How this adventure started

For a lot of our friends and family this is something you have already heard. For many others I have not had time to explain or relay the latest news, so here it is.

Last Thursday, February 3rd, Justin was given a choice at work. He could stay and finish out the job with a guaranteed layoff 2 weeks later. Or he could go to St. George,UT and work until April and possibly have work after. He has been a foreman with this company for nearly 6 yrs. They gave him 1 hour to decide. It was so tough and super emotional for us. He knew we didn't have a choice. So we had 2 days to pack up, find lodging, and get down here so he could be to work that coming Monday morning. I was completely unfocused on Saturday and felt like I was stuck in park. It was so hard to figure out what needed to be done. Needless to say I was overwhelmed and having trouble processing everything.

It has been a hard transition. But we are adjusting. So much goes into a move and we had so many things to figure out before we could leave. No matter all of those details I see God's hand all over this.

Everything about this temporary move has been a God thing!


Originally we were going to stay in our travel trailer. It is tiny and I was having a hard time figuring out how we would do it. I think Justin could see that I was stressed about it, so he told me to find a hotel for the first 2 weeks. (As it turns out this is snowbird country and we would not be able to get an RV space if we wanted to. And the prices were just as much as the place we are in now) As I was looking I knew I would have to take my crock pot and make do with cold, microwaveable or crock pot foods. We knew eating out every meal was not a possibility. Most places had a mini fridge and microwave. That would have been doable.  As I was searching for hotels I found some decent rates. About $59/night. A MOTEL WAS DEFINITELY OUT OF THE QUESTION. At some point I felt like I needed to look into Condos or furnished apts. The very first place I found was St. George Corporate Housing Website. I was able to find us lodging in some luxury vacation condos for $39/ night, as long as we paid for a full month, in advance. You are also supposed to book at least 30 days in advance. I called 2 days before our arrival, they told me they just had a 1bd 1bath open up the day before. He put us right in the open condo.It was exactly what we needed. This is so much better! At least we have a full kitchen, and plenty of space. The other BIG thing is the bed!

For years I have had trouble with my back from a car accident 10 years ago. Going to bed was like going to my own personal torture chamber. Last Valentines day my husband bought me a sleep number bed. It has been a huge blessing! I sleep at night and I don't wake up in pain. I LOVE my bed, I call it my nest.  I was nervous about the bed we would have here but I was willing to deal with what ever I had to, to be here with Justin. This bed is so comfortable I have been able to sleep through the night and I don't hurt in the morning. That in itself is amazing to me.    

I have also finally been able to warm up. For months I have been wearing my hoodie and a sweater all day everyday, along with my slippers. It is definitely not warm here but it is warmer than SLC. I have not had to wear extra layers just to keep warm. I am able to stand in the sunlight, if I get chilled.

That is the other thing the sun is is out everyday here. I feel so blessed to have this experience. I needed the sunshine! 


I know there are people out there that don't understand why I could not just stay home and let him come to work here. He could always come home on the weekends or I could have come to visit him. For me that was never an option. Suffice it to say I have abandonment issues. I know it, I recognize it, I try to deal with it. But it is what it is. On another note we are extremely close! In 16yrs., I have only ever been away from him on those occasions when he has gone hunting, or the 2 ladies retreats I went on less than 2 hours away from home for the 2 nights I was gone.  I feel like I can also make it easier on him not having to wonder if we are ok. He works 10 hour days. I like being able to make sure he has a hot meal when he gets home and all of his needs are met.  I have gotten some really nice messages from friends who are completely supportive of my decision to come down here. It is extremely encouraging.

The kids are having a great time here as well. They brought their scooters and everyday several times a day they go on a long scooter ride. They find Palm tree branches and pieces. E has collected lots of rocks already. Ashton has a rash all over his hands and arms not sure what it is but we are trying to figure it out.  They love the pool too. Constantly they are asking to go hiking, or go to the park. Every morning they get up and do their school work, without any prompting from me. E was super depressed yesterday. She misses her dog terribly.

We are almost done with our first week here. I will try to keep updated so that the posts are shorter next time.  Life here moves at a much slower pace than at home. I think it is because of the elderly population. There are a lot of them staying here for the winter so we try to be very respectful. We want to be quiet, and not make much noise so as not to disturb them.
 I guess that's it for now.
The next post will be a picture post watch for it.