On Oct 30 Greg accept a Director Operations Support in North Platte, NE. We spent many days painting, decluttering, organizing, taking down pictures, cleaning, boxes up many shelves of food storage and extra “items.” Had a handy man come repair a few things in the house, brought in the “stager” for pictures, took pictures, and listed our house with a great realtor.
(Basement Before)
(Basement Packing)
Dad, Greg, and Lindsey made trip to North Platte to look at house and learn more about the area, while Mom C. babysat the kids. The homes in North Platte are “older” although there are some newer and new construction homes south of the town. Some of the homes made us really realize how truly lucky we were to have the home we do.
Within a week of our house on the market we had two showings. Greg started work in North Platte November 25. The plan was for Lindsey and kids to stay in Omaha until we found a house in North Platte that would fit our needs, which was going to be hard.
On November 23 we had an open house, which three people attended, and also managed to have smallish early birthday party for Sarah. She had 5 friends over and we had pizza, did a couple crafts, frosted cupcakes, and opened presents. We showed the home again the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
Sarah’s Birthday
Sarah’s Birthday Lunch at School with Lindsey
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Des Moines with all the Cottrell Family. The food was wonderful as always, Mom out did herself. Of course we enjoyed the pies to, I think we had 13-14 pies this year.
Black Friday Julie and Lindsey did some shopping and in the evening surprised Mom by taking her out for Peppermint Hot Chocolate at Starbucks. (We did that last year to and now it’s become a tradition) The kids enjoyed playing with their cousins and going to see Frozen with Grandma and Grandpa (Adam preferred to stay at home at watch football).
On Saturday was Sarah’s 8th birthday so we had some “cookie cake” , opened presents. We put trick candles on it and Grandpa thought the smoke detector was going to go off. We also went to see Santa at the Merle Hay Mall before heading back to Omaha.
Greg headed back to North Platte the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
On Dec 4, after three “real” days at his "new" job last week, Greg decided that it wasn't a something he wanted to do. He wished he could have done a job shadow to get a better understanding what he would be doing. The job description didn't include a lot of things. He will admit that he made a mistake in accepting the job. The good news is that he was able to stay with Union Pacific in the finance department, but in a different group under a different director. He is currently working in an audit group ,so he does have a new job, just that we will be staying in Omaha! Adam also had an orstatra concert on Dec 4, he did a great job on cello. Unfourntally he decided not play anymore. Greg and Grandma C surprised him by showing up for the concert.
After the concert we went to McD’s and had dessert and also told the kids and Mom C that we decide not to move. The all thought we were kidding at first, but were all very happy.
We’re glad he figured it out now instead of in three months or after we've moved there. We took our house off the market Dec 5.
Once we know were staying in Omaha we decided to make part of the basement into a “playroom” and move our food storage area to a different part of the basement and do some reorganizing. We’ve spent many hours of organizing and unpacking but things are coming along. It’s amazing how much stuff we’ve been able to donate to goodwill, and more to go. The kids are loving their new area, along with a craft table, and more space for Legos. 
(New Playroom, it’s a little messy)
The beginning of December we finally started Christmas shopping, isn’t online shopping the best!!! By December 14th we finally got our Christmas tree and decorations up.
We also decide to baptize Sarah on December 21 so Lindsey parents could attend. Mom and Dad H arrived Dec 19. Lindsey loved being able to spend some time with them: shopping, going to lunch, and getting ready for the baptism Saturday.
A big storm due to hit Iowa threw a little wrinkle in baptism plans and we had to move Sarah’s baptism up to 2pm instead 4 pm when 3 other kids were also being baptized. Thankfully we were able to reach a bishopric member so he could attend, find a key to the church and baptismal font so we could allow enough time for it to be filled and set up the Relief Society room. It was a little crazy busy, but everything fell into place. Thankfully. Dad C. preformed the baptism and Dad H confirmed her. Mom C gave a wonderful talk and Julie and Mom H did a great job with music.
That evening we took Mom and Dad H. to Bass Pro Shops and the Gingerbread display at the Trail Center at Winter Quarter.
(My ward’s Gingerbread Display)
The next morning Mom and Dad H had to leave a day early to beat a snowstorm going to hit Wyoming.
We had wonderful Christmas. Hope your families did to. It was great to have Mom and Dad C, and Grammy here for few hours too.
Gingerbread Houses
Christmas PJ’s
Candy Sled Races
Bethlehem Dinner
The last year have been a roller coaster ride, especially the last three months, but our experience have taught us a lesson of gratitude and put thing into perspective.
Our goal this year is to spend more enjoyable moments as a family.
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