Ugh...

Been one of those "crap" days today.. Feeling like a horrible mom tonight.. Wondering why we are given certain paths in life (although I think I already know that answer..) Wondering why everyone else's life seems to be a cake walk, (I know it's really not,) but it appears that way to me tonight.. I really am grateful for all that I DO have, my family and my friends... Just needed to get out some negative energy.. I guess the saying "when it rains, it pours," really sums up my life right now... Here's hoping to better/good days ahead.. :)

Proud Mama...

As we end another school year, I am so proud of my kiddos.. Like every year the kids have their own personal challenges in various parts of school, but they always press forward and do their best.. That's really all I expect of them.. All of them are so smart, but yet they also each have their own struggles in school.. I love that they are so different, and all excel in different aspects of school.. Glad another year is behind us, (to be honest I am kinda sad too, it means they are growing up too fast..) Looking forward to next year and the challenges and triumphs it will bring to our family... Loving my kids and feeling so proud of them...

Miss Courtnee's final report card, ending 7Th grade...


Stockton... End of 5Th grade...


Cole... End of 1st grade...


Stockton & Cole...

Surprised...

Just when I thought my birthday gifts were said and done, I received this little treasure in the mail... My BF Kris is uber talented in so many ways.. I tease her a lot by calling her Martha Stewart, but in fact she could probably give Martha a run for her money.. Not just scrap booking either.. She does it all; quilts, crafts, cooks, school crafts, scraps etc. and the list goes on and on... When I opened her gift, I seriously cried.. She knows me so well.. Sometimes it's nice to hear what others think of you (well the nice things anywhoo..) I think we all need to hear that every now and then.. SO thanks Kris for totally making my day, and for being such an awesome friend to me... Love you!!

Blessed am I...

After having a birthday yesterday, I realize that I have the most amazing friends and family... Their love and kindness was overwhelming to me.. Just going to share of the few wonders I received... Seriously blessed... =)

From my Bestie... Seriously floored by her amazing talents.. :) Love it!!


From my sweet, amazing Mom.. Love them Mom, they are so beautiful, just like you.. :)


From a very kind and great friend.. So yummy.. :)


From my sweet Courtnee... :)


I was so lucky to be able to see Courtnee play at her recital on my birthday.. What an honor.. :)


From my very creative and fun loving friend.. She also threw in some lemon squares and some bath treats... :)


From my sweet hubby.. I love it!!! :)



I also received many phone calls, texts, facebook messages, gift cards, cards and other great stuff... Thanks to all my family and friends who made this the best birthday ever!!!!

However this sweet letter from Stockton took the cake... I don't very often get sentimental stuff from him, so this is a treasure for me... Seriously made me smile and cry all together.. Loved it...

Family Reunion #2...

Holy cow, two reunions in 2 weeks... I am exhausted... For this one we went down south to see Troy's family.. Lots of good food, good laughs and lots and lots of dirt.. I have so many great pictures, so I will just keep it down to my favorites.. (OK that still may be a lot, so bear with me..)

Trying his new gun out, this kid lives for this kind of thing...


Picnic on the mountain...


Suzy and Ben, two of our favorite cousins..



Loving the outdoors...


Awe... Love it...


One of my favorite fishing pictures..


Let the BB gun war begin.. (by war I mean who can shoot down the most cans, not who can shoot each other.. safety first, always)


He actually hit a can.. At 3 years old..


We won't say who won, but lets just say Courtnee can shoot just as good as her brother and her cousin Ben... =)


Troy and his cute mom...


Totally cracks me up how the two little ones are right on Stockton's heels, always!!! Love it..


My cute kiddos...


Cousins on a log...


Fishing at sunset.. Gorgeous.. All of the kids caught fish too, pretty darn good considering neither Troy nor I fish or know one thing about fishing.. ;)


Our attempt at a self family portrait..


Hmmm, what seems to be dirtier?? Jade??


Or the car??


Looking out at 10,300 feet on top of a mountain.. Notice all the trees at the bottom that were once taken out by an avalanche.. Too cool...


Love his face...


Took these three kiddos to the Reservoir for some pics, while Stock and Troy went shooting..


Stockton and his Uncle Duane.. Stock loved being right by his side.. They fished together, ate their fish together and hunted together; Stockton couldn't have been happier...


Troy's family...


I am a sucker for a pretty sunset..


Pretty waterfall...


Troy's cute parents..


Troy's Aunt and Uncle from Illinois, we love seeing them every year and spending fun times with them.. :)


Only in a small town, do you get a goat that follows you for 5 blocks, talking to Courtnee the whole way.. He would have jumped right in and went with us, had we opened our doors.. :)


Had to put this picture in, gotta love those BRIGHT yellow Spongebob Crocs... :)


Deer, deer everywhere.. Our favorites were the 3 brand new baby deer we saw.. Just learning how to walk.. :)


We all had a blast, fishing, shooting, playing with cousins, getting filthy dirty and connecting with family we don't see often enough... Thanks family for a great time, and cherished memories... =)

90 is the new 70...

Troy's sweet Grandpa is turning 90.. I hope when I am 90, I look and feel half as good as he does.. He is such an amazing man.. I am so lucky to know him.. He is such a great example to Troy and our boys.. Love you Gramps.. Here are a few pictures from his big ParTAy!!

Troy's sweet Grandma & Grandpa


Troy's parents & Gramps..


So Sweet....


Tonya's Family...


Teri's Family...


Troy's Family...


Tammy's Family...