It has been an entire month here in Idaho, and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
The last time I was this happy about making a major life decision, was the day I got married.
And - I am still very happy about that decision.
To my children who were a little nervous about this major change, I wanted to let you know how happy Mommy really is, Daddy too.
Since I print this every year, I wanted to write you a little note about this shift we made, because really, we made it for you.
Daddy worked so hard getting his degree, and finally was rewarded with an amazing opportunity.
Our family goals and happiness factor were the number one reason for leaving.
Church was fine, but not great.
School was fine, but not great.
Our neighborhood was fine, but not great.
Our family was great, but not awesome.
We knew we needed to do this for you. For us. For Mommy. For Daddy.
We prayed about leaving Colorado many times. We tried selling our house when Mommy was GIANT pregnant with Bridget, but nothing ever happened.
We talked about moving often, but the timing was never right.
This time was different. We knew we needed to be in a place that was better than where we were.
Don't get us wrong, we really enjoyed our time in Colorado. I mean, every single one of you were born there. We brought you all home to that house, we had so many memories there.
But - there were a lot of things that were not good there, and when we prayed about leaving this time...we got a very LOUD yes!
Leaving Colorado was as painless as possible.
Getting to Idaho was a complete nightmare, but we are here.
We are in an awesome ward. We are not only loved, and celebrated, but fit in beautifully.
We already have a place and have fit into a groove that has just made this transition seamless.
The school is superb. They offer many things that the Colorado school didn't offer, and even better - the middle and high school are excellent. Don't forget, you get to take a bus!!!
Our neighborhood is 95% LDS. We couldn't ask for a better neighborhood. We have already made some friends and love the homey, just run down the way for some eggs kind of feel.
It is a little weird and stepfordy how we all leave for church at the same time, and all pull into the garages at the same time on Sunday, but it is also really nice too.
Our family is so much closer, Daddy is home 80% more (minus the calling) and his being here and being able to stop and eat lunch, or play trains, has been a long time coming. We are excited for the many adventures that we will have in the future, and love that Idaho has given us the room to stretch our legs.
Sometimes we are faced with doing what is easy and doing what is right.
Sometimes it is hard to just to take the leap, to have faith.
Sometimes we are given trials to see how strong we really are.
We want you to know that we love you, and that we are so incredibly happy that we moved.
We believe that you are too.
Love,
Mom and Dad
(mostly mom)