House Hunt

Jonathan and I took this weekend to make a visit to Arkansas. We have such wonderful friends and neighbors, and we were able to leave the older kids with them. It is so nice to have such amazing friends to rely on. It is hard when we are away from family, and such a comfort to know that our friends are our family in Kansas. We got a lot done this weekend. It feels so good to have those things crossed off the list. We met with two great real estate agents. We couldn't have asked for two cuter women. They treated us like their own children, and helped us make some wonderful decisions. I have decided to call them the agents with "attention to detail." They picked up on things that I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to notice. It really helped.

Jonathan and I spent the first day scouting out neighborhoods and window peeking. On our search we looked at homes that the agents had sent to us to look at through email. We wanted to check out a neighborhood that had many of the listings. When we got there, we knew immediately that we wanted to live there. Jonathan picked right up on this adorable house. We both new that we wanted to look at it.

The next day, while with the agents, we were able to get inside these homes. We fell in love with the home that Jonathan had his sights on. It is amazing. We are hoping that we will be able to secure it. There are so many steps to take. Who new there would be so many I's to dot and T's to cross. I am grateful for agents, their knowledge, and all their hardwork. It is fun for the two of us to be pursuing this next step. I loved how excited Jonathan got about all of the things he wanted to do the yard, and the extra upgrades. What a fun step in our journey. It may or may not work out with this house, but I had an enjoyable day. It was so fun to think about all of our hard work, and all the change we have gone through in the last five years. This is just another change, and we just hope to be spending the next part of our life in this great new home.

What's in my Purse?

My Friend Amber tagged anyone who needed to clean out their purse. I fit that description, and thought this was kind of fun.

From Left to Right:

Lipgloss: I never leave home without it. When I have puke on my clothes from the baby, and ratty hair from running my kids around, I always turn to the lip gloss. It can make anyone feel better.

Sunglasses: Now that I wear contacts, I can't stand the sun. This is my third pair in two months. Stella loves to try them on and then break them.

Hand Sanitizer: Can you say germ freak? I fit in that category.

Cell Phone: which is a miracle it still works. I drop it almost everyday.

Check book: Checks aren't of much use anymore, but I just can't get out of the habit. I need it just in case, and yes it has come in handy.

100 calorie pack, slimfast bar, and goldfish crackers: A treat from me, and a treat for the little ones.

Wallet: Whoever invented the wallet needs some recognition here. I love just how many important things in my life it holds, and protects for me.

Changing Pad: Once again can you say germ freak. The doctor commented that he had never had anyone use a changing pad on the doctor's table before. I said, "that is why I use it."

Baby Spoon: This is something that I always use. With Isaac being number three, he needs to eat on the run.

Wipies, Diapers, Diaper cream, and notice the purse is not some fancy thing: It is a diaper bag. I am in that stage of my life. I need everything to be functional. Need I say more?

Burp Cloth: Isaac spits up more then any child I know.

Dental Floss: There is nothing more annoying then having something stuck in your teeth, and not being able to remove it.

Gum: My favorite, light blue extra. Jonathan doesn't prefer this kind. It stays in my bag, just for me.

The essential ziplock bag: With a new outfit for Isaac, and underwear for the other two. Just in case we have a blowout or an accident. The ziplock bag comes in handy to put the mess in.(does it seem like my bag is full of poop proof, and puke proof items)(what kind of life do I live?)

Water Bottle, and K20 protien water drop in: I love these things. They flavor up the water, and because of the added protien they help me feel full.

Well there is some insight in to my life. This bag goes everywhere I do. It has been wonderful with the three kids, and I have to thank the girls who bought it for me. Thanks girls.

I am excited to start carrying a nice purse again. There is a season for everything.

I tag anyone who fits the description of messy purse.

After the trial of your faith comes the blessing...

This month has certainly been an interesting one for the Swensons. Hence, the lack of posting on the blog. Needless to say, we have been under some stress. With all that aside now, I can say I have learned a lot about faith.

I thought that I was a very faithful person. I believe that good happens, and that when we pray Heavenly Father listens. I know that He answers prayers when He can, and I have used the Atonement to find peace. All of this was in place for me. Even as this trial showed up, I used everything I had learned but Heavenly Father still needed to show me how faith can really be used.

I wanted to share what I have learned. Faith isn't just believing that through prayer, fasting, priesthood blessings and such... that all will work out according to how you have planned and on your time table. Faith is believing that Heavenly Father has the best plan for you, even if it isn't when and how you think. I lost sight of that. I am someone who wants things to happen right now, and when my answer didn't come, I thought Heavenly Father had deserted us. That's not what faith is about at all.

As the days went by with no answer or solution, I was in despair. As I turned to Heavenly Father in prayer I asked him, "Have we not done enough? Have we not done our part? Why haven't you helped with the part that we can't do?" I knew that He heard my prayer, and I was reminded that after the trial of my faith will come the blessing. My Faith was certainly tried. In my final moments of discouragement, I offered one more prayer. It was simply: "Heavenly Father... I have given all I have and I am running out of strength. Please sustain me." He simply touched me through the Spirit, telling me that He loved me and that it was almost over. Just minutes after this prayer and answer, we received the answer we had been looking for.

I want to share my testimony of faith. I know now that sometimes faith means holding on until you can't hold on any longer. After the trial we will be blessed, for this life is the test. I certainly was tested these last few weeks, as I am sure many of you have been at times in your life. I hope what I have learned and shared can help you recognize that Heavenly Father will not abandon us. He listens, and He knows us. He knows our needs, and what is best for each one of us. Sometimes we just have to wait, and the blessing will come. It will be the right blessing for us at the right time.

Easter Vacation

We decided to take a trip to Utah very spur of the moment. We made the decision, and hopped in the car four hours later. It was a wonderful trip. We were able to see grandparents, spend some time taking care of some important things, and enjoy Easter together. Here are a few pictures of the kids enjoying some Easter events. Flying kites, blowing bubbles, coloring eggs, hunting eggs, and getting all dressed up for Easter Sunday.

Match Day!!

No, we did not fall off the face of the earth, but sometimes it felt like it. For those of you wondering what happened to us, we went to visit grandparents. We just hopped in the car and took a road trip. It is so nice to spend time with family. Jonathan has already made his way back to Kansas City. I am staying for a week longer to spend time with our families.

One exciting event that happened while we were in Utah was "match day". This is the process for obtaining a residency spot. It is a long process, and it's finally over. We found out today and we are moving to Little Rock, Arkansas. We are so thrilled! This was one of our top choices. Jonathan will begin his residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. It could not have worked out better for our family. We are so glad to know where the next phase of life will be. I hope everyone is well. I can't wait to get back home, and start surfing everyone's blogs. I bet I have missed out on so much. Happy Blogging!! We will see you soon.