Mesa Verde

A few weeks ago, I took a solo road trip down to Mesa Verde and Durango. I had not been to Mesa Verde and had been wanting to go for many years. It was an incredible experience. Ancient architecture has always been a passion of mine and to see it in person still amazes me.
After a six hour drive, I arrived in Cortez, CO on Thursday evening. I had dinner and relaxed the rest of the night. I got up early Friday morning (because of course I couldn't sleep in) and headed into Mesa Verde Park. I spent a majority of the day there touring around and purchasing gifts for the family. Then, again, I spent a relaxing evening at the hotel. Saturday, I drove up to Durango where I stayed with friends, Mike and Wendy. I got a tour of Durango and the surrounding area and then went back to the house for a BBQ. I returned home Sunday afternoon (mother's day) to a beautifully cleaned house and was treated to dinner. I wish I could say my battery was recharged after the trip, but I've been going so hard before and since that I don't feel much different. But I am still very glad to have gotten away and I was very happy to return.

Cliff Palace

One of the largest cliff dwellings in the world.

An open Kiva

A place used for religious purposes.

A Kiva still intact.

Ancient artwork

Jade's Musical & Field Day

Jade had her first musical a few weeks ago called Nuts. In it, the kindergartners were nuts (Jade was an acorn) and first graders were squirrels. I think Jade had a bit of stage fright because her lips did not move much and she had a deer-in-the-headlights look most of the performance. She did know the actions to the songs, though, as she participated in that without any problems. It was really cute.

Jade finished school on Thursday. Wednesday was field day and everyone's families were invited to attend. I remember that being one of my favorite days of the year. I think it will be Jade's too.

Jade's [awesome] teachers: Mrs. Moore & Mrs. Metke

Welcoming Elizabeth

We would like to introduce Elizabeth as the newest member of our family. She is nineteen and came to us from Roundup Fellowship. We know we swore we wouldn't get back into foster care and many don't understand why we would go through it again after how difficult is was the first time around. Aside from the financial aspect and that I am really enjoying not working nights anymore, all I can say is it felt like the right thing to do. Elizabeth has had to endure more than anyone should have to and we felt she deserved this chance to make her life successful. Maybe we will fail, or maybe she will. But maybe we will be the miracle she needs. Roundup did a fantastic job with her. It was the most successful placement she had in years. But she needed something to transition between that and living on her own. So far she is doing very well, with only some minor issues. The girls seem to be adjusting to her living here as well. We are glad she is with us and we hope we will be able to help her successfully transition into adulthood.