A Little Sweetness....

Oh my! We have been so blessed! How did we get two of the most amazing little friends to share our lives with? I love the annual Christmas "sleepy time" pics. No...they are not asleep but aren't they cute! (Sorry about Nikko. He would not listen when we gave the command "sleep". Hopefully this coming year with Mister being home (YES I SAID HOME!!!) and some 4H work, next year will go a tad bit smoother. We shall see......) Aren't they cutie putooties? We kindof like them.......

Catch Up Mail Call

Dear T-Bug and Aly Cat,

You are the best! We love having you with us. We love watching you be altogether, seeing you grow up and take care of each other. I love hearing the laughter and teasing but most of all, I HEART seeing you help each other and be there one another. Never forget that family is forever and will support you no matter what. I promise that is all we have sometimes.

Dear Santa,

I. Do. Believe. (That is all!)

Dear Far Away Family,

You were missed a great deal over Christmas this year. The distance is just much too far for all of us to maintain the involvement that is properly needed for us. Did you feel love sent your way? Did you know you were missed? Let's figure out a new plan. This one is simply not working.

Dear Sweet Biz,

Makeup? Waver? 389 page books? Big girl boots? ReAlLy?!?!?!?! Where did the time go? Where did my little girl go? Your dad and I had a hard time shopping for you this year. Yes, some tears were shed. To realize you are growing up makes us long for the old days but still we are excited about the future at the same time. We heart you forever and 500 million Swedish fish added on top of that. Our little family is blessed because we have you! Please remember to always be you and know that the other things are fun but it is what is inside that really matters. We love your heart and your smile! We love the way you think of others and ways to help. Thanks for being my little girl and teaching me to listen with my heart and pay attention to the small details.

Dear Friends and Family,

L.O.V.E.D reading your cards and letters!!!! Wow! You are splendid and as busy as we are! The fact that you included us on your list touched our hearts. We read and reread each and everyone one of them. Nice job in the past year with all of your adventures! Please keep us updated as the new year progresses. (Oh, and if you were still searching the mail box for ours.....I promise it will be coming soon! It just maybe more of a "New Year" card than Christmas.)

Dear Little Man,

You are a teenager now. We aren't sure what that means but we have loved every minute we have had thus far with you. Thirteen years ago, you were one of the best presents I could have ever dreamed of. We were so scared and unsure of ourselves but you have helped us through each stage. We are so blessed to be your parents. Your ambition and drive not only amaze me but inspire me. We enjoyed your party with your friends. It was fun to watch you be a kid and not the old sole you can be at times. Remember to slow down once in a while and just enjoy the stillness that life can offer you. You can learn in quiet times too!

Dear Snow,

Where are you? We are longing to see you and ski! If it is going to be cold, we need you to join us! Come on. It is okay. We are waiting and will be happy with your arrival. Promise.

Dear Boise State Seniors,

Thanks for the ride boys. We miss you already and can't believe our 4 years together are over. Don't worry about the young ins'. We promise to love and support them in your absence. You will always be missed and thought of however. Best Wishes in your lives ahead. Be wise and smart as Coach Pete has taught you and you will continue to do great things. Keep Believing! We will. Scouts Honor.

Dear Mister,

Having you home has been like Heaven on earth. I heart you. You are my best friend and the Daddy my little ones need because without you, I am not me. I need you as well. How do you make things better with one smile and eye wink? I want to be like that. Thanks for loving me and making my dreams come true every minute you are with me. You make this journey worthwhile and have meaning.

Dear Aquarium,

Ahhhhhhhh, you have no idea how long we have waited for you. You can bring a small piece of that ocean close to home and I need that! Keep up the great work and try to speed up the seal and otter exhibit. That would be the best!

Dear Blog,

Sorry. Time has gone rather quickly. I suppose you can be a New Year's resolution to keep up. I will try to visit you more often.

Life Lessons

I am a blog stalker. Well, when I have time. Well, actually when I can steal a moment away from our busy little family. It is good for me to do. I worked out (Day 2!!! Wahoozie! On a roll, I tell ya!) and decided to catch up on some reading. Blog reading, that is. I always feel a little smile in my heart when I get to see how amazing life truly is when I read about friends and some I shamelessly stalk but do not really know, internet friends. (Would you call them imaginary?) Life. Is. Good. It is in the small things that we don't stop to look at in our busy schedules, but all in all, life is good and we are blessed. My focus shouldn't be on Mister leaving this morning, friends of both our children and us not saying or doing the right things and causing hurt, money being tight, work hardships and the list goes on. It should be on how amazing our little family is and how we are so very blessed to be together. Because that is all that matters! So I borrowed/stole/took without permission this from an amazing blog (Written by an amazing lady!) this morning to help me remember. Life is going to be okay. I will keep praying and loving and in the special quiet mornings like today, I can smile and remember what life is all about learn a little about where my focus should be, whether I am the cheerleader, the tackler or the one being tackled!1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion... Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Have a most stupendous day! I plan on it!

Mister. I. heart. you.

Fifteen years ago, I got to say I do to a lifetime of happiness with my best friend. How lucky am I? Not only can Mister read and write, he is truly a wonderful man inside and out. I still cannot believe he asked me. He. asked. me. Wow! So in honor of our fabulous, most splendid 15 years together...here is a look back. 1) bought our first home 2)welcomed the Little Man into our lives 3)learned how to love on a very special Lil' Bit 4)built a house (Still have TONS to do and finish. Anyone want to help 5)became Aunt's and Uncles to some very special nieces and nephews 6)enjoyed family and friends (Some that have moved (Boo!) and some that are still as close as ever! (Yay!) 7)learned how to be parents at dance, gymnastics, soccer, cheer, Judo, 4H, football, quizzing, wrestling and track events 8)watched our favorite Boys in Blue and Orange play in AND win games never thought possible 9)became health conscious and one of us started running in races. (Eek! I know, everyone knows it isn't me but kudos to Mister for losing close to 150 lbs. Maybe me someday...just maybe!)10)became proud owners of two black labs and one very large yellow lab, two turtles, and a crazy amount of fish! 11)moved around in our employment, changed titles, positions and locations 11)started skiing both on the water and in the snow as a family 12)enjoyed motorcycles, 4 Wheelers, boating, snowmobiling, mtn. biking, camping and now our new doom buggy 13)enjoyed trips to Mexico, Las Vegas, Washington (Love you Westfall's!), several places in Idaho, Disneyland and of course the beach 14) learned how to heart each other more each day 15)continue to dream about what is to come.

Mister. I. Heart. You. To. The. Moon. And. Beyond. Forever.

A few things I have learned lately.....

I am amazed by my little family and all they do and accomplish on a daily basis.

Getting older isn't as bad as I thought.

I can, and indeed do, love Mister more now than I did 16 years ago.

Life at this moment of time is really the only thing that matters. Not the past, nor what will happen in the future is of utmost importance. Worrying, wishing and wondering are all silly wastes of precious moments.

Summer months go by way too fast and are way too hot.

Saying goodbye to the Little Man for DU (Destination Unknown) was a very hard thing to do.

Mister is the hardest working man in the whole world and I heart him more than he will ever know.

Sometimes there is nothing you can do but say "I love you and I am here."

I want to live in a world full of people that like to laugh and think of others before speaking. Enough with judgmental, full of themselves people on this planet.

Summer School is a lot of work for a small period of time.

Having 1500 thread count sheets really does make a difference and how I do love them.

I am growing up. I really kinda like it.

Having your family live in another state is getting way to hard on me. I miss them.

We have been so very blessed in so many ways. Sometimes we forget.

The people that you find are the best to work with and love, will eventually move/leave.

I need to get to spinning more often and workout on the days when I don't.

Seasons without football are just boring.

I like winter so much better than summer. I am just not a "hot" weather type of girl.

God will always be there but you won't always have easy days.

July Mail Call

Dear The Voice, Wow! I. am. hooked. I loved it! I wept with you, sang with you, danced with you and even voted. Dia, you are the winner in my book but you have Mr. Blake taking care of you now, so you will be okay. Adam..... Wow. What a fine, kind hearted specimen you are. Thanks for being so entertaining. I can't wait until you come back. TV isn't worth watching.

Dear Beach, My heart is still there with you. Nothing ever seems quite the same when returning. I know you are there and I know I should be there with you. I should see my dogs running up and down in your sandy water. I should see my kids jumping and playing in the waves. I should see Mister sitting next to me and holding my hand as the sun sets. Yes, a piece of my heart is still there, it always is.

Dear Momma, Have I told you how simply wonderful you are? I can't imagine a better role model for me and my family. You make me laugh, crazy, think and want to be a better person. Who would have thought that 20 years ago.?!??! I admire you in more ways than I could ever write or describe. For lack of better words that truly represent the gratification you deserve, thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for loving us, no matter what. Thank you for being there, for guiding and coaching us every step but allowing us to find our own way. You. are. loved.

Dear Biz, You have had quite a week little one. You won the coloring contest and tickets for us to go to the water park. Thanks for wanting your daddy and I to go along. You woke up at 5 to work at your new volunteer project. I am so proud of you! That is not something just any 10 year old would do. You have a big heart precious girl. Don't forget to keep it!!! Remember to smile and love always. No matter what.Dear Linda, Spinning kicked my hiney and my legs and part of my upper body today. I do not believe a woman should sweat like that. But you keep going and still manage to look like some type of biking goddess up there. How does that happen? How do you do that? I enjoy it though. It makes me feel like I have really accomplished something. Thank you.

Dear Little Brother and Family, It has been forever since we last talked. I hate to be a pest but a week is way too long to not receive a picture and/or chat about the things that are happening in our lives. That helps you seem closer somehow. I can't wait for Sept.!!!

Dear Mister, You are on your way home. I can't be happier. When I hear you are on the road coming home to me, my heart jumps and swirls like I just got off a roller coaster. You get to stay home all next week. Yes. It will be fun times promise. Thanks for date night last week. It was fun to be young and carefree again. Crazy how old we have become, isn't it? Thank you for being an amazing man with so much to offer to me. You are all of the songs I love and the ones that haven't been written yet. i heart you.

Dear Nikko, Please. Listen to the dog lady. She is here to make things easier on you, and us. We love you but do not like your disobedience. How can you be so cute and naughty at the same blessed time? What a talent you have for that.
Dear Favorite Sister and Family, You are so silly. I still cannot believe what you did to our yard. Thank for making my birthday special. It was simply perfect and just what I wanted without asking. I felt loved and honored all day. Our time on the boat was fabulous as well! Sorry about the embarrising moment and forgetting the hat and glasses were on. Oops! We all enjoy you and love every minute with you crazy people. Fun, fun times and lots of giggles. Always.

Dear MTI Class, You almost killed me! You made me so frustrated that I couldn't even speak. RRRRRRR. However, why do I still keep thinking and talking about math? This is not normal. I am sure that is due to you. However, I will always say that having the right answer is most important. Ask Mister when he does the checkbook. He wants me to have the right answer no matter how I arrived at it! That is all I have to say about that, well and maybe that I LOVE subitizing. I just like to say that word.

Dear Little Man, What is up with your nose and allergies? You are making me sad hearing you and watching you try to breath. Poor thing! Thank you for getting up with me and going to spinning. I love our time together there. I love to watch you push yourself and see how much determination you have. You amaze me with your tenacity. You are a special Little Man and we are blessed to have you in our lives.

Dear Me, You have options. You are quite capable. You can and have the ability to change things and show love. Hang in there. No matter what others say, your heart is in the right place. Learn to be patient and observe. Talking doesn't always resolve things. Listen...

I Love You This Much Because....

...you are a helper...you volunteer on your birthday, doing a thankless job that will help so many people you will never meet...you can light up the room when you choose to really smile...you like to snuggle...you can laugh at the Hill of Doom and know we will attack it together again someday soon...you are a perfectly amazing reader and enjoy getting lost in books. I do too...you are ridiculously cute and witty...you love school and all of the simple things of school like a perfect pencil with a brand new eraser and a perfectly sharpened tip...you miss your Daddy and love him as much as I do...you draw on anything available, the dog's collar, the walls and every scrap of paper we have left in our house...you understand the importance of family and how precious time with them can be...you really do care about others and you hurt when they hurt...you love your brother and appreciate the importance of the life long friend you have in him...you ALWAYS come and give me a kiss goodnight and promise to meet me at the beach we so dearly love...you laugh at my silly Japanese and help me learn more...you sing...you always remember to say I love you and sometimes do it first...you love all of us, no matter what we say or where we drag you, You love us back!
I just heart you Biz and always will. Ten years ago we were blessed to meet you and welcome you into our little family. Thank you for being the girl that you are and being the extra special, girlie, part of us. I love you forever baby girl, all the way to the moon and back down again 500 million times.

HaPpY bIrThDaY!