Unforgettable 2015

Once again, 2015 was a defining year...

JUSTIN/MICHELLE~

I've said it before, but going to say it again, Justin is my hero. Sometimes amongst the chaos, i stand back in awe just to watch him. He's human yes, but he carries himself so calmly. Packing up and leaving active duty Army (December 2014) was another big change for our whole family, but especially Justin (our financial provider). We only had the month of December to figure out & know what the Lord had in store for us. They were downsizing his job as adaptive sports coordinator with the wounded, ill and injured soldiers. We prayed, fasted and attended the temple-seeking immediate direction. At this point we weren't sure if we'd stay active duty or do active reserves. He'd submitted his resumé to many different states, hoping to have a starting place. All the while I observed Justin exude great faith. I have to admit, as his wife I worry at times about PTSD. He can control and manage his stress very well, but with so much change and so many demands-at what point does he break?...That's me being real, but not fully trusting the Lord. After all, it was God who lead us to that point and I knew He would again lead us to the next chapter too! My job was to also have great faith and continue walking side-by-side with him. Encourage and support! We were on a strict timeline and needed to let the Army know our plans...so we got a phone call for a job opportunity in Arizona, doing construction. Hmmmm...We weren't thrilled, but knew it's what we were supposed to do. Honestly, we weren't ready to go back and {especially} didn't want to go back to the desert, but we graciously and gratefully accepted. We tried getting a home in Arizona before leaving, with no luck. Justin completed his classes and accomplished his out processing in record time! We packed up our home December 31st (New Year's Eve). Ready for inspection and release Friday, January 2nd. The last few times we've moved have been with only a moments notice! Sigh! Fortunately Justin is a master packer and arranger! We got the moving truck packed, pulling his jeep. We left his truck behind and sold it later in the month-thanks to our friends for taking care of it for us (the Hollands)! It was a quick trip to AZ-because the kids would start at their new school Monday, January 5th. As their mother, I wanted them to start back with everyone else after Christmas break. We left Friday (January 2nd, after inspection) and made it to my parents home the next day (Saturday evening). As of that evening, we didn't have a home and were going to borrow a trailer and stay in our friends yard (the McCoys). Saturday night we received a phone call from my cousin Justin Ehmke, saying their old house was empty and needed renters. It worked out perfectly for us. Sunday morning we headed to the valley to this new rental, unloaded our truck and sent the kids off to school Monday morning. Phew! Our realtor Adam Lee, Justin and I spent the next several weeks or so looking for a house to buy. He really wanted to build, but the permits, etc. are difficult to get anymore! He started his new project manager job the following Monday, January 12th. It was a crazy time for us, but new it was all in God's timing. We eventually found a spec house in Queen Creek...and new it was ours. We moved into it in March. Everything was going well, Justin was called as a leader in our church over 14-16 y/o young men. He got to work with Jayton. Then, Justin called me one day in April and said his boss called him in and said they needed to let him go. Justin was the newest guy and they couldn't afford to keep him on and other unjust things that happened that I choose not to dwell on. It was a difficult time for us. Already financially we were struggling with mishaps dealing with the military. They messed up our insurance and said we owed them money. They never paid us for our move and started garnishing his wages, saying we owed them. With our children being older and the most expensive time of their lives...and brand new house (and everything that goes into it). Once again we were being refined. Watching Justin carry on with complete faith gave me greater faith. We knew the Lord brought us back to Arizona, so we knew He would provide. Justin again sent his resumé out, we prayed, actively pursued different opportunities, and prayed! He got a text one Sunday (in July) sitting in church and it said, "I found your resumé late last night and I really want to interview you. I know it's Sunday, so please call me tomorrow." His boss Chuck and his wife JuDune said they were impressed with him on paper, but more impressed with him in person. I knew in that moment it was going to be good. They could see what I already knew about him. He was hired and started with K12 Defense August 24th.  They are an international experienced security specialists company. They work with federal installations all over the world. Justin travels some (because he's cleared to go just about anywhere), but he mostly handles the paperwork/proposals. He submitted his biggest proposal last week ($700,000). He's also active reserves for the army. He'll be headed to training soon for law enforcement detail. He keeps himself in shape by waking up early and still finds time to be a wonderful husband and father.
I experienced all the above stated, but from a different point of view. This year I took care of the financial side of things, and the nurturing side of things for Justin and our 5 children. I was also called as a ward missionary, specifically over the sister missionaries. It's been an incredibly rewarding calling. I love missionaries! We live in a huge ward-with 700+ active (88% endowed) members. I love the challenge of getting to know people! This school year I was hired to work part-time at my kids elementary school. I work as an aide, plus prep/make the food in the kitchen for lunch. I love it all! I get to be on the same campus as my children and interact with my two youngest daily! I am grateful for my spiritual gifts and talents...and I continue to work daily to discover more about myself.

JOCELYN~

This sweet young lady has incredible courage! To move before her senior year was tough to say the least. She moved away from her best friends. The transition changed the dynamics of her grades because of the how the system is different from state to state. She decided against graduating early and put her time into college courses at the high school. She is an outstanding student both academically and ecclesiastically. She is very knowledgable and works continuously to speak out & up. She was a second year youth camp leader this summer. She made a senior year bucket list and i'm impressed with her accomplishing and tackling those goals. She was on the varsity swim team (first year of competition). She's not much for speaking to people, so I know she enjoyed competing by showing-instead of talking! Her strength is the butterfly stroke! It's perfect for her because my endearing name for her has always been a butterfly! She's quiet, reflective and elegant. Always overcoming and becoming! She is going places! She's currently on a team for the National Youth Cyber Education Program aka Cyber Patriots. At the last 6+ hour competition out of the 1250 teams her team of 4 members (she's the only girl:) made it into 413th place. That's the top 32% and this next competition they need to move into the top 30% to go to Washington DC to compete in finals!!! The program is intended to provide youth with basic cybersecurity knowledge. She's taken her ACT's twice, been accepted to NAU on scholarship for linguistics major, but her love is to be accepted at BYU-Provo. She's waiting to hear on that! We've talked...and she knows that the Lord will make possible where it is He needs/wants her!

JAYTON~

Jayton is very serious and strict with himself, but with others he's more relaxed, fun and smiley! He's all heart and very passionate! Coach Hall (Offensive Coordinator) told a story about Jayton at the football banquet last week (12.17.15) He said at the beginning of the season during a practice he saw that Jayton was visibly upset after a passing play...he asked him what was wrong. Jayton told him he should have had 'that catch' and told him he'd do better. He said he knew Jayton cared. Jayton continues to be that way at practices and during games! I loved hearing this story, because it's SO him! When he commits himself-he wants to be/do his personal best. He sets many athletic goals. He gets up at 5 am to do his work out drills. Some things about Jayton this year. His favorite color is neon/bright blue and his favorite athlete is still Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald. He grew a few inches (currently 6'2"), is an excellent student, participated in track/field (holds school record for high jump), enjoys hip-hop, loves to drive, played football as a free safety and wide receiver, attended the Gilbert Temple, went snowboarding, and cliff jumping at Havasupai. He's a supportive brother, friend, and a natural leader. He is well liked by many (especially girls) because of his chilled and patient demeanor. Always checking on me and laughs at my 'punny" jokes. He wants to get his eagle. He did finish his Duty to God teachers section, and most importantly was ordained a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood.

 JORI~

Jori ...is all HEART! I love that she love's life! She has a heart of gold! She definitely gives her heart to everything and everyone!!! Unfortunately her love and kindness toward others isn't always reciprocated, but she still chooses to be good. One thing I love about her...her goodness! She's a peacemaker and has no guile. She's truly beautiful inside and out! She's smart, talented, competitive, happy, helpful, inquisitive, decisive and always has a bounce in her step! This is where her nickname JORI-BOP came from! She's hardest on herself and can feel down that she's not enough or not doing enough. She recognizes immediately that those feelings are a tool of the adversary and always rebounds beautifully. She knows to seek the Lord's help and guidance. She "stands as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places." She is very thorough about her studying, whether it's the Word of God or her academic studies.  She currently has a 4.75 GPA...and that's ALL honors classes. She is diligent with practicing her violin, doing her chores here at home and writing in her journal. It really bothers her to feel like she's fallen short somehow. This is where I step in as her mother. I remind her it's okay to make mistakes and that she IS enough. I remind her that she can be strengthened because of her weaknesses. She tried out for volleyball and didn't make the team this year, so she decided to swim! She was known for her speed with the breast stroke! She's 5'6"! She gets along well with her siblings. She wants to make them smile. She LOVES being with her family! I admire her cheerful countenance and Joyful {Jori-full} Heart! 

JETT~

This big boy is so much fun and full of such energy!! He is on the go all of the time! This year for him has been tough! He visibly struggles the most with change. He still talks non stop about missing his friends in Kansas. His class this school year has been the biggest challenge for him yet. His classmates are loud and disrespectful to his teacher and it really causes him heart ache. He loves his teacher, but she's very passive in nature and he needs for her to stand up for herself. I've seen his frustrations at home and in the classroom. We talk daily about enduring and being strengthened through trial. He's hit an age that's pretty tough for him. He has kids that like him at church and school, he's just not in a confident place in his life. He loves sports, reading, singing and swimming. He left swimming in Kansas and because of our circumstances here he's not on a team. He cannot wait to play tackle football next year (7th grade)! He was able to go to a camp this summer with Ty Detmer for quarterbacks. Jett loves to throw and wants so badly to succeed. He's 4'10" and wants to be tall like his brother! I keep reminding him to be patient and not be in a hurry. He's a Star Wars fanatic and has been for a few years now! I love his smile and his laughter!

 JERIKA~

This year has been the most different for this girl! We moved to Kansas when she was 3, so all she remembers is her life in Kansas. We moved into our home here in AZ the beginning of March and she was baptized a week later.  Each one of her siblings participated. She was happy to have her family/cousins attend too. Her confidence has grown so much this year. She's a wonderful leader. She was student of the month the first month of this school year. (3rd grade) She went to a cheer clinic. She loved it, but didn't participate much. She likes to observe and then perform at home. She loves to dance and hula-hoop, but hasn't quite developed the confidence to show others. I'll watch her while i'm working-she's very coordinated and talented! She's strong willed and in body (she can out do most boys and girls with push-ups), she can run really fast, she's smart and tries really hard to always do the right things. She is 4'6" and loves that she's tall. She's mature. She shares a room with her sister Jori and they've become the best of friends. Jerika is a good friend and wants others to feel special. I love her gentle nature and that she's my daughter. 

~Michelle