In a small town

I live in a small town. Although I love where I have made my home for the past 7 years there are times when I wish I lived in a bigger city. I hate driving 30 minutes to Walmart, Target, Malls, etc. I hate that there is no summer camps or programs for Wesley that cost more than I make in a week. I hate the we don't even have a playground for the kiddos or a big park for us to run around in. I hate that we don't have museums, culture, play areas. I hate that we don't have a dentist, doctor, or any medical offices. I hate that there is nothing for teenagers to do.

Then I go out into my front yard and listen. All I hear is the wind in the trees, birds chirping, and a few of the neighborhood children playing next door. This is when I remember all the reasons I love my small town. I love that I don't have to listen to horns blaring, cars revving, or sirens screaming. I love that I can sit on my front deck and watch my children play with out worrying about them running out into a busy street. I love that Wesley can run over to his best friends house and I don't have to worry about him being kidnapped or hurt along the way. I love that everyone in Wesley's school knows him and I don't have to worry about his safety while he is there. I love that we have a very low crime rate and the most we hear about is vandalism. I love living so close to a lake where we spend most of our Summer. I love that when I go in to the library Pam knows all of us by name and remembers our last question from 6 weeks prior. I love that with these expensive gas prices I am discovering the businesses that have been hidden gems in my town all along. I love that Wesley goes to a karate school who recognizes this is a small town and charges half of what bigger city schools do all while giving more personal instruction. I love going for walks around my neighborhood and recognizing everyone who I pass.

The little island that we walk to often. Nothing to do but relax and explore

I am so blessed that I am able to raise Wesley and Lani here. I am happy that my "loves" out weigh my "hates". I am excited to know that we plan on making this our home for a long, long, time. Of course if it didn't snow so much in the winter things would be PERFECT:) I thought of a new photography project that I want to take on. I plan on going around the town and taking photos of people, places, and things that mean so much to me. I saw someone else on Flickr (i think) do this and it turned out fabulous. So, lets see what this little camera of mine can do. I may even look into renting a better zoom lens from a camera shop. Our town also will be having a photography contest at this years old home day. I plan on entering a photo all though I have no idea which on yet. Maybe I will pick a few and then have you all vote.