Homes

I am one blessed girl. I'm back from my trip home, to Palm Bay. And have come to a conclusion. I've been debating, really since we bought the house and moved in about where my home was. I have had a little mental struggle going on.

Palm Bay has been home. My parents home was my home. People who have known me my whole life, streets I knew my way around, a home I always feel myself in, and family quailfied Palm Bay for the title.

But Jacksonville (really Orange Park now) had started to feel more home-y as well. I've been here a while. People are starting to be more familiar, as well as the streets. And I have family here now too. So should Jacksonville be home?

When I was in Palm Bay I called Jacksonville home. When I was in jacksonville I called Palm Bay home. So my trip last week has cleared it all up. Here is my verdict.....

I have a couple 'homes'. I'm blessed enough to have places I can go and feel like I am home. To feel loved and accepted and safe. I have two safe havens. I have to heavens on earth. I'm so blessed! Palm Bay in all of it's glory will always be home. But Jacksonville has earned the title as well. Be it ever so humble there's no place like my homes.

Now for the trip details.....it was a blast!!

Jacob my little brother is no longer little. He is offically taller than me and can pick me up (though he dare not try!).

Kaylene is gettig ready to move to Jacksonville and I'm ready!

Jessica and her family are the cutest. Her little ones are just too much fun and getting bigger every day. She has started making quilts and blankts sets for baby cribs, and they are BEAUTIFUL! I'll post the link when she finally sets her Etsy account up, I've already called dibs on a few sets.

Mom and Dad are great as ever. Anna and Kim are h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s. We had a good time at the pool and the beach and letterboxing.

The highlight of the trip may have been Ben and Jerrys. You see my dad has a special kind of love for ice cream. He has a bowl every night before bed. So for fathers day, we put him up for the gallon challenge. 20 scoops of ice cream. 18 toppings. 1 brownie. 4 banannas. Lots of whipped cream. If you can eat it all, you get it free. We all ended up helping, but he gave it a good shot. I'm thinking it should be a new tradition! What do you think?

5 more nights.

I'm not good at being away from David. And I don't think that makes me silly.

I used to think it was silly when we would go on vacation without my dad during the summer and my mom would call him every morning and every night. I'm happy report that my mom is not crazy for missing out on all of the fun those summers, instead just very much in love with her husband.

I'm going to Palm Bay tonight, and am spending some much needed, long over due time with my parents and siblings for the week. David is staying and working. I'm sure I'll be on the phone, just like my mother used to be, every morning and every night. Wish me luck. 5 more nights away.

I'll report back on my phone usage, and hopefully a weeks worth of summer time fun with the family =)

Oh what do you do in the summer time, when all the world is green?

Here's what we've been up to:

Girls camp was last week, and it was a blast! I met some great people, and got to know and love the girls I served. I was definitly blessed with a wonderful assistant Camp Crafter (that sounds funny huh!?) who made sure I knew what was going on when I needed to know. This stake is pretty big on traditions, and it could have been much more overwhelming had Miss Danielle not been there! Camp Oleno is beautiful, although I think I could have apprectated it more if the river was swimable =) I'm excited to go back again maybe, a little more prepared, and a little more comfortable. Definitly with another waffle house excursion. Thanks to everyone who helped, see y'all soon hopefully!

Aside from that things have been pretty calm. I'm now enjoying my first summer break since the 8th grade. It kind of works out perfectly with what is going on now for a few of our closest friends. Clif and Britani are expecting their daughter soon, and Steven and Sarah just welcomed their little boy. I've really enjoyed just the few days of being able to lend them a hand. I can only imagine how challenging a new little one is! Both these ladies are great mommies and wonderful women who make it all look so easy. Congratulations girls, David and I are so thankful to be a part of this exciting time for you!!

Aside from the regular day to day my 5 week break will hopefully contain....at least a few pounds of blueberries picked, a week long retreat to Palm Bay, a ward activity, a shower for Emily, another new baby (this time a girl), a visit from Doug and Allison and their little ones, a wonderful 4th of July, at least a couple trips to the beach, a refinished dresser, a painted bathroom, a trip to the cannery, a few jars of jam, an apartment hunt for Kaylene, and maybe some homemade ice cream...

What about you all? Any summer plans?