Minnesota

All here, adjusting and happy.

Anne will be one month old on Thanksgiving!?! Where did the time go? I must have packed it in box yet unopened!:) She is a good baby, I kiss her cheeks too much and thankfully I do get restful sleep.

Charlotte, who has had the hardest time with the baby and the move of all of us, is about back to her usual happy self. She loves to make Xela laugh and asks to hold Anne multiple times during the day. Her hair is getting on the long side.

Xela, who should get a hair cut, but mommy can't seem to, enjoys pretending like she is a tiger (Jungle Book), a dog (Lady and the Tramp), or a princess. She has a growl to her and can't wait to tackle Joe as soon as he comes home. Her smile and laugh melt away the frustration of parenting an almost 4 year old.



Joe comes home happy. That is all I can ask for! Although re-writing a book of codes and specifications for bridges is not the most exciting thing, he is thankful to have a job and nice people to work with.

Moody and occasionally irrational, I do feel quite happy. I realized the biggest adjustment for me has not really been the baby or the move, but a loss of my best friend during the day. I have loved Joe being home more often and I miss him now that he's gone regularly. He just can't help being so nice and attractive.

When I think of our little cottage where we live, it reminds me of book 5 in the Anne of Green Gables series, Anne's House of Dreams. I am not a new bride like she was starting her home with Gilbert, but I am starting out again with Joseph in this next chapter of our lives (although Joe doesn't have chapters-he happens all at once :)


(Anne Elsie Jane. All family names. Jane and Anne mean "grace of God". Elsie was Joe's great-grandma, a great woman, means "covenant with God".)

I must witness, that the trial of Joe being laid off and among other trials this summer, that God does visit his people in their afflictions. I have felt his comfort, his guidance, his strong hand reaching out for me to trust him. He has listened and answered my prayers, he has buoyed me and strengthened me. And I am a better person because of it.

If there was one thing that I could say I learned personally from this, is that the Book of Mormon is a life raft to my sinking ships. It contains answers to any and all of my most deep questions about life and his plan for it. It truly testifies of Christ's role as a personal God. One who is merciful and loving and kind forever, willing to forgive sins to any who repent and believe on his name.

Thanks to Ken, Sarah and their family for helping us move and entertaining my little ones :) Happy Thanksgiving to all! May I always be thankful for my trials!!