"For if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet"

We've officially been North Carolinians for 1 year. When I think of that last year, a number of emotions come to mind. It had it's fair share of challenges, that's for sure. So, for journaling sake, here's a light recap 0f July 08 - July 09.
We had been under the impression that the sale price of our house would leave us comfortable for at least several months...well, long story short: we walked away from closing with barely anything. Then the moving company was almost twice what they had quoted us. Nice. I had actually flown down and interviewed for a job that I ended up feeling very uncomfortable with for some reason, and ended up turning down. So, dead broke and no income for 2 months. Oh, and 4 months pregnant. What do you do? I'm not going to lie, it was a awful. I will never forget trying to pay our bills but being $12 in the hole. Scary? I think I just cried. Additional mishaps included: losing everyone's social security cards and birth certificates in the move, which I went ahead and capitalized on by losing my wallet. Whole new set of issues. High temperatures and humidity, our small, dark, cramped apartment reeked of nasty cigarette smoke - the kind that is saturated in the carpet and walls. We had dogs next door and 24/7 partying Mexicanos above us. One car, which I would take and pick up Nate from school. Words can't begin to describe the horror of our home-buying process over the next 4 months. Getting financing was obviously problematic for various reasons I won't drone on about. Then looking, visiting, making offers, being "out-offered" on 5 different houses...all with little Hannah in tow. Okay, ENOUGH. This is making me depressed just writing it. Really, I'm not one to complain and I only do so to point out how much we've been blessed. Hence the title of this post. (At the risk of sounding completely spoiled, I do fully realize there are so many in world in MUCH worse circumstances that above described)

- Numerous miracles - complete financial miracles happened that kept us afloat. Whether it was random money from some dental work I had over paid for or a check for the last-half-of-the-year home insurance, we kept getting these little monies out of nowhere. I never knew $50 could give so much relief and renewed faith.

- Our marriage has been strengthened SO much. It has just taken us to a whole new level. We had to dig deep, learned to really communicate every issue with and rely on each other , and put faith into action. Clinging to the scriptures and praying daily gave us so much peace. Nate kept everything in perspective and kept me calm. I gained so much respect for him. I appreciated him much more, criticized less, and forgave faster. Laughter and humor got us through. Our day in and day out struggle and effort matured our relationship so much. Nate was and is, without a doubt, my destined eternal companion.

- Where there is a will, there's a way. When all the odds were stacked against us and we kept running into wall after wall after wall, we just refused to give up. Even when it would've been easier. What better way to learn patience than to be in a situation where you are giving 110% and getting nowhere.

- I have developed a more humble attitude and really, I don't think there is any other way the Lord could have taught me humility. I'd never really had to go without. I'd never made myself live on any type of budget really. I've a new appreciation for "things." Going without new clothes, make-up, shoes, aka CRAP, for a while didn't hurt me AT ALL. I now make very few impulse purchases and treasure the fun things I do get. I waste less. It is so nice to feel grateful, content, and in control.

- An attitude of humility, in turn, has made me much happier, loving, teachable person. It is so liberating to refuse to see anything but good in people. Now I can't stand gossip or any criticism of others period. What a welcome blessing!

- 365 days later, I wake up in our house with no blinds, broken towel racks, mismatched furniture, little "decor" to speak of, a "yard" that could easily be mistaken for the Serengeti, etc, and I am thrilled. Thrilled to be out of that apartment. Thrilled that this house is ours. That the girls can play all day in it. Thrilled that is smells nice (most of the time), thrilled that it is in a nice quiet little neighborhood. The list goes on - you get my point. I wake up to 2 healthy little girls that I love so much. We have 2 cars - a fabulous minivan, nonetheless and Nate and I both have jobs that we love. WE HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED. Are we rich? Ummm, no. But wealthy beyond wildest imagination in things that cannot be measured.

A huge thank you to all our family and friends who continued to support and encourage. Your help has not gone unnoticed and is SO appreciated!
Not that I want to repeat that last year, but it's true what Nephi says: we must taste the bitter to prize the good. Thank you to my Heavenly Father who knows me so perfectly that He is willing to refine me over and over and over. All for my happiness. His only purpose: our happiness.

Ellie

Whitear Sisters on America's Got Talent!

So I'm at work the other night, running around like crazy, annoyed at being called into one of my patient's rooms to investigate why her IV is alarming AGAIN. Not even paying attention to her "America's Got Talent" on the TV, I hear her say "oh, look at those beautiful sisters." I look up and......WHAT??? I know those girls!!! The Whitear girls from Morgan! I was so excited. What are the chances? Here's the video! Good luck gals - I'm definitely tuning in for Vegas!

Picture catch up

Our good friend Elise. Maybe not how Elise would describe us but...we really love having her! Aren't her blue eyes amazing?

Toddler time at the library

Hannah's favorite is "shake shake shake, (repeat), shake your booty"

First thing in the morning, Hannah's curly thick hair can be quite bird-nest-like.

On a more somber note, we flew out to my Grandma Richins' funeral in May. She was a wonderful Grandma with endearing qualities and she will be greatly missed. A big thank you to all her immediate family who took such awesome care of her! It was a whirlwind trip and it was so nice to see lots of family and friends. As you can see, she has a great view of the beautiful Wasatch mountains. Unfortunately, I didn't snap very many pictures.



AND NOW OUR RECENT TRIP TO MN:

Hannah thought she was quite the circus trainer

Brittney, Hannah, and Spencer Watkins taking a stroll

Gotta love a picnic at the lake

Evidence that Grandpa is completely wrapped around her finger.


Taking a dip with Uncle Al

Catching a little "Elmo's World" on youtube.

Ellie's favorite place to be: the excersaucer!


Sprinkler F-U-N





And a cute little "end" to this post:)

Minnesota

We had WAY too much fun on our trip to MN. The girls are getting to be pro's at plane rides. Visit highlights included: serious kitty time for Hannah (good thing there are 2 of them to spread the love. The 3rd one literally went under Barbs bed and didn't come out the whole week), a much needed hair job for me thanks Roz! I'm taking a vow of not cutting or coloring my hair for at LEAST 6 months), a wedding where Brittney and Alan sang 2 awesome duets, Chipotle, Jenpachi, sprinklers, s'more roasting, watching Get Smart, boating at Lake Billesby, Barb's cheesecake, Brittney's juicy hamburgers, fruit pizza, church at the new Rochester 5th ward, and don't forget the numerous trips to Target, Sam's, Kohls. I'm sure I've forgotten some...anyway, here are a few professional pics we had done. Many more pics to come (I left my camera in UT for a couple weeks). I have some serious blogging catch-up to be done...

Bear Necessities