Settling In

It's amazing how all-consuming settling in to a new home can be. We are lovin' this new place! The valley is GORGEOUS, the house is fun with an incredible view, and we're in a Cheers town. (You know, where everybody knows your name?) In fact, it can even get in your way. For about a week, we got NO mail whatsoever. Then, the woman who lived in the house before us called me one day and said, "I've been getting your mail at my P.O. Box in Park City. The post office saw the address and forwarded it to me because they know that as my address." She followed it up with some sort of "Welcome to the Waltons..." comment. :-)
And, of course, those of you who have lived in Utah will say "duh" to this, but... EVERYONE IS LDS! I can't believe it. I knew to expect it, but I had NO idea.

Things I love about Utah:
It smells incredible everywhere I go
When I look out my window, I always see at least 4 colors in the natural surroundings. (as opposed to brown and, well, brown...in Southern CA in the summer)
We have multiple "fumder storms" (term coined by Lauren)
No black widows, at least, none that dare show their nasty little black swollen butts to me
People wave at you for no reason
Jason's asthma is improving
My skin is improving
Whole and organic foods are readily available at almost any store
My sister-in-law and her family live close enough for frequent get-togethers
Almost everything is cheaper

Things I don't like about Utah:
There are more grasshoppers in my yard than there are people in this entire valley
Thistle. Evil.
3 different kinds of flying demon-insects (creepiest wasps I've ever seen, yellowjackets, and hornets) are everywhere
I can't get away with anything, because pretty soon everyone will know me
My dog is afraid of our yard, and I don't know why
I don't have any friends

I promise to start entering more detailed and frequent entries with more updates on the kids--it's really been a crazy start. We got here, and within days Jason had to leave for a week on business, so I was all on my own. Then, we had Will's birthday and Alisha's baptism. Following that, I was in class all day for a week. Now... ahhh.... we get to breathe.
I told the kids (and the doggie) I'd take them to the lake this week. And guess what....? I only have to drive 10 minutes to do that. I love this place.

Heber Valley, Here We Come!

We did it. We finally made the difficult decision to move out of California. Though we will be further away from dearly loved family and friends, we know it's the right thing for our family. I keep getting laid off, and California is slowly getting in a worse and worse situation. Plus, we will be in a climate where we are more apt to spend our time outdoors and introduce our children to wilderness, lovely mountains, and four seasons. This is a time in our life that is mixed with anxiety at being so far from family, and excitement at starting the life that we've talked about for a long time!
As far as those important money, food, and shelter details go...I have been offered a job in Heber / Midway as a GATE specialist working with elementary school-age children. I'm excited to be back in elementary school, and after my experience in middle school, I'm thinking elementary is where I really belong. As an added bonus, we found a home to rent that we are never going to want to leave! I'll stick some pictures in below.
More soon. Lauren's taking her first trip to Disneyland this week, that should bring some super fun pics and video to post!

Click this link to check out where we'll be living for the next few years...
Pedersens' Pad