New adventures!

Ok, so this year has been very eventful so far.....Eli came into our lives, Max finished first grade, I graduated with my Masters Degree, Jason and I went to the temple, then had our family sealed in the Mesa Temple. And if you think we are done, well that's not it. Right now I am sitting in the office that is filled with boxes...yes boxes, packed boxes. I feel like a kid at Christmas announcing this, because it has been a long time coming...But we are FINALLY moving to our home in Northern Idaho. We are scheduled to move in about 3 1/2 weeks! We are excited for many reasons, but first and foremost we are excited about our fresh start in the most beautiful place I have ever seen! Just in case you are wondering how in the world we decided to pick Idaho as our final destination of our forever home....well, here is the story: It had been about a year since Isabella had passed away. Many things had been weighing on our minds and we had a strong feeling to simplify, and find to place that had a small population, beautiful, and offered all the wonderful outdoor things we did as kids enjoyed together when we were dating, and a place where our kids could grow up away from all the chaos and daily two hour freeway drives. I just happened to be thumbing through my beloved Country Living Magazine, and they had listed the top ten places to go on vacation with your family. There was this beautiful little town surrounded by lakes and mountains in Idaho that instantly caught my eye and interest. I showed Jason the article and told him we should go on vacation to this place....He patronized me for a few minutes and went back to what he was doing. I couldn't get this beautiful place out of my mind. I started looking at weather reports, and websites about the surrounding area. To make a long story short....Jason started looking at the weather reports and websites with me. He was especially intrigued with the fishing reports and hunting potential it offered. We came across our property online, and instantly knew we wanted it. It is a small country home with 19 acres, and I told Jason "If I could live there, I wouldn't mind living in that little house", and Jason said "Me too!" That fall, shortly after our Isabella's second Birthday, we went on vacation to Idaho. It was more beautiful than we expected. We were surrounded by lakes, beautiful mountains, and trees! Lots of beautiful trees! After a very long plane ride we drove our rental car a little further...and as soon as we drove into the property, we knew it was home. We had visions of our kids running, playing, and having SPACE for them to do this. We also pictured us sitting on the little wrap around porch when we were old. Max loved running around and exploring. I was pregnant with Angel at the time and knew we would have to stay in Arizona until she was born, and then we could move, but the thought was so exciting. A couple months later we lost Angel. I was so sad and felt so hopeless. We had struggled to get pregnant, and then we lost her. We had just lost Isabella the previous year and I wondered if we would ever enjoy the holidays ever again. I had just been baptized months before and really tried to rely on prayer, family, and God. But I have to tell you, everytime we thought of our home in Idaho, it gave us hope, something to look forward to, and to work toward. It is so peaceful there...We all felt it. There is just something about hearing the wind in the trees that brings you closer to God, and our angels. I can't wait to share pictures! So we are saying goodbye to the city life....and moving to a little country house with 19 acres. Max is so excited! I think he needs a fresh start too. Little Maximus has been through so much, and yet he is so strong and keeps us moving and inspired to be better. Actually, Max has packed up his room all by himself because he just wants to go! Eli is such a happy baby so he has made packing pretty easy on us. I am so happy my boys will be able to grow up in such a wonderful setting. Our plans of travel are still being established, but it will be quite the trip!....From the Southwest to the Northwest! Welcome to our new and improved blog. I love writing in this type of forum....I can keep a journal for our family, and it also helps me to reflect on all that is good in my life. I am not trying to paint a "pollyana" picture for anyone, but I am truly and genuinely humbled and so thankful for all that my Heavenly Father has given us....The good and the bad. Why the bad? Well, because we have learned that we can do hard things with the help and love of Heavenly Father and Christ's atonement. I wouldn't trade any of it. Why? Because we have learned so much, and have been given the best gift of all if we live valiantly and endure to the end....an eternal family.