I've made it no secret that feeling at home in the desert has been tough for me. It was a tough transition to come here and there are so many things that are so different. And many of the things that make ME feel at home aren't available here.
But,
This week I felt that change for me. I know, I know, it only took me 5 YEARS! I found myself on several occasions looking around my surroundings and feeling genuinely happy to be here. As I drove around my neighborhood streets, to & from school, I would think to myself - I love this view. I love this routine. I love this neighborhood.
Now, I still don't have a love for Vegas (most parts of it make me feel icky) . . . but Henderson feels like home.
That feeling, that full heart, was HUGE for me. I never wanted to be unhappy/unsettled . . . it just took a while for the comforts & familiarity & relationships & connection to come together and mesh into H O M E.
And that made me happy. :)
It sure helps that the weather is beautiful these days! We got to dog-sit for our friends last week which included several walks.
On Friday, Anna set up a party on our balcony. There were blankets, decorations, music, a disco ball, candy . . . the kids hung out there all afternoon and well into the evening.
And we were barefoot outside. Something about walking around the yard barefoot just makes me so happy!
Last week the school held their fun run. I went as a parent volunteer to mark off laps. I have sure loved this elementary school and will be sad when Anna "graduates" and moves to middle school next year. We moved here when she was in kindergarten and it's a been a good place for her. I have felt at home walking through it's halls, volunteering in classrooms, and attending performances.
On Thursday night we got a knock at the door and a cute girl was standing there to ask Conner to Sadie Hawkins. I loved seeing him so surprised and SO HAPPY.
We hosted a gathering with friends on Friday night that was SO GOOD. With a pinata, how could you go wrong?
Feeling at home and happy for it.
Now, if the weather could just STAY this wonderful for a while I'd be SUPER thankful! Please don't warm up too fast! :)
