Gratitude

I just wanted to send a huge *THANK YOU* out to all those who have made our Christmas so special. It has been a rough six months (as Jeremiah continues to seek permanent employment) and we have been richly blessed by family, friends and secret santas. We have had a very wonderful holiday indeed. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers on our behalf. We are very aware of them!

Christmas 2008

First Day of Preschool & First Bus Ride

Yesterday was Peyton's first day of preschool. This has been something we have been working toward. She was finally accepted into a Head Start/ECEAP program where she will also receive speech therapy--she has a little trouble with the correct sounds that letters make. We found out last week that they had a spot for her and counted down the "sleeps". She was so excited and knew the exact count without me reminding her.

Today she rode the school bus for the very first time. She said to me this morning, "I'm going to school, just like Annalyce!" It was a lot of fun waiting with her for the bus. She had the biggest smile as the bus drove away. I can't wait for her to come home and see what she thought of the ride.

Baptism Day

Today was Annalyce's baptism. It was a most enjoyable event. We had many family members and friends come to show their support for her and she thoroughly enjoyed the attention. I am so grateful for the gospel and the immense joy I feel in my life because of it. What a beautiful family we have!

8th Birthday Picture

Annalyce and I went last night to get her annual birthday picture. We have a place that offers a free 8x10 on your child's birthday. We take advantage of that each year and this is the one we came home with last night. I wasn't thrilled with the gift box, but it was the picture she loved. We had difficulty getting her to smile. She just wouldn't cooperate and smile for real . . . kids!

She will be baptized this Saturday and we are all REALLY excited! Aunt Alicia purchased this new dress for her to wear. It looks beautiful on her!

When It Rains, It Pours

Although we have been blessed beyond measure these last few months . . . sometimes it's hard not to feel like when it rains, it pours.

My check engine light went on a couple of weeks ago after my Accord shifted really hard. After taking it to the dealership this morning for a diagnostic test, we learned that we need a new transmission. It is a 2002 and only has 102,000 miles on it. Here I thought I bought a Honda because they last and I need a new transmission?! Argh . . .

So, they offered us a deal. Apparently the Accord from 1999-2001 had transmission problems and they aren't willing to rule out the chance that a few of those problems carried over to the 2002 model. And, since it really shouldn't need a new transmission, they are willing to cut us this great deal. Only $1400. "Really, I said. Only $1400? That shouldn't be a problem because we are just rollin' in the dough these days!" Right! Okay, so it really is a good deal. According to the other place I called, the dealership is giving us $1000 off. So what else is there to do? This is our family vehicle.

You ever wonder when? When will we get ahead? When will we be able to breath easy? When will we have $1400 and not think twice about spending it? Yeah right, I don't think I will EVER be there. Oh well, at least my car will be like new for a couple thousand more miles and then I will need to replace the timing belt, that's just an $800 job.

Finally Home

After almost four weeks, my husband is finally home from San Diego! It has been so nice to have him back. The girls are thrilled too.

Johnner, his bro-in-law, invited him down in October to complete a bathroom remodel. We really appreciated the offer of work and although hesitant to leave, Jeremiah and I decided it was the right thing to do for our family. So he packed up the truck and the dog (I insisted he have company for the 20 hour drive) and drove down.

He spent almost 200 hours remodeling a jack-and-jill bathroom into two separate bathrooms. One full bath and a 3/4 bath. These are just a few simple pictures taken with his blackberry phone. I'm sure they don't do it justice. It was his first time ever doing a remodel job. The tiling was a bit challenging, but from what I see it looks great! He has done framing, drywall (patchwork), some finishing work, miscellaneous plumbing, but none of it all together until now.

We are so grateful for the work and the generosity of friends and family in this challenging time. Jeremiah is still seeking full-time employment and we have continued faith that all will work out. We have been blessed beyond measure.