I, I am alive!

Really.

Sorry! It has been really hectic here. Riley celebrated his 12th birthday. W.O.W. Time flies. So fast. He had a football party of sorts, *SHOCK*, I know. Several of his friends came to the park and tossed around the ball. Sam, of course couldn't stand to be on the sidelines...so he ended up in the middle of it!

That Sunday he was set apart and received the Aaronic Priesthood. The sensations that were felt were a little unexpected. It is a special gift to be worthy to have the priesthood. And to have 2 worthy boys in the house, well, it got me all teary eyed. My heart burned. And the spirit whispered to me that this gospel is true. Riley's smile was so big...I kept waiting for his head to crack in two! So, now he passes the sacrament. My, how time flies! Before I know it he will be in High School. How can I slow time down? Just a little...

It wasn't very long ago that I held a little baby boy in my arms. Wrapped in love. So, I suppose not much has changed. The baby has just gotten bigger. One of our favorite things to do is read, I love you Forever...what a wonderful book about Moms and little boys and love. Love is forever.

Family is too.

Happy Birthday Riley.
I love you!

Hope

What a beautiful world

In a world full of chaos and confusion...

I often wonder what my purpose is and how to make a difference. Peering into the eyes of my kids...I see, hope. Hope for a brighter day. Today! The greatest gift we have is this very moment! Embrace it, hold it, savor it...for tomorrow it is gone.

And in MY eyes... a beautiful world. Not perfect, but beautiful!

Healthy Living Challenge

Yup.

It's that time again. The Healthy Living Challenge! I must be the luckiest gal in the world to be able to do this with people I love. And I don't just love them, I pretty much adore them!

I am back to the South Beach way of eating. The first 2 weeks are the toughest...and at only 2 days in, the cravings are...interesting! Lots of salad, lots of veggies and lots of fish. But, boy howdy I want a doughnut!!! With a birthday party coming up and family celebration on Sunday, this week will get mighty interesting!!!

Go me!
The power of one can make all the difference.

Labor Day Love

The long weekend has come to a close. It passed us by in all it's glory! Long, hot and filled with laughter.

Our home was full of BBQ, family and friends...

Now we are anticipating a birthday, primary graduation, and growing up. Riley turns 12 on Thursday. Soon he will be a deacon in our church. Able to pass the sacrament. I can't believe it!!! Wasn't he just a baby? A toddler climbing? A preschooler learning? He is balancing on the brink of Tween. Tween. Do you remember how awkward it was...

Celebrate with me and give me some ideas on how to make a Tween more comfortable. It is a passage we all must take. And Riley doesn't seemed fazed by it, yet.

Back to Normal?

Routine is sneaking it's way back... Weaving noisy mornings, quiet days and content nights into our lives again.

The classes at BYU started up this week. How I have missed my class. I really do love those kids! Today was my first class, and it was wonderful. Moving, breathing..bending and searching my soul. There is nothing like it.

A dear friend has mentioned that she may be interested in mentoring me for massage therapy. A job offer from the MTC has arrived, and being a doula keeps me busy...maybe I should be a midwife?

Just when I was wondering what to do with all the time on my hands!

Ha, ha.

My almost perfect life...

I really love my almost perfect life.

My husband is almost perfect. The kids, well, they aren't perfect...not even close. But they are mine. And I love them.

My house isn't the newest or biggest on the block. But I built it alongside Sam. And nothing will ever compare to the experience that was.

I am not the size I used to be...but it really is ok. My heart is growing, and that is what counts.

So as I eat my awesome PB&J sandwich... I have a smile on my face. Because there are so many things to be grateful for.

Which is a good thing... because my family loves me, and that is perfect enough for me.