"A Warm Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Type Day"

My little taste testers.

Exactly 3 months ago Bradfo lost his job. It has been a humbling, soul crushing, precious trial that I am happy to report is now over. I am proud that he remained hopeful throughout it all (when I was mostly breaking down and freaking out), that he logged in a lot of long hours in the search, he attended career workshops, resume clinics, met with someone to help nail the interview, made a lot of great contacts with recruiters and basically learned a lot about himself.

For the first time in nearly seven years he will be leaving the house to go to work (He's been downstairs in the basement). I will pack his lunch (most likely leftovers from the night before), kiss him goodbye, and drop him off (we are still a 1 car family). It will be an adjustment for all of us. He will need to get dressed (sorry buddy, I don't think PJ bottoms and garment tops are part of the dress code bummer dude). I will no longer be able to run quick errands while the kids are asleep and I will miss my "I'm going out to do _________ do you want to come and go get lunch?". He has been able to witness all the important milestones in my children's life, has been an incredible support during my pregnancies, and has put up with all the "interruptions" having him downstairs offered. Remember when Abbbie figured out the intercom system? She would beep you a million times a day with pressing matters such as "Do you like cheese?". You know that same intercom system that Max has cracked and sends little random messages all over the house? awesome.

I am grateful for these last 3 months for all that we've learned. When it all comes down to it--it absolutely is FAMILY first. I've learned that even though my food storage rules, feeding the family 3 meals a day 7 days a week will take a toll on your reserves. I love that I have been stockpiling and hoarding for months so we never really felt the crunch in those terms. I am breathing a big old sigh of relief to have medical benefits again. I hated when Max caught croup and I hesitated taking him to the ER because how would we pay our Mortgage in November? After seeing the American Girls Kit Kittredge movie Abbie became very concerned that we would lose our house and I would need to go sell eggs. (I did not need to go sell any eggs). It has effected our whole family profoundly to say the least.

I am thankful for all the kind thoughts, prayers, and concerned phone calls sent our way. You have no idea what that support meant to us. (especially the phone calls...seriously, thank you.)

Now on to our next adventure!