When I was 19 years old, I flunked out of college. Long story, expensive lesson. At the time I decided it was best to take a break for awhile and move out to discover who I was. I did. I had some of the most life changing experiences which drastically shaped me and my testimony of the restoration of the Gospel and of the Savior. That led me on a mission.
My mission was incredible. My love for people deepened more than I had ever experienced before. I wanted so much happiness for the people I met. I wanted to share with them the precious truths that I know and love. There were so many wonderful people that taught and showed me how to be the missionary I wanted to be. That led me to Dave.
Although we hit it off very quickly after the mission, I was nervous about marriage. Dave patiently waited for me to figure things out. While he was out of town he left his car parked at my parents house. In a horrible snow storm, my dad and I accidentally slid his car into a transformer box at the end of their steep driveway, break a piece of his car off. We managed to glue it back on and forgot to mention anything about it. In my quest to feel comfortable about marriage, I felt I needed time and broke up with Dave the day he got back from out of town. After, it didn't take long to realize I forgot to tell him I broke his car. I called to tell him. That led me to re-dating and then marrying Dave :)During this time I had returned to college at the University of Utah. My first semester back I made it off academic probation and was placed on the Dean's List. When looking at our savings and deciding where to live once married, Dave began considering BYU married housing. I knew financially it was the right choice, but still went kicking and screaming to live in "enemy territory." I refused to attend school there. That led me to Utah Valley University.
Although I had never imagined I would attend UVU, I was shocked at how much I enjoyed it. Since my slate was wiped clean (GPA's don't transfer), I was able to get good grades from the start and then enjoy full scholarships the rest of my education. I was still unsure about my major, but had excellent professors that helped me find discover what I love! Each professor worked with me as I still commuted to Salt Lake for work, but also helped me finish a year earlier than planned. That led me to fulfilling a life long goal, college graduation!Since UVU was so flexible with my schedule, I was able to complete before Dave started his Masters of Accountancy program (graduate tuition and all). That gave me the opportunity to work full-time. Although I worked for a great company, my growth was limited at the time and I still lived over an hour away. I left for a job in Provo that allowed me great opportunities to use my education and work experience. I loved working for the company, but soon realized my position may not be long-term, nor would allow me to work from home in the future. We had been trying for almost a year to get pregnant, but with no success. That led me back to American Insurance.
While working on returning to American Insurance, Dave and I decided to purchase a condo in North Salt Lake. I did not want to commute again and wanted a place to settle for the time until we were able to finally get pregnant. A week before we were to close, something unforeseen happened and the condo fell through. A week later I found out I was pregnant. That led us to West Jordan.We found an apartment close to the
freeway and at the halfway point. We planned to stay only until Dave finished school and started his full-time job, only 9 months away. I began working and Dave graduated with flying colors. We had the most beautiful baby boy. Although I was so grateful for all we had, being a new mom was definitely challenging for me. I was unsure of myself and my ability to be a good mom. Then came time to return to work. I fell apart, daily. We didn't know how it was going to work so we decided it would be good to move closer to family when our lease was up. The day before we were to give our apartment our 30 day notice, I was called to be Young Women's President. I cried, a lot. That led us to staying in West Jordan.At the end of September, Dave began working at Ernst & Young. Since we now had health insurance, I could cut down on my hours, but still did not know how we would make it work with Zack. I talked with my manager. Although it had never been done before, American Insurance allowed me to go very part-time and work solely from home. I cried again, happy cry this time. That led me to being a stay at home mom.
The following year had many ups and downs. Dave traveled a lot. I was still very unsure about my ability as a mom and now a YW president, but was able to find some of the most incredible women (and their families) I'd ever met here in West Jordan. I can't even begin to express my gratitude for how much they strengthened me during such challenging times for our little family. But, we knew it was time once again to pursue buying a home, this time one where we could grow and raise our family. Our lease is up at the end of this September and I made a commitment to the Bishop to be here a year, but we felt so strongly about looking early. We had literally scrimped and saved so we would be able to buy the "right" home. Every time we looked, we would always say we feel the best about Farmington, but could never find anything that fit our requirements. After lots of looking, we found the one in Farmington. It had been under contract, but had fallen through just as we started to look. That leads us to be soon-to-be home owners, hooray!
I felt bad about leaving before I had committed to. The Sunday after our offer was accepted, the Stake dissolved our ward, releasing everyone from their callings. That led me to realize how much God really does cares about our circumstances.
It's been years in the making, but we're excited to plant our family roots for a time. Thank goodness for all those misunderstood circumstances that have all worked out better than I ever could have imagined.
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