Last Day at Work

Today I left my job for the past 3 1/2 years. I was going to be leaving tomorrow, but we've been so slow lately that I spoke to my boss and he let me go early. I packed up my things and said goodbye to everyone I could before heading out the door and making my final half hour commute home. I cried quite a bit before and during that drive.

I'm going full time school (more than, actually) on Monday and playing Mr. Mom every morning this semester. Steph will be writing for the internet during the morning hours. It was hard figuring out what to do for this semester, but we knew leaving my job was the right thing to do. I will miss it, though possibly not all the cold (exposed warehouse work is a little chilly during Utah Winters).

Although it was hard work I will miss it. I learned a lot from that job. They taught me about hard work and leadership and gave me job skills like forklifting, torch-cutting and crane operating that can come in handy during future summer months. I hope they continue to do well.

Onto the new year! I will be doing a lot of school and get to see my kids every day for a few hours in the morning. I have volunteered for breakfast duty the whole semester and have a fantastic new griddle to help out there.

Life is good. Things are working out the way they should and I am grateful to all those who've given us support - tangible and non - on our new direction. Thank you for being there for us.

Thanks Everyone

I want you to know how blessed we felt this Christmas. Steph bought most the presents earlier in the year (see photo on left) so we wouldn't have to feel so pinched on time and money at this time of year. Even so the pinch was there. Somehow several of you came together to make sure our Christmas was a joyful and blessed day.

You are all wonderful. My two sets of parents for all their love, support and encouragement. All my grandparents for their desire to give us love and help at any time. Our friends for inviting us to dinners and helping with the children. You anonymous angels who continued to door-bell-ditch gifts on our steps, which P.S.-I still don't know who you are even though I caught you at the last drop. I just saw the back of a hoodie. I really wanted to say thank you so I'm glad you hadn't run away quite yet. And to all the previously named for the gifts you gave as well (see photo on the right). Each one was thoughtful and special for the kids and us.

We may never know just how much you impacted us this season. We didn't feel poor financially (and still don't consider ourselves in that category) going into it, but every dollar made a difference and every gift was a reminder that someone was watching out for us. It also reminds me to be grateful for tithing and loved ones. Tithing, because it makes sure we're taken care of and loved ones because they do the same.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are all angels of mercy and treasured children of God. Merry Christmas!


Justin

Goodbye Sister

As you drove away in the car, the kids and I waived goodbye until you were out of sight. I turned around and Caleb said, "Mommy and Jen going to the store." That's when I started crying. "No, Jen is going back home to where her mommy and daddy live. She won't be living with us anymore."

We went upstairs and stood in your room. I told them you were gone. I don't think they understand yet, but they will feel it soon. Steph and I already do.

Jen, you have been a blessing on our home. It helped my wife to have family here. It helped my children to see their aunt and interact with her. It helped me to learn more about myself and others.

Whatever you may think about how I feel and what your influence was this past year, know that it was of God and a strength to all of us. You are a wonderful person and though we know you are doing the right thing by going back to Tucson, we will miss you. Thank you for being a part of our home and our lives.

Your brother

Thank You!

We are making a huge change in our lives. I am quiting my very involved job to do full time school. At the same time, my wife left on a week long trip with the baby, I had to study for finals and try to obtain employment for next semester (part time). It was a very stressful and trying time for me and it started with calling in sick and losing 16 hours of work the week before. Anyway, we were a little concerned (me more than Steph of course) and didn't know quite how to help the situation. Then the little miracles started occurring.

Steph's friends all pitched in free of charge to watch the children while I was at work or school and she was away. My employer was very kind and wrote a letter of recommendation for me to get a job at the Math Lab on campus. At the work Christmas party we won a gift card, a jar of money from a guessing game and randomly received a $100 bill in the gift exchange. Then, despite my academic standing, the goverment back paid my grants for this semester. Suddenly our bills were taken care of. I was able to finish my English class with a strong A, my math class with at least a B and do well enough on the Math Lab entrance exam to have a shot at getting in.

Finally, last night I was at home with the kids when a loud knock came at the door. Opening it found a box of food, including a large turkey and trimmings, with a card. It was addressed to the family and offered wishes for a merry Christmas and that this would help. In place of a signature, a $100 bill was folded inside the card.

All this help from God and his servants has not only helped us at this difficult time, but bolstered my faith and resolve to continue onward in school and life. Thank you to all of you, those we know helped and those who wished to remain anonymous. Your kindness still brings tears to my eyes. You are wonderful and are truly angels of God. May He bless you abundantly for all you've done for my family.

Justin