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In the previous blog I mentioned that we had been working to clean out our storage unit. After 4 trips to the New Horizons Thrift Store in Pueblo (an AWESOME ministry to the children of imprisoned mothers) and giving some of our favorite furniture away to some dear young friends who are starting out on their own, plus sending many things to California for family members to have and use---VICTORY!!!!! It is EMPTY!

We've spent numerous hours sifting, sorting, (wondering WHY did we keep this . . .) and, admittedly, even tearfully giving things away. It was difficult, painful and frustrating. As we drove away from the storage facility for the last time on Thursday, Geoff felt the need to quote Jesus. . . "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven." Ouch and yahoo all at the same time. I don't hide the fact that I was disappointed in myself that it HURT to get rid of things that I really liked. But, I'm also relieved to know that I am in a place of freedom having separated myself from THINGS and am not burdened by the STUFF. And my treasure is truly in heaven--not in things!!!

This morning, after having breakfast with Mom and Aunt Glenda, we watched them drive away with the STUFF in the rented truck. They should arrive in California on Monday or Tuesday. After all the hard work I can truly say I am glad that we cleaned out.

Here are a few pictures of the past couple of weeks.

I had a wonderful visit with my dear friend Lori Perz as she had a few hours of waiting in the Denver airport before traveling on to a conference in Colorado. We were at Pepperdine together and hadn't seen each other since her wedding 11 years ago.

We were treated to a Colorado Rockies Baseball game by Geoff's Dad. It was a fantastic day!!







Acacia was invited onto the field as the San Francisco Giants warmed up. The Rockies mascot held a mock baseball game with some of the young kids in attendance!! Acacia is in the middle of the picture.

While Toby was in California at King's Kamp, the rest of us went swimming at the local pool. Here are Acacia and cousin Mary having a great time!

Some reading with Grandma.

The kids' cousin Nicole had her 20th birthday party and we helped celebrate!










We went to a special lunch at the Olive Garden. Mary and Nicole sharing smiles together.

Kevin felt the need to paint his lips black with the icing from Nicole's pink and black iced birthday cake!

We were so excited to have Toby back from California!!!!!! Mom and Aunt Glenda came with him and it was a blessing to have them here with us.

Mom and Aunt Glenda took the kids swimming everyday while we worked on the storage unit.







Mom and Aunt Glenda took us to "Casa Bonita" in Denver. It is a HUGE restaurant that features divers who do specialty dives off of a water fall, magic shows, caves, a mock mine and carnival type games. The kids ventured into Black Barts Hideout!!!! (It was a cave/maze full of spooky things)

After our breakfast, we said goodbye and off they went towards California . . .

Then we drove a few miles south on the freeway and met up with some very dear friends, John and Jackie Horton and their kids. Toby and Joel, and Gabbie and Acacia pose for some photos we'll cherish of our time together as we sat and talked, laughed and caught up with each other.