2011 A year of change.

2011, What can I say? A year of change. Two Thousand and Eleven has been a year of change. Yes that sums it up.

We started the year living in North Salt Lake, I was working as a bus driver for Valley Mental Health, and Ben well didn't have an "official" job, he was on admin. leave with the police department and we didn't know what was going to happen. With Faith we moved to Grantsville, feeling like this was where we were suppose to be, it didn't make sense why, it was 30 miles farther from our jobs, and going to cost a little more money which we really didn't have at the time, but we moved. Immediately we began to question our decision, Ben was let go from the police department and our income had just been cu

t into 1/3 now we had more bills and less money. Ben had been looking for a job and had a few prospects. He worked about a week at a food storage company, he seemed to like the job itself but I kept getting this sick feeling every time he went to work. I don't know what but something wasn't working. My anxiety became to much and he quit that job.

He had another job in his back pocket, working for Quest, as technical support. He began working and seemed really excited about the job, he was excited for all the money he COULD make and I think just excited to be working. The job ended up being a Sales position and there was a lot of dishonesty in the company, Ben kept pushing through, because it was a job.

Meanwhile I had gotten very busy at my job. I was covering for one of my coworkers who was out on short term medical, I went from 32 hours a week to 45+ the extra money was great and I was enjoying staying busy. I started working as a temporary counselor and loved it! The extra money I made in overtime made up for the money Ben wasn't making at

Quest. Things seemed to be working out, but we still questioned our moving.

My mom began to get sick, she was bed ridden for about 2 weeks. She'd try to go to work, but most days she couldn't even walk. When we'd go see her you could see how much pain she was in. My mom has always been the one to take care of others, and does not accept being the one who needs taking care of very well. It was very hard to see her struggle and feel like there was nothing I could do to make her better. I stopped questioning our move, I knew that for my own sanity I needed to be closer to my mom just in case something happened.

Back to Ben he had worked at quest for about a month maybe two when he called me. He called and said, I hate this job, I can't take it anymore, I'm going to quit. I was at work and went into panic mode, telling him not to quit to stick it out, everyone has bad days etc. He agreed hung up and called me about 5 minutes later, saying he had quit! I was so mad, before the anger could wear off he called me back saying he had a job interview with "Boart Long

year" on Tuesday.

We had planned a trip to Colorado that weekend to see the Cardinals play. We considered canceling but I'm very glad we didn't considering it could be the last time we ever see Albert Pujols as a red bird, and the last time to see Tony La Russa Manage. When we got back from Colorado life began to fall into place. Ben interviewed and was hired as a Temp to hire with Boart, where he is still working and enjoying. My Mom was able to get medicine to feel better and my family began to plan a family vacation to Disneyland.

Over the summer I took one the role of counselor full time, even though I hadn't been officially hired to the position, I was doing the job. I spent the summer, rock climbing, taking pictures, roasting marshmallows, canoeing and mainly hanging out with some rea

lly awesome teenagers. When the school year started there was a lot of Change at Valley, we were going through our third layoff and a few people were quitting. I officially moved to a counselor position and started teaching. I LOVE MY JOB!

We took our family trip and I fell in love with Disneyland. I can't wait to go back, and am making plans to go very soon. The end of the year has been pretty stable, we are trying to buy a house and its a very up and down game, I know we will find what we want, but right now it seems like we might build. Still haven't made a decision. My photography business is doing rather well and I'm really excited for its future. This year has truly been a huge change, from where we live and what we do to even my hairstyle, much is different. As for Ben and I, well how lucky are you when you truly marry your best friend. Ben is my sunshine, everyday I spend with him is a day at the beach, and life is good at the beach.

Vacation, Anniversary and World Series!

Great things have happened and are going to happen. We just came home from our family vacation. I had a lot of fun. I LOVED Disneyland! I could have split my time between Disneyland and San Diego and not done anything else. Everything else was fun but Disneyland took the cake.

As many of you know I am very afraid of birds, and they were out to get me this trip. 2 years ago when we went to SeaWorld the birds didn't seem to bug me as much, this year the story was different. It made it hard to relax and enjoy the parks, but it was still a lot of fun seeing all the different sea animals at SeaWorld and the African Safari was really neat we even saw a baby Gorilla- MOnroe. Monroe was a cite little guy and made fighting with all the birds worth it.

Universal Studios wasn't what I expected but it still was cool. I will warn you the King Kong 3D tour is gross, very great technology, but gross.

For our anniversary we went to a resort in San Diego, right on Mission Bay, we rented a corvette, and a boat, played all day either cruising in the car or speeding on the water in the boat. That night we went to Ruth's Chris for dinner, it was great! The food is amazing and well worth the wait and price, I recommend it. It was the perfect way to end our vacation.

Also the Cardinals made it to the world series, that makes Ben pretty happy! Its been exciting following them this season and I have to say GO CARDS! For those of you who follow the Cardinals on twitter, I think Torty is good luck ;)

The excitement is KILLING me.

I'm so excited!!! We leave in just over 5 days.

Just stopping by and blogging.

I really have become terrible at blogging. I feel like all I do is updates and nothing truly fun! I'm trying to set a new goal of posting "Wordless Wednesdays" and blogging about the things that really have struck my interest lately.

BUT....today I'll start off with an update.

Ben and I haven't been up to much traveling, we took a mini trip to Las Vegas in July, other then that we've been home counting down the days until our big DISNEYLAND vacation... It will be with the entire family and I'm sure will have a TON of pictures to share and many many funny stories to tell when we get back. We don't leave until October so I'm getting antsy.

Ben is working at Boart Longyear a company that makes drills. He really seems to love it. I got promoted at work and am now a councilor who CO-teaches. I have a really interesting job. I have my own classroom and work with a lead teacher in making lesson plans and teaching kids 12-17 all subjects! It's pretty hectic yet extremely rewarding. Teaching these classes has sealed my decision of becoming a teacher and I will be back in school come January.

Ben and I are still looking for a house, building is becoming more and more intriguing, but buying is so affordable right now. We love our apartment so we surely are in no hurry to move and we will wait until we find exactly what we are wanting.

Ben is officially a Ute. I'm very proud of him, and now having a real Ute in our house makes last night's VICTORY that much better.

That is really all that is going on, it doesn't seem like much but it keeps us busy.

PS. Keep your fingers crossed, the Cards are cutting it close and we'd love to see them in the playoffs.

OK, OK, OK

So many people have been telling us, the time to buy a house is now. Well tonight Ben and I take some baby steps to being home owners. I have no idea what I'm doing however I do watch a lot of HGTV so I know some of the tricks. Hopefully I can find the home that will be perfect for our first home! I'll keep you updated and put any helpful tips, I learn on here for those who have not yet started the buying game.

Summer Lovin'

We've been very busy this summer, both Ben and I are working 50 hours a week in Salt lake and whenever we get a couple days off, we seem to be on the run! I'm not complaining I prefer to be going all the time.

My work is so much fun in the Summer, we get to go rock climbing, canoeing to the movies, I wish I could post pics, but due to confidentiality laws I cannot.

Ben got excepted to the University of Utah and starting the fall he will officially be a Ute. I'm incredibly proud of him and his hard work.

We had a wonderful 4th of July, with good food and fun like always. We went to the parade, played kickball, had a BBQ saw a movie, watched fireworks and really enjoyed being with Family. Ben's niece Kaylyn was staying with us over the 4th it was so nice to get to spend quality time with her. She is such a wonderful girl, she was a great guest and I'm happy she was able to come play with us over the holiday.

Since the summer is only half over I'm sure I'll have lots more to share the next few weeks.

Go Cards!

We went to see the Cardinals play in Colorado over memorial day weekend. First let me say it is so worth it to go see a baseball game over memorial day, it feels very patriotic they did fly overs, had the military there, I cried when we sang the national anthem. It was great!

I have never been to Colorado so that was fun for me to see Denver, we rode a petty cab up 16th street mall, people watched, (best place I've ever been to people watch,) had buffalo wings, I played 3 lottery tickets and didn't get a single number right, it's really a neat city. We drove home through the Rockies, that is a beautiful drive I suggest everyone do it. All in all we explored, played, relaxed and tried new restaurants, all the things that make traveling wonderful, we can't forget that we accomplished our main goal, and that was cheer for the CARDS!

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

My whole life I've heard people say, "The Lord works in mysterious ways." I've always believed that to be true but maybe haven't always recognized it in my own life. As you probably know Ben lost his job at the police department right after we had moved to Grantsville, we were nervous about bills and the fact that now we had to pay more in gas for me to get to work, and where was he going o find something making what he did at the police department? He was unemployed for about a month, when he found a job with Qwest. We were so grateful he had found something and he was so excited we felt like it was the answer to our prayers, that everything had finally played out the way it should. Well as time went by the job became really stressful our schedules were making it difficult to work and do school, everything just seemed wrong, it was very stressful for both Ben and I.

One Friday while I was at work Ben called me and told me he wanted to quit his job, that he just couldn't work there anymore, he just didn't feel right. (Now I want to note Ben isn't a feeling guy, he plays by numbers and rules, usually not feelings.) I told him to just hang in there and everything would be ok, that if he finishes the day, we'll go have fun this weekend and he'd have a couple days off to really think about it. He agreed, I went back to work. Five minutes later Ben called again.

"Felicity, I quit my job."

My heart raced, now we have to do the whole unemployment thing again, many questions and concerns ran through my head, but the only thing I can say is, "We'll be fine." I get off the phone with Ben and my mind goes 100 miles an hour because now we won't get unemployment, we just shy of being able to live off my salary, we only have enough in savings for a couple months, what about our trip we've already paid for part of it and the list goes on. Then right before I break down and cry in front of my students Ben calls again. "I got a job interview on Monday." my mind stops, what? already? where? He explains,. After the interview process Ben was hired at Boart Longyear, making more then at the police department and doing something he enjoys he started the day after memorial day. It's not perfect, its long hours and he is currently a temp to hire, but its better then where we were. We went one week without pay and not really because of how the payment cycle at Qwest went, and anything we were short was made up for by my overtime all things, I know the Lord put in place for us. So its true the lord does work in mysterious ways. Ben acted on faith quitting his job, and not more then 10 minutes after he had done so he was called for interview for his current job.

When I Grow Up.

At age 15 I knew that when I grew up I wanted to be Dental Hygienist I knew that was what I was going to study at Weber State University, I knew how long the program would take me and what color scrubs I was going to wear, that same summer I did an internship assisting dental assistants, I really enjoyed all the office work and talking with the patients however the first time I asked a patient to say AHH and open wide to clean their teeth I about lost my lunch, I decided that day, this was not for me.

At age 16 I was frantic because now I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up. I didn't know who I was going to be, that summer I took some pictures of my best friend and they actually turned out great, not to mention I really enjoyed it. My journey to being a photographer began, I took photoshop classes and read everything online about photography, this was it.

My senior year I took a college psychology class, it was so interesting and wonderful I loved learning about peoples brains and their ability to do or not do certain things, mental diseases fascinated me and the way I think intrigued me.

While studying art at UVU I got a job working with kids with Autism, I loved it and decided I would change my major to special education. A few more months went by and some of the harder realities of special education hit, I still loved my job but it was emotionally draining and I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the rest of my life feeling helpless. The school year ended and I moved before the next year I was unable to return to that job. While working at La Quinta I missed working at a school, I missed the opportunity I had to teach, the regular hours and the joy I felt from my job, not only for those reasons but many others I left the hotel business.

Today I work for Valley Mental Health as a councilor for at risk kids. I love my job. I am finding out how much I love teaching so this summer I'm going to school to become a teacher or high school councilor, however over the past couple weeks I've been thinking how what I really want to do when I "grow up" is be a mom. I really want to stay home and raise my children, I'm still going to school because you never know what can happen, I am going to study education and continue to do my passion of photography but hopefully when the time comes I will be able to be a full time mom.

Remembering we are blessed.

I was thinking today how blessed we are to live in the United States. God has truly blessed this land, he has given us opportunity, peace and freedom. I am saddened by those who don't have the knowledge and love for Heavenly Father, those who want to take the line "One nation under God." out of the pledge of allegiance and those who believe prayers and religion of any sort should be banned from schools, sporting events and community gatherings. I believe that our faith in the Lord and Savior help us prosper, makes us a kinder more tolerant country, it also allows us welcome all and love our neighbors. Recognizing God's hand in our life helps us remember to pray and be mindful of all those people in countries that have lost all they have to war, natural disaster and poverty. Again I say, we are so blessed, I hope we can remember this not only in times of sorrow but always.

Bring Him Home

We were watching the PBS Les Miserables concert telethon and the song "Bring Him Home." touched me spiritually, I just wanted to share the beautiful lyrics with you, and if you've never heard the song you should look it up and listen to it.

Valjean

God on high

Hear my prayer

In my need

You have always been there

He is young

He's afraid

Let him rest

Heaven blessed.

Bring him home

Bring him home

Bring him home.

He's like the son I might have known

If God had granted me a son.

The summers die

One by one

How soon they fly

On and on

And I am old

And will be gone.

Bring him peace

Bring him joy

He is young

He is only a boy

You can take

You can give

Let him be

Let him live

If I die

Let me die

Let him live

Bring him home

Bring him home

Bring him home.

Life Update Posted By Ben

I'm sure everyone has been catching bits and pieces of my life for the past 4 months. Here is the full story. Mid November I was placed on Admin Leave at the Police Department while internal affairs investigated a couple calls. I was still being paid but didnt go to work. So I spent that time looking for a new job. They completed the investigation and 2 weeks ago I was asked to resign or told I would be terminated. I resigned. I was pretty sure I would be getting a job with a company called Media One. I had 3 Interviews and was waiting. I was also waiting to see if I would get unemployment. The job at Mediaone was not offered to me. So I had no Job and No unemployment. for the last week and a half. Monday I was contacted by Mediaone and Asked to come in for a 4th interview however it is really like a 1st interview because it's for different position. I am still waiting to hear back from them. In the meantime, I was offered a position today in the Sales department at Qwest. It starts March 28th. So if Mediaone doesn't pick me I have that to fall back on. More good news today, I was approved for unemployment. So things are looking great for us.

World"WIND" pictures.

My grandma told my mom she needed a family picture, and that she needed it by saturday of the week, well it was thursday that only left us friday to take some shots. We decided to dare the wind and went out to saltair, the wind was 40 mph but had a few breaks during which we managed to get a few good shots.

PIcture of the week

Las Vegas strip. I took this picture when Ben and I went for our honeymoon! We were watching the fountains from just outside the Bellagio.

Picture of the Week

This picture was taken of the old train at Saltair, Its one of my favorites shots.

Moved in, Unpacked and Waiting.

Well its official we live in Grantsville again(well me again, Ben for the first time) YAY! We had a lot of help from my friends and family on Saturday, so much help that by Sunday afternoon I had everything unpacked and put away, no more boxes to dig through, or wondering were things are, just living.

We lost a couple things on the move our entire box of hangers fell of the truck! We now have all white brand new matching hangers. Our already flimsy dinning table chair broke and also a picture frame, other then that everything made it safely to our new place.

Our new apartment is great! The fireplace is warm and toasty, the closet is big and organized, there is a storage room and garage space, all around just wonderful!

Now for the waiting, Ben has been on Admin leave since the end of October first part of November, I can't really remember exactly which but its been a long time, and its been very stressful not knowing whether or not he will have a job. Yesterday he had his final interview to decide the outcome of his case, the police department asked him to resign, I can't get into much detail because I don't know what is confidential and what is not but I can tell you that the series of events leading up to this decision have been very caddy on the police departments part and there has been a lot of office politics and slander involved. Ben is happy to be out of that environment I am happy too, however he is now currently jobless. He will apply for unemployment but since he "resigned" we're unsure he'll get it, we have a little saved and will be okay for a little while, He has been looking for a job while on leave so he's ahead of the game, and he had a 3rd interview with Media One yesterday so we are praying that he'll be able to start working soon.

If anyone reads my blog and knows of places hiring send me a link, and keep us in your prayers in hope to find something soon.

Pink Hair

These pics were taken late at night after a long day, but I love having a bright color in my hair!! I put pink in and its really fun!

Weekly Picture.

Salt Lake Temple. I took this picture when my family went to temple square to look at the Christmas lights.

Weekly Picture!

I've given myself a new challenge. Once a week I want to share a fun picture I've taken, with you on my blog.

This week, Lola.

Lola is my Mom's puppy. She is a handful and love's attention. This picture was taken on our way to Flaming Gorge, this past summer.

My Best Friend

Benjamin Ryan Gotsch, was born November 2nd, 1981 to Harold and Patricia Gotsch in St Charles, MO. He is the youngest of 5 siblings 1 sister and 4 brothers ( Ray, Tami, Nate and John.) Ben's favorite childhood memory is going swimming at the pool with his dad. In 2001 Ben was called on an LDS Mission to Salt Lake City, UT.

In 2007 he met me, we were at a bonfire and I laughed at his nonsense. It didn't take much time for me to want to spend as much time as possible with who would be Become my Best Friend. After dating for nearly 2 years Ben married me, Felicity Anne Silva on October, 15 2009. We were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple.

His favorite activities include: Swimming, Baseball, Going to Movies, Listening to music and Kissing his beautiful wife. A little unknown fact about Ben is his ideal alarm clark would be celebrity voices example: "Hey Ben! This is Albert Pujols, time to wake up and make it home run day!"

Moving

They say moving can be the most stressful thing on a person, however this move I'm really excited!! I can't wait for our apartment to rent so we can get out of here and into our new place! I've already organized all the closets and drawers, packed up the spare room, and taken lots of things to the DI.

I think my excitement stems from a lot of things, First our new place is adorable!!! We are still renting, and its a basement apartment but the nicest apartment I've ever seen and it was right in our price range. Second being closer to family and friends will be such a blessing, we've really struggled making new friends up here and we live just far enough away that people don't really come and visit. Lastly it feels right, I've been kinda in a rut and praying that I can find whatever it is I need to do differently to get out of the rut. We signed the deposit check and 2 days later my boss wanted to talk to me about some changes at work, I was worried because I already was going to have a hard time driving from Grantsville to Salt Lake and back 2 times a day on my split shift but I was going to make it work. So I went in and talked to my boss and he asked me if I would be interested in working in the classroom instead of driving and changing my shift to 8 am-2pm, this was perfect, I've been wanting to work in the classroom and the shift change works out perfect for driving to and from Grantsville!! Like I said it feels right!

I am so grateful for prayers being answered and the knowledge I have that its not always our plan it's God's plan and he knows what he is doing.

Hopefully I can keep this stress free feeling throughout our entire move.

Love Laughter and Baseball.

I decided to change our blog title. You reading this may have no idea what our previous title was, most don't search blogs for great titles the search is for posts, stories and pictures!

However I wanted to change my blog around, I wanted to add spice and personality to my weekly stories. I debated using photography since its my passion, I also thought of a simple version like "Gotsch the story of us." I wrestled with many ideas then I thought what are the things that make Ben and I as a couple, so great?

First... Love, obviously we love each other but I was thinking of a greater love, a love for others, a love for the outdoors, love of adventure, love of movies, love of conversation and friendship.

Next... Laughter. When I met Ben I was a very unhappy soul, I had a lot of struggles and a lot a heartbreak, however he healed me with laughter. Everyday since the day I met him he has managed to make me laugh, to make me smile and to fill my soul with sunshine. That's why I choose laughter.

Finally... Baseball. If you know me you know I enjoy sports, most all sports but from a young age I have taken a liking to Baseball. I think it has a lot to do with the pants they wear and how adorable there butts are in them, or it could be the relaxing atmosphere of a baseball game, going to the baseball field as a young kid and watching my Uncle Larry coach, the warm summer sun and the stadium hotdogs that really made me a baseball fan.

In the last 3 years or so I have become an even greater fan, this is what happens when you are married to a baseball fanatic. (it's January and he's already setting up his fantasy league.)

If you know my husband the Cardinals are his team, he loves them and loves baseball to the core! Even though we don't cheer for the same teams all the time, or agree with each other on controversial calls our time spent at ballparks has made us a happier couple with a lot of 'us time' so I thought our connection to baseball would be a great title ender.

So now you know, Why I choose what I choose, and how it could possibly be the perfect title of our lives and our blog for now.