What to say, and how to say it....

What a week filled with excitement, and wonder! We have been wondering if this is something we should blog about. It goes back a few weeks, and didn't know for sure what the outcome would be. We are still up in the air on a few things, but, after much consideration, and even more prayer, we have come to a conclusion. Joel accepted a new position with his company in Virginia. We are unsure of when we will be uprooting to go down, but the process has begun. We live in a housing market, that, well, houses just don't sell. So, our prayers will be towards that of selling this house. The house that we built, on the land we were given, in the only town I could ever call home. So much thought has gone into this. Research has been done, not only on the area, but on the technique of what we are about to put ourselves through. I have grilled friends that have done this, and I have yet to hear, "Don't do it, you are going to regret it." I have heard, "Your family will become so much closer." As I type this, my eyes have filled with tears. Tears from the deep roots that we have sunk in this area.

The last few years, I have worked very hard to create meaningful relationships with people that I deeply care about. I have invested so much of my heart into our home. I keep telling myself, "There will be a Brighton Ward in Virginia. I will find friends there that will change my life as much as the ones here." In all honesty, there could never be another Brighton Ward, or other such faithful, and spiritual friends. I know that. I do not know how our life in the south will fair. I do not know very much at all about the area. What I do know is this, we already will have a bishop. We have a Savior that will follow us to Virginia Beach. We will ALWAYS have each other. The job opportunity is one that is really great, in an economy that is also great. Joel has spent years with this company, trying to gain a valuable reputation. He has worked so hard for our family. This position is the final piece to that puzzle, and the beginning piece to a new one. I am honored and thankful for all of his hard work and dedication to our family. I am so thankful to our Father in Heaven that has endlessly provided opportunities for us. I know that He will continue to do so.

So, now down to the details:
The job is in Norfolk, Va. From talking around, and other research, we decided that we would like to live in Virginia Beach. It is right on the coast of Virginia. Norfolk is home of the LARGEST naval base. And the 2nd largest natural shipping port. It is a very old city. The area we live in now, has 195 people per square mile, and the area we are moving to, has over 5,000 people per square mile. WOW! I am sure we are not going to find a house with 5 acres down there. The week after Thanksgiving, Joel and I are going down to take a look around. And get a feel for it. Unless we are totally turned off by the area, we will start the "Home Hunting". Once we get home, Joel will begin looking for his replacement, then training them. From what he says, there aren't any candidates in line, and it could take a while. He is thinking he will be down there after the first of the year. The next few weeks aren't going to be any different. We will be looking at life through different eyes, that is all. When we come home, we will know more. It has taken me a long time to write this post, because I am so sad. I cry every time I start to write, and I don't want it to come out like we aren't happy about this. It is the true meaning of BITTER SWEET! This morning Nora was standing at the back door, and said, "Uh, Lulu's house." I lost it! She has never known life without lulu in her back yard. She is my world. I just pray that she doesn't hate us for this.

So, we will keep the blog posted on any further developments. I hope that if we didn't tell you personally, you aren't offended that you had to read it on the blog. There are so many of you that we love so much. My blog is just one mean to let out my feelings, my life, my emotions, my frustrations, my joys, and what ever else is on my mind. As a blogger, you can expect the future of my blog to be all about our life in Virginia. It will be mostly keeping relatives updated on our daughter. They really don't care about the rest of us anyway. So... I guess there is not much more to say. Is there? Ok... bye y'all! (Oh great... that is really how they talk!)