Hey everyone! I've got three kids napping, and one playing very peacefully by himself for the moment, so I'd like to jot a few things down.

This post will probably be a little different than the rest in that I don't normally write about personal stuff or random thoughts, primarily because I've had this idea in my head that people don't want to hear about my issues. And you probably don't....but I came across an idea the other day to write for ten minutes a day. So we'll try it out here.

Lately I've really taken an interest in finding out more about me, and how and why I function the way that I do. I often feel that I can do better. But sometimes my mind holds me back. I think that if I don't do something perfect the first time, I shouldn't waste time doing it because so many people can do it better. So I've been reading this book called "James Bradshaw: On the Family." It's goal is to show us how to identify where we are dysfunctional as a person, and why. Then, the most important part, how to not pass that dysfunction onto our children. We all get caught in these often destructive cycles, and I'd like to know how to brake mine.

A very important goal for myself is to be more positive. I do have the moments where I look at my children and my husband and have a full heart, but I find it so hard to display that. Almost like....If I'm enjoying life....I'm not doing something right.

I'd like to be able to recognize, and share more effectively what makes my life so wonderful. Because it is. It is joyful, and joyous. Of course there are hardships... DAILY. But there are joys... Daily. So, I'm going to use my blog to learn to better express the joys...and trials (because lets face it, we've ALL got 'em) of this experience we call marriage and parenthood.

For family in RI

Hey Justin, Christina, and Cora! We sure miss you guys! Here's a few pics of what we've been up to this summer. We finally planted grass in early May. As you can see, not only do we have grass....but lots of weeds as well. I was doing well keeping up with them, and then mysteriously lost lots of energy a few months ago.....

Our garden out there, has got four rows of peas, then a row of zucchini and lettuce. The next row is tomatoes then onions. Next we have carrots, then a row of green beans. After that there's a row of canteloups (that died a long time ago), and finally some pumpkins and potatoes.

It's been a lot of work, but I really enjoy taking time after kids are in bed to go harvest and weed. Call me crazy, but it's very therapeutic for me.

We got the deck in last year, which has been wonderful. We're just waiting for better weather to be able to use it...



Our garden


carrots, weeds, onions, weeds, tomatoes, weeds..you get the idea.


Princess Belle, helping me take pics before her bedtime


a little island in the front corner, but overrun with weeds






shhh....don't tell anyone....



and yes...this is....my truck.

summer fun

I'm not really up for writing to much, but I thought a few pictures might be nice any way! Enjoy!






We took a day trip to see the Grand Canyon

Brad and I went to Vegas and saw Phantom of the Operah (loved, loved, loved it!)

Heaven

I have only ONE dessert love. But it costs 6$ So Brad learned how to make it.

Four words.

My. Husband. Loves. Me.



Homemade.....Apple Skilitini baby.

Belle's 1!

Actually, she's been one for a month now, but i'm not on the ball.

We had a great little family party, and dad made her a pink cake with her name on it. She sure loved eating it! She's definitely our little princess.....

Brads 30!

Yeaaaay! He's the sexiest 30 year old I've ever seen. Anyways...I'm pretty sure he's going through some kind of pre-mid life crisis thing because, everything seems to be not right! His hip hurts, his knees hurt and his ankle, and a myriad of other problems that don't seem to manifest themselves if your in your 20's.

Well, to celebrate, we had a little theme party...Mustache and Wig....
It turned out to be a blast. Everybody was such a good sport, and the boys showed up wearing a mustache and the girls...a wig. We had some fun improv games planned...THANKS Everyone for being such good sports, we really had a blast!

Pigtails

It's our first!! We can finally do pigtails. I can't stop looking at her because I think she is just so perfect. Unfortunately the pigtails aren't though, a little crooked, but hey....cut me some slack...it's not like I've done this before....