When we moved back to the Northwest almost 10 years ago, I left Charlotte, North Carolina kicking and screaming. We had started our family, made good friends, were involved in a great church and lived in a desirable neighborhood. We were settled. Going back to where I went to college was never on the radar. I did not have a stellar university experience and returning to a place of many unpleasant memories never made it to the top of my goal sheet. God clearly had other plans.


In September 2000, we were visiting family and friends here when we bumped into a former colleague of mine from Charlotte. My husband had been unexpectedly removed from his partnership two weeks earlier, but moving away wasn't even a consideration. As we caught up with Jim, and he handed Trey his card with the words "shoot me your resume", I knew in my heart it was a done deal. Three weeks later Trey had a job offer in hand and we relocated before we knew what hit us.


The story went from bad to worse within days of arriving here but I won't get into the details. The first year back on the west coast was pretty miserable. Everyone expected me to be so glad I was "back home". Only the problem was I considered Charlotte my home. I couldn't tell anyone I longed to return to the southeast lest they be offended at their own choices to live here. I was lonely and sad and refused to even look for an ounce of good in my circumstances. As time went on and several job changes and moves ensued I believed that this town was cursed--or we were. As I matured and grew in my walk with God I learned to find contentment and peace in the here and now. I could not deny this was His plan to move us here but that didn't mean I couldn't plan my escape. And I did. In my mind.



As we endured dark, dreary winter after winter, and watched the cost of housing skyrocket, I questioned God's wisdom in putting us somewhere that would wreak havoc on my husband's career and confidence. Somewhere that was not conducive to raising three "outdoor" boys. Somewhere that the culture is juxtaposed to our values. Somewhere that has more espresso stands on every street corner instead of churches. I constantly compared what our life could be like if we lived somewhere that had nice weather for most of the year, we could buy a house on one income and we'd reside in a "red state" not a blue one.


Last month when the boys and I returned to our former "stomping ground" I knew, within two hours, that this was no longer the place for us. It was wonderful to see our friends and show the kids our old house but that's where it ended. I realized that Charlotte hadn't changed. But I had. Everyone has big, beautiful homes, stable careers and all the other luxuries I've had to sacrifice for the last decade. All the things I've pined away for since leaving in January 2001. And yet as I left there it dawned on me that God knew exactly what He was doing--and then some. If we had stayed there, and everything had gone our way, those items I previously mentioned would be controlling my world. I know how I am.


Although this town has not been lucrative for Trey's career, we use our umbrellas more than our sunglasses, we'll probably be renting for the foreseeable future, and we have had more downs than ups, I would not trade it for all that Charlotte has to offer. We would not have the rich family life, close friendships and walk with God we enjoy today if my plan had panned out. I can see now that God was protecting us from ourselves. And we are right where we need to be. Home Sweet Home.

It's been 12 days since the school year began and, thankfully, we seem to be on the other side of the adjustment period. At the end of week one I started to fret about my own upcoming school year. Originally I registered for one 5 credit class online and one 5 credit class on campus. The plan was to attend class MWF and work on Tuesday and Thursday. Two weeks ago I learned that I do not qualify for financial aid--of any kind. I hoped that once I was officially admitted to a "higher learning institution", and I submitted our (pathetic) 2009 tax return, that the rest would be history. Apparently not. That would be too easy. Because I am not following a traditional course of action, i.e.: pursuing an AA or other "approved" program that even a student loan was not an option. Sigh.

I find it quite ironic that I worked all the way through pursuing my Bachelor's, stayed home for most of the last 13 years and am now back in the workforce again as I return to school. When I went back to work it was simply to help with the increasing grocery bill and never-ending sports' costs. Little did I know that the day I started this job I would also be applying to the college of education. I added some more hours this summer (bad idea) to cover tuition. As I looked at the cost of 10 credits, the boys' sports schedule and my work schedule I knew something had to give. My dear friend Julie asked me "what's the hurry? The important part is that you are pursuing your dream. There doesn't need to be a timeline on this." Such profound words and yet so simple. Why was I putting this pressure on myself to get out in a certain period of time? Those voices from 20 years ago have been haunting me since I started down this path. I am not 20 years old. My parents are not footing the bill. I know what I want but I also have a family who needs me to be present during this season. And the reality is that I can't earn enough part-time to cover a full load the next two quarters.

I knew what I needed to do. I went to the computer, logged on to the college's website and deleted the on-campus class. Immediately, a weight lifted off my shoulders and peace flooded my heart. Julie is right. I don't need to be in a hurry. But I do need to keep the momentum of my summer quarter success (I got an "A"!) and not be distracted by all the responsibilities--both real and self-imposed.

Here's to Fall quarter 2010.

Twelve years ago today at 3:43 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, another bouncing baby boy joined our family. This boy is well on his way to becoming a fine young man--and one I am totally crazy about. He brings stability, common sense and adventure to all he does and his exuberance for life and crazy independent streak make him one in a million.

The 2010-11 school year began on Tuesday with much anticipation and trepidation. As is typically the case this time of year, everyone is ready to get back to routine and schedules--especially Mom. This particular September I wasn't as anxious for them to go. Working and going to school this summer did not leave a lot of quality time for us and I didn't get much of a chance to be tired of them. Although they were certainly tired of each other. Plus there were so many changes ahead for everyone. Three kids in three different schools all over town was not the original plan. Last year's middle school fire and Ben's crummy experience at the public elementary school changed that scenario for us. Quinn's class is at a middle school 20 minutes south of us which involves 45 minutes of bus rides each way. Ian's class is at an elementary school 15 minutes east which also involves two bus trips 0r mom driving her non-morning kid. Ben moved to our local Christian school which offers no bus and the mornings are too unpredictable for so many families that a carpool was not an option. Afternoons are a different story, thankfully.

As it turns out, the child I was worried about the most is the happiest and the one I was worried about the least is the most miserable. Quinn has a great group of teachers but no friends in his classes. (we all know how devastating that is to a 13 yr. old) The one teacher I thought Ian would love is "boring and too old" and the pace of middle school math brought him to tears as he tried to share about his day. Ben expressed displeasure all summer about having to change schools and this is the kid who has been grinning from ear to ear all week! Because the school is so small, and has no cafeteria, the students have lunch in their classrooms. Not realizing the reasons why, Ben thinks this is a total perk. "Guess what! We GET TO eat at our desks!" were the first words out of his mouth. Ahhh. At least someone is happy.

By Friday I was wiped out and questioning my wisdom. Should I homeschool Ian? Should we move Quinn to Ben's school? Is anyone ever going to be happy around here? Maybe I should put my own school plans on the backburner until things calm down and everyone's adjusted? Last night I picked up the week's mail and I saw an envelope with a stamp on it. That usually means it's not a bill but instead something happy. Boy did I need "happy". Inside was the sweetest card from my mother-in-law with words that were a gift straight from Heaven. The outside read: "There is simply nothing else in the world more valuable than what you do every day as a mom. Inside it said: "You're doing beautifully--I pray He continues to bless you with wisdom and love." She signed it: "thinking of you and knowing God is pleased. I love you!"

Here's to week 2!

Ian (6th grade) and Ben (3rd grade)

Quinn (8th grade)

Our last 3 days at Camp Erickson were filled with fun, sun and water galore not to mention amazing meals, wonderful conversation and lots of laughter. We are so thankful to our Camp Directors who gave us an unforgettable experience.

My sweet, fun-loving cuz

After playing many rounds of Aggravation we decided it was aggravating

The outdoor pool at the fitness center. The indoors were just as amazing

Last night with the Camp Director Todd

Natalie wanted to be the "director" but Todd didn't look so good in pink

Fun with my boys

The inaguaral week of Camp Erickson

Ben loves his cousin!

Fun at Lake Altoona with their neighbor Savannah. How convenient she was Ian's age and super fun. Ian was quite smitten. Mom approves.

Ben and the Camp Director

Saturday morning we reluctantly packed up and left Hotel Pomilla for our 4 1/2 hour drive back to Natalie & Todd's. We made one pit stop in Greenville (halfway between Charlotte & Atlanta) to see an old playgroup friend and a dinner stop at none other than Chick-fil-A. After a grueling day on the road we pulled in to "Hotel Erickson" at 8:00 only to be greeted by warm hugs in the driveway and "We're so glad you're back!" from our hosts. Ahhhh. It was so good to be back "home".

This picture was supposed to be at the end-oops!

$1.00 Nutty Buddy's and padded pool. Ben was obviously crazy about this place.

One last visit with Auntie Katherine and baby Cooper.

On our first night in Georgia, Camp Erickson had been transformed into "Hotel Erickson." Todd & Natalie welcomed some good friends from their former home in Boulder to stay the next three nights. We decided this would be a good time to get Ian out of their hair and head up to Charlotte for a couple days. Being that it was our home almost 10 years ago, there was a huge part of me that desired to return to our old neighborhood and re-live those fond memories. We stayed with our good friends, the Pomillas, their sweet daughters and obnoxious dog. (she refers to him this way so it's okay that I did) They were fantastic hosts and the kids got along famously. Charlotte, on the other hand, has definitely lost its mystique for me. More on that later.

Had to take the usual boy pit stop

Our home where I brought home my first two babies. It looked much better when we owned it.

Ian giving Auntie Lisa a tutorial on Facebook. She still won't join.

Could these two look anymore unrelated?

I love this family!!

After a long, boring, first six weeks of summer, our family flew into high gear when August hit. After much anticipation four of the five of us set off on some adventures of our own starting with Ian boarding his first solo flight to Atlanta, Georgia. My cousin and her husband relocated there a couple years ago and they are among some of our favorite people in the world--and Ian in particular is especially fond of them. We searched high and low for a summer camp that would coincide with Ben's stint at Camp Firwood and speak to Ian's love of mountain biking. No such luck. Instead, he opted for "Camp Erickson". At this "camp" this middle child had the luxury of being the center of attention for an entire week. A Braves game, lazy days at the pool and waterslides and a new "friendship" with a fellow 11-year-old southern belle were some of his camp highlights. Then Ben and I had to arrive and bring a dose of reality.

After a red-eye flight in which only one party slept (guess who) we were greeted by Natalie's beautiful smile at 7:00 a.m. We arrived back at their house in Woodstock and attempted to stay awake for the remainder of the day. The next morning, Mimi pulled in to their driveway and took us on a day of adventure through Atlanta. Being that she went to high school here and met Papa Jim at Georgia Tech, this town holds a special place in her heart. She treated us to a day at the Atlanta Aquarium (incredible), the Coca-Cola museum, Georgia Tech's campus and dinner at "The Varsity" complete with their world famous onion rings. It was a fabulous day.

With the Coca Cola polar bear. He would have melted in that 98 degree heat

The entrance to the Atlanta Aquarium

Welcome to Georgia!

Earlier this year Ben began the journey of losing teeth. Something I billed as his first rite of passage. Last Sunday he embarked on R.O. P. #2: sleep-away camp. The summer prior to entering 3rd grade is the age when kids can attend junior camp at Camp Firwood. You're dropped off on a Sunday afternoon and have no contact with the outside world for 7 whole days.
Hard to believe but this was Ben's year. It's funny how when his older brothers went, at the same age, it seemed perfectly appropriate. Yet, when we went to leave this time he seemed sooooo young and little and naive and, and, and......

Yet, it was clear I had nothing to fear. He jumped right in the water, passed the swim test, met his counselor, picked his bunk and waved us goodbye. I did get a message from my friend Val, (her hubby is the camp director) that said "I have a couple of sightings a day of a little blonde blur whirling past." The camp does post daily pictures on their website but I only saw one which tells me that the "blonde blur" didn't stop much to have his photo taken.

Right after the swim test

With his counselor "Voonderking"

His "home" for the next 7 days.

In his words: "the top bunk is the best!"