How do I follow up that last post?

So...that was fun (she says sarcastically).

Honestly, I had no idea I would get such strong reactions from people on my last post.  All I want is for some education, & consistent policies.  I am happy to say that I have started a dialogue with the CEO of our local YMCA's, and am hopeful for a positive change.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled blogging :)

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The last week of June, my parents and my niece came to visit.  This was a very special visit as my parents are getting ready to leave for the Philippines for the next 2 years.  They are going on a mission for our church, so this was the last time the kids will see them until they return.

We packed as much as we could into the 7 days they were here.  But mostly it was a lot of snuggling, eating, playing, laughing, and memory making!

Grandpa playing "Family" with Libby

I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I wish I had.  But, isn't that often the case?  While my folks were here, we took the opportunity for my Dad to help Jeremy bless Elliott.  He is the first one of our children to be blessed and not have family around.  We were really grateful that my Parents were here for that.

So glad you were able to come visit Mom, Dad, and K.C.  Love you and we can't wait to see you again in 2 years!!!!

**Be sure to check out my Get Carded challenge with Hallmark!

My Home

Last summer, I wrote a post about home.  It has always been something I've struggled with, "Where are you from?".  This is something that I have to stop and think about.  I have lived in many different places and always lamented that I wasn't from anywhere.

I always wanted to live in the same town for all of my children's lives.  I wanted them to graduate from High School with the same people they went to Kindergarten with.  I wanted them to feel like they belonged to a community.  I wanted them to be from somewhere.

As we are anticipating our move my heart breaks a bit for my children.  They won't grow up with the same people that they have known their entire lives.  They won't have memories of just 1 house, but many houses.  They won't be from anywhere either.

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Nine years ago today I married my sweetheart.  I wore a beautiful dress, he wore a handsome suit, we promised forever and it was done.  We laughed, we celebrated, we loved.

He is my constant, he is my rock, he is my best friend, he is my everything.

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As I have been contemplating my feelings about this move, I have realized that really it doesn't matter where we live, as long as we are together.  My family is my home.  Wherever they are, I am home.

I hope to teach my children this so that they don't go through their lives feeling as if they don't belong because they will always belong in the most important place of all - H O M E.

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I love you Jeremy Dirk.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  You are my favorite.  You are my home.