While we were in Flagstaff

We visited our favorite park with some other friends from Russ PT class. This picture of Gracie reminds me of Russ when he was a kid. Gracie would tuck her feet up in the swing and it would make me laugh. And look at all these good dads. Russ is in the circle too, but he is the one you can't see.

We were able to stay with my good friend Tia and her family. William and her son Carter were playing and William ended up with a nice little goose egg on his head. It went down by morning. I was able to go to a girls night out with some of the ladies from Flag and it was so nice to see them all. I met some really great girls up there that have really influenced me for good, I am so glad I got to know them while I was there.

Here are Russ and William enjoying some smores (I hope you don't mind Tia)

Gracie had fun trying on princess shoes... ...and so did William:)

William and this little girl Eiley really hit it off, they had a lot of fun playing together.

I am sad I didn't take more picture especially of Tia new sweet baby. It was a fun trip but made me truly miss living in Flagstaff.

Being a Mom

All I wanted when I was younger was to grow up and be a mom. Now I am. I think the thing that shocked me the most about becoming a mom was that I am not good at it. I guess I just assumed that since I wanted it so bad that I would be good at it, that it would come easily. (This is a very hard thing for me to admitt.) It is not easy for me. I struggle and pray for patience everyday. I love them so much and I think that is what makes it so hard. I only want the best or them, and I am not the best. But I am trying.

Days like Mothers Day help me to remember and see all the wonderful examples of mothers that I am surrounded by. I don't think it is easy for anyone. Maybe easier for some but never easy. It is just the nature of the job. There are so many mothers out there that are teaching me and helping me to be better - especially my own.

All that is best about me was taught by my mother. And I hope someday my kids will be able to honestly say the same.

Celebrate good times, come on!

On the last day of Russ' last internship we celebrated by going out as a family to Bahama Bucks. The kids were pretty excited and did not let a single drop of icy goodness go to waste.

We were the only customers in the place for awhile so after they ate we let them run around to their hearts delight. After awhile another little boy came in and when William introduced himself he said, "name is Noah." Then William said, "but I don't know you." I think the name Noah confused him.

After we left we went over to Russ' parents house and Russ brother that is from out of town came over for a minute. Enough time for Russ to rub his back. Russ is such a good guy. Right now he is in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher and listening to Barry White. It is impossible not to love this guy.

He did it!

We are so happy.

And we love him so much.
I had to add these pictures of how much both William and Gracie love the tassel when they were about the same age.


A much longer post about the event will come later this week.

Three years of Feelin' Good

Birds flying high You know how I feelSun in the sky You know how I feel

Reeds driftin' on by You know how I feelIt's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life For me..And I'm feeling good Fish in the sea You know how I feel River running free You know how I feelBlossom in the trees You know how I feel
It's a new dawn

It's a new day It's a new life For me... And I'm feeling good
Dragonfly out in the sun You know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all out having fun You know what I mean Sleep in peace When, the this day is doneAnd this old world Is a new world And a bold world For me...
Stars when you shine You know how I feelScent of the pine You know how I feel yeah,
freedom is mine When you know how I feel It's a new dawn

It's a new day

It's a new life For me...free, free loving you...

Feeling good

Lyrics by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse

Redone beautifully by MUSE

Tomorrow we are off to Flagstaff for his graduation. Sigh.