Dinosaur Face
Well I know I said we would update you more often…easier said than done! I titled this blog “Counting Our Blessings” because I really need to count them right now to keep my head up. I think Josh may be doing the same thing and just hasn’t told me yet, because he seems to be thinking positive too.
Baby Bear
Today I drove the kids into the parking lot of their pediatrician (around 10:20 a.m.) and what do ya know…Josh was standing there waiting for us! I knew instantly that he had lost his job. 
I tried to stay positive and ask why the heck he was there and not at work, but the whole scene was pretty easy to figure out. By the way this came as a total surprise to the both of us!
This week has been A LOT depressing (instead of a little). A good friend of mine told me she lost her mom…granted I didn’t know her mom that well, but I had hung out with her on a few occasions. This upset me more than I thought it would. I guess because I value life so much…every life. And this was supposed to be a very happy and amazing time for this woman because her daughter (my friend) is going to have her first baby!! Plus I love my friend…you know who you are…we have gone through a CRAP load together and we turned out alright inspite of it all!
Anyway, I know I’m rambling a bit but this entry is going to be a bit more like a journal entry because I freakin’ need to get some of this off my chest!
Back to Josh and the lack of work. After it hit me…and it didn’t take long, I went into a dark tunnel…no cave and didn’t want to come out. I am still pretty down but my calling (I’m Achievement Day Leader) totally got my mind off of this and brought some things into perspective, well maybe. I don’t want to sound like PollyAnna just yet ’cause I am NOT there. But I have to say I love the girls my co-leader and I teach. They are hilarious and they are such good girls! I am always so impressed at how much they know about the gospel and how well they live it. They are examples (to me) of goodness and innocence, which I sometimes forget still exist in this world, and they do a pretty good job listening to me.
So now I am going to list the many blessings our family currently has. I think this will help me to really see how our Heavenly Father is always with us…especially when life throws you curve balls.
1. We have a home to live in.
2. We have food and healthy food at that.
3. We have each other.
Sweet Bear
4. We have the gospel.
5. We have two (not one!, but two!) cars.
6. We are all very healthy people (thank you Word of Wisdom and good genes!)
7. We have clothes to cover our bodies and they happen to be pretty darn cute sometimes!
8. We have our wonderful minds that give us more potential than we know!
9. We live in a nation that gives us a voice and many other freedoms that we are enjoying at this moment!
10. We have laughter. I love to laugh and I know the rest of my family does too so we will try to do this more!
11. We both have great parents who love and support us in so many ways…thank you and we love you so much!
12. Have you seen our kids??? Are they not the cutest kids??? I want to chew on them every second!
13. We have a dishwasher…YAY!
14. We have our own unique talents and personalities.
15. It is summer time and summer is my favorite season.
16. We live in Alameda, CA! We love Alameda so much that we try to do everything here and not go off the island if we don’t have to.
17. We have great friends who when we do get to see them it’s like a day has not passed!
18. We have music. Josh and I love music and are kind of music snobs but it really makes both of us happy when we listen to one of our fav bands.
19. We have Chocolate!!!
20. We have a Kit Kat Clock who’s eyes look back and forth, side to side as his tail wags. 
Ok so I got a little silly with some of them, but I like to be silly sometimes for silly’s sake. Now why don’t some of you who read this make a comment and tell us what you’re thankful for!!
Painting Holiday's toes
I’m sorry to hear about the job. I think it’s great that you’re fighting to stay positive. When you’ve got cute kids *and* a dishwasher, you know your life can’t be too bad.
I feel your pain. Jason finally just got a job after being laid off. It took 6 1/2 months. But it finally came. Its not the greatest job, but he has one (and I can’t wait because in 2 1/2 weeks we get health insurance again). You know it was a huge struggle, but he was home with the girls and they loved it, in fact I think they needed it.
We will keep you in our prayers and wish only the best. Things will work out. I’m so glad you are trying to stay positive because it gets a bit bleak when you are doing all you can just to stay afloat. Bravo for you.
Love you much and you are not alone. If you need anything, please let me know.
I usually blog stalk and don’t comment, but Lori, your post was so uplifting and inspiring! I want to grow up to be just like you!!! My sister, Marylynn & her husband have been unemployed since November, & its hard, but its brought their whole family closer together. Maybe they needed that!! I’m grateful for my dishwasher too:) You ROCK!!
I am so sorry about the job!! We went through about 8 months of job uncertainty and it’s hard, I have been there and get it. Maybe we can get together when I get back in town and do something to get your mind off of it. I admire your attitude – positive so fast, I think it took me a lot longer – and will be praying for you.
Lori, what a wonderful blog! I am so impressed with your attitude, and I loved reading about the things you are grateful for. I also loved seeing the pictures — can never get enough of those! Especially enjoyed seeing the one of Holiday getting her toes painted since she (and Josh) told me about that on the phone today.
One other thing you can add to your list that I learned about today: You’re still going to Disneyland! Yeah! So smart of you guys. Important to keep your spirits up with things like that.
Love you. You are always in our prayers, but we are now specific about employment for Josh. I know Heavenly Father has you in mind and will take care of your special family.
Love,
Mom
That is such a great idea to list all of those things you are grateful for. I just lost my job too on Thursday and haven’t had insurance for who knows how long. I am so grateful for my optimistic husband, and you guys as examples. We can job hunt together.
It is so great to know that we are all in this together. That there is some higher purpose to these trials…Jenny’s husband has been out of work for a while and Jen is struggling to make ends meet. But, you are right to count your blessings. The most important thing is to remember that we are not alone and that we are loved. All you need is love, right?
Thank you so much for your phone call. Im still going thru a myriad of emotions but i hang in there and think – well, she’s at peace. All i can do is pray, be healthy and provide love for my baby. We’re home now, in oakland and the moment i stepped into the nursery, i broke down crying, but it was so necessary.
Anyway, again thank you so much for your phone call, your thoughts and your prayers and especially since you took the time to do so when you yourself and your family are going thru a difficult time as well.
I hope Josh finds a new job, im sure something good will come of it. something even better than before. and yes, we should count our blessings and it is very important to remember that we are in fact loved and are not alone.
much love,
cherlyn
thanks for your entry! we all have so much to be thanksful for. And who is this blonde hair blue eye cutie? That can’t be noah! We miss, love and wish you the best right now.
xoxox
I love you guys. Trials suck huh?!! I’m so sorry about the job, but way to go with the positivity. I need to follow your example. I have been so depressed lately. I need to stop wishing things were better and act. I’ve been a hermit and I miss you. Know that you are in my prayers. Hope we can hang out soon.
<3,
Les
P.S. Oh my goodness! I can't believe how big Noah is. I want to chew on him too.