Steve just bought our second income property here in Omaha. It is a darling little house, 3 bedroom 2 bath, on a quiet little cauldesac. We worked as a family, fixing it up. We removed old carpet and linoleum, cleaned, painted a little, hung new doors. We had a painter come in and paint the whole place, and had new carpet and linoleum installed. It's great to work together as a family. I am so impressed with how hard Steve has worked on this. He has worked long days, going from his current job to working until late at this house. I am so happy with the two houses we have bought. They are both really nice. I wouldn't mind living in them . The best thing is that both have positive cash flow right off the bat! Yay!
Eric is delightful to have around. He is a deep thinker and has a compassionate heart. He just finished up his associates degree at BYUI and is applying to BYU Provo. He has always wanted to go to school there... We will see. He is working a construction/remodeling job right now and earning pretty good money. He also landed an on call job to clear snow for residents and businesses. So far we have barely any snow! Bummer!
Joseph is focused 100% on school at Utah Valley University. He is really enjoying it. He calls me and tells that something has clicked and is loving this semester and doing Well! I am so happy for him. We loved having him home for Christmas break. He continues to be such a kind and thoughtful son, and someone who just knows how to get things done. He has some terrific strengths. His roommate is a returned missionary this semester. Last semester his roommate was a prospective missionary. He has been so fortunate to have great roommates, including the elders' quorum president and just nice people. I am grateful! His calling this semester is Sacrament coordinator. We visited him in the Fall and went to his ward. It was wonderful to see him in action there and see that he a good relationship with his ward and steps us to serve.
Jonathan . Oh Jonny boy. He continues to work through is struggle with depression. He is trying a new medication now-- Zoloft. We have learned to leave him alone to figure it out, as per the bishop's counsel. I am anxious to see him make progress and we do a little here a little there. It has been nice to have him around. He is happy and a good influence most of the time. When he isn't it's not fun.
Michael . Graduated early. Done in Dec. He never really bonded with Elkhorn South High. I think he was doing better than he realized and encouraged him to stick it out and enjoy the friendships he had made. But, he wouldn't. In light of that, graduating early was a good decision. He has signed up for college classes and is getting an early start. He is using his time wisely. He has looked for another job but nothing has panned out yet. He has been dealing with some mysterious health issues lately and we have been going to the Dr a lot. More info on that another time. He is a sweet and faithful and good son. I am grateful for him. He worked hard and got a 26 on his ACT and has applied to BYU BYI Utah State and Utah Valley University. So far, he is accepted at both Utah State and Utah Valley University. We have taken two trips out to both BYU's. It has been a lot of fun to be with and celebrate our senior in highschool. My heart breaks a little as a realize my days are numbered with him.
Jacob Oh Jacob.. my driven, ambitious, highstrung son. On edge all the time, quick to react and very critical of everyone. He has a loose mouth and is generous with insults for all. It is a sore trial for our family each and every day. I suffer over this... everyone does. We can't seem to reach him and help him through any type of discipline. I feel powerless. With that being said, he will have a good day here and there. Or a good few hours. I am trying to get him to be open to counseling and maybe medicine. Oh but it is tough. On the bright side, he is a driven, ambitious son who is always where he needs to be, prepared and ready for anything. He excels in school and extracurricular activities. He has a solo in his show choir this year again. It is fun to watch him. He is an amazing pianist.. self taught and amazing. Sure wish I could find him the right teacher.
Scott ... Scotty boy. Happy Scotty. Tough Scotty. He has formed more friendships. We hope to encourage more. He loves Ethan Haughwaut in the ward and we are so grateful for this friendship! His neighborhood friendships are sort of fizzling out. So, as far as I am concerned we are good to move if we choose to. No regrets. Ofcourse it is winter... people hibernate. It seems. He is having an ok year with a sort of mean teacher, Mr. Ehlers. He is learning to be tough and deal with it anyway. He went sledding last week, flew off his sled, landed on a rock and put a large gash on his bum bum. He came running home, came in the door and I knew something was seriously wrong. I took a look at his cut and saw a 1" long by 1/2" wide gash on his bum and knew right off we would need to get stitches. His Dr told us to go to Children's Emergency because it was a bad one. So off we went Steve came too. Scott was brave .. shaking and pale as a ghost but tough. He stayed home from school for two days and took it easy over the weekend and was back at school on Mon. I love this kind and sensitive boy who helps without being asked, who looks for ways to make things a little easier for me. He taught family night two nights ago, telling the story of all the place Joseph Smith hid the gold plates. He is wonderful I love him.
Me? I am hanging in there. I have some very dark days here and there. I probably need counseling myself. I will talk to the dr about it when I go. I need to reconcile the loss of my hopes and plans and allow them to change and make the new plans awesome and wonderful. I need to look forward to life as it is and be proactive and make my life as good and wonderful as I can. I find it to be crucial that I "stay by the tree" and do nothing to cause the spirit to leave me. The Lord is carrying me more than I realize.. except that I do realize it when the spirit leaves me, suddenly my life is more than I can handle. So, I must read my scriptures, ponder pray keep the commandments, serve others and do all I can to keep the spirit with me each day. Then I can continue the walk forward. So, I will blog again. It is therapuetic. I have always been a journal writer. I find it helpful to be introspective and writing helps me.
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