A lot has happened since my last blog post. The biggest change was that we packed up and moved across the country. We said goodbye to our wonderful Hernando and made out way to Cache Valley, Utah. It all happened very quickly. Josh flew to Salt Lake City in May to attend his brother, Nate's, wedding. While he was there our sister in law encouraged Josh to drop off just one resume anywhere. So he did. He left a copy with Cornerstone Residential in Bountiful. A week or so later we were vacationing in the Smoky Mountains when Josh got a call. The owners wanted to fly Josh back to Utah to talk about him taking over the property management for the Cache Valley region. So back he flew. They offered him the job. We talked about it. They wanted him to start in 3 weeks. So we hurried and trained new people to take over our property management in Hernando, packed up a big U-haul, said goodbye to some wonderful, dear friends, and on to our new adventure!
I loved out life in Hernando. I had some great friends, Carter had some amazing friends, we had a great ward family, and our work and family schedule was one to be envied. We were always together and could go and do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We had immense freedom in our employment. It was wonderful. But I always had a sense of longing and even a little guilt that my kids were so far away from their grandparents and cousins. Seeing them maybe once a year just wasn't good enough. So, the opportunity to move back and be closer to them felt right.
Josh's company gave us a 3 bedroom/2 bath condo to live in for free. They also pay all the utilities. Free rent is nice...but when you add in ZERO utility payments!!...I don't know if I can ever go back to paying for electricity! The condo is a little bit of tight fit...short on living space...but the bedrooms and bathrooms have ample space. We have made ourselves right at home and I don't have many complaints. We keep saying we will look for a house to buy...but for now FREE is nice.
When we first arrived I had a really hard time. I was actually surprised by my feelings. We have moved so many times that I did not expect to have too much adjustment. Boy was I thrown for a loop. Instead of working with Josh everyday, I was now saying goodbye to him in the morning and not seeing him again until around 6:30 every night. We did not know anyone and did not have any friends to play with. I was with my kids from sun up to sun down without any other adult around and without Josh to team parent with. We went out everyday together and explored all the parks and found the libraries and fun places. I enjoyed my kids but it was still very hard. I actually hated my new life at the moment. I missed Josh terribly. I missed our freedom. Normally moving to a new place meant we were out exploring as a family, but now, without Josh I was having a hard time enjoying it. I knew I did not want to go back to our old job...but couldn't we have our cake and eat it too? The answer is no. But time does heal. Eventually I worked through my emotions and found a schedule that worked for us. I found a great preschool for Cannon so that he could get out and learn and play and I could have some hours to not feel like I was drowning. Carter started 4th grade. I was able to get into a good Mom groove. My mood lifted. I stopped getting mad at Josh for not being home immediately when I expected him to be. I have found enjoyment in my new life. I no longer have to work so I have all the time I need and can still do whatever I want. I just have to do it by myself or with my kids. I still miss Josh and always will. But now we treasure the weekends and the evenings. I know someday Josh and I can work together again if we choose to.
In October I decided to pull Carter out of public school and teach him at home. Coming from Mississippi to Utah, we found he was behind in math. He was struggling with math homework for hours every night. I hated it, he hated it. So I put an end to it. It has been great having him home. I don't think I am a great teacher though...or just not in the right season of life to be. So I am working on getting him signed up with the Utah Virtual Academy where he will have a teacher online.
We just spent Christmas with all my family at my parent's house for the first time in at least 8 years. It was wonderful to be all together. My siblings are just my favorite people. They are just so great. We have lots of laughs when we are together.
Last night was New Year's Eve...all of my boys were snoring by 10 pm. I stayed up til 2:00 just enjoying the peace and quiet and watching Netflix:) I didn't even see the ball drop. I think I need to go find a video of it online now because it just doesn't feel quite the same not watching the countdown.
My goal for the blog this year is to find some writing prompts online to use for posts, to post about my kids, maybe do some reviews of Usborne books and other products, and just record the memories that make up our lives. It is fun to look back over the years and read about things that I forgot about or see how events lead up to where we are today. I hope we all stay healthy and happy and just enjoy our season! Here is to being a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, and a better citizen in my community. Here is to doing a little good in the world. Here is to 2016!
2 comments:
Wow--you really did have an eventful year! Change is hard, but it sounds like you are adjusting to your big move. And I'm sure your folks are happy to have you closer! I enjoyed reading your post and getting caught up with your life!
hooray! Here I go! Once a week. Hold me to it.
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