River Morning

It was a beautiful day for a water trip...between work and schooling we decided a trip to the river for an hour of play was in order before lunch today. Only five minutes from the house we are lucky we are able to go any time we want for a short or as long as we wish. We enjoyed the sun, the light breeze...we skipped rocks, talked and laughed a lot. It was a great time and much needed in between our recent move, unpacking, trips, errands and going back to schooling as well.

Napping on a rock in the sun with his feet in the cool crisp water! Fun day!

Out of Town

A little out of town time with family was much needed. It filled my heart full and confirms our moving back. There is nothing better than being close to family. Its good to be back home now to my husband and kids too...now we're just waiting 6 short weeks till we all get to go visit the family again. A few pictures from the trip...its always nice to visit the ocean, breathe in that salty air. Its just as relaxing as being surrounded by the forest in our last home. There are beautiful places every where.

Thankful

Today its been 2 weeks since we arrived back. At times I ask myself has it really only been 2 weeks? It seems like a different life time ago. It feels natural, an at home comfort to be back on familiar ground. We've already seen family and a lot of friends. We were only gone 5 almost 6 months. It was such a short period of time...even the kids say it was like we were on a long winter vacation. Being there and having that experience though will forever change us and I can say it was definitely for purpose and a reason God sent us there...we were able to be closer to God and know him better, to see the true kindness of people in our community, to experience good will towards others, to be closer as a family as we all spent the time there together- no outside school, no outside jobs/work- just togetherness, to see Gods beautiful worldly creations first hand- nature, animals, lakes, rivers and finally to know our hearts and the most important thing to them- family...our immediate 4 of us, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins...all of them. I would say the purpose of our venture was God. I know myself personally I have a much deeper connection and appreciation for the blessings I have been given...I am truly from my heart thankful for everything the Lord has provided us with and for our experience in Idaho.

As I stepped outside in our yard the other morning while the dogs went about before breakfast there was a calm. I gazed out upon the fields, the birds flying over head, the quiet of people still sleeping and it felt good. There is beauty in every place. I loved the tree's, nature and so many other things at the home we came from....but there are beautiful things here too and many things to be thankful for.

This week is moving forward with me heading out of town to see family for a short time then the kids getting back into a routine next week for some schooling. They were ecstatic to get their library cards back yesterday and we're nearly all unpacked as well. Feeling more settled into our new home and into a new family rhythm every day.

Our home in Idaho and our new home in Arizona...looking out the door....what different worlds...

May you find blessings and be thankful where ever you may be. God planted you there for a reason, trust him and have faith.

Water Time at the River

We've barely been here...and already ventured to the water. Still too cold for Momma, our daughter went in to her neck, our son to his knee's. He agree'd we should try the lake which for the most part seems to always be warmer or wait a little longer to swim in the river. The kids both enjoyed the sun and water on this beautiful day!

Excited for summer to come...

{this moment}

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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Linking from yesterday...to Soule Mama

Playing with make up...this beautiful young woman on the inside and out turns 15 in another couple months...where does the time go!?

Getting Settled

Slowly getting unpacked and settled its been a whirlwind of one thing after another this week. Not much time for extra sleep or relaxing but in a few weeks I know we'll all feel much more rested and much more at 'home'. Enjoying a quiet Sunday morning right now...listening to music, kids are reading and playing, hubbie is still sleeping as are the pups. I love slow moving mornings.

A few pictures of our home as we're getting unpacked and finding places for things and getting furniture moved in. Our son already enjoying playing outdoors and getting dirty as well as making neighbor friends. 

 Half of the front room for our office and school room...starting to get unpacked and get it ready to go back to 'school' soon.

 Front of house and garage...after some weed eating and cleaning our kids want to plant flowers and herbs in the planter to brighten things up!

 Side yard

 Pups fenced yard...loving the shade tree's for them.

 Side enclosed patio for the small animals...for now..

Still feeling incredibly blessed to have found a rental that will allow us all our dogs, chickens, pigeons, guinea pigs and rabbits...as well as any other animal we want to add on!

ID to AZ

This morning, Thursday I'm thankful to be in Arizona. I'm feeling very calm, relaxed...and  happy. Up early working I'm blessed to catch the sun rising. Arizona has the best sun rises and gorgeous sun sets as well. The colors out the front window and to the side of our house over the alfalfa fields are the best. Ahhhh. I can breathe some relief for we made it to our destination and our travel journey is over. Leaving Saturday morning bright and early....with bumps along the road of car problems, barely getting a hotel room one eve, missing dinner and very extremely tired kids- we made it here on Tuesday afternoon. Not without the help of family or people in the community we stranded momentarily in, but we made it. So very blessed that we were taken care of and given assistance as we definitely needed the help. My heart is over flowing thinking about if we didn't have the help I don't know what would have happened. But help was given and we are here. What a wonderful blessing. Unpacked yesterday we were able to get to bed for our first night on time and sleep till morning. Momma's up now working but kids, hubbie and pups still snore in their beds. It may take a few weeks to feel rested once again. On the road, the boys rode together and the girls....posting pictures from the road from...Idaho, then Montana, then back through Idaho then Utah, Nevada and finally Arizona courtesy of our daughter the picture taker....

Storm hit Idaho two days before we moved...

 Our daughter with her two best girfriends in Idaho...one last good bye!

 Car problems...stuck roadside- but with a pretty view.

 passing time reading....

 passing time running to say hello to the nearby horse!

 Finally sleep

Prayers to the Lord, kindness from strangers and help from family really saw us through this trip- oh how blessed our family is.