a blended life

Finally, with the new job and new husband, it was clearly time to leave Mapleton and get out of my parent's house already. Because if you're going to make life changes, let's do them all at once. The day after I was offered the job, and Jacob hadn't left me in Utah for a tropical island (nope, not bitter), we found an apartment in the town I'm working. Actually, Jacob found it, called the people and arranged to look at it, filled out the application, and pretty much took care of everything. And I can't tell you how much I LOVE having someone who is proactive on life and just takes care of things. Sooooooo....after 4 years, 3 months and a handful of days, we're leaving and venturing into the real world where a sort-of single mom works full time and takes care of kids and pretends to do laundry. We're taking a couple pieces of furniture and some boxes of old piano music and WAY TOO MANY TOYS. And a few very nice wedding gifts and some super-appreciated h...

I didn't mention in my last post what was going on with my job situation--because it's a whole other bag of fun and frankly, I just didn't feel like talking about it. So this summer, I did 13 interviews in a desperate attempt to get a job in Special Ed. Thirteen. I had a job offer at a charter school in Saratoga Springs and I verbally accepted the job. They sent me the contract--and i never heard another thing from them. All summer, I had a pit in my stomach about taking that job. It never felt right, but I had no other offers. FINALLY, the day before the wedding, Nebo School District called and said they had a job for me, and if I wanted it I would need to interview that afternoon. The job was for an elementary school position in a tiny town. Not what I had in mind, but better than taking a job I never felt good about. Short version--I interview, accept the job while still on my honeymoon, and I'm now working with 5-10 year old kids with reading and math issues (and ...

I've started this post several different times and can't seem to find the right words to describe all that has happened. at Multnomah Falls Jacob the Island Boy came to home from medical school for a 6 week summer break. I went to Texas to meet his dad and drive him up to Utah, then a few days later we drove to Newport, Oregon for a family reunion of mine (insert a round of strep throat in here). 5,000 miles and over 50 hours in the car together (and with my girls), we realized it was time to start planning a wedding. Naturally. No formal proposal, no hoopla, just let's get this thing done and get on with what we've been wanting for months anyway. Newport, OR. Not sure what the serious face is all about. We talked it over with the bishop, the stake president, and my parents extensively. We pored over the calendar and everyone's schedules. I was starting a new job with a training schedule, Jacob had to leave the country on the 11th (sob), my paren...