Oregon

We just returned from a week long trip to the Oregon coast. (Pictures to come later) We went with B's parents in their motorhome and boy, was it an adventure! I am so glad to be back as we had so many emotional breakdowns and motor vehicle breakdowns.
We did have a great time seeing the ocean, as it was Em's first time to ever visit there. We saw so many different places and did a LOT of walking. I was able to get a new camera before we left and was still learning the functions, so my pics didn't turn out as good as I would have liked, but I think they still turned out gorgeous. How could any pics of the ocean not turn out!?
We were able to see the Columbia River, several lighthouses, a few state parks, and of course, the Pacific ocean. Em had a great time chasing the waves and letting them chase her back. It was so fun to see her experience the ocean. She was such a trooper and kept going even when the rest of us were completely worn out. Oh to have the energy of a 5 year old!
I will get some pics put up of our trip soon, I just have so many to go through, and not enough time to do it all in, so it might be in a few installments. Who knew that coming home would cause so much work...

Long time coming...

So, I am starting to feel like a failure at many things. I am struggling with school, my classes are definitely getting more difficult, and I am wondering what I was thinking trying to do school and be a full-time mom/wife/cook/maid/etc. I feel like I can do great in one area, and the rest falls apart around me. I have finally fallen prey to my depression and that in itself is a struggle. I know that I will overcome it, but in the mean time, this enduring is getting tough. I find that I am comparing myself to others more and more, and I don't know what that means really except that I am pulling myself down. I am working hard everyday to be the best I can be, and for now, that's what matters.
B is doing his best to be a positive support for me and for our family, but I feel bad that he has to carry the load of what I am going through. We are glad we have had the opportunity to go out of town for several weekends in a row together. It seems like we get along better and communicate better when we are in the car. Things have been rough here at home, but when we get away, it's our chance to b.r.e.a.t.h.e. and when we come back, things don't seem as tense.
B is still doing great at work, and has many projects here at home he is working on. We recently sold one of his mirrors, and to see how proud he is of his work makes my heart melt. I'm so proud of him!
E is doing great and now my grown up 5 year old going on 20. She shows me more and more each day how grown up she is and how independendant she can be. We are tossing around the idea of homeschooling her for kindergarten, but after hearing nothing but negative feedback from family, it's harder to see our side of things. With everything else going on, it would be a little more chllenging to homeschool, but the benefits out-weigh the negative. I think it's going to take a lot more prayer and considering before we decide one way or the other.
Overall, life happens. Friends have come and gone, family is... well... Family! We are here to stick it out good or bad. We work together and somehow we pull through these tough times.