (huggles). He barters his kisses and huggles, saying, "mommy if you do such and such I will give you a kiss and a huggle!" He likes to go for drives and to get the mail each day. He insists on helping me clean, with a "Can I help you with that Mommy?" He makes his own sandwiches and knows exactly what is needed. He still loves to wrestle and enjoys most of his food. He is off chicken lately which is not like him to be picky. He will eat each and every piece of fruit in the house if I let him. He is liking to dress himself lately too.

We sure love our boy and he has truly showed us how to love and be loved. We are thankful everyday for our happy, healthy boy!

Surprise Visitors.... A Story

One Friday, after a frustrating and frazzling day, my house was a mess (which these days is VERY rare as our apartment is being shown constantly), I was a mess, I was depressed and feeling a bit defeated when Cory told me the weekend would be better as he had it off (little did I know he was in on the secret). Then as I was sitting at the computer someone poked their head between my blinds and said, "Yoohoo!" It freaked me out. I was thinking, "Did they even knock, I didn't hear it?" Then I open the door to MY SISTER AND BROTHER IN LAW!! I about died. I could not believe it. I cried instantly. What a great end to an otherwise hard day.

Cory was laughing, all my family were in on the secret of my surprise visitors! It was awesome. I had suspicions months ago when Annette called Cory's phone not mine... hmmm but I had since forgot about it so this was 100% a surprise.

We had almost 2 weeks of visiting with Netty and Ronnie and it was so nice. Thank you, thank you for taking time to come to us, for all you did while here and for your friendship and love! We love you and miss you!

7 Years

7 years ago today we made the move from the Hunter Valley, Australia to Wyoming, USA!

The last 7 years have been good to us (mostly) and I feel we have benefited immensely from being alone to start our lives together. That first year was hard, it was ALL new. Not just for me, for Cory, but for us together. We have felt the struggle and pull at times but have learnt from those things too.

I miss a lot about Australia, especially with my sister and brother in law being here (they just left on Wednesday), it reminds me once again of what I do miss. I know Cory misses things about Australia too, just not in the same way, which is understandable. My family always asks (and it has been more so lately), if there is a possibility we could move back to Australia, but I just don't know when and how that can happen any time soon. We really are happy with our little lives in the USA and are excited for what is in store, if that means one day we can be back in the land of Aus, then so be it, but we are not living in wait of that day. I can't. I would go insane. In a lot of ways I do wish that my 2 worlds could collide in a good way and I could have the best of both worlds! I would have loved for my children to grow up being close to my family and their cousins...

Along with this though, there are so many benefits for us living here. America truly is the land of opportunity and we are thankful for all the opportunities afforded us thus far and are excited for the prospects for the future!

YAY for 7 years!

Times Like These

I wish I didn't want for things, like a house, a yard, a patch to call home!

Don't you just want her.... I know I do!!

(this is not the EXACT puppy we visited today and played the possibilies game about {names and all}, but she is the same coloring, her nose is dark like this but she has a little more darkness on her eyes too, she is divine and I know she wanted to come home with us!)

Wellness Workshops

Wanted to extend an invitation to all those that would like to attend!

I am super excited about this and would LOVE to have you there! Just let me know what time slot and location you will attend.

It will be a great chance to catch up and have some fun and enjoy each others company and eat yummy foods too!

Hope to see you there!

This Time A Year Ago...

I was doing this... seeing this...

Yes, suffering from nostalgia...

Cade...

Cade just came out wearing my bra stating, "Look mommy, I'm wearing your boobies"
I laughed out loud.
Life has been pretty stressful, so a lighthearted little boy makes life good again!

Lately...

We at the Anderson house have been keeping busy.

The boys and I have been enjoying tending this lovely little lady... and will be sad when her mommy finishes her class and we no longer get to have her twice a week. She really is a good little girl, so easy and content.
Kinley...we love you.




The boys and I made a trip to Aunt Taryn and Uncle Marks in Utah to visit and that was so fun. I had laryngitis the whole time which was annoying but the boys had fun playing outside and Cade learnt to ride a bike. It was a great visit and it was hard to leave. Good thing we had Daddy to come home to our we might have stayed. I love the area they live and while riding bikes with Taryn one afternoon, found a dream house for sale that I pined after.

Our 4th was spent with Cory's family in Colorado and it was so nice to be there. We always enjoy our stays and once again the boys loved playing all day outside with their cousins. We went to fireworks at a barn the stake president built and after the rain storms they finally had a show. It was good company and great that we didn't get wet.








This week I have felt the need to clean, clean and get organized so that is what I have been up to. We are still waiting, waiting on the when and where of our relocation. Annoying - Yes, Anything we can do about it - No. I just pray it is somewhere close to a temple, family friendly with things to do with children particularly in both hot and cold weather, we can find something VERY afforable in good time and that they have great doctors for the kids.

I have been missing Australia lately. I think because there has been some things going on, both good and bad that I wish I was there for, to give excited cuddles and to help out. I always say, "Wish I could click my heels and come for a visit" and be back and forth with ease, but that is not the case unfortunately.

We have plans for a great weekend and that will take our mind off the wishing and waiting.

Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to the best daddy in the world to our handsome boys! I could not ask for a more involved and loving father for our children and I am so, so grateful for that.

Cory, you are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. and I admire you so much and know our boys do too! They live for your return from work each day and those faces welcoming you tell it all!

Love you babe.xxx.

Thought It Was About Time

that I did an update. I have totally lacked the motivation and the fact that I need to once again find the cord to transfer some photos made the motivation lack even more.

We have been keeping busy.

We are still none the wiser as to a move, there was a mention today of Montana and Northern Wyoming, but who really knows. We are still in total limbo. I was checking out some pics of the place in Montana and it is gorgeous and picturesque and not so expensive. The place in Wyoming is expensive so I would prefer not to have to move anywhere in Wyoming if I can help it for that reason.

It is frustrating to say the least, not knowing if we will have a week to pack up and leave, that being me alone, with 2 kids packing, while Cory is busy at work or possibly at the new location, searching for a place to live... ARGH. Just the thought is annoying me, or if we have a few more months until a relocation. Limbo is not fun. I am not necessarily impatient about it, I am not at all in a hurry to move, I just feel like I can't settle yet and I hate that feeling. I just want to have someone say, "Yep, we will for sure be here for another 2 months etc..." make sense? Oh well, faith, Kathryn, faith... have a little more of it right!

In the meantime, Cory really enjoys work and the people he works with and really that is a huge plus and all that should matter. We have a place to live, we really like it here and we are all healthy. Just need a little perspective back sometimes.

Need to Update

I got the hint Netty....

I'll give you this to tide you over...

Ethan 13 Months

I have a lot to catch up on with blogging...

Ethan is now 13 months old. He has really grown in the last month. He is walking and trying to run from me. He has become playful and independent in a lot of ways. He finally cut a tooth and it is still a lonesome one... you can see about 4 or 5 more wanting to peek through, just no show at this stage. I think the only reason he even cut this one tooth, which is his top right, is that he bumped his mouth twice in one week and I think it cut his gum which allowed the tooth to come on through.

He bit me with that little toothy today and all the boys (Cory included) got a good laugh out of that. Ethan likes me to look for teeth now and giggles with delight when I do. Good thing, I check as I check it almost daily.

Here are a few news worthy things about our Ethan boy...

~ Yep, he's walking and does fantastic at it
~ One toothy peg, top right
~ He gives kisses by tipping his head toward you. Initially it was a 'lazy' kiss as he didn't want to take out his pacifier, but now I say, "Kiss, Kiss?" and he leans toward me for kisses on the forehead usually. I love it! Very sweet.
~ He still loves his bottles and still wakes once in the night for one
~ Ethan is a talker. He responds really well to questions, with a "Yes!" "this" etc. He also lets you know when he wants something, usually food that Cade has with a protesting yell out that I have forgot him.
~ He is a smiler. He gives the cutest of smiles and I was looking at him in the rear view mirror today and he was so sweet with his smiles. What a happy little soul.
~ Ethan loves his tongue. He clicks with it and blows raspberries. Just today I caught him checking himself out in the mirror moving his tongue about and he got all embarrassed and mad at me when I spotted him.
~ He loves stuffed toys. He cuddles and loves on them. When he wakes from a nap, he points toward a hidden paci he wants and then his love that he took to bed or that Cade made sure Ethan had for bed. It is super cute.
~ My boy is happiest in a routine it seems which I am totally fine with. He likes his own bed and takes 2 naps a day. Just lately he has woken early and we have brought him in bed with us and he will sleep for another hour or so. BLISS. Cade did this all the time as a little bub and it was lovely. Ethan is an early bird and we had hoped for some sleep in time like this. Not sure it will last as he hasn't done it in the last 2 days...
~ Ethan's favorite foods are fruits. He loves oranges, grapes and watermelon. He loves pasta and peanut butter sandwiches. Ethan is such a messy eater, but so enjoys to feed himself and he will not eat without a fork.
~ He still loves cuddles and snuggle and loves to be read to.
~ Ethan is quite the little dancer. He LOVES music, if I sing to him in the shower or something, he hums along with me. If I have music playing he will bop up and down and hunt me down to pick him up and dance with him too. If he doesn't like the song, he stops, if he likes the song he will bop along. If I stop and he does not want me to he wriggles and shakes himself until I do it again.



Ethan boy with baby cousin Kinley

Settling In

On Monday we bid farewell to our little home. I truly loved that place and it was our home away from home. It was the longest Cory has lived in one place, ever. I am a person that needs to 'unpack my bags' and although saying goodbye to friends who are like family and familiarity is difficult, I find it just as difficult not to allow myself to embrace the new and move on not just in the literal sense. To move somewhere I somewhat knew has been easier on me. I know with the 'big' move it won't be so easy but I am hopeful and have faith all will work for our good.

By Wednesday we were pretty much settled in. Cory is going to be doing up our place while we are living here so we don't have anything hung on the walls in anticipation of the caulking and painting that will be happening shortly, but other than that, we are feeling at home. The boys seem to be enjoying the change. Cade was a bit distressed at first until he saw his new room and realised there was all his belongings, funny boy!

Cory started work on Wednesday and seems to be really enjoying it. He really likes the people he works with. In the evenings he does some study for work so that during the days he can be utilized. He is seriously a champ. I just love him.

The boys and I have kept busy. We have tried to get out each day. We went to the library yesterday which was fun, Cade was in hysterics, cracking up laughing at the puppet t-Rex that burped the alphabet during story time, it was pretty funny. Ethan is just as happy as ever. He just potters around the house exploring and enjoys the cart at shopping. We are all happy and healthy and couldn't ask for much more.

Graduation

Well, he did it! Cory graduated! 7 years, a change of majors 2 years into it and calculus that kicked butt and he is done!

He looked SOOO good up there and it was a proud moment for us all.

Graduation was great. The speeches were great and it was a fun and personal atmosphere.

Cory made some great friends who he graduated with and I sure hope those friendships continue.

He started work today and should be home any time now. I am not sure of his schedule as yet so any time now could be in 2 hours... I am excited to see how he enjoyed his first day.

Much To Do

Well, I have been slack... again...

Things have been hectic and I have a lot to update and blog about, but life has called and we are busy getting things sorted and cleared for the move on Wednesday. Then it is knuckling down and getting the final cleaning done before family arrives this weekend for graduation. We are excited... nervous... stressed.... but thankful and healthy.

In The Know...

Just so you are 'in the know' we are pleased to announce that our little family will be moving on.

Cory was offered and accepted a job and gave his notice yesterday. We had been keeping this private and remained in limbo for some time as we wanted to do right by his current employer and now that they are in the know....

We are excited for a new adventure but are nervous in the same respect. We will make a smaller move for 6-8 weeks training and then we will be placed anywhere in the region covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming. We would be happy with any of these places but would be up for a change.

Cade is super excited and keeps asking if today is the day we move to our new house. That day will not be until Mothers Day! Mothers Day? Really? Such is life!

Needless to say, graduation weekend will be super busy with family here and us madly packing last minute things and doing final cleaning and then a baby blessing on Mothers Day... busy, busy.

We are happy and healthy and thankful for these blessings and for having a good job and a place to live. I personally am so thankful for a husband that worked his butt off not just in school but out of school to support our family and for his honestly and integrity. I truly admire him.

Mama Career - Sunny Mummy

I often read this blog and I so enjoy it. I love that she is upbeat and oh so sunny! I love that she has a Thankful Thursday, something I would love to try my hand at, not just having a day to be thankful for all that I have (usually that is my Sunday), but to document it too. I love that she is a fellow Aussie! I have subscribed to her feed and enjoy her thoughts so much.

She has a great post today and I just personally loved it.

How True....

I found this story and it just so rings true and speaks to my heart....

Sometimes we wonder, "why are things so difficult?" or "why/how long do I have to struggle with this particular trial?" Here is a wonderful explanation...

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong. She feels inadequate as a mother to her young children and wife to her sweet husband; she can't seem to stretch their income; and she doesn't feel like she connects very well with her friends.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a piece.
"Absolutely, Mom! I love your cake!"
"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.
"Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple of raw eggs?"
"Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe some baking soda?"
"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the Mother replies, "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves, but when they are put together in the right way, and in the right time, they make a wonderful cake!"

Our Heavenly Father works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. He know that when we go through these thing all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will make something wonderful!!

Twins

I have been busy organizing photos and folders etc and found some similar photos and thought I would share them.
Me

Ethan

Me

Cade

Happy 7th

Today is Cory and my 7th wedding anniversary. I sure love this man and am so glad he is all mine!


Daddy and Cade

Daddy and Ethan