Its been too long!

I haven't really felt the need to blog. Beside I am sure nobody ever checks it out anymore. But I thought I would do an update!~

Almost 10 months since I have moved and in 10 months so much can and has happened. All to benefit my growth. Whether I have enjoyed the whole ride or not.

I am headed to California today. (Happy Birthday, Nanna). And on Friday we are going to Disneyland. And as I have been planning this trip and thinking of my younger years of going to Disneyland, I realized that, life really is like a roller coaster!

How many of you have ever got on a ride and

a. didn't really want to

b. was really excited

c. didn't really know what you were getting into

d. was just following the crowd

e. all of the above

Every ride we have different feelings for. I used to love the tea cups because I liked the world spinning by at a blur, knowing I was safe in my cup and could decide how fast or slow I would go. I hated being trapped in the submarine ride where I was just stuck! No where to run and hide (that one they took out of the park, I think its Nemo now). I loved Tom Sawyer island where I could pretend to be whomever and had the freedom to run around and be free. One ride I like that wasn't a favorite for others was the safari. I loved being surprised by all the animals and being able to sit back and enjoy the scenery. A "can't miss" was Space Mountain. Until I took Payton with me and she screamed at me the entire time and wouldn't talk to me for an hour after, because her dad told her it wasn't scary (I got blamed). But I personally loved that ride. Knowing you were safe and secure and you flew through the darkness. The thrill of the unknown, but feeling confident it would all turn out you would be smiling the entire time! It may have been dark and you weren't in control, but it was easy to trust it would be full of laughs and screams and in the end, oh so worth it.

So, many different rides, just like life. And I feel like I have experienced them all in the last 10 months. Some I have really enjoyed, some I wish I could do with out, but I know they have helped me become who I am.

And to be perfectly honest, I like who I am now more than who I was 10 months ago. Not that I was a bad person by any means, but I am different! The Lord really does know which rollercoaster ride to put you on so that you get off feeling braver, happier and stronger! Sometimes your stomach dropping and your heart hopping can really strengthen you!

I owe a huge thanks to my Matt and Jenny's family for making the ride enjoyable. Living with Matt and Jenny as really blessed by life. I loved having the opportunity to watch a marriage that is full of love and friendship that I can't wait to find one for myself. They didn't just let me stay in their home but in there family. I was one of them, always included... dinner time, FHE, road trips (I even have my assigned seat in the suburban), movie time, walks. I have loved my time with my nieces.

Going on hikes with Kenna (she is an amazing listener and friend),

surprise visits from Avery as she independently ventured the stairs (with her wobbly 1 1/2 yr old legs) and threw my bedroom door open, just to hang out,

my little private chats with Kyla and wheeling and dealing,

And of course, making and eating sweets with my sweet Ellie.

Never a lonely moment with the girls around. But if they were all gone I always had Max to come hang out with me downstairs and watch t.v.. I think both Matt and Jenny might be ready for me to leave, Matt for stealing so much of his sweathearts time training for an Olympic Triathlon. And Jenny for making her train with me at 5am.

You know, actually, as I think about it..... everyone in my family has made the transition easier to this new place. I was invited to Jared's for dinner, and man Renee is an amazing cook. And anybody knows that Payton really knows how to welcome someone. A hug from her is worth a thousand hugs. And let me tell you those boys can keep you running and LAUGHING for hours. You can't help but be happy in their home.

Mom and Dad have been exceptional at checking in on me and making sure I am "ok" and taking my dogs. And with taking my dogs taking my worries about them. Even though Koda probably lost 20+ lbs, they were more worried about it than me, I think. Letting the pup into the home (1st dog to have permission) and taking great cares to try to get him to eat! They took care of my dogs better than I would have! They are really good at that... taking care of us kids. Doing far more than they should and expecting nothing in return. A quality I can learn better.

Have you ever notice how much they do for us kids. How much they go out of their way to make life easier and better. Even when we are ungrateful and unkind to them, they have given us so much that we could never repay them. Feeding, housing, cleaning up after us. It seems no matter our stage in life, they are coming through to help us out. A lot of time on their own dime, Even though they have spent the last 36 years working their tales off they sacrifice their savings and retirement to help us. Which they really don't have to, they should be sitting on a beach in Hawaii reading a book. But I guess that is the love of a parent. And I am so appreciative for their love, although I need to do better at returning it.