Through the ashes & smoke we dust ourselves off. Isn't there some phrase that reminds us what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

After the past 6 months I feel I might be able to take on anything.

Henry has proven to require a different parenting approach that Jeri & I are still in search of to find the correct fit that allows all of us to find our own secure footing and agreement to not put him out for sale on the corner.

A massive deployment @ work which I loving referred to as my 3rd child was born November 1st. Success & glory yes but not without deep permanent battle scars & a reborn respect for due diligence.

A life changing decision made in my marriage as a team to go against what society considers correct & appropriate. We chose a road often travelled these days but no one likes to ever really say they are on it.

So the yellow brick backroad has brought us to Red Oak Lane. Jeri & I could not be happier. We feel a connection with this house that feels like we have always been meant to be here. Oh yeah & the munchkins think stairs are amazing.

I have also watched Isaac slowly slip away into a world of books. Yes, in the grand scheme of things I get it...be happy your kids loves to read more than anything & at 7 years old reads at a 4th grade level.

Two sides to every story.

Slightly more well rounded is I am aiming for and I think we have found it with our trip to the merry old land of Oz. Not only did we move into a home we LOVE, it is placed smack dab on a street with 4 other 7 year old kiddos. The past 10 days have been filled with hours of outdoor play, chasing bikes & scooters, jumping from house to house and hanging with friends. I have already had to stock up on juice boxes and string cheese.

After they all ran in to our place to check out Isaac's new blue room I pulled him aside and asked him if he ever thought he would have a house full of his friends.

He replied "mom, I always knew I would, we just had to find them." He was out the door only moments later which was good because his card might have been revoked if his mom started hugging & kissing all the little boys that had come over to play.

I couldn't be happier to be done with 2010 but am glad to live to fight another day.

smooches

The sun was just creeping into view making the most amazing skyline.

I say to my old soul Izzybean next to me "Look at this sunrise trying to wake up the world & say today will be amazing! Today is full of possibilities."

His response:

"Technically mom it is only half the world because the sun only shines on 1 side."

Really? Can you pretend to be 7 for 30 seconds and just say it looks neat.