Well  What a Great Adventure this has been.  33 years ago This last September,  Dennis did something that changed our lives forever. 

In May, we were living in Edmonds and He was working at the Temple,  Looking forward to becoming the Security Supervisor when the current one Retired in a few months.  We had a little apt. and 3 very little people we called our own.   We loved our little life and were quite happy.  But Then we felt prompted to pursue a very different course of action.  He signed up for the National Correctional Officers Academy.  A school that popped up out of nowhere with Great Credentials and a perfect tuition.

He took the courses and graduated. YAY  We were off in a new direction.  He came to Walla Walla and interviewed for a position and we didn't hear back from them.

So, even though someone else had been given the supervisor's position,  he stayed at the temple waiting for something to happen.   All good things in the Lord's time.

Then in September, 33 years ago we got a call on a Monday asking if we could be in Walla Walla the following Monday.  "For another interview? "  I asked.   "No,  to start work"   WOW  Oh yeah we can be there. 

Phone calls were made,  Jobs were left,  trucks were packed, and a place to land was procured.   Thank Goodness for family who, although they didn't like the idea of us being so far away, and certainly didn't like the idea of a prison job,  helped in every possible way.   And we were off

So many wonderful friends and experiences that were both wonderful and not so wonderful later,  we find ourselves again at that point were we are trying hard to follow the Lord where ever he leads us.

So we again make the phone calls and pack the truck and procure a place to land when we get there and Say Goodbye to the prison.  We look back with fondness at our time here, and we look forward with anticipation at what is in store.  What ever happens.   This has been a great ride and an even bigger adventure and Retirement will have to work pretty hard to compare

 

I was reminded today that I have a wonderful husband. He has always treated me with respect and never told embarrassing stories about me to other people ( at least when I could hear then and be embarrassed by them ). He has always had the highest praise about everything I cook or bake even when I cooked enough for an army and he ate it for weeks. LOL He opens my door and waits for me to sit down to the table before he starts eating.  I think he is swell and just wanted to put that down in writing for Posterity

Fishing with Papa

Ewan and Sejena came to visit for the weekend and Pappa took Ewan down to the pond for a little fishing. Too bad they could not find a little fish. They only found this big rainbow trout. Ewan caught it all by himself. Papa did help get the fish out of the water when Ewan got it close to the shore. But we are all so proud of him. He is going to be a great fisherman just like Papa.

What a blessing to have kids who will come to your house in the cold of November and burn down the house.  

No Seriously !  We never thought we would ever move from our lovely home, and have collected all the old wood from every project ever done at our home including replacing the fence.  We love our fireplaces YES 2  and burn in them every year,  but you know that little voice in the back of your head that says  save some of that because you might run out before April and you will want that,  or you might need it for summer s'more fires and scout fires and just general let's sit outside tonight and have a fire and watch the starts come out.   

THAT WOOD  That is the wood that we had to get rid of,  and I had stellar boys at my house that started a fire on Thursday and burned until sat. night.   

We had hot dogs and S'mores and laughs and campfire smoke and long talks and learning how to handle a saw and power tools that cut stuff.   It was glorious

Not because of any of those things.  But because I had my family here,  working together,  helping together,  Laughing together,  loving each other.

THAT IS WHAT MADE IT THE BEST

As we approach that day when we will box up the last dish and wrap the last blanket around that last chair and drive away from our home of 34 years, saying goodbye to this old life and hello to a new life,  I find that the boxes full of stuff are not where it's at.   I treasure and cherish each and every moment with my family,  I find that more and more "Stuff"  can go to the thrift stores and less and less is really worth dragging  across the state and paying to store while we wait for our house to be built.  

There is a great line from a play that Denise starred in when we were in High School  "you can't take it with you"

The only thing you can take with you is the love of each relationship that you have developed.  Those with our families here on earth,  and that one with our Father in Heaven.   I have come to the point where I don't want to take it with me,   I just want to take these people whom I love and love to be with,  I want them along for the ride,  I want them to be where I am going,   I want to take you with me !!  

I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for the power of belief,  and faith in my Heavenly Father and His plan for me. 

I wish you all Good Sabbath and hope that you find that what you are taking on your journey is worth it.