"Oh a hunting we will go!"

The house hunting has officially begun! Well, sort of.

Adam brought home a Homes & Land magazine yesterday. He had torn out a picture of "a favorite" he eyed earlier in the day. I must say, he has very good taste. :) I'm relieved he & I have the same wants as far as "the" house goes. We are looking for a quaint, cute, little starter home...I cannot wait to get my hands (& my Pottery Barn magazines) on whatever we choose! :P I have been saving pics of ideas I've found for decor, etc. & I'm more than ready to use them!

This summer, we plan on getting everything ready to go (i.e., approvals, etc). I'm very much looking forward to this time in our lives. Granted, I'm extremely thankful we are living "rent free" and have a chance to save some moo-laa, I'm still ready to have our "own" place. I'm ready to "make it ours" and come "home."

So for now, the bows are out & the arrows are sharpened...the hunt is on!

"Chance made us sisters...

...hearts made us friends."

Adam & I just got home from our niece's T-ball game. What fun! :) I feel so blessed to have Mattie & Nathan as a niece and nephew. It fills my heart with joy to see these beautiful babies growing into amazing children. It is no doubt Matt & Vikki are doing an incredible job.

Moreover, I feel at peace & so blessed to have my new sister-in-law. I know she will be reading this, and I hope she understands what I'm about to say.

I want to thank her for being her, for sharing her thoughts, and listening to mine. We married two wonderful brothers who grew up sharing the same background & experiences. Even though Vikki & I were not together for our experiences growing up, we have so much in common it's as if we did. It's calming to know she understands me. I can share things with her no one else, even my precious husband, can comprehend. It's not everyday you get a chance to build relationships with "in-laws" to the extent she & I are building...

I know no matter what, she will be there to listen & enjoy some sushi every now & then, since the bros would never branch out to try such a thing! :)

I am grateful to call her sister, but most of all, my friend. I love you & thanks.

Rebirth

Time flies when you're having fun! So cliche', I know, I know...
As much as this blog soothes my soul, I have been so busy the past few weeks I haven't had a chance to sit & type!

It's crazy how three weeks will just slip away. Anywho, I'm very grateful to be back on the blogger bandwagon, once more, & I chose today to relieve some stress.

Two years ago, my family & I went through one of the most traumatic experiences of our lives. I will preface using some words from my amazing mother...

"One day, not so very long ago, a beautiful fairy princess was born to a silly little village girl. The silly village mama watched in wonder as her baby grew up very quickly. She continued to grow in grace and with joy and when the evil dragon came to the village, her beauty and dignity remained unchanged. The princess danced and twirled and lived and continued to fill the world with more magic than it ever knew before."

The evil dragon turns 50 today. It is his birthday. It is a day we celebrated many times before. Now, I wonder, "Do they even acknowledge birthdays in prison?" I doubt it. My heart sinks. My stomach is in knots. I feel sorry for him. I know, strange. But in some intangible form, I forgive him. I have tried to keep my dignity, heart, and life afloat. I hope I have succeeded. I am now a wife, a daughter, a sister, a teacher...no longer am I a victim.

Life is glorious now. My family is peaceful. I am grateful. I am strong. Today, no longer will we celebrate his birthday...we will celebrate our "rebirth."