The September That Changed My Life

For Labor Day Weekend Cheryl and I decided to take a trip to North Carolina to meet our new niece Florence. It was a wonderful trip that allowed me to see Erik and Mariel's home and both of us to meet our sweet niece. We were able to see our first sunrise over the ocean which was a cool experience. We enjoyed learning about the Bellamy Mansion and played in the Atlantic ocean as well.

The Bellamy Mansion

Beaches in Wilmington, North Carolina 

Sunrise at Wrightsville Beach

Afternoon playtime at Fort Fisher State Park

Meeting sweet baby Florence!

Beautiful sights and playing in Porter's pool.

Upon returning back home I was waiting to exit the plane and I turned on my phone to see quite possibly the worst text I have ever received. It was from my friend Becca asking me if I had seen that our dear friend Tia had committed suicide that morning. There is nothing so heart wrenching as seeing the word suicide attached to the name of someone you dearly love. I know that must have been hard for her learning of that tragedy and not being able to get a hold of me to talk through her emotions with me. We were blessed to be able to go to the viewing on Friday night as well as the funeral on Saturday and then we were able to enjoy some time with the family the following Sunday. I was very grateful to them for allowing us to spend more time celebrating their sister and daughters life with them. There was a lot of laughter that brought great healing!

Tia's Funeral

These two events really took over my September but they brought me a lot of joy as well as growth. In addition to these events Marshal & I started a co-op preschool with our friends. We take turns having class at our houses and being the teacher. It has reminded me just how much I do enjoy teaching and has helped me to realize that I would like to return to it when all of my boys are in school. We also enjoyed a month of watching Cort and Marshal playing soccer. This was Marshal's first season playing soccer.

Preschool Fun

Soccer Season

Kids Fun

Finally I wanted to share some of my creative works. For far too long I have not held myself in high regard. I have tried so hard to please others that I have lost my ability to give myself the joy of being me and really truly expressing who I am. In my pursuits to change that I have rediscovered my love for nature and photography and I have spent more time trying to capture the beautiful world I see around me. It has been a wonderful rediscovery of myself.

A World of Beauty