Breck, our kind of town

Turns out I didn't have many stories for Scott on our ride up the mountain. We got a late start due to Tennison feeling crummy. We were tired, but thankful we both got to go. On our way up the mountain we stopped at Qdoba for dinner. A very kind teenage girl informed me I had paraded through the restaurant with t.p. on my rear, nice.

I'm not a retreat person... at all. I never have been, doubt I ever will be. Scott is a retreat person... completely. What I do like about this retreat: I like my husbands company, the mountains are beautiful in September, the Breckenridge scenery is amazing, and I didn't have to cook 6 meals in a row. Can I get a hallelujah?

They're probably from Texas.

Yep, definitely Texas.

Wow!

Without the kids and them holding their breath through the tunnel,

the Eisenhower wasn't as exciting.

Those dang beetle bugs are killin' our trees...

But not all of them.

Tennison would have loved this!

In all of the years we've gone to Breck, we've never spent time at their marina. In all honesty, it seems like such an unlikely place to go sailing. But really, it is such a beautiful setting... these people are on to something.

We really do live in the best place!

We survived another retreat. We went home exhausted and stuffed, but we had fun together and with the staff. We also got to see another side of our favorite mountain town. We'll be back for sure!

What does this mean?

Scott and I are heading to Breckenridge for a pastoral team retreat. We decided to drive in our own car instead of a church van with other staff. When Scott informed me of this decision he emailed me this:  Nothing like car time with you with NO interruptions so you can finish a story you want me to hearJ

As I read it I started laughing. I guess I wasn't sure what that meant. Did he mean: You have so many stories I'm just going to sit, drive, listen and nod my head? Or did he mean: Good thing I'll be sitting upright so I can't fall asleep listening to your stories? Or did he mean: We will be alone for 2 hours so I can listen without little people talking over you? I'm thinking it is a good combo of the three. I do appreciate his willingness to listen, even if he doesn't have a choice while he's locked in for 2 hours!!

Finalization

Last Wednesday we took the kids out of school, headed into Old Town and joined the Mayeda's for a very important day. September 7th was the finalization, the day the judged announced that Ryan & Kim are legally Makyla's parents, and our littlest friend is officially Makyla Joy Mayeda.

Waiting in the lobby to head into court.

The judge.

Miss Bouncy was enjoying the attention.

They were all checking to make sure the birth certificate was correct.

What, did one of my adoring fans need something?

Makyla's signature look, a nice big flower headband.

 

So proud to hold the gavel.

Her fans sitting in the jurors seats.

 

Who would have thought we'd be a part of something like this?

One happy Mayeda!

When Makyla came into our lives at 2 days old, we felt like God gave us this gift to take care of, love on, and pray for, for the time He gave her to us. The best gift we got in return is a friendship with Ryan & Kim to last a lifetime. When we were sad thinking we had to "let her go", we didn't need to be. 



You are a true JOY to all of us Makyla Joy.

9/11 Ten years Later

What does 9/11 mean to you? Can you remember where you were when it happened? I was working out and the TV I was watching had on the Today Show. I clearly remember Katie Couric's somber face as she reported the news. I remember calling Scott from the gym telling him to turn on the television. It didn't seem real, it seemed like I was watching a movie.

We were scheduled to go on a dream trip to the East Coast in October. Out of fear I didn't want to leave my then 3 year old and 16 month old daughters. We made the trip. We flew into Boston and were welcomed by men in military uniforms holding some kind of machine gun. We came home safely.

In time our paths crossed with some amazing friends, Craig and Renee Woodall. Craig's brother Brent died in the towers. Renee sent us a link to a very special tribute to Brent. You can check it out at www.csnbayarea.com , look around for the name Woodall. He left behind his immediate family as well as his pregnant wife. Grief. Craig is "the face" of 9/11 in our community and has taken that on with grace. He is in New York this weekend with his oldest daughter, along with his mom and sister to attend the memorial. Please pray alongside Scott and I, and his wife Renee. Prayer for safety and for peace in their hearts. Prayer that fear doesn't take over.

It will be an emotional time tomorrow visiting the memorial. Please keep them and the others there in your thoughts.

Reagan Loves Her Daddy

Reagan created a video for Scott's birthday and I thought I'd share it with you all. It made Scott cry! Click on Happy Birthday!!! and then click on the link. Enjoy seeing Scott as a little dude.

Happy Birthday!!!