Lost Tooth

 Adrienne:

OK, but really though. She lost her tooth and I think she has the cutest smile!

Also my new favorite quote from her that was said today: "yeah, I'm ok with that. As long as it doesn't happen."  hahahaha

Back to school - Bad mom edition

I missed the first day of school pics. I was sleeping. Yep. That's how I roll. But not to worry, I captured day 18!!

Just kidding, it's all lies! I just took this. Today. It's Saturday. But he doesn't care, and neither do I!  Happy weekend Joseph!! Oh, and I'd never send him off to school without shoes!!!  Unless, you know, I was asleep or something. 

Cooky time!

Adrienne: I was in the middle of a conversation with Jon when Melanie gave me this note. She knows she needs to wait her turn when we are talking, but this was important enough to write a note for.  Of course I said yes she can have a cooky!

Forever Job

One of my responsibilities at work is to take the crisis phone for a week at a time every few months. It used to intimidate me. What if I don't say the right thing? What if I can't help? It probably has something to do with losing my husband to suicide. I've had several calls this week and I am humbled by the strength these people have to reach out for help. That, often, just hearing the voice of someone who cares can get them through the darkest part. Asking if I can call them to check in later and hearing relief in their voices. I am so grateful to be in the field that I am. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have had to learn and grow. I'm blessed to have been led to an employer who values me. I work with inspirational people, every single one of them. This work can be exhausting, but I look forward to it every day and that is amazing!

Truth

 

Safety

Today Annalina and I got to participate in one leg of a transport for a sweet dog who was headed to a foster home after narrowly escaping death row at a shelter far away. She is such a sweet dog and has SO much love to give. It's not fair that humanity has put the value of beloved furry family members so low. They deserve loving, loyal homes. We can do better, people! Anyway, we were happy we had the time to help out again. She was well behaved, rode quietly and loved having Annalina in the back seat with her. If you are interested in adopting sweet Mia, let me know. I can connect you to the right people.

Amy Win's

I went to my company picnic this afternoon and won a 55 inch TV! Woo! The true win is working for a company that cares and strives to make a positive change in the lives of their clients as well as employees. Thank you Pearl Health! I am grateful to be a part of this important work and am honored to work with such amazing people!!

Sunglasses Needed

I have been really struggling lately. The world is such a dark place at times. People can be cruel and selfish. I've had too many of those in my life lately. But I am constantly reminded of the amazing, supportive, kind and genuine people in my life too. They help me be strong and support me in my efforts to be a good person. It's time to focus on them. And myself. And the wonder that life is. Come shine with me, dear friends!

Sugar

Sugar came to us a year ago after being tossed from a car window into someone's yard in the country. Luckily they were outside to witness it and get her to us. Her partial tail was broken in several places, she had abrasions and she was so tiny. She was very timid and when out of her enclosure, she stayed close to us. We gave her ALL the loves, trying to replace her difficult early memories with happy experiences. As she grew, she gained confidence and her sweet little personality expanded to include a good bit of sass. We fell in love, as we always do. Jacob became very attached and decided that when he moves out, Rikki would need a buddy. So he officially adopted her. She is our last foster fail and completes our cat family. Sugar gets along with ALL the other cats. She's sweet, but still very sassy. We love her and are glad to have her with us.

This is our sweet Sugar now, at a bit over a year! We sure love her.

Celebrating Jacob!

We helped Jacob celebrate his 28th birthday today! We went to Heise Hot Springs and finished with dinner at Big Judd's. I am so grateful to have Jacob in my life. He is kind and hard working. He gives so much to those around him. He's fun to be with. I am proud of the man he is and I'm so blessed to be his mom. Happy Birthday Jacob!!!

Adventurous Annalina

This sweet daughter of mine is off on her first solo road trip. She's had a rough month and getting away will be so good for her. I'm jealous. My girls and my grandgirl are having fun without me!! 😭 But it's a good thing. I want to say how proud I am of Annalina. She is so mature for her age. She knows things that many people never learn over a lifetime. She is brave and is a born leader. She is firm but compassionate. She is inspirational, resilient and so kind. She's faced so many unfair challenges and even though going through them hurts, she learns and grows through the process. She stays true to herself. I am so proud of the strength she has, the loving heart she shares and the genuine love she gives. I love you beautiful daughter!! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

Mountains and Strings

Joseph participated in Mountains and Strings again this year. A week of intense learning and playing out in the natural setting of Harriman Park. He loves it more than anything! Annalina and I got to go see his performances yesterday and it was, as always, exceptional. I am proud of Joseph and the time and passion he puts into his cello playing. I am grateful he gets these experiences and I have the honor to be a small part of it. If you have never heard an orchestra play in the woods next to a lake, you are missing out! ❤️

Ready To Go

Before and after!! Ready for Mountains and Strings camp! I just gotta say, I love this kid. I love all four, I'm one lucky momma!

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Tina and Pedro

Tina is so hard to photograph. She had the hardest time gaining weight, but she's figured out the whole food thing and is a cute and sassy thing, as a tortie should be!!! She'll be available for adoption soon. ❤️

Park City Highlights

Home sweet home now, but it was a fabulous week and just what I needed! Funny, we went to a water park and the alpine slide, but their favorite was probably the TWO times we went to Wheeler Farm. 😀

Wheeler Farm Fun

Wheeler Farm, then and now!!

A Delicious Start of Vacation

Breakfast of champions! Isn't he cute??

Napoleon

Lil Napoleon! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Oh to sleep like a kitten!