Updates...

July 29, 2008 - Tuesday Is it August yet??? Welllll, Is it August yet?!?! Ah, the final month of summer. Cramming in all the last summer activities with little tan faces, knees and toes!!! Waiting impaitiently for new books and clothes...for new teachers, friends and adventures! Also the month of the final Cram!!! Scram. Amy. Scram. My brother is getting married in almost exactly one month. We are to the final countdown. *HOORAY* I am so excited for him. If you could only see how much he adores his sweetheart! ( I can still hardly believe my baby brother is old enough to GET married, but I am getting old you know! ) Weeding, mowing, edging, spraying. Moving, painting, cleaning...clearing and scraping. Bit by bit...this old farm cleans up nicely!!! In a week I will be on a plane to L.A. *HOO HOO* I am so excited. A group of friends are all flying out together to see a band in concert and for a book signing. It will be a highlight of my summer!!! 3 days in L.A. With the girls!!! *LAAAAAAAAA* In a nutshell. That is August. Month of finality. Summer coming to a close. Roll the windows down for the last cruise into the sunset. Cause here comes bedtimes and routines...knocking at your door!!! *evil laugh here* School is coming. Change is in the air. Fall is at our footsteps and soon will be here. Happy August everyone!!! ~Amy

July 20, 2008 - Sunday Sun, Air, Grass and the flu...ewww So it's summer. Right? Full swing... Where the heck did I get a sore throat and the flu?!? Besides feeling totally lame, and running a fever for the last week, it seems that things are pulling together around here. Finally! I got a stack of books read that I have been dying to read. And things are coming together for the wedding in September. ( Not mine, my brother's sillly! ) Although we do celebrate 14 fabulous years this September...(geez, I AM getting old). GAH! Good thing I still act 4, LOL! We had the family reunion here over the weekend of the 4th, Sam has an abnormally large family. Which is great. Just loud. And confusing at times...Now the 24th is looming...it is a holiday in Utah. It commemorates the pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley. It really is a cool story. Our kids are descendents of the Willey-Martin handcart company. Another cool story. Progeny. What a blessing and curse, in the same breath!!! Anyway, I am starting to feel better. Besides having my hands incredibly full...(wedding, yardslave, maid, Mom, wifey-poo and a multitude of other things I will spare you) I am going to LA for a concert and book signing. WHOO HOO!!! It is for the release of Breaking Dawn. The concert will be given by Blue October. One of my favorite bands!!! I am going with some good friends and am well prepared to go sit on the beach, stay up late, and shout the words to my favorite songs. It almost makes me giddy!!! Tee hee. Those who know me well, know that the book series by Stephenie Meyer...Twilight, has really turned me into somewhat of a fanatic. Obsessed...um yeah. Really. Me. ( I never get obsessed, whatever could you mean? ) Ha, ha. Whatever. So anyway. I miss you guys. Write me. Send me some pictures. I know you are all alive out there!!! ~Amy~

July 1, 2008 - Tuesday Its so hot...seriously. It is so hot outside. Humid too! That is kinda weird for Utah... Even at 7am, when working in the yard...sweat just pours off me. Right now it is hovering between 99 and 100. What happened to spring? It just dumped us off at 99!!! Really, the temperatures went from comfy 60's to 100? I think my brother is getting married in my back yard...Christian if you read this...you owe me one!!! While planting some flowers this morning, this ominous hissing sound came from the hole I was planting in. Holy Adreniline rush...the screech that issued from my throat should have warned anything within a five mile radius to run like hell... Yah. It wasn't a snake. It was the water sprinklers coming on. Ha, ha! Well after my heart returned to it's normal place in my chest...I continued to play yard slave. Now, with dehydration and a headache like no other...I am parked in front of the computer. When really I should be getting ready for tonight. Tonight, you say? Yes, Rileys Baseball team is coming over for a BBQ. Not to mention we are hosting the family reunion this weekend. Those of you who know me, know what happens when these things are coming. It all starts with..I should touch up that paint. That turns into...I think I will paint the entire house. Der. What planet am I FROM??? So, I really should finish painting upstairs. Do some more laundry. Edge the flower beds, pull up the rest of that sod, feed the horses, shovel some poo, beat my children, just wanted to see if I could slip that in unnoticed in the incredible run on sentance I just created, and oh so much more. Flowers need to be planted, weight needs to be lost. But, it SO DARN HOT. The paint is melting, the flowers are wilting, and here I am. Eating. Reading. Hanging out. LOL! Omigosh. It is so hot.

June 23, 2008 - Monday And so it goes, and so it goes... The hot, dawg days of summer are here!!! It has been burning up HOT. Replete with burning sunshine, unforgiving shade, and tempratures near 100. Ah, the joy of life in the desert. The kids have been playing ball, just two more weeks to go!!! We have already had a couple of fun overnighters... We went to Manti, and spent the night for the Manti pageant...and went to the Anasazi/Freemont Indian museum, which was totally cool, and amazing!!! Then on to Cove Fort, an old Pioneer stop along the pioneer trail of history. It really is neat to see how they lived, and how they rose above the challenges of their day. It is very encouraging, uplifting, and humbling. We also spent a long, somewhat wet day at Lagoon. It is way pricey, but the kids enjoyed it. It was the big splurge of summer. With gas prices as they are...we are pretty much staying in the surrounding territory. Our next adventure awaits at Sundance...where we will hike, bike and make pottery. Paint some pictures and have fun togther in the shadow of Mt. Timpinogas. HOO HOO! If anyone has some fun ideas for summer... I am game...let me know what YOU do! Till then, LURVE YA Amy

May 21, 2008 - Wednesday Holding on... A dear fellow TM wondered how I was holding up. The recent loss of Sam's Mom has left the proverbial hole in my heart... this was my reply... One does as one must do. Simply, go on. It seems that life should stop, at least for a moment. But, it doesn't. Though I miss her with all my heart, and it physically aches... I have to stay strong for Sam, and my kids. The nights are harder than the day... But, it was a gift to have her when I did, so...chin up, I defiantly stare at the moon and move forward with her in my heart. And the rain won't stop. In my head or in my heart... So as for holding up...not so much. But holding on. XOXO Amy

May 19, 2008 - Monday Of Book Signings and Stardom Sightings Current mood: amused So, the long weekend has ensued. Take a big breath and come along with me! Stephenie Meyer started the whole thing...I blame her!!! She wrote these addictive books, that lead to addictive friendships, that lead to addictive lifelong obsessions...anyone see a pattern here?!?!? Welllll, The Host was released and TM's...( Twilight Moms, the greatest women under the face of the sun, in my humble opinion).... decided to all get together to read, discuss and have our books signed by Steph in SLC. Friday begat the madness, at Thanksgiving Point. Where under the beating sun we waited. Patiently for everyone to arrive. Finally with really suhweet sunburns and dehydration we were admitted into the barn...where we had reserved seating. 52 TM's descended upon poor unsuspecting hosts...bwhahaha...and laughed, discussed, giggled and passed the time among friends. At long last, Steph emmerged from backstage to a standing ovation. ( yeah, we sorta like her ) Answered a few Q and A's... that I thoroughly enjoyed... and starting signing books. Yes, I felt like cattle. Driven, directed and herded in general. Finally it was my turn. She is kind, direct and very, very beautiful in person. Her agent Elizabeth is the greatest agent...probably ever. She was keeping things as smoothly as she could. After we all had our books in our hot, happy little hands, we went to eat at TP. We were late so there wasn't much food left, but the cookies were phenomenal. Emily, Steph's sister came with some of the other family, including the cousin, Melanine. Whom Melanie in the Host is written after!!! Cool, yes? They were all very sweet, tired and happy to be there. We chatted, ate and all went our ways. Saturday brought on a whole new meaning to lack of sleep and function. After a looooong night with some other TM's, we got up had a fantastic breakfast, chatted with the cute guys at Starbucks...who thought I looked like Jenny McCarthy...hmmm yeah, in my skinny dreams maybe! And headed to Highland High, for the second signing. It was freakin HAWTTT outside, but a nice breeze kept it manageable. Twilight Moms from all over were a strong presence. Which I think is AWESOME!!!! Again, we laughed, chatted, awed and ooohed over Steph's ability to create such detailed, amazing works. Lisa, the coven mother of TM's was reduced to tears at the sheer amount of TM's, who came for the group picture. She is pretty neat. We love Lisa, hear that...WE LOVE YOU LISA!!!!!!!!! We got our books signed, sealed and delivered and headed to the Park. Where in the shade of the trees, we squeeeed, swooned and all agreed that Steph is the greatest ever! Her kindness and ability to convey her genuine concern to her fans is unique. She is unique. And has brought us all together. I owe her more than I could ever afford. She has given me a reason to read again. Friendships that will last my life time. And moreover, a reason to hope... Thanks, Steph. Amy

May 1, 2008 - Thursday J’Taime Je T'Aime Je T'Aime toujour I am forever yours Sweet dreams Sweet dreams mon cher You're always in my prayer Softly Sweetly Wrapped up in heaven's arms Sailing Soaring Over the moon Gathering star dust Be still Be safe Be sure Je T'Aime Je T'Aime toujour Wishing Praying All of your dreams come true Please remember Wherever you are My heart is with you Sweet dreams Sweet dreams mon cher Always in my prayer I am forever yours Je T'Aime Je T'Aime toujour

April 30, 2008 - Wednesday The Legacy of Love A new day has come for Mom. She passed peacefully into heaven yesterday. Surrounded by her family and loved ones. Though a star has been stolen from the sky, a brilliant sun arose in it's place. Her love radiates to us all as the warmth creeps across the horizon. From limb to limb I feel her love. Unconditional and pure. Real and true. She brought to this world goodness, and has left a great legacy of love. This legacy is knit with stitches tight and secure. Sewn by heart and hand with love deeper than the sea. Now it is our journey to continue the tapestry and weave the shreds back together. Love will bind us. Christ will comfort us, and Mom...well she is an angel dancing amoung the stars today. Her legacy lives on...I can see it in the bright eyes of my children. I can feel it when Sam wraps his arms around me. My faith is secure in the seeds she has planted within my soul...that she will always be with us. And she is waiting. Paitiently as ever for us to come to that eternal home. Where the sting of death is erased. And love lives on, and on, and on. Can't you hear her singing? Can't you see her dancing? Can't you see her wrapped in the arms of her father? Free from pain, hurt and suffering. The legacy lives on in each one of us... Dance with the angels Mom. We will see you soon. Love, Always...Amy

April 12, 2008 - Saturday Still hanging on Mom is still hanging on, by a small, sheer, very weak thread. It has been just over a week that we have been back from Florida. The exhaustion has given way to numbness. I am not sure what I feel anymore. It seems that the verge of a nervous breakdown is imminent. And right before I fall over the edge...something pulls me back into reality. Days and nights begin to blur and the slope is wet and slippery. It feels like auto-pilot, where you go through the motions with no reaction or emotion. Which is great for the kids. All the cookies they can eat, shorts in 40 degree weather, flushing cardboard down the toliet. Ok, so I really did fuss about the shorts! I am STILL a Mom!!! Cookies and cardboard never hurt anyone. It is hard to remember where something began, what I am doing, and where to stop... The edges all blurred somwhere... My thanks and heartfelt gratitude to all of you who are thinking and praying for all of us right now. I love all of you so much!!! Keep praying, and may you be blessed for it. Love ya, amy

April 8, 2008 - Tuesday Sadness... Sadness can’t quite convey how I feel right now. We headed out of town last week, ready for sunburns, sun soaked beaches and some quiet time. What unfolded was an unexpected turn of events. Are you ready??? Come with me and hold on tight... We packed, cleaned, squared away kids, horses and chickens! And flew out on a cold, blustery day...I boarded the plane shivering...and deplaned stripping...well, I wanted to anyway! It was 38 degrees when we left, in Florida it was 86 degrees...it was wonderful! We rented a car with a somewhat malfunctional GPS navigator and headed out to see my Dad! The pull of the beach was ALMOST irresistable...but a late thunder storm quelled that in a hurry. We had a wonderful dinner with Dad and Heidi...played with Mack and had a blast. We headed over to his place around midnight, showered, and went to bed. By 6am we were up to catch another flight over to Ft. Lauderdale...to make the cruise ship on time. Upon arrival, I took my very first ever TAXI! That was weird... We stopped at three camera stores trying to find a battery for my camera, to no avail. Finally we headed to the Port to get on the ship. They herded us like cattle, poked, prodded and peered at our pictures. Finally, after two very long exhausting days...we got aboard!!! We were not able to get to our state rooms for about an hour, so we ran through the buffet line...( like EVERY one else!!!) Wow, that was a lot of people. The hour was up and we decided to rest for a few. We had been up for way too long and were having serious jet lag...as there is a 2 hour time difference!!! Just as we dozed off...Sams phone rang. It had been ringing...but the pit of my tummy tingled. All along I had my reservations...I really didn’t want to be there. It was Sam’s sister, his Mom wasn’t expected to make it through the night. EEEeeekkkk!!!! Let me tell you about Sam’s Mom. She is the single most amazing person, I have ever known. Always kind loving and gentle...patient. Really, I could go on and on...but I don’t want to make you go commit suicide or anything. She has bravely fought Ovarian Cancer for 4 almost 5 years. The fight has come to an end. My mind was spinning. HOW DO WE GET OUTTA HERE!!!! I ran across the hall and knocked on the door, and asked the kind lady to hold Sam’s hand...I TOOK OFF RUNNING. I found someone to locate our luggage...Gathered our things, and put Sam on the phone with Delta...GET US HOME!!! NNOOOOWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It took three planes, over 24 hours with no sleep, no idea where my kids were, holding Sams heart in my hand, and my heart...welll, I have to keep it together. We made it home by 1:30 after 12 hours on planes and 4 hours in airports. Mom was weak, we watched her sleep. I cried, Sam cried...and in the morning...she staggered out and tried to make BREAKFAST! Well, that was last week. This week has been the downhill plunge. With heavy heart, I say...this is the end of her mortal journey. The sojourn is coming to a close. With dignity, compassion and great love...I must say, that I love her with all my heart. She is the most wonderful mother a girl could ask for. I know, I know...she is my MIL, but she claims me as her daughter. And with humility and gratitude, I accept. In my dreams, a little girl leads her to the Savior. He takes her by the hand, and she asks to sing praises to him forever. Green pastures lay before her...she has yet to step across...she glances back and a single tear runs down her cheek. And in my mind I hear Poor Wayfaring Stranger...then wake up.

Hey all!!!

Just a note...
Dec. 5
There is alot happening this week.
Tommorrow is our ward Christmas party, then we have family coming to stay for a couple days. For theTA DA...
Henstra Christmas Party
That I just happen to be in charge of. So forgive me if I dissappear for a few...

I still love ya!

Hope the season is warm and bright for you so far.
Well,

Here I go. Think I will make a fool of myself this year?
So, Sam has an enormous family. Ever tried to juggle with one to many? (NO NOT DRINKS!!) Could probably use one right now, though.

We are setting up tonight for the Annual Henstra Christmas Party.
It seems no matter how hard I try, someone is always disappointed. So just shy of me slitting my wrists and bleeding out on the gym floor, does anyone have any last minute ideas for me?

I also have to teach my class super early tomorrow and zoom back home get cleaned up, set up, and take care of company. Said company is arriving tonight. I think I have things together. Shopping, Vacuuming, Laundry, Food...and so it goes.

So, in your adventures this weekend think a happy thought for me.
Like, breathe Amy. Yup, that's it...just Breathe. I can always use a happy thought. So send some...pleeeease.

Dec. 10th
I, I am alive!
Anyone out there remember that song?

Yes, I am alive. Yes, I was up till past 3 am multiple nights in a row.
Yes, I went skiing ALL day today. Yes, I am crazy...

The party went well. When it was time to vacate the church, the party continued at our house till well past 4am. Two nights in a row. All our company headed home late Sunday night. The kids ate more candy, soda, and garbage in two days than I have ever seen.

It seems that everyone had a good time. Little cousins gone wild would be a fitting description. Awesome! It is nice to have it behind me so I can focus on other things now...ADHD ya know!

Anyway, so I went skiing all day today in glorious powder. I swear the snow was better today than ALL of last year. It was a blast. I am sore and very, very happy. Tired, but happy.

I, I am alive...

Dec. 18th

The deeeeep breath before the plunge!

Ah. Christmas.

Well, here it comes. ready or not. It is getting ready to snow outside. We have three really awesome storms lined up to hit us. I really should be wrapping presents and baking cookies. Unfortunately I am reading Twilight (again) and skiing. Skiing, SKIING!!! BWAHAHA!
I really love skiing. So fast your hair catches on fire. Ah. That is heaven. Flying down the mountain, across the white divide, the seperation between heaven and earth. Only trees to witness where you have been. From where you may never return.
So here comes the breath before the plunge...see if you can keep up
Party tomorrow at school, dance recital, party next day at school, lasik consultation, skiing, packing, preparing, decoratring, wrapping, cleaning, and cooking. That is just a brief glimpse into the next few days at my house. Not to mention Saturday is special. Really special. TWILIGHT MOMS BREAKFAST!!!! YEE HOO!

Then, Sunday, egads. I have to sing at church. Anybody want to come hold my hand? How did Sunday get here so fast!?!?!?!?
Then Christmas eve, Christmas and then? Well more skiing, duh!
So take a deep breath with me...
We can do this!!! Did I mention Christmas eve is at my house this year? With all of Sam's family. whew. Someday I think they will love me in spite of myself. I know yall do. Even though I am full on crazy.

Dec. 27th
So it has been crazy here, you too? That is what I thought.

Well, Christmas has come and gone again. Is it just me or does each year speed up? We had a fantastic party here Christmas eve with Sam's family. They are large in numbers, loud, and as always a good time!!! We finally made it to bed around 1 am. Riley came running downstairs at 4am...we sent him back to bed. LOL! Mean yes? The kids finally were up and moving by 7am. By 8am it was all over, a huge mess...and ALOT of fun. We had a delicious breakfast of homemade waffles, applesauce and juice. Cleaned up, played, got dressed and drove to my Parents' place up the canyon. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there, so we enjoyed Lord of the Beans, yup, Lord of the Beans for the drive. It was freakin hilarious. I laughed the whole way there. Yes, I watch Veggie tales. Perhaps you should too. I know I am 30+, but, hey you only live ONCE!!! So we had a blast at their place. Ate too much, played in the snow, and pretty much just hung out. We got home about 9pm, to a message from my bestest friend in the whole world...Loretta. SHE WAS IN LABOR. I am her Doula/ Birth coach. I showered and hit the road AGAIN. It takes just over an hour to get there. When I did, she had contractions 3 min apart on the money. We called the Midwife...That was about 1045pm. By 1am we had delivered a beautiful baby girl. After three boys, her first, which is a girl, was THRILLED!!! As always Loretta did simply beautiful. Her husband is an amazing support to her. They hold hands, stare at each other and he NEVER leaves her side. It is just about the sweetest thing I have EVER seen. Needless to say it is an honor to be part of such a miracle. So it really was the best Christmas EVER!!! The baby is doing well. So is Mommy. I will try to post pics later. Got a new camera, gotta figure out how it works.

So that is the full update!
You can always catch up on MySpace page
http://www.myspace.com/yogagurlsday

Hope you had a happy wonderful Holiday Season!

Thanks is thanks...right?

One week later...

Hack, cough, sniffle. Oh the sounds of winter. The joy of the flu. I am sick. Like lay down and sleep, sick. How often do I do that?( Lay down, hold still, etc. ) Yes, so now you understand how dire it is.We actually went without milk or bread for a couple days. Somehow through the delirum of it all I managed to drive to the store and stumble around today

Besides the fever, the burning throat, and chills... I know it will be OK. Riley has a project due this week on Indian culture, habitat and customs. I have encouraged him to work on it, well he is only 10. He has chosen the Shoshone as his medium. Quite interesting. Did you know Susquehanna was Shoshone? She is the Indian who led Lewis and Clark. SHE WAS COOL...Go read about her.

Anyway. Between the project and flu medicine...we are getting ready for a Church Christmas party, Family reunion and oh yeah, I have a concert on Sunday. Geez. We will make it out alive won't we? Naw, really . I love Christmas. I just wish it would SNOW. Hello, that is why I love UTAH. Where is the snow??? Marshmellows just don't cut it. I keep trying that. I throw them around and try to run in them. It isn't the same. They are sticky too. It is darn cold out there though. I think if it is going to be cold it should snow.

Sam took Riley to the BYU-UTAH game Saturday. The rivalry game. BYU won. I was to sick to pretend to be excited. Football's not my thing. Anyway, Sunday morning Sam was late for some meetings at church and hit the truck with the honda. I was to sick to even enjoy it. Usually it is me crashing, misjudging, and just destroying things in general. I did point and laugh. He didn't really appreciate that. I guess it is a good thing that I am sick, otherwise I might be dead.

All the excitement is hard to contain. Kids gone insane over the holidays, Sam crashing the car, me sick on the couch...dreaming of Josh Groban. ( He is singing on the cd, so naturally I would dream about him) He's not even my type! Helloooo.... So where was I? This probably doesn't make alot of sense. I apologize in advance. No animals were hurt or injured in the making of this episode.

I suppose I will just have to give thanks anyway. Really. I am glad I'm sick.
Not really.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving...

For the love!!!
Of food that is...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My parents and my brothers came to our home and celebrated gratitude with us.
A friend of the familyl and his wife came as well, they have no family close...what the heck...the more the merrier right?

I have so many things to be grateful for. Lots of people do a list, or send around a fill it out thing. Not me. Not my style.
I simply try to live each day like it's the last. Maybe that's why the kids at school think I am a cool Mom. Maybe that's why little old women at church squirm when I sit by them. Maybe that's why I love life like no one else I know... There is so much wonder and beauty in this world. In times filled with uncertainty, war and rumors of war...God has given us the greatest gift. Salvation. Man, if that doesn't make you want to live, I don't know what to say. Salvation. That's all I have to say. So, perhaps you should run outside naked. That always works for me. Hee hee. You should see Sam tearing after me. THATS a sight to behold. Lay outside on a cold night wrapped in a blanket and look at the stars. Run through large piles of leaves and scream at the top of your lungs. Drink hot chocolate and scald the hell out of your tounge. Catch snowflakes on your nose. Throw the football IN the house. ( That's always a good one ) Try to understand baseball. Try something new. Read a really good book. Hug your family. Kiss someone you love. A deep passionate kiss, the kind that makes your head spin. Ride down the stairs in a cardboard box...with your kids. Don't give up. Life hasn't given up on you. Enjoy the moment. Savor the present. Eat Indian food. Go to the ocean in the dead of winter. Smell salt in the air. Ponder life's mysteries. Ponder life's wonders. Ponder life.

Happy Thanksgiving.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE

Well today is the day it all started for little miss Ellie.

Here is a shout out to the grin queen of the world!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE


We had a party on Saturday with 10 little girls all dressed up.
It was a blast and a half. Lots of pink, barbies and princesses.
Man oh man.

Anyway, Thanksgiving is next.
Cya later...

I know, I know...

It has been a while.

So here are all the updates I am sure you are dying to read.

Sam has had two recent events. One on top and one on bottom.
He took Riley to the last 3 games of the World Series. For those of you who don't know, um--Sam is slightly a Red Sox fanatic. I stress the Fanatic part. Sam played baseball until he had steel pins in BOTH elbows. Soooo needless to say He was on cloud 109!

When he got back he had sinus surgery. Can you say ouch, yuck and that's a lotta blood my man. The first couple of nights were rough, but he is doing much, much better. He can breathe, and his headaches aren't so bad. That is ALWAYS a plus.

October is pretty much a blur. Sam's Mom got really sick and was in and out of the hospital. To make a long story short, it wasn't the cancer...she had an ulcer in her small intestine and it took FOR-EV-ER for the Dr.'s to find it. Meanwhile, she took the worst chemo RX of her life. Ugh. I hate cancer. But I hate Chemo worse. So between the shadows of life, we went to the hospital, cooked, cleaned and helped care for Mom ( and Dad ).

Halloween snuck up oh so quietly. And here we are marching toward Thanksgiving.
On the 20th Ellie celebrates her 6th birthday. She is stoked!!! She is really excited and talks about it constantly. I don't blame her, everyone has had one this year...'cept her.

So here it goes again. Between the barbie cake, the pumpkins, the plain craziness of it all...Life stealthily moves on. Quietly, Forward.

Here's to Life and all those wrapped up in it.
Oh and a big fat bow on top!

Musings about life and stuff

We celebrated Sam's birthday on Tuesday. Oct 2, 1972...a good day.

Sam is offically 'getting older' as he puts it. HA! Whatever...
The kids helped me decorate and hang balloons. I made a home made german chocolate cake, cause that's his favorite! He got a couple small presents and a giant hug from his family.

It is funny how I can't really remember what life was like pre-Sam, pre-kids, pre-such. Perhaps it wasn't all that great...or maybe I am getting older. Whatever it is, life sure is good isn't it? As each year closes I find myself pondering what made the year a success. Without my little family...it would be so empty. Being part of this craziness is more fulfilling than I could have ever dreamed. Even in the tough times, I always know we have each other.

Sam is working too much as usual. I am just balancing everything in between...Sam, kids, school, yoga...dinner, laundry... Riley is doing really well so far this year. It always makes me feel better when I sit in his class and realize that all the kids are goofy. Not JUST him. Katie is finding her niche. She really, really wants to be an artist. And just like the artist soul, she wants her hair curly, straight, long and short, pretty much all at the same time. *ugh*
Ellie is really enjoying school, and friends that come with it. Our phone rang about 4 times last night with her little friends calling. I thought it was cute. Sam didn't. Probably because it was the same little girl. LOL!!!

Things are moving along here. Life doesn't hold still often. Or is it us? We don't hold still long enough to see that life is...what it is!
What we choose to make it. What will YOU choose?

All our love,
Amy and crew