Life is Full of Uncertainty

This morning I was looking at my Time hop account and read something I had posted 5 years ago to Facebook.  I was hoping that life would sort itself out.  At first I had to laugh because here I am 5 years later still waiting for "life to sort itself out".  But then I really began to think.  5 years ago we were recovering from Tony's lay off from Diamond Z.  He hated his job with IDCS, but we were grateful for the job.  We were starting to throw the idea around of Tony going back to school, and I was doing the working mom thing with 2 kids.  The housing market was horrible and the nation was in the midst of an economic downturn.  So yes at that time our lives were full of uncertainty and I wanted things to sort themselves out.  Fast forward to the present.  Tony is a recent engineering graduate.  Working a new job and in a new place.  We're expecting our fourth child and are faced with the difficulties of how best to take care of our growing family and growing responsibilities.  Again our lives are full of uncertainty and I'd really like "life to sort itself out".  But then again aren't our lives almost always full of uncertainty?  I mean there is always something.  Whether it's something big like a new house, a job, or a new baby.  Or something small like what's for dinner, getting kids from point A to point B, or what do we do for FHE this week.  We never can know and plan every aspect of our lives.  There will always been something unexpected that comes up that needs our attention.  But what I think I've learned today is that we can't wait for "life to sort itself out".  We have to be an active participant in our lives and do the sorting out ourselves.  Sure there are times when you just have to let things happen how they're going to and you do the best with what you are given.  But then there are times that you can decide how your life is going to be played.  So I pray that with the help of my Heavenly Father and Family I will be able to let things go when I have no control over what is happening and then pick up the pieces the best I can.  And that I'll be able to have the courage and strength to make the things happen in my life that I do have control over.  So for now that means I am not going to worry about when baby boy makes his appearance, but remain hopeful that it's before my sister-in-laws wedding.  And I am going to figure out what's for dinner.  I encourage each of you to do the same.        

Pictures

A few weeks ago we finally got the kids pictures done.  It's been a pretty wet October here and so trying to get said pictures done hasn't been easy.  So we set off on a Saturday we didn't have anything going on, I know it was a miracle, to capture our kiddos yearly progression.  After finding that our chosen park for said pictures was closed for the season, didn't know cities even did that, we made do.  I have to admit that this years photo shoot wasn't as "easy" as in years past but we got a few cute ones in there.  Hopefully you all enjoy them. 

 Charlie

 Alaina

 Carson

  All our kiddos...until February anyway.

Halloween 2014

This year I made Carson and Alaina's costumes again.  I actually really enjoy making the kids costumes, even though it's a bit stressful.  They always turn out better than those cheaply made, overpriced ones you buy at the store.

 Carson the pirate.

 Alaina the witch.

 Charlie the teenage mutant ninja turtle.  Sorry kiddo.  When you've got an older brother that means you wear the costume we have that's in your size.

Ready for a night of trunk or treating.  We opted to join in the festivities at our church.  Hot dogs, Hot chocolate, cotton candy, and three wards worth of trunks to get candy from.  Awesome!

Carson's turns 10

All of the kids birthday's have been pretty low key this year.  Dinner of their choice, cake, and presents.  Carson requested Papa Murphy's pizza.  It was so nice to not have to make dinner.  He also requested an ice cream cake with Optimus Prime.  Yes, mommy took the easy way and just bought a toy as decoration.  As each birthday passes Tony and I rack our brains to figure out something to give the kids that's not just another toy.  So this year Carson got a BB gun and a nice Frisbee.  He hasn't had a chance to use the BB gun yet.  He has to read the owner's manual and the hunter's safety manual before Tony will take Carson out.  As each year passes I can hardly believe how big my kids are getting.  Carson is growing into a wonderful, responsible young man.  We are frequently told what a great kid he is, and I have to agree.  He really is a great kid and we're so proud of him. 

Alaina's Award

Last week Tony and I were invited to the kids school for an awards assembly.  Alaina was to receive some sort of award.  I hadn't attended a school assembly for many years and it was actually fun for me to watch all the kids excitement.  Alaina didn't know about the upcoming award so when her name was called and her picture put on the screen the look and her face was priceless.  Pure surprise and amazement.  Alaina got a writing award, which doesn't really surprise me.  She's extremely creative and always making her own books.  We're so proud of her!