culdesac

Did I tell you our new house sits in the back of a culdesac?

Even on a rainy morning she is loving to "drive the circle". 

  "Mom come take a picture of the worms in the circle."
No I didn't leave the porch...it was raining.  :)  Oddly enough she was the only kid out in the rain...silly girl.

10287

When we moved here we owned a queen sized bed, a love seat and a arm chair.
Everything that was "us" fit on a flat bed trailer and mostly consisted of plants, some of which I still have.

We have become SO much more since then first days here at 10287 we have grown in every way.  I think everyday that first week the RC Willey truck came.  First the washer and dryer, then the fridge and couch set.  We also filled our home with family.  All three of the girls were born here.  They took there first steps across these floors, met their friends in this neighborhood, discovered their likes and dislikes.  This house has seen so much joy,  Our families have met here often to celebrate, to play, to learn, or to enjoy "the game".  This house has also been our protector when we had to meet to shed some tears, heal heart break and work through sorrow, to feel safe together under this roof.
The safe umbrella expanded as we ventured out to the neighborhood, my girls have run into our neighbors homes as if it were their own more than I can count feeling just as loved, just as needed and just as protected.  Not only were my kids loved but Casey and I have made friendships we hope to have forever.  Friends we have served and been served by.  The lessons we have learned by their simple example have helped our family grow.

Needless to say our time here at 10287 has been priceless,
Casey and I arrived here just two young kids, thinking we had the world by the tail.
We leave here 11 years later knowing we haven't even come close to figuring  "it" out  yet, but we are so much better for spending these years here.
Thank you 10287 for teaching us, helping us, even protecting us through the hardest of times.
Our memories of our first home here will always be cherished.

748 you have big shoes to fill....lets make you a home.

prayer rocks

We went to the canyon Monday to paint prayer rocks with a few of our favorites...

We ate hot-dogs, and peaches while we told our stories, huddled around the fire, and played with glow sticks  in the fading sunlight.

A perfect way to welcome fall, and the cooler temps.

Oh and we celebrated a couple of birthdays too.

Thanks for organizing a fun night Paige!
 

peaches

Mr. Allred might be driving me crazy, he probably won't be remembered fondly after this experience but I have to say his procrastination made it so we are able to enjoy one last harvest of the peach tree.

Well done again, my favorite tree.
fresh peaches....the blessing of today

summer lovin'

While driving home from gymnastics Courtney and I were talking about inappropriate movies we loved.  Grease is a totally classic in my book.  Since then I can't get it out of my head.  So I dug up the CD and have played in the car, in the house... Listening and lets be honest singing my guts out everywhere.
No don't change who you are for a boy, No don't let your friends pressure you to change your standards,  Yes it is OK to stand out as different.
Hopefully these messages sail over the girls heads, just as it did mine when I was younger, sailing over with a catchy beat :)

Music that makes me dance, sing and yes smile....the blessing of today.

perspective

When things get overwhelming it is time to count your blessings...
and gain perspective.

How grateful I am for a friend who sees a hard situation and acts.  Could I have made dinner for my family, absolutely.  But she knew it was a hard day and she made it feel better.
Thank you!
Friends...the blessing of today.

labor day

Otherwise know as denial weekend!
We had to opportunity last minute to camp Willow Lake with some neighborhood friends and we took it.
Played woofle ball with a amazing view for a backdrop.  I love how anxious and ready the outfielders look awaiting the big hit.

 Many hands make light work!  I was so impressed with how well the kids worked and played together using what was available to create such fun games.   The fishing was amazing... or so I saw, I never went fishing but I saw the fish coming into camp, canoe rides and a waterfall too.  Bike riding and a abundance of good food.  Don't forget Marin's amazing campfire stories and Courtney's gourmet smores!

 After two nights with neighbors we headed over to the next mountain to join family at the annual Labor day weekend get away.  We filled these two days with wheeler rides and marshmallows too.

 Drove over to check out the damage the summer fires left.

 Such a contrast line amazing how you could see the fire line circling cabins that were saved.

 And looked at some that weren't able to be saved.

 Thankfully cleaning the trailer is as fun as camping in it.  Ok not really but we were caught in some rainstorms and the mud was somewhat hard to get off this time.  Add a swimsuit and it becomes fun...

All and all we accomplished what we set out to do we relaxed, laughed, got a little dirty and made memories to last.
Not to mention blew a transmission, found out a Rhino side by side can pull a Ford truck up a hill with a wench. Ok Casey never doubted it but I didn't think it would work. Rammed a log through the floorboard of the before mentioned rhino... Blew a vent right off the top of the trailer, stopped up the toilet so it couldn't be drained.  Locked the keys inside Grandpas truck that saved us from being stranded on the mountain and spent 2 hours trying to figure out what to do about that.  Finally, we climbed into bed glad to be home.  Turns out camping might be more tricky than we thought.  :)
Unfortunately denial is over...lets get packing.