For my journal purposes

We have made "the Decision." NO we are not Lebron James. But we just made one of the hardest decisions we have made in a long long time.

Here is the story.

Chris decided in between fall and spring semesters he was going to apply for the LLM (masters of law (in Latin ) in Taxation. He applied to a few schools. In February he and I went to a J Reuben Clark Law Society convention in DC. It was hosted at Georgetown (a school Chris applied at) He visited the admissions office while we were there. On the trip home he commented that he felt either a job or the LLM would be the right call. Shortly after returning we heard from Boston University that Chris was accepted there. We were excited that he got in somewhere but where waiting to hear from the top 2 schools. NYU and Georgetown.

While waiting Chris started to apply for some jobs in Iowa. He got an interview up in a small town of Algona, IA. we both went as they wanted us both to come. it was a great small town with some wonderful people. The kind we have come to love here in the mid-west. He told us we should know in a week. a week and a half later we got a letter. It said he had not made final decisions yet.

The following Tuesday evening Chris got a call from Bob (the lawyer in Algona), he was offering Chris the job. Chris was extremely excited I was heart broken. Why was I heart broken? I love love love where I live. I love the people around me. I love my part time jobs. I have met wonderful people who I was so sad to leave. After praying we felt it was a good choice and Chris called Bob back and accepted the job. Within an hour Chris got an email from Georgetown telling him he had been accepted. He was excited but was pretty set on going to Algona.

To be honest I was angry. I was angry with Heavenly Father because I had told him what I really wanted and it seemed like he was telling me no. At the time I was preparing a lesson for church about pride. I cannot tell you how much that lesson stung me to my core. I prayed hard to have the right attitude and to be willing to do what was best for our family. Only after taking council from Chris to call my Dad did peace finally come to me. It came by hearing him talk about life and how important somethings are. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to have a calming influence like that in my life.


Chris randomly posted on Facebook that he had gotten into Georgetown. which prompted a message from Owen (bro-in-law) he told Chris he thought getting more education was a great option. it opens lots more doors for you. Then he decided to call Rob (my bro) and get his thoughts. Then came a week of serious conflicts. When ever we talked it seemed we were always on the wrong page. Regardless of how one felt at one point it was always different from the other. Go to Algona, just Chris go to DC, nothing seemed right.

Thursday night our friend Chad Allison came over at our request and gave Chris a Priesthood blessing. The point I remembered was that we would have better direction once we went to the temple. He also offered his wife to come over at 3:45 am to watch our kids while we went down to Kansas City Temple.

I tried hard to have sincere prayers. Asking for piece for whatever answer we received  On Friday I went and picked up Kyle and Ginnie's child to babysit for the day. Kyle is a lawyer, and asked about what was going with Chris. So I explained our dilemma to him and he offered some great advice  He said as someone who is an employer call the boss and be candid with him. Tell him all that is going on and see how he responds. If he is upset etc. that is not someone you want to work for anyway. I called Chris and told him the advice. Chris called Bob. He was surprised by what Chris told him about Georgetown. He told him he would call him back. With in 2 hours Bob was back on the phone with Chris. He said I'm going to talk to you like I would to my son. Get the education. If you want to come here next may you will have a job. (do you see why I love people here in Iowa!!!) This was a huge moment of calm.

Friday afternoon I started looking a possible places for us as a family to live in the DC area. I just wanted to see what the cost would really be for us. There were some expensive places but some that seemed almost do-able. At this point I was 75% for sending Chris alone. I emailed Heather (sis in law) for her take on living away from her spouse (Jeff is military). She responded with a wonderfully honest and heartfelt letter. This is what made me think about going with Chris (it would be cheaper for the kids and I to stay here and just send Chris). While in DC we saw one of our former members of the Stake Presidency (and institute teacher) in Vegas. I looked at the institute website and discovered it was him who I was supposed to contact.

Chris and I walked the boy home we were watching on Friday and Chris talked to Kyle and thanked him. On our way home we ran into another good friend who used to live in VA. She was excited for us and said she would be willing to contact friends there to see if they know anything. We told her we would let her know.

Sleep seemed to be terrible for both Chris and I Friday night. We both got very little. The drive down we mostly talked about if he went to Georgetown where he would live, if the kids and I would be OK here without him. Which airports southwest flew into.

I will always have a special place in my heart for the Kansas City temple. It is absolutely beautiful. It is so simply decorated yet it is amazing. I went in expecting to get a strong quick answer. Well it didn't. I was impressed to remember things in my patriarchal blessing. Then I was impressed that I needed to do what was best for the Lord. After making these realizations I received an answer of what we needed to do. When Chris and I talked in the celestial room after the session I wanted him to go first. Why? just because I wanted to make sure we were finally on the same page. He said I think we need to go to DC as a family. That was the exact same impression I had felt. I cannot tell you the joy and piece that came to me once we were finally on the same page.

So in August we will be headed for Georgetown as a family. Excited for our new adventure

I am so thankful for many many things today. Thanks to anyone who gave input, watched kids, prayed or gave us things to thing about. I'm thankful for a wonderful Heavenly Father who forgives stubbornness, and gives us the Holy Ghost to help us better understand what we need to do.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Where to begin. . . Chris was offered a job in Algona, IA. He would begin in August after he took the Bar exam.

2. Georgetown. . . no this is not about how my bracket was decimated by them losing. Chris got into their Tax LLM program. (an extra year of law school that just focus's on Tax).

3. Choices. I never figured we would have to make a choice about where to go next but here we are struggling with which one will be best for Chris, for us and for our family.

4. Sadly there is another raspberry lover in the house. I have finally found someone to share these delicious fruit with.

5. Have I mentioned that Henry climbs on and in everything. I totally forgot about this stage but as you can see he is happy as a clam.

6. We had snow Sunday. The kids were trying to make our snow pile bigger so they were taking some from our neighbors.

7. Annmarie grew up over night. I am not a fan of this but I'm so thankful for my beautiful daughter!

8. After having a hard week trying to figure out life. Chris told me that I should call my dad. I was reluctant to. but I am so glad I did. I love how much better things seem to be when I do. A kind friend from growing up commented on my facebook status with "Because your Dad is so much like Christ." I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful example like him in my life.

9. Jeffrey turned 6 last week!!! I cannot believe that we have had him for 6 years! He is a wonderful boy. I am most thankful for the sincerity he has. Especially when he prays. He truly prays for what he wants and desires. He has grown up so much. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be his mom.

10. Random fact - nothing makes a fitness instructor more happy than telling them that your class was like cross fit. made my day!

Ten on Tuesday

1. Chris started doing Cross Fit. His first fundamental session was Monday night. He went this morning. When he waled in the house Annmarie asked "did you puke?" nope he didn't, this this is something he says he thinks he will enjoy.

2. Spring break started on Friday  It was beautiful sunny and 60!!!! well lets just say that has long since gone. it is back to 30's with Canadian  winds which makes the windchill feel like 7-12. Needless to say this years spring break is not very warm.

3. We got our first pet after 11.5 years. A fish. He has been named Hill Billy. If we ever find a white one that one will be named White Trash. then if there is a 3rd fish his name will be "the other fish"

4. Saturday I attended a TRX suspension training course. I loved it! I am now "certified or trained" to teach others. I love it and am a huge believer in what it can do for your body, As someone once said to me I am the poster child for it. If you ever want to try it out come on over and I can "practice" my training with you.

5. We had a new frozen yogurt place open up down the street from us. 2 teenagers we know are working there and Monday night was free yogurt night. It was wonderful!!! Jeffrey asked if we can go every Monday night. I said no since they will not be having free yogurt every Monday night. It was nice to let the kids get whatever they wanted.

6. March Maddness!!!! do I really need to say more. It was a tough call choosing between UNLV and Syracuse. really why must they do that to me.

7. Sunday morning the kids asked to use the cards to play "War" a bit later I heard lots of noise. Come to find out they were doing a deck of cards workout. Well I guess passing on exercise is a good thing right?

8. I got to run outside 2 times last week. it was heavenly. a bit of ice in places but hey better than running on the dreadmill. Hope to be able to go outside more often once it warms up. . . sometime.

9. Here are a bunch of photos that I just wanted to post.

this is what 40 looks like in Des Moines.

Henry's place to stare out at the world

This is not a great photo but Annmarie and Jed where shoveling show in the back and loving every min of it.

 Chris and My spring break challange . . . 2000 piece puzzle

I love how babies just chill in this position. If only I was that flexible. 

10. Random fact. I do not like teaching more than 3 classes a week. Today I taught 3. starting at 5 am and the last one ended at 7 pm. I am not cut out to be a full time fitness instructor.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Last night Chris and I listened to and read 2 amazing general conference talks. The first was in the RS session back in Oct 1981. It was by President Benson. Oh wow, I needed to read that. click here to read this. Then the other one was in April 1981 again by President Benson. This was directed at the fathers. Another wonderful read. If you are a parent please take the time and look over these.

2. I started running a bit more, and I just got my new running shoes! nothing better than new shoes, well maybe being able to run outside but soon!!!

3. On Saturday Will decided that he wanted to run with Chris and I at the Y. He ran for 30 min! we were on the track but I would guess he was somewhere close to 3 miles. Hope his desire to run only increases

4. Chris and I got to go see OZ the other night. I must say I really did enjoy it. It was beautiful.

5. Saturday night we showed the kids the Wizard of Oz. Note to self do not watch a new version then watch an older version. There is just way to much difference in the way films are made today compared to 70 years ago. Here they are all watching.

6. I have ever mentioned I have the best job ever? I get to be a mom! Nothing better than that!

 7. So the candy on the beds has worked great. Henry discovered where it was kept and would wander in grab the candy the chew a hole in the bag. You'd have thought he was a mouse :) But he did eat all the Almond Joys!

8. While watching the kids eat breakfast this morning I realized that they all eat the same

They eat with their hands and don't cut anything. Love it.


6. We had parent teacher conference this past week. I love hearing how good my kids are. I am surprised when they tell me how well they follow directions. Glad my kids some how have learned to be good. But the best thing I discovered Annmarie's teacher had Pickle Chiffon Pie!!!! My mom used to read this to me. I loved this book. She let us barrow it for the night. So thankful for awesome people who let me have great memories.

7. The older 3 are still enjoying piano lessons. Will is very excited because he is almost done with this first book.

8. We watched the Piano Guys on PBS the other night. The kids were loving it. I told our kids they could quit taking piano lessons when they can play one of John Schmidt's songs. Jeffrey they asked when he could play the cello. Love this!!

9. Chris got called as the Stake YM's Secretary . He is excited for a new challenge. plus now he goes to stake dances, youth conference and Priest Laurel. I know he is excited.

10.  Random fact - I still love Iowa. even after the latest snow storm (sunday) I still love this place.

ten on tuesday

1. here is a photo of Will's hockey mouth. Now he thinks it is cool.

2. Henry loves oatmeal. . . even dry. I'm still trying to figure out how he got it open

3. Henry hates boots! I got these over a year ago for like $5. I thought they were kids size 5 not toddlers. . . needless to say they lasted for a very short time.

4. I have seen this sign a ton of times since moving here 2.5 years ago. I finally got a photo of it. The best part is there is a baskin robbins in this strip mall.

5. We signed the older 3 up for soccer again. I will be coaching the u6 team (Jeffrey) and Will and Annmarie will be with Will's old coach. I'm so thankful for the league that makes it possible for us to play, and who lets Annmarie play with the older kids because she can hack it.

6. Friday Chris and I spent the day in the town of Algona. never heard of it? well the internet does it no justice. I cannot imagine how beautiful that place is in the fall and spring!

7. Saturday and Sunday were stake Conference here. On Saturday the talk that meant the most to me was one where the speaker spoke about how he got in a car accident (not his fault) at age 16 and didn't feel his fathers love for months because if it. It made me pause and check how I react to certain things that my kids do. So thankful for his talk and all the inspiration that came with his and all the other talks this past weekend.

8. Chris intervened on a discussion between Will and Jeffrey.
       c - Will what would Jesus do in this situation
       w - Fine, Rock paper scissors
 gotta love that thinking

9. I started having some tooth pain while in DC. I figured a filling had fallen out. Well last week it was finally hurting enough to bother me. A wonderful lady that I work with and her awesome husband of a dentist got me in the following day. Yes the filling had fallen out. The problem was is it was still a baby tooth. Many of us lucky Sherwood's still have baby teeth in our mouth. Well long story short. I only have 2 baby teeth left in my mouth instead of 3. So no lets just say I am not buying my kids many gooey things to eat.

10. I stole this from a friend. She was sick of "reminding" her children to make their beds and clean their rooms. So she started putting a piece of candy on their bed when it got made and the room was clean. Well lets just say this has worked great! Today was the first morning there was no reminders from me and only 1 did it. Hopes this helps remind the other 3 what they need to do.

random fact - 20 years ago "the ice storm" hit Rochester NY. Oh such wonderful memories I have of that. The place looked beautiful!