Going home.

Three weeks ago I had the blessed opportunity to take a week and a half off of work and spend time in Iowa with lots of people that I love and who are very close to my heart. There is something to be said for "going home", for having a soul so deeply rooted in a place that no matter how long and hard you try to uproot and transplant you can never completely do so. I think it's the people more than the place. The people who have had a hand in molding, teaching, and shaping you into what you have become. In my life there have been MANY of these people and to each one of them I am extremely grateful. I appreciate the time and energy that they scrificed (and many of them continue to sacrifice) in order to love and support me. It is these people, genuinely good human beings, who have instilled in me a desire to succeed and to pay forward what has to graciously been given to me.

This trip was the first opportunity that I have had in several years to go home and spend time with the people I cherish. No funerals, no weddings, no hustle and bustle of busy stuff, just 8 whole days of being able to slow down and smell the roses of life.

While there my mom had a baby shower for my sister who is expecting a boy in January. It was fun to shop for my new nephew...I fear he may be spoiled by his aunt!

I totally fell in love with these cute little puppy slippers!

And although she refuses to nurse, I got her this awesome nursing pillow....it's good for other things too.

PS...I realize that these pictures are sideways...it's late, i'm tired and I'm not exactly sure how to fix them! I'll figure it out soon.