One Week Ago

One week ago tomorrow morning will mark the anniversary of what was such a terrible tragedy.

One week tonight, I went to bed and was wide awake worried about something

(This is not unusual for a cops' wife, though)

One week ago tonight, I prayed for something I did not know had yet happened.

One week ago, my husband informed me he wouldn't be home because there was a terrible shooting.

He said he was okay, but others were not.

One week ago tonight, I did not sleep very much the rest of the night.

One week ago, my husband was one of the first few officers in Theater 9.

One week ago tonight, he saw what will forever change his life.

One week ago, he was a real life hero and carried bleeding and dying people to safety.

One week ago, he watched as his fellow officer held the lifeless body of the little 6 year old.

One week ago, he watched as people's lives and families were ripped apart as people found out about their loved ones.

And then we all woke up to hear about what a evil man had done.

What he done to not only adults, but innocent children.

My brother and I sat on the phone the other day trying to wrap our heads around what could possess someone to do such things.  

We couldn't answer, and I don't know if we ever will.

All we could come up with is Evil.  This man, who's name doesn't deserve to be spoken, is evil.

I'm proud of my husband.

I'm proud of his fellow cops.

I'm proud of my fellow cop wives who have all banned together to help out our guys.

I'm proud.

But then it all hits me and I realize how many people have been affected by the actions of one man.

How because of him Mama's will never hug their children again.

Daddy's will never dance with their daughters.

Children will not have a parent at their weddings or graduation.

It doesn't seem fair.

But I am reminded that God is just.

He will handle all of this.

And I believe that good will triumph over the evil that has been done.

My prayer is our hearts will not be hardened to this.

My prayer is our hearts will remain soft even when it hurts.

Here is a picture someone took at the theater.

People say the cloud above it (not the whole cloud, but the white part in the center) looks like an angel over the theater.

Now if it is or if it isn't I won't know, but I know God has his angels around each person impacted by this.  Because in the end, He is Good.  

It's Time to Come Together

What was supposed to be a fun and exciting movie turned into one of the worst experiences ever seen.

Numerous people lost their lives.

Even more were injured.

Families were torn apart- lives were forever changed.

My heart is heavy for those families.

Our prayers go out to everyone involved.

My husband is home and finally sleeping, for that I'm grateful.

However, what he saw can never be erased.

The people he and his fellow officers carried out of that theater will always be apart of him.

He worked along side some amazing and heroic officers, who put aside concern for themselves and were the face of hope for many scared people.

Please pray for everyone, victims, cops, firemen, nurses, doctors, anyone that was directly involved as they process everything that happened.

Pray for healing and peace.

I asked Caleb when he got home if he'd ever set foot in another movie theater.

He said eventually he would, but he won't see the new Batman in theaters. 

 He'll wait to watch it on DVD.  

Fair enough... I'll be waiting with him.

Living Simply

My life feels a little chaotic at times.

I'm sure most people can relate.

Between being a wife, raising a child, and working.. those things alone keep me busy.  

Add in the day to day activities that come with living, and well I feel a little overwhelmed at times.

Last week we made a trip to Fort Collins to show off CSU to my brother.

I was taken back to how wonderful my life was then.  

Now don't get me wrong, my life is a million times greater now, but my life then was so, well, simple.

I worked, I walked my dog, I biked, and just enjoyed exploring Colorado up there.

I didn't have a TV for the longest time, so I did a lot of reading.

I spent a lot of time enjoying God and all He has done.

I lived in this modest little duplex.  It was perfect for my little life. 

Nothing spectacular but the perfect place for me at the time.

My front door

 Kitchen

 Bedroom

Back yard

Shia and my neighbors' dog Copper would sit in my recliner and stare outside for hours.

My faithful hiking partner, Shia.

The daily beauty I'd find... so much better than the TV.

I took some time to really thank God for that season in my life.

And in those moments of thanks I realized I could still have that life now.

A life with not as much distraction.

A life focused on my top three priorities.  

1. God

2. Caleb

3.  Blake

After that everything else will fall into place.

Granted a marriage and a child take a LOT of time and work, but how many times do I come home and flip on the TV?  

Probably a little to often.  How often do I find myself stuck in this lifestyle of busy?  

When I take a step back I realize that it's not necessary to have the materially perfect things that keep me busy and take me away from my 3 priorities.

(ie. clothes, home decor, accessories, electronics, etc)

I want to incorporate my old way of life into my new life and....

LIVE SIMPLY!

Enjoy the outdoors instead of Pinterest or the latest TV shows.

Not go crazy buying things that I'll just have to clean up and manage in my house.

I mean, let's be real, I have clothes I bought and have never worn. 

 They end up sitting in my closet until I realize I have to clean it out and give it to Good Will.

These things are nice, yes, but they sure do eventually complicate things.

I want to eat simply and enjoy the simplicity of fresh food.

The over processed food is delicious at times, but not good for you.

There is something so refreshing about living a life focused on the Lord.

So many times I get distracted by meaningless things.

His challenge to us might be hard at times but sure is simple.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

-Matthew 16:24

What do you do to live a simple life? 

 Do you find yourself more at peace when you live simply?

Mother Nature, I Love You!

I haven't blogged in a couple of weeks.

Trust me, I've thought about it, but I've been a little busy!

Ya know, just hanging out with my family, pestering my little bro, enjoying my mom and discovering even MORE amazing places in Colorado.

Allow me to introduce you to Glenwood Springs!

It is the coolest mountain town.

I couldn't get bored in this small town if I tried!

Seriously!

It's about 3 1/2 hours away from Denver and well worth the trip.

We might have just enjoyed some crazy fun White Water Rafting, might have eaten at some pretty cool little restaurants, and maybe just maybe discovered one of the world's prettiest places.

The mountains always nourish my soul.

God definitely speaks through his beauty.

It's so nice to be away and "disconnect" for a little while.

So I hope these pictures also give you a little sense of awe!!

And if your in Colorado, please trust me and check this place out!

Glenwood Canyon

Hanging Lake

If this doesn't relax you, I don't know what will. 

These little chipmunks make you feel like a Disney Princess, they'll hang out with you and eat right out of your hand.... say it with me now... "AWWWWW"

Excuse the random girl in my picture... she wouldn't get off the dang log!  :)

Ignore my stupid hair/bangs in this picture and maybe admire the hotness of my hubby instead.

And hopefully we convinced this guy to move out here next year.

Love this Little Brother of mine!

Well there you go... did I convince you?