Cowabunga

Our home for the afternoon. We decided to try Cowabunga Bay since it is right next to our hotel. Joseph has conquered his dislike of water slides. I love the relationship my kids have with each other. A relaxing way to spend some time together!

True Inspiration

My daughter posted this on Facebook and I feel very strongly that I need to add it to our family blog. Adrienne is an inspiration to me. She is wise beyond her years.  

"I'm proud of this picture. Let me tell you why.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a local real estate company. They wanted me to do freelance work for them by taking photos all over the Boise area. I sent them a few sample photos, met them in person, and negotiated a price per photo. They seemed very excited. I was too.

After taking some employee head shots for them I was given my first assignment. they wanted creative photos of a specific landmark in Boise. Ok. Great. I go out, take some shots, edit them, and send them a few to see if the photos I had taken were what they were looking for. Note that these were not the final ones. I told them I was planning on going out again during a different time of day to re-shoot, I just wanted to make sure my photos were in the style they wanted.

Apparently not.

I received an email saying that landscape and architecture photography takes a certain kind of skill, a skill that I did not currently have. They pretty much told me they did not want to use me as a photographer anymore. Ouch. At first I was very angry because I did not even get to finish my first assignment for them. They didn't seem to give me a chance. Even though we talked before hand and were each very happy to work with one another. It didn't seem fair.

But after thinking about things more, my perspective has changed. Maybe I am not incredible at landscapes, but I could be. I now have this burning desire to push myself and get better at what I love doing. I want to show them that they missed a great opportunity to work with a photographer who wants to continue to learn and grow. Maybe one day they will look back and think, "hm, maybe we should have given her another chance".

So I am proud of this picture. I stayed up until almost midnight to get this shot. I took multiple photos, only to have a few turn out. Its not a perfect picture. I see the flaws, but I pushed passed my anxiety and went out in the middle of nowhere to get this shot. I feel like this is an accomplishment.

Don't let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. You are. And if you want to get better at something, you get out there and show the world what you are capable of. You got this."

Camp Kita, Until Next Time

The kids absolutely loved Camp Kita. I am forever grateful for the amazing experience they had. They had time alone with their own groups and some time together too. But they both found healing and acceptance among others who just understoo

d.

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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