Let’s compare

In light of recent events: let’s compare our game plan with that of actual events.

PLAN:

A monthly pay plan to pay off debt for the van and credit card by the end of the year.

Jeff to look for a new job while continuing employment

Enjoy the comforts of modern technology with no worries of loss of income

Actual:

Unemployment - time to look for a new job

Small bouts of panic for what the future holds – will we move, stay, or now what? (if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear. While I felt pretty prepared for this, I wasn’t quite there. Still nervous)

Severance and taxes are enough to pay off the debt

New job – starts Monday 3/28

Satellite TV – gone. It’s time to re-find what really matters and spend more time together as family, not in front of the TV.

Blessings come not in the way we want, but the way we need.

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”  - Brigham Young, (past) prophet for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

My new favorite blog

Since Jeff has become unemployed, I’ve been trying to find creative ways to feed our family. I only buy milk, bread and fresh fruit (mostly apples and bananas and grapes have been on an amazing sale which was a huge blessing). I have made bread, but have no good place to store it to keep it fresh. A friend shared this blog on facebook this morning. I am SO grateful for others who share their experiences and are finding joy in their hardships.

http://theprudenthomemaker.com/default.aspx

On a wonderfully fabulous note, Jeff is now employed and will start Monday. We are truly blessed he was able to find a new job so quickly. Our families have opened their arms and pockets to help us out if needed. I’m glad we didn’t have to, but it’s comforting to know we have support. From our immediate families, from church (if after all we’ve done) and savings we can fall back on for at least 3 months. I will continue to learn ways to use our food storage, to build our supplies for another ‘rainy day’ and find joy in the journey, not just the blessings after the journey.

Cousins

I have A LOT, A LOT of cousins (and so does Jeff) and love them all!!

I’m glad my kids have cousins they love too!

(And I like being the favorite aunt too. )

Shay & Abbey

to the park!

Lea’s class earned a fun day at the nearby park. They scored exceptionally well on their Galileo testing and as a bonus, they’re wonderful teacher set up a fun park day for them.

Lea left her lunch at home (I think she did on purpose and Jeff had taken her to school) so we joined her at the park.

Jalyn and Laura took Abbey and helped her with everything – they even taught her some new words: Elephant, ant and something else. Thanks! I decided not to mention that she was almost 3 and can navigate just about every part of that park and carry on a full conversation with them. Cute girls!

I told Lucas to change his shirt to something I could easily identify him – orange seemed like the best option. I forgot it was Friday and for Lea’s school, they can wear spirit shirts – she’s wearing hers. But others have orange……oh well. He had a great time!

AZ 'winter' skiing

My dad 70+ years old - skiing at Lake Pleasant, AZ. After 2 years of no skiing, he's still got it! :)

YES, WE CAN!

No I didn’t just suddenly join the Obama bandwagon.

This was the chant on the way back from the airport this morning.

(To the tune of Bob the Builder cartoon):

Abbey & Lucas: Bob the builder.

Can we fix it?

Yes we can!

Lucas: No, like this. ‘Can my dad get a job?’

Yes he can!

Abbey: Yes we are! (close enough).

Repeated for several miles. Aww, precious.