Reflections

Wow, what a week it's been. It's hard to think that 9 days have come and gone so fast. I remember thinking, "how could I be gone for so long?", but now as I'm about to venture home and it feels like a blure.

I am so incrediably grateful to Mike for letting me go for so long. It's amazing how much you take for grant the little things about your relationship. He amazes me!

My family and friends made me feel so loved. I think I got enough hugs from my neice and nephews to last me til Christmas. They are so funny, but there childlike maturity amazes me. They now wear boxers, have cell phones, can feel themselves and have a better volcabulary then me! You always wonder when you move, if they will remember you or love you the same. I can safely say, I think they and I love eachother more than ever!

I also felt blessed to have so much one-on-one time with the people I love the most. Mom and I tried our first Zumba class- absolutely hooked, Dad and I went golfing, Julie (my sister) and I went shopping and lunch, Gpa and I had our traditional breakfast, and Brady and Dillon spent the night. And to end the week, my sister hosted a family cookout.

I also got the reconnect with some of my dearest friends, Erica and Cindy. I love having friendships that can pick up right where they left off. Even though it's been months or years since we've seen eachother, our friendship stays the same.

I also had time to be quite. Riding my bike, running, sitting and listening to the wind chimes all gave me time to rest. I can't say my questions or prayers all got answered, but my soul is refreshed and renewed.

Every day was filled with something wonderful.

I am so thankful for the place Mike and I are in our lives. We love Raleigh, our friends, our church, or house, but Ohio will always be a place that feels like we belong.

The Golden Ladle will stay!

WE ARE NOT FOR SALE!!

The Raleigh prayer worked! We found out on Monday that Mike got one of the possible promotions in NC. I am so excited for him and opportunities this will bring. We feel that God spoke and we need to listen.
So, the golden ladle (had to be at the Superbowl party) will be past for another year! We are really excited to stay.
It was a roller coaster ride because we understand that this decision effects so many people and we really wanted to put our own desires aside and focus on where God wants us. For now, it's Raleigh! Thank you for all your prayers, advice and patience. We have a wonderful family in Ohio and Raleigh. We love you all so much and are so thankful to share life with you!

Chapters

"The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number."

Are you at a point in your life where you have many "options" but no answers?

That's how I feel. As many people know, our house is for sale and we are hoping to move back up to Ohio. Yes, I said it and meant it, we are HOPING to move. I wasn't as thrilled with the idea at first, but after spending Christmas alone (Mike, Lucy and I), I realized how much I need my family in my life and I don't want to miss anymore moments without them.
So, I'm the kind of person that makes up her mind and then does it. I don't like waiting for things. Now that I want to go, I want to go. I like that quote because it reminded me that this "Raleigh Chapter" in my life is something I need to be cherishing. My friendships, job, home, all could change soon.
I learned of a persons death today. I didn't know him personally, but prayed for him a lot. It was a sudden death and he left behind a wife and son. It's funny how death refocuses me. You would think in my line of work that I would be reminded of it daily. But I forget and end up wasting so many moments of my life. Our time here on earth is numbered. I think if I lived with a more heaven bound attitude I wouldn't have very many "bad" days. So cheers to life's adventures, the gift of time and the journey that's ahead! I love this chapter of my life!
Love Yah!