The nerve

I have only one left and I think there are people standing on it.

Exodus Out...of El Paso

I knew the day was going to come. I had been asked and even pleaded with. I am stubborn. I really don't like change. Actually I don't like change at all. I know DEEP in my heart that change is good, it is a time for growth and a time for renewing. It is also hard and it tends to stretch one's limits. That is the point, I guess.

So, Leon and I, Sheridan and baby Sawyer will be hauling all of our goods to the hot SW valley of Phoenix in June. It will be ok. I don't love the heat, but after the brutal winter storm that we had a couple of weeks ago, I choose warm over cold. I will embrace the new life and will "bloom where I am planted". I can do that!

But, we are not the only family members exiting this border town. Lauren, Derek and baby Titan will move to Georgia in June. I will sure miss being able to play with that little boy whenever I want to, seeing his sweet face and little teeth (with the gap in the middle) when he smiles at me. I hope they have a guest room...I have a feeling I will be there ALOT!!

Colin is the only one that is staying behind. He has moved out on his own and has a good job so he does not want to leave and have to start over. Good plan. We wish him lots of luck and happiness and safety here. We will miss him.

So, El Paso, there is a reason that we lived here for 5 1/2 years. We have loved and learned and grown. We have shared and laughed and cried. We are leaving here better people. Thank you for what you have taught us. We might miss you for a minute!

It's almost here...

It is almost Valentine's Day...my FAVORITE holiday. Is that weird? Probably. I decorate the house with hearts. Lots of hearts. Paper lantern hearts. Heart-shaped bowls. Hearts that hang. Heart clings. Even heart lights! I set out Valentine candy (that rarely makes it to V-Day!) and I bake sugar cookies and decorate them to give away (of course I have to taste them first to make sure they are fit to give away!)

When the kids were small "Cupid" would come and visit our house all day long on V-Day..and that night, he would ring the doorbell and leave their last goodies of the day on the doorstep! I miss those days.

Show more love. I am going to try and make everyday Valentine's Day!!!!

The ties that bind

Have you ever thought about the ties that bind? They are strong and they are persistent. They are patient and they are most definitely pulled on.

My Dad's sister ,Hannah, and her husband, Leo, both passed away in January, and not only that, they did it 2 days apart. Some people are so lucky! He has always said that he would not let her go without him, and that he didn't!!! I have often wondered about the bonds of love and I do believe that they are stronger than we recognize. We love them and their family. Until we meet again, Uncle Leo and Aunt Hannah!

But this is not all. My sister-in-law's parents died within a week of each other and she always comments about how it all went when her Dad got to Heaven. He most likely said "Oh, I can't be alone, I need my wife here." And he pulled.


I took care of a couple in Carlsbad and although she wasn't very old, she had been bed bound for years. He husband was much older than her. She contracted an infection and passed away. 5 days later, he, too was gone. And she pulled.

A neighbor lady of my mother-in-law had dementia. Her husband had a few health problems but nothing fatal. She passed away and 3 days later he passed. And she pulled.

Pure love. Strong love. Binding love. These are the ties that bind.