Happiness

This upcoming move will be our 11th move for us since we’ve been married almost 17 years ago (on Aug 4th). We’ve lived in three homes in Provo, Utah, once living with his Parents (just me and 3 kiddos) and one home in Salt Lake City, Utah. We bought a home in Gaithersburg, MD right before the market crash and we gave it to the bank to move to two homes in Gilbert, AZ. Two homes in Lehi Utah and one home in Paso Robles, CA moving on to one home in Gilbert, AZ it all comes full circle. We’re pretty good at moving, let’s say that. But we learn something new each and every time.

I am in bed with a headache/migraine. Light hurts my eyes and head as does sound. I had planned to pack. That is happening and that’s ok. Declan said to Josh “Mom needs a blessing (a Priesthood blessing we do in our Church). “You’re right, she will get one!” I still need to get one, but right now I  am resting and recovering. An open calendar- not anymore!

  I have many stories but this is the story of how I was born. I was born to a 28 year old Mother and  Teacher who also happened to be a hippie and a 27 yr old Father who also happened to be a Native American Reading Tutor that was also a hippie as well. They wore their hair long, had orange and brown clothes and embraced nature. They were also Mormon. And still are! My twin sister Molly and I were born on the same birthday! Can you imagine that? She came out first and I decided that the world was not for me and I would NOT come out unless I had 3 nurses in my pushing and begging me to leave. I finally did. In a huff! But smiled when I got here. That’s how I often am. I make a decision and then I wonder “Hm...should I really do this?!” When I went to college I felt like yelling “take me back” but I was SO glad I stayed. Before getting married to my handsome husband I thought “Is he really the one? Should I back out now?” I got married and I am SO SO grateful. Now w...

D ear Trader Joe’s,  Thank you for making the best chocolate on the planet that I ever had.It is dark (85%), smooth and fruity. It hits the spot and at $1.69 a box, it is perfect on the wallet too!  Love, Megan

We said our goodbyes last night at farewell party with people from our Church Ward. Even though we still have two weeks to go it was better to play it safe. We loved seeing everyone- including some of our favorite faces and saying goodbye, mourning the fact that we had only been here a year. I feel a little overwhelmed with all that I need to do, but I know that it will work out. Reserving the truck, getting 7th grade shots for Asher before we go, picking up more boxes. Josh and I spoke at Church yesterday on Faith. He did such a good job. Faith starts with our thoughts- as a seed- and then grows and grows. I gave just a short talk as usual with mostly stories of our trials and how our faith grew during them. Wish us luck! We have found a home to rent in Gilbert that we love. It has a green kitchen, a piano room, is directly across from a cute park (Declan will love that) and a pool built into the deck. Now we just need to get there!

We've had a hard time finding a rental home in Arizona this time around. The market is extremely hot- literally!- and rentals go as fast as they get put on the market. I just applied for a home today- here's hoping we get it! Our future is based on our thoughts.If we think positive thoughts, we will have a positive future. If we think negative thoughts, we will have a negative one. Despite having a hard time getting into a home, we are excited and thrilled about working for ASU and for living in Arizona!

Headed to Church and soon to get the Aaronic Priesthood (something 12 yr olds get the chance to have and use when they turn 12. They take care of the members of our Church and pass the Sacrament.) We were all laughing at Declan's face right here.   Opening presents. The boys all went to the dollar store and pitched in to buy Asher some presents. He liked them! Happy Birthday, Asher, we love you!!

An hour North of here, lies Hearst Castle- a castle built by a very rich man who loved Paso Robles and felt that it was the perfect place and Heaven on Earth (which I can see!). He bought zebras and made perfect pools at his Castle. Across from the Hearst Castle, is Hearst Beach and the Elephant Seal beach. The Elephant seals are so funny to watch! These were teenagers and they would bump chests to fight. Hearst beach is my kids favorite because it's not as crowded as other beaches and the waves are a pretty good size! We spent the afternoon here boogie boarding and having a blast! We showed Chloe the beach and she enjoyed getting a tan. Great beach visit!

We signed up to have a French Foreign exchange student stay with us for the month of July. Elizabeth takes French in school and I thought it would be a great way for her to improve her French and a fun way to spend the summer. We found out we were moving all of a sudden in the beginning of June and I emailed the program director to let her know we could no longer host a student. I got a letter back from our student, Chloe, saying how excited she was to meet us.  She was so sweet and we decided that since we live in a smaller home and most of our stuff was in storage (in the garage) already, that we could make it work. So, she flew in last Thursday and we picked her up Friday night. She is super sweet, loves to be involved and go places and she understands a LOT of English. Declan loves her already and says "I have two sisters!" He is going to be so sad when she goes! Life is quite the adventure!!

I have two babies in our family. #1- Asher. He is the youngest of the big kids and was my baby for almost 8 years until Declan came. #2. Declan. He is officially my baby and will be so for awhile. Actually, all my kids are my babies and they always will be! Even after they are married and having babies of their own. And without further ado- my baby Asher is turning 12! This is pretty weird for me! Babies? Turning 12? How can this be? Just a short while ago I was in Orem Community Hospital, pushing out this strong, strong baby boy while my sister Amy and the Dr were rushing into the room. They almost missed his birth, but they got there- in the nick of time!  The Dr said "This baby boy sure is STRONG!" and I said "Tell me about it! He's been kicking me for the past several months! No wonder he's strong."  I love Asher. He is happy. He is positive. He loves soccer and track and field. He's a great mathematician, writer, maker of friends and...

  I love how bright pink flowers will just grow out of the ground here in California!   A bent, twisted oak tree. Our town is called The Way of the Oaks, so there are a ton of Oak trees around. There are also a lot of vineyards and wineries around too. We have the perfect weather for growing grapes!    Right near our home. A Spanish style home. A local flower. A neighbor's home and bike.   I love living in California!

We went to the local 4th of July Parade in Templeton and had a lot of fun people watching and float watching as well! Declan got lost for a few minutes there and I felt so, so glad that we found him safe! That can give you quite a scare!  We’re still looking for homes in Arizona. It’s a hot market over there and a lot of the good homes get snatched up really quickly. Wish us luck! We’re also getting a French foreign exchange student on Friday. More about that to come!

I am thankful for all of the friends we have made and the good times that we have had while we have lived here in Paso Robles, CA. While we have been here: Josh learned how to teach 7th grade Math Elizabeth learned how to navigate a new, rough, but talented High School and in High School band. Ethan and Jonah learned through all their honors classes with their cousin Dallin. They tried out and made district honor band and had a blast! Asher excelled in soccer and in class and track and field and district band as well. Ethan and Jonah also excelled in cross country and band. Declan became best friends with Kate and close friends with Avery and Chloe and Nolan. We got two Betta fishes- Turquoise and Sparkle. Turquoise died. Megan played the piano for the kids for two different wards. Our wards were divided a month ago and we learned how to navigate that. Josh was in charge of the Sunday School teachers and was in the Young Men's Presidency ...