Retirement - Job Change - BYU

As many of you know, I retired from working at NorthStar a little over 2 years ago.  After "retiring", it didn't take long before I decided to go back to work, part time, at the kid's school.  Since then I took a full time job working at  a small company in Springville, UT.  I have been there since the end of May 2015.

Since that time I didn't really feel like this was the place for me and would look for other jobs when I had some free time, but nothing too serious or in depth.  In late July I began searching a little more intently and was encouraged to look at some job opening at BYU.  I applied to a few positions on a whim and thought to myself it never hurts to put yourself out there, right?  You can imagine how surprised I was when I received a call for an interview on the 2nd job I applied for.  I wasn't sure how to feel...nervous, anxious, shocked.  They set up the interview for the next day.  I made some phone calls to individuals I knew who worked at BYU to try to better understand the interview process.  I scoured the BYU website doing what I could to become better acquainted with the department I would be interview in.  The next day I made sure to print copies of my resume and letters of recommendation to bring with me to my interview.  I knew I needed to arrive early at BYU as it was education week and parking would be difficult.  As I drove up to the visitor parking, I was pleased to see an empty spot available.  I pulled into the parking lot and looked at the clock.  I was over an hour early to my interview.  So I did the most logical thing and pulled up BYUs web page and studied more from my phone while I wasted more time.

Once I had reviewed and decided that I looked like a stalker sitting in my car, as it was still running to keep the car cool -- it was really warm outside, I decided I should go ahead and make sure I knew where I was going.  I didn't want to be late or show up winded because I got lost.  So I walked over to campus and realized that I wasn't far from the building I needed to interviewing in and went into the building (HFAC).  As I entered the HFAC, I knew I needed to find A-501.  As I walked around I realized that I needed to go upstairs.  I walked up the stairs and saw the office that I would be interviewing in and decided I should find something to do as I was still at least 45 min early.  I walked around looking at the various art on display.  I called my sister, Brittany, to talk about my interview and she gave me some advice on questions to ask.  About 20 minutes before my interview, I decided to go up to the floor the office was located and look around.  Each floor was 4 wings A-D.  I went ahead and walked through each wing and view the art on display.  There were some pretty incredible pieces.  By the time I made it around, it was within an appropriate time to enter the office where the interview would take place.

When I walked in, I stated my name and that I had an interview.  I spoke with a very nice woman named Erin.  She asked me to sit down and that they would be with me in a few minutes.  I knew it was important to make an impression even from the beginning and so I began asking her questions about her day and about devotional as it was Tuesday and devotional had just finished.  It wasn't long before the called me back for my interview.  

When I walked into the Dean's office, there were three individuals who would be interviewing me.  They decided to go ahead and allow me to sit in the "dean's chair"...not intimidating at all.  They asked me several questions about my work history and such --the typical interview questions.  I felt things were going okay, until one of the very last questions.  They asked me about why I was leaving my currently place of employment.  I really didn't have an answer for them.  I stumbled all over the place and finally I gathered myself together and told that I wasn't really expressing myself very well and then answered their question.  They then proceeded to talk about benefits at BYU etc and then asked if I had any questions.  I asked a couple questions and then the interview was over.  At this point I felt that I had the worst interview of my life!  I couldn't believe it.  I couldn't answer their question.  I felt terrible.  I wanted to work at BYU so badly and knew I had bombed the interview.  I headed home and just wanted to curl up in a ball and bawl my eyes out.

The next day I went back to work and had decided to make myself comfortable and happy where I was at.  I felt like there was no other option, but to be happy where I was planted and to make the best of it.  I felt so at peace about things and knew that things would work out how there were supposed to.

The interview took place on Tuesday, and to my surprise, I received a call for an additional interview to meet the Dean on Thursday.  They set up the interview to be on the following Tuesday.  On Sunday we had a family fast about my interview and that I would receive strength and assistance during the interview.  

Tuesday morning arrived, and of course I didn't need to arrive as early this time as I knew where I was going and it wasn't Education Week.  So I just made sure to arrive with enough time to get to where I needed to be with a few minutes to spare.  When I arrived at the Dean's office, I ran into one of the individuals I had interview with and he called me by name and said hello.  As I entered the office there was another individual who I had interviewed with who also called me by name and asked me some follow-up questions.  Shortly thereafter, the Dean became available and I went into his office.  He asked me about myself and my experience.  I told him about my experiences at Rick's College as a student secretary and other experiences I have had.  We made a few connections with regards to people and the interview went really well.  I felt as though I was talking to a friend.  Things flowed very well.  He asked if I had any questions for him and I asked him a couple of questions that I had.  He told me that I was one of three final candidates and that I should consider it a compliment to make if this far in the process.  He actually repeated himself twice.  I politely said thank you and he told me that he would be making a decision the following day, but things take little longer at the university as they have to do several checks on things.  He told me if I had any additional questions within the next 24 hours, to feel free to email him.  I told him I would and thanked him for his time and then left.

Later than evening, I sent an email to him thanking him for taking time to meet with me and reaffirming to him that I was certain I would be a great asset in his office.

The following morning I received an email from the main secretary in the office, Rebecca, stating that I would be receiving an email with information for a background check and to completed it as quickly as possible.  I was so excited.  I didn't know what that meant, but as soon as I received the email I completed the information as quickly as was possible.  And then I waited.  I knew for sure the background check could take up to 5 days, but I was dying.  Were all three candidates have the background check done?  Trevor and I headed up to the mountains to celebrate our 18th Anniversary.  It was nice to be up in nature and away from other distractions.  We had an amazing trip and I didn't spend as much time stewing about things.  We got back from our trip on Friday and we went to the ALA football game opener to support Tanner as he played in the drumline.  From the time we got home until I went to work on Monday morning, all I could do was think about what could happen.  I tried so hard not to focus on it, but it was hard.  I know Trevor was so tired of hearing about it and all my crazy questions.

I went to work on Monday and it was a normal day.  I figured I'd hear from them the latest on Tuesday possibly Wednesday.  At around 4 p.m. on Monday, I received a call from BYU and they asked me if I was still interested in the position.  I answer in the affirmative.  She asked me when I could start and I told her that I needed to put my two weeks notice in and that I would be available to begin on Sept. 15, 2015.  I couldn't believe it!  I GOT THE JOB!!!  I was shocked, amazed and super excited.  I called Trevor nearly shaking!  

I was so thankful to my Father in Heaven for his strength and for my family for their support and tolerance.  Although I stressed a lot during this time, it is a answer to Trevor and my many prayers.  We are very grateful!

Trenton Gymnastics

Trenton is in full gymnastics competition mode.  Take a look at his most recent competition trailer here:

You can also view his full competition here:

He is loving EVERY minute he is in the gym either in practice or competition.  We all enjoy watching him grow and become better.

Way to go Trenton!  Enjoy watching his competition.

Temple Square During Christmas

Christmas has to be one of my favorite holidays each year.  I love seeing the lights and the many festivities around the area.  

During this time of year I love going to Temple Square to look at all the lights and the best art of all. The nativity demonstration.  It is a beautiful reminder of the "Reason for the Season"!

The kids enjoy this tradition, and although there is a bit of reluctance from some, it's a memorable experience.

We hope you and your family have a joyous Christmas.

Family Pics

We were able to beat the largest Fall storm I believe I've ever seen to take these pictures. Trevor's sister is amazing! I'll post more soon. Here are just a couple.

Karsten's Baptism

I am a week or so late on this post, but please forgive me. Karsten was Baptized on Saturday, October 9, 2010. The interesting part of this special day, is that 28 years to the date was my own Baptism. It's pretty amazing that it worked out that way.

We are so proud of him. He was so very excited and wanted everyone to be there. When he'd see someone we know, he'd say "Are they coming to my Baptism?" Of course, I didn't know the answer all the time, but we were so happy so many of you were able to be in attendance. It was such a special day. Here are some pictures. Karsten was Baptized along with a good friend, Enoch. There is also a







Thank you everyone who came out to support Karsten and his decision to be Baptized.

One Bathroom Down

About a month and a half ago, we had a small water problem in our kid's bathroom upstairs. We're not exactly sure how it happened, but the toilet had a mind of its own and decided it was tired of only running when we wanted it to. It decided to run all night long. The consequence to this straight toilet disobedience was 2 inches of water all over the bathroom floor the next morning. That alone would have been enough to deal with; however the water found an escape route...THE VENTS! This meant that the consequence became an even larger problem. Not only was water in the kid's bathroom, it was now in the bathroom on the main level as well as in the kitchen and the living room, it was also in the bathroom in the basement. And people thought children could only misbehave! It was quite the nightmare.

In the process we knew we had a lot of work to put things back together again. New toilets, Sheetrock, paint...you name it. So we decided to go ahead and bring the bathrooms into the 21st century. You may recall that when we purchased this house we put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into a large remodel. However, there were a few rooms that were put on the back burner. That's right...the bathrooms. Maybe this was just a small sign that it was about time and they wanted some attention.

Whatever the reason, we decided to make some significant changes. Below you'll see the before and after pictures of the master. The others will follow shortly as we have a few things left to finish.

Master Bathroom Before & After





We're looking forward to the completion of this project and for a well deserved break...well at least life back to normal.

Karsten's 8th Birthday

Karsten's 8th Birthday was so much fun! He wanted a "Soccer" themed birthday. He had a pinata soccer ball full of lots of goodies. He was so excited to share this special day with his friends!

Here are a couple of pictures.





We're looking forward to his Baptism! He is so excited!

Birthday Surprise

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to spend some time with my mom and two of my sisters. We had a great time in Canada where we sailed on the Golden Princess and then took the train back to Seattle.

It was so much fun to spend time with everyone. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. I hope we can do something together again soon!

Upon my return back home, my dear husband had some surprises up his sleeves. Many of you knew about this little project, but failed to release the secret. (of which I am thankful). When I got home Trevor had completed redone our bedroom.

When I left, my room looked like this:



When I returned, this is how my room looked like this:



I was so surprised. I really had no idea. All I could keep saying was "are you kidding me?" over and over again. He gets me every time! Now how am I supposed to top that? Not sure that'll happen. But I absolutely LOVE it! Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed the surprise.

Back to School

It's that time of year again. I can't believe it! It's back to school time. This year is a little special for our family. Tanner is in the sixth grade. As we were preparing for the year, we realized that this will be the last year that Tanner and Karsten will be in the same school ever again. Unless they happen to meet up in College...who knows. It was a pretty crazy thought. We also are excited for Karsten to begin 2nd grade. He is getting so big and is such a great student. Trenton is beginning Preschool this year! This is great for him and he's so excited. He is also enrolled in a program called "Let's Play Music". This is a 3 year program where he will learn all about music. He is really enjoying it. He has a set of bells and he practices and just loves it. I think that Tanner and Karsten get a little jealous sometimes, because they want to play his bells. It's cute!

With the start of a new school year come so many new things. We have to get back into the old school routine. I'm not sure why this is so difficult for everyone in our family, but it is. We're working on it and are trying to put together routines that will work not only in theory, but reality. We're excited to work hard and follow through.

I'm working really hard to try to keep things updated here as to keep up with all of our ongoings. I hope to be better and post more items much quicker. I'm looking forward to a great Labor Day. I've have more to post VERY soon!

Ice Cream Creations

Last night we headed out to take the kids to do something fun. We stumbled across the Provo 4th of July Celebration. (Things start early out here) There were lot of booths and different activities for the kids. A lot of fun.

When we were done there, we decided to take the boys to get ice cream at Farrs. They loved it! Here's a clip of our drive home while enjoying their personalized ice cream!

For some reason the full video doesn't show up, but if you click on it, it'll pull up in youtube and you can see the entire video. Also, you may want to scroll down and mute the background music, so you can hear the boys talking too.

ENJOY!