Tough Times

Several days ago, my husband got word that he may be laid off soon. This is no shock for us. He has been a union pipefitter for years now and lay offs are part of the deal.  Feast or Famine, as the saying goes. We knew this going in, and still signed on for it. 

So when we got the news the other day, I immediately went into hunker down mode: Stop all unnecessary spending, Clip extra coupons, Try not to PANIC.  I started saying a prayer that his job would be spared. And then I had to stop.

It felt wrong to pray for us.  We have healthy, wonderful children. We have one another.  I had recently seen the “tent cities” on the news. These are people, who have lost their homes and have no where else to go.  They are living in tents. These are the people I need to pray for.  For the people who are homeless, hungry, sick. 

And through the nature of my job, I am in constant contact with low income families. So I am reminded regularly just how blessed we really are. I pray these tough times pass soon, for everyone.

So grown up…

Last week L turned 5.  And although I wanted to cry at the thought, she was elated! Her excitement was contagious and I was thrilled for her.  She woke up and immediately asked if she had grown overnight and  how big was she now that she was 5.  She expected to be able to reach things she previously could not- previously as in the day before. 

She really had a birthday weekend celebration. On Friday she had her school party and we went to Shogun(her all time fave restaurant). Its a habachi place and they make a big deal out of birthdays.  She loves the food too.  Kaylin was still sick but did enjoy the “show”. 

On Saturday she had her birthday party with her friends. Originally we were going to have the party here at home…we decided to save money and figured we didn’t need to go all out on an expensive party to have fun. But after weeks of someone being sick here, I was burnt out…I knew I couldn’t pull off a fun party in a de-germed home. So last minute, we moved it to where Leah takes her gymnastics class. She had a BLAST. I really think everyone did!   Well, K was still sick and was having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic she was taking for strep throat. (Note- this was her second antibiotic as she also had an allergic reaction to the first one! She is now on her THIRD).

To finish off the weekend of Leah, my family came over for a breakfast feast. My mom made omelets for everyone, we had bacon, pork roll, pancakes, bagels, and hash browns. We really had a great time. Leah loved it.

Thanks to everyone for helping to make Leah’s 5th birthday soo special!

Here are some pics from her party…