First of all, Clarissa, who we now call Rici (Ree-See), nicknamed by Alaina, had 6 teeth come out in the matter of weeks, so now she can share in one of daddy's favorite snacks. Crackers!
I guess I'd like to blame my lack of posting due to always updating Facebook, but even before Facebook I still had trouble, but I have posted on Facebook more than I thought I would. But for those few friends determine not to get sucked in by facebook, I must keep up with my blog.
Here is what has been happening since December...
In December, due to the poor economy, I went from being a salaried employee to an hourly employee, working only 12 hours a week. I was sure I was going to find supplemental income, or another full time job, but there has not been much success on that front yet.
Working less hours did give me more time to be with my family during the holidays, in fact another variable made that reality even more real. We had the worst snow storm in decades and were pretty much stranded for days.
New Year's came and we had some friends over to play games and mostly Sing Star! And to tell you the truth, we said good riddance to a year that was probably the most challenging for Beth and I.
Finally, January was upon us and the long awaited grand opening of our church took place.
It has been such a eye awakening experience to be apart of something like this, we still get a lot of joy being part of a community that accepts you where you are at, but challenges you to do life better at the same time. Here's a video of opening day!
- February -
Just a few weeks later, my grandmother showed signs that her cancer was spreading rapidly, and my mother called and informed me. In an effort to see my grandmother again, I packed up our town and country van with my three young girls and wife and took a road trip to Texas (33 hours). We left Monday afternoon and arrived Wednesday evening. 40 hours later, my grandmother passed away!
On our way back to Oregon, we took it back slower, stopping in New Mexico, & California ( 3 nights). I was able to reunite with a TBI classmate of mine, and we took the girls to Disneyland courtesy of the grandparents. I think the girls meeting the princesses was the highlight of Disneyland, oh and of course the teacups, everything else they were scared of....girls, what do you do...maybe in another 3 years!
After being on the road for two weeks, eating out all the time, we were so ready to be home.
Not much exciting has happened since we got back from Texas. Althougth I did turn 35, and that one was a tough one for me. But life goes on.... Im still looking for a stellar job, working on being a better husband and father, and meeting faboulous people through the new church and watching amazing things happen there. Till next time....Much Love!
