Change is in the air

Well, here it is. My very last day of my time off with my family. That year-and-a-half flew by! It just seems like yesterday we were preparing for baby Natalie to arrive. Now I return to my art teaching job with a 16 month precious girl and a 3 year old spirited boy. Time sure does fly by. Of course I'm very sad to leave this life behind, but I trust that God is there "through the calm and through the storm." I've been so blessed to be a part of my kid's childhood for just a bit. This past year was easy, relaxing and beautiful as I made a home and watched my family thrive. I pray that we still thrive as we enter this next season. Although it seems crazy for me to make this choice to return to work, I will admit that this is something I feel that I am supposed to do. The financial part will be nice (someday, when I'm not paying for daycare). It's more than that though. I feel a strong sense of purpose where I'm going. I know that is where God wants me. I don't know why, but I do know that 1. There are so many kids there that need to be loved 2. Someday my kids and their cousins will come there too! 3. This year, I am blessed with Fridays off! Cheers to the past year's blessings, and now to moving forward! Here are some pictures of how we spent our last few weeks.

Dillan's first hike! He was such a trooper. We loved watching him have so much fun.

Playing in the Old Town splash park

Mommy and Daddy get a night out! We met up with our friends, Adam and Kim Fisher, had an amazing dinner and went to the Comedy club down in Denver.

The weird thing about being a parent is that you suddenly find yourself being overwhelmingly proud of your child for very insignificant things. Last Tuesday I took Dillan to the transportation event at Centerra to go on a train ride. To my surprise, I realized parents were not allowed on the train with their kids. (Thank goodness, there is no way I'd fit into that little cart.) In a quick moment of panic (expecting Dillan to refuse to go without me) I explained how he would have to be a big boy and go alone. Well, guess what. He did. Without a tear, he climbed in the cart, and gave me an uneasy look, and off he rode. He frequently glanced my direction to make sure I was witnessing such bravery, and I made a point to cheer and wave profusely. As the train disappeared into the crowd, I thought, 'Well, this is it. This marks the beginning of learning to let him go.' I'm so proud to be his mom.