We're packing our bags...

We'll it's official. Our house will be sold this week, and we're packing up and planning to leave for Utah this weekend.

So many thoughts and feelings are coming to my mind. We have been so blessed, and I feel so grateful, more than I could ever express. For the past year, Shane's really struggled in finding new business since the new construction industry has come to a hault. We've actually been amazed that he's been able to hang on to it as long as he has. Just as this job officially came to a close, last week.. we feel blessed more than ever to be able to transition from that job to another very smoothly and quickly. Some good friends of ours are buying our house and are able to purchase it right away. We are moving to an area we are both very comfortable and familiar with, with a lot of friends and family support. Shane's parents have also helped us out so much and have been a big part of this transition in our lives, and we are so grateful to them. We feel truly humbled at the blessings that we have received and how so many things have fallen into place. I also feel sad leaving the wonderful place we have called our home for the past 7 years. The friends, relationships, and our little home. It's all very surreal that we are leaving. But I think that this new chapter in our lives will bring about many wonderful things, and we are so excited for it!

I had a really busy day today. But in the midst of watching kids and hacking down my to do list, I felt this very peaceful feeling, and the tune of "Be Still My Soul" came to my mind. I had no idea what the lyrics to the song were, other than the title of the song. I was so moved I had to immediately find the lyrics and hear the music. The first thing I clicked on was one of the most beautiful renditions of the song I have ever heard in my life. I came to tears as I listened to the beautiful music and read the poetic lyrics.

As I took the time to be still, I felt more than ever that the Lord loves us so much and has truly had a hand in this change in our lives and has watched over us and guided us each step of the way. And it gave me so much comfort. It didn't make my to-do list any shorter, or make me miss my friends any less, but I just was filled with so much happiness and joy in getting things done and moving forward as I contemplated the Lord's hand in our lives and our many blessings. As weird as it sounds, I'm grateful for the trials that I go through, because I learn so much. Also as we celebrated Easter yesterday, I feel a deep gratitude for his Son, Jesus Christ. I know that he not only atoned for our sins, but felt all grief and pain. I feel that he truly understands the things we go through, no matter how big or small it may be. I know that because of His atonement, we can be healed or be eased of every physical, mental, and spiritual pain if we are humble and have faith. And when we receive that healing we can start to understand His perfect love for us, which helps us to better love others as well as ourselves. And in this process comes the greatest learning and knowledge we can ever receive in this life!

We sure will miss all our family here in Tennessee so much. We love you all so much!

Be still, my soul--
The Lord is on thy side!
With patience bear, the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide.
In ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul--
Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul! the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul! when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

We're Moving to.....

UTAH!

10 years ago, Shane and I met in Pleasant Grove, Utah... and I guess now we're coming full circle and moving back to that area. Shane sold his company over a year go, and has been since managing for the new owners. Work has definitely been slow this year, and we've been looking hard for some other job opportunities. Shane's parents recently offered us an opportunity to partner with them in investing in BYU approved condos, and renting out to students. Shane will be managing the properties for them. He'll still probably do some AV work on the side. We are so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and very excited to move closer to family. I have to say, we sure are going to miss this beautiful place. I love the South so much.

My brother graduates from the University of Utah on May 7th, so we are planning to be there for that, and be out of here by the first of May. Hopefully we'll be able to put our house on the market very soon. We're hoping it will sell quickly.

We sure are going to miss Ya'll!!

Chloe's walking

She's been taking steps here and there all month long, but in the past few days she's started making some long strides. Walking today, running tomorrow... man it goes by fast.

Jessie's Surprise Birthday Party

For once I'm posting on my family's site. Jessie will be so proud.

Well, Jessie's birthday was coming up and I wanted to do something different that she wouldn't expect. I came up with a surprise birthday party. The question was where to do it. I couldn't pull off a surprise at our house and I didn't want to wreck anyone else's house either. Then I remember when the Spencer's invited us to go to the Party and Fun Zone for Josh's birthday. I remember that the adults had more fun than the kids. So that's what I decided to do. The trick was to keep it from Jess and from Jada. It wasn't easy.

Well Jess was surprised and had a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone that came and enjoyed the fun.

Obviously Chloe had too much sugar.

Famous Facial Hair

I have to post this, because it is just hilarious. One day my brother (Tom's) friend was surfing the web looking for some style ideas for a goatee. He googled "goatee styles" and one of the first links he clicked on was from menshair.about.com. It was an article with pictures about facial hair and finding the right style for your face shape. And was surprised at one of the pictures in that article. Funny enough it was a picture of his friend, (my brother.) So he called him up and asked him about it. My brother was shocked because he had no idea how his picture got to be part of this article. He did some thinking, and eventually figured it out. He is a film major at the University of Utah, and he had to do some head shots for his portfolio. So apparently after taking his picture the photographer asked him if it was okay if she uploaded one or two of his pictures up onto istock photo. And I guess the author of the article must have purchased and download his photo from istock.

If you google "goatee styles" his picture is the third link in that "men's hair" article. If you go to google images and type "goatee" or "goatee styles" his picture comes up as number one or number 2.

His facial hair is right up there with the popular facial hair styles of Orlando Bloom, Adam Sandler, Will Smith, Johnny Depp... ha ha... I think it's awesome.

She's a butterfly

Jada's been doing gymnastics & ballet for about 3 1/2 months. She's taken to it like a fish in water. She absolutely loves it! Here are some clips of some of the things she's learned to do so far. I love watching her try to do something over and over and over... and then when she finally does it for the first time... it's just priceless!!

Way to go Jada!

Grey Ghost 5k

Is there anyone planning or thinking about doing the Grey Ghost 5k run/walk this Saturday?
http://www.greyghost5k.com/