When one door closes~ Another door opens

The Lord opens and closes doors for us as he sees fit.  Sometimes he opens multiple doors at a time and we have to choose which door to go through.  Sometimes we don't really understand the reason why one door closes, or why one door opens, but should always trust that he knows better than us.  At this point, I feel like the cartoon character from Monsters Inc, when he sees all these doors and he's jumping from door to door, but just can't seem to find the right one.   We are doing our best to deal with the trials that have been placed before us, and have been praying and praying to find the right door.  Our most recent experience, was one that crushed our hearts. Owen had a phone interview with the Freeport McMoRan Mine in Safford.  A few weeks later he had a second phone interview.  The next step was to fly him up to Arizona for the last and final interview.  We were super excited that he made it this far, and let our hopes up to the fact that this was the job that was going to finally work out for us, and get us back on our feet.  They called him last week, and told him his interview would be on January 31st at 1:00.  They had one more person they had to check with on the time, making sure everyone on the interview board could be there.  They emailed Owen all the paperwork to fill out and maps of the mine, so he was able to find his way around.  A few hours later, he received a phone call from them, they told him basically, never mind to the whole thing, we are going to fill the position another way.   Well, the fact is, the Lord was opening up another door as that door slammed shut.  My sisters family owns a few funeral homes in Arizona, and they are in need of another employee.  We are seriously contemplating not only running through this open door, but sprinting.  But yet, we are reminded that it doesn't work that way.  Now is when faith comes in.  We are leaving it up to the Lord to help guide us in the right direction, so we can get back on course. We have learned to trust the Lord with all our heart, because no matter what we choose to do, there will always be bumps in the road along the way, and trials we have to go through.  I know that we will, with the Lords help have the right door open for us.  He will help us to know what is right for our family, as long as we have faith and let him.  Even though this is hard, he will carry us through this trial, just as he has carried us this far.  Change is hard and it's even harder to go away from your comfort zone, but with the Lords help anything is possible.

Memories of 2012

Wow, I can't believe it's 2013! Looking back on 2012, we have many great memories! Owen was able to get a job closer to home, not only are we able to save gas money, but he was able to help start a new restaurant and put many yummy foods on their new menu. We enjoy every chance we get, to go enjoy Owens wonderful food. He also enjoys his church calling as the 1st counselor in the young men's presidency. He loves working with the teenagers in our ward and teaching them every week. He is so very talented! Mitchell was able to enjoy another year of football, learned some new positions, such as d-end and full back. Played some lacrosse with the Box Elder team, baseball and Went with Justin to EFY in Logan. After a few tries on the written drivers test, he received his learners permit, and tried out some wrestling. Not so impressed with it, I'm glad he at least tried it out. Noah spent a lot of days serving others and learning many valuable lessons as a teenager. His favorite days and nights were, helping at the corn maze in Logan for fright nights. He helped his fellow deacon quorum at scout camp and will be in one of the new Mormon messages because of the example he was. He enjoys baseball, wrestling practice and lifting weights. Seth started to play the game of football, and love of his life, but broke his arm really bad and was out for the season right before it started. This kept him from wrestling, which is the other love of his life. Hoping for a better year in 2013, he has mostly enjoyed hanging out with his buddies. Jiselle had the most special year of her life, as she was baptized the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She spent a lot of days reading books, doing homework with her dad, and playing with her cute friends. As for me, I have been through many changes. I got a job as a facilitator for Utah State University that I love, and am still working as a janitor for the local bird refuge. I completed my first full semester of online classes, and have 30 credits behind me now. I was just called to be the primary secretary in our ward, and love being with all the children. If I could have more babies of my own, I definitely would have a few more. They are all so adorable! We had the chance to watch the Brigham City Temple be completed. We went to the wonderful celebration and I was able to see the painting I did for the mural of the Temple. Then we went to the open house. We put on our white booties, and walked through the most beautiful place on this earth. I will never forget the feelings of peace and comfort the Temple gives. We have many wonderful memories that 2012 has brought to our family, and have felt the Lords loving arms wrapped around us many times throughout the year. We are looking forward to a new year and all the adventures to come our way. We know 2013 is going to be a hard year for us, but we have the Lords hands leading us through it. I hope that 2013 will bring you many great memories to each of your families as it will to ours. Happy New Year!!!

He'll Carry You

Well, There are some days that are harder then others in this life, and I am having one of the harder days. Owen had a job interview that seemed hopeful, but turned out to be just another so sorry, we loved you, but decided to hire someone else who better fits the job. This letter, like many others have crushed my heart over and over again. I know that things happen in the Lords time, but I have been praying so hard for that time to come before we lose are house. I love being here in my house so much, although it's not a big house, it's my house. Owen and I have worked so hard for what we have and when he was laid off, I would have never imagined it would be like this so many years later. We just thought things would get better, find another job and would pick ourselves back up again. That's not how things are working out. Year after year, it has become harder and harder. We have become so far away from where we were, that it's hard to remember what it was like to have stable jobs and income. I am good at acting like everything is great and dandy, while on the inside crying to myself in fear for what's to come. I know we should not live in fear, but have the faith we need in the Lord to carry us through our trials. The truth is when you have all these little lives you are in charge of looking to you for everything, it's really hard to smile and say every things going to be just fine, when your not sure yourself that they really are. I know we have trials in our lives to make us stronger, and that we go through them to learn the things we need to learn here on earth. I have begged God to just tell me what it is that we must learn, so we can move passed this point that we are stuck in. I have told him that I am kind of a blond, so maybe he needs to tell me straight up what it is we need to know and learn. I have come to the understanding that it doesn't work that way. I am ok with waiting for the Lord to answer our prayers and lead us to the place we need to be, but I am human. I live with doubt and fear at times, and sometimes wonder how strong I really am and how much I can handle. I am not sure where we will even end up moving, but Owen is bringing home boxes every week. The reality of our situation makes me sad, but I know that where ever we end up, is where we are meant to be. God has a plan for each of us, and sometimes that plan has lots of ups and downs. He gives us the strength to endure the downs so that we can be grateful for the ups. Even though, I feel as if we have more downs then ups lately, he has been there for us every step of the way. This is just a small glimpse into my life, but there are many others in the world, who are struggling to make it through this life the best they can. Many who are going through unthinkable trials, but I know one thing for sure. He will carry me, and he will carry you!

♬♪ The Spirit of Christ ♬♪

Dieter F. Uchtdorf: In our modern world, we often think of giving and receiving gifts when we think of Christmas. Although this can be part of a cherished tradition, it can also detract from the simple dignity of the season and distract us from celebrating the birth of our Savior in a meaningful way. It doesn't take expensive gifts to make Christmas meaningful. This year, we are probably in our most destitute situation we have ever been in, but through our trials we have learned a lot about the real reason we are here on this beautiful earth. This life is not about what we have, it's all about what we do. We have the chance in this life to serve others including our own children and families. When I look around me, I know that we have many who struggle. We struggle in different ways, but we go through a lot of the same feelings, emotions and hardships. We need to take what we learn from our trials, and help each other. The Christmas season should be a time of showing our love to those around us, giving to those less fortunate and giving service among our brothers and sisters here on earth. I have heard so many who are stressed and sad that they can not afford to give much to their children for Christmas, yet is that what Christmas is all about? I have seen my children go without many many times. Our Christmas has been small for many years. They know that what ever is on their wish list, if it's expensive, they won't be getting it. Even Santa has to spread his toys among many in the world, so we don't always get what we want. Yet, they are still so excited for Christmas to come every year. They love the special traditions we have and what they do receive. So if you are among the many who can't afford much, then I promise you, on the 25th when the children wake up and run to the tree, their will still be sparkles in their eyes and smiles on their little faces. Through our trials, we have learned that the spirit of Christmas is what you create. If you find yourself stressed, sad, mad, or even angry about your situation to the point where you cannot feel the spirit of Christmas within your heart, then I have something for you to try. Step back, and look at those around you. Find someone who you can see needs your love and service and act. Take it upon yourself to help that person, or family. Our Savior Jesus Christ was such a wonderful example to us through the love and service he did for his fellow men. He healed the sick, the dead he raised, the hungry he fed, and the children he loved. If we focus on what we can do for others, and put the things we can't control within our own lives on the back burner, I promise your trials won't seem so big, and you will begin to feel the true meaning of Christmas within your heart. No matter how big or small, your service for others can change the lives of the people around you. What will you give for Christmas? What will you give for Christ?