October: no tricks...just treats.

Hello my sweet friends and family.  Do you want to build a snowman?  Holy nutmeg, this place has been cold.  We didn't rise above 20 degrees there for a few days and I thought I was going to sneak out in the night and drive to Phoenix.  Colorado has a lot to live up to.  Many people sold us on the weather when we were making the move.  Here is a letter:

Dear Colorado Weather Loving People,

Are your pants on fire?

Love, Jill

We had a wonderful October though.  May I tell you about it.  Please don't let me give you the impression that our life is glamorous.  You are receiving the exciting highlights, but most days are filled with hotdogs and Disney channel reruns.  Whateves.  We started the month out with a trip to La Jolla, San Diego.  You see, I am married to a very smart man.  He knows that if he takes me to my favorite place in the world (the beach), then I will keep making him brownies.  Win, win.  We didn't have much planned except for sea lion watching and cupcake eating.  Our sweet E and Jay joined us for a day as well.  My best 36th birthday ever.  We ate tacos at a random restaurant, walked the shore line, ate Sprinkles treats, and laughed our heads off.  Love you E and Jay.  I made my family see the movie, "Meet the Mormons" at some random theatre on the day of my birthday.  Averi and I cried our stinking eyes out.  It is amazing to me that you can be so far from home, and instantly the Spirit testifies to you that you are never alone and that Heavenly Father knows you personally.  

That's hot chocolate guys.  Although her sweet face makes it look like there is something much stronger in there.

Troy was such a sweet heart (he still is currently sweet, I am just trying to make a point).  Each morning he would take the kiddos to breakfast while I enjoyed a morning run.  Those few moments running along the beach are nothing but magic, first because the scenery is breathtaking and the weather is lovely, and second because the altitude is much easier of the lungs than the 6,000 feet I am usually in.

Fast forward a few weeks and we are headed to Breckenridge, Colorado to be with my family.  Breckenridge is an amazing ski town.  My sis had rented a fabulous condo which fit us perfectly.  We played games, swam in the pool, ate delicious food, hiked, shopped, and giggled until our faces were going to fall off.  Some of my favorite moments included trying to eat like a T-Rex, and watching the youngest girls attempt to navigate the city with a map.

A-hizzle with his new ski hat.  

Skipping rocks yo!

My handsome nephie.

This is the profile picture I would use if I was ever on LDS Singles.  Totally kidding.  Troy had to work that morning.

I made my gorgeous Sissy pose like they do for school pictures, all awkward and stuff.

Uh...is that not the cutest thing you have ever seen?  I'll have those girls with a side of chips please.

Our sweet family came down the mountain to stay with us for a few days.  We had a birthday party for Addie, miniature golfing, pumpkin painting, house decor shopping, "The Voice" screening party, and once again more laughter.  Love these guys so very much.  Eternal Families Forever!  Woot, Woot.  I am going to make that into a bumper sticker, even the woot, woot part.  Thank you for coming...truly, thank you.

Love these beautiful girls.

Ash had the opportunity to join his young men's group for a trip to the LDS temple.  He said the experience was great.  He took a selfie with his friends which is totally hilarious, but pretty adorable. I hope he keeps that image forever as a reminder of his incredible decision to be in the temple that day.

One night I was laying in bed feeling sorry for myself.  I was feeling pretty overwhelmed with things.  I felt like I was trying to make a difference in the world, but no matter how hard I tried I would always come up short.  There was always a task that was left undone or a child that needed more than I could give that day.  Troy must have sensed my frustration and simply asked, "Do you feel like you're drowning?"  To which I replied, "I know I am drowning."  He listened while I confessed all of my imperfections and didn't judge me for them.  That's just how he rolls.  The next day I was reading something online and came across this image.  

I have no idea who made this image, and I certainly don't want to go to prison for using it here, but isn't it breathtaking? This image captures my whole world right now.  Leaving our home several months ago has been a difficult, seemingly impossible task, but just when I think I'm going to sink to the bottom He lifts me up so that I can breath again.  He'll do the same for you.  I know he will.  Just reach out your hand and look up.  Love you so much.  Stay warm until I can give you a snuggle myself.  Not you Mr. Beaver, there will be no snuggles for you.