Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Over the past week, our little family has been dealing with some decisions.

Here's the background:
Ryan was approached by a Co-Op that he audits to have a conversation about a potential job at the Co-Op.  This was about 5 weeks ago???  He did meet with them... getting more information, etc.  He came home and we kind of thought it was the end of it.  A couple weeks passed and they wanted to meet with him again, bringing in some other 'workers' to get to know Ryan, etc.  After this meeting - Ryan liked to call that - "It was an interview."  That was last Wednesday afternoon...  Friday morning, Ryan had a job offer.  

Yes, a job offer at a Co-Op in Fort Dodge.

Our minds starting spinning.  We talked and talked... and stressed and stressed.  More thinking, more talking, more spinning.  

Since last Friday, we have breathed, lived and thought about this job offer, and how this would/could change our lives.  The things we had to think about - moving/housing, schools, daycare, community, family, friends, job (my job), picking up our entire lives, the opportunities we could have... the list goes on and on.  

Ryan's current employer knew about this job offer...  and wanted to talk.  He wanted to talk to us about Ryan's future with the firm and basically keeping him!  We met them Saturday evening for our 'dinner date for business' (from one of my previous posts)... we talked about his job, his future, the firm, the values/morale, etc. of the firm.  The dinner was great to be honest.  They are such amazing people.  

From there, more thinking and more talking was done.  We made a Pros/Cons list, hoping that would clear it all up, and we'd have an answer Saturday night!  No.  Even though, the Pros outplayed the Cons (Pros were leaning us to stay here) - we were still confused.  Do we take this amazing opportunity?  Do we move our family for a job that may not come up again? 

I don't think I've ever been so confused... So torn...  Ryan too.  I feel bad for him.  It's a big deal. 

The thing is - Ryan wasn't looking for a new job.  We decided a couple years ago (we were used to the traveling, and it was working ok for us), that he didn't need to look for a new job.  We were getting through it, we were adjusting and doing well.  Even after having Cora - we were good!  So...  basically, he's happy (has been very happy) with his current job.  He's never came home once (in the 8 years I've known him) and tell me he wasn't happy.  He's always enjoyed what he does, and really likes the firm.  (You don't get that very often!)

So with that...  after thinking, pondering, talking with family/some friends, and more thinking...  we decided today that staying in Des Moines is the best thing for us/for our family.  

I think we feel relieved?  I think!  ha.  It was just so much for us... for one week and just being overwhelmed.  But deep down, I believe we've made the best decision.  

So we aren't going anywhere!  (and I know a lot of people that are happy to hear that!)  ha.  :)