Thankful 30-#27-#30

2009 has been an interesting year for our family.

I would have never guessed last January that I would be typing this from a new home, in a new state, and with a new job. It's definitely not been the ideal situation for us, but we have been very blessed through our trials.

• Our cars continue to function, despite the fact that we surpassed 200,000 miles on both odometers during the drives back and forth from AZ to UT this past summer.
• We received an extension on our short sale today after many fruitless hours on the phone with the banks. It is a modern day miracle.
• Although we never received a single unemployment check (thank you government-run programs. And people think nationalized healthcare is a good idea?!?), we still made ends meet thanks to Etsy and counsel to prepare.
  
• Speaking of the counsel to prepare....we actually followed it, not thinking that we would ever have a need for food storage or emergency funds. But because of it, for the months that Zak was unemployed, we ate almost solely from food we already had in the house, which meant that the money normally spent on groceries was saved for important things like electric and water bills. The week that we moved, we finished off the last whole chicken from our freezer. I'm not sure how it lasted that long because we weren't consciously collecting food for three months, but it has since reminded me of the story in 1 Kings 17 when the prophet Elijah visits Zarephath and asks a widow woman to prepare a meal for him. When she states that she is collecting sticks to cook her last meal, he promises that if she feeds him first,
  The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth (v.14)
  Likewise, we followed the prophet and were blessed beyond understanding for our faith.

I want you to know that no matter what this blog may portray, by no means is our life perfect. Some days it is hard to count my blessings. We struggle. The adjustment to this move has been extremely difficult. I am often lonely, Jakson misses his friends, we miss the familiarity of Phoenix, our congregation, and so much more. But we are very grateful that Zak has employment in this economy and recognize that we have been very blessed in many, many ways. And it is so much easier to be grateful when we take the time to count our many blessings-even on bad days.

Now that your Christmas decorations are up....

How many weeks ago was Halloween?

So, I'm a little late getting pictures posted.
Maybe I just wanted to mix things up a bit.
Three weeks ago everyone was sick of seeing Trick or Treat posts
but with the lull in between, you're ready for some more.
I postponed out of kindness.
Yeah. That's it.

The Vermillions went for cutesy matching family costumes this year.
We were supposed to be characters from "Little Red Riding Hood."
Grandmother, woodsman, wolf, and Little Red.

Unfortunately, only two of us pulled it together.
One of them was not me.(Zak has really cool fur wolf legs that I made, but no pictures! Ugh.)

Max made a cameo appearance in the wrong story.And Red Riding Hood was extremely surprised that the bread in her basket for
Grandmother had been replaced with Whoppers!
Unfortunately, Max and Little Red weren't big fans of trick or treating.
I documented in photographs the ONE door that they knocked on.
What kid doesn't like free candy?
Apparently, not mine.
Darn.
That's the only way mom and dad get candy.
We did discover Storey's favorite treat.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.
Good choice.
We indulged her.
It's healthy with all that peanut butter, right?
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Thankful 30-#24, #25, #26

Jakson's Preschool Teacher

Miss Michelle is a saint. Jak screamed for the entire 2 1/2 hours he spent at preschool the first four or five times. Once that ended, he started hitting kids, and when that stage was over, he went to the current one- falling apart every time I drop him off.
Through it all, Miss Michelle has rolled with the punches. When he screamed, she created a "crying room" just for him. When he hit, she punished appropriately. Now she meets us at the entrance and finds a way to distract him in order to curtail the drama. And she still seems to like him!!
What a blessing.

Having Family Close

We spent today with family. Lots of family. It was wonderful. Not to mention the fantastic food that was served. I love that my kids are getting to know their aunts and uncles. (And I love not making Thanksgiving dinner).

Good booksI am currently reading The Second Mrs.Giaconda, by E. L. Konigsburg. What an entertaining escape and a great stress reliever. I would love to be able to take a vacation, but sitting down with a good book is the second best thing.

Thankful 30-#23

Trips to look forward to

We're traveling down to the Valley of the Sun for New Year's.
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am.
We're going to stay up late and party like it's 1999.
Because in 1999 we were a lot younger and less tired.Break out the Martinelli's!!
Did I mention that I'm excited?

Thankful 30-#20, 21, 22

Free turkeys

On Friday, Zak got an email stating that all employees should be in the parking lot at 3PM to pick up their turkeys. As a result, he surprised me that afternoon with a 16 pound turkey.
How romantic. Flowers are so overrated.

I just hope this doesn't count as his Christmas bonus.

USPS Carrier Pickup

If you own a shop or ship packages a lot and don't use carrier pickup, you are missing out.
It has been a life-saver for me.
And a sanity-saver.
No waiting in line or chasing obnoxious, bored kids around the post office.
I just pay online, print shipping labels, and leave the packages at my front door.
VOILA!
Heaven.

A fixed sewing machine

It was nice to be thankful for a broken sewing machine,
but I am much more grateful for a working one.

Speaking of which, I am teaching a (FREE!) sewing class this week!
We'll be making ruffled scarves (or scarflettes) from old t-shirts!

There are lots of tutorials for scarves online, but this one is different. And so much easier!

Even if you are a sewing virgin, you can do this project!!
No need to own a machine, there will be plenty to share.

Tuesday, November 22nd-7PM
My house (Lehi, UT)

If you live in the area and would like to attend, please let me know and I will send you directions.
Email me-bethanycr{at}gmail{dot}com or leave a comment.

And I'll be posting a tutorial later this week in case you can't come or don't live close.

Thankful 30-#19

Broadbent's Quilt Shop

When we lived in Phoenix, I ordered all my designer fabric online, but now I can just take a 5 minute drive up to Broadbent's in Lehi.

I am in heaven.

If you live in Utah or are coming for vacation, don't miss an opportunity to visit!

Broadbent's
128 N 100 E
Lehi, UT 84043

Thankful 30-#18

A broken sewing machine

Crazy, I know! Why would I be thankful for such an awful happenstance during one the busiest time of year? This week I needed to finish a pattern for testing, 7 banners, AND a quilt.

But you are supposed to find blessings in your trials, right? So I am grateful because now I am forced to clean my hitbyatornado house. And I am sorting through my fabric scraps and listing bundles in the shop, something I've been meaning to do for a long time, but I'm always sewing!

Maybe my sewing machine should need mending more often....

Thankful 30-#17

Family Scripture Study

I should really say "couple scripture study" because our actual "family scripture study" is usually a bust and lasts about 5 minutes. Not sure anyone is getting anything out of it. Wrestling children down to tell them a story about Jesus isn't exactly my idea of a good time. Maybe it's just MY kids that aren't cooperative-your kids are probably angelic.

Don't tell me if they are. I'd rather live in ignorant bliss.
Our couple scripture study is one of my favorite times of the day. A close second to the kids' bedtime.

We started the habit soon after we got married and though we're not perfect in most other areas, we hardly ever miss a night. It is wonderful to read scripture passages or General Conference talks together. It often leads into a discussion about parenting, our future goals, what we can do better as spouses, and sometimes even deep spiritual insights. I love having these conversations with Zak, especially after a long day of temper tantrums, chasing kids, and general busyness.

A couple of nights ago, we read this address given about fathers and sons. It is a short talk and applies to all families who want to raise righteous sons (or daughters). Because of it, Zak and I made some new parenting goals. Read and discuss it with your spouse-who knows it may be the beginning of a new habit!

Thankful 30-#16

A good real estate agent

I miss you house....

Today I spent 4 hours on the phone with our banks trying to get answers about our home with NO results.

I was transferred about 20 times, no one knew the answers to my questions, and I spent at least an hour listening to elevator music.

It is official. I hate elevator music.

Thankfully, I have only had to deal with the banks a handful of times since moving because of Marci, our real estate agent/liaison.
She has spent what must be the equivalent of DAYS listening to dreadful music, being transferred to minimum wage workers who don't know and don't care, and suppressing the urge to kick people in the shins.

After the mess I dealt with today, I am feeling a lot more grateful for the countless hours of frustrating work that she has done for us.
If I had lots of money, I'd send her a big, fat tip.
But if I had lots of money, we wouldn't be worrying about this whole debacle.

Maybe I'll mail cookies instead.

**If you haven't been reading for long and want to know why we up and left a perfectly good home, browse these posts.

Thankful 30-#15

I'm a day behind, but determined to catch up...

A fireplace

It's ridiculously cold here.
And so far I've resisted the nagging feeling that I should invest in a Snuggie.She looks so happy and warm.

My desire for the Snuggie so far has been curbed by the fact that we have a fireplace instead.
This year, I'll be able to sing "Chestnuts roasting by an open fire" and really mean it.
Although I'm pretty sure the one time investment in an oversized, wearable blanket would be much cheaper than the cost of the gas fueling the fire.

Thankful 30-#14

New friends

We've finally made a couple of new friends!!
It's sad how exciting that is.
Friends make living here so much more bearable.
They even like us enough that they stayed until 2AM playing Clue.
Good times, good times.

Vermillion Rite of Passage

Jakson-1 year

I can't remember when it was that I first learned of the Vermillion climbing gene.

I've heard the stories of Zak shimmying up to the roof at 2.5 and Grandpa climbing out the window to stand on the roof at 2 so many times that it seems I've always known them.

Jakson didn't escape the gene.
I knew it when he jumped out of his crib at 18 months.
Or was it when he scaled the pantry shelves to reach the Cheese-Its at 16 months?
Or was it when he learned to climb the stairs at 7 months?

Just in case I wasn't absolutely positive though, my suspisions were solidified yesterday.
We found Jakson on the roof.
A high, two story roof.
Nonchalantely throwing little rocks off the edge.

Zak had been hanging Christmas lights and came in for a drink.
So Jakson helped himself to the ladder.
Don't mind if I do.
Zak heard the pitter patter and realized it was much to early for Rudolph.
He was not happy.
I just laughed.
Not very effective when one parent is disciplining
and the other is convulsing with laughter.

One more story to add to generations of roof stories.
This day will go down in history.
I can't wait to tell his wife.

So there you have it.
In case there was any doubt regarding Jakson's paternal descent.

Thankful 30-#13

Etsy
I am not thankful for Etsy just because it's been a great way to supplement our income, but because I've been given so many opportunities by having a shop. The community on Etsy is extremely supportive and I've loved getting to know other sellers.

Earlier this year I was contacted about creating a quilt for an auction sponsored by a non-profit organizaton that donates money to children in Ethiopia. I felt honored to be included and happy when the quilt was able to raise money for them. I've also had the opportunity to make memory quilts for families who have lost loved ones. It is humbling to know that I am a part of creating keepsakes that will be treasured.

Today I was contacted by Storey Publishing about my fabric banners. I now have an order for banners that will be used to advertise the new sewing book 101 One Yard Wonders in independent bookstores!! The book looks fantastic and I'm excited to be a (very) small part of such a great project!I know I've said this before, but if you've ever considered starting up a shop of your own, do it. Even if you don't sell much at first , you can trade with other sellers, bid on Alchemy requests, and get to know the Etsy community. I'm always happy to answer questions about selling or help you set up shop!

Thankful 30-#12

Online Christmas shopping

Makes life SO much easier. Buy in my pajamas, shows up at my front door. How did our parents finish Christmas shopping without Amazon?

This book was delivered today. Jakson is slightly obsessed with letters. He creates them with sticks, blocks, pencils and is forever insisting that I follow suit. So when I stumbled across How to Build an A, I knew I had found IT. Perfection under the tree.

Images courtesy of Design Sponge.

Thankful 30-#11

Saver's Half Off Days

In Phoenix every other Saturday was half off day at Goodwill, but here in UT the half off days are few and far between. Which means, when they happen I have to stock up. Jakson is going through a growth spurt and has grown out of all of his pants in the past week (maybe somewhat of an exaggeration, but it was quick!!) and lately Storey looks like she's worried about potential flooding. So yesterday (Veteran's Day=50% Day), off to Saver's I went.

$32 later, I had 10 shirts/sweaters and 17 pairs of pants for the kids in various sizes (some to grow into). No stains, no rips, all in great condition.

How 'bout them apples?

Thankful 30-#10

The Office Re-runs

Ten PM, how I love thee.

Every night you bring me joy.
And antics from Michael, looks from Jim, songs from Andy, ridiculousness from Dwight.
Or should I say Dwigt?
Either way, I laugh.
After a long day, that's exactly what I need.

Thankful 30-#9

My mom

My mom and Storey feeding the goats at Farm Country (Thanksgiving Point).

My mom left today to go home. We will miss her dearly. Wouldn't it be nice to live close?

Jakson heard the garage door open tonight when Zak was coming back from running errands and yelled, "Grandma!!!" He rushed downstairs and was disappointed to find it was just Daddy. Apparently, Zak and I have moved down the ladder of "favorites" quite a few rungs. We just don't do things the way Grandmas do.

Grandma cuddled, read, watched trucks dig outside, pushed swings, grocery shopped (with Jakson and thought it was fun!), fed, changed diapers (no one gets out of that chore in our house), and loved---the way only a Grandma can.

Mom, don't be a stranger. Come back soon.

Thankful 30-#8

Sunday

Day of rest. Day of worship.

The one day a week that we put aside yard work, shop business, and all other outside activities to worship and spend time with family.

I look forward to it all week.

The only problem with Sunday is that it's followed by Monday.

Favorites on Friday

Yes, it's Saturday, but it's my blog so you'll just have to get over it.

We got our family pictures back from Kelly this week. I walked away from the shoot thinking, "I hope she got at least one decent picture." At the very best, the kids would have been called uncooperative. Amazingly though, she got some fantastic photos. The colors! The smiles! Kelly has skillz.

My favorite five:



More family pictures here.

Thankful 30-#7

Zak's job

I have never been so thankful for employment. I think it's like good health. You don't realize how wonderful it is until you don't have it anymore. Every day we thank God for his job. I hope that we never take a steady paycheck for granted again.

Unsolicited advice: Please sit down with your loved ones and hash out an "unemployment plan of action." Zak and I discussed our plan over dinner one night, never thinking that we would have to use it.

Three weeks later, he was laid off.

I will be forever grateful that we had talked about the "what ifs" before they happened. It was so much easier to stay calm, have faith, and move forward.

Thankful 30-#6

New bras-
Sorry folks, no pictures with this one. Disappointing, I know.

I like to think that I'm an independent, somewhat forward thinking woman, but I fully support the wearing of a bra. And I was desperately in need of a new one (or two), but just couldn't justify such a costly purchase given our current situation. Thankfully, my mom came to the rescue and I am now the proud owner of two shiny, new aforementioned necessities.

That's why we have moms right? To buy our training bras at 11 and our not-so training bras at 29. Karma will kick in when Storey is older I'm sure.

Thankful 30-#5

Jakson
The kid drives me crazy sometimes, he really does.

Like this morning when we went in for his quarterly hearing test and he completely refused to cooperate with the audiologist in any way. Covered his ears, blatantly ignored everything he was told to do, shrieked when the guy asked a question.

That's some great stuff.

But when he sits down next to me on the couch, hugs me, and says, "Mom, I love you", even if he then also confesses his undying love to the balloon floating by, it still makes it worth the poop walls, tantrums, and stubbornness ( of course all inherited from Zak's side).

Being a mother to Jakson is hard, but I wouldn't trade it (or him...most days) for anything.

Thankful 30-#4

Prayer

Today, Jakson's little friend Carter is having open heart surgery.Carter and Jakson looking guilty.

Can you imagine trying to explain that to a three year old?
Can you imagine sitting in a waiting room while that same three year old's heart is stopped and surgeons work on his tiny chest?

I don't know what my good friend Melissa is feeling today.
I can certainly imagine her fears, cry with her, send words of encouragement and comfort, but I am so incredibly grateful that there is One who KNOWS.
Christ has felt her pain, knows her worry, understands her tears--He has experienced it all.

So today we pray for Carter and his family.

For a steady hand as the surgery proceeds.
A speedy recovery for an active little boy.
And peace and comfort from the One who knows exactly how she feels.
He has suffered all things.

What a blessing prayer is.
Did you think to pray this morning?

Thankful 30-#3

A clean house---

This happens so rarely that it's hard to remember what it is like, but my mom came into town today, so we frantically cleaned.

You know you do it too. We all want to give the impression that we don't live in filth.

It just feels so good to sit down on the couch, look around, and not have the nagging feeling that I should get up to throw the dirty diapers living on the floor into the garbage.

The Blame Game--Number one reason my house is not clean on a regular basis.

Get ready for Christmas-GIVEAWAY

Head on over to A Little Etsy Love because I'm giving away a Christmas banner (you choose fabrics)!!

Can you tell I'm excited to decorate?!?

Be sure to check out my new Destash/Sale section.
Just listed and HUGE discounts!!

And as always, thanks so much for supporting the shop.
I'm almost to 500 sales!
Thank you.

Thankful 30

I wanted to do a I am thankful post everyday last November, but it didn't occur to me until about the 20th of the month and by then I didn't want to go back and post that many blogs in past tense.

2009 is take 2. And I'm already a day late.

By the way, these are in no particular order of importance.

#1-ZakI realize that sounds cheesy, because it is, but it is also a fact. And it's a fact as well that I probably don't express my appreciation as often as I should.

Saturday night I was talking to a friend about trying to get everything done and mentioned that if it wasn't for Zak, I'd never get all of my orders out. She was very surprised that he helps with all the cutting and sewing. She also runs a shop and apparently never gets help from her husband. I can't imagine how I would do it.

He's a wonderful Love, September employee, husband, and father. Even now, he is upstairs giving the kids a bath so that I can wash the dishes in silence. Never thought I'd like that task, but it's quiet.

#2-Good friends. This one has really become apparent to me since we moved to UT where I don't exactly have friends. And I've tried. Believe me. I have even tried to bribe my way into friendship by offering sewing classes, but it hasn't worked so far.

I really miss having a friend that doesn't care if just show up at her house unannounced. Of course I then receive an invitation to stay for dinner. And accept.

Once my friend Holly came and sat by me in the middle of the night when I had to take Storey to urgent care--just for moral support.

I miss that.