Answered Prayers!

When Curt & I moved up here we were fortunate to be offered a job from one of the most respected men we know here! Bro. Nielson was in the bishopric in my singles ward and he is the one who opened up this new opportunity for us. We were so relieved because we knew living in a small college town wouldn't offer too much in the employment department. Curt worked for Bro. Nielson's Masonry company and was his cement mixer boy! He was so good to us and even came and picked Curt up every morning and dropped him off after they finished up for the day. He always told Curt not too worry about it and that it would give us that extra money that didn't need to be spent. Talk about an amazing Man! Unfortunately, the perfect scenario didn't last as long as we had hoped it would. When working with the cement they could only work on days that didn't have snow or rain. In Logan when October-November rolls around it's just what happens...lots of wet weather. So they would work off and on around the weather but eventually it got so slow that we needed to find an new job. About this same time was when the economy crashed and finding a job was nearly impossible. One night we went to return some supplies Bro. Nielson had lent to Curt for the job. We thought he might like them back, but he took us by surprise and told Curt to keep him and that when work picked up again he'd love it if Curt could come back. So from the end of October to December Curt was on the hunt. Nothing seemed promising and it was frustrating how no one would get back to us after the interviews. Luckily a guy in our ward works for a company that has temp jobs available. So Curt put all his pride aside and did what he had to do to provide for the two of us. It wasn't easy by any means, but somehow the Lord continued to bless us. Of coarse we'd have our bad days, I'm just so grateful they never were on the same day. The temp job no longer needed help a week before we left for Christmas Break. So my Dad called one day and asked if Curt would like to work some for him while we'd be home. Another huge blessing and answer to prayers. Our anxiety ran high as we came to an end of our trip and knew what lied ahead. The first day back at school Curt applied for all that was open. He continued to do that almost every day. It didn't matter whether it was a driver position, a warehouse guy, or even applying at stores like Khols, Bed Bath & Beyond and Hobby Lobby. It was such a learning experience for the both of us, but I got to see something more. I soon learned that Curt would do anything and everything for our little family to make ends meet even if it meant working at Hobby Lobby. His faith never wavered and had no doubt the Lord knew what we were going through and lifted us up when we couldn't do it ourselves. It was comforting to know and have friends here that were in the same boat. (Not that we wanted them to go through it, but it gave us some peace and comfort knowing we weren't the only ones) It was incredible to see the out pour of love we felt. Whenever we'd see friends or families from the ward they'd always ask how the job hunt was going, or they'd let us know who was hiring. We felt so loved not only from friends but family. They helped us immensely and we could really feel all the prayers that were sent our way. Before Spring Break Curt got an email from a job he applied to, to set up an interview the Wednesday after break. We were so excited, but have learned that after going through this same process 10+ times we knew not to get so set on the idea. He had the interview and felt really good about it. They said they'd let him know by the end of the week, but no call ever came. We didn't know what to do or feel except to give them a call and let them know that if he didn't get the job that we would be very grateful to find out soon so the next hunt could begin. We waited for a call and nothing came until Tuesday morning. This time they ask him to come in for a second interview. Again, he felt really good about it but would either find out later that day or the next. Fortunately, the call came that day and they told him they'd like to HIRE him. I wasn't in the room when he got the call. I almost wished I had been to see that weight just lift off his shoulders. When he told me I was ecstatic!!..(: After watching him go through so much I truly realized that the Lord knows exactly who we are. He knew Curt could handle it and that he'd have the faith to be patient and follow what would be best for our family. So his first day of work was today!!! He is working for housing here at USU and is full time now through the summer and they will let him keep the job through the school year and just move him to part time. Now as we look back we realize that none of those other jobs would have been more perfect for what he needed and what we need as a family. As for Bro. Nielson's company, it is still slow with the snow that keeps on coming. But we too pray that he and his family will always be blessed for their generosity. We have been too lucky to have the Nielson's always there as if they were our own parents. If I take one thing from this I have learned that Curt is simply humble. I couldn't have asked him to handle those few hard months any better. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd want to go through it again, but I think the two of us are grateful for the lessons we have learned and the ability we've had to come closer together. So thank you so much for your support, love and prayers. I don't think we could have done it without you. Prayer sure is powerful. I have learned that and know that if we truly humble ourselves the Lord will bless us in His time!! (:

SPRING BREAK!!!

Now that Spring Break has come and gone, we thought we'd tell you all about it! Our's was quite the adventure! It officially began Monday March 9, 2009. Two other couples in our ward invited us to go to West Yellowstone with them for Monday and Tuesday! We jumped right on that cause neither one of us has been there. What a blast! We got up early that morning just to wake up to a boat load of snow...So we waited a while and headed out! It took us 5 hours and tons of laughs to get us there. By the way, if you ever stop in Rexberg to eat, CRAIGO's is the place to go! We did get to stop and take pictures by the Idaho and Montanna state signs, and coincidentally found ourselves at the Continental Divide! Talk about being at 3 places at once!!! That evening we checked into a way nice time share, thanks Trent & Mandy, and walked around the local shops. That night we spent some time down at the pool and jacuzzi. Trent was hilarious and dove into a heap of snow right after being in the jacuzzi...talk about sting..!?!?! Tuesday presented a little bit more than what we bargained for. We started off with the wolf and bear exhibit. HOLY BEARS...they're MASSIVE(: It was so neat to see. The wolves were a little lazy, but I have never been so close to one before! Then we went snowshoeing...another first! We LOVED it. Never thought that something so easy as walking could give you such a great workout. We made so many fun memories with the Isaacson's and Olsen's, not to mention my first ever yellow snow experience.?!?! /: Unfortunately, our fun had to end and we checked out and started our drive back to Logan. OR so we thought! We made it safe and sound, good job Jake, unloaded, and settled down for the night!


My mom called to see if we made it back safely and said something along the lines of, "Why don't you just get back in the car and come home for the rest of the week?" I thought she was NUTS...12 hours later we were able to tell her the same thing in person. Curt was such a trooper and drove all night long! It was SO worth it though. Only my parents knew so it was a blast to surprise Curt's family and mine! We fit in a ton! We got to see Jordan play & BEAT highland at his volleyball game, Jake wrestle and won as well, Mattas 3 times, Pete's once, bowling with Curt's family, and spending lots of time with my Nana & Papa. It was wonderful. Many more memories were made, and the end of the week came all too quickly! Thanks moms & dads for the fun trip! Can't wait to be back in warm Arizona again!Curt doing sweet tricks on Nana's wheelchair!The three generations! It was so fun hearing stories of when Nana was a teacher and how her and Papa met, married, family!!!This is my great friend Tamara! She was so aewsome to let me know she'd be up here in Logan. It was great to see her. She is AMAZING!!! (These last 2 weren't from Spring bReak. Just this past week) UNDER: this is Curt and I's way good friends from our ward, Cody & Jen Gunnell! We got together last night and had a great time up Logan Canyon with a warm fire and fun friends! (Mine & Cody's eyes are a little closed, guess that's what happens when the photographer can't coordinated counting to 3 and pushing the button on 2!:)