Settled

Months before Devin was finished school he was looking for a job. Without much luck. Graduation came and went, Brody was 3 and Zane was a newborn. And we had no idea what was going to happen with us and our lives as far as a career. My sister in law's family owns a music store in town and her Dad gave Dev a full time job. I think it was a minimum wage. Not even kidding. We had a house and bills and I had stopped working when Zane was born. It is truly a miracle that it all worked out. And looking back I don't recall feeling destitute or even financially stressed- I was more "life" stressed. Wondering what the heck we were doing and where we would end up. Devin applied for HUNDREDS of jobs. That is not an exaggeration. Anything was an option and anywhere was an option. We had zero requirements. I am beyond grateful that my educated, smart, husband was willing to take ANY job and work hard to support our family. There was maybe a 2 or 3 day lapse between graduation and working at Mikes Music. 

The stars aligned and in May Devin got a job offer with Kern River in Wyoming. We packed up our home and came. So willing and excited and grateful for a job. At the time, that is all we were feeling. 

We have been here now for almost 5 years (in may). 

In the fall of 2012 Devin started getting pretty serious about looking for a new job. The hours with Kern River were crazy! Yes he was home every night but it wasn't uncommon to work 13-15 hour days and the majority of weekends. His work ethic is unwavering and when something needs done, he does it. He is truly an incredible example to me and our kids of hard work.  But he was getting burnt out and we missed him. 

I also REALLY miss being close to my parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents and Canadian friends. We have a very tight knit family. Sunday diners at my Grandparents with Aunts and Uncles and cousins and now their children, celebrations for birthday parties and holidays, and other gatherings that we were missing. I wanted those things to be more of a possibility. I wanted to figure out a way to be closer to the border :) so I started in on the job hunt efforts in Devs behalf. 

Some interesting things happened. 

At one point in time, since then, we have been close to certain that we would be moving to Ohio, Idaho or Washington and then Montana. 

All better jobs- at least money wise and room for growth and better set up for retirement, all jobs that Dev was qualified for and interviewed well for. But things just didn't line up in a way to accept any other job. 

Right before Christmas a "dream job" came up in Northern Montana. Thanks to knowing the right people in the right place Devin was notified of the job, interviewed, spoke to HR about relocation and bonuses. It seemed like it was happening. I was SO EXCITED!!! I even started looking for homes and talking to realtors. Christmas came and went and we were told that he wouldn't have an official offer until the New Year. 

Then things got interesting. An incredible opportunity opened up here, still with Kern River but a management position- salary, better hours, awesome career move, more family time just to mention a few. T It was a huge dilemma and decision as to even apply for it. Devin had some hesitations and still hadnt heard from Montana. After some long hard thinking, praying, talking, and waiting, he decided to apply for it. He ended up getting a job offer with a start date of Feb 1st with Kern River. So exciting! And great! And proud of him!!! But to be completely honest I was pretty (sad for a day) about Montana (we still hadn't heard anything!) before Dev accepted the kern job he notified Montana what was going on via email and didn't hear anything back. The day AFTER he accepted the job here, Montana called with an offer. Are you kidding me?!?!! OUCH!! 

But the management job is overall just better. Hands down. 

It has just been such an interesting process and results. I guess we are truly meant to be in Wyoming! And we are happy here. We have incredible friends, the kids are happy, the schools are amazing, it is a wonderful community. We have a GOOD life. It is such a relief to know that this is it for a while. No more active job looking, no more waiting and wondering what the heck we are doing. Evanston is home. All of these grounding events and I'm feeling more and more antsy. Not unhappy or ungrateful- just antsy. Like if this is where we are then I want to be where we want.. Which is on some land without close neighbors and just have space! We did some very minimal looking- not a stinking thing that has land is on the market! Have you been to Evanston?? We are surrounded by NOTHING! Why is that nothing not for sale? Because farmers and ranchers are in love with their nothing and unless you are 6th generation blood- they ain't sellin'    . I think things will continue to work out- I'm learning patience.. Life is good- Things happen for a reason, things seem to work out how they should. Home sweet Home. I'm going go buy a pokes t shirt.