Happy Halloween!!!!!

Summertime!

Well its hard to believe, but we made it through a Michigan winter that didn't want to let go. We are having fun at our new place- its like living in a park. We spend plenty of time watching the birds, squirrels, groundhogs, rabbits, deer, raccoons, (Janna- and bumble bees, wasps, giant carpenter ants, mosquitoes, etc.) around our house. One problem with living in a park is you are the ones who have to mow the grass. We have almost 3 acres of grass to mow which takes us about 6 hours per week. You tend to get a lot of thinking done...

The older kids have one week of school left, so Janna and I are busy trying to figure out how to keep them from being bored. Although it seems like June and July are booked up with temple trips, youth conference, football camp, tennis lessons, and scout camp. I am sure we will think of something- there are a lot of weeds to pull. We have been trying to get unpacked and have kind of stalled out. Most of it is done- just the fun stuff left like hanging pictures.

We are trying to get used to having to drive 40 minutes to church and the store. You don't realize how often you run to the store for just a few things. Now we try to fit most of our shopping into one night. On Wednesdays, Jen, Dan and Melissa have youth activities and Janna is a the Laurel's Advisor, so we make the trek to the church, and then hit the local Wal-Mart Supercenter for groceries. Lowe's and Kohl's are on the way, as well, so we are set.

I am getting my office set up in the basement. We finally got our satellite Internet set up, so we are back online. It is nice not having to commute into Ann Arbor everyday and my office here is much better. Things are going very well at work. I have a great team of managers that make everything run smoothly. We will be starting up two new facilities in the next few months, so I will be busy. Luckily, they are within driving distance so I won't have to travel too much.

We miss being in Utah close to family and we miss the mountains. There are some trade-offs. The trees and the green grass are beautiful. The crops are starting to come up. Soon we will be surrounded by corn and soybeans again. Life is good!

We Moved to Michigan!

Well, we made it. It took us 3 long days of driving-- running ahead of a major storm, but we are now Michiganders. We now are living in a house full of boxes. Every day when I get home from work I find that our home is getting bigger (maybe it is just that the boxes are getting fewer). It is finally starting to thaw, and as the snow melts we get more excited to get outdoors. Gotta Run! We'll post some pictures soon.

Family Update

I realized as I was sending an email out to family and friends about this Web Log that some of you may not know what we are up to lately. Here is a quick update:

We are in the process of moving from Utah to Michigan. I was made an offer I couldn't refuse to go back to the recycling industry.

When I say we are in the process of moving, what I really mean is that I am spending two weeks in the Midwest and then one weekend at home. We have had our home on the market for six months and have been steadily dropping the price to lure a buyer. We are optimistic that it will happen soon.

We will be moving to the Ann Arbor area which is the SE corner of the state about 30 miles West of Detroit. I am the North Division Manager for FCR Recycling, one of the largest recycling companies in the country. At this point, FCR operates East of the Mississippi.

At one point we were excited about moving, but the feeling has faded some over the last few months. We are not looking forward to moving away from family, but have really enjoyed spending the last 2 years in Janna's hometown.

Thanks for stopping by our page!

On the road...

Here goes nothin'...

Thanks to Rick & Lisa and Tom & Heidi for pioneering the the whole blog concept for the extended Hasleton Family. It looks like a great way to keep connected.

It is hard to believe I have been on the road for more than 6 months. While on the phone the other night, Janna pointed out that I have missed half of Allison's life so far. I miss being with my family. When I am home, Ally won't let me put her down for, at least, the first few hours. I am just happy that at least she still remembers me...

I can't wait to get the family moved out here so we can be together again. The kids are obviously very sad not to have me around...

But the hardest thing is knowing that Janna has the weight of the world on her shoulders. I really don't know how she does it. I am truly amazed each day by how strong she is. I am humbled by what an awesome mother she is, and am totally amazed by how lucky I am. In her case, beauty is much more than skin deep.

In the end, we know that we have been continually blessed. We pray for patience and faith enough to continue to rely on the LORD to take care of us.

The coming season is our favorite time of the year. Here's hoping it is a wonderful time for you and yours...

Dan