In Utah...

So, we've been settled here in the great valley, for almost 2 months. In some ways it has gone by so quickly.  In other ways, it's been really long.  There are some unexpected things about moving, and being "straight out of dental school."  For instance, nobody really explained to me HOW poor we would be at first.  When you're IN school, you can push a button on the computer and get more money.  When you're not in school, and have yet to work, that button no longer works.

Starting out in the real world is scary.  Exciting?  No.  It's scary.  Everything is bigger.  Bigger bills, bigger houses, bigger expectations and bigger realities.


It's not that I'd want to be living the student life forever.  It's just a change that seems to be taking a while to get used so.  I'm not big on changes.

At night, when Whitney prays she usually always says something like, "Bless us to go back to Ohio.  Bless Jadyn to be happy."  It's very sweet and a little sad.  She wants friends so badly.  Luckily, we've been able to hang out with some of our good friends who live here.  She just wants one of those neighbors who lives two-doors-down and where she can go and play every single day.

We've had so many blessings on this journey.  We are grateful for supportive family, genuine friends and a beautiful place to live.  I am still in awe of these huge gorgeous mountains.  I didn't appreciate them when I was in college.  I really didn't.  There have been many sweet moments when I step outside and look to the East and see them.  My breath has literally been taken away when I see how beautiful they are.  I am also so grateful to live in a place where the sun is usually shining- and people are quite kind and friendly.


My New Year's resolutions included to be better about my daily scripture study.  I can feel the peace this brings into my life and the perspective it gives me.  I am trying to be a more patient mother, a more encouraging wife and a better member of His Church.  I don't usually use my blog as a 'platform' to share my feelings about my Savior, but today I will.

I am so grateful for the peace and joy I have by being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe it's true.  I know I have a loving Heavenly Father who is very aware of me personally.  I know He has a son, Jesus Christ, who lived and died for me.  I know he Atoned for me personally.  I know by following His commandments, I will not only be happy, but I will show Him my love for Him.  I also know that we continue to have a living prophet who can help us if we listen to his counsel.  I am grateful for the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  I know by following their teachings, we can become more like our Savior.  

It seems when times are tricky and difficult, we learn more about ourselves and I feel like I can better appreciate my blessings.

Last Thursday, while driving on the freeway with my two kids in the back seat, I was side-swipped by a guy who hit-and-ran.  Surprisingly enough, I stayed calm, memorized his license number and was able to contact Highway Patrol.  I was sad that the entire right side of our "new" car was dented and scratched.  BUT, more than anything, I am so grateful for our safety and that both of my kids were un-harmed.  It was a little miracle that let me know I am being watched over.

I also am beyond thankful for my two kids and my husband.  Through all of this crazy, stressful, busy time- my family has been a constant joy and support.  Oh, surely we all have our moments of time-outs, crazy antics and frustrations.  But nothing is sweeter than being together and having a good laugh.

So... onward to the next few weeks and months of our journey...