Melanie creates!

She chose her very own Christmas colors. Love this girl!

Cookie Time

Fun with cookies and frosting and family

Blessed

We are so blessed that Adrienne and her family live so close. Boise is not a very long journey when this cutie is at the end of it!!

Christmas PJ's

The closest we get to matching pj's.

Ready to Travel

Looks like it's really happening!! Passports are here. In february Annalina and I will be going with Adrienne and her family to Cancun Mexico for a lovely vacation. So excited!

No Longer A Teen!

I Christmased!!! We took Annalina out for her birthday dinner. Then we went to see lights at the Friendship Gardens! This is huge, because I want so badly to enjoy the holidays, but it feels like such an inner battle, so I avoid it all together. I feel the big blessed days coming and there are a lot of emotions swirling through me. I am easily overwhelmed and stressed trying to get things done. And I feel guilt for what I let go. But I'm working on it. It felt good to be out with my kiddos enjoying something beautiful. I am grateful for their patience with me. Merry Christmas!

Winter Formal

 Joseph had such a great time yesterday at Winter Formal. He's got such great friends.

Lookin Good Joseph!

And he is off to winter formal after a day of group breakfast, hanging out, and creating art at Possibly Picasso! He's looking good and feeling great!! I wish our professional photographer didn't live in Boise!!!

Thanksgiving Tradition

 We celebrate Thanksgiving with our own family traditions. Our favorite is a seafood feast instead of Turkey.  Yum!

Change Is Possible and Beneficial

 A year ago, I made a much needed change and began a new job with Pearl Health. I have found amazing people, support, opportunity for growth, and I truly feel valued. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a part of an amazing organization doing so much good in the world. Their values line up with mine and it's a great feeling! Change can be so hard, but change can sometimes be the best thing.

Foster Kittens

 Look at these babies!!

Annalina Can Make Anything Fun

A beautiful day for a drive! I had a fun companion to travel with! Annalina and I ended up in Salt Lake. Convenient since I have surgery at the University Hospital early in the morning! Wish me luck! Enjoy fancy shots of our room.

Cat Toast

 Miss Melanie helped her mommy make cat toast today. And because they know I looooooove cats, they sent a picture!  So cute. Adrienne is such a good mom!

MRI time

 At the radiologist, getting Joseph an mri. Looking to see how severe the damage is to part of his colon. Surgery coming soon. If they ever finish the mri. It's taking FOREVER!! Joseph is such a brave guy!!

Mother and Son

 Reina is Cayenne's mom. She doesn't like it, but it's true. He absolutely adores her. From time to time she grants him some affection. Or she just falls asleep and doesn't realize he's there!! We like to think these are tender moments for them both.