Things I've learned this summer...but pictures first.

Things I've learned this summer:

1. I can survive without tv...except football. Well, even then. I'm not sure I've watched a game in its entirety this season!

2. People really DO think 80 degrees is cold in October. I have pictures of fleece lined mittens in Walmart to prove it.

3. 80 degrees DOES feel cool compared to 116 degrees. I know this from experience.

4. Black widows the size of quarters DO, in fact, exist.

5. Little boys DO, in fact, like to pretend they are firemen while going to the bathroom. I have not figured out if this is intentional yet.

6. Little girls CAN, in fact, have their big, tough daddies wrapped around their itty bitty fingers. I have pictures as proof.

7. Those same little girls can also throw temper tantrums that will gain a swat from their big, tough daddies!

8. Little boys do weird, disgusting things. I have two words for you: booger wall.

9. All of the endless discipline and guidance eventually manifests itself in one way or another. As Ben and Kaiya were playing at the park the other day, Ben turned to Kaiya and said, "I sure love you, Boo." To which Kaiya replied, "Wuv you too Buddy!" Maybe they'll be friends afterall! :)

10. If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't that good after all.

11. God works in mysterious ways.

12. God's timing is not my timing. Hardly ever.

13. God's timing is not my timing.

14. God's timing is not my timing!

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I'll give you a super-quick update. Feel free to email me with questions. Or call. :)

Jarid will be starting a new job on November 1st. We found out that because of the pay structure with his current job, we wouldn't be able to qualify to buy a house for another 6 months. Es no bueno. So, he will be assuming the role as a store manager at a place called One Stop Nutrition. It's kind of like a GNC. The guy that opened this store is a good friend of Jarid's dad's, also a referee. This guy reffed in Montana, and is just a few years older than Jarid. He just did his first NCAA Division 1 tournament this year. So, he will be a great asset for Jarid going into his first season here. This job will not only enable us to buy a house, but will ensure no scheduling conflicts during basketball season. Please pray that it is a smooth transition and that the Lord will use Jarid as He sees fit. Lots of opportunity.

I started my job in the middle of July, working at a large Credit Union here in the valley. I am very much enjoying the job, and have a lot of opportunity to move up the ladder. I'm not enjoying being away from the kids, but at least they don't have to be in daycare! :) For now, Jarid and I are working opposite ends of the week. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices now so that you won't have to make them in the future, right?

As you can see, Benjamin and Kaiya are growing like weeds. It's hard for me to believe they will be 4 and 2 in December. And that December is only a month and a half away! Benjamin is getting soooooo tall. He towers over the kids in his Sunday School class. By height alone, he should probably be 2-3 classes ahead. Kaiya is huge. Solid. And she is talking more and more everyday.

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've updated. What can I say? Sometimes just surviving life keeps me busy enough! If I could say one thing, it would be that we covet your prayers for the situation with the house. We have put an offer in on one (now, the second one) that we really like. The market is so crazy here, who knows what could happen. So, thanks in advance for your prayers.