Well, this truck pull out from our house earlier this evening carrying everything we own, headed for SLC, Ut. You’d think that we LIKE to move! (insert deep breath)… onto the next chapter in this ‘adventure’ section of our book of LIFE!
We sold our home, which is an absolute miracle in this market-and as we have been contemplating all the options, Eric has decided to complete his Chinese degree at BYU. It’s kinda feeling like ‘full circle’! but he is so excited, and things have fallen into place perfectly. We have been kicking ourselves for not finishing school 14 years ago when we decided to take a job that moved us to Vancouver, BC. He is only short by a couple classes, and now’s the time. i am excited to live close to my side of the family for awhile. My siblings live around SLC and I am excited to get to hang out with them. I am excited to live closer to my extended family, as well as some old friends: Solitude, Brighton, Alta and Snowbird. We’ll be living near the mouth of Big Cottonwood canyon, a mere 10-15 minutes drive to the ‘Greatest Snow on Earth’. My childhood/adolescent playground. My dad taught me to ski when I was 3 years old, and I can’t wait to get Capri and Connor up on the hill- since I can’t even keep up with Colton and Cory already! I LOVE the mountains, and indeed, it’s been a LONG TIME! I am excited to live closer to a couple of my House of 3 partners! (much closer to Provo than China!)
Some additional UTAH perks (in no particular order):
Italian Village for Pizza Benders
Hires Big H
Fall foliage
White Christmases
My grandpa’s cabin in Oakley, Utah
Mtn Biking in Milcreek Canyon
Hiking familiar trails
Knowing my way around everywhere
So many temples
Attending KJ’s Halloween party
30 miles from Park City (I LOVE PC)
exploring UTAH w/ my kids- camping!
LAGOON
I have been filled with mixed emotions. When we moved back, we weren’t really sure how things would play out, but I can see the hand of the Lord in our life, and can’t deny the many blessings and tender mercies that have directed our path and truly blessed our family. As I am sad once again leaving friends and family that are here in AZ, it’s comforting knowing we aren’t going as far away as CHINA! And we have lots of reasons to visit…
I have been getting several emails wondering about CHA, new products and my relationship with Advantus…
Right now, my focus is on House of 3… and I am LOVING it! I have needed to change, grow, expand, try something new…etc. The ‘creative spirit’ is a very fragile thing; and you have to listen to it, and follow it. There is that saying ‘follow your bliss’. And there is a lot of truth to that. You just can’t fight change- you have to accept it, embrace it and take what you have learned from the past, and apply it to the future.
I will not be attending CHA, and I do not have a new product release at this show. The Heidi Swapp brand will continue through Advantus… I will continue to teach classes, travel and promote it along with House of 3. Our relationship will move forward on a per-project basis. I have been tremendously grateful for their support.
My days of creating new (physical) products are not over! (I do have some things in the works!!) But I must admit, I have hit a bit of a ‘reset’ button in my creative soul. My capacity to work isn’t the same, my ability to stay up all night working and then functioning without skipping a beat the next day has diminished! The demands of my family is ever increasing, as is my desire to meet those demands and enjoy my role in doing so. I will also admit that all the change and adjusting (of the last couple years) has not been easy, or without significant stress. However, I believe that there is a purpose behind all things; and I have felt so empowered and energized by taking a leap, and venturing into something unknown…it’s strengthened me, my marriage and our family in ways I’d never imagined.
SO, there it is in a nutshell… I don’t even know where the good scrapbook stores are in SLC surrounding!? I know that I am in good company there… Rhonna, Margie, Elizabeth, Teresa, Robin, Jefra, Nichole, Sarah, Rachel, Layle… I do know that there is a movement going on there … of women who create in all different ways- because they just feel it inside; that desire to create beauty all around them. I’m excited to join in.
Best part: I know it’s where we are supposed to be right now. That is all that matters!
(big smile, tired body)
I wish you the best in Utah!!! Can't wait to see what you come up with next...no matter what it might be!!
Posted by: Summer | July 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Moving once again...goodness...that IS too bad you can't take that beautiful backyard with you! :)
I love Park city as well! Soo gorgeous! I drove through SLC and PC and omg, breathtaking! And that mormon temple is so beautiful! Enjoy your time in SLC! And I'm sure you will continue to do great creative inspiring things for us in the years to come! I love your brand (digi and regular) and you're super awesome!
Posted by: Jen Seidel | July 17, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Best of luck in SLC Heidi. Your adaptability has always inspired me. Just read this today:
Success is never found.
Failure is never fatal.
Courage is the only thing.
-Winston Churchill
Posted by: Trudy | July 17, 2009 at 10:31 AM
wow you are the the pioneers of old..pack up and move on..good luck..you are closer to me-vancouver, canada..lol..take care and thanks for taking us along for the adventure!!
Posted by: bettyann | July 17, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Best of luck with your move, what a wonderful opportunity.
Love the photo of your yard!
Is that a trampoline built in (on the bottome right of the photo)?
They have them at the parks in Germany like this, built in- ground level. I love how they are much safer- no falling off! I have never seen them in the states like this, perphaps you can share another photo and tell your readers about this?
Posted by: kelly s. | July 17, 2009 at 10:45 AM
It will be an awesome move for you guys! I live in Fruit Heights and want for you to hook up with a great scrapbooking store so I can finally see you teach! Good luck in your adventures...I enjoy seeing what your family is up to.
Posted by: Wendy | July 17, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Sounds like fun, Heidi! Isn't Lisa Bearnson up in that area too? (Highlands, I think she's mentioned.) Kerri Bradford, too, and the rest of the great, lovely and talented ladies you mentioned, "love" them all!
Your family will have a blast wherever you end up!!!
Posted by: kat-in-texas | July 17, 2009 at 12:03 PM
You and your family have certainly persevered in the midst of many, many changes throughout the past few years. Hats off to you, and I pray that your new adventures will be very fulfilling. Can't wait to see what creative endeavors will come of it all. Keeping your family in mind is so important. Enjoy this new chapter! :)
Posted by: Beverly | July 17, 2009 at 12:29 PM
I for one am so excited to have you in my part of the world. I'm in Layton and hope to be able to attend one of your classes in the future! Good luck on the move, I'm doing it myself next month, although just locally and without any kids. May your choices bless your life.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 17, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Heidi-You sound so happy! :) I would be a mess moving as much as you have in the past year. :) You are definitely a "get up and go girl" even if you don't feel like it. The fact you can be smiling through this is a wonderful testament to your fun and beautiful spirit! :)
Posted by: Kathy F | July 17, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Heidi,
You forgot Gardner Village! Welcome to Utah!
Posted by: Holly | July 17, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Good Luck on your new adventure! You and your familly is doing just right by following your heart. But I cant´t understand how you can manage another move;-)
I´m planing to change room with the kids and thats feel overwellming to me:-) *lol*
I´m lookin forward to se how the new studio will look like and to follow this new adventure in your life.
Posted by: Anna-Lena Blomkvist/Sweden | July 17, 2009 at 02:45 PM
the Lord truly has his hand in everything...good luck with your move, travel safe :) and I am soooo excited that you will be closer to us!
Posted by: alicia.king | July 17, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Best wishes, Heidi!
Posted by: Cami | July 17, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Welcome home, Heidi
Posted by: Amy | July 17, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Heidi, How exciting for you and your family in this new journey you all are about to take...enjoy the moment. I can totally relate to listening to your creative body and moving on...we have to do it in order to grow as women and artists. take care and have a fab time. michelle
Posted by: michelle | July 17, 2009 at 03:55 PM
not going to lie, but i'm excited that you're moving north! hopefully you'll be teaching and i'll be able to attend!
good luck with everything! what a great opportunity!
Posted by: becky kimball | July 17, 2009 at 04:11 PM
Good luck on your new adventure in life! Looking forwards to all you have in store with House of 3. (can not figure out how to get the three down! :)
Posted by: Jessie | July 17, 2009 at 05:14 PM
I have been anxiously awaiting the CHA-S'09 sneak peeks for HKS/Advantus, so now I know why they're not out yet!
I am totally bummed for me, the shopper & scrapper, but I am happy that you feel strongly that you are on the right path creatively.
(Must be sure to stock up on my HKS supplies since there shan't be any new ones for a while!) *wink*
Take care, be safe,
have faith, give love.
There's nothing more than those.
Blessings, Swapp Family....
Posted by: Melissa | July 17, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Do you mean what a miracle you sold the house before it went into auction from the ntr or forclusure notice posted on the Maricopa County Recorders site. Let's be real we are in an economic crisis and you are trying to sugar coat the fact that you could no longer afford that big beautiful home of yours.
Posted by: Heidi Ingram | July 17, 2009 at 08:38 PM
great detective work! you are right heidi, we did sell our house as a short sale...and we're thankful for it! ...moving on.
Posted by: heidi | July 17, 2009 at 10:16 PM