Camp Kita

 Here's my camping kiddos! Soooooo glad they are posting pics. I can be "that" mom from the privacy of my own rental!

Atlantic Ocean

 My feet in the Atlantic! Oceans are my happy place!

Girls Road Trip

 Adrienne and Melanie were going to Seattle, so they invited Annalina to join them. They camped and played and had such a good time. Adrienne was so kind as to share pics with me. A mom treasures these things, for sure!

Heading Out

Adrienne:

Girls trip!!!! Seattle, and camping in Washington here we come!!!

Ceramics

 Tonight was the school art exhibit. It was fun to see all the local talent. Annalina took a fun ceramics class and we got to see her work. She's amazing and she loves it so much!

Quick Trip to Melanie

 Such a quick trip, but well worth it! I love my silly little granddaughter so much. And I am in awe of my amazing daughter, Adrienne! Oh, guess who got her the cat dress?

Recital

My proud momma heart burst into a billion little pieces today! Joseph played his cello in a quintet with his cello teacher and his very talented family. I cried! It was so beautiful. Joseph has come so far and I couldn't be prouder of this amazing kiddo. He puts so much time into practicing and I love that our home is filled with music. But to hear him play with the group, it was very moving! I forgot my phone so no video, but someone snapped this photo, and I am grateful!

Why

 

Can't go around, must go through

 It has been four years since I last saw him. I have felt this day pulling me in like a black hole for weeks now. It seems like last year was easier, but is there really any such thing in this situation? I miss him, I am furious with him, and I love him. Talk about a roller coaster. Thanks to my friends who have understood my need to be alone. And those who have offered words of comfort without expectation. The way I feel just isn't me. But I suppose it must be. I am forever changed, but I have learned of my inner strength. Please know dear friends, if you feel yourself sinking and cannot go on, I am here for you. I understand without judgement.

; Our story isn't over.

No School??

 What??? Rexburg is taking a snow day? I don't remember the last time snow was the reason! Well, blowing snow. Happy kids, back in bed!!

Christmas Recap

This Christmas was full of so much joy! All my kids were here, plus my bonus son Jon and of course sweet little Melanie. We felt the love of family and total strangers. We are truly blessed. And then I threw up, again and again for days, maybe weeks. No, not weeks, but it was a bad one. And I remember laying alone in the dark, wondering what day it was, and repeating to myself, it will be okay. Words Richard always told me. I tell myself now. I am strong. But I really miss that outside encouragement. And I sometimes miss letting someone else be strong for me for just a while.

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17? How?

My little girl is 17!! Happy Birthday, my beautiful daughter!

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They come, they go

So I adopted out my cuddle bug this week. Sweet lil Humphrey has a new home, a perfect home, where I just know he is being adored and spoiled!! Seriously, such a precious adoption experience. I am always sad to let a kittie go, but Humphrey left a hole in my heart. Look at him in that first photo, he's so sweet! Last night I brought home little angel River Tam, who had been with another foster, Second photo. She didn't like the other cats and would run and hide. I finally got her and kept her with me, she was just spayed and very disoriented. She instantly distracted me from my sadness. This morning she is doing great, getting along and interacting with the others, but she really wants to cuddle and she's staying very close to me. She's got an extra toe on each of her front paws. Oh my heart!!! All kitties are so precious. They all deserve so much love!

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Another Batch Ready To Go

All six kittens sleeping in a pile! These guys are ready for there forever homes! 

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It's all about survival people!!

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Happy Day of Giving!

I worked 12 hours yesterday! I am too old for this, however my most favorite part of the day was getting to deliver Thanksgiving boxes to families in need! So much fun! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Tall trees equal lots of leaves

The kids are having too much fun raking. See Joseph?

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Bittersweet Goodbyes

Three of our fosters were adopted tonight at our first adoption event. It's such a bittersweet thing! So happy for them and their new families, but miss their unique little personalities!! Go spread love and joy little ones and know you will always be in our hearts! (Jack-jack, Wisp, and Reina)

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Post procedure fun

My cutie pie Annalina had her endoscopy today. The doc came in to talk to us after and she was still out of it. She repeated every word I said to the doctor. I told her she was as talkative as a Siamese cat. She replied, maybe I AM a Siamese cat. She remembers nothing!! Wish she had let me video her!

Tiny babies

Look at these three week old babies!!! So sweet and soft and snuggly!!

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