we moved, volume 3

Yes, we know many people think we're crazy. We're fine with it. And maybe we are?? Here's a bit of the story: We weren't looking to leave Winterset, but it never fails that those spring job postings start to roll out and you just can't help but look. At first the Pella job looked intriguing but not to the point of drawing us there. It wasn't quite the right fit in terms of job description. But after further investigation/conversation it turns out it was the PERFECT fit! Pella has always been in the back of our minds as somewhere we could see ourselves someday. Since Dameon's dad and step-mom live here, it's been a place we've spent a significant amount of time over the years. We even got married here seven years ago! It's such a quaint little place and so super friendly. So we decided to break our "W" trend (Williamsburg, Waterloo, Winterset) and head east. And we LOVE it! Now I'm no perfect wife and I'm not in a perfect marriage, but I will say that Dameon and I have gotten better at making joint decisions together over the course of seven years. We realized that if we know what our family priorities and values are, when a big decision comes along we just line it up against those values and the decision becomes much easier. If it supports and promotes our values, we jump in! If not, we pass. At this point in life, we have three priorities: 1. Raise our children to know and love Jesus; 2. Raise our children at home; 3. Do everything we can to have Dameon with us as much as possible, while also having his income be our sole source
The move to Pella supports all those things! 1. For the first time since leaving our church in North Liberty, we have a church that feels like we've been there forever. Hard to describe that feeling, but if you're in a church like that, you know what I mean. And a Children's Ministry program that is just stellar! 2. Dameon's position as high school band director plus the hours upon hours he spends writing drill in the summer and running leadership camps allows us to keep me at home with the kiddos and Pella offers lots of opportunities for me and the boys during the weekday, which we haven't had before. 3. The job Dameon used to do alone is now divided up among five (I think) teachers, which means more family time.
Once I get around to snapping some photos, I'll write a post about the transformation going on around here with the house we bought. The before and after pictures are crazy! But for now, a quick snapshot of the boys on the front step.