Same Kind of Different as Me

I recently read "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. I really loved this book. It had such great advise and wisdom through the entire thing. With the most profound ideas coming from a homeless man. I got this book with three others and I didn't read it til last, because it didn't strike me from the cover. However, it is one of the best books I've read in a while. I couldn't put it down. Warning, you will want to have a box of tissue handy. It really gave me a spiritual uplifting and reminder that Heavenly Father has a plan for every one of us. And sometimes that means stepping outside of our comfort zone in order to find the most joy.

A Long Way Gone

I have been reading a lot lately and decided to share the books that made a difference to me. The first one is "A Long Way Gone : Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah. My friend Monica recommended this one on her blog, so as soon as it was available at the library, I snatched it up. It is a story about Ishmael who until the age of 12 lived a typical, care-free childhood in Sierra Leone. Then civil war devastated his country and especially his personal life. His entire family was killed, he was unable to return home, so he hid out with other homeless boys wandering the country. After a year, he was forced into the Army where he became a ruthless drug-addict and killer. At the age of 13!! As bad as it became, Ishmael was "rehabilitated" and has become an inspiration of resilience. As depressing and as sad as parts of this story were, the ending teaches us the importance of triumph and hope. It makes me so thankful that I grew up in a country in a time when I could truly have an innocent childhood. Read it!!

Good News - Bad News

A lot of you know that we have been awaiting news if Rob was going to be one of the 2,000 Cessna employees affected by layoffs. Well, today we finally got the good news: we are safe. For now. The bad news (which WAY overshadows the good news) is that this morning Cessna announced that they are laying off 2,000 more in the coming months. We have said from the beginning that if we made it through this layoff, that we would not survive the next. I just didn't think the next one would be announced so soon. We obviously don't want to lose our job, but as long as we can have insurance for when the baby comes, I will feel better. Now, I am not so sure that will happen. Thanks Cessna for not cutting us off yet, but please don't string us along longer than you have to. My stomach can't take it.

Cadillac of Strollers

I happened upon this giveaway and had to share with all of you other moms of little ones. I admit I have never heard of these strollers, but they look NICE. (And by nice I also mean expensive.) I entered and hope you do too. You can find the contest here!

Christmas Wrap-up

I know that I was a major slacker in December on the blog.  We decided late in the game to make the 18 hour drive to Utah for Christmas.  My family knew, but we tried to surprise most of Rob’s family who were spending Christmas in Logan, with his brother Matt.  We had an action/weather packed trip that the kids are still talking about.  We were able to celebrate Paige’s 7^th Birthday with some of my family.  We went to Jumpin Jacks and then Brick Oven. (Yum!)  The next day we surprised Rob’s mom by picking her up at the airport on our way to Matt’s.  We spent Christmas with almost all of his family.  We really missed Blake, Steph and the girls.  The kids had loads of fun playing with their cousins.  The adults had loads of fun eating yummy food.  There was tons of snow…definitely a White Christmas.  There was also sleigh riding, snowman building, elk viewing and lots of playing.  After a few days in Paradise, we headed to my parents house for a couple more days.  There the kids had their usual 2^nd Christmas.  We also got to see temple lights, spend time with more cousins and Paige got to visit HSM’s East High.  (A major highlight for her.)  We finally headed home and after 19 hours in one shot, arrived in Wichita, safe and sound.  Whew!  I get exhausted just thinking about it!  We are still recovering and trying to find places for junk, I mean the toys the kids got.  Even though I grumbled about the drive, I am so glad we made the decision to go.  We came back with memories for a lifetime.  Enjoy some of the memories we have in pictures.

Evening The Score

Many of you may not have heard that we are expecting our 4th (and last) baby in May.  We just told our families over the Holidays and are very excited to welcome a new member of our family.  We did not find out the gender when I was pregnant with Lily.  As exciting as that was, we (meaning I) decided that we would find out this time.  I was sure with Lily that I was having a boy.  Much to my surprise (and Caleb's demise) out came sweet Lillian.  So, from the day we told the kids that we were having a baby, Caleb was sure that it was a brother, named Jack.  I would also like a boy, for Caleb's sake, but we will be happy either way.  Caleb keeps saying that he would be okay with another sister too, but I know he would be disappointed. Anyway, for the long awaited results.  We found out this morning that.........

Caleb just kept saying, "I was right!  I was right!"  I am glad that all my kids will have a brother and a sister.  Needless to say, we are all so excited to meet our new baby Jack in May.