Receiving Something New

"We see what we choose to see and receive what we focus on. There is such beauty in willingness to release and create space in our lives and our hearts to receive something new. Resting in the promise of abundance..."

My friend Anna Molgard shared that beautiful thought with me this past week.

Sometimes the present moment can be scary when we consider our place in eternity. I've struggled with forward thinking as of late, but I believe that often times, the present moment is just enough. "Give us this day our daily bread." I know that there have to be chapters in life when our Heavenly Father requires us to focus on the day-to-day in order to exercise obedience to our current role and situation.

What I really want to do right now is post lots of amazing photos of us in Washington leading up to our move, but I'm going to embrace seeing the here and now for the time being, so here goes posting a few great experiences we've had in Utah lately.

I got to accompany Carlie on her 3rd grade field trip to the Kaysville Farmer's Market landing several weeks ago where we rotated through various stations all about agriculture. She loves it here and has made lots of new friends.

AnnMarie and I watched my niece, Kate, in a volleyball tournament a few weeks ago. I love being able to support my extended family members in person.

The children have an adorable clubhouse in our backyard to center many of their adventures around. The weather is not favorable for the water slide right now, but it sure has been a fun space for them.

Cheers to seeing snow on the mountains that stare at me every day. Not really sure how to feel about it, but I do love skiing, so this isn't a bad thing. :)

Carlie turned EIGHT

Eight years ago from May a bright blue-eyed light was born into our family.

We named her Carlie Joy.

It was such a beautiful day...one I will never forget.

I remember thinking forward to her 8th birthday, wondering what she'd look like...knowing the milestone it'd be. Oh, how she's become a piece of my heart, especially through the hardships of her strong personality that's really stretched us as parents.

I know all children have meltdowns, but we went through several years of very difficult days and tantrums -- trying all sorts of tactics to help her feel at peace and better navigate her emotions. It was not easy, specifically in Argentina when she suffered from a series of illnesses that certainly affected her sleep and behavior problems. Shortly after our return to the States (when she was 4-yrs. old), she underwent a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. This was a turning point for Carlie (and for all of us, really), and somewhere around 1st grade we really noticed some changes. Gymnastics and soccer became a big part of her life, and her self-confidence was truly beginning to blossom.

She was only 5-yrs.old when my Dad passed away. I know she feels the impact of his absence at times, perhaps through me, but she had a special bond with "Papa Stacy," and I know he loved her dearly, too.

And now here she is - eight years old. What a special life you've lived thus far my sweet girl! You're more beautiful than I could've ever imagined.

A Change

As I sit here at my computer in the quiet of a Sunday night - reflecting on my life’s journey thus far - I can’t help but consider the ways in which our loving God brings about change in our lives. At times it can be quite quickly, and perhaps dramatically. Other times it’s more subtle and slow — following a series of small happenings over time. Over the course of the past few months our family has experienced large scale changes — some rapid.
Others? Small happenings maybe not so recognizable at the time.

Tri-Cities was our home for the last 9 years. We made very dear friends there and felt like it was going to be our place and our future. We loved our neighbors. We were involved in our community and ward. We were happy.

Only ten days after listing our beloved home (in order to start the building process on a beautiful piece of ground we purchased over 2 years ago), Jared’s job situation changed dramatically, and he was given the option to move to Salt Lake City. Our house sold the next day.

So here we are in Farmington, Utah. We’ve been here now for about 3 weeks, and I’m doing my very best to embrace the change and navigate Davis County, Utah. Although the transition hasn’t been easy, I am grateful for the opportunity to begin a new chapter! I still feel like I’m ready to head back to our house in Washington any day now, but honestly, the people here in Farmington have been so warm and welcoming. There is a definite difference in the feel here, and it’s tangible!

AnnMarie, Carlie, and Gabe started school last week, and boy, was it bittersweet. The girls have been adjusting alright, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say they’ve had their days. I’m so proud of them and the way in which they’re trying to jump in and make life happen for them here.

Gabe had his first day of Kindergarten! What a wonderful day it was. We are so pleased with his teacher and the wonderful person she seems to be! The girls seem to have great teachers, too. We live within walking distance of the school which will be a new experience for us.

“In the end, they became more than what they expected. They became the journey, and like all journeys, they did not end, they just simply changed directions and kept going.” — R.M. Drake