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Leaving Utah

Norm and I are at a crossroads.  It's time for our family to take the next step.  But first a quick trip down memory lane.

We first came to Utah sixteen years ago.  We were young and cute and pregnant with baby #1.  Norm had been accepted as a student.  I had a lot of fun during my first two years of college, and I imagine the admissions board looked at my transcript and said something like, "yeah right!"  (More details about getting a D in organ lessons over here.)

So my first BYU application was rejected.  They let me attend classes as a visiting student, and one day an admissions officer called my phone.  It was a landline, and we were living in BYU married student housing.  He had two questions for me:  Is your husband a full time student?  Yes.  And you live on  campus?  Yes.  End of interview.  A few days later I got my acceptance letter.

We finally graduated together in 2004.

We bought our first home in Lehi, not too far from Willow Creek middle school.  Our family grew.


(Probably noteworthy is that finding photos to add to this essay is challenging, because we did not have a digital camera yet.)  2009 we looked like this...


And then the next year, we bought this house.  
Watercolor by Cade, 2018


Fast forward a few more years and here are four cute kids.  

(photo credit Rachael Nelson)

I wish there was a way to illustrate the life lessons, the wisdom gained, the sum of everything we've become during these years.  I have loved a hundred things about my life in Utah.  I love the mountains and the people.  

I love my neighbors more than I can say.  I will miss them dearly.  My parents have been so generous to us, and we love living near family.  

Norm and I have carefully weighed and considered this next opportunity, we have prayed and seen miracles as we've taken steps towards our next goal.  I fully support him in accepting a great position at a great company in a great place.  He began the "interview" process almost a year ago, and each step of the way we've felt that we should take the next step.  After Christmas, I knew in the back of my mind that we might be leaving, so I didn't stock up on wrapping paper and cards when it was 75% off.  I quit buying extra food storage or toilet paper, knowing we might have to move it all.

We're moving to Dallas, Texas later this summer, to begin the next chapter.

I imagine it will take about a year to get settled, and then I'll start looking at grad school.  I could go to TCU or UNT.  Going part time it could take ten years.  We'll see.

We're excited for a new adventure, overwhelmed at the thought of moving, sad at leaving people we love, hopeful for all the things we'll learn.  I guess we're ready for a reset in Texas.

PS  Love this song I recently discovered by Miranda Lambert: The house that built me.

Comments

  1. CandiJune 18, 2018 at 10:19 AM

    I've been patiently waiting to hear what the decision was. I'm so excited for you, and wish you all the best in Texas! I think of all those dear neighbors who will equally miss you, but then I realize you will be able to bless so many new people in Texas. They are lucky to get you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristinaJune 18, 2018 at 10:33 AM

      Thanks Candi. I'm so glad you came to visit me back in May. I will love you forever.

      Delete
    2. Tina BeckJune 18, 2018 at 2:05 PM

      Kristy, I am so happy for you! Glad we can still keep in touch and I wish you the very best in your new home! Love you!

      Delete
  2. KristinaJune 20, 2018 at 3:05 AM

    Hi Tina, thanks for saying hi. How can I remember you without thinking of another (energy) Type 2? You'll always be one of my favorite friends.

    ReplyDelete

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