Reflections on the past year...

It was one year ago this past weekend that Aaron and I took a weekend trip to Utah, scouting out potential homes to purchases and finalizing the contracts on our business. Shortly after returning home from that trip, Aaron quit his employment, we rented out our house, Aaron got himself licensed to sell insurance, we packed up our life, and left! Its been a whirlwind of events ever since! The idea and decision to uproot our family, change careers, move states, and purchase a home and business was based purely on a very unexpected spiritual prompting--we really had no idea what was in store for our family once we arrived in Utah. It has been such a pleasant, and testimony affirming, experience to reflect over the past year on how the Lord has been mindful of our very specific needs, provided for our family, and poured out unbeleivable blessings upon us--too many to count, and some too personal even to share. Aaron has a position that affords him an infinite potential for growth, provides financially for our needs, and offers the flexibility to be available for week-day family lunches at work, in-a-pinch babysitting for needed therapy, and a few surprise early evenings or late mornings. He is also blessed to be serving as the first counselor in the bishopric where he is exersizing his priesthood, setting an example of service for our children, and growing his own testimony. Hank and Max, as rambunctious and high-energy boys, are loving the climate that allows them to enjoy the outdoors so much more of the year. I couldn't be any happier with our elementary school. The school is within walking distance just a block from our house, brand-new and super clean. Hank is making friends in his class (who are also his friends at church!) and his teacher is awesome. Most especially, we have access to amazing programs and services that have had such a major impact on Ben's development. Ben receives all of his therapy services, from extremely qualified and loving therapests, in our home. I love that I don't have to arrange for alternative childcare in order to provide Ben with the therapy that he needs. We are also super conveniently located near Ben's hippotherapy center, intensive program, therapy groups, and specialists. I would be lying if I said that I didn't miss my dear friends in Washington, our close-knit ward, and my family, but I could not be any more sure that the Lord has a plan for our family, that this is where He wants us to be at this time, and that He is guiding us along on this journey. A year ago, I never would have believed that we could be happy here, let alone grow to call this place our home. And yet, we're here, and I most definately feel perfectly at home.