Taking a cue from my younger sister...

Greetings from Colorado!!

Well I think it's about time to jump on the bandwagon... try out this blogging thing for myself. I've had so much fun checking in with friends and family- getting a sort of window into their lives. I feel like I've become completely out of touch with so many people... that perhaps this is a way to keep the lines of communication open...

I've just recently returned from my trip back to the midwest... where I got to meet my gorgeous niece... and visit with my sister and brother-in-law... and I loved every minute of it... Got to sip on Starbucks with my amazing sister and hold my ever-sleeping niece... :) This photo is not the greatest of me-(and I must disclose it is pre-Caroline) but isn't she adorable???? I tried to explain to Ella- to my sister's dismay- that she should wake up more... and not sleep so much... (I don't think Meghan appreciated that too much!!) ...but I just wanted to look into those beautiful eyes a little more!!

I was also able to visit with a few friends. My friend, and a new 8th grade graduate, Ashley let me bunk in with her for the time I was in town. Kelli and Al were the perfect hosts!!! I got to take a ride-along with my friend Annie - just like old times... and had the rare opportunity to spend a whole day with my favorite hair stylist (and cousin) Caroline... :) She's got that amazing gift of making you feel absolutely beautiful!! There is no one like her anywhere in Colorado...

I was able to spend some time with my grand-parents who have just moved to the Chicagoland area after 40 plus years of living in Kentucky... I was able to come in for the fun stuff (hanging pictures and organizing) - after all the hard work was done! :) They are doing amazingly well!

My parents are as busy as ever- helping my grand-parents, renovating their home... and working constantly... For some reason I was under the impression that retirement meant you earned a bit of rest in the second half of one's life... Apparently I was misinformed!!

Coming back to Colorado was a little bitter sweet... I still love it here- the amazing views of mountains and the wonderful weather... but I was reminded what a blessing time with my family and friends is... Road trips have become a bit too expensive to take as frequently as I'd like...

I've found a wonderful life here in Colorado... My pack of dogs seem to love the lack of humidity on their joints... I have made many new friends... who have helped get me through some tough times. My job is challenging and I'm back in the Law Enforcement arena- which I love. It's definitely not the same as Western Springs... I miss that close knit family feeling of the small department... I don't believe I will ever find a job I love as much as I loved it there... Life is funny when you look back on it.

I do believe there is a reason for everything... and sometimes God let's us in on His plan... giving us little glimpses of the whys and why nots of life. I am so thankful for this life He's given me. For the gifts of friendships, experiences, losses, and life itself... As difficult as this most recent chapter of life has been- He found the perfect backdrop for it... I'm not sure I'll ever understand why things happened the way they did... but I do know that it's in His hands. He hasn't let me fall yet!