When they truly get it....

This is one of those times when I will openly admit that I've done something very, very right.  These girls... this family, they are the one thing in my life that I am absolutely, 100% proud of.

My family gives thanks and selfless service all year long; not because they have to... they genuinely want to. They understand what is truly important in life.  I am so blessed to live with all of my best friends who each have so much love in their hearts which they share each and every day.

The post I linked to below was written by Carley. (AKA - Kar Kar) I loved it so much that I added on by writing my own tribute to her in her comment section, and then I asked her to create her own portrait to match the others she had edited of all of us.  I love, LOVE it!  Thank you, Carley!

Please, take a look at this loving blog post written by one of my oldest girls. She says it beautifully!

To read Carley's blog post, click on her title below.

"I am Thankful for... "

The Sweetest Husband Ever

My sweetheart just brought me breakfast in bed. (And before you start to wonder...no, breakfast does not include the gecko in the picture. I just happen to think this picture shows off his sweet face and puppy dog eyes!) However, I'm not quite "in bed" ...I am actually awake, sitting on the edge of my bed, contemplating the icky work day ahead of me and in addition to that dread I'm sick with a hacking cough and sore throat. So I guess it would be more accurate to say he brought me breakfast ON bed.   Either way, he's so adorable on mornings like this that I can forgive him his frequent butt-head moments.

Letting Go And Holding On

Today was one of those days that I drove to work in complete silence. No X96 Radio From Hell, no iPod or Glee soundtrack.  Silence.  I guess I had a lot on my mind that I needed to process. If you have never tried being alone with your thoughts during your daily commute, I encourage you to try it. I find it a good time to do some general noggin housecleaning. I dust off the thoughts, clear out the cobwebs and even do some rearranging. (Occasionally I find things rolling around in my head that I had completely forgotten about, or never realized to begin with, and I have one of those How the HELL did that get in there? moments, but alas, not today.)

Happiness in 2010

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” ~ Denis Waitley

Goodbye 2009 - Thanks for the Memories!

As 2009 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year of highs and lows that my family has experienced over the last 12 months. If I had a dollar for every time we said that this year is a very different kind of year for us, I certainly wouldn't have to worry about any post Christmas debt! But as I hear the giggles of all the little girls throughout the house and watch my cute husband making his special nachos for our family New Year's Eve celebration, I am completely satisfied and happy with my life.

Here is a short recap of our experiences in 2009:

1. We created a family blog to share with friends and family.

2. Bill and I took a quick, overnight trip to Maui to recharge our parental batteries.

3. Carley and Madi were named officers in Key Club and FBLA at LHS and the price of their sweaters was OMG!

4. We had to rebuild and finish the deck and mason work of the pizza oven after a fire the previous fall.

5. We took the girls to Little Sahara Sand Dunes for an Easter camping trip and we were pretty much soaking wet and cold the entire time!

6. Sent the girls to Ohio for their half sister's High School graduation.

7. Two of our girls got their driver's licenses.

8. Our first major scare when Madi was in a car accident.

9. We learned that our beloved Grandma Robinson was seriously ill.

10. The truck's fuel pump conked out on us on a camping trip to Flaming Gorge.

11. My buddy, Jake, came to my house and planted an Apple tree in our backyard..on my birthday.

12. Madi and Emily got jobs at Lagoon.

13. Boating, boating, and more boating!

14. We said goodbye, for the last time, to Grandma Robinson. Her passing forever changed the way we view our lives.

15. Abby and Linzie started 7th grade, Emily started High School, and Carley and Madi began their Junior year at LHS.

16. I mustered up all of my courage to quit my job at Venture to accept a great job opportunity at OHSU.

17. My "babies" officially became teenagers. Now ALL of our girls are teenagers!

18. We gave away a washer, couch, two geckos and a television when we made necessary upgrades around the house.

19. We made A LOT of fudge.

20. I held and comforted my daughters as they cried and mourned the death of their friend involved in a violent car accident. Less than 48 hours later another friend of theirs tragically lost her older brother to suicide.

21. The discovery of Glee meant much more singing around the house and walking around with silly grins as we compare our crushes on Mr. Schuester.

So as our New Year's celebrations wind down and as each of us slowly wander off to our comfy beds, I cannot help but appreciate all that 2009 taught me. Even though there was a tremendous amount of sadness, I learned to appreciate the moments... each and every one of them whether good or bad.

In one of our favorite songs Jason Mraz sings, "It takes some good to make it hurt... It takes some bad for satisfaction." I agree, Mr. Mraz. Life. Is. Wonderful!

Happy New Year, everyone. I am looking forward to appreciating all that 2010 has to offer!

When Everything Is Perfect

As I was getting ready for work this morning, I heard the most wonderful sound in the whole world and it filled my heart with something that felt a lot like sparklers.

I heard my husband and two of my little girls gut laughing from the room below - the room with the ginormous television, and computers, and Yuffas perched on the couch.

They were watching America's Funniest Home Videos and they later informed me that they had just seen Santa fall head first, down the stairs, bouncing along on his back the entire way.

And so they laughed. :)

Dear Universe,

Thank you ever so much for my beautiful, wonderful family! They are the breath in my soul and the reason I am here. I promise to take the very best care of them and lock each and every one of them in my heart where I will love them forever.

Sincerely,
Me

What makes me happy

Carley says this blog is one of very few words. Maybe she's right. But there are some times that pictures speak louder than words, and there are some pictures that sum up everything I feel. This blog is mostly visual...

I am one very lucky person. Lately I have been feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the things in my life that are so wonderful and right up at the top of that list is my family.




I grew up in some pretty cold and extremely persistent shadows. I don't mean that in a "poor me" kind of way, but it was a desperately hard life filled with so many things I couldn't seem to do well enough. And then, almost 17 years ago, I finally got it right and stepped out of those shadows for good. From the moment I looked into their innocent little eyes, I knew my life had changed for the better and I was determined that my girls would never have to live their lives in anyone's shadow. I have made it my goal to give them every ounce of love that I have to offer.. to teach them that they each have so much to give... and they have not disappointed me.

My girls fill my heart with happiness. I am so proud of all that they accomplish and how hard they work at everything they do. These sweet girls are loving, kind and generous beyond measure. Somewhere along the way I did something great to deserve these people in my life. They are my biggest challenge and my greatest joy.

Just when I didn't think it could get any better than a life lived with my 5 best friends, this incredible man and his beautiful girl walked into our lives and just like that we became a family of 8. Once again I find myself giving thanks for all the beauty in my life.

My family. My life.