Tis the Season To Not Be a Perfectionist!

Little did I know when I suggested getting a Christmas tree today that the blustery, overcast weather would provide the perfect opportunity to staying inside and decorating for the quickly approaching Christmas season.
I take after my mom in a few ways but one of them is that I'm a perfectionist. HOWEVER, I am not as anal as her about finding just the perfect tree (She once dragged my dad to 18, yes 18, tree lots before finding what she deemed the perfect tree!). So it came as no surprise when we went to Home Depot, asked P to pick out a tree and had it loaded in the back of Rob's truck 5 minutes later. I've never been that picky about Christmas trees because I think even Charlie Brown trees look beautiful once they're up and decorated. One thing I am a perfectionist about is the lights and decorations. I want the lights spaced out perfectly, the ornaments properly placed.....well, until I became 8 months pregnant and had a 3 year old helping me that is. Tonight I started out perfecting the lights but about 1/3 of the way up the tree I just threw them on without a care. Then came the decorating part. P had a heyday with all the ornaments! He quickly chose his favorites and thought they were his toys to play with. After showing him-several times-how to hang ornaments he figured out his job. He's into the "I can do it by myself" phase so once he got on a roll he wanted to place them by himself, lending itself to some interesting tree decorating. Ornaments were backwards, all bunched up, etc. But you know what? For the first time ever, I didn't care if our tree looked perfect or not because I enjoyed listening to Christmas music with him, dancing in between tree decorating. I enjoyed watching him put up the Nativity Scene. And, quite frankly, I could barely move by the time it was all said and done so I wasn't going to complain about the help he was giving me in the least.
It's going to be a fun year with him for Christmas because he's starting to understand what Christmas is about. He gets excited and wants to wear his Mickey Christmas shirt EVERY time we're taking part in a Christmas activity. It's fun enjoying the season through a 3 year old's eyes!

Lots of Fun and Lots to Do!

I don't feel as if I have much to say but feel the need to blog regardless so here ya go. Vacations are fun but getting back into the swing of things when you return isn't. Between unpacking, mounds of laundry, errands, etc life has been a little on the hectic side. So hectic that I decided to forgo FB for a few days (GASP!) until things have settled down. It helped a lot yesterday when Rob took the day off. He helped me put the bassinet together, move things I couldn't and do laundry. He also went to my dr appt with me to take care of P. Things checked out great with Easton and he could be here any day even though he's still not due for awhile. Rob surprised us this morning by leaving for work then returning, unexpectedly taking today off as well. Today's agenda includes going to take my car in to finally get the side mirror replaced from when I backed into a pole not once but twice (Can I play the pregnancy brain card on this incident??). We're also going to get our Christmas tree. We were going to get it Sunday after church but Saturday is going to be such a busy, busy day between my maternity pics, baby shower and Christmas parade that P is supposed to be in that I figured it'd be easier to get it today.
All that to say I'm not going to finish my daily blogs about thankfulness. Instead I'll tell you that I'm thankful for all of Rob's recent doting and help. I'm thankful for my french press decaf coffee on the cold Winter(ish) mornings. I'm thankful for FB because it allows me to catch up with friends I haven't-or don't-see regularly in person. As always it's been fun sharing my gratitude with you, making me even more aware of how blessed we are. I know that there are many people in the world that can't think of 30 things they are thankful for and I had to narrow it down because we have so very much to be thankful for! So, THANK YOU, for supporting our family blog and allowing me to share our lives with you on a regular basis.

Day 26 and 27

I thought when I got home and back into the groove of things I'd get back to my "Days of Thankfulness" each day. WRONG! Yesterday I had the biggest burst of energy I've had in quite awhile and was able to get so much done. Last night P woke me up 4-5 times which resulted in me being a walking zombie today. That being said, let me play catch up for my days of thankfulness.

Day 26: Every year I like to "adopt" a solider oversees or a child in need. I also like to participate in "Operation Christmas Child" because, for me, Christmas is more about giving than receiving. This year I'll blame it on pregnancy brain but I dropped the ball. I was able to donate a bag of items for Operation Christmas Child but missed the deadline to make up a box from us. I thought I'd missed the opportunity to give to someone less fortunate than us but I was saved by FB. A lady posted about a local non-profit organization that still needed volunteers to "adopt" a child. I jumped at the chance and used that opportunity to teach P about one of the meanings of Christmas. I had him go with me to pick out clothes, shoes and toys for a young boy. He talked about it a lot yesterday and brought it up today so I hope that he'll too want to give instead of get everything from Santa as he continues to grow up. The way I see it we've been very blessed financially lately so why not give back? I went a little overboard compared to usual when "adopting" a child but I have a feeling, from the little I know about the 10 year old boy, that he'll enjoy everything he gets! To me that's the second most important reason of Christmas and I'm so incredibly thankful that we are able to give to those less fortunate every year.

Day 27: I like to keep the blinds in our room lifted a little so I can enjoy each sunrise. But, after not getting any sleep last night, the last thing I wanted to do was be up when the sun came up. However, when I saw orange and pink seeping through the window I couldn't help but jump out of bed with my camera phone to capture the beauty. I thought when we moved to the valley that we'd miss out on beautiful sunrises but that hasn't been the case. No one is promised tomorrow so I'm always thankful when I wake up in the morning...and enjoy God's beautiful start to a new day!

Don't Know???

OK, I've changed the title of this blog a couple times because I don't really know where I'm going with it. A week and a half ago P and I boarded a plane, while Rob was in New York working the Superstorm Sandy power restoration, to visit my inlaws. I anxiously grabbed my camera because I absolutely love the scenery in Mississippi. When I go visit Rob's family I use every opportunity I have to brush up on my camera skills. But 2 days before the trip my dr informed me that I had to take it easy so I didn't go into labor while there. Once we got there I felt BLAH! I didn't have the desire to do much of anything. When I wasn't playing with P all I wanted to do was veg and take it easy because I was feeling "off" most days. Rob finished his job and met up with in MS a few days after we arrived. That helped pep me up a little because he wanted to go shopping (OK, only to Bass Pro but I'll take it), out to eat, and spend time outside which helped get me going. I did take a few pictures but I tried to take it easy for the most part.
I thought once we got back home that I'd have energy to do a lot. Maybe it's adjusting back to the time change or because I'm feeling so overwhelmed with all that has to be done or because P kept us up a lot last night but today I've still been feeling BLAH. I was on the go for 4-5 hours this morning and thought I'd melt on the vine, so to speak, by the time the day was over because I was supposed to only be home for 1 1/2 hours before heading off to a photo shoot. But the photo shoot that I had scheduled this afternoon was cancelled due to an unforeseen emergency. The cancellation allowed me to get some much needed things done but at my own pace. I don't know how I'm going to be able to take it easy until Easton is born but I'll try. Tis the season!

Here are just a few pictures that I took in MS..........

Happy Turkey Day!

Please forgive me for not blogging about what I'm thankful for the past 2 days. This week has been a blur and I'm pretty tired from lack of sleep the past few nights. That being said I couldn't go to sleep tonight without wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving. Our day started at deer camp where Rob killed the first deer of the season (for his family). Then we raced home to get cleaned up and go to the Herrington's store for Thanksgiving. It didn't feel much like a family dinner since we were all seated randomly around the restaurant part of the store. But the food was delicious and P enjoyed playing with the kids. Once we left there, Rob, P and I went to Bass Pro so P could sit on Santa's lap and I could get some Christmas gifts without dealing with a huge crowd. Now we're home. P is playing with the dog. Rob is hunting squirrels and me? I'm playing on the computer, with my feet kicked up.
This gave me a chance to think about all the things I'm thankful for all year round. First and foremost I'm thankful that God has blessed us with so much, especially that Rob made it home in time for Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for all of our family and friends near and far. I'm thankful for our boys and the fact that I get to be a stay at home mom now. I'm thankful for great friends with whom I've created a lot of fun memories. I'm thankful for a warm house and money to pay our bills (even above the minimum as of lately). I'm thankful for 2 reliable cars that get us where we need and want to go. There are many more things that I'm thankful for but these are just a few. (If you want to see more then read my previous blogs from this month.)
So I hope that wherever you are you are having a good Thanksgiving full of good food and fun memories with family and friends!

Day 16-19

Day 16: I woke up thankful for my inlaws. P and I got to the airport safely yesterday. My brother in law had taken time off work to come to the airport to help with the luggage. My inlaws welcomed us with open arms and I feel like their house is our own. They make us feel comfortable and treat me like their own daughter. I am so thankful for loving inlaws, ones who have hearts of gold and spoil us rotten.

Day 17: Sleep is a valued necessity that I don't get to enjoy a lot of these days. But for 2 nights I slept like a baby cause neither of my babies felt the need to wake me up. I am so thankful for the much needed sleep I got. It was nice to crawl into bed, read for awhile and then go to sleep for several uninterrupted hours. I woke up feeling rested, which was a welcome change.

Day 18: Today was a big day! After being on the East Coast for 2 weeks we finally got to pick Rob up from the airport!! P went to bed excited and woke up even more excited. He made an adorable sign (I'm having problems uploading the pics of it though) welcoming his Daddy home. We got to the airport within minutes of Rob stepping off the plane so P proudly held up his sign for all to see. We were both so happy to have him home....finally! While he was on the East Coast he found out that he had gotten the transfer he had put in for, meaning he won't have to travel anymore. WAHOO! So we can enjoy family time. He can enjoy hunting. P can enjoy having his daddy home to wrestle and play with. And I can enjoy having him around to help with a newborn. On Day 18 I was thankful that Rob finally returned home safe and sound and will not have to travel anymore!

Day 19: And this brings us to today. Today I am thankful that I got to share my bed with my husband last night. I never realize how much I miss him until he's back. It was nice talking to him before falling asleep. I loved snuggling with him throughout the night. He was a Godsend when I started having Braxton Hicks because he rubbed my back to ease the pain. It was so nice to see his face first thing this morning. I have a friend whose divorce is finalized today and it makes me so incredibly sad that her marriage didn't work out. But it makes me realize how nice it is to be married to my best friend, someone I enjoy falling asleep next to, someone I can share the bed with and someone who holds me as I wake up in the morning.

Day 15: Praying Hands

I've been up since 2:15 and should've blogged earlier because now it's time to get up and around. But I just thought of it so today's blog will be short. Today I'm thankful for prayer and the many prayer warriors that are in my life. It's funny to me that sometimes when something important comes up I immediately call my mom to ask her to keep the situation in her prayers before I, myself, pray. She's the biggest prayer warrior I know so I know without a doubt that she's already started praying for traveling mercies and that Easton is not born for a few more weeks. Those are my biggest prayer requests today. With only 4 hours of sleep under my belt, I am worried that I will lack patience with my precious little boy today, something I dread. So, if you read this at some point before noon PST today please lift us up in prayer. Other than from my mom, I don't usually ask for prayer often but today I feel it's important to feel the power of prayer. Thank you!

Day 14: Neighbors

You know the saying, "You don't know how good you have it til it's gone."? Well, that's the case for us with our "old" neighbors. Where we live now we have 2 sets of neighbors close by. Both are weird! At our old house we knew the Gambles, our immediate next door neighbors, would help us in a heartbeat.....with anything! Down the property a few hundred feet was where our babysitter's house was. She would walk up to watch P at the drop of a hat and we knew we could trust her with our first born. Down the road was our realtor who also helped with the dogs, the horses, etc. Her husband helped with house stuff a few times when Rob was out of town. It was nice to have a close knit community that had each other's backs. When P was so sick as an infant and we didn't have a chance to go home after we took him to the hospital 2 of our neighbors noticed we hadn't been home and just took charge of Holly and the horses, no questions asked. When we finally made it back home from our hospital stay one of the neighbors had framed our first family photo after P's birth and had it displayed when we walked in the door. So, today I am thankful for our "old" neighbors, ones who watched out for us and took care of us without ever asking for a thing in return.

A Year Later

I guess I have a lot to say today. But I just realized that it was a year ago today that my co-worker's husband died a day after he was hit by a drunk driver. In some ways it seems like it just happened and in some ways it seems like it's been forever since he passed away. I guess it feels like it's been a long time because I've been working closely with his wife, Jaimie, since July. As part of my Kindergarten team it seemed like she was gone more than she was at work. She had told me at the beginning of the year that she was dreading this time of the year not only because of the last of the "firsts" but because her cancer was back...and becoming very aggressive. In fact, she quit the week before I did because the radiation was making her too sick. Quite honestly I'd be surprised if she lived much longer (although she has beat the odds by 5 months already). Hopefully now that the "firsts" are done she can enjoy what time she has left with their 3 boys.

The kid that hit JK was given probation, thanks to Jaimie's pleas to let him off without jail time. As part of his probation he has to help Jaimie and the boys which he's more than willing to do. She's forgiven him and is trying to move on with her life, being surrounded by several friends and family. Please keep her in your prayers as she tries to maintain normalcy for the boys while dealing with her own struggles.

(This is more of a rambling blog that I had anticipated. I had in my head what I wanted to say and somehow this doesn't do JK's death justice. But hopefully you can look past that.)

Baby Update

Apparently neither of my boys likes my womb much because they both were (are) in a hurry to get out. Over the weekend I started spotting and having cramps. I called the on-call dr, who wanted me to go to the ER. Being that I was in CA and didn't feel like dealing with the red tape I asked if there was another option. She said to rest and drink fluids and let my dr know today when I had my appt scheduled. So that's exactly what I did since the spotting and cramping ended early Sunday AM.
At my dr appt today she said that I had to do everything in my power to wait 3 weeks and 2 days to have the lil guy. She said he's ready to come out but, unless there's an emergency, she won't deliver him before 34 weeks. (I think it'd be cool if he was born on the 3rd, 11th, 12th or 16th because they're all important dates...except the 12th. That'd just be cool to have his bday 12-12-12.) The only thing that I didn't like hearing is that I will most likely need a blood transfusion before or during the c-section because my platelet levels are below normal. She said they were low with P but at least they were in the normal range. This time they're not and no matter how I gave birth I'd most likely lose enough blood to have a transfusion.
My dr did give me the go ahead to make the trip to MS as long as I promised not to have the lil guy while we're there. So hopefully I can uphold my promise, get everything ready the week we get back and then just wait for his grand debut after that. Time will tell!!

Day 13: Laughter

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." Charlie Chaplin

 

I don't think there's a better sound in the world than laughter. Today I am thankful for laughter and all it brings to my life. When I'm having a bad day and I hear P's belly laughs it's the best medicine in the world. Thankfully I was taught at an early age that it's okay to laugh at myself (Thanks to my mom who always laughs at everyone. :) ) so I do it quite frequently. When I'm out in public and I hear someone laughing, especially if it's a child or a unique laugh, it always makes me smile if not laugh myself. I am so thankful that God created laughter and that there's rarely a day that goes by that I don't get to enjoy a good laugh.

Day 12: Home

I'm the kind of person that could be at a 5 Star resort for a week, being catered to 24/7 and I'd still be happy to be back home after the trip. Home is where there's a routine, something I thrive on. Home is where you know where everything is. So, although I had so much fun on our trip to my parents', I am glad to be home. I'm thankful that I got to sleep in my own bed instead of next to a farting 3 year old. I'm thankful that I had the thermostat set for what I'm comfortable with. I'm thankful that I can play on my laptop and watch what I want on TV (My parents were extremely gracious about letting me watch my shows but I felt guilty that it interfered with their shows.). So today I'm thankful for home.

 

As always we had a lot of fun together! We went to the zoo where P's favorite was the giraffes....until it came time to feed them. We tried Incredible Johns, a pizza place full of fun games. We went to the fish hatchery for the first time ever to watch the salmon run. Although they weren't going up the ladder when we were there we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and couldn't believe we'd never been there before. We went to my cousin's soccer game for a few minutes and went shopping for several minutes (I got all of P's Christmas shopping done!). Like I said, I thoroughly enjoyed our time with my parents and appreciated all that they did for us, including watching P so I could go out with a couple girlfriends. I know I already said it but I'm thankful for such fun loving, giving, compassionate parents!

Day 11: Freedom

Today I am thankful for all the veterans who have or are giving so much for my freedom but ask nothing in return. The men and women spend months, if not years, away from their families to maintain freedom for people they've never met. They go days without talking to their families. They sleep in less than stellar conditions. They are limited in what they get to eat. In my opinion, soldiers are some of the most selfless people there are. I am thankful that I can serve my God, wear what I want, speak whatever language I choose to, shop at stores of my choosing and so much more all because a man or woman is willing to lay their life down for my freedom. Thank you veterans!

Day 10: Compassion and Sense of Humor

Rob and I always laugh that it's ok for P to look like Rob as long as he has my personality. But something he's acquired from his daddy that I'm so happy about? His sense of humor. He can have everyone in stitches faster than any 3 year old I know. I could probably type several pages about all the funny things he says and does but here is just one example. The other night we were at my parents' and asked him to say the mealtime prayer. He started to say the blessing when he stopped, opened his eyes and said, "Wait a minute, I have to toot." Once he did-loudly-he resumed his prayer. The other recent stories, although hilarious, are either too lengthy to write about or aren't "rated G".

The other thing that I'd admire about our son is his compassionate heart. He is so quick to help others, give hugs and say "I'm sorry." The perfect example was the other night when my parents took him to McDonalds for dinner while I was out with a friend. My dad, from whom I inherited my grace, dropped an entire soda on my mom. She was covered head to toe as was her purse and its contents. My mom doesn't handle things like that well and got pretty upset. As my dad tried to clean up what he could, P kept saying, "It's ok BobBob. It was just an accident." That put things into perspective for my mom and things settled down quickly. As with his sense of humor, I could write story after story about his compassionate little soul.
I am so thankful to be P's mom, one who gets to witness all of his wonderful qualities several times a day. It is a true blessing to have him call me his Mommy!

Day 9: Friendships

I am honestly so overwhelmed with emotion when I think about how many great friends I have in life that I don't know where to begin this blog. Although I am a social butterfly I don't always make friends easily. Once I consider you a friend, however, I'd go to the ends of the Earth for you and I know the friends in my life would do the same for me. Since getting married and having P, my friendships have changed. Not for the worse by any means but the friends that are only in my life for a season have fallen by the wayside and my lifelong friends are going strong.

My friends are ones that I can count on when Rob is out of town to check in on me, to give me support. My friends are ones that I can call spur of the moment and know they'll help in a pinch. My friends are ones that offer to watch P when I'm in a bind. My friends are ones that I don't have to talk to every day but when we do talk we catch up right where we left off the last time. I'm not the best about calling people back these days so I appreciate that my friends hound me until I do.

Some of my friends I've known for less than a year. Some of my friends I've known for a few years. Some of my friends I've known for 10 years and some I've known for a lifetime. No matter how long I've known you, if I consider you a friend, I cherish your friendship. I wish I could put into words how much I cherish your friendship. Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones talking or maybe it's "old" age but I have tears in my eyes thinking about each and every one of you. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you've brought to my life!

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Anais Nin

Day 8: My Brother

Growing up, my brother and I were super close. Then, sometime during the end of my high school years, we had a falling out and kind of drifted apart. But now that we're 2 grown adults with families of our own we have gotten closer again. I am so thankful for a brother that calls, texts and FBs regularly to see how me and my family are doing. I'm not as good about keeping in touch so it means so much that he puts forth the effort. Not only is he a great brother but a great friend. Over the years, especially in recent years, we've become more open with each other, sharing quite a bit with each other. The nice thing is sometimes we'll get into long conversations but if it's a quick conversation just to say hi that's ok too.

Not only is he a great brother and friend, but he's an AWESOME uncle! One thing that will forever stand out to me is that he re-arranged a trip he and his wife were taking this Summer just so they could pick P up and take him to my parents' house, making it easier on me. He calls/Skypes P regularly but sometimes he'll see something P likes and sends that to him just because. P talks about him all the time, about how silly he is and how he wants to call him to tell him various things. So, today I'm thankful for my "little" brother who is also a great friend and spectacular uncle!

Day 7: Luxuries

This morning I woke up in a warm bed after having a good night's sleep. The heater kicked on and I snuggled under the blankets for a few minutes before getting out of bed. Then I checked my phone for messages and FB status updates before making my way into my parents' kitchen, where I had multiple options for breakfast. After filling my belly with the breakfast of my choice I took a hot bubble bath while my son watched TV. It made me very aware-and thankful-for all the "luxuries" that so many people do without on a daily basis. My husband is even going without most of these luxuries right now as are tens of thousands, if not millions, of people on the East Coast. People in other countries can't fathom having all the things we have in the United States, things I take for granted so often. So today, and every day, I am thankful for the luxuries of life that are easy to overlook, the luxuries that make life easier.

Update on Rob

I didn't know how to tie Rob's update into my Day 6 thankfulness so I'll just make it a separate blog. If you're on FB none of this will be new news but those that aren't can be filled in via the blog. Rob, his crew and 2 crews from Las Vegas were supposed to leave around midnight on Sunday night/Monday morning. But upon take off it was discovered that the C-5 had a hydraulic leak so they made a quick landing and a not so quick 3 hour repair. The crews finally took off around 4:30AM PST. Once they landed at JFK the crew was able to get gas for their work trucks and buy the basic supplies that the Air Force had made them remove from their bucket trucks for the flight. Last night the guys stayed at the airport bunker, without pillows, blankets or showers. When I spoke to Rob today he didn't sound quite as tired, although he said he still hadn't really slept since Saturday night.
 This evening when we talked he said that the crews had changed locations about 12 times before settling in Northport, NY (on Long Island). He said they're staying on cots at a local fire station and everyone is very appreciative of the guys. He said that, although there's only 1 shower for 20 guys, he appreciates that there's heat and a more quiet sleeping environment than he's had the past couple nights. He said the crews went out to grab a bite to eat tonight and several restaurant patrons came up to thank the guys for traveling so far to restore power to their little village. At this point the crews will be there 2-3 weeks, meaning Rob will most likely miss Thanksgiving. This isn't a new thing for him as he used to contract before but it's new to me and I'm going to really miss him while P and I celebrate with the rest of his family.
If you're a praying person, please pray that the guys are able to get some rest tonight and that the storm that's supposed to blow their way tomorrow at some point isn't as bad as predicted . I'll give you another update in another day or two.

Day 6: Freedom to Elect

For as vocal as I can be about some topics, I am not a debater when it comes to politics. I have my views and I respect that others have theirs. But, today I am thankful that we can have different views and have the freedom to vote as we see fit. Whether it's to retain our current President or elect a new one, everyone has the ability to research propositions and government officials and vote how they feel led. Another reason I'm thankful for Election Day is because FINALLY I won't have to watch 500 political commercials during my TV shows. I'll be able to login onto FB without politic propaganda, debates, false facts, uneducated opinions, etc. Tomorrow, no matter who wins, the election will be behind us and for that I'm extremely thankful!

Day 5: My Parents

Today it's easy to be thankful for my parents. They are always there for me, even in the blink of an eye. I can call them and ask for prayer for something and know that, unless I tell them it's top secret, they'll also ask their friends and church to pray as well. Although we've only taken them up on it once as a married couple, they've offered to float us loans in tough times. I can call and ask if we can come for a spur of the moment visit and they don't hesitate to say yes or take time off work to make it a special time together. I call my parents on a daily basis and it never ceases to amaze me that I can complain or vent for 10-15 minutes and never let them get a word in edge wise. But then I'll find out that what they had going on in their lives that they kept quiet about was far more intense than my complaining and venting. They come to town when we ask them to watch P so we don't have to worry about a babysitter, often as the expense of their own plans. They spoil us by routinely sending "Thinking of you" cards, small packages or sweet emails.

Growing up, I thought they were too strict. I took their discipline for granted as most teenagers and young adults do. But now that I'm a parent myself I realize they were strict (not mean) because of their unconditional love for me and the Lord. They wanted my brother and me to be raised the right way. For that and so many other reasons, I am thankful for my parents and the parental guides they are for me today as I raise my own children!

Day 4 and the East Coast

First, let me start by saying that I'm thankful for our church. I love Sundays because it means listening to Pastor Joe's sermons and watching P dance to worship music. It also means either learning more about the Bible or getting a refresher course on something I'd had been taught long ago but had forgotten. When Rob and I first got together we had quite a time finding a church we agreed on. We went to several before finding our church and I'm so glad we were patient because I absolutely LOVE Pastor Joe and Mike, the worship leader! Heaven help us the day they have to leave SRB.

On a completely different note, Rob FINALLY got the call to head to the East Coast to help restore power after Sandy. We have been told since Tuesday that it's going to happen, it's not going to happen. As of yesterday the mission was off because there was only one unlikely way to get the guys and their trucks to New York and that was through a local air force base. This morning he got a call that everything had changed overnight and they were "a go" for the trip. We ran around frantically trying to get last minute things together and I rushed him to the yard (although he said it was like Driving Miss Daisy because I wasn't going fast enough)where he loaded up his bucket truck. From there he headed out to Cali. to catch his flight to the East Coast. The next week or so will be long hours and exhausting work but he is SOOOOOO happy to be helping the millions without power from Superstorm Sandy.

Although these are pics of a different power co. getting a lift, here is how they guys and their trucks will be transported.

Please pray for their safety to, from and while they're there. It's dangerous work but I'm happy to say that Rob is glad to do it!

Day 3: Hunting

Today I'm thankful for Rob's passion for hunting. If someone would've told me 10 years ago that I'd marry a hunter I would've laughed. That wasn't my world, not anything I knew anything about. It's still not a passion of mine and probably never will be but it's something I've come to respect. Rob has taught me so much about conservation, hunting etiquette, and how to cook wild game. I consider myself a pretty open person but trying wild game was something new to me. I can tell you that I love love love elk, MS whitetail and bacon wrapped duck. I can tell you, hands down, I am not a fan of NV mule deer. And I like some parts of antelope (I didn't like the salami as much as Rob and P but I like the steaks). I'm thankful that Rob enjoys providing meat for his family through his hunts.

I like that Rob's passion has created a whole new group of friends for us that we've come to know as our "Archery Family". Hunting, in general, has created a lot of fun memories either directly or indirectly with things like hunting banquets, BBQs with everyone, camping excursions, etc. I'm thankful that Rob's passion has opened up a whole new world for our family. It's allowed us to explore beautiful places and Rob has already taken P hunting once (which P LOVED!). Who knew that something I knew nothing about 5 years ago is something I'm thankful for today?

Day 2: My Boys

Yesterday P and I had one of our rare lazy days where we literally sat around 90% of the day. I'm glad those days don't happen often but it was a nice change from what life has been like lately. That being said, it really gave me even more chance to appreciate my boys. Both boys were "interacting" with each other, making P and I laugh so hard. P would put his head on my belly and then E would kick or nudge it. Then P would tell him it wasn't ok to kick his big brother. That would get us laughing so hard. By the end of the day, probably because we'd been around each other non-stop, we were laughing over the dumbest things. Between the belly laughs, the story telling, the womb dance parties, etc it made me so thankful for my role as Mommy. Kids are such a gift from God and I'm thankful for the 2 that He has blessed us with!

Day 1

I was going to take a break from blogging for your sake and mine but then someone on FB reminded me that it's November 1st. For the past couple years I've made it a point to blog about something I'm thankful for each day in November. It helps me remember that, even when life gets crazy, there are still so many things to be thankful for. I may not get to it every day but I'll try my best.

 

For Day 1 I am thankful for Rob's job. When he switched crews earlier this year we took a big pay cut. After finding out I was pregnant, he and I talked about all job possibilities. He didn't like his job at a lamp lighter so he decided it'd be best to go back to the transmission crew because it was a job he enjoyed much better and the pay was A LOT better. By going back to the transmission crew, I am now able to be a stay-at-home-mom which I'm eternally grateful for.
His job is not easy and it's not one that many people can do. He climbs-and dangles from-ridiculous heights. He has the abilitiy to restore power to millions, build huge power structures, etc. He gets frustrated that I don't pay attention to the details of his job but I've found that by staying naive I'm not worried about the every day dangers that come with his job title.
It's hard with him back to traveling as much as he is but I'm proud to say I'm married to a journeyman lineman. He's a hard worker and takes pride in providing for his family, something else I'm proud of. So the next time you're without power think of all the men that are away from their families trying to restore power for you and your family.