We have a flush toilet!

Okay. We've always had a flush toilet. But, now we have one downstairs! Kerry built a bathroom in the basement. It comes complete with bathtub, sink, toilet, and even a mirror and lights! We have lived in our house for the last 8+ years, but have never finished the basement (with the exception of two bedrooms necessary for our fairly large family). It's soooo exciting! It took him (and Jeff, who was quite the trooper) several weeks, and numerous trips to the local hardware store, but it's done! AND, the most exciting part, is that it's painted tan! Yes, that's right! It's an actual color! (for those of you who are unaware, Kerry has told me numerous times that I may paint the house any shade of white that I'd like) Here's the real shocker....he likes it! LOL I've always wondered what it would be like to have a visitor to our home use the bathroom without one of us running into the bathroom before them to make sure that it's presentable (I will never understand how a boy can write his name in the snow, but he can't hit a toilet bowl....). Now we will have a bathroom that is always clean! This does however bring to mind that I will have to clean yet another room. Not so sure I'm fond of that. Maybe I will make enough money after graduation to pay someone else to do it for me! :D

An interesting month...

December was quite the interesting month in our home. I have known my hubby for 27 years, and in that time he has never been without a job. That came to an abrupt end on December 3rd. Construction isn't what it once was, or even was a few months ago. Everything has come to a standstill in Idaho, as in the rest of the nation. As a result, his company decided to do a little "down-sizing". We all thought his job was fairly secure. He began working Eastern Idaho about 31/2 years ago. He was a lone salesman. Since then, they decided to open a warehouse to better service their customers. Then, a year ago, he split his route. So, where there was once a lone salesman, now there were two salesman, a man to run the warehouse, and a truck driver. Unfortunately, Kerry is the one that made the most money. That seems to be the driving influence in letting him go. "Merry Christmas. You're fired". It happened the morning of my last final for the semester. He was my hero, and didn't tell me until I got home from school, so as not to upset my last test! :D Two long weeks of pounding the pavement, he aquired new employment. He will now be selling lumber instead of hardware. Still construction. Still uncertain. But, still a job! :D He began his new training today. In Salt Lake City, so I don't know how he's doing...but I'm sure he's doing wonderfully!

We had to learn little humility this month. Something that neither of us is very good at. You see, we are the ones that try to help others when things aren't going so well for them. We found ourselves on the receiving end of help, and we didn't like it very much. My sweet Nana and Mother saw to it that my tuition and books for this semester are paid...after making me promise that this wouldn't make me quit school. We received an anonymous few bags of groceries. In those bags of groceries was a fat envelope that contained enough to buy some more groceries, and finish up that last little bit of Christmas shopping that was needing to be done. I have a dear friend who is involved with elections. When an election for a school bond issue came up, she made sure to call me for help...paid help, don't ya' know. Kerry's mother offered time and time again to help us out until we can get back on our feet. A neighbor called to tell me of a job in the CNA field, and assured me that they would work around my school schedule. And, numerous prayers have been offered in our behalf. It is amazing to me that so very many people care about our little family, and our welfare. It is also humbling to accept their kindness and support.