Christmas this year is definitely going to be different than all of the others that we've had. It seems that every year right before Christmas we always get some sort of "bonus" money from the military or something else that ends up being our gift money. So far since Aaron was born (and now Blake) we have managed to spoil the heavens out of them on Christmas and this year... well we received no bonus money. In a way it has kind of been a good thing, because we are now able to really focus on what Christmas is all about.. being thankful for all the things that you DO have and not the things that you really don't need. Of course we were able to scrounge up a little money to put a few things under the tree, but at times, selfishly I get kind of sad thinking that it isn't enough for the kids. God bless the economy!!
This last year has been the ultimate challenge in ever aspect of our lives. We have been financially challenged, our marriage underwent the ultimate challenge, and our boys are getting older and changing to where raising them is becoming extremely challenging.
Back in October of 2007 Jay got out of the Army and joined the Pipefitters Union which was supposed to be so promising. Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad job to have. But starting out you constantly face layoffs. This year we "survived" over 5 months of unemployment which financially damaged us. But when he was working he made great money. So we have been struggling trying to learn how to manage our money better. -- Back in May Jay got assigned to go out on a job that required him to travel during the week and only come home some weekends. He had to go to Eastern Washington, it really pulled us apart. Our marriage has already been though a year of separation in Iraq which we are still putting the pieces together from that and then when he left for Moses Lake things just really took a dive... now we are trying to find the pieces in hopes to glue them back together. It has been a long road but it is getting better. -- Right before Blake turned 2, he started the "terrible two's" stage which I didn't go through with Aaron until he was 3 1/2. The most frustrating thing about it is that he does talk very much, so the communication with him isn't there and his temper gets out of control. So instead of being able to reason with him with words (like I did Aaron), I just get frustrated because I don't know how to deal with him. I feel like I still baby him too much because he doesn't talk and is the baby of the family. -- Aaron turned 5 this year and his independence is definitely shining through. He definitely likes to do things all by himself (make sandwiches, shower, brush his teeth, etc..) and he loves to tell mommy how things are going to be (errr!). He fights with me on taking baths/showers, what he is going to wear when we go out of the house (which trust me, is really hideous, because it doesn't match 90% of the time)... isn't that stuff you are supposed to be fighting with a teenager on?!
Anyway, to wrap things up. With the way the economy is, I think that this years holiday season is definitely teaching a lot of families that it isn't always about money or what kinds of gifts are under the tree. It's about the birth of Christ obviously, but also about the bonding of families, the magic of snow, and finding the ultimate things that truly make you happy in life. And this year, it's also about saving money!!
So for all those in Western Washington... enjoy this "snowy storm" and cold weather. It truly is a beautiful thing, just wear a warm jacket! I know I'll probably be the first one outside tomorrow playing in the snow!!
-GoodNight & Happy Reading!-
