Shot of the Day

Home...

I found myself saying "back home" a lot on our trip to Utah. But as soon as I'd say it, I'd almost catch myself. Like it didn't sound right or something. Maybe it's because I don't really know where home is sometimes. I think for me, home is not a location necessarily, but more of who I am surrounded by. Whether that is North Carolina, Utah, or anywhere else, where the three of us (well four if you count Brandy!)are, that is ultimately where my home is.

Returning to Utah last week was so wonderful, just so comfortable, being there among the friends that felt like family to us. I didn't want to feel that way, like I could move back there at any moment, but I did. And Wes did, too. I couldn't help but shed some tears as we flew in, and as we left. I'm not really sure what this means, but I know that the time we lived there was life-changing, in so many ways. We had Abbie out in Utah. We were a teeny tiny part of planting a church while we lived there, which was actually huge for us considering we'd barely even had a church home before we moved out west. We learned things about ourselves and became stronger people in the end. We experienced a religion and culture that is very hard to describe and comprehend even, yet those people tugged at our hearts and still do. It's a special place, an unexpectedly special place, and we are forever changed because of it.

Before we go...

I wanted to let you all know that we are no longer faced with the decision that I blogged about a week or so ago - that door has been shut, and although I was a little sad at first, I am good with everything now.

So moving on....We are heading to Charlotte tomorrow night to stay with the Gordons, and then Thursday morning flying to Salt Lake City to spend time with our "old" friends out there. We are very excited for the much needed break! It has been a LONG winter...

"See" you when we get back!!

Happy Birthday to this awesome man right here....

We love you.

Your girls,

Shannon, Abbie, and Brandy

Dear God,
Please give me the strength to fulfill the dreams and goals You have placed in my heart.

What a powerful prayer. Some of you sent me emails and commented on my last post, and unfortunately I don't have any updates right now, but I ran across this devotion today and just thought it was worth sharing. Whatever the outcome is, these words and this prayer are very applicable. In every situation, in every decision...

There will always be a sacrifice of something when we desire to move forward in an area of our lives. Goals are exciting. Possibility of change is alluring. Sacrifice is hard, but worth it in the big picture of our lives.

We all have decisions to make, some large, some small. Sometimes everything falls into place, and sometimes it doesn't. If you have peace in your heart I believe you are where you are supposed to be. But if you feel like there is something pulling you in another direction, then there is probably something more out there that you are missing.

Something to think about!

LOVE

I am loving this stage w/ Abbie. Loving it. Maybe it's because she's been sleeping through the night for a few months now, and she's not fighting naps like she used to, and she is sleeping in, for her anyways. Man, I guess I didn't realize how unhappy the whole sleep thing was making me - but it is wonderful when you don't have to go to bed and wonder what time you are going to be woken up in the middle of the night. So anyways, I love this age. Even just a few weeks ago, I was feeling the terrible twos come on, and fast. But now, it seems she has reverted back to her sweet self. She still has a mind of her own, but she listens better and is not so adamant about getting her way. It's like she understands more, or something like that.

As for Wes and I, well, we might be making some important decisions soon. I'll share more later, but for now, let me just say I'm excited about what the year might bring.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

Where are we??

So Wes and I have pretty much decided that we brought the snow/cold weather with us when we moved back to NC. It's been a crazy winter, but the snow has been pretty. And we have been very fortunate to have not lost power so we can't complain. Abbie loves the snow, and today we went shopping for some good warm, waterproof gear for her to wear in it! Now she'll be prepared for our trip to UT next month!