After a couple of months of consideration and prayer, we have decided to accept the job offer from Louisiana. As some of you know, we were leaning toward the New Jersey offer (which was a temporary active military position and very tempting-but with unsure longevity). As time passed and we were able to gather all of the details, we realized that Louisiana is altogether a better career move. It is a complicated and somewhat long process to get into the government program but once you are in, it offers more security over all. So Shawn has officially transferred from the National Guard to the Reserve component in Belle Chasse Louisiana. He will have a full time government Public Affairs job for the troop command and then drill as a soldier once a month. We will be living on base which offers much for us to do as a family and allows for an instant family community. There are actually two naval bases there and we will be living on the joint forces base which houses groups from each branch of the military.
I admit living on the East Coast was more appealing as far as location goes. And on my list of pros and cons for Louisiana, my whole con side was filled with things like snakes, crocodiles, and the Bayou. It is a little comical but I assure you, I was completely serious while writing it. Having said that though, I must say that Louisiana is a beautiful, green place. When Shawn helped with temple dedications at the beginning of our marriage, I was able to fly out and meet him for the Baton Rouge dedication. We instantly fell in love with the people we met and their warm hospitality. It reminded me of being in Hawaii and it is one of our fondest memories. I cannot wait to visit the old plantations and I am determined to have the twins speak with a delectable southern dialect. We are really excited for the opportunity it is giving us for growth and variety in our life. Let's just say that little bit of gypsy that Shawn and I have in us will love the adventure.
Now for the nitty gritty. Shawn's report date is June 8th. Thankfully, movers are provided. They will pack us the 28th and load the 29th. Yes-that is next week. So.....I need to get organizing. Apparantly the movers will even pack trash if you aren't careful. I will not get into goodbye talk because this prego mama is compartmentalizing for the sake of survival.
19 comments:
We are so excited for you guys and so sad we didn't buy the tickets to Chicago instead (it was a thought at one point). Hopefully we will get down to visit you because, despite the snakes and crocs, we have always wanted to go there. Good luck with the move-we are thinking of you guys.
Oh man, I am so excited for you but sad you are leaving just when I get here! I do love the south though...well some areas. I think yours will be great.
Oh, Jill! So happy for you and Shawn...so sad for us that you will be gone just when we get to come home. Hopefully, we will get there someday and have a lovely visit! Good luck on the move. Love you!
Wow! I'm so excited for you, but speaking as an "in the trenches" mover, holy cow that's quick! At least you have some help, but like you say, you have to organize everything before they can pack it. We're all so excited for you and demand you post frequent, daily if possible, pics of your family, especially those twins!
i'm such a southern girl at heart. that picture is from a movie...your life will be a movie (grin)
AND that settles it...we're bringing Time Out for Women to the bayou! (did I spell that right? I'm not really THAT southern!)
Do you need any help?? That is so soon! Let us know what we can do to help.
how exciting! what an adventure. especially because it is happening so quickly. but before you know it, you'll be there! good luck with the move! and hey, now you guys will be our closest relatives! welcome to our 1/2 of the country! :)
Wow! What news! That is very exciting. I know you are going to have a great adventure. And southern food is delish! But we will miss you here for sure.
Oh sad :( I am really excited for you to go out and have this adventure and the East is beautiful! At least you have a warm spot in your heart for the area already. Good luck! I'm so glad I will be able to keep updated on your guys through your blog :) Please please let us know if you need help!
So thrilled for you, but so sad at the same time. You will get to be a Southern Belle, and your girls will love it.
That is very exciting Jill!! I feel your pain with the quick move but yea! for movers... please keep you blog updated so we can see those cute babes when they get here.
please have the twins speaking with southern drawls. pretty, pretty please.
love you, jill!
We're so excited for you guys and we're keeping you in our prayers! Hope everything goes smoothly with the move =)
Lucky!
we'll miss you guys :( If you have anything small and expensive, pack it yourselves--trust me on this one.
Wow-that is fast Licorice Lips. I'll try and come by before you leave! I'll miss seeing you at Walmart;). But, I'll definitely keep up on your blog. See you soon-love Muffin Head.
How exciting for you guys! And thank goodness for movers! We're getting ready for a move too, just not as big as yours! Eric got transfered to the unit in Cedar City, so back home for us! We'll miss you guys.
We wanted to get over there and say goodbye to you guys before you left. Love your cute family and will miss all of you, especially Seth in our nursery class. Hope we can keep updated through your blog. Enjoy this adventure, I'm sure you'll love it, & if not, we're all still here in Eagle Mountain, so you can always come back!
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