The phone call that changed everything...

...happened on June 24th.  It was a Monday afternoon, and I had been dealing with a little drama of my own that day.  I was sitting at the computer in our sunroom around 12:30.  Mark walks in the door, and gives me the strangest look.  He says, "You're never gonna believe who I just got a phone call from."  Not a good way to start a conversation.  I reply, "You're never gonna believe who I just had to call!"  That morning I had been on the phone with Tonica police because I noticed a strange black vehicle parked behind our house for going on 3 days.  Our cracker jack task force was not returning my calls, and I was getting pretty stressed out about it.  Needless to say, Mark explains that Delta College (the same Delta college who had strung us along for 9 mos, only to say, "thanks, but no thanks") called to inform him that they had just had an immediate vacancy on their English faculty for Fall 13, and was he still interested in being considered for the position?  Of course he said, "uh, yeah!"  Because of the drama that morning I was distracted to say the least.  I also was trying to do lesson plans for my class that night at IVCC.  I just couldn't even think about it at that point.  Finally, after I finished teaching and was on my way home, the reality began to sink in.   

Immediately the questions and possibilities started swirling around in our minds.  What?!?  Could this really be?  Still a possibility?  But we were settled with staying...we have made all these plans for living here another year...the girls were starting school, Parker starting preschool, we have all these new friends...finally!  After all this time in this stinkin' place, we are finally feeling settled and "ok" with staying a little while longer.  Are you kidding me?!?  I almost wanted to know if they were just teasing us again...if there was any possibility of them rejecting us...again.  Despite all of these concerns, Mark called them back..."throw my hat back in the ring" was the basic jist of his reply.

Several days went by with us stewing, not knowing what, if anything, would come of this latest turn of events.  By the end of the week, they called back to say that they were having a difficult time reaching his references.  This is where Mark probably sounded a little like a lunatic calling old professors and colleagues from almost a decade ago..."puh-lease, can you...um...pleeeease call this woman back...like now?!? kthanksbye."  Poor guy.  At least this time they didn't drag it out.  By the following Monday, we had a phone call in the afternoon much the same as the week prior.  This time, an official job offer was made.  And this time, we were able to gladly say, "YES!"

Since then, our lives have been turned upside down.  But at the end of the day, this is meant to be.  We know it.  All those thoughts and impressions I had had on New Years Day no longer needed to be swept under the rug.  They had come to fruition.  There were big changes in store for us. Great things were happening for our family!! 

We contacted the realtor we bought our house from almost 5 years ago.  She came the next day to take pics and get us listed.  We decided there were several "projects" that needed attention before we could officially list the house, and be able to "show" to potential buyers.  We were going out of town for the 4th of July, and we would start on them when we got back.  Do you all remember what happened to us on the 4th of July this year?  It went a little something like this: suck, sucky crap-fest from hell...lol!! Stuck in traffic for over an hour, Parker got car sick and puked, we pulled off to clean her up, and our car died in the middle of the worst traffice of all time...on the 4th of July!!  We had to wait for a tow forever, had to get a hotel room and stay in Portage, IN (middle of nowheresville) overnight because we couldn't get a car rental (cuz everywhere was CLOSED!)  AGH!  It was bad, really bad.  I began to wonder if it was a sign!!  Or a real trial of our faith.  How would we handle a little adversity in the midst of such an enormous blessing?!?  Well...

We made it the rest of the way, and still ventured to Midland to check things out on Saturday.  We were able to meet up with the Pennocks, who are such gracious hosts! As if this is any surprise, coming from the saintly likes of Aunt Fay and Uncle Bob, right?!? It's so nice to have family there to welcome us!  Anyway, by the end of it all we were feeling like nothing could keep us down.  Not even the worst 4th of July ever. 

When we got back from one of the most expensive "trips" of all time, we set out to complete our projects.  Longest week of our lives.  We were drained afterwards.  Sore from manual labor we haven't had the pleasure of doing in years, we persevered because we knew we had to.  We had our first "showing" exactly 2 weeks after the job offer.  It went great!  The listing on the MLS went live on Tuesday morning.  By Wednesday, we had 3 more showings scheduled.  I went off to teach that night worried and anxious about how they would go.  Mark took the girls to Ottawa for YW and Activity Days.  When we all got back that evening, there were cars still in the driveway.  Either this was good, or really bad.  An hour later, we got a call from our realtor saying we had 2 offers, but that there were 2 more waiting in the wings.  WHAT?!? 

From Wednesday night until Thursday afternoon, we sat back and watched a bidding war take place for our house.  Blessings surpassing our expectations!  Thursday night, we took the girls over to our friends so we could meet with our realtor to sign some papers.  When we got there, she gave us the final offer.  After all the bidding was done.  The final offer was over our asking price by $5 grand.  Truly, our cup runneth over.  Only 48 hours on the market!  I am still in a state of shock.  I feel really humbled and super grateful.  We soooo needed this tender mercy.  I know this is meant to be.  God is providing the way.  No doubt about it.  But because it has been so "easy" thus far, of course I am shaking in my boots.  I am so scared it is all going to just vanish or fall apart.  Help me not to worry!!  I can't seem to just believe and accept it.

We are still pressing forward.  This weekend we are heading over to Midland to look for rentals.  We are planning our move for August 15th.  Mark starts on August 19th, and the girls will start school after Labor Day.  The appraisal happened today.  The inspection will happen next week.  We are scheduled to close on August 31.  We may have to come back to the area for it, but I think we are willing to sacrifice a little inconvenience considering everything else.

Can you freaking believe it?!?  We are moving back to Michigan!!  EEEEE!!!!!

June in a Nutshell

Oh boy, did June fly by!! We hit the summer ground running with lots of activities, and adventures that did not disappoint. Each of the girls were able to do things they enjoyed, and were able to learn a lot, as well as have fun with friends. I must admit that I was a little relieved when June's activities slowed down, and we were finally able to enjoy some lazy summer days spent at home too. We needed it, especially with how busy we are now! But before I get into all of that, here is a recap of JUNE!!

We took a trip over to the quad cities of Davenport/Moline on the Mississippi river.  It was a fun day!

We really wanted to check out the John Deere museum, and it was really neat!

Our girl scout troop's end-of-the-year activity was really cool!  The troop had worked on a badge for most of the year wherein they learned about the world around us including architecture, building with green materials, and sustainability.  We toured a church that was being remodeled/restored into a family home.  The history of the church, the stories about the restoration effort, and the beautiful art that was uncovered was simply breathtaking.  I'm so glad I tagged along on this tour!

The mural on the wall behind us is what they uncovered under layers of plaster.  They had intentions of putting their kitchen in this area, but after they found this they are now reconsidering.

This is the view from the master bedroom looking out over the main living area.  How would you feel about waking up to this every morning?!?

The church was originally a Slovenian Roman Catholic church.  I liked feeling a hint of a connection to my eastern European roots.

Avery, along with some school friends, participated in a basketball camp, and did really well!  I have a good feeling about her future in basketball.  She won a free-throw competition, as well as her team won a 3 on 3 tournament.

We took a trip (finally!) to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.  It was awesome, and we're glad we finally made the time to go!! We are slowly crossing things off of our "Illinois Bucket List".

I love the giraffes!!  They had a whole family at this exhibit!

Maryn completed a "Babysitters Clinic" at our local hospital.  She had a lot of fun, and is all gung-ho about babysitting now.  We've had several new families with little kids move into our ward recently, and I think she is hoping that she will get the chance soon!

Maryn also was able to participate in a Theater camp at LP High School.  They did Broadway tunes and learned singing and dancing.  She really enjoyed it!

 

Maryn and her friend Angela showing us "theater face".

June was a month full of tornadoes and super bad thunderstorms.  One particular night we found our brand new trampoline in our neighbor's yard perfectly positioned on their concrete basketball court.  It was eery.  It had literally been picked up and sailed that far in the strong winds.  Needless to say, after that we staked it down pretty well, and now take the net off when we know a storm is coming.  Eeeee.

Celebrating Father's day with the best Dad in the world!  Each of the girls made Mark special momentos in Primary and at home, and I think he really enjoyed all of the special treatment.  The sign on his forehead was attached to a package of peanut M&M's and said, "To my slightly nutty, but very sweet Dad".

Avery was able to participate in a Science camp that was put on my the local chemical company.  It was actually a really neat experience.  They only took 30 5th graders from the whole area, and she was one of them.  She learned a lot of neat things, and still insists on doing experiments at home.

 Parker on a playdate at a splash pad in Ottawa.

All of us joined Parker and friends from church for a picnic/playdate at the park in Peru.  (How's THAT for alliteration?!?)  She has had soooo much fun with all of the new little kids who've moved into our ward over the past year.  I feel sad that she will have to leave them all so soon. Doesn't that always happen?  Once things start finally getting good, you have to leave and say goodbye.  Sigh. 

Stay tuned for the saga of THE Job and THE move...dun, dun, dunnnn.

Father's Day Top Ten

10.  Going downtown Detroit for the Thanksgiving parades and the Fourth of July fireworks when I was a kid.  My Dad braved the crowds, not to mention the thugs downtown, to give us the opportunity to have some holiday fun!  I remember very distinctly the year that we went to the Thanksgiving parade in our red station wagon, and upon returning to the car after the parade was over found that the back window had been smashed open and the rear spare tires stolen!!  We had to hold a blanket in the window on the way home so we wouldn't freeze, and then had to tape it up with a black garbage bag at home until we could get it fixed.  As a parent now, I wouldn't have reacted very well to that whole scenario, but my Dad did!

9.  FORD MOTOR COMPANY!!  I am so brand loyal, that when Mark and I broke down and had to buy a Dodge Grand Caravan before Parker was born I felt like I was betraying a sacred bond or something.  LOL!!  I recognize how hard my Dad worked at a company that provided our family with a very nice, comfortable life!  I am so impressed and proud of the fact that he worked there his whole career...over 35 years!  I bet the day after his retirement must have felt so strange NOT to have to hop in the little blue truck to make that treacherous commute to Dearborn EVER again!!  

8.  While working for Ford, he would often spend a lot of his time teaching seminars and doing management training courses all over the Metro area.  One place that he would often teach at a lot was the Hilton in Northville.  Because of his "connections", they let us use the pool a few times!  In addition to the pool, what was cool about this place was that they had all the free, hot popcorn you could stand!!  He would take us swimming there in the evenings, and bring buckets of popcorn home for us to munch on! Even though my memory of this is a little sketchy, I remember it with a lot of fondness.

7.  The Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance Mexican Fiesta when I was 11.  I know I've blogged about this one before, but this was such a special night for me and my Dad.  I felt special, and proud to be his date.  And I realized for the first time, that he was actually not a bad dancer!

6.  Our backyard POOL!!  How many summers did Dad sacrifice MOST, if not ALL of his time after work and on weekends taking care of our pool?!?  Wow! I can't even imagine!  But it was one of the BEST things I remember about summers growing up in our Golfview house.  I loved the pool!  Sometimes so much I'd end up a broiled lobster by the end of the day, but jump right back in the next morning.  I remember going to the pool store in Plymouth with our little water sampling kits in order to get chlorine and the supplies we needed to keep everything working properly.  Those were fun mornings with my Dad helping him out and spending time together.

5.  The Wilderness Youth Conference when I was 14.  It was my first Youth Conference, and we were going into the wilderness to do high adventure stuff and "rough it".  I had really, big hair back then and was looking at not having access to my arsenal of hair-doing devices for a whole week, in front of boys!!  It was really the true definition of "roughing it" for me at that point in my life.  My Dad was one of the leaders that year, and I remember seeing him every now and then out at the high adventure spots, handing out Gatorades to the youth and leaders.  I remember being so glad and relieved to see him!!  It was so good to have him there, and I remember feeling really safe knowing that if I needed him, he'd be close by.  I also remember the last day, we got letters from our parents for us to read on our "solo journey".  His letter was so sweet and I will never forget the way it made me feel.  I knew my Dad loved me and I was special.  

4.  My Dad only has 1 lung.  I have really vague memories of this because I know I was really young when he had the surgery.  What I do remember is climbing all over him in his hospital bed, and while he recovered at home.  He had one of those "breathing machines" where you have to blow in to make the little ping pong ball rise to the top.  I remember thinking that was my toy, and I'm pretty sure he let me.  Since his surgery, I remember noticing that when he slept, only one side of his chest would rise up and down.  Remembering that my Dad only had 1 lung when he would be working hard on the pool, or in the yard made me appreciate him all the more.  He never complained, but got the work done anyway.  His example taught me that you can overcome physical obstacles, and not letting it hold you back.

3.  Going through my Mom's heart attack brought my Dad and I closer.  I remember the morning after my Mom's heart attack, coming downstairs to the kitchen and seeing my Dad sitting in her chair situated between the table and the counter by the phone, with the family calendar on the table in front of him.  What a surreal moment that must have been for him.  Looking at this full calendar of activities and obligations for five of his six kids, and the realization that he was in charge.  I remember feeling the mantle of my place in our family very distinctly at that point in my life.  I was 12, and I was the "woman of the house" while Mom was away.  Shauna was at school by this time, and the boys were busy with high school and jobs.  I was the next oldest in charge of the "little girls".  I set to work that day making sure the laundry continued to get done, lunches packed, house picked up and straightened, and helper of the meals that would be brought in by so many Relief Society sisters.  I know my Dad was grateful that it was one less thing he had to worry about.  I wanted to make him proud by helping him, and my family by doing the best I could.

2.  Service with a smile.  My Dad gets the best hometeacher EVER award.  Especially during the "Joyce Kotlarek" years.  LOL!!  What other hometeacher is willing to help a cranky old lady who calls him at 11 pm to tell him she's got some diarrhea and can he run to Perry Drug and get her some Immodium?!?  Who will ever forget all of that?!? 

1.  Priesthood.  One of the stories about my birth that I love is that my Dad had to miss Stake Conference (when he was in the presidency) because I was being born!!  From that time on, my Dad has always been an example of the Priesthood and service in my life.  His Prieshood has blessed me all through growing up...father's blessings before the start of the school year, before starting jobs, before going to college, on my mission, getting married, etc.  He has always been able to do it, and the first person I look to when I needed extra strength and support.  To this day, his blessings are important in my life and I am grateful that he is now able to bless all of our kids through his calling as Patriarch.  Thank you for always being worthy and representing Christ in our home, Dad.  I love you, and am grateful for you today on this Father's day!!

No More Pencils, No More Books

School's out for summer!!  Hooray!!  I feel like we've all graduated...it's been a tough year...hopefully we are all a little wiser for it.  Looking forward to some freedom and summer adventures!!

   

"TGS Spring Show" Each class sings a song, the band performs, there's a sentimental Powerpoint presentation, the super inflated Superintendent gives his sappy shpeel, the audience sweats in their seats...blah, blah, blah...pretty basic.  Haha!  I must say that Maryn did great on her flute!! (She's sitting in the white top, front row.)

  

Our Star Reader!!  Avery took 1st place in the K-5 grades for AR this year with a new school record (guess who she beat for the record?  that would be her own flesh and blood...Maryn...talk about sibling rivalry!!  Erg!)  Anyway, she scored a 665 over Maryn's 530.  As you may recall, she did this by sequestering herself in her bedroom over Christmas break to read "Gone with the Wind".  She did this for dual purposes.  1.  To beat Maryn's score and 2.  To beat her "boyfriend" Brian who is the next white star down from hers in this pic...haha!  She did it!!  Girl power!!  So proud of her performance this year!

 Here's "MarynAvery" on the last morning of school.  Avery made this sign for her 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Cacciatori and Mrs. Mareta.  She really did have a good experience this year, even though in many ways TGS is a ship going down in flames.  I am soooo bitter, aren't I?  LOL!!

Little Miss Parker Faye amidst the spring dandelions...and believe me, there are PLENTY in our yard this year! 

This was getting ready for Mimi's (what Parker calls Maryn) "Spring Flute Fling" held at a church in Peru.  Maryn has been playing with an Ensemble this year, and this was the Concert to end the year...the music was beautiful, and I am loving her teacher and this studio!!  I hope Maryn continues to love it as much as I do. (She's on the front row, far right, green dress)

I just love these girls of mine!!  So proud of how they are growing and blossoming.  Another school year down, and now they are mine all summer long!  Whoo hoo!!

My Mom

Because I'm a bit of a procrastinator, I didn't get a card out to my Mom in time for Mother's Day.  So in lieu of this, I thought a blog post for her would be a nice substitute.  (Plus I'm pretty sure she is one of my only readers now anyway...:)

Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mom:


10.  She's an awesome cook!!  Everything I know about cooking, and my deep love for food is because of her. I am so, SO grateful to have been raised on home-cooked meals, and dishes made with love!!

9.  She's an awesome speaker and teacher!!  When I have had the chance to hear her give talks or lessons in church, or otherwise I have always been blown away at her perspective, her observations, use of examples and analogies, and strong testimony.  I was lucky enough to have had her as my seminary teacher for 2 years, and that was a special bond we share.

8.  And did I mention she's a professional storyteller?!?  How many people can claim this as their "job"?!?  In addition to the fact that she is truly talented in this arena (my faves are Tiki Tiki Tembo and the Gingerbread Man), I love that she turned a hobby into a career!!  Talk about entrepreneurship!  She saw a need in her finances, and just made it happen.  I really respect that a lot.

7.  Day-trips around Michigan, with a few over-nighters splashed in.  My Mom enjoyed traveling and exploring what our great state had to offer.  I loved how whenever we had a break from school, we would pile into the family car...either the big red station wagon, Econline van, or min-van, and hit the open road!  She would find out about something interesting, and we would all discover it together.  Places and events such as the Tulip Festival in Holland, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Camp Dearborn, The "Havens"...both Grand and South, Mackinac Island, Traverse City, Huckleberry railroad at Crossroads Village, Frankenmuth and Birch Run, Kensington Beach, just to name a few...we always had a fun trip planned for our breaks to give us the feeling of discovery and vacation.

6.  Shopping Trips. I learned as a young that if I wanted to be included in impromptu shopping trips on Saturday mornings, I needed to actually get my butt out of bed before noon.  When I did, my Mom would sometimes spring a fun shopping spree on me just "because".  I would usually come home with something special, and not always just because I needed it.  I have always appreciated how my Mom knows how a new outfit or something cute for your house can cure just about whatever is troubling you...especially now as an adult, I look forward to trips to "the Peddler" as time with my Mom (and my crazy sisters too, but that's another story for another day!! LOL!).

5.  Sacrifice.  Need I say more?  My Mom is the pinnacle of sacrifice out of love for me in my life.  Everything she does is for her family.  She and my Dad raised six children, and I know it wasn't easy or cheap.  They both learned to work hard, and sacrifice so much for that purpose.  I know how much she has personally sacrificed for me, and a lot of the time I was an ungrateful punk about it.  I will never be able to repay her.  I can only strive to do better and be more like her.

4.  She's honest and tells it like it is.  'Nuff said.

3.  She's one of the funniest people I know. 

2.  She's always up for a good chat...will listen to you for hours on end, and give sound, thoughtful advice and feedback. 

1.  I can't imagine anyone else...she is the best, and I love her so much!!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!

Top Ten of my Thirties

10.  3 states in 10 years: leaving Twin Falls to move to Michigan, Spring 2006; moving to Tonica, Illinois, December 2008.  Really hoping for another move before my 40th birthday...fingers crossed!

9.  The Compuware years, Spring 2006-Fall 2008 culminating in getting the boot from Compuware, October 2008 thus suspending (and hopefully ending) my career in Technical Writing!

8.  Lots of callings for me: Primary teacher and YW counselor 2004-2006, RS teacher and Primary teacher 2006-2008, RS teacher, Activity Days leader, and Nursery leader 2008-2012, Temple Prep teacher and YW 2012-present...years of service and sacrifice that have helped me to learn, grow, and realize who I am and what is most important in life.

7.  Seeing my FAMILY!!  Day Family Reunions; Snow Mountain Ranch in 2007, and Crystal Lake in 2010.  Sister's Reunions; Park City in 2005, and Couer d'Alene in 2008. Lots of other impromptu reunions along the way including Denver in 2011, a weekend at Erin's house in 2012, and most recently a weekend in Michigan with all 5 of my siblings this past month!  Brown Family Reunions: so many weekends and quick trips to Rexburg and Rigby (when we lived in TF), 2004-2006; visiting Summer 2007, 2009, and 2010;  the last time we would all be together before losing Dennis (Sept. 2010), and Laurie (Jan. 2011).  Our first voyage to Idaho without them, Summer 2012; with hopefully many more to come!

6.  Checking an item off my bucket list of things to do before I die...eating dinner at Rick Bayless's restaurant, Frontera Grill; April 2013.

5.  My first semester teaching!! Summer 2012--hopefully the beginning of a new adventure!

4.  Running a half marathon, Fall 2008.


3.  Watching my children grow over the past 10 years...lots of milestones and transformations.  Watching Maryn and Avery go from toddler years to school age years, 2 baptisms and 1 baby blessing, Maryn entering Young Women, while Parker finishes Nursery and enters Primary, and now Middle School and Preschool...these are the best years of my life.

2.  Parker Faye Brown, born September 5, 2009; the perfect way to mark my 35th year. So grateful we have our little monkey to keep us "young".

1.  Celebrating 15 years of marriage with Mark, December 2013; the perfect way to toast #39...together.

Birthday Significance

My birthday this year is significant because it is the end of an era.  The end of my "thirties", so to speak.  Another decade down, gone, over, past, finito...I apologize if this sounds a little depressing, I guess I am just feeling really "mortal" today.

But seriously, where does the time go people?!?  Where?!  Where, I ask you!?!  Finishing up my thirties has caused some serious, inward searching.  What have I done with this decade?  Am I a better person?  Did I do any good in the world?  What kind of person do I want to be going into my forties?  What do I want, nay NEED to accomplish in the next ten years?!?

Oh the humanity!!

In other news, my birthday has been fan-tabulous!!  As with other birthdays in the past, it has stretched over the length of an entire weekend!  Love when that happens!  Last Thursday we hit the road to Michigan to accompany Mark to his prospectus defense at WSU on Friday.  Which, by the way, went swimmingly.  He passed with flying colors, and is mere months away from being done for good.  I can't tell you how great that makes us all feel!  GREAT, I tell you!  Saturday we spent the day feeding ducks and playing at the park in Farmington Hills.  Gorgeous, spring weather!  That night the Griswolds hosted a summer kick-off/birthday bash for me at their place.  Grilled burgers, dogs, corn on the cob, fruit salad, chips, cold beverages...all the makings for a good time!  Also the best chocolate bday cake with ice cream, serenaded and presented to me by all my favorite people.  It was glorious!  Thanks again for making it extra special!

So my actual birthday was yesterday, and it continued to be a great day!  Mark and Parker and I got some lunch, and then I had to work.  Oh well, that's life.  When I got home, Mark had grilled dinner and the girls had baked me another cake!  It was so lovely. I am truly blessed.  I love my little family, and I am so grateful I get to spend another year on this earth with them.

Stay tuned for my top ten highlights from my thirties...I'll try not to be too morbid this time!!