UNEMPLOYMENT

Over the past several months, Bryce and I have been able to reflect on our lives and determine what matters most to us. Back in May of this year, Bryce graduated with his Master's Degree in Hospital Administration. We were both very excited and thrilled that our "poor student/college days" had come to end. We were both anticipating the new working world and finally being able to make some money (paid holidays....uh hello....sign me up) and not pay it out continuously for tuition. If we had known the events that would have transpired after graduation, Bryce and I would have been shocked and speechless, to say the least. Back in January of this year, Bryce had been applying for jobs/fellowships to have lined up for after he graduated school. We believed he would land a good starting job and transition smoothly from school into career. At this time, the economy wasn't doing so well and there was always talk of a recession. Anyone who had money invested in the stock market typically wasn't doing so well with their investments. Bryce and I use to joke that was one nice thing about having no money--we had NONE to invest, so that was one positive about being students and therefore, the recession did not have an effect on us. For the first several months, we sat there laughing, yet grateful that being poor actually had worked to our advantage and we were glad we hadn't felt the effects of a lagging economy on our pocketbooks. I guess we spoke to soon.

After applying to numerous jobs (and I mean numerous...about 30 each month since January), Bryce had some interviews but nobody was really hiring. In fact, most companies were doing the opposite and either firing or laying people off. Things that were starting to come his way were soon canceled or changed because of the poor economy. We kept telling ourselves that we were sure we'd know something official by March. March, April, and May came and went with no success. We told ourselves that surely we would know something by August. June flew by and during the month of July, Bryce was finally going to be offered an outstanding position at a company--but that, too, ended up falling through the cracks.

As you all know, we are now approaching the end of August and we are still facing unemployment. It has been quite a test and trial of our faith and a very difficult last 5 months. We've had a lot of up's and down's, but along the way, we have been forced to try and see the positive in every situation. We try and still count our blessings that we have food to eat and a roof over our heads. We have learned to scrimp and save more (if that were even possible after being a poor student!) and to trust in the Lord. We have learned many lessons throughout these past months, but one of the biggest ones, was to not judge people or their situations. We all have our battles we must face and most of us are all doing what we can to make things better.

As of right now, we have some potentially good leads with jobs. Bryce has continued applying everywhere (we've also been applying to lots of places out of state), that we have even consented to move to Wyoming if we had too. Hopefully, something will come about from his hard effort and networking. We have been open to anything and our grateful for those who have helped us along the way. We continue to pray that here, soon, we will receive a job offer.

PICTURES

Now that I've been a mother of 2 for over 3 months, I would like to share some pictures I have taken along the way. Things have become more settled with our schedules and we are starting to have some order back to our household (which I love order & routine)! I have taken so many pictures, that I call myself the official paparazzi of 2 adorable kids. They have had the camera in their face so many times, that I'm sure they think they're famous. They endure the flashing lights well--but as any mother can attest to--our little ducklings are just too cute to pass up on capturing those special occasions. I always have the camera ready so I don't miss a moment or milestone in their life.

Kaeden & Karson matching for the 4th of July

Karson at the Memorial in OKC

Kaeden in his bear pajamas

Karson--a boy after his mother's own heart

Kaeden--like I said, this boy came out holding his head up

TRIBUTE TO MY BOYS

Last Friday, June 12th, the family celebrated Karson's 3rd birthday. I know I say it a lot, but I can't believe how much Karson has grown. We were able to go to the Firefighter Museum and see the tribute to the past firefighters (unfortunately, I wasn't able to enjoy it much because my time was spent breastfeeding Kaeden and then entertaining him so he wouldn't disturb the reverence of the museum). Karson loved seeing all the firetrucks and almost destroying one of their props. We then went to his favorite restaurant, McDonald's, to eat his favorite meal--chicken nuggest & french fries. I love that kids' food palates are so simple--it's nice knowing I don't have to be a gourmet cook! We then did presents and cupcakes. I thought this year Karson would definitely like the idea of a 'cake' to enjoy on his birthday, but he took a few bites of his cupcake and then said, "I'm done." My son has never been a big chocolate/dessert child, so I am a lucky mom. And I personally don't think the cupcakes were horrible, because I ate about 10 myself (and no, not all in one sitting). Overall, I think he had a good birthday and he sure loved his new presents (thanks grandmas and grandpas)! These past 3 years have been wonderful to share with a special boy. He's a great helper and I love him very much! Here are a few of my favorite things about Karson:
#1. "Mama, choo choo coming..."
#2. All his trains and cars have to be lined up perfectly
#3. We must always kiss goodbye and say "I love you"
#4. He reminds us to say the prayer over our food at home & in restaurants
#5. When Karson wants to be held, he says, "Mama...hold you me"
#6. When Karson heard me mumble 'stupid' under my breath he said, "Mommy, that a bad word." "Should I go sit in timeout?" I asked. "Yes," he replied with a big grin.

Now, I can't leave out my other precious boy--Kaeden. Even though he's only 7 weeks old, I have fallen in love with many things about him. I don't know what it is about babies, but they are so dang cute and loveable! I'm so glad that the Lord blessed me with another son and I can't wait until Karson and him can play together. Here are a few of my favorite things about Kaeden:
#1. If I just look at him, he smiles so big it melts my heart
#2. He coo's so much and loves to babble a lot (I've caught him trying to talk to his toys)
#3. Tries to eat the wind
#4. Already supports his own head and can roll over
#5. The look on his face when he has just relieved about 30 minutes worth of gas
#6. Knows what he wants and is very determined

Thanks for the happiness you bring to my life. I love you boys!!!

SLEEP

As many of you know, at the end of April, I delivered a healthy little boy. He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 21 inches long. I had decided to be induced because I had been extremely sick and the doctors were afraid that he might get too big (if I went full term). Labor and delivery were much better this time around--lasting approximately 7 hours. I can't complain!

Of course, the hard part now has been managing the children with lack of sleep. Kaeden is an OK sleeper at night, but during the day I've noticed that he refuses to take naps. Therefore, not making for a happy mom or baby! Thankfully, swaddling and rocking seem to help him, but he will only nap for periods of 40 minutes or so. I guess this is normal for a newborn, but it sure is hard to function on lack of sleep. I am a person who needs 8 + hours a night and a nap also. Let's just say I'm a bear. Plus, it doesn't help that Kaeden has been having major gas problems, which seem to be interfering with him eating and sleeping well. I hope by 3 months we can have eliminated most of these problems, but we will see (which I am counting down--only 5 more weeks to go). Any ideas? Any information would be helpful. Mylicon drops didn't help....gripe water seems to help ease the pain for sometime. I don't know how it is, but I always get the stubborn babies!

STILL ALIVE???

Wow! I can't believe how fast time flies since I have last written. Yes, the Martinson Family is still alive. We have been trying to endure the winter months and keep up with the demands of life. Bryce has been busy applying to fellowships & jobs for when he graduates this May. To make matters more complicated, my due date is the same day he starts finals. I'm sure everything will work out, but we are stressed with the fact of having a new baby, Bryce starting a new job, and the possibility of moving & selling our home all in the same month! We are unsure if we will be officially moving...it just depends on where Bryce can find a job. With the economy the way it is right now, lots of companies aren't wanting to hire anyone.

Karson is getting big and saying lots of words (sometimes, too many words). We love to see how he is growing and learning. We found out on Christmas Day that we are expecting another boy. We are very excited! Karson does realize there is a baby in my tummy, but doesn't quite grasp the concept of being a big brother yet (I'm sure it will take some time). I have been busy working 25 to 30 hours a week at work. I can not wait until I can quit in May to finally stay home with the children. It will be nice not to have to deal with the stress and demands of work anymore.

We had the opportunity to visit my family for a week in Las Vegas for Christmas. It sure was nice to get away and spend some relaxing time with family. Karson misses his aunts and uncles dearly. Thankfully, we will be seeing the Texas Martinson family soon...so Karson can play with his other uncles (yes, the Martinson's are dominated by mostly all males).

As for now, I'm just praying that the weather continues to get warmer. I'm sick of having to stay in-doors and I'm tired of bundling up just to go outside for a few minutes. I am a summer heat girl at heart & I miss my Las Vegas weather! I am counting down the days when we can jump in a pool again.