THE SWEET RELIEF A SAINT CAN BRING ME

It's no secret that depression is a part of my history and sometimes my present. Mostly Seasonal Affective Disorder at this point and I struggle during the cold, dark, isolating days of winter. January and February are often the worst. I've written more posts about it HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE. (so weird to look at how skinny I was in those posts. and I totally didn't realize it. Stupid) So after decades of fighting the good fight against depression, I've learned techniques to use as ammunition against this seasonal enemy that always finds me. One of my lines of defense is sunshine. So south we went. Saint George.... A true saint I tell you. My saving grace after the longest and coldest winter in Utah history. It healed a little piece of my soul and it pushed the battle lines back a little enough for me to enjoy the last few days of this miserable month. And we plan another trip this weekend to visit the restorative Saint G. Seventy degree weather has miraculous healing powers that medication and a trip to the counselor just can't provide.

Owen and Rider were in a world of mind blowing discovery

And despite his very painful ear infection that was lurking under the radar... Owen was the happiest I've seen him. 

Ever.

The kids looked like vagrants the majority of the time. 

And I told myself to just go with it. 

And I did.

Layla had a chance to recall her love for hiking and moving her little body about the earth as she creeped and crawled over the sandy red-rock. 

I fell in love again with this boy. 

He was non stop pointing and grunting at every sight he could behold. 

And he discovered that hotel beds are for jumping. 

And jumping he did. 

For hours and hours he jumped on the beds. 

My children were given a glimpse at the happy, healthy mother they once remembered. 

The sunshine was therapy for all.

This little man made facial expressions I've never seen before.

Happy ones. 

It was like meeting an eager, more animated version of Owee

And the discovery of Swig. I'm probably going south this weekend for Swig as much as for the sunshine.  The BEST D1et C0ke and huge calorie filled Sugar cookie I've ever tasted. For real. The big straws, yummy ice, and most amazing frosting topped cookie. Do it. Go there. For the sunshine I mean.... oh what the heck. A coke and a cookie help nourish the soul too :)