Finally a HOME

It has been a while since i have written. Life has been a series of ups and downs and I have not been able to blog much. Not for lack of not wanting too, but sometimes its just best to not write anything until you can get your head together.

As I sit here my family is sitting in their own home watching Big Jake (a John Wayne movie) and enjoying time together. It brings such joy to my heart to finally be somewhere that is ours. Somewhere that nobody can ask us to leave from, it is safe, there is no awkwardness from walking through someones home to our place of residence, there is no mold, no place that is too cold or too hot...i could go on and on. This is ours, just ours.

There is this wonderful guy named Dave who helped us find our home. A few things about Dave: 1. his wife can hit like nobody's business (and she is a little lady) 2 He has 2 of the cutest sweetest little girls in the entire world 3. He can play the piano like nobodies business and the organ (which he plays at an insane volume and makes me smile) 4. Last but not least, apparently he sells houses!

Do you know anyone who needs to buy or sell a house go see this guy!!!

Seriously look at those delicious girls he has!! Tess on the left and Gwen on the right. so so yummy...

Seriously dont be too judgemental i took this photo and it was like 110 degrees out and we dont have a lawn right now but this is the front of our lovely home at 3022 S Indiana Ave Caldwell. I like to say its old but in reality it was built the same year that Shane and I were born. Meant to be ours i suppose. 

Preliminary move in photos we didnt have everything unpacked yet and it was a mess but i was excited to get some photos up. 

So the story on how we got here. A few months ago we looked at a lovely farm with 20 acres and were told at the last minute that we could not move there and the underwriters would not sign off on the loan. We were essentially homeless for a bit. I remembered a friend who said she had some space in her home we could use if we needed too, well we were in need. We ended up at her house with her family for a while about 3-4 months. We paid rent to them as we were using water and electricity and living in their home. It was not an easy time for all involved, their family was having some hardships and we were as well. I am forever grateful for them allowing us to be in their home. We learned quite a bit as a family and became even closer than we were before. 

We found another house and were almost ready to sign but the monthly payment was going to be almost double what we expected to have to pay. It would have really stretched our budget beyond its capacity. We prayed together as a family and as husband and wife and came to the conclusion that it would not be worth it. Shane and I went looking  and boy did we ever look, Sometimes 3-4 hours a night until we looked at the last house, this house. We walked in and looked and it was the house for me. Shane looked for a long while to see if there were any problems he could see off the bat, there were none to be found. We put in all the paperwork and signed on the house a few weeks later. 

On the day of the move the kids and Kip(the coolest guy in the world) came and packed up the entire storage shed. Shane came home and they moved the first load. When they came home some awesome guys Dru Nakaya, Tyson Harlin and Kip Weybright (again) came and loaded everything in a an hour or so. Dru looked beat and went home (I dont blame him, my daughters gave him quite the run for not saying anything, he is a man of few words) Tyson and Kip said lets do this. I had to go to bed that night everything was moved to our new house. I cannot thank those men enough. Dru was even ready for bed when i called and got dressed and came over. Who does that? The other 2 well they stayed up for most of the night helping. I am humbled to know them, i hope someday to repay their kindness. 

Very long story short, humility can happen at any time. Sometimes we are compelled to be humble. Sometimes we need it sometimes we just need to be reminded that we are important and loved by others. During the time we were staying in our friends house were some of the hardest times we have had as a family. We didnt have a kitchen (we didnt not want to impose on those with whom we lived) or a laundry room. Sometimes we are put in the depths of despair, sorrow, frustration, whatever it is and then a light appears in the form of friends. People who love us no matter what we think, what or opinions are, or what our religious beliefs are. 

I have watched my sister for the last year grieve the loss of her sweet daughter before birth. I am amazed at her stamina, strength and concern she has for others. She is loved by so many and I can understand why. When I was in my worst moments over the last few months she called and let me be real and bitch and let me be me. I would like to think I may have done that for her at some points over the last year as well (if not with great humility I apologize and love you so much) She has been my example over the last few months of survival and learning to find joy. Humility comes in wondrous ways, having this house gives me a sense of peace and serenity. I am grateful for all those who are examples to me, and for that example, my sister, who has showed me that love and support is important, and i should except that....

There will be more to come....Laura has had a kitchen.......

perserverance

I have been silent for a while because of  life in general. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all. Choosing to turn the other cheek has always been a motto of ours. Through our marriage we have turned the other cheek sometimes, some people would say, at the detriment of our family. Whenever a decision has had to be made we come together discuss, come to a decision, then pray about it. When we pray about it we then discuss the issue again and come to a decision. We have always been united in our decisions and as the children have gotten older and have some say we take our decisions to them.

All of that being said, the choices we have made as a family will not be made public now, those who know our family know how we operate and who we are. I have no doubt that if any mud slinging were to happen we will be vindicated because of how we behave to others. Our choice to take the high road had given us the freedom to know that those who love us will stand up for us. Standing for truth and righteousness is something I love to recall when we are in a difficult situation. I hope that my children are learning what honor, truth, humility, and standing for right.

I have photos over the past month so here are some of the fun times we have had in the life of Henries.....

Shane and I went to the movies with these yahoos...it was fun to watch them. 

Laura with the most beautiful hair...love this girl.

we go to the park on Sundays to let the dog run and to find peace together. Makes for some good pictures.

This day he asked me to take part of the day off...he makes me happy love that Jakers

more park pictures

nice notes on my puter from friends at work and my year anniversary at my job. Cat is someone who does not know how much her words mean to me. Her smile lets me know that I am wonderful she always sends notes to me on the days i need it most. 

I know that is an overload of pictures but know that our family is doing well. There is better news coming and joy on the horizon. We will share more when we can.

until then enjoy....

Hard, Struggle, Anniversary

I suppose when I was young someone told me once if you dont have anything nice dont say anything at all....I am pretty sure it was said....I am pretty sure I ignored it. I have, however learned over the years what to say when and to whom. This being an audience of those who tend to know me are gonna get what you get. I will be careful and I am working hard on kindness so just be patient with me.

The last few months have been some of the hardest I have had to deal with for almost 20 years. Those who know me well and to whom I have divulged my past to know what I am referring too (it will not be repeated here or ever on this blog for that matter). At the lowest point of my life I had the best sisters in the world! They stepped in gave me support and loved me no matter the situation I was in, physically and mentally. At that time, so long ago, I had to depend on myself to get through, now i have a pretty cool guy who helps me through.

We, the man and I, have been married 20 years as of May 6th. It seems unbelievable that this came from us

Our journey as a family has been one of much struggle over the last few months. From helping our girls work through the trials of boys, life, school and work to finding ways to keep our spirits full of  positive thoughts. Having the constant pounding of negativity all around certainly makes life feel like a ocean of full waves. They, my girls, have had to deal with such a time that I wish they could have had it easier. I hope that their dad and I have been helpful in their path. I am glad my girls are smiling and having a good time in this photo. They are so wonderful and I hope they know how much I wish they did not have to be in this spot with us. 

My boys are having a struggle as well. It is tough to be in the same house with sisters who need so much of our time, but their support has been so good for the girls. They are good boys, strong boys and great ones who have been trying so hard to be supportive and loving. It is hard for them as well to work around all that is going on. John is just recovering from a lengthy illness that has taken him down one or two notches. Jake is working making friends at yet another school where he has been transferred too. Lucky it was a school where he had some friends already. 

As for me, I am trying to work on things. I have found in the last bit that my hubs and I have been working hard on staying strong. Staying on the same page and talking a lot. We have gone over and over in our minds what we could have/should have/would have done to make things easier or better. I am not sure we could have done anything different then what has already happened. We spend a lot of time by the river on Sunday afternoons to just let all the energy out and to be together. Makes for a fun time. I have some videos that were taken last sunday just have to get them loaded.

Now back to being married 20 years. It has been quite a ride. A journey that, 20 years ago, I thought i would never be able to take, had it not been for his belief in me. Our journey has not been one of ease by any means. Money has always been an issue, often we have gone without for our children. Often our children have gone without as well. We dont get vacations or trips for fun, like Disney or any theme park for that matter. We barely are able to get camping together (which I am not a fan of, but I go anyway). I wish I could give more but I, we, have found that they have just enough. Enough to fill their hearts with love, joy and happiness. 

Ms. Marley's Journey

I got a wonderful surprise in the mail a few weeks ago. Times have been so hard and trying to find ways to get happy and be happy have been hard. My sister has 3 beautiful awesome children. Abraham, Marley and Bridget. Miss Rosie her last child is not with us but still in our thoughts.

Ms. Marley sent us her Flat Traveler Marley. I was so excited to get her. Finally, I had the chance to take her out and get some good photos. Shane had just as much fun as I did taking the photos. So here we go.

Boise has a Train Depot in town looking one way you see this

Looking the other way you can see almost all of Boise can you find her in the bush.

Then we found a wonderful train, she is in the tree watching for the train to come.

Then we took her to the Oregon Trail. She seemed really excited to see where the Wagon Trains went through on the journey west. So excited she went out on the trail....she is in the bush

Then we took Ms. Marley to the other side of the Valley to see this beautiful dam. I love this bridge. It was a nice journey for our day. I am hoping Ms. Marley learned a bit about our city and stuff surrounding it. 

Its nice to have Ms. Marley with us for a while. Now to get these photos printed and sent out to her for her project!!! 

Talks, Gifts, Omelets

John gave his first talk a month or so ago and it was great. He did and awesome job. I had quite a few comments on his ability to give a talk to a large crowd and touch their hearts. It was a bit funny on the Sunday before we moved a wonderful woman came up to me with tears in her eyes telling me how wonderful John is. That what she remembered from his talk was that she is beautiful and Heavenly Father loves her no matter what she may feel about herself. I must say my son is a good boy, he tries so hard to be successful in all that he does. He has figured out that he is super smart and can do just about anything. The other day he was helping his math sub with some College level math. He was so proud of himself. It will be nice to see where he goes from here at the tender age of 12. 

Makayla and Laura gave a talk a few weeks later that was just as wonderful. There were quite a few people who did not have dry eyes. My girls have been so good and supportive with all that we have been through. They have become ladies not just girls anymore. I am so proud of them and all they have become. I am blessed to have such good girls. 

I have been trying to look at the blessings of our situation. Our lives have been a bit chaotic with loosing the house we wanted, to not having a place to live, to finding a place to live and then adapting to all of those changes. It has been hard. A few things have happened. I was telling a friend of my woes...she is very kind and loving and so understanding of me. It is unusual for me to find such a friend but she talks to me constantly over the instant messaging system we have at work. Her kind words are always supportive and most of all she lets me vent. She lets me be me. There have been times I have whined to her about stupid things like pillows, lunch, diet coke, feeling fat, being ungrateful...you think of it i have whined about it. Yet though it all she has been uplifting, kind, understanding, and loving. She has been a blessing in my life over the past week and has given of herself unselfishly and lovingly. She gave me a gift the other day of a gift card to Walmart for pillows for the family. This gift card was enough for pillows, shoes (as a boy has walked out of his shoes) some Easter candy with some left for when there are other needed essentials. I know there will be some needs coming up and there is money left for what we need. I am so grateful for her. She has no idea of the blessing she has been in our lives. Someday I will bless her life as she has blessed mine. 

Shane made some omelets this morning. They were delicious. I have to admit i miss having Shane cook for me. Although I am grateful for where we are, I do miss a kitchen. The folks we live with have been so kind and, I am sure, expect us to use their kitchen but we try not to impose too much. they have 3 littles and my boys have had so much fun playing with them. It has been nice to see my boys be friends with the littles. 

did everyone see Brenda in the background? she is strange...just no explanation for what she is.

On another note today is Easter. This day is a great day to ponder on the Savior and his love for me. I know that He loves me and my family. We have been down a rough road since moving to Boise. Most of it no fault of our own. We have been on a path that has been rocky and sometimes full of potholes. Amazingly I still have my children and my hubs. We are taking each step slowly by surely and will come out better somewhere, somehow. The Savior has been by our side every step of the way. I now there are those who do not believe as I do but for me this has been a bit of solace in my life. I need to have something to hold onto and holding to the Savior makes my life easier. My friend told me that I am enduring this trial with a grace she thought she could never have. I think of her when I hit the trials of my life. She has trials going on as well, finding grace can take us through anything, but the grace must come from the Savior. His kindness and love for me abounds and I am truly blessed to know Him. 

I guess what I mean is enjoy what you have, love what is around, find joy in the crap of life. It certainly is there...joy...not crap...well the crap is there...you know what i mean. Hang on for the ride. This too shall pass and make me stronger.....