Welcome, Fall!

Fall has arrived! I love the crisp, cool air, the beautiful and bold fall colors, and all the festivities and traditions that come with the change of the season. Since fall is now here and the holidays will be here soon, I figured I should probably post something about the rest of our crazy summer! This post has the potential to be a bit long with a few scattered pictures, so bear with me!

Andrew and I had been busy working all summer.  Unfortunately, things at my job were not going well at all. It was a horrible situation and I needed to get out. It was affecting my life and my marriage negatively. I took a huge leap of faith and stepped down from my position, not knowing what would happen next. Yes, I had graduated from nursing school and passed my boards, officially making me a Registered Nurse in the state of Oregon. However, despite my efforts, job hunting was not going well. On July 15, 2013, I received a call that forever changed my life. I was offered (and accepted) a position as a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Randall Children's Hospital and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. This is my dream job and I was shocked and honored to have been offered this position. I would be part of a New Graduate orientation/residency program from September through December. I couldn't wait to start my new career! That phone call truly came as a blessing and huge answer to prayer. We will forever be grateful.

After Calder and Joy's visit (see post here), Andrew and I headed off on our Stake's Pioneer Trek. A Pioneer Trek is basically a reenactment of the journey of the Mormon Pioneers. The participants dress up in authentic pioneer clothing, pull handcarts while walking for many miles each day, participate in pioneer games and activities, and strengthen their testimony of their Savior, Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father. Andrew and I were support staff. I was the trek nurse and Andrew was the go-to man for pretty much everything. The week was exhausting in so many ways but also so incredibly rewarding. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever been a part of and I am so glad I was able to experience it with Andrew. 

After the trek, it was back to work for Andrew, and preparation for my new job for me. We did find some time here and there for a little fun. 

In August, I went to Seattle for a few days with my dad for visit my grandparents. They aren't in the best of health and we just never know when they will leave us here on this earth. The trip involved a lot of sitting around, watching television, mostly soap operas, game shows, and baseball games, but I am so grateful I was able to visit them. 

Andrew's store is closed on Labor Day and I was fortunate to also have the holiday weekend off. We took advantage of it and headed out of town for a weekend stay at his family cabin. I had never been there before so it was really special for him to be able to show me around and share with me some of his favorite childhood memories there. We played games, drove around, took walks, and enjoyed the hot springs!

Our fun summer finally came to a close. Now, we are on to our next big adventure....WE ARE BUYING A HOUSE! In May, we moved out of our apartment and moved in with Andrew's mom. Our living situation in the apartment was not a good one and we weren't sure what direction we wanted to take. We wanted to try to buy so we decided to move in with his mom in the meantime. We have been actively searching for a home and have met with so many people to have our questions answered. This is one piece of our life that we do not want to rush so we are taking our time with it. We are so looking forward to being homeowners and beginning a new stage of our life together! We will keep everyone posted on the progress and believe me. As soon as we close on a house, it will be one announcement that will be hard to miss!