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When things are slow at work I like to check out everybody's blog. I usually work more than 1 day in a row and there is usually some down time each night. I check each blog hoping there is something new to help me pass the time. I then realize most people haven't updated for a while, neither have I. Maybe you all are wanting the same from me so here it is!

Not much has happened this month, just the usual day in and day out routines. Which honestly get a little boring as you all know. I was able to have Thanksgiving off this year. Well half off I guess. I had to work wednesday night. I came home, got a few hours of sleep and then we were off to Nate's Aunt and Uncles. The food was delicious. We relaxed and played games. Zoe and Jaxton just love going over to their house. They have a big trampoline and love it when Marker ( that's what the kids call Parker)takes them out to jump. Their oldest son Wayne and his girlfriend Alex were home from school. It was so much fun to see them again.

We were able to do a little black friday shopping as well. We left the kids with Aunt Steph, while Nate, Clint (Nate's cousin) and I ventured out. Let me just say I LOVE SHOPPING! I had so much fun. I love the adrenaline rush of racing around the store to find the items we pre picked out from the ads. The funny thing is Nate loves black friday more than I do. He really looks forward to it. We got some pretty good deals.

That night we went to the movie with his cousins, while Aunt Steph and Uncle Kelley watched the kids. That was the first date Nate and I have been on since we moved to Colorado. It was much over due. It was so fun to be together just the two of us. I love my kids to death but both of us were ready for a little break.

Life is good. However it has been very stressfull for both of us. I have been working 4-5 12 hour night shifts a week, while Nate goes to school, does the kids, cooking, laundry, cleaning and errands. Saying I am sleep deprived is an understatement. Example: Friday night I got up 4 times with Jaxton. At 0630 Sat morning we got up. I took a 2 hour nap that afternoon. Went to work that night. Came home Sun morning went to sleep at 0830 woke up at 11:45 to get ready for church. Went to church. Came home, ate. Layed back down at 5:00 and up again at 6 to go back to work. That is 5 hours of sleep in over 48 hours. This is an every week occurance since I work every sat and sun night. I am not complaining. However I did tell Nate, I think this is the hardest thing I have ever done. There are moments when I think I will never make it through the night because I am so tired. It is hard for me to not be envious of those Moms who get to stay home. Even though I know they are making sacrifices to be able to do so. I just keep telling my self its only for 1 more year at the most. When I get home from work I usually see the kids for about 1 hour then I go to sleep and wake up when they get up from their nap, and see them for about 4 more hours before I leave for work. I miss them so much. There are some cons to the situation but I have seen the pros also:
* Nate has developed a wonderful nurturing relationship with our children
* I have learned to let some things go, and what do ya know there is more than 1 way to skin a cat
* I appreciate the time I have with my family more
* I have learned to be more patient
* I have learned to look at the big picture and ask myself is it really that big of a deal?
* I have a greater appreciation for Nate and all that he does for our family
* Both of us have a better understanding of how life will be for the other person when our roles are reversed again
Needless to say life is hard. I love my family, and my Loving Heavenly Father who helps us through each day. I can feel our family growing stronger and closer together through this time. And hopefully we will look back and say man that was hard but well worth it!