November 2018

Things in November were busy!  Though we had fewer activities (no soccer, cross country and cheer) we had to get the house on the market and start the process of transitioning to California.  

In addition, we still had dance, gymnastics, band concerts, and piano lessons.  Here are some of our happenings.

On the 1st Eve had a multi-school concert where she performed with a woodwind quartet.

Sterling had a band concert on the 6th.

We met with our realtor on the 5th or 6th and put our home on the market on the 9th with an open house on the 10th. NO pressure - Just keep your home and yard close to perfection at any moment!  HA!

Here are Sheri and Sterling at Get Air during the open house.

On the 9th Sheri participated in a Veteran's Day music program at her school where she was selected to be one of the narrators with her friend Lana.  They had to memorize 3 or 4 long passages for the program.  She did an outstanding job!  I was so proud of her and felt deep gratitude for those who have served our country.  Here is Sheri with her very devoted music teacher.

On the 13th Eve had a cheer banquet.  Here she is with her teammates and coach.  Apparently we missed the "Wear your mini skirts in November Memo."  Ha ha!

Allie has been a good friend to Eve for the last 3+ years.  She has been pretty true even when others in her friend group have been exclusive.  Eve has some other girls on the team that she really connects with as well.

Our home was under contract by the 14th.  Matt and I left for California to search for a new home on the 15th.  We were able to have Melissa Mangleson stay with them in the evenings and transport them.  Stephanie Hoyle, the Whitneys, the Goodmans, and the Thomases had them over after school, on Saturday, and for Sunday dinner respectively.  We are so grateful for all of our wonderful friends helping us out!  We feel so loved and blessed!  We returned on Monday the 19th.

On the 20th Christian had a Thanksgiving feast at school.

  

On Wednesday, the 21st we headed up to Michigan to be with Mar/Kelly, Mike/Taralie, Jeff/Stacey and all of their families.

We had a lovely time playing games, talking and baking away.  Unfortunately we had an accident during pre-feast football when both Matthew and Parker went for Taralie with the ball.  She and Matt collided and Taralie ended up in the ER with a broken nose. Yikes!  She was pretty swollen and in pain.  Poor thing!  I don't think she could taste much of the food on Thanksgiving.  Her face got much more colorful as the days passed and she ended up needing surgery to correct her bone placement.

Here is the Thanksgiving feast.

-And pies-

Including 7 pumpkin pies!!!

Here we are at family scripture time.  Big group=lots of fun and love!

We feel so thankful that we could be with family this Thanksgiving!  We realize that this tradition will probably go on without us after we move west.  :(

On November 30th Sterling performed at the annual Spaghetti Fundraiser with his Fiddle Fusion group which he has been enjoying along with student council this semester.  Both meet before school.

 As you can see, with all the activities, selling and finding a home, and the regular dance/piano/school/seminary/church activities/teaching/babysitting things have been busy -but pretty great!  God has helped us to manage all that was put before us!

Changes, Challenges, and Help from God.

Life is full of change.  Near the beginning of October Matthew had the opportunity to interview in Gustine, CA for a Plant Operations Manager position for J. B. Sanfillipo Inc.  He had been previously feeling like it would be good to get his resume out there, partly because he wanted to diversify his work experience, and also because he knew that some of his leaders did not want to run Ardent Mills in the way he thought was effective and appropriate.  He flew out the first weekend of October during General Conference weekend.  Shortly thereafter Matt and Ardent came to a separation agreement allowing them both to walk away on good terms.  A few weeks later Matthew was offered and accepted the position in California right before Halloween.  I feel very grateful for the timing of it all!  I feel like Matthew was given a clear path away from his company (a hard thing to walk away from after 13 years) and given this new opportunity right when we needed it!  He also got enough time in between jobs to do quite a lot of home maintenance, which enabled us to get it ready to go on the market.

  There is no way we could have done everything necessary if he had only had the typical two weeks that you give an employer before changing jobs!  I also feel so grateful that the Lord heard my prayers regarding help with moving.  JB Sanfillipo's offer included use their relocation company to help pack and move our belongings, as well as paying for most of the costs of the relocation for us.  What a relief!  I am so grateful for Matt's employment!  I know the Lord has heard and answered our prayers!  In addition, I believe that God helped us to sell our home extremely quickly (Under contract in less than a week and prior to us leaving on our home search trip in CA).  

Matt's love message on our flight to CA.  He is so loving to me!

 We certainly weren't wanting to sell during the holidays - especially during the winter!  We were blessed that everything fell into alignment so perfectly!  We are also grateful we won't have to worry about 2 mortgages!

So in October and November we have been busy little bees trying to get the home repaired, de-junked, painted, super clean, and adding new drainage lines for the sump pump system etc.  Here are some photos the Realtor had taken.  She was a gem; so supportive, helpful, and savvy.  She was by our side as we worked out all the negotiations and inspections.

As I look at all these photos I'm reminded of how blessed we have been to live in Ohio!  It is a beautiful place with so many beautiful memories.  Moving is definitely both sad and exciting.  One chapter of our lives is coming to an end while another is just beginning.  God has been so good to us!  I am grateful that he guides our journey!