Job

Dave has been looking for a new job for the last few months. We knew he needed to stay at R&L at least until we bought our home. After we got into the home, he started looking for something a little more stable. As many of you know, at R&L, Dave is payed strictly on commission. It has been rough the last couple of years trying to make it through the slow season and especially the winter months. Dave has finally found a job that will be steady and offer him the opportunity to be paid for the work he puts into the job. He will be a salesman for Pre-Cast Concrete Products. He will be selling the cement barriers and pretty stone walls that you see along the freeway. Our next door neighbor, Jeremy, works for Pre-Cast and he got Dave the interview. The process has been a long road and we have had many nights wondering if he was really going to get the job. He interviewed over a month ago and we thought that he just didn't get the job. Needless to say, money has been tight, but things are turning around and we truly feel blessed to be taken care of in the financial crisis our economy is facing.

I received an email from my dad, and it was a copy of President Packer's testimony on fast Sunday this month. I am just going to list a couple of the things he said that got me thinking a little deeper.
-"In the Great Depression, people were frightened and growing more so. They began to be very resourceful. They had to be. Looking forward, we're all going to learn that lesson, one way or another."
-"The Church is in excellent condition. You don't need to worry about that. But as individuals we will face difficulty."
-"Learn to apply the old Pioneer adage-'Eat (use) it up. Wear it out. Make do, or do without." We're going to have to learn to do without. Even if we have the resources, we need to do more to be thrifty. Others will rely on us. The Church will rely on us. It is our responsibility and duty to be caring for ourselves, our family, and those around us. Be watching for need. Set something by that we can be of help to others when the time comes. Trust in the counsel of our wise elder/older people."
-"It's about time the Lord taught us a lesson. A great catastrophe is coming. Now I probably shouldn't say that because then it will happen. But it is going to happen. That's what it will take to turn our hearts to the Lord. And we will learn from it."

-"Take care of what we've got. Begin to save. The rainy day is coming. Reset our expectations. Give up selfishness. Wickedness is all around us. In today's world, it's not safe for children to be outside alone. We need to be ever watchful. We need to protect ourselves from the wickedness, avarice, and greed in the world."
-"Read the scriptures and the revelations. The guidance and counsel are there. Read with new eyes, and the scripture, the Book of Mormon, will take on new meaning."
-"Pay your tithing. The promise is there-pay your tithing and you'll be watched over. you'll be alright. None of us are exempt from trials. if hard times come upon you and your income dwindles, remember that tithing is equitable for everyone: 10%..If you have nothing, then it's 10% of practically nothing. pay your tithing, do what you're suppose to do. You'll be comforted."
-"Sure trial will come. Because of them, faith will increase. Happiness will increase. Security will increase. You'll be glad to be alive at this time. It's a good time to be living. To be raising children."

Well, I listed more than a couple things, but I thought I would share this with everyone so that they can be aware of what is coming upon us. Hold close to family because they are the most important miracle you will ever have. No matter what trials come, they will be there to carry you and hold you through your trials. Also, rely on the Lord. Ask in faith knowing that you will receive your righteous desires, and you will!

Warning--this is a long post!

My attempt at making a birthday cake for Gage. That is a 4 with balloons around it--I know it is really pathetic, but he thought it was awesome. he especially loved the cool twisty candles.
Make a wish!
He just ripped the presents open and threw them on the table--very appreciative!
We finally painted Gage's room. he said he wanted red and blue in his room, so this is what we decided to do. I have actually changed the arrangement of the rom since this picture, but you can see how cute it turned out. Dave did most of the painting and he did a great job with the lines. That is what took most of the work. We still have some touch ups around the edges, but it is pretty much done and we are taking a break from painting for a while.

Cameron (next door neighbor and Gage's best friend), Gager, and Cooper (cousin and best buddy--not to be confused with best friend). We were on our way to Chuckee Cheese for Gage's birthday!


Gage was able to have a sleepover for his birthday too. Cameron ended up missing his mom and going home, but he was over at 7am the next day.
Gage's family party at my parents house. Gage is outside with Tristan and Hayden, his cousins.

Sleepy Boy
Happy, messy boy
This is where Gage sits and eats his snacks so that he can still see the t.v. Bostyn is Gage's shadow.
We had Drew, Tara, and Addison over a couple weeks ago for dinner. Dave is giving Boss his bottle and cuddling with Addie.
I love this little girl

I know most people are not checking my blog anymore, but that's okay. Life has been crazy in the Butler home. It has definitely been a change having me at school everyday and the kids at daycare. I think everyone has adjusted really well and we are all doing great.

I just spent the last 20 minutes looking for the UBS drive (I think that's what it's called?) and it was tangled in my chair! So I guess I will be able to post some pictures of what has happened recently instead of just talking about it.

This past weekend, we went down to my parent's home in Mesquite. It was a nice break to get away from daily life! On Friday, Dave and Gage went golfing. Gage accidently pushed the gas to one of the carts and almost smashed Dave between the two carts. For some reason Dave moved without even knowing what he was moving for. Thank goodness he didn't get hurt. Dave claims he is giving up golf, or else never taking Gage golfing again. I think neither statement are true, but needless to say, Dave was a little frustrated taking Gage golfing. On Saturday, I played in a an outdoor volleyball tournament with my brother, Drew. I thought we were playing in a co-ed league, but I found out that we were in the Men's Novice division. I was a little bit nervous thinking about playing against only guys, but there were a couple other women playing and actually 2 sons playing with their dads. So, it wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be. We played 5 pool games, with a record of 6-2 and then we advanced to tournament play, won the semi-final match and then lost in the championship game. I have to say that I was proud of myself for not dying on the court:) It was really hot and a very long day. By the time we were playing the championship game, I think Drew and I were both dead tired. Today I can barely walk and I moan every time I have to shift and change positions. I don't remember the last time I was this sore. I think it had to be conditioning my 1st year of soccer down at SUU--that's really how sore I am, and day 2 is always worse with soreness. Tomorrow will be an intersting day at work!