Holy Cow! This year is flying by and life seems to never stop being busy. I feel like I am going a hundred miles an hour all day long. It is hard to believe that I already have a Christmas tree up in my living room and that Thanksgiving is this week. Where has this year gone?
Our lives took a royal change of course in September. I started my new job at BYU and love it so much! I get to start meetings with prayer, go to weekly devotionals, go on outings, have friends and feel wanted. It is the best thing ever! I am still trying to learn everything and am so excited for my area to get busy for the year and feel like I am helping others to come to Christ.
I was at work one day, when Rob called. He asked if I could talk to I went outside. He proceeded to tell me that his two coworkers had met with their supervisor that morning and were both laid off. He also was asked to meet with him and received the same news. It was a shock but yet, I had a feeling it might happen. His company had been downsizing but we thought his area was safe. Apparently, it was not. All the emotions hit me at once - mad, worried, stressed, sad, but also peace. I asked to work from home the rest of the day so I could be with Rob. When I got home, we held each other and cried. I assured Rob it was not his fault and it was nothing he had done wrong. We talked a long while and started to make new plans. We had a Mediterranean cruise schedule two weeks later and decide we were still going. We could not get our money back at that point, and we needed to take a break to figure out life.
The cruise was magical. Boyd and Brittnie went with us as well as three of my siblings and their spouses plus Rob's sister. We had long flights, noisy nights, and lots and lots of walking, but it was so great. The world is absolutely beautiful and we were able to enjoy places we have never seen before. I am amazed at how others live and was so happy to enjoy it. It was fun to be with my two children and bond with them. I really truly have the best family ever.
We got back from the cruise and life was back to normal - somewhat. Rob started the job hunt and I would go to work.. It was and is still hard some days and the worries are still there. However, we try to remind ourselves that Heavenly Father knew and was preparing us. I got a job that made a lot more money (not as much as we lost) but enough. Rob had medical procedures scheduled that were able to be done one day before we lost his insurance. I was able to pick up all benefits from day one so we had no lapse in insurance coverage at all. We also got a large severance pay that will hold us over for another month or so.
Rob has spent hours applying for jobs, but with no luck at all. He spends other hours (and I mean hours), working on 3D decorations and has gone to, or will go to, many farmers markets or shows to try to sell his stuff. My basement is now Santa's workshop. He is doing okay, but definitely not anywhere near what he was making. I am worried that he is wearing out and will not enjoy the holidays. He has markets every weekend from now until Christmas and must make new stuff in between to have it to sell. I try to have faith and not let him know that I am worried, but we both have our moments when the tears come and we hold each other to give each other strength. We are learning a new level of trust, and I feel like we are both stronger for it as well as our marriage,
A big concern is that Skyler has not had a job for about six months and we have been paying for all his stuff too. However, he finally got a job and starts tomorrow. I worry that he will hate it (and he probably will, but hopefully he will be committed) as he will work graveyard shifts and 10 hour days. His job will relieve some of the burden from us. Boyd is still looking so hopefully he will get something soon.
I am not sure what Rob will do. He would really like to just do his printing job. I worry as it is all self employment so there is no 401, no future benefits, taxes are high etc, but I kind of hope he does not get anything until January. We are doing okay and can make it work. We just might not be able to do all the extra things anymore. I so want to plan a trip. Rob turns 60 next year and I want to go somewhere, but we will have to see.
For now, I just want to enjoy the holidays. Cortnie and Johnathan will be here next week for Thanksgiving and Skyler will be here part of the time too. It will be the first time since the wedding we are all together. I also just want to enjoy the season. I am writing our sacrament meeting Christmas program again which is always a challenge. I also love the spirit of the season. I want to remember our Savior and bring His love into our home. Without Him, we would be nothing. How grateful I am for Him and for His love. I have felt the love and warmth of His arms so much the past couple of months and hope to continue to feel that peace.
