Trevor had some great times swimming at Pacifica in February. His team wanted to swim in the controlled environment of an indoor pool and went for some fast times. And Trevor got some fast times! Good job, Trev! He also loved the beach. Very, very much. It was beautiful there. Quite a windy day, but with the indoor pool, that didn't matter. Fun for me to watch the first day, and Wade went the second day. We love cheering on our swimmer!
Just a quick update on everything! and my work as a nurse...when we moved here I started working as a Clinical Supervisor for a home health company. The hours were long and the work never done (like most jobs!), and the pay was only ok. I persisted in trying for a hospital job, preferably in pediatrics since I'm certified in that field and I love it! Ironically I was contacted by Los Angeles Children's Hospital for a nurse educator job there, which would have been a crazy serious good job. But we don't live in LA and didn't foresee moving there, but at that time it did encourage me to continue submitting applications for positions here, and wa-la! I ended up landing a float pool position in Oakland--just right for me (what a blessing!). The pay is amazingly fantastic and the people there are so NICE! I keep trying to do a good job. I'm still learning their system--ALL paper charting!?!?! Yikes. But they are going to transition to EPIC, the computer charting system we used at Dayton Children's. Hope I'm around to assist with and enjoy it, but I probably won't be, which leads to the next part of this post...
Wade has 6 weeks left as an Optometrist in the Air Force. Unbelievably, they moved us here then soon after, Wade was notified of a decision to basically "down-size" him out of the Air Force altogether. So here we are in the beautiful Bay Area without a job. Wade is on "terminal leave," meaning he is using up his vacation time before officially leaving the Air Force. After realizing that a job here is extremely unlikely, Wade has been looking elsewhere. It looked like he was going to be offered a fantastic opportunity in Salt Lake City, but I guess it was not to be. He is now exploring several other options, and we have faith and hope that we will be where we will thrive.
Life is at it again. We are glad to be together, fighting the bear.
Jim is submitting his mission papers soon--just needs the interview with the Stake President. And he is thriving at BYU! He is happy and working hard.
Trevor is loving it here! He has many friends and is busy with ward activities and swimming. He has been choosing to skip swimming on Sunday, and has seemed super happy being at church instead. He is surrounded by great kids and is a good and cheerful influence on everyone around him. He is working hard on his studies and is doing well.
Mae is sewing up a storm and drawing and making Harry Potter themed jewelry. She is one with Luna Lovegood and has so much creative genius, we hardly know what to do with her. She earned a ton of money at the YW fundraiser for girl's camp by selling her stuffed animals. She is enduring school, and we hear that she is actually quick and smart and "the best reader" in her English class. She said that last year she would just read monotone like everyone else so she wouldn't stand out, but decided this year to read with emotion, as it is much more interesting that way! So she does, and the kids notice. How cool is that?
Owen is making his way through middle school and getting perfect grades. This quarter he is in woodworking, so we'll see what he comes up with in that family-favorite hobby. He is anxious about many things, but enjoys going on walks in our quiet neighborhood greenbelt and spends a lot of time in Mae's creative universe, too.
Also, to complete the update:
Jane is having a baby soon and Daren needs to find a new job, too. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in need of blessings!
Wade's dad came to visit us here again and we all enjoyed a meal or two together. One night we ate King's of Steak at Dave and Chin's. Another night we ate Girabaldi's tamales here. Grandpa brought a nice big box of Idaho potatoes that makes us all happy. Jim and Sharon are doing well in Idaho and we are all glad we got to visit them after Christmas.
My dad has had some heart problems and after some testing and an angiogram is being scheduled for open heart surgery (a triple by-pass). He found a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon that he trusts, and my mom feels good about them, too. He will be greatly missed at the temple and will surely return when he regains his strength. So our thoughts and prayers are not just for ourselves! We think of our family and friends in need every day and hope for health and strength and sustaining hope and happiness for all.
Sunlit Uplands
To conclude...I am teaching a Relief Society lesson on Sunday and one statement from the talk ( The Divine Gift of Repentance, by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, given at October 2011 General Conference) has really made me happy as I ponder it:
"Only repentance leads to the sunlit uplands of a better life."
I need to live a better life. I think I can humble myself, repent, and enjoy the great blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I wish I could use the video clip below as the intro to the lesson. It would be perfect! I am thankful for my life, for simple pleasures and for the joy I feel in being with my family and surrounded by love. Off to sleep...work awaits tonight :).
Owen's science class really did have an optional (you pay for it) field trip on Lincoln's birthday off of school and Wade went as a chaperone. Trevor and Mae and Trevor's friend, Landon followed along with Trevor driving. They had a fantastic time at the beach and the aquarium, where they met up briefly with Wade and Owen. The school group also went to a science center in San Jose and a wildlife sanctuary. More photos of the beach to come from Trevor's phone.
Careful there, Owen! Notice Wade's reflection there by Capt. Picard.
