Good news!

"So what's the good news?"..... that is what you will often over hear when I call Brandon during the day. It has been an ongoing attempt and desire for us to look for the good that is all around us instead of focusing on our problems all the time. Its easier said than done but it has really helped us cope with the ups and downs of life. So... what IS the good news...well...

1) Brandon has a new job! He has been there a little over a month now and is very happy. He works for FBS which is a property management company. Brandon was hired as a Property Supervisor. He oversees the management of over 160 proprieties and will be getting about 100 more in January. He does everything from renewing leases and contracts, to showing properties, doing move in/ out inspections, meetings with owners about what improvements they need to make to their homes to get the rent they desire, making sure maintenance issues are resolved after being requested and more. He also has a few commercial properties as well. He was given an administrative assistant which is a huge help and quite a perk. I have to admit it is very nice to be on salary again with quarterly commissions. Its been probably over 3 years since he has had a salary position and believe me its a breath of fresh air. Most importantly I am so glad that he enjoys his work! Since he has a Utah real estate license he will have to retest here in California. He has 90 days to get it done and I am confident he will pass the exam.

2) Tammy is pregnant with baby #4. She is due July 15th. We are all very excited for her and her family. We hope she has a healthy pregnancy, a speedy delivery, and a sweet perfect bundle of joy very soon!

3) Sean's show- the Regular Show- was picked up for another season which includes 40 more episodes. So he will be at Cartoon Network for some time and he is thrilled.

4) David passed the Bar exam and will be sworn in as a lawyer tomorrow. He has worked extremely hard despite Carla's cancer and we are so very proud of him.

There has been a lot of good lately but I thought I would just highlight all the recent BIG news. We feel very fortunate and grateful for all the blessings we have been receiving. I don't think I can thank Heavenly Father enough especially for Brandon's job we really needed it!

Pain

Its interesting just when you think that pain has left you it can surprisingly come back in full force. Our beloved dog AJ passed away this summer unexpectedly and it was a hurt that could not be consoled. There has been this void lingering around our family but we have tried to make the best of it. We have moved on, one day at a time, but miss him terribly. Tonight I decided to print out a sketch my brother Sean has been working on in memory of Aj. I knew I was taking a risk of reopening a deep wound, which is why I explained to Sean that we needed this special tribute sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, seeing the drawing started a domino effect of tears and heartache for their sweet friend and companion. It started with Noah who could barely speak while crying struggling to tell us how he feels. After many hugs, snuggles and kisses we still heard them crying in their rooms. Aidan said while sobbing, "why did he have to go" and "I don't want a trampoline for Christmas or a new puppy just bring Aj back!" Jordan walked quietly to his room holding Aj's picture. You can see in his eyes that he has been longing for his best friend. We've had many heart to heart talks with the kids and it saddens us deeply to see them hurting and in so much pain. I have mentioned to my Dad about allowing us to get a new puppy for the boys... ( which normally would not be his decision at all but since we are currently living in his home we need to get his approval.)... and he is not keen on the idea at all. I respect and understand his decision. So we need a Christmas miracle either to have Heavenly Father help heal our broken hearts or somehow help us get a new puppy that would fill the void and bring renewed joy into our hearts. I really don't think my Dad is going to budge on us getting a new dog so I am praying that we find a new home soon in order to get the dog my boys need. Love is all around in many forms but there is something very special about the bond experienced between boys and their beloved dogs.

Happy Thanksgiving

Our traditional chocolate pie: oreo cookie crust, chocolate pudding, cool whip and chocolate chips. Simple, sweet and the boys love it.

We enjoyed the food and company so much that we didn't stop to take any group pictures. I quickly shot this picture through a closet mirror. Our group consisted of our family along with CJ, Rabeka, Alexander, Sebastian, Don, Andy, Ian, Grandma Watts and Grandpa, Uncle Billy, his daughter Laura and friend Missy.

It isn't quite Thanksgiving without a little football and having the boys playing out on the grass.

The view from Grandma's backyard is breath taking and the sunset was beautiful

Happy Thanksgiving!

Corvette Diner

Out celebrating Jordan's 13th Birthday at Corvette Diner

Devon, Cody, Jordan and Savanna

Jordan's birthday is in July but we were all sick at the time and had promised him that when we were all better we would take him and a few friends out to eat little did we know that it was also his friend Devon's birthday as well. It turned out to be a double celebration and it was a blast!

Watching and having fun doing the "chicken" dance

Happy 13th Birthday Jordan

Jackie & Jennifer (Devon's Mom) with our silly hair decorated with straws

The balloon guy was amazing! The kids loved all of his creations.

My boys are AMAZING

It sounds like an obvious statement to say that I love my boys and that they are amazing however it is how I truly feel day in and day out. The more I get to know my children the more I am left in awe. They teach me nearly every day. I know that "amazing awaits" maybe not by the worlds standards but by the Lords. I am truly humbled when I acknowledge that I helped create these incredible boys. I often think "he didn't get it from me" when someone compliments them or even when I am listening to their profound words. We each have our strengths and weaknesses and unfortunately the world and those around us can quickly point out the faults they see while placing judgement which leads you to doubt your sacred role of Mother. The beauty of it all is that the combination of Brandon and I TOGETHER, all that we are and who we are trying to become, has influenced these children for GOOD and I am so happy about that. The home is a vital place of love and learning. That coupled with our knowledge and testimony of Christ has led these great boys on an excellent path and I am so proud of them. We've given instruction and they have done the rest! Free agency in action with faith is a miracle to witness. I love that they are making right choices on their own. Their confidence is growing and I know that they can handle more than one tends to give them credit for. I am amazed at how quickly they learn, their progressing knowledge, wisdom and intelligence. I am entertained by the way they play, laugh, and enjoy life to the fullest. We have made great sacrifices over the years for me to stay home with them as much as possible and I would NOT trade that for the world. Money, worldly recognition, and luxuries does not make the man and through our modest means, diligence and determination Jordan, Aidan, and Noah have had a wonderful childhood thus far. The boys are filled with unlimited potential and I believe they that can do anything they set their minds to do and they have proven that to me time and time again. Boys I love you so much and remember AMAZING AWAITS.....