Funny How Things Work Out...

Almost 6 years ago, Greg started working here...

It was a great experience, but when things started to change a little and business died down, we got cold feet and decided it was time to get out. So he left and went here...

What a joke... But you all know about that by now. :) So THEN he went here...

Initially, it was better. But things progressively got worse and recently, when his job was being threatened everyday, we both decided it was time again to start actively looking for jobs before he lost this one. We applied at numerous different places, but as usual - no contact, no calls, no interviews. Just like last spring, I started bawling one day and said a huge prayer for some help and direction as to what we should do. And just hours later, Greg got a call from his friend Dan at T-Mobile saying they were opening a few new stores in Northern Utah and that he should apply. And here we are, a month later, with a new (or should I say old?) job at...

A bit surprising, I know, but we are so thrilled and happy! Ever since Greg quit T-Mobile just over a year ago, I don't think a day has gone by that we haven't regretted it. Sure, there were things we didn't like about it when he was there, but after experiencing what I consider two of the worst jobs ever (where Greg was treated like the scum of the earth on a daily basis), we couldn't be happier going back. The little things that bugged him about T-Mobile before aren't even a concern for us now after what he's been through this past year. We feel so blessed that things worked out the way they did, and extremely humbled that T-Mobile would even take him back. We also really appreciate his friends there who worked so hard to help get him back. If it weren't for them, Greg would still be at Qwest without any job prospects in sight.

Here's a great example of the drastic difference between a company like Qwest and a company like T-Mobile: When Greg went in to Qwest on Tuesday to give his 2 weeks notice, he was told to basically get out with no pay for the two-week notice he gave. After calling T-Mobile and telling his new manager what happened, he told Greg to take a day off, and then he could start at T-Mobile on Thursday (today) so he wouldn't have a huge gap in employment. Again, what a huge relief. Really, I just feel so blessed and humbled by the whole thing, and thrilled to see him doing what he loves again, instead of sitting in a cubicle all day, selling products over the phone to people who don't want to talk to him! And while I will obviously miss the Monday-Friday 8-5 schedule, seeing Greg happy and not dreading going to work everyday makes it all worth it! :) -Ash

Conference Weekend

We had a great Conference weekend, though I have to admit it was a bit stressful! The YW were in charge of Mutual this past week and we thought it might be fun to do Conference Jeopardy. Looking back, it was a great idea because it helped the youth actually watch and take notes, but a bad idea because it caused major stress on the leaders to get all the questions! :) So as you can imagine, I was kind of a stress case the whole weekend, shushing my kids so I could hear every word! Fortunately, we headed down to my parents and they were extremely helpful, taking the kids far away and letting me watch! :)

But even though it was stressful, I have to admit that it was one of the best Conferences I've ever heard, and it's probably because I was forced to listen so well! :) My favorite talks were by Elder Holland and Elder Hales. Elder Holland's talk about Christ's atonement and crucifixion was so touching - it was a good reminder of just how thankful we all need to be for Christ's sacrifice for us. And I loved Elder Hales talk too when he spoke about debt and being happy with what we have. We've struggled a lot financially since we left T-Mobile and have to had to miss out on numerous trips with my family, as well as cut back on a lot of our spending because we don't want to go into debt for anything. It's been a constant struggle and I get so upset about it sometimes, but hearing his talk made me realize that even though sometimes I get bitter that we can't do everything we want to and it seems like so many other people can, we're doing what's right, we're staying out of debt, we're all healthy and well, and that's what ultimately matters. So if you didn't hear those talks, go read them because they were awesome!

Anyway, here are some other highlights (in pictures) of the weekend:

Bathtime at Nana's with bubble bath,

Playing at the park,

And who can forget playing in the dirt?

Overall, it was a great weekend. So thanks Mom and Dad! -Ash