Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Moving... To Denver

Posted by Jordan

Holy smokes, talk about a lifestyle change... Looks like we're moving to Denver!

We'll probably be there for the next two years or so. Three weeks ago I started training for my new job with the Sherwin Williams Company. I'll be moving to a management position with them in Denver, Colorado, the "Mile High City" in June.

For the past three weeks, (and continuing until we move) I'm learning the company from the ground up. I've been behind the counter in the store here in Logan, learning about retail store operations and management, market segments, company policy and procedure... and of course, paint. Paint, paint, paint, paint, paint!!! There is an unbelievable amount to know. I've got this insane six-week Management Training crash course that is supposed to get me ready for my position... and it is definitely a mental workout. (It's also not a bad physical workout... I've gotten to heft a lot of five-gallon buckets of paint lately.) I'll be flying to Dallas, TX in July for a week of advanced training and who knows what else.

But I won't be flying from Logan. Nor will I be flying back. We'll be in Denver by then. DENVER!!!

If perhaps I sound reluctant, it's because I'm really have mixed feelings over this. (As does Jaicee.)

More than anything, I am grateful to be employed in this down economy. Heaven knows I prayed and fasted for this for the past eight months, and I believe that the only reason I HAVE the job right now is because the Lord had mercy on my poor wife and children. This company is paying me well, I have good benefits, and I think that this is going to be an extraordinary learning experience for me. It's going to be a challenge, I'm going to grow my business skills, and If I play my cards right, and God willing, I may even be able to work my way back to Utah.

...I hope. Because on the other side of the coin, it's sad to leave. I love Utah. Our families are here! And I have really loved our little home for the past couple of years, surrounded by all the wide-open spaces, corn fields and hay, and the Wellsvilles looking down on us...

It's going to be a different scene in Denver, to be sure.


And Naivie and Norah definitely will not be seeing as much of Grandma and Grandpa Ross...

(Deep breath and a long exhale)... But we are moving forward in life! Hopefully we'll be able to find an affordable place to rent over there so that we can get our debts paid as quickly as possible and start saving for a home.

If moving to Denver is going to help us toward that goal, then I am for it. In fact, when I think of what a blessing it is to have a good job in an unstable time, and to be able to keep hoping for a bright future for my family, then I am excited for the adventure.

Three years from now, when I'm back in Utah (Because one way or another, I am coming back), I'll be glad for this decision. It will be worth a temporary sacrifice.

So, wish us luck! We're headed to the other side of the Rockies for a while! To our friends and family, WE WILL MISS YOU!!! A LOT!!!

Stay tuned for updates...

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Poor Thomas...

Posted by Jordan

I have some great neighbors (well, HAD some great neighbors... they moved today) that let me take their family pictures. It was good practice for me. There was this one picture that I laugh at every time I see it.


Rough life, eh? Hope he gets a brother someday.
.
.
.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Will I EVER get my strawberries?!

Posted by Jordan

Last year, I fell to my knees in the grass and wept openly toward heaven because some vile animal ate all my little strawberries right off the stems just days before I was planning to pick them. This year, they didn't even make it that far:

Naivie came in from the back yard about an hour ago with her little fist clenched full of pretty flowers to show mommy... all smashed up in her sweaty little palm...

Strawberry blossoms.

[multiple expletives]!!!!!!

Someday, little strawberries. Someday... *sniff*


...On a happier note, HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY SWEETHEART! It's 6:00... time for me to take you out to dinner!