| WOW, where to start!? My life has been an incredible adventure the last view weeks...ok, make that months! The past several weeks have been extremely challenging for me trying to find my place here at home again, but God has been ever so patiently and faithfully working with me. First of all, thank you God for blessing me with these wonderful friends that I can now laugh, cry, talk, pray, and share with whats on my heart. It's hard for me to believe that only a year ago I didn't know one of you and was actually rather scarred of many of you! In fact, maybe I was even a little shy! Now we share so many memories and you have become another one of my “families.” Some of you have taught me many things about myself, to search out my heart, that I can cook and sorta enjoy it  , to love bush camping, and some even got me talked into at least trying to ski! Go you guys! (Really sorry to all you from NY who tried so hard to get me to go, but my stubborn will was never broken!)
    
   
   
   
   
Shelah...through the good and the not so good times, you were always there. Thanks a million lady! Travis...I still think I was the observant one. Karen...I never could tell what you were going to do or say next, but I love you for it. Brian...i knew I could always count on you to lick off the mixer beaters. Amanda...i knew I could count on you whenever I needed someone to talk to. Rosalie...you have a huge heart for those around you. Abe...you never did seize to amaze me with the things you would come up with. Jess...all the many late night talks, what ifs?, and remember that I'll buy you one if you buy me one! Nevin...yes, I actually do enjoy bush camping better than the generic camping. Judith and Alisha - thanks for all the many good laughs, trips back and forth. When we were together, guess no one really could tell which place we would actually end up at! Christy...my younger sister I never had...I love you girl! Verna...you are always there with a listening ear whenever it is needed. Darla...i'll try to remember to measure next time. Matt...thanks for not dumping me in the canoe. LOL Lynn...you where always ready to go tear around when I needed an evening to forget all else and go have fun! Mo...we could always be crazy together and embarrass ourselves and most likely even those around us. Anita...you gotta love them “Timmy's teacher meetings.” Bessie...the countless hours spent in my office, and the few town trips together...wouldn't trade them for anything. And last, but not least, as he has feelings too, Kevin...I know don't have anyone to tell me lame jokes. To all you others up there (you know who you are) you've impacted my life in many ways. You've challenged me, encouraged me, stood behind me. I want to thank each of you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.
You'll be fine tomorrow
The sun will rise again
It's never easy to say goodbye
You know I'll always love you
You know I always will
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
My old friend (my old friend)
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
We've reached the end (we've reached the end)
I don't cry for sorrow, I cry with joy
The memories we've made can't be destroyed
You know I won't forget you
You know I never could
And when I say I loved you
You know I meant for good
You know I'll always love you
Goodbye – Audio Adrenaline
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Each one of you has a very special place in my heart. I can't imagine my life without you guys! I love you all!
As for my life here at home...The first several weeks went to Montana to see my sister, her husband, nephew, and the latest addition to the family-Allison Paige! Had a great time there with Nates. Doing a bunch of really nothing much, making bread, taking a sisters day to go shopping, going to Glacier National Park! Here are a few pics...
    My little niece, Allison.   flip-flops & snow?! nephew, Cole.   A beautiful Montana sunset.
Then there was my dear friend Myra's wedding! Congratulations John and Myra! It was a beautiful day for an outdoor reception! Here is the happy couple!
  Myra's gorgeous boquet!
 Crista...Thanks for all you do for me and for letting me crash into your house whenever I feel like it.  Angie was great having you around and tearing it up with you! oh yea, and others of course  ok...this was not at the wedding, but had to have a girls day before the wedding!
Minutes before the wedding started I was totally surprised by my brother and his family! I finally got to meet my other little niece, Chloe! Got to spend lots of quality time with them the whole next week! Thanks a million for coming! I love you guys!
  Michelle and i  Rose, Michelle, and myself.  nice hair!  These little guys have grown up so much.
Last week the youth had a mall hunt! The people who dressed up did a terrific job!
This past weekend was our annual youth campout! Wow, it was amazing! I really wasn't in the mood at all to go, but I went despite how I was feeling and was truly blessed, challenged, and encouraged. The different discussions we got into anytime of the day/night, talking about anything under the sun. I love how we are able to solve ALL the worlds problems, or at least we like to think we do. Saturday night we had an incredible time of sharing and singing around the campfire. To each of you in the youth group, its great to be back with you all and I love each one of you.
 Sunday night I had to say another goodbye to another dear friend who is leaving again for Ireland on Tuesday. Julia, was great having you around this summer...thanks for all the many good talks and laughs! Now who will go with me and get lost on our way to a youth activity! I love you lady and am praying for you!
Now can somebody please pinch me and tell me that what is about to happen in the next chapter in my life is actually true! I'm ready to have a schedule again and have a normal life, but not exactly sure that everything has completely sunk in. The new meaning to my name – Janel: Subject to change.
LESSON FOR THE WEEK: NEVER leave an full, open paint can in a main walkway. Today, was the worst day of painting in the past week that we've had as of yet. We had a full bucket of dark brown paint sittine on the floor between the kitchen and living room. Brian walking from his kitchen to his living room is trying to decide whether he likes the new green paint or not, promptly kicks the can and we had an instant puddle of paint. Thankfully we had put down plastic first!
Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow. |
While I was in the states I spent almost half my time in a vehicle traveling ...k,k... maybe not quite. I was home for like 3 hrs, repacked and jumped in another van and went to OK. Was home for several days and my brother and I left for Idaho for a week, then I went back home for a few more days. The last several weeks I've been thinking about
oh yes, they are teaching me how to cook and I don't evens really have any blonde kitchen stories to tell you all, Jess and I also are trying out for the maintenance team! ok big joke there, but we did stock the furnace the other night and also tried installing a closet rod brace thingy, but think we may have failed the maintenance team with that one! 
That makes me really happy! Sorry to all you living around me that have to put up with my count down!