My little slice of Paradise

It's funny growing up in this little town I live in. Everyone I know, myself included, just cannot wait to escape this place when they graduate. It doesn't matter where you're going either, just as long as it is FAR away from here! Yet, here I find myself, settled in to the very place I couldn't wait to leave. I've got a little plot of land and Simplicity Farm has become my own little slice of Paradise. There are so many things I love about this place now, but I have to say that one of my very favorite things about this place is the sky. Its beauty is simply indescribable. Whether I'm waking up at the crack of dawn and watching the sun spill over the mountain peaks, casting its warm gaze upon the fields, or watching the thunder boomers roll in on a hot summer day, the sky holds me captive. I could watch the sun rise and set everyday and never grow tired of it. I can get home from late from town and be exhausted, but one look in the sky and I am awed by the blanket of stars that cover me. It is just so peaceful! The wind is howling outside right now, otherwise I'd be out there, wrapped in a blanket and having a cup of coffee in my chair, staring at the stars instead of writing about them. I haven't quite figured out how to capture the stars on camera, perhaps I need a telescope fitting for my camera which I'm sure would still do it no justice.  I am truly blessed to have such beautiful surroundings!!

GI Jake part 4... The visit home before the long journey begins

So we were lucky enough to have a few days with my Soldier home before he headed overseas. It seems unfair that when I'm counting down the days until he gets home they seem to drag on, but when he's here and time is limited the days fly by!!



With luck on our side, he got released a little earlier than originally planned and that set the wheels in motion. With a few little "white lies" we decided to surprise our kiddos. I told them I was heading to town to get the poster boards to make our "Welcome Home" signs and that I would meet them at the baseball game. Sometimes plans just workout so great! I made a quick trip to Reno and to pick up this handsome guy and we made a mad dash to the baseball game.

It took some conspiring, but between us, my parents and grandparents, we made it just as the innings were changing and our big man was headed into the dugout.
There aren't really words to describe how awesome this moment was, and my only wish is that I would have had someone recording both angles so you could see every one's happy faces! The boys had absolutely no idea I was bringing their daddy to the game!

SOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!

This was the beginning of a wonderful week in our home! Jared went on to make his pitching debut. He played awesome! (Pretty sure he was showin' off a little for his daddy!) 

We also took  home a W! 

 The next day we did a little hiking in Wilson Canyon. It was such a beautiful day! 

My Soldier got to watch both of our kiddos play some baseball and also logged himself a few hours on the Sandlot in our back yard.

The day before he left we had a small family BBQ to wish him well and send him off. I teased him that it was his "Last Supper" before he endured months of "oh so delicious food" 

(I think that's what DFac stands for) that the Army will be serving him. 

Surrounded by good friends and family, we had games, a bonfire, and one very special activity. Some friends of ours brought over paper lanterns and we sent off "wishes" for him. It was so awesome!

We are very blessed to have such amazing friends and family! The support and love they show is without measure! Our time was short and went by too fast, but every moment will be cherished. I pray for a safe journey and a speedy return and would love it if you'd do the same, because my Soldier,  he is the fire in my heart and the light in my babies eyes. I just love him so much!