Change is Good

Mark and I have felt that this year hasn't been exciting enough, so we are going to cram a few more things in before 2011 rolls through. For various reasons, we felt it was time to leave the starter home behind and start a new chapter in our lives. It has been a very bittersweet experience. This house, hmmm. Well let's just say it has been a little bit of an adventure. When we bought it, we thought we would fix it up and flip it quick. Little did we know that first, there is nothing easy about fixing up an older home, and second, we had no idea we would love the area so much. If you ever feel a lack of faith in the human race, travel out to Parker and your faith will be restored. Amazing people live out here and they have been a tremendous blessing in our lives. Many prayers were said this year thanking our Heavenly Father for wonderful friends and neighbors that lifted us through some hard times. Their goodness will never be forgotten. It will be hard to leave, but we have reminded ourselves and others, that we are not moving to Africa, or even out of the immediate area so there is no good reason to not keep in touch.

Our first home--wish I had a "before" picture. We often ask ourselves what possessed us to buy it in the first place. It was basically hideous. We were both still in school and had zero time or money for such an undertaking, but we made it work and made it home. It has been right where we needed to be and many memories were made here.

I am trying to be excited about the actual moving process. I feel like I have an exceptionally good game plan, but I also know that none of my plans, ever, never, ever, work out the way I think they will. I am so excited to have some things I haven't had yet in my married life: a garage, a garbage disposal(o boy), central air, garbage service(this is super exciting), a utility sink, and a big tub. Really, really excited about these things. There was a moment earlier this year that I thought I would never ever be able to move into a newer home, I feel this is a huge blessing! I also feel a little spoiled, slightly guilty, but extremely blessed and excited. I have actually never bought a decor item--ever. Seriously! It was almost impossible to hang pictures or decorate this old home, so I never did. Things I had were things that were handed down or given to us for our wedding. I told Mark that will change. I am trying to reel myself in, but my small creative side is bursting with ideas. I feel like I have saved up six years worth of decor allowance and should be allowed to let loose. We shall see.

This past week was my last week working--for awhile. I finished teaching first block soccer classes. This fall made it hard to leave. I have never had such wonderful weather. I had great classes and wonderful, warm sunshine. It made for a perfect last semester. Working at the college has been a life saver. Once again, it was not part of the plan. Heavenly Father definitely looked out for me, because it became my saving grace. I got to do something I enjoyed and get paid for it. It made some dark times bearable. I am ready to move on--change is good, and in my case--really, really good. However, it was extremely hard to say goodbye and clean my office out. It felt very real and final. I had the opportunity to work with wonderful people and mentors. Honestly, it changed my life. No matter what is on the horizon, it is always hard to say goodbye, especially for me. I feel like the last 7-8 years have revolved around the university, going there and working there, it will be strange to not be a part of campus anymore. But, its time for something new.

Mark and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary on Friday. Six years ago was the scariest day of my life. I was not a good bride, but 6 years later, I realize that it was the best decision I ever made. I am sure grateful for my sweet husband. I feel blessed to be celebrating our 6th year, a part of me didn't think that was going to happen ever either. So glad it did, and here is to many more years to share with my better half, my best friend.

Good news is good news--even when late....right?

My blogging has not been great, but I have had problems remembering my own name, let alone remembering to post. I hope Mark has had better luck remembering things, or my power might be turned off at any moment. We have been enjoying fall this year. The picture above was taken about two weeks ago at Mesa Falls. I have been to Mesa Falls numerous times, and have always thought it was cool, but I didn't gush over it or appreciate it. This time, I seriously gushed. It was so beautiful on a warm day with a thousand different colors.  I have in years past, been a fall hater. Only because it seems to last a week before it welcomes in a 9 month winter. Working outside the past few years, fall has really climbed the bitter charts. That has all changed this year. I am half-way through first block, and I have yet to wear warm-up pants to class. Last year, I was putting toe warmers in my cleats. I have loved the scenery, the smells, and most of all the fall sunshine. This semester has been warmer than summer semester, go figure!

September has been a good month for us. I know the year isn't over yet, but when I look back on it, I am amazed at how much we have grown. I can truly say that trials are a blessing. I wonder if that is because it has turned out ok, but then, with enough trust in the Lord, I guess any turnout is ok, it all depends on our attitude. With that being said, I am so full of thankfulness that my ok and the Lord's will happened to be the same thing. Mark had his final PET scan, and it came back clean and clear. We knew that it would, but the 100% assurance was welcomed. Mark can now get his port out, and we look forward to years of monitering, but no more active treatments. If it is to return, it will most likely be within the first year. Mark will have CT scans every three months the first year, and those will gradually taper off as the years go by. I am sure this is something that will never quite be in the past, but it feels good to be moving away from it. With so many talks during Conference on gratitude, Mark and I had some moments of reflection. We are grateful for the lessons we have learned, the people we have gotten to know better, and the personal growth we have both received.  We learned that people are amazing and there are everyday angels. We recognize that where much is given, much is required and we pray that we will be more aware of those around us and how we can serve others---something we have learned from countless people providing service in our favor. One of my angles, Amy, a resurgent hero from my past, has taught me the importance of paying it forward. I hope I can continue to learn from her masterful ability to see needs around her and fill them. I feel like Mark and I have more empathy and sympathy. I have reconized that Mark is a little more sensitive and mindful of others, their challenges, and their feelings. He has shed some of that tough exterior and realizes that emotion and sharing emotion isn't such a bad thing.

This season hasn't been without its storms, some still brewing, but the rainbows are close and moving out of limbo might be around the corner. It doesn't look like BYU football will make it through the year, but Mark and I feel pretty good about our chances. Being back at school has seemed to be more exhausting, maybe the sun is zapping me, or as I get worse at soccer it becomes more difficult. Whatever the case, I am feeling pretty tired daily. There seems to be a million things going on right now, and it is manifested with my constant errors on the ward bulletin each week. I am crashing and burning as a perfectionist and I have to tell you, that is a trial in its own right. Fortunaely, the insomnia that plagued this entire summer isn't so much of a problem at the moment. I am sure has a little to do with the miracle of melatonin, but being pulled in a number of different directions seems to help.

Thank you to you all for your love, concern, help, and friendship. You all are definitely part of our greatest blessings.