We have so many things to be thankful for! Our family has been healthy, we have managed to pay all our bills on time, we have had lots of fun times together, and the biggest thanks is that CHIRS HAS A JOB! He is now working for ADOT doing roadway engineering. We were so shocked when he got the call! He had actually just accepted a part-time seasonal job at Costco and we were in the middle of a stressed-out conversation about how to handle child-care if he was going to be doing night shifts in the bakery, when the phone rang. It was ADOT offering him a job! 18 months of nothing and then 2 job offers in the same day! We are very blessed to have this work for him! Thanks to God and to everyone who has been praying and rooting for us. And thanks to everyone for putting up with me complaining about working 3 jobs, etc.... : )
Chris being out of work for so long has definetly not been all bad. The time he had with the boys and being so involved in their daily life has really strengthened his bond with each one. I think Chris grew lot as a father in being so involved. He became a den leader for Ethan's den and he did the majority of the aiding at the preschool for Ryan's class. He packed lunches, cleaned, did homework, cleaned, did laundry, cleaned, etc... He is really a great dad!
This time has also taught us alot about managing finances. We have learned what we really can live without. We reuse, buy used, coupon, make our own laundry soap, budget, and really think before we spend money. We eat out less, don't have cable, drive paid-for cars, and are now going to be working on paying down/off our debt. We have realized how fragile finances can be and are committed to being in a better financial spot. I am trying to get Chris onboard to doing Dave Ramsey's methods.
As we celebrated Thanksgiving this year, I truly felt that we have so many things to be thankful for! Here are some pictures from our time with family this year.
Thanksgiving at Auntie Anne & Uncle Mark's House
Later in the day, we headed over to Bill & Kim's for Thanksgiving with the Sterne's. Check out this cute dress that Kim made for Kinley!
Yeah- cuz that's what boys do! We wrestle on the living room floor on Thanksgiving!
After dinner we sat out in the backyard and had an awesome bonfire! It was so much fun to just hang out and talk with everyone! What a nice day!
