Going HOME

I've lived in many places through out my life, but only two make me say "home". One is the place of my birth, Port Angeles, WA. It still claims a piece of my heart. The way the waves roll into the shore. Sitting on a driftwood log and losing yourself to roll of the ocean. The way the salt air breeze feels against your cheeks. The cool rough sand under your feet. The trees that make you feel like you're being protected by stoic giants as you walk through the forest. The beauty of the mountains reaching toward the sky, purely majestic. I can go on..and on...and on. How could I not love that place that brings so many warm memories to my soul on those long nights, and days. Then, there is my "home", my St. George. I moved there with my mom after my parents divorce and went to college there for a while. It was then that I first realized that it had captured my soul somehow, and it was, for me, home. I was blessed enough to return to live there with my hubby and our children, and now as we are away for a while, it is the memories of the peace and belonging my soul feels when I am there, that keeps me looking forward, forward to the day when we can go "home" again. The red hills that hold beauty and mystery, the lush green in the desert, the beautiful temple on a hill in a valley, the crisp air that breathes life into you. I can't even put into words the way I feel when I'm there, other than to say, "I've gone home". The peace is almost palpable, it surrounds me and fills me. It is where I belong. There, with my family, that is home.
Here are some pictures I took while the kids and I were in St. George for two months this summer. The kids and I missed Mike horribly (he came for the 4th of July and we went to his HS reunion in AZ, then he came again the end of July and drove us home), but it was so wonderful to be in St. George, that it still tore at our hearts, especially mine, to leave.







It's not just the place I love so much though. It's our family and friends that really make it what it is. Here are some photos of the girls with their friends and our family and "family". We had a great time and can't wait to do it again...hopefully we'll be there for good this next time!

Back

We're back. We ended up staying in St. George longer than what we had planned. Mike flew up for the 4th of July and we went to his HS reunion in Arizona. Then, instead of driving home, he flew and the kids and I stayed for another. He flew up the last of July and then we headed out. So we got home Monday. I'll add pics and more later. I didn't have internet access while I was there, so sorry I didn't call Julie and Laura! I know, I'm lame, but time flies. We're hoping to be moved back there by the end of the year and I solemnly promise to see those that I missed while I was there! It was wonderful and I can't wait to move back "home"!

WOOHOOO!!!

Well, I didn't post this before I left because we wanted to surprise people, but the kids and I are in UT until the 3rd of July. I am SOOO happy to be here! So I promise I'll update when we get back. Ciao for now!

Our days

Lately it seems as though the above comic strip summarizes my days perfectly! I'm trying to keep the house "show ready", but am constantly diffusing potentially life threatening (in someones mind) situations. So today, I'm trying to "catch up" from the episodes of last week. I think I have 10 loads of laundry to do on top of the vacuuming, tidying, dishes, sweeping, scrubbing, and disaster patrol that has become my daily life. You know those tornado warnings I posted about, well, I don't think that my house would look any worse if one actually hit! I just have to laugh! It really is quite, well, comical. I should post a warning sign on my front door to people coming to look at the house, "WARNING: small objects may be strewn about in an unorganized fashion. Watch your step!" I know all of my faithful readers understand 100% what I'm talking about, so here's to you, the women who know (and admit) that their kids aren't perfect angels and that sometimes they do burn the dinner, and that some days their house does look like a national disaster area. You help me see the joy in the journey and help me enjoy the ride. Ladies, life is a roller coaster, so just throw up your arms and scream!

My quest

I am in search of the PERFECT chocolate chip cookie recipe. I have some that I really like, and I've tried many, but I have yet to find that "perfect" recipe for our family. I LOVE my Aunt Chris's chocolate chip cookies, but mine never turn out as good as hers. So I'm in search of my own perfect cookie for our family. If you have a chocolate chip cookie recipe that you love, please do share. Wish my luck on my quest!

My hard workin' man

This is a shout out to my great, wonderful, awesome, sweet, and totally hot husband! I love being able to work side by side with such a hard working man. He's always ready to get to work at home after he gets home from work. He takes such good care of us and he is always trying to make our yard look better (even in the dark)! I love how he helps around the house with whatever I ask him and he never complains...well, almost never. ;o) He is a wonderful father and improves every day. He is my best friend and I would be lost without him. I love you Mike!

The Visitor
This is the green, scaley, visitor we had hanging out on our front door last week. Macey thought he was great!







6 Months Old!
He's TRYING to sit up! He lasts for a few seconds and then is on his tummy playing and army crawling again. He is such a happy, good natured baby. He has started crawling to the playroom and into his sisters bedroom to be with them. Macey will get toys and bring them to wherever he is to play with him if he's not already with them. It's so cute. I love my kids!

Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow

Today...
We have had a HUGE storm just come through. We have been decreased from a tornado warning to a tornado watch until late this afternoon. At one point there was a tornado headed straight for our town at 40 mph. Holy cow. I was scared. Mike was at work and they had them move into the warehouse and Walmart had everyone move to the center of the store. The kids and I prayed REALLY hard. I'm really not enjoying this!
Yesterday...
Yesterday was May Day, and with it came a lot of memories. I used to take my Grammie and my Grandma flowers when I was little, so I called them and wished them both a happy May Day. My mom is the one who helped make this day special for me. She's the best mom ever. With all the memories of May Day, I started thinking of my friends. I've lived in many places in my life and I have made friends (and am still friends) with people from every place, but I think the friends that have influenced my life the most are the friends I made at PVTH. Every one has made me a better person. Brittany who helped me believe in myself, Kourtney is the kind of mom I want to be, I want to keep the Spirit in my home like Nicole, Gaylene who is like another mother to me, Kacie who helped me have fun and feel like I fit in when we first moved in, Michele always made me feel good, and Dana's friendship means more than I can put into words. Lora, Danielle, Leanne, LeAnn, Amanda, Anita, Tabitha, I could go on and on. Then there's the ladies in C. C. I don't think there's enough room in one post to name you all. You are all women who have helped me to see myself more clearly as a daughter of God and who have enriched my life beyond measure. I am so richly blessed to have you all for my friends. So thank you to all of you who have given me so much. I want to be like you when I grow up!
Tomorrow...
Tomorrow is a new day and I pray that I will be better tomorrow than I am today. We will strive continually to do the Lord's will and look forward to the day that we can be back with all of you! We are selling our house and I know that the Lord will provide the way for us to be back where we belong.