So I decided to allow myself to "borrow" an idea from a friend who blogs... I'm going to do our yearly newsletter here since I didn't send out Christmas cards. Life has been a little hectic the past month. Anyway, on with our 2009...
We started the year by spending the holidays with Ashley (who lived with us in Denver), Cortney, and Denton. We had so much fun! Aaron and I worked for the same company and we were laid off February 27th. We packed up our stuff and headed out to stay with his parents in Caliente, NV.
After arriving Aaron applied for a job with the Caliente Youth Center the next day (March 3rd). It was similar to his job in Iowa at Midwest Academy, but for kids who had been arrested and were mandated by a court to be there. So, with all of his experience we thought it would be a great job for him. To keep him busy and help provide for us several members in the ward hired Aaron to do yard work, painting, etc., and we were so thankful. We were also blessed with a tax return that kept us going for a few months.
In May Aaron got a call from Dr. Balderston - the dentist he worked for in California. He wanted Aaron to come out and see his new practice in Magalia and talk with him about being the office manager. We spent a week in California in May, visiting family and checking out the job. When we got home we were able to look at the pros and cons, the main concern being my need to work full-time because of the cost of living out there. So, we prayed and both felt very strongly that we were to stay in Caliente. It was hard to turn down the only job offer he'd had, but we felt at peace.
Not long after turning down the dentist Aaron received notice that he was scheduled to take the state test for the youth center job. He took the test and was really nervous about the results. In the meantime he was offered a summer job at Cathedral Gorge State Park. He had such a great time and really enjoyed that job.
Aaron got the results from his test and he passed. He interviewed with the board and we heard from several people that it was between him and a former highway patrolman. We were so nervous!
Aaron's job at the park was to end Labor Day. As it got closer he was finally offered the job at the youth center and was to start the day after his park job ended. Let me just say that we have felt the guidance of our Heavenly Father this entire year.
The girlies had an eventful year... Laura started kindergarten and Kaitlyn started preschool. We are working on reading with them, especially Laura. They are both doing well in school and have made friends. Kaitlyn has passed Laura up in size by almost 10 pounds. They are the same height now. Laura is such a small fry. Avery is doing well and has mastered the art of the cheesy-you-know-I'm-cute smile. And her dimples just add to the effect. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful daughters.
I started school again in the fall, this time at Southern Utah University. I managed to get a 3.92 GPA, but I'm a little bummed that I won't be able to continue there due to the long commute (95 miles each way). I'd have to go four days a week starting in the spring, and I can't do that to my family. So I'm looking into online school. I'm hoping to finish the two classes I need to become a substitute teacher.
Our other news is that I'm pregnant and due July 26th... our first summer child. I was incredibly sick and lost 12 pounds in about two weeks, but I'm doing much better now. We're hoping to find out what the baby is in February. And since there aren't any OB doctors out here, I'll be delivering in St. George. Hopefully not in the car between here and there, right? I'm joking, but it's a thought that sits in the back of my head once in awhile.
Oh, I almost forgot! We are currently in the process of applying for the USDA Rural Development housing loan, so we're hoping to be in our own home by March or April. We'll let you know what happens...
Sorry this is lengthy... we've had a busy year. We have been incredibly blessed as we've tried to follow the Lord's guidance and counsel. We are thankful for our family, especially to Aaron's parents who have been so patient to have us in their home for the past ten months. We're thankful for my parents who, though it was a strange way for it to happen, helped us leave Iowa and find a better job for Aaron and a way for us to be closer to our families. We are so thankful for the gospel and for the wonderful friends we've been blessed with. We love you all! Happy 2010!
