We've had a whirlwind of a year, but have felt so grateful for 2014; we didn't want to miss a chance to say hello, count our blessings, and wish you a happy 2015! Plus, many of you are probably confused by our life the last year, so we thought we'd briefly try to explain...
The start of 2014 found us in a new home in Bluffdale, Utah. We moved in October 2013. The move from Boise to Utah was quite quick in itself and a business decision to be closer to Jason's employer, Vivint, in Provo. We quickly got to work putting finishing touches on our new home with hopes that we would feel settled like we were hoping to feel for the first time in a very long time. However, we didn't feel it. We adored our new home, but it just didn't feel right. We were immediately trying to figure out what was next for us and exploring other areas of Utah to live in maybe a few years down the road. What the heck?!! Our transition to Utah continued on, and Jason left in April for the East Bay of San Francisco to manage a sales team like our normal routine. This year, Avery was in Kindergarten, so the kids and I would be joining him in June when school got out, then head back early for school in August, while Jason finished working through September. Being apart isn't new for our family, but being apart this long was; especially in a new state where we weren't very connected yet.
So the story goes on... Jason was off in California trying to bring home the bacon, and Jessica decided quite passionately that she hated Utah and was going to move back to Boise to be among familiar places and faces. Isn't she lovely? Well, what happened next is what we feel is quite a miracle, and we don't mind sharing it with all of you. Jessica was forced to reach out to new friends and neighbors to help lift and support her in this struggling time (miracle #1) and for what felt like the longest time, she decided to turn her heart over to the will of the Lord and completely trust Him in the timing and path of their life (miracle #2). She really does sound confusing, huh? She prayed like she felt like she never quite had before and asked the Lord to make a change for the better in their life. Things just really weren't going super awesome. She was pretty certain He was going to tell her it was time to move back to Boise (or she may or may not have hoped for a new job opportunity....)
We know you are all on the edge of your seat... Jessica and the kids prepared to head to California to be reunited with Jason for the summer, but first joined her family for a reunion in Lava Hot Springs. It was the family's first time camping (since summers are Jason's busy working season) and they had so much fun! While there, a friend texted Jessica, telling her that her parents were putting their house up for sale in Provo and wondered if Jessica wanted to look at it. She was dumbfounded! You see, Jason and Jessica had known for a few years that this house would be on the market in the future, but the timing obviously was never right. They thought this home was dreamy, and always thought if they ever moved to Provo, it was either this house or build a new one.
Jessica decided to just go look at it;( remember, Jason was in California) of course she loved it, but wasn't even thinking of moving to Provo at all. She went ahead and made a pros and cons list; on paper it was clear. Other than being away from family love and support, this would be a really great decision to simplify their life in terms of Jason's job. Jessica decided to make a trip to the Provo Temple. As she drove into Provo and up to the temple, she had an undeniable feeling that this was her HOME. Tears of relief; RELIEF, came pouring down. After moving all around the country in their 8 years of marriage, Jason and Jessica thought they would find some place that would just call their name and become home. They never, ever imagined it would be Provo, Utah!
Jason never saw the inside of the house before they bought it in August! He had received his own confirmation, and knows that when Jessica makes quick decisions with the help of the Lord like this, to trust her! They have been so happy with their move, and can't believe what a perfect fit it feels like. They adore their new neighborhood and ward family. Life does indeed feel simplier because of location, and they never hardly get on the freeway like they did in Bluffdale! Life is feeling pretty good!
Jason loves living minutes away from Vivint headquarters and being more involved in the Vivint culture. He loves his job. He is so inspired, motivated, and grateful for the people he gets to interact with daily. Jason's heart as been heavy this year as his father, Calvin, has terminal cancer, and his days are numbered. Calvin has a goal to attend 100 LDS Temples before he passes on. Jason decided to take his parents to Australia at Thanksgiving to attend temples and fulfill his dad's dream trip. Jessica and Jason had so much fun! It really was a dream. The kids spent the time with Jessica's parents, which was a dream trip for them!
Jessica is busy taxiing kids around in her sweet mini-van. Seriously, she adores the mini-van! She is still organizing and settling into their new house. Jessica really feels like she could be here forever! Everything she really needs is within 15 minutes (except Nordstrom, Anthropology, and her parents, hint, hint!) She is loving the ages of her kids at the moment, and is loving her role as a mom, but still needs all the help she can get! (Please feel free to pass along any helpful insight to jessicadnewby@gmail.com). In her free time, she is mastering the 20 min. cat nap, tries to read/listen to inspiring books, and hit the gym. She is hoping to muster up enough courage this next year to take a dance class at Avery and Jordyn's studio. Jessica will be taking a social media fast this year, and hopes that those close to her will remember to include her in announcements and special events by calling or emailing her!
Avery (7) is in the first grade in a Spanish-immersion program at our local public school. She loves taking the bus that stops right out of our cul-de-sac; it sure has made life so much easier than the 25 minute commute to school last year! She is dabbling in a little of everything while she discovers her talents; dance, ice skating, and violin are her current focus. After 4 years of persistence, Mom finally decided Avery was ready for violin; she cannot put the it down! It's exciting to see her adoration for it. Avery is a great helper with Lincoln, loves playdates, dates with her dad, science, and math. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up, and is so excited to spend the summer in Hawaii again, where Jason will be working for the summer for the family's third year!
Jordyn(4) is the fashion diva of the family. She loves all things pretty and glamorous. She can't wait to grow up and be a teenager! Jordyn is the tender heart of the family as well and hates to see people sad. She really has the cutest little voice and personality, and makes mom and dad laugh often with the witty things she says. She loves junk food and candy, which drives her mom batty! She loves preschool, dance, and ice skating. She wants to be a mom and "everything" when she is big.
Lincoln (18 mos) is the family's little "buddy." He really has been the greatest blessing in so many ways. He has been the easiest baby of the family, shhh, but probably because Mom has finally figured out that kids thrive off of structure and routine! He is quite busy and loves cars, animals, and books. He is working on expanding his vocabulary, but his favorites are: vroom, go, no, mama, juice, banana, and Lili (All dogs are Lili after grandma's dog). He is still addicted to his binky, and only has 4 teeth! Rest assured, Mom is certain he will have all his teeth and no binky by kindergarten.
We feel so grateful for the Lord's hand in our life, and have learned this past year what it means to rely on Him. Life with the Gospel and the Savior truly is a gift, and so much sweeter; not without trial, but so much sweeter! We wish you a blessed year, and hope that you know you are among those we care for and love!
Love,
Jason, Jessica, Avery, Jordyn, and Lincoln Newby
