And the winner is....

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER

After doing a lot of research and prayer, Heath and I are moving to Denver, CO. The decision was a very difficult one. While Portland is the mecca of the planning world, and am sure would still be a great experience, we were pulled toward Denver after learning more about its program.

PORTLAND

Heath was very impressed with the faculty and administration and Portland. He loved the city-- especially loved the transit system. He rode the light rail and the street car mostly the whole time. He loved the environment with the picturesque mountains and the green. But when it came down to it, the PROGRAM wasn't exactly what he is passionate about. While at orientation, one of the alumni said to him straight out--"if you are interested in design, this is not the school for you." Portland is very much centered around policy, which is important, but not the emphasis he is looking for. While we are sure this is a decision between good and good, we both feel Denver will offer Heath want he needs to go forward in his career.

DENVER

In making this decision, Heath spoke to planning professionals, past professors and city leaders in what they would look for in a planner--which school you attended or what skills you had, knowledge of either school. One comment hit both of us hard: "Policy planners are a dime a dozen, but planners with a design background are the wave of the future." It's funny, as I'm writing this, I am having another confirmation that we made the right decision. :) We've been to Denver and love the city and the surrounding area, but never have been to the campus. Heath is trying to arrange a meeting up there. In researching the program, it was like...a no brainer! As we read through it, it was describing every interest and passion Heath has in planning... creative design, new urbanism, sustainable living, environment and health...etc.

We are excited for the change and of course a little nervous. I try not to think about moving because it just makes me sad. But I know from many past experiences that change can be good. School starts for Heath on August 11. We're looking at living at this development called Stapleton (which of course is a new urbanism development) You can check out the site @ http://www.stapletondenver.com/

We love you and thank you for your prayers and support.

P.S. Thank you for all your votes!!!! We loved that!

"Children are the hands by which we take a hold of heaven"

I had a really sweet experience the other day.

I pretty much had a melt down a couple mornings ago because I had been on the phone with my insurance company all morning...being bounced around from person to person and never getting answers. Needless to say, it was the last straw. I felt like everything was out of my hands and nothing was working out. I started crying of course out of frustration and desperation. Jace walked up to me and touched my face and then gave me his favorite blanket, teddy bear and juice. (the things that give him comfort) After he saw it didn't work, he picked up a CD and handed it to me. I was puzzled. I looked at it and it was the cd I burned a couple days ago for young womens: I am a Child of God/I have a Savior. Then I cried even more because he knew what I needed to hear. Somehow he knew that music calms me and reassures me. I listened to it and all my fears and worries were replaced with a renewed hope and faith and regained knowledge of my Heavenly Father's love for me and my family.

Jace was an answer to my prayer that day.

(Thanks Christie for inspiring this post)

The Final Letter!

Yeah!!!! Heath got accepted to University of Colorado Denver today. We couldn't be any happier! Heath went to orientation at Portalnd last week to check out the program! It was a great experience and will help with our decision. I absolutely LOVE Denver!!! I've been there two times before. I've lived in the snow before so I know what that's like...but not with kids. Any advice? The downtown is vibrant, the mountains are incredible, the outdoor adventures are endless. I would be absolutely happy to live there. At first I was sceptical because of the snow, but after doing research....Denver gets more sun than San Diego or Miami, Florida. Around 300 days of sunshine vs. Portland's months without even a spec of sun. Heath ultimately needs to decide which program is best for him. We'll let you know!

In the meantime, take the poll to help us out! Thanks. :)

Strike!

Well Jace got a bowling set for easter. I was getting tired of having to set up all of our empty water bottles. Jace just figured this out one day--I saw him setting stuff up--cans, books, toys, buckets, you name it...and then he would bowl into it. He cracks me up!!! We've never gone bowling or watched bowling!! I don't know where he gets it. ??

Anything that could be associated with sports, Jace LOVES! I don't know if you can call bowling a sport...I believe that might be debatable and perhaps along the line of billard pool.

Yes, I did it!!!

Play-Dough Creations

Jace and I had a fun time the other day making creations with Play-dough. :) He told me what to make and I did as he said like a good little mommy....Nemo, Dinosaur, Pizza and Wallee. (For those of you who haven't seen the previews for Wallee: Jace is obssessed! He loves watching the preview right before Ratatouille and now he begs me to go to the web site. It doesn't come out until July. ) I'm sure we'll be doing play-dough again very soon....it was a hit!

A giraffe turned dinasaur.

Hmm. who's my next victim?

Wallee

"Yes, I'm a natural blue."

Pizza anyone?

Calling for your junk...someone else's treasure

'tis the season! I am having a garage sale at my mother-in-laws house (East Mesa) this Saturday, April 5. Her community is having their neighborhood-wide sale

so I know it will be a GREAT location and day!

Clean out your closets today! Contact me if you want me to sell something of yours