The Winds of Change Have Blown Us Far Away!

2014 began as a year of downsizing and digitizing, then serving in the Laie Temple still, and now we find ourselves 11 months later across the ocean blue returning after 30 years to Utah.  From the north shore of Oahu to the north shore of Utah Lake in Saratoga Springs, we are settling in nicely here nearer to family [most of them that is] and enjoying a new kind of life.  The Lord's blessings abound.  He knows us, our needs, and what we need most.

We'd known we'd be retiring but not in Hawaii.  As the Jensens left, then the Pierces, and with Megan remaining in northern Utah, it seemed like the right direction to head once our temple service ended.  In 2012 we began legally preparing our duplex for possible sale one day as we began what became a complicated CPR process.  Timing was all important, and though we didn't/don't know the end or outcome, the Lord knows, and we do feel His hand in all that has transpired in the many months since this decision to move was made. 

Our downsizing effort was very greatly attacked during Temple break the first two weeks of the year.  The previous post highlighted that.  We kept tracking the progress of the CPR, though snail's pace would describe that at best.  Thanks to attorney  Jennifer Aquino, it   F I N A L L Y  reached completion and papers were in hand in May.  Hmmmm......and interestingly, motivation to purchase our home jumped into the picture that very week!  3 offers later, and on July 7 and had a bona-fide buyer! 

In the meantime, between May and June, our temple president was made aware of our home sale options, and along with Megan's increasing needs for support, and to be nearer to Bill's mom,  it was determined we would receive an early release from our positions at the temple.  That was the hardest thing about leaving.  We LOVE our hundreds of ordinance workers, staff, and missionaries and presidency members, but knew the Lord's hand was being protective and kind in this timing of our release and departure.  The Church leaders' blessing, and the confirming words of personal revelation, "Get ready to go" allowed us to then speed up our efforts to prepare for a move, scheduled for July 31. 

Our temple "closure" of two weeks took us to Utah, where we also found a home that would be able to accommodate all of our family for visits, like this Christmas holiday we're experiencing now. 

We ended our service at the temple one day after its reopening, about July 16, as Stuart and Charlene Bell were set apart in positions we had held.

Our final days at Kam Highway were cherished.  Leaf raking, upgrading, painting,  recycling at Give and Take on campus--MANY loads there--and taking time to just sit on our lanai and admire the beautiful ocean view  -- were packed into those few weeks.  We left with 30 years' worth of many memories of what we call our "golden years" and now look forward to great memory-making here for perhaps the next 20+ . . .

August was our "homeless" month.  The Pierces accommodated us and we also stayed at the farm with Carol in Iowa and the Hauschildts in Marion for that time.  Spending time in the Midwest included visits to Kansas & Missouri Star Quilt Company, Nauvoo, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Shell Rock.  While in Shell Rock, Bill received an important phone call from friend and former colleague, Norm Wright at Utah Valley University.  It seems they were "desperate" for an acting MBA director. . . that was not a tough choice for Bill.   And thus, his acceptance of that offer means he was retired about 4 weeks total!  Hmmmm.....timing.  

Settling in Saratoga Springs means he commutes 25 minutes each way to UVU, but to see once again the joy on his face of being needed, being innovative and proactive, and being well connected to students and beyond have all brought his favorite kind of fun to his life professionally, once again.  It seems he wasn't ready for a life of retirement.  But I am and fortunately, it's happening for me. 

Settling this new larger home and finding furniture, where to store everything--there's so much room!  That's our new luxury-- and acquiring the long wished-for food storage have become my new hobbies and profession.  I love my home.  I love making it a home.  We acknowledge the Lord and His hand in finding this place, this wonderful ward.  We have much thanks in our hearts. It's a good place to be, and being nearer to most family is what makes this our Goldilocks house--everything is just right!   Megan has her own space, we have offices and project spaces, it was the right house, indeed.  

The Hauschildts came in September and stayed here for one whole week with their RV.  They dedicated their lives to helping us change doorknobs, hang wall decor, shop lots,  help create arrangements, stabilize the mailbox, build and repair Megan's bed and headboard, offer suggestions about landscaping, and so on.  Their touches are everywhere here, so we do think of them each day.  We four day-tripped to Park City and the canyons in the middle of that, and are so grateful always for their dedication to help us make this truly feel like our home.    

Travel for recruiting for the MBA program included some exploring for us to southern Utah.  Cedar City and St. George were college sites for those fairs and we got to appreciate once again the red hills and cedars in that part of the state. We eventually made it to Logan, so we've spanned the state once again, getting reacquainted with this part of the world, our new for-a-time world, and seeing friends we've known for a long time but haven't seen.

Mid-October was the fall leaf ride PLUS--to Nauvoo, Shell Rock --a surprise visit for mom-- and then Marion.   In Nauvoo, we got to pick up the new Felicity harp made by Irene T. and attend the temple.  We can do this more often now!  One of our other luxuries.   It was so beautiful as we enjoyed each gold/yellow/bronze/red mixed with autumn green wherever we drove.  Cherished, after 30 years this timing couldn't have been better.  And the same goes for our drives through WY--at night!  Watching flag football and being near the 4 boys and Lindsey and John is a choice, cherished time, too. 

Early November, we knew we wanted to have Erin and her family near for the holidays, so . . . . it worked out to use our miles to get them here. ! ! !    A Christmas/anniversary gift for us, a surprise for the sisters!   And . . . .it seemed to be accomplished. YAY!   We are enjoying the Howes here right now.   It was right after making those arrangements that we headed to AZ to care for the Jensens while Jenny had a business trip.  Seeing these loving kids and Jen and Aaron were days of thanks and warmth, too.  Such a great place, we'll get to go there more often and have them come here, too.  Like for Christmas--now!   A dream come true, for sure.  No empty chairs.  No sweeter joy in this life.  Great thanks to the Lord for allowing this to happen--in His grand timing. 

A New Year Welcomes Us!

It's 2014--We greeted this new year by enjoying a movie on New Year's Eve, then tried to stay awake until midnight--and we made it.  Barely.  :)  This ended officially an amazing season which started for us November 27, when we boarded the plane to Phoenix, via SLC.   All our family were waiting for us at Jenny's.  We photo'ed the occasion, and my heart smiles at the memories of all of my adult kids and husbands in the kitchen finalizing the dinner preps.  Megan's table decos were lovely, too, and so fun for the kids as well.  Hanging out, time with the GRANDS and Polar Express, "Frozen,"  shopping, OG-!! -- so much in just a few days.  Then all were off to Disneyland/California Adventure.  We shared a door with Lindsey's, Jenny's shared a door with Erin's, and Megan floated between.  The Shutterfly book and new calendar captured so many great shots.  Loved our graphic on the T-shirts Meg designed, sweet memories with all plus individuals.  A great way to start our season.   Still cherishing.

Megan joined us for the remaining weeks of December, so we saw her some while she reconnected with Hawaii HS friends.   Her life is changing from being a full-time employee to student at UVU.  Finally achieved in-state status, a two-year goal.  Her decision does affect us also, mostly since she's needing assistance in housing and insurance.   But she seems motivated to complete her course of study, so we support her in striving toward economic independence and happiness in her life's chosen profession.

Meanwhile, the Jensens continue to settle in Arizona, the Pierces made the move to Utah and settled in Saratoga Springs, and Erin and Will and Avery enjoyed the 3-week getaway from AUS to the mainland including Iowa, Nevada, California, and Arizona.   Grandma Neal loved their trip to see her!  So did the Hauschildts. 

And more Meanwhile, we now need only TWO tickets for our basketball game attendance at BYUH--quite a change from recent years of 8 - 13 seats.   Downsizing?   Oh, yes, indeed.   We've also lost a few hundred pounds !!  these two weeks when we've had a temple recess for cleaning.   So, the temple got cleaned, but we did too here at home.   Christmas things, Erin's and Megan's and Bill's and my tubs of remembrance, plus things we no longer need, and about a half ton of books have found new residences or places to depart this existence.  It's always liberating to do this.  We are streamlining so we can make a more efficient move to the mainland one of these years soon.  Scanners will continue to assist with that, so we're counting them as late Christmas presents to us.   5 boxes of piano music, and that many boxes or more of memories we hope to digitize this year.  Still continuing digitizing the videos, too, for family future reference.   Glad they were captured, just need to have access.

Since it's been since May that I've posted, a few catch ups are also in order now.

MAY and JUNE:  Temple time mostly, but enjoyed a trip to KC for Enactus Team's support in their 2nd place national win and Bill's surprise induction as an officially-recognized, permanent Enactus Fellow.  Kaleb left here for his new Enactus position. We prepared for two weeks on the mainland, AZ and Iowa. Lindsey's family sold their life's possessions mostly in preparation for their move. 

JULY:   The two-week Temple recess allowed us to visit our Jensen family in Surprise and enjoy them and their new digs. It WAS hot--as promised.  But Betty joined us, and we all enjoyed a great visit, including 4th of July fireworks, with caramel corn in the van.  We saw our Iowa family and friends while in the Midwest.  No plane challenges this year, thank goodness.  Iowa was much greener this year, so beautiful.  While there, Lindsey's family camped out at our house in Laie for 3 weeks prior to their move.  We resumed Temple service upon our return.

AUGUST:   Dalein T. moved in for a few months, moving into what has become our Enactus/SIFE housing space.  :)  She was a delight, and so accommodating.   Some guests are just so easy.  We missed 5 GRANDS' birthdays this month, but we are grateful for Facetime which does help melt away the miles for at least a few minutes.  Big news was a surprise move to Hawaii for Betty!   Her position interview came up fast, with the offer right after, so she is once again on island with us.  We are happy, so happy, about that. 

SEPTEMBER:   Midway through, Jenny and the 3 kiddos joined us here so Jen could prepare for the Party in Pink.   Lots of walks, leaf collecting, yard cleaning, pool time, and toy time, too, were included in this sweet visit.   Daddy Aaron surprised the crew for a long weekend, and Jenny then had help to get this young and energetic family home to AZ.  

OCTOBER:  More Temple time, evenings, and enjoyed Jenny's still.  After she left, I became aware of the opportunity to take Madelyn N. for walks each Monday on our P-day.   She had a massive stroke last December, and though she is making progress daily,  still needs assistance in many ways.   The walks have become a joy for me that I anticipate, a distraction for her, and perhaps a break for her family.  They have been so wonderful to her.   Husband is an MD, son is a physical therapist, daughter and family live with them, son is the chef and caretaker, too, so family is sustaining her in giant ways.  She taught my girls to dance or love dance and folkdance.  I look forward to the day she can dance again.   That's my not-so-secret wish and continuing prayer, anyway. 

NOVEMBER:   Preparing for the Thanksgiving trip was foremost on our minds when we weren't at our second home - the Temple!  Many new patrons, sealings, and wonderful ordinance workers and presidency make it a wonderful way to spend our days. Peace, Power, Protection.  Couldn't ask for more.  We feel inadequate in so many ways to be partakers of this great privilege of serving. The books we acquire and read have enhanced our learning so much. 

What a great getaway for Thanksgiving, though, as mentioned and described above.   Truly looked forward to this, and the times and experiences delivered even more than expected, indeed.  We decorated the house before we left as knew it would be a short Christmas season when we got back on the 4th.

DECEMBER:  Always a busy temple month with graduation, and with others having sealings prior to the temple closure.   We  were    B U S Y   indeed, so our days sped by.    Our anniversary on the 21st was a special one.  Although a day off, Bill was a sealer for a much needed ordinance.   And, we too got to be across the altar once again when Pres. Pierce assisted.   This year--I counted---was the best year ever for us in being able to perform needed ordinances.  I learned it's one of the reasons, rewards, we have of serving now.  New Christmas electronics for us all--and dinner at Tanakas instead of S. Factory.  But some traditions don't change.   Christmas Eve was quieter, but still enjoyed our traditions plus missionaries the Hoopes, plus friends Ben from England and Nowah from Togo.  Christmas Day we three enjoyed a Disney movie, Saving Mr. Banks.   A Hanks film--can't go wrong. 

And now a new year --  where will these next months take us? ? ? ?    We're doing a cha-cha with our home legal issues. . . . but that is no surprise.   We will continue to serve, to stay, to downsize, to digitize, to teach online, to cha-cha, perhaps, but still enjoy paradise a little more.  Who knows for how long  ? ? ? ?   Only He knows, and we are grateful for all these blessings, but always to be in His hands.