Our Trip to Provo

Thursday we found ourselves beneath the beautiful mountains in Utah. We stopped at a 3DAY BLINDS store in American Fork where Will will be working out of. He will be installing blinds and doing basically the same work that he is doing here, but only part time.

After checking off Jobs from our list, we made our rounds at the schools in the area. There is a charter school in American Fork that JR has been accepted to, and hopefully Za Za will be also. We were really impressed with the school which is a huge relief for me as I have been anxious about the school situation for a while. We had to stop at the Y to take care of some business, then enjoyed some nummy creamery chocolate milk and asagio cheese bagels. The next day we came back for some Scoreboard Grill fare topped off with creamery ice cream. Our kids really thought this pose was awesome.


Only in Utah . . .









We went to the apartment that we had been hoping to get, only to find that it was virtually impossible in all respects to live in. Here are a few of its characteristics: small, dark, exposed pipes, paneling, 1 cabinet in kitchen, etc. I'm willing to sacrifice, but that was REALLY pushing it!

That night we spent helping our friends move into their basement, and they graciously fed us and let us sleep there (thanks Rachelle!). Friday morning I was frantically searching the internet for apartment listings. We made a few appointments, and called like 500 people that said they didn't allow pets. So, I really like my dog and am not willing to get rid of him.

Needless to say we were quite discouraged after driving around Springville, Provo, and Orem. Finally we ended up by UVSC trying to get a WiFi signal so that we could do some more searching and were able to find 1 address before the signal faded. We quickly drove to a mobile home park and found this beauty. Now, I know that this may be breaking one of our three rules to never own a trailer, own a cat, or drive a dodge, but hey, we've got to live somewhere right?

Anyway, we visited with the nice lady that lives here and found out that the park does allow pets (YEAH!) and also has a pool, playground, basketball court, and large grassy area for the kids. Not to mention the really pretty grass that would be part of our yard, and a little garden area at the back of the yard.

So yes, it is a 2 bedroom, but it does have a potty in the kids bedroom, and the yard is fenced so our doggie wouldn't get out and bite the mailman (he's done it before). A downsize, yes, but doable, I think so.

So we would buy it and then just have to pay for lot rent and utilities. After this exciting development in our search, we really felt the need to go to the temple. We drove all the way to the Timpanogos temple only to find out that it was closed. Bummer!

So we headed back to the Provo Temple and had a very comforting, and reassuring few hours, knowing that we were doing what we should be doing, and that everything will work out. I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for the events of the day, and successfully used up all 10 tissues that I had picked up on the way in. I also had the impression that I needed to share our experiences. What I didn't know was that Will had that same impression, and I learned it today as he tenderly shared his testimony in church. We really have felt the hand of the Lord in our lives, guiding us and letting us step into the dark a little, which has really helped our faith increase and our doubts decrease. My heart is full, and my eyes are wet, and I know that our Savior is aware of us and our needs. We left the temple with a sense of peace that everything is going to work out, and I know that it will. Saturday we spend driving around again in Provo, Orem, Lindon, and American Fork. Utah is so beautiful right now. I am looking forward to the green grass and pretty flowers. On our way back through Provo we had to stop and take a picture of this sweet ride that would be a perfect installation vehicle for Will.
We stopped by Temple Square before returning home. It's one of those things that must be taken in little by little I think. We will definitely have to go back a lot to really soak it all in. Truly Amazing!