Some Thoughts About Home....Feeling Sentimental

I've got my memories always inside of me
But I can't go back; Back to how it was
I believe now I've seen too much
But I can't go back; Back to how it was
Created for a place I've never known

This is home
Now I'm finally Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching For a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery...I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back; Back to how it was
And I got my heart Set on What happens next
I got my eyes wide It's not over yet
We are miracles And we're not alone
And now after all My searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see The sunset
I'm gonna call it home
Now I know Yeah, this is home
I've come too far Now I won't go back
This is home

lyrics by Switchfoot

Our oasis...

I had no idea when I met my husband that he had such a green thumb. He loves all things plants. We have lived in our house for four years now and he has change virtually every corner of our backyard. About a year after living here, my uncle, a landscape architect, drew up some plans for us while we were visiting them at their home in California. Gary just took off with the ideas and now, four years later, we have the most beautiful sanctuary. It has been quite a process, from breaking up concrete, to fixing drainage problems, but he has loved every minute of it...well, maybe not the drainage problems. We are so blessed to have him create such a wonderful retreat for us. Hailey has even taken on an affinity for backyard chores. She is great at helping with the planting and the watering. And we are just thrilled to see Hanna run around barefoot in the soft grass. Thanks Gary, for all of your hard work. We love it!

The ABC's of ME....

Since it is BACK TO SCHOOL TIME, I thought I would do this. I read it on Rachel's Enjoyable Journey. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy!

A. Attached or single? Attached...but usually fetching something for a small one...
B. Best friend? OF COURSE...
C. Cake or pie? Pie...hot...with ice cream
D. Day of choice? Thursday...it all started when it WAS a great TV night (Friends, Seinfeld, ER when it WAS good)
E. Essential item? Suddently, it has become my XM Radio...try Channel 18...Kenney Chesney all the time!
F. Favorite color? Pink...it's a girl thing
G. Gummy bears or worms? Not of fan of all things gummy
H. Home town? Grand Junction, CO
I. Favorite indulgence? a great date with my hubby
J. January or July? January....Hailey's birthday, Gary's birthday, the New Year, and Skiing!
K. Kids? Hailey and Hanna
L. Life isn't complete without? Gary, Hailey and Hanna...
M. Marriage date? July 15, 2000
N. Number of brothers and sisters? Two sisters...1 older, 1 younger
O. Oranges or apples? Apples...but only in the Fall when they taste the best
P. Phobias? A very busy Wal-Mart...which is why I shop at Target...but a busy Target....I could go crazy...
Q. Quotes? any verse from the Bible that speaks to your heart when you were least expecting it...God is in the whispers.
R. Reasons to smile? my family
S. Season of choice? Spring...great skiing, and great biking here in Colorado...AKA God's Country
T. Tag 5 people: You decide
U. Unknown fact about me? If I tell it won't be unknown...
V. Vegetable? OLATHA Sweet corn!
W. Worst habit? Dishes...
X. X-ray or ultrasound? X-rays far out number ultrasounds for me...knees beat children 4-1
Y. Your favorite food? Pizza...anytime, anywhere, anykind...
Z. Zodiac sign? Aquarius

First Day of School

Friday was Hailey's first day of 1st grade at her new school. She was very excited and had a great first day. Hailey is our little student. She absolutely loves to learn. Of course, back to school for the kiddos means back to work for Mommy. (insert sigh). We had a great summer, though. I think Camp Mommy was pretty okay...I had fun at least. Hanna also started at a new daycare a couple of weeks ago. The first day was a challenge, but now she goes in without any tears. She is such a trooper and has adjusted so well. We are so proud of our "little learners". Here's to a great year.
The "official" first day photo.
Sisters...so sweet!
What a pose...Hanna looks like such a big girl!
Walking in to school...ready to go...
Hailey, already hard at work in her classroom.

A Message of Hope

This is the interview with Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth that appeared recently on Good Morning America. I know that the grief they are experiencing is not a lonely grief. So many people have unfortunately lost a child in whatever sort of unfortunate way. It is just amazing to hear this family be so honest about their grief...and their hope. They are very blessed.
As I have heard before, " on this earth Maria Sue danced with a prince...Now, she dances with the King."
What a story of strength...and then of course, faith, hope and LOVE.
I hope you watch when you have a moment...and if you are inspired, the family is on Larry King Live on CNN tonight. (Check you local listings). God Bless.....