Colter David Halverson was born on August 21, 2015 at 3:47am. I didn't know that my heart could get bigger and have so much love for TWO little boys. It's possible people. Stedson is the best big brother and we couldn't be more thankful for that. He is such a sensitive and loving boy. He loves holding him and playing with him. They will definitely be good buddies.
School Hardships
After Chase received his Pre Engineering Associates Degree at Weber State University, he went to Utah State University to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. We contemplated buying a house in Logan and both of us completing our degrees there. My nanny job in Ogden was helping us survive, so we really couldn't leave Ogden with the jobs there. I was able to bring Stedson to my nanny job and it just worked out perfectly with school etc. Chase decided that he would commute to Utah State for TWO YEARS! He is amazing and so supportive of my education and allowing me to pursue the things that I love! Junior year was hard and full of challenges. As a young family and Chase's hardest year in school .. we contemplated him switching to business, so he could go to Weber and be home more often. Many prayers and pro/con lists later we realized that mechanical engineering was where his heart was and we just needed to keep pushing. A hard decision, but looking back it was definitely the right one! As we began our senior year, I had the opportunity to take a leadership position at school. This position changed my life and how I view myself as a leader, mother, wife, and woman as a member of society. As I continued my leadership I realized that my passion to pursue Marriage and Family Therapy grew. I was able to present at a national conference and met some very important people. Chase supported and even encouraged me to pursue my dream by applying for graduate school. Not only was I excited, but I was baffled that my husband was so supportive even with our 18 month old little boy. As I began the application process, I found out that I was pregnant with baby number two. Many prayers later we decided that I should still pursue graduate school. I applied to many schools and wanted so badly to get into the University of Southern Mississippi. I got an email that I would be interviewed for their program. I seriously was on cloud nine! They want to meet me? They think I am smart enough and they liked my personal statement? ME?!?! It was an incredible feeling! As we continued to be prayerful with our next steps, it still felt right to attend my interview. One of my good friends also got an interview to the same program, so we were able to travel together. This was seriously one of the craziest trips I had ever been on. To sum it up... the only flight into the little town had been cancelled and the next best thing was to fly to New Orleans and rent a car. Change in a gas station and attend the dinner with the first years. Aside from getting lost when we were there.. things couldn't have been more perfect. We both did well in the group interview and in the individual interview I was hit with a ton of bricks. I was doing great in the interview, but I had the STRONGEST impression I have ever had that I should not attend their program and no other program at that time. WHAT?! I just spent hundreds of dollars applying and now flying to an interview. Why should I not go? I knew in my heart that I should follow that impression, but by no means was I excited about it. I went back to my hotel and cried and cried and cried. I called my husband and told him about the amazing school, program, faculty and how well the interview went. I proceeded to tell him that I wasn't going. Obviously he was a little confused, but asked me why I had decided that. I told him I knew I needed to be home with my babies and support him in starting his career. The next part seriously makes me tear up just thinking about it. My husband said to me... "Kirstin, if you are going to get a paid internship and you want to get this degree, I am happy to be a stay at home dad." I wanted to cry into Chase's shoulder at this point. He had made so many sacrifices for our family up to this point. He did so much so that we could have Stedson and I could continue to go to school. It was his turn. ANYWAYS... I got a call that I was accepted and I declined. It was another hard moment in this process. BUT!!! I would seriously make the same decision today. I have been able to bond with Colter like I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. I have been able to develop a completely different relationship with Stedson. I could go on and on. I started to wonder why... Why was it yes and then no? That whole experience has helped me develop so much. Writing a personal statement about myself and why I am worth it... Everyone should do that. Being accepted into my dream program. I'm worth something. Lastly, having the opportunity to start my own business would have never happened if these things didn't happen prior because I wouldn't have believed in myself enough.
Well we graduated with our Bachelor's Degrees. Mine was in Family Studies and his was in Mechanical Engineering. Because of Chase's job as a design engineer in Salt Lake City, we were able to buy a house just weeks before Colter was born. We love South Weber and we are grateful everyday for the opportunity to be homeowners. Life is good as a stay at home mom and business owner. I have never been more happy with who I am and the person Chase motivates me to be daily. I give credit to my loving Heavenly Father that has allowed me to use my agency to fall only to get back up stronger. The companionship of the Holy Ghost was ever present throughout this entire college, career, grad school, and baby process. Thanks to Chase that always reminds me to pray about things that are too difficult only after thinking it out and presenting my options.
That about sums up the last two years....
No comments:
Post a Comment