Happy Birthday Princess Tenley

Rock Star Princess

10 Years

Ten years is a long time. Almost one third of my lifetime. So much happens in ten years and so much can change. But one thing has remained the same - you are still the only one for me and I love you even more today than I did 10 years ago this very day when we made a promise to each other, Forever.

We've been through a lot - Starting out life together with only $500. We were so broke, but so happy. Finding a job. That first night in our first place - sleeping on the floor and listening to the rain. Remember when I used to bring home the bacon? Making big decisions about school and work. Going to movies all the time - I can't believe that we used to see almost every movie just so we could win at the Academy Awards Party. Graduation. Our trip to Europe.

Fighting about golf. Our little apartment in the hood. Reading books together. Soccer. Surgeries. Book Club (or should I say Fight Club?). Family drama. Our first baby - remember how we used to just look at him for hours and marvel at our creation? Buying our first house. Teaching Daxton to throw a ball and how to say the alphabet. The birth of our baby girl - she brought so much peace and love with her when she came. Potty training. Bear Lake. Building our home. Broken faces. Lots of singing with Tenley. Mexico. Halloween with the kids. Family night on the blanket. Putting in the yard. Dad dying. Changing jobs. And that doesn't even scratch the surface. We've shared it all and done it together (and none of it would be much fun if we were doing it by ourselves).

I remember thinking 10 years ago how lucky I was to have found you. I didn't really feel like me until we were We. Thank you for the most wonderful 10 years of my life. I wouldn't change a thing. I love you Always.

Happy Anniversary, Adam.

The Eye of the Tiger

Do you ever have those days that you wish would just end already? I had one of those the other day. Adam was gone, the kids were going crazy, Tenley was yelling for me to hold her while pulling on my pant leg, Daxton was jumping off the furniture, and I was trying to make dinner. I was ready to put the kids in bed... in their clothes... without dinner.

Then I saw my ipod. Maybe some music? I looked through my lists wondering what would help calm all of us down. I came across "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, and after debating for a few seconds whether I wanted something that might hype them up rather than calm them down, I decided that it might actually help the kids (and me) get some energy out.


I had no idea that it would be a smash HIT...they loved it! I was ordered to play it over and over while we danced it out around the kitchen. I tell you, by the second repeat I was actually smiling at my two little sweethearts. Thank goodness for Survivor.

The only thing I'm regretting now is that everywhere we go I have a constant request for the "Tiger Song". Oh well, it usually just makes me smile anyway.

My Weakness

So Adam has been traveling a lot for work lately. I have gotten a new routine with the kids and things are going pretty well. But since I don't have anyone to hang out with after I put the kids to bed, I have started a new routine myself. The first few weeks I was catching up on all my shows while I did the stepper. Then I started just catching up on shows. Now I have finally found a replacement for my sweet husband (and if it weren't for the pounds I am gaining I would love it almost as much)!

Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream. I don't think that there is anything that tastes better than this. I think it might be the downfall of me.

It starts with an "I" and he has a whip

For Daxton's Birthday we had an 'Indiana Jones' party at Kangaroo Zoo with all of his friends.

The kids went wild ... and luckily we only had a few minor bumps and bruises. Daxton is really into Lego Indiana Jones, so he made a special request for Lego Indiana Jones Birthday Cake this year.

Here is how it turned out.

Not quite as intense as Tenley's Dora birthday cake (thank goodness), but I thought it ended up pretty cute. And the kids had a great time playing and jumping around on all of the blow up toys.

I can't believe that my little boy is 5 years old. Time goes too fast. He is going to be graduating from High School the next time I turn around!

Happy Birthday Boys!

Five years ago, I gave my husband the greatest birthday present ever (I doubt I will ever be able to top it). After 3 days of labor, our first child, Daxton came into this world to share his birth with the celebration of the birth of his Dad.

That day I was overcome with emotion that, luckily, I have learned to control a little bit better. It took me years to get through Guess How Much I Love You without full-on tears (now I only get choked up when I read it to my kids). But having a child with the man that I love is probably the most wonderful, beautiful, amazing experience of my life.

I feel blessed to be the mother of this outstanding little boy. And lucky to be able to raise this beautiful child of God.

Daxton is sweet, sensitive, and very curious.

He is full of questions, energy and joy.

He has many friends

and loves to play.

I am amazed every day by his insight and intelligence. Sometimes I wonder how a child so young can say and understand things that are so profound.

He is a great big brother. He teaches and helps his sister and has become very protective of her.

What a blessing he is in my life. Thank you Adam, for giving us Daxton for your birthday! I love you both with all of my heart.

Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2008!

Hello 2009!