Memorial Day...remembering last year

Last year is a Memorial Day I will never forget.  Joe, Jayden and I went to the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Appleton.  We didn't have too much planned for that day.  Joe had been contacted by a recruiter regarding a job in Connecticut and had a skype call scheduled that night. 

Joe & I have always supported each other when it came to our careers. They were important to us when we met and we knew there might be a point in our marriage when we went after opportunities for one and not the other. We are a team and that is how it works.

I had been feeling sick and lacked energy to do almost anything. I was getting extreme migraines about twice a week and also taking injections of meds every 8 weeks. I struggled with the side effects of the medication.  We also wanted another baby...someday...and the doctors basically told me to get that out of my head for a while. I knew I needed a change so I was excited to see how Joe's call went.

JJ and I stayed in the playroom while Joe made his call. He came into the room and sat down in the chair and told me that he wasn't interested in the job in Connecticut.  The recruiter also mentioned there was another opportunity that might interest Joe.  I asked Joe where is was.  He looked at me, smiled and said "Hawaii."  I don't know if I laughed or smiled but I was shocked.  Never in a million years did I think we would pack up our family to move to an island in the pacific.  We both agreed that Joe should continue to pursue the opportunity and see where it leads.....it didn't take much time at all....and we all know how it ends.

Joe has enjoyed his new role as Plant Manager for Simmons Bedding.  I am very lucky to have meet some people that Joe works for/with. The excitement and energy in this company is great to see.  I know he will do great things in this role and in the future with Simmons.  I am very proud of my husband.  He continues to set goals and works very hard to achieve them.

We knew that I would be staying at home with JJ if we moved here and that would also allow me to focus on my health.  I took my last injection in September 2012 and have not had a migraine since late 2012.  I have the ability to make most of our meals at home and focus on buying organic and local foods.  I love to cook and bake (as my neighbors in Hawaii have learned) but I am able to focus on ingredients that work with my body.  It has been a long journey but well worth it.  Our second child will be joining our family in Sept.  We can't wait to meet her and love her so much!

We could not have started this journey without the love & support of our family and friends. Thank you all so much for everything.

Thank you to all who serve our country and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we are able to have the freedoms we enjoy today.  Happy Memorial Day 2013.