Ham Family Cruise 2.0

We were so excited when grandma and grandpa said they wanted to take the family on another cruise! We have been looking forward to this for months.  We have been nervous wondering how our job situation would factor in, but it ended up working out that both Keith and I could go.  I got a job at UVU and they said it was fine for me to start the Monday after the cruise, that was a relief.  Unfortunately Keith still doesn't have a job, which is so hard, but at least he was able to go on the cruise. 

The cruise started on Monday, so we drove to California and stayed in a hotel on Sunday.  We caravanned up there with Tiff and Mel and mom and dad rode with Mel.  It was a very long day of driving with lots of terrible California traffic.  It was so fun to have the whole family together in the car.  It's been a while since we have taken a road trip together. 

Mom and dad paid for us to stay in the hotel and paid for our gas.  It was so generous and so appreciated. Wyatt was wearing Cody's shorts so I took a picture to send to Matt and Lori.  We got checked in the hotel and then got some dinner. 

Caitlyn was excited to take this trip with grandma.  She took great care of grandma and made sure she went with her anytime she needed to go anywhere.  She sure loves her grandma.

Monday morning we headed out early to make sure we got to the boat in plenty of time.  The kids were all exhausted and got a nap in the car. 

We were so happy to be out of California traffic and get on the boat! 

We got checked in and did our muster drill and then we headed upstairs to get lunch. 

It was really crowded so it was hard to get a table, but we were able to find one near Gary and Julie.  Slowly everyone started arriving.  It was so exciting to see everyone and get ready to set sail.

Jonah was so happy when Cody called and he got to talk to him.  He misses him so much!

It was really loud in there so it was hard for Jonah to hear.

He had the biggest smile on his face the whole time he was talking to him. Having Cody gone has been so hard for Jonah.  It has also been good for Jonah.  He has been talking about going on a mission since Cody left.  I think seeing Cody love it so much has made Jonah want to go.

Everyone was looking forward to the unlimited ice cream cones.

Hallee, Tessa and Damon wanted to swim after lunch.  Everyone was so happy to be with their cousins and they all went off and found things to do. 

Hallee was feeling nauseous when we set sail so I took her up to the deck to see if some fresh air would help.

She felt sick and overwhelmed that first night so she went to bed early, but luckily she didn't feel sick after that and was able to relax and enjoy the boat.

We were waiting to hear back on a job for Keith. It was very similar to his old job and some of his old coworkers work at this company now so we really thought he was going to get it. He got the decline email right before we set sail.  That was a huge disappointment! He was very discouraged and needed some time alone so he went to the cabin until dinner.  These rejections are getting harder and harder for him to bounce back from.  He amazes me that he is always able to bounce back.  

We were excited to be able to eat in the dining room for dinner.  It's nice to be able to sit down and visit and not have to fight the crowds for food and a table.

I love seeing all these cousins together!

The menu wasn't as adventurous as our last cruise.

We loved sitting with Matt, Lori, Elena and Caitlyn every night. 

Wyatt was in heaven with Rockwell and Ammon!

Jonah had a great time with Jacob.  Damon loved to hang out with them and it was so cute.  Damon is so much fun! Jonah loves Damon and had fun taking him around.

We tried to go to a comedy show after dinner, but there were no seats left.  Hallee was really anxious and seasick so I took her back to the room and Keith went to a show that night. I think all my kids went to bed early that night, they were so tired.  I was tired too, but couldn't sleep. I woke up at 3 AM and was up for a few hours. I finally went upstairs and sat out on the deck for a bit.  It was nice to have it all to myself. I was pretty discouraged about Keith not getting the job. I needed a good cry.  This whole process has been so long and exhausting for both of us. The longer it goes on the more stress and pressure we both feel. Sometimes I struggle wondering if I’m receiving answers to my prayers.  I felt really good about that job and thought Keith was going to get it. I’m usually too anxious to feel anything. I can look back and see how we were blessed and guided, but in the moment I can’t see clear guidance.  I do feel a lot of comfort though. I cry and feel hopeless and then after a bit I feel better and start to feel hopeful again.  I know that is an answer to my prayers.  I pray for strength and I can't deny that Heavenly Father blesses me with strength and comfort. I did my scripture reading since I couldn't sleep and I read this scripture in Alma 17:11, "And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." That is how my prayers are answered, through scriptures or thoughts that I have or things I hear and I know they are for me.  That night when I read that, I was having a hard time and feeling sorry for myself and struggling to get out of victim mode.  When I read that my paradigm shifted and I knew I could get out of victims mode and focus instead on being willing to be patient and long-suffering and that could be an example to my kids and help bring them closer to Christ. I want them to know that even though we are struggling and our prayer for Keith to get a job hasn't been answered yet, so many of our other prayers have been answered and Heavenly Father is pouring out blessings on us.  It really is only possible because of Jesus Christ that we can be happy in terrible circumstances, what a blessing!