Changes, Challenges, and California!

Happy Holidays to my sweet Family and Friends!

I have quite the updating to do today, It has been a year since my last post! WOW

Last November we were living at my moms, desperately searching for jobs. Praying and trying to understand the right path for our family. So where did this lead us? Yes its true, our path has taken us to Sunny California!
I considered moving out of state several times but never did I think it would actually happen. And the entire move was grueling and I felt as Enos, Wrestling before the Lord. In the sense that I felt this was the right path but I did not want to do it. I found myself fighting myself on this decision and struggling with every action lead up to the move.  Sometimes when we feel something is right we will have opposition to try and stop us from following what we know to be true. This was a very real experience for us. A week before we moved our Durangos transmission gave out. My husband was already living in california and I was pretty depressed. Some people would take that as a "Sign" not to move. Around that sametime I had the oppertunity to possibly have  my job back and help to support my family in utah, (again some might take this as a sign).
But what did we do? after much personal fighting ... we PUSHED FORWARD!
I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to just keep pushing forward. Always work to improve your life and situation.

We moved on time despite having one car that only half of us could fit in(we did a lot of walking). A few of us flew some of us drove and a couple of my kids came out with grandma and grandpa.  A bit crazy and seemed at time ridiculous, but it was what we needed to do to make it happen.  We have now lived in California for going on 6 months. I love it here. It is beautiful and I feel at home. It took awhile to get to that point though. The first few trips back to Utah were difficult. Now I can go and enjoy my stay and at the end be excited to come home to our home in California.

Brians Job is going well. It is a decent job. Difficult at times (full commission situation)  but a blessing in so many other ways. I think about going back to work often. I am not sure when that will happen, could be a year from now or could be 5 years from now when im done with school. For now we are enjoying the experience.
I started going to school through the BYU Idaho Pathways program. I LOVE this program. What an inspired institute this is. I have already learned quite a bit from my classes and am excited to venture down this path of education and preparation for my life and my family.

Since living in California, NO we have not been to Disneyland (its a 6 hr drive but is on our to do soon list) , YES we have been to a Giants game (WOOHOO best date so far) , YES we have enjoyed San Fransisco. YES we have been to the mountains, Beaches, and seen a few redwood trees.  We have enjoyed family trips to Santa Cruz, Jelly Belly Factory, Pumpkin Patches and many other places. For living here only 6 months we have explored a lot. We have strived to help the kids to feel at home.
Schools are a lot different here. The policys are different and I had never before heard of "Independent study" until we moved here. The Program for our oldest son who is hearing impaired is a bit different out here, only time will tell if its a right fit for us, but I have to say I know there is a program for him or we would not have been prompted to move, The Lord does look out for every aspect of your family and your familys needs.
I know that over time each of our kids will find their place here and adjust as they did before.

The HOlidays are now upon us and I am thrilled to get to my Holiday baking! I have failed epically at being Vegan, although I plan and try daily to incorporate more vegan eating in my daily habits. I do however SUCK at baking when I am not eating what Im making. This has been my biggest drawback to that life style.

Be sure to check my recipes portion of my blog for the latest Holiday treats!
 I hope you all have a Wonderful Holiday Season!
~ Sherrie