We've been in our new house for a month now and life is good. It was a whirlwind there for a couple months, bouncing back and forth and trying to figure out where we needed to be. We are so grateful to our wonderful family for putting up with us while we were homeless.
After we left Salt Lake, Matt was offered two jobs in Cache Valley and ended up not taking either one. The first was out of the question because it was a
huge pay cut and I'd have to go back to work. The second was a great opportunity and we spent a good week praying about it and going to the temple. In the end, we couldn't feel at peace with taking it and decided that the stability and advancement opportunities at Cafe Rio were where we needed to be. Plus, my dad ended up getting the job Matt turned down and it is a huge blessing for them. He just needed a foot in the door :)
I've had a lot of people ask me if I regret selling my house, just to come back to the same place 9 months later. My answer? NO! We did what we felt was right at the time. I know we were prompted to move to Salt Lake when we did and we were there just long enough to learn a few things and realize what was best for our family.
We had a bishop counsel us once to do whatever it took for me to stay at home with the kids. It was a long and hard road to get here but I know he was right when he promised us we'd be blessed for it. I have never regretted for a SECOND quitting my career and putting my family first. In my home is where I belong, I
know that. I'm happier, the kids are happier, our marriage is stronger, and our testimonies have grown ten-fold. Matt is in a great position at Cafe Rio (that was the first in a long line of blessings that came after we finally came to the conclusion that I needed to be home full time.) We are also closer to the freeway now taking 15 minutes off his commute, which makes it much more tolerable.
Cache Valley will always be my first choice of places to live, but until the time is right, I am happy where we are and incredibly blessed to get to stay home and be a mom. We have an awesome house with great neighbors and TONS of kids the same age as ours. We are able to go back to our old pediatrician who I love, we are close to friends, and I truly feel this is "home" now. I don't feel like we have to compete to "keep up the the Jones's" or that we are being judged by anyone. We just enjoy our days and life in general.
Summer has passed way to quickly and school starts in just a month. My little Brookie will be in Kindergarten this year and couldn't be more excited. She'll do great and I'm looking forward to having something to fill her days again. She doesn't do well being home all day. She will also be starting dance lessons in the fall, which is something she has been asking for a long time.
Cole will be 4 next month and is starting preschool too. I'm thrilled to have him in a class taught by a very dear friend. It is the same school Brooke went to before we moved and Lisa is awesome! He will be gone 2 days a week at the same time as Brooke and I'm looking forward to some one on one time with Bailee.
She will be 2 before I know it and it is just crazy. My baby is not a baby anymore. She sleeps in a big girl bed and does everything the big kids do. She talks up a storm and is putting together sentences now. Potty training is not far off and there is a good chance she'll be joining a joy-school group (with Cole) in the fall.
Then, October is Blair's wedding. I am so excited for that! It is about freaking time!! Can't believe my baby sister is getting married. I offered to make all the refreshments and cake (might regret that later -- but actually I think it will be fun). I'm glad I have the time that I can help her plan and create :)
I guess the best way to sum it up is I'm glad for our knowledge and testimonies and for the divine guidance we receive on a daily basis. I know our paths are directed by Heavenly Father and we'll be much happier if we listen to Him and follow where He leads us.
P.S. Once I find my camera cord I'll post some pictures of our summer :)
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