Will It Ever End?

****DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN UPBEAT UPDATE****

This has officially been the worst 12 months of my entire life. This past year has been terribly hard for both Mike and I and just when we thought the end was in sight, when we thought we could shake off the dust and put on our dancing shoes the rug gets pulled out from underneath us AGAIN.

If you've been reading/following our story for any amount of time you will know that Mike was laid off last March; yes, as in a year ago. He has tried to find every type of work from industry related jobs to pumping gas and delivering pizza - with no success. As a family we have taken refuge with my parents, hoping it would be a short term solution. That was back in November and it's now February. Yeesh.

Mike was blessed with an incredible job offer back in December and we've been waiting and praying for it to come to fruition. Every where we turn there is a road block - another mountain, if you will. Our prayer is and will continue to be "LORD MOVE THE MOUNTAINS IN OUR LIFE".

With a written job offer in hand Mike went to the Montana border crossing to get his work permit approved and it was denied because the person who wrote it did a poor job and the job description did not line up with the work permit category. Mike was under the impression that if that was corrected he could reapply, so that's what happened. The company re-wrote some stuff and Mike went to a different crossing. That officer was even more mad at him and accused him of trying to trick him, of falsifying documents and threatened to deport him!! ARGH! Both Immigration Officers insisted that obtaining an LMO (labor market opinion) was the only way to go. DO NOT COME BACK AND TRY TO GET A WORK PERMIT BECAUSE YOU ALREADY HAVE 2 STRIKES AGAINST YOU! Ok, point made.

Mike asks the employer to obtain the LMO. Some genius in HR simply says no. Why not? It doesn't cost anything, it is not difficult, and there is no penalty if you apply and it is denied. This is the fastest way to get Mike actually working at his job. The final answer is no. Thank goodness for the grace of God because the hiring manager says that he doesn't need anyone for the position immediately, so if Mike can get his permanent residency, the job is still his. Bad news: residency takes a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 18!!

This is why I haven't written for some time now. One: I do not have anything really positive to report, and two: I've been so emotional about it all that I haven't been in the frame of mind to write any of it down.

And the hits keep on coming. We are in a rock and a hard spot now because there are 2 ways to apply for the residency - from inside Canada or outside Canada. Inside is faster, but while it is being processed Mike cannot leave the country or his application will be void and there's $500 (that we don't have to spare in the first place) down the drain. So if he were to receive another offer for work in the US or overseas (yes at this point we are considering working ANY WHERE), then he would have to choose between a job or residency. Also, there is no appeal if you apply from inside and will be asked to leave if denied. You can still visit and re-apply from outside Canada and pay again. So what do we choose? To apply from inside hoping for the best or look at how our last year has gone and hedge our bets and plan for the worst case scenario???

Please don't misunderstand me. I am generally a happy go-lucky type of person who can roll with the punches, just not the sucker punches. I am really not this pessimistic all the time, not even 40% of the time. This has just been the worst year EVER.

On top of everything else I believe that I am suffering on some level from post partum depression and that doesn't make anything easier to deal with. I will confirm this with my doctor on Feb 18th, and hopefully get some really great drugs that will help me keep my chin above water for a little while longer.

With all the job disaster, residency etc I am pretty much being forced back to work to feed and diaper my babies. My parents have been great but this is past the point of ridiculous. We are two healthy, educated 30-something adults... we NEED to work. Forget all the frills (scrapbooking, xbox), we need food, shelter, clothing. So in preparation to head back into the working world after my 3 year retirement I am getting my hair cut and colored (at the hair school, because it costs WAY less) on Tuesday morning. I am such a huge believer in the fact that you only get one chance to make a great first impression, and hair especially for a woman, plays a major role in that. After my hair appointment [as long as I still have hair and it looks nice] I will be heading out to put out more applications and to follow up on the ones I have already done online. Thankfully I have an interview on Wednesday morning, so we'll see how that turns out. If nothing else it will help me brush up on my interviewing skills.

Returning to work means that I will have to stop nursing Heidi and switch to bottle feeding which is frustrating and, of course, more expensive. **SIGH** Like I said at the beginning, will it ever end??

I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God answers ALL prayers. The answer isn't always yes though and we are learning to walk through that. This is what James was talking about. If you haven't read Job or James, take a gander and then let God know how grateful you are for all your blessings. I am very grateful that we were able to make it up to Canada for my parents to help us out, otherwise I truly believe that we wouldn't be far from being homeless. I am definitely grateful for that and thankful that our kids are so little that they will never remember this terrible year.

I hope the last few posts haven't scared off any readers. Both Mike and I believe in living very honest and open lives, even when it hurts. Many thanks again for your loving prayers & support, no matter where you are.

xoxoxo
The Burnetts

P.S. - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Disappointment

I guess we have not updated the blog recently because we feel there isn't much to report. A lot has gone on behind the scenes but not much has changed in our day to day life.

Harrison and Heidi continue to do well together; he is such a doting big brother. Whenever I take Heidi out of her bouncy seat to hold her, change her or nurse her he immediately climbs up on the chair to grab her blanket and bring it to her. It is so sweet, he really cares for her. It seems in this last week Heidi has made a shift to spending significantly more time awake each day. I don't think I was quite ready for this yet as I am still struggling to feel rested myself. That is a whole other post for another day though.

Unfortunately Mike wasn't able to start his new job this week after all. It was a huge disappointment to us, especially him. There are still challenges with his paperwork that need to be worked out. There was a solution approached on Friday but we didn't hear the outcome before the end of the day so we are left wondering for the weekend, which is just plain frustrating after you have already waited so long and come so far (physically and emotionally). I know that the Lord is in control and we have given this to him to handle. I cannot tell you how much my heart yearns for a space of our own to call home, where my husband walks in the door every day after work and I greet him with an affectionate kiss and our children are happily playing in their own bedrooms. This is happiness for me, this is where I find peace. The Word encourages me that the Lord knows the desires of my heart and also that what He has started in me He will also complete. This has been a very dark valley for Mike and I to walk through over this last year. We are ready to leave it all behind us and move on to live for the glory of our God. Will this be your prayer for our family?

Grandma and Grandpa have been in Maui, Hawaii this last week on vacation. We have heard once from them upon arrival so we know they were having fun and relaxing. I can't wait to hear all about the horseback ride along the volcano and the underwater coral reef tour! I am sure they'll have some amazing pictures too. I know that Harrison has missed them since he spends almost every evening with both of them. He'll be happy when they walk in the door tomorrow!

Thanks for reading. Sorry for the short update, hopefully we'll have some more exciting news soon.

Love,
The Burnett Bunch

Happy Birthday Heidi!

It is so hard to believe that Heidi is already one month old today! Where has all the time gone? I guess constantly changing diaper after diaper does make the time pass, but seriously! Heidi will go for her 1 month check up on February 8th so we'll see how she is measuring up to the average kiddo... my guess is she is above average for weight and length; she's growing like a weed! A good weed though!

Daily life is still bringing it's ups and downs for our family. Mike finally received his offer letter to take down to the border to stamp for his work permit, so he drove to the Coutts crossing to do that yesterday. Unfortunately his permit was rejected due to the wording of his letter!! Just when you think things are finally going right. According to his new employer it is just a technicality and they will have his permit approved by next week. It is unclear at this point if he will still be able to start his job on Monday, so we'll have to keep you posted on that. Please keep praying!

I still have not heard back from EBA Engineering, my former employer, about the job posting I applied for in Lethbridge. It is not that I necessarily want to go back to work, especially not this soon, but Mike is not starting off at the wage we were expecting for him, so the extra income will sure be needed. I am praying that (1) I receive the offer for my old position back, and (2) that they will be flexible with me and allow me to do a modified work week of 3-4 days a week. This way I can still spend several days at home but can help out financially too.

Things are still S-L-O-W in the house department all the way around. Our buyers in Abilene fell through AGAIN (this is a recurring theme), the assumption of the mortgage in San Angelo is going as slow as molasses, and a suitable home for rent in Pincher Creek has yet to open up for us. These are probably the largest and most stressful prayer items in our life right now. We pray for favorable resolution for all 3 situations in Jesus' name!

I am not sure if anyone (other than Jill!!) is reading our blog?? If you are lurking, reading, and enjoying what you see/read, please {PLEASE!!} leave us a comment so we know that you were here, otherwise we feel no one is reading and this is all for nothing. Thanks!!

Harrison thoroughly enjoying his dessert

Opening some belated Christmas gifts from Texas

Heidi putting in some tummy time

Happy 1 month Birthday baby girl

Daddy & his princess

Baby Heidi

A screamin' good time!

Big Dreams

Have you ever noticed that some people are big dreamers? I mean definitely bigger than others?? I have been very blessed in my life to know some HUGE dreamers that truly believe anything is possible if you focus your mind and efforts. Yet I have also known some people in my life who do not seem to have any dreams of a better life for themselves. This is sad to me. Maybe you have a different opinion on this and can enlighten me? I believe that as a child of the most high God we are called to live an above average life. I don't mean the North American lifestyles that we are all accustomed to, but I refer more to the quality of lives that we live. Yes, sometimes that may be seem or even look like "bigger and better" on the outside, but I can speak for myself that my personal motives on the inside are MUCH more than they appear on the outside.

I have also noticed that some people are dream crushers. I've never understood this philosophy but I have experienced this recently. I shared a personal dream or even call it a desire with someone this last week only to have it stomped on and ridiculed. This hurts if you are a dreamer. It didn't deter me, in fact it only made me focus more on the fact that I can accomplish it, regardless of what others say or how they feel. But why do non-dreamers feel like they have the freedom to do that to other people? I find it frustrating to say the least.

Specifically I want to always encourage our children that they can accomplish anything they desire with hard work, focus and determination, regardless for what other people say is possible. With God ALL things are possible!!

That being said, Mike and I share a dream we'd like to share with everyone else. We'd love it if you'd join us in prayer for our dream to become a reality one day. As most of you know Mike and I have done our fair share of moving since we have been married. It is our hearts desire to only have to move 2 more times in our life. The next move into a rental house until we can afford to build our own home - our dream home, our FOREVER home. Mike and I grew up very differently from each other - he moved a lot and I lived in the same house until I went to college. It is both our desires to provide a home where our kids know they can always come "home" to.

Part of our dream is owning a small parcel of land, about 50 acres so that the kids can have dirt bikes, horses and enjoy the country pace of life. The closer we get to moving to Pincher Creek for Mikes new job the more excited we are about this reality. Pincher Creek is a small town of about 3,000 people; it is located at the entry to the Rocky Mountains, 15 minutes from the Old Man Dam (great for summer water sports), 30 minutes from Castle Mountain Ski Resort (great for winter fun), and the views are breathtaking every where you turn. To own a piece of land out here would be considered our little slice of heaven. AND to build our own home from the ground up, the way we'd like to would truly be a dream come true!!

Here is the view from a piece of land that is currently for sale in the area. Unfortunately we are not in a position to do anything about it right now, but with prayer we have hopes that the right place will be available in God's perfect timing and that our time will come. The word promises that we are entitled to claim back 7 fold what the enemy has stolen from us and we believe that includes the home of our dreams!

Land with a mountain view

Front view

Main floor

Second floor

I pray that all your dreams will come true and that you will have the courage and strength to share them with other people who will help you and encourage you along the way!

Winter Wonderland

Good morning! I pray that this post finds you happy, healthy and bright-eyed this beautiful day. Last night there was a very thick fog rolling in when we went to bed and this morning we woke up to the most beautiful frost! I grabbed my camera and quickly took some snaps outside as Ginger did her "duties", and then rushed back inside to the warmth and my 2 crying babies. Mike is at work today so I am alone with the kiddos and stretched a little thin when everyone needs me at one time, including the dog. Such is the life of a stay-at-home mommy!

Not much planned for today, just keeping everyone changed, fed and happy. I love my job (most days)! This weekend we are off to Cochrane early Saturday morning to visit with our great friends, Paul & Cindy Janzen, for the weekend. We'll return Sunday afternoon in time to have dinner with my brother and his wife and my parents to celebrate Blair's new job. It is more than a new job for him, it is the first step towards his new career! I am so proud of him, he and Danielle had to make a very tough decision, especially in today's economic climate... they had to decide if he could take a pay cut in order to get his foot in the door for an apprenticeship for heavy duty mechanic. He'll work for a year then go to school for a couple months and then return to work, repeating this cycle for 4 years until he has completed his hours as a journeyman. Blair is an extremely talented mechanic - he has taken apart numerous vehicles, engines, etc and completely modified several vehicles into something new/different. It is easy for him and I know he is going to be very successful. I am so glad they are making the sacrifice to enjoy the benefits later down the road. Way to go Blair (and Danielle, too!)

We have been blessed with an extra week of work for Mike before he officially starts his new position on February 1, so today marks the first day of many that I will be solo at the house. I am looking forward to this change in our family dynamic. Don't get me wrong, it has been amazing having my husband home to help out on a daily basis and quite honestly I don't know where I'd be without him, especially with recovering from the c-section. This is the next step though and I am ready. I know I wouldn't be wrong in saying WE are ready. It is something I've said before but I am so grateful that God made my husband a hard worker, and Mike is definitely ready to get back to work. I know he is created to accomplish something everyday and to provide for his family and I praise God that Mike is getting that opportunity again.

Please continue praying for our houses to sell, they are so close!! Prayer is also needed for a house for us to rent in Pincher Creek. Thank you for stopping in, reading, praying, and leaving us your comments!

Up close and personal

frost crystals

Frosty farm

This is not a hill, it is a snow drift! And yes, that is

a truck & boat in the background!!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Sledding with Daddy

Olympic swag

Admiration

Sneaking a kiss!

Olympic Spirit

EH OH CANADA GO!!

One of four torch relay runners in Coalhurst, AB

Yesterday Mike, Harrison, Heidi and I got bundled up in our warm winter gear and went to Coalhurst (about 20 miles away) to cheer and watch the Olympic torch relay. It was awesome! There were balloons, flags, hot chocolate and activities before the torch arrived. We saw the Coca Cola zamboni and received our limited edition Olympic torch aluminum bottle Cokes! There were actually 4 torch runners that participated in the Coalhurst leg of the relay before it was taken to Lethbridge yesterday evening. I overheard some people saying that each runner had the opportunity to purchase the torch that they had to carry and that a local company purchased all 4 torches for the Coalhurst runners. How cool is that?!

The Coke zamboni

Harrison and I were able to get up close with one of the runners and pose with the torch. Of course he wouldn't look at the camera but it sure made my day! Hopefully he'll be happy one day down the road when he has a picture of his Olympic moment. The weather was perfect, about +4C, which is much better than when a friend in Winnipeg saw it and it was -45C!!!

Very cool!

Usually I am a sap. I cry easily at touching movies, songs and even commercials. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed at how people come together to celebrate something that unites us as a country. I love the Olympics; always have and always will. I can't wait to start watching and cheering for our Canadian athletes.

security detail with the lit flame

EH OH CANADA GO!

Precious Moments

Wow! What a difference a little good sleep makes. Last night was the first night that I was able to sleep laying down. I know that sounds weird but I've been sleeping in a recliner since I came home from the hospital because laying down on a bed really made my insides hurt. I guess my muscles are too weak to hold everything where it needs to be? Anyways, it was really REALLY nice to be able to sleep laying down again, that's for sure!

Today Mike had the opportunity to do a half day of work for my mom's boss, so I was on my own with the kiddos for the morning and early afternoon. Remarkably enough Harrison and Heidi were wonderful this morning! Harrison was an angel and obeyed me without any screaming fits and Heidi actually had good feedings this morning. I was even able snap a few photos! That's a great day in my books!

Harrison woke up bright and early this morning at 5:45 am so our day was off to an early start. It took me awhile but I was able to get myself and both babies dressed and upstairs for breakfast. This was an accomplishment for me! So far, so good.

Usually Harrison naps anywhere from 11 or 12 to 1 or 2, so today by the time nap time came around I was ready to crash too. Praise God that both babies slept at the same time and I was able to get 2 extra hours of sleep today! What a blessing!! As we were waking up Mike walked in the door, so it was perfect timing.

The biggest news today was that Mike's contract with work was finalized!! PRAISE GOD!! It is true, not just another false promise... he will start work as soon as his paperwork is approved, which they say will take about 5 days. Thank you Jesus! We have waited so long for this time to come, and now He has blessed Mike with a wonderful career. Here is the link to the site he will be managing - Kettles Hill Wind Farm. I couldn't be more proud of Mike! He has been frustrated for so long but has never given up or thrown in the towel, he has hung in there an done what he needs to do to provide for his family. I love you honey! This is a big deal and I can't wait for this new chapter in our marriage and family life. CONGRATULATIONS BABY!

So handsome, my big boy!

work, work, work

giving Heidi's feet a little tickle!

baby blues, so adorable!