A Chapter Comes to a Close

Yesterday I woke up knowing that it was going to be a different kind of day. It's not everyday you say goodbye to eight years of your life. Sometimes, in order to take new steps forward in life,  it requires closing a chapter on other journeys. Well yesterday, I had to write the ending chapter in my teaching at Arrowhead. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, and I am still not sure if I had shed all the tears that are stored up somewhere, waiting to be released. Nonetheless, I officially said my goodbyes, and my last day of being teacher at Arrowhead Elementary is today, Friday, December 21, 2012. I can't possibly write all that is in my heart and head, as I revisit the years of memories. But I do need to record moment. I wrote an email to the staff, that doesn't convey a drop of what I really want to say. But I wanted to keep it short and meaningful. So, I wrote:

Dearest Arrowhead,

As I put one foot in front of the other (which is all I am able to do right now) in this new adventure, I can't help but pause for a moment and say thank you. My life has been blessed because of you. I am truly grateful for the last eight years working side by side with all of you. I don't yet know what life holds for me, as far as teaching, but I do know that it won't quite be the same without you. You have been such a big part of my life for the past several years. I want you to know how much I appreciate you sharing your time, talents, and lives with me and my family. Thank you for your support, inspiring examples, laughs, and tears. Thank you for being my extended family. In my classroom sometimes a "ticket out the door" might be the students choice of a handshake, high five or a hug. So, for some of you I was able to hug in person yesterday,  and for those that I didn't get to, here's my handshake, high five or hug. May you all be blessed in your lives.

Thanks Again,
Vycci 

I know that this new chapter holds many new laughs and tears, but it's kind of hard to feel as passionate about the unknown, when we as humans are so attached to what we do know. We like the stability and security that comes with the familiar. I've watched as my eldest son, Isaac has finally become old enough to have fully embodied what the above means. Of our family, he is struggling the most with this move and life change. I have a lot of empathy for him today, as I too, feel how hard it is to let go, and face the unknown. I have lived a little longer, and that gives me a better perspective. But only experience and time gives you that kind of hope and reassurance. Many people have told Isaac how well he will do, how he will make new friends, and maybe even make better friends and have more exciting experiences. They have even reassured him that he can still keep his old friends. However, he stuck somewhere in the middle. Sad to leave what he knows, and unsure and apprehensive about what he doesn't know. And even though Danny and I have spent a few nights already telling him that it will be alright, I pause to feel his pain. Sometimes it's just hard.

I do know that we will all do well, and I have complete faith in Heavenly Father's plan for us. And there is no doubt in my mind that this was all part of His plan. So, that knowledge brings me peace in a time that causes me sadness. Goodbye Arrowhead, I will forever be grateful for the years and experiences.

Paradise Here We Come!

Okay, so maybe not Paradise, but the name of our new subdivision will be Paradise Hills, so I couldn't resist. We will be living on Bahamas Way in Grand Junction, Colorado. Yes, we are finally moving back. Just when  we had fully accepted that we would live in Aurora, the eastern plains not the western slope. Earlier this year, after the news of having another baby, Danny had been actively seeking a new job. After being a finalist for 3 different positions and them not panning out, we did a lot of praying and fasting, we decided that staying here in Aurora must be the plan, and we peacefully started a new school year. You can imagine our surprise when the Vice President of Colorado Mesa University gave Danny a call and wanted to discuss a job opportunity with him. Danny was so skeptical, he needed a day before he even consented to speaking with the V.P. When he finally did, they discussed the scope and job description for a position that might suit Danny, and then he asked, "So, what would it take to get you to move back to Grand Junction and work for Mesa University?" Danny gave a numerical response that reflected what we had discussed we would need in order for me to quit working. So, needless to say when he presented a written offer of more than that numerical number, and a tailor-made job description, we could not refuse! What an amazing opportunity, and answer to our prayers.

The catch was that he wanted Danny to start by Dec. 3, 2012. Wow, a new baby on his way, but not here yet, and a new job that requires relocating, yikes! But when the Lord opens a door, you go. So, we started making preparations. We had even more reason to be anxious for our baby Oslin to arrive. We waited 2 weeks for him to come, so that we could begin the recovery process, and get onto moving. Needless to say, Oslin has made 2 trips back and forth over the mountain his 2nd week of life, as we looked for a new home.

We are happy to report that Danny did start his job Monday, Dec. 3, 2012. We have a house under contract, passed inspection, awaiting the appraisal, and set to close on Dec. 21, 2012. The kids and I are managing at home by ourselves for a couple weeks until Danny can come back and help get us all moved.

We are wanting to keep kids enrolled in school until winter break, a more natural transition time. Marina is excited to move, although the idea of riding the bus makes her a little anxious. Marina was born there, so I think that knowledge helps. Isaac, at the pre-teen age, is not quite as gung-ho. It didn't seem to help when I told him, that he used to ask us to move back to Grand Jct. regularly, at least until he was in 4th grade. I guess when your 12 years old, you just can't imagine leaving your friends and making new ones. I started singing, that song... Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, and the other is gold. He thinks I am pretty lame.  Despite the anxiety for all of us, I know they will both do well there. It's been a good home to us before.

As for me, I don't know if I am excited or not. You know Danny & I are officially taking on 3 of the top 5 most stressful life changes: a new baby, a new job, and moving. And I am quitting my job. However, I happily take on having the time with my 2 younger boys, but leaving what I know, is an emotional task. I waited until after the baby was here, before telling my principal and the school. And I have yet to go in and say good-bye to my students, and my colleagues. That is a dreaded day, that I will need Danny's help to get through; managing the boys, and my emotions. I will truly miss my work. Everyone keeps asking if I will go to work out there. And my answer is, "I don't know. I need some time to get settled, be Mom to 4 children, take care of my 2 young boys first. Then I will decide." So, that's where I'm at. Despite the sadness of leaving, and the overwhelming emotions that come with change, I really see this as an opportunity of a lifetime; to be with my family more.

So, we will be off some time just after Christmas. We will keep you posted and update with our new address, as soon as things are finalized.

Oslin's Blessing

 After recent life changing events, that I will discuss in the next post, we decided to bless Oslin on Fast Sunday in our old ward. Although we have enjoyed our new ward, we just haven't been here long enough to establish ourselves. Danny and I really wanted to bless this baby in a place that felt like home. And most of the people we wanted to invite attend our old ward, and it was closer for our family members, and Danny had to leave for Grand Junction in the afternoon, and they had early church...so all pointed towards 9am at Aurora Highlands Ward. It really was amazing to walk in and feel like we had never left. A few new faces I didn't know, but a lot we did. It was great to see everyone and celebrate this special day with friends. 

Family like Grandpa Mortensen & Uncle Marcus stood in the circle with Danny. And friends like Bishop Hunt, Brother Manning, Derrick Johnson, Brother Hampton, and even Brian Howell, from Dacono were apart of this special blessing. Danny blessed Oslin with specific blessings of wisdom, courage, compassion, and service throughout his life. It was a blessing of strength and power. I am truly blessed again in my life to have a wonderful husband and father for my children. He strives to live righteously and be worthy to receive the inspiration needed to bless and guide our family's life.

 We had so many people to socialize with that much of our family had to leave before we got around to taking some pictures. So, even though they are not visually present, they were present. Thanks Grandma Chris, Papa Joe, Uncle Ben, Grandpa & Grandma Mortensen for coming. Others like Uncle Marcus, Auntie Marisa, and the kids were there too.

  Marisa and I never knew we'd have 4 boys altogether, when we started our families.

 Grandma Layne was there too!

 Esaias wasn't feeling his best, but he sure looked handsome. And boy does he love his Uncle Marcus.

 The 2 oldest with the youngest. They wanted a picture with just them and the baby. Someday they will need this picture to remember  this day, or for Oslin to remember that they were there. What a big age difference; Isaac 12 years old, and Lilliana 13 years old (almost). I can remember when they were Oslin's age.

 Boy do I feel good! 2 weeks in, or maybe I should say out...but whichever the case, I haven't felt this good since June.

 Not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine having 4 beautiful children. I look at these pictures and think this is a sweet, handsome family; like it's not me there. But, then I look again and see it is Danny & I and our children: Isaac, Marina, Esaias, and Oslin

 

 What a blessing, and I am so glad things didn't go as I planned!

"The Voice"

The TV show "The Voice" is a family favorite that we watch every Monday and Tuesday. Even Esaias sings along with the theme song, and knows the show. In fact, if you have watched Sesame Street lately, they do a spin off version of "The Voice" including puppets of Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilara & CeeLo. Marina our singer loves this show more than any of us. She discusses the performances, and results with family and friends alike. She even plays "The Voice" in her spare time. Asking us to be the judges/coaches and decide whether we'd turn our chair around for her or not. So, it's no surprise that she is still singing away in choir. We just attended her 7th choir performance. Isn't that crazy? I am sure there will be many more to come.

 Baby Oslin at 2 weeks old showed up to listen to the rousing rendition of Famous Folk, a song I'm sure he is very familiar with after the multiple rehearsals of it by his only sister.

 The 2 other brothers have heard the songs sung enough times that they can sing along too.

 Or maybe not! I suppose plugging your ears is an option.

We sure love our singing girl!