Sad and True Irony

Well we made it to Michigan, after a two day drive and a horrible nights stay in Altoona, Iowa where we had to stay in a smoking room (stinky stinky) and eat a buffet in a yucky casino (blah). We've been put up in an extended stay hotel. We're in a one-bedroom suite with a tiny kitchen. (does not include a stove). But, we're 2 miles from Jared's job and since we're sharing one vehicle it's been very convenient. Jared started his job last Friday. He loves his job a lot, and we are now busily looking for housing.

We've also figured out that we're actually more poor than we've ever been in our marriage because we no longer qualify for government assistance and we have to start paying pack student loans. Yay!!! So I am looking for full time work. We are also trying to qualify for a mortgage and we are looking for a house to buy because we can't afford to rent (funny I know), our mortgage could actually be cheaper than renting if we can find the right house.

At this point we have less than a month to accomplish all of this. Researching schools and areas, and finding a job that's close for me and daycare for the kids and finding a house all in one month - seems a little impossible.

The reality of having a real salary is sinking in and we're realizing that it's actually going to be harder than not having a job. Ironic. So cheers to Jared's job, I'm so happy for him and I'm so happy that we have it and that he's happy, but I'm sad that I have to work and see my children less. I'm trying to think of ways around it like getting licensed to be a certified childcare provider - just an idea, or working at a day care and taking my kids with me or something.

I know this is where we're supposed to be, I just hope we can figure it out. We're staying
positive.

BTW, Michigan is sunny and warm as of the past couple of days, and has some great charms about it. We're excited to explore the state and call it home. There are so many lakes, and museums, and the zoo is so close by. There's even a hobby lobby within 30 minutes of here.

So there's the quick update. Life is getting scary because now we have to grow up. AHHHH

Haven't scrapped for Awhile

I just found this digital kit for free, if you want it you can get it here, and well I just had to use it! I haven't scrapped anything since the pumpkin patch back in October, which was way too long ago, so I'll be playing catch up here for awhile. Anyway thought I'd share the pages.

Have the Stars Aligned?

If any of you out there know Derick Nance, he once told Jared and I something that has been heard in my mind over and over again for the past 10 months.

He said that a big part of getting a job is luck, such as being at the right place at the right time, or applying for a job at the right time, or knowing someone who puts in a good word for you at the right time...and then everything else, in addition to luck, has to align- the pay, the moving allowance, the location, the company and the timing. He said the stars have to align, and if any of these factors aren't "aligned" then the job won't happen, but the stars WILL align for you and you'll get the job you want that's right for you and your family at the right time, with the right pay... you just have to be patient and keep your head up. (it sounds easy)

Well I would like to let Derick and everyone else know that we have been waiting for our stars to align, we've been to 4 states, lived with 3 families, held 4 jobs (between the two of us), and have been searching, praying, struggling, and waiting for 10 months, and I'm excited and overwhelmed to inform everyone that our stars have FINALLY aligned!

Jared received a job offer yesterday from Globalhue in Detroit, Michigan and he'll be starting on March 8th, as a junior copywriter, working on the Jeep account!!!! Can you believe it?



Deep breath.

I cannot tell you all how extremely overwhelmed and grateful I am feeling at this very moment.

Thank you for ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS. You know who you are. I have received countless messages and emails from friends and family so concerned for us, making sure we're okay and reminding me that they are thinking about us and praying for us, and I just can't express enough to all of you for being there, for supporting, and for empathizing, and for encouraging us during this time.

It has been probably the most difficult trial I've ever been through in my life up to this point, and we were miraculously able to keep our heads above water.

I just wanted to give a shout out - to all of you who care for our family. It has meant the world to me and I'm grateful for all of you.

I feel I have grown and stretched in so many ways over the past 10 months, and I feel like I have learned a lot about myself. My testimony has grown and I have developed a much stronger testimony of tithing, of trusting that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us and watches over us, of faith, and of prayer. I don't think I've ever prayed for something so much in my life, and I know he heard every prayer and that he answered us on his time in his way. Sometimes I've wondered if He even cares about me, or if he had abandoned our family, but I would quickly push those thoughts from my mind and I know now more than I ever have that Heavenly Father does hear us, he does answer us and he never abandons us or forgets about us. We just have to have faith, and exercise that faith through prayer, patience, tithing, and hard work, did I mention patience. Ugh.

It's a good feeling to have and I'm just so so grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for my Father in Heaven, for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for special friends, and supportive family.

I'm sorry to get all sappy and churchy on everybody, I just felt inspired to share it with all of you.

Now we have another move (which I'm actually dreading) but another adventure, and I'm so READY!

10 things I love about Boulder

1. The 48 degree weather and sunshine almost everyday

2. Clear Blue skys and bikers everywhere. Healthy, Healthy. It makes you want to join the masses.

3. The fact that recycling is not even a question ( recycling wasn't even offered at our apartment complex in Virginia)

4. There are family friendly sidewalks everywhere! (sidewalks in Virginia were scarce)



5. Organic is the norm (Unfortunately I can't afford organic- but if I could I would totally buy it)

6. I have a garage - no more icy windshields - the car is always nice and warm.

7. When I turn on my blinker other drivers actually let me over (never happens in Utah)

8. Dog Parks - what a concept.

9. If I don't do my hair and don't have any makeup on,and I wear sweats out and about - I look like a normal local here - it's AMAZING. You can't do that in other places without getting judged - sorry it's the truth.

10. The fact that I have tons of windows and two big sky lights to light my house all day with natural light - I've never had so many windows.


When Jared and I were first married we used to always say that we wanted to end up in Colorado, after living in Virginia we decided that the east coast would be the place for us because of all the green and the warm weather, now after being here we might change our mind. Colorado has the green lushness of Virginia, the close mountains of Utah for all your hiking and camping needs, and even though it snows, the amazing number of sunny days really makes a difference because the snow always melts off within a day and the sunshine makes it feel warm. Overall my first impression of Colorado .... 5 stars.

If Jared does get this job in Michigan we'll have to come back to Boulder some day. It might be the perfect place to live.

P.s. I thought of an 11 - We have a Hobby Lobby - so excited! If you've never had the privilege of shopping at a hobby lobby it's like a Michael's, Roberts, Ben Franklin and JoAnn's all in one plus MORE! Perfect for all your crafting needs, wants and desires.

Autism Study Retracted

This post is for Emily Smith. I always knew that vaccines did not cause autism and it has been a controversial issue for so long, and well now the discussion is over. CNN announced today that the man responsible for this study did not perform an accurate study and has retracted his statement that vaccines could/do cause autism. I thought of Emily because of her children and her passion for this topic and wanted to share the news clip with everyone.



So what do we learn from this? Get your kids vaccinated, and keep up on them.

OH MY GOSH

Dear life,

Could you please stop throwing my family up and down this impossible roller coaster that is no where near our idea of fun. We know you like to give people interesting stories to tell, but we've had enough interesting experiences to last at least a few years. If you wouldn't mind just dropping us off at the nearest emergency exit point, that would be oh so helpful.

Getting impatient,
Carlie

So, about 6 days after arriving in Boulder Jared was contacted by two different agencies, both randomly in "beautiful" Michigan, wanting to schedule phone interviews. Well he had both interviews last week and today he received a call from one of them (Globalhue) informing him that they would like to fly him out this weekend for a face-t0-face interview (which in the ad world means a JOB OFFER).

YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS. Today is Jared's 5th day of work at his internship... 5th day! And our first Sunday was yesterday where we received a very warm welcome and a few dinner invites, which I was excited to follow through with. We've had unbelievable weather, and have already been excited to see what Boulder has to offer. I've even got a library card already for cryin out loud.

Now I'm not saying I'm not grateful for this news, I'm just sayin that I'm a little annoyed with the timing, and the state where we could possibly be moving to in... oh... say... A WEEK!

I know I know all of you are rolling your eyes at me telling me to shut my yapper and stop wining and to just be grateful, but COME ON... WE JUST GOT HERE - ya know - it's a little annoying that if we do move to Michigan within a couple of weeks that it will be the fifth state we've lived in 6 months time. I was just kinda ready to settle somewhere and call a place home for a little while.

Now this could fall through, like we expect it to. They could low ball him and offer him an insulting salary, which would be a deal breaker, or this fly out could really be another interview not coupled with an offer, which never happens, but with us there's just no tellin. Or they could go with someone else, after getting our hopes up. But none of these scenarios seem to be the case with this particular agency. They are really excited about Jared and informed him that there would not be a follow up interview (meaning this is a job offer)

I'm excited for our first fly out ever, but I'm annoyed with all the moving. Really Really Annoyed. I just wish life would make up it's mind already, and leave us in peace.

p.s.

And why Michigan? Why? Sob... Sob... Sob.

p.s.s.
I know....... I'm a brat. But come on.... Michigan?

We made it!

So... on our way to Boulder Colorado I took some pictures with my phone - ya know - partly out of boredom, partly out of interesting scenery, but mostly out of boredom. Our main stop about half way to Boulder, was in a little tiny town called Rawlins, Wyoming. Anyone heard of it? I found it incredibly...Wyoming-ish. Just the kind of place you'd think would be in Wyoming... nothing against Wyoming- it was actually quite a beautiful landscape to drive through, not very populated, which I guess in a way is sort of refreshing. Anyway what was so great about our stop was this beautiful church that didn't match the run-down-ness of the town, and this little Thai food restaurant called "Anong"and it was really really yummy. We hate hate hate the usual Wendy's, Burger King, KFC, Subway stops that usually exist on road trips and we wanted anything but fast food, and well the Thai food was more than satisfactory.

So below are some pictures from the road and some pictures of our new place. At first we were a little overwhelmed with the amount of junk and lack of organization in the house, but after a few days of getting settled and moving stuff around, it has become cozy and comfortable.

Jared's new job is refreshing for him. It is this huge warehouse. It is so crowded that there desks everywhere (even in hallways), and because interns are on the bottom of the priority list, their desks are the kitchen tables located in the kitchen. There is free soda machines and plenty of other perks. They allow dogs at work, people ride their bikes around the warehouse to get from office to office or desk to bathroom. They have bikes and snowboards available to borrow. They don't care when you show up or when you leave, just as long as you meet your deadlines. It is very casual, yet very professional. They expect a lot from you, but understand that creativity requires an environment free of obstacles that would impede creative thinking (example: ties, rules, cubicles, no food, etc) which is why the environment is so relaxed. So let's just say it is a very perfect place for Jared. He's only been there for a couple of days so there's not much to report yet, but so far he is enjoying it.

Anyway so far it's been sunny, cozy, and friendly. Check in later for more updates.

Moving Forward

So I've just posted a few entries from Christmas and I have yet to post a couple more from Boise, soon to come. But I have some news to share with everyone.

My last day of teaching is this coming Friday the 22nd of January. We are all moving together as a family to Boulder, Colorado this weekend, and Jared starts his internship at Crispon Porter the following Tuesday. A sort of miracle has happened. Up until a few days ago we, let alone, Jared had no place to live in Boulder. Jared had been in contact with the bishopric in the ward we'll be attending, asking him to see if any ward members would be willing to house him for a couple of weeks until he gets a pay check and could find us a place. We have not heard a word from him, so Jared was planning on sleeping in the van in the parking lot of Crispon Porter, which for us has been a bit a touchy subject, but that's a story for another post.

So Jared posted an ad in craigslist that mentioned that he and his family were looking for fully furnished housing in Boulder, Colorado for 12 weeks for $800 a month. Well within 1 day of his ad this woman responded to his ad and told him she had a townhouse in Boulder and that she normally rents the place for $1200 a month, but would be able to do it for $800. So we've been working out a few details over the past few days and it has been settled. The place is fully furnished (including sheets, blankets, towels, dishes, utensils, a new queen size bed, two twin size beds, two bathrooms, a basement with a pool table, new carpet and counter tops, furniture, etc. the only downer about the place is that it is from the 70's and all the furniture is original to the house including the decor - so everything is a little "groovy" if you you will - like wood paneling on the walls and green bath tubs and sinks -YIKES - hopefully it's not haunted : )

One of the details was our dog Layla. This property doesn't usually allows animals, but we thought we'd try to ask and hope that they would make an exception. They have agreed to let us bring Layla, which was huge for me. I never really knew how attached I was to my dog until I was told that she would have to be left with family for the 12 week internship. She is such a comfort to our family. When Jared is not around she makes me feel safe, she keeps me company, and now she sleeps with Talen every night, and he will not go to bed unless she is laying next to him. She is just a big part of our family and I've grown very attached to her. She is such a great dog. She is so obedient and loving and friendly. She's never been a threat to anyone, she's never been destructive, and she's never had accidents in the house. Really she is the best breed of dog that anyone could have as part of their family. I'm so so happy that we can take her.

Those of you out there who are dog lovers probably know exactly how I feel and can understand how happily this news was received.

So we're going. And we can't wait to start our next adventure. We pray that something great will come of this and that it will finally be our turn to start our new life that we've been wanting and working so hard to achieve.

It's going to be hard. I'm never going to see my husband, the house we're living in is what you could say a little on the "ghetto" side, we have no friends or family out there, but it's hopefully going to be worth it. I'm excited to be home again with my babies, and to provide them with structure that they can depend on. They have had a rough 6 months, and I'm determined to focus all of my attention on them and give them the best experience that I can. All these transitions have been so hard on Talen. He's become very affected by all the changes, the loss of friends, the absence of his mommy, etc., and I'm hoping to help him turn around and to feel safe, secure, and happy. I'm just glad that they aren't any older than they are.

Anyone know anything about Boulder?

Temple Square

Okay, so the next few posts are from Christmas, but I figured I need to post them even though they are long over due, mostly for journaling purposes.


Before we went to Boise for Christmas we had a little Christmas here in Utah and we also went to Temple square to see the lights with the kids. It was a lot of fun and was absolutley freezing. After seeing the beautiful temple grounds and the nativity scene we finished the evening at Krispie Kream with doughnuts and hot chocolate. The kids loved watching how the doughnuts were made. I think if we would have let them they could have stayed and watched the doughnut -making process for hours. It's alwasy so fun to go see the lights at the temple and to see the carriages being pulled by horses, and this year we got to hear a street performer playing the bagpipes. It was very festive.

My mom also picked out a really cute dress for Kendal for Christmas but it didn't fit her right, so I took it back and got her a new Christmas dress. I bought her a gorgeous Christmas dress last season right after Christmas at the children's place that was $40 and was marked down to $5 - it was gold, pale pink, and black velvet and it was so so beautiful. Well it was and is still in storage and it kinda broke my heart that she wasn't able to wear it this year for Christmas, but at least I was able to get something that came in a close second. So also in this post are some pictures of everyone dressed up on Christmas Sunday.

The Salt Lake Temple

Sitting in front of the reflection pond

Kendal and Grandpa

My mom (Elaine) and me

Kendal dancing in the visitor's center

Talen took this photo and I love Kendal's smile - she looks like such a big girl.

Yes Kendal is sitting on Layla and yes my son is a little stinker face

That's better...

Talen and Kendal wrestling

Aren't they so sweet?

Build-a-Bear

For Talen's Christmas present this year we told Grandma Lainy that he had expressed interest in doing a build-a-bear. So she decided to take him on a special date for Christmas to do a build-a-bear. It was just perfect for him. He loved picking out his very own animal, and then watching the nice lady stuff the bear, he got to pick out a voice box, and then he got to put the heart in. It was so cute the lady had him rub the heart to warm it up and had him give it a kiss before putting it into the bear. Then he had to give the bear a bath and I think that was his favorite part. He loved pushing the pedal with his foot, which cause air to come out of this pipe to help blow all of the fuzz off the bear. Then he got to pick out an outfit and an accessory. His accessory of choice was a set of golf clubs since he had been golfing a few times with Grandpa before this excursion, and he loves to golf.

Then we registered the bear, made him a birth certificate and gave him a name. It was so cute because I asked him what he wanted to name his bear and he said, "mmmmmm.... Tylenol, with this huge smile on his face" and I said, "what, that is too silly, how about Ty?" and he said, "yeah, yeah Ty, Ty!" So his new bear had a name, an outfit, a birthdate, awesome shoes (black and white slip on's), and golf clubs. I think the whole experience meant a lot to him and I think he was the perfect age to really appreciate it. Now he sleeps with Ty every night. It is very cute.

stuffing the skin

warming up the heart

kissing the heart

bath time

pure joy

Thanks Grandma!