Life as I know it........

I changed my blog to "Life as I know it". For a long time now I have not quite understood why life is so hard and complicated. I spent this morning at the Huntsman Cancer Center with my father-in-law while he received his radiation treatment. I watched people going in and out of the clinic and wondered about each persons life and what it was like. I felt hopeful for most and hoped they did too, but couldn't help thinking why???? My own family is struggling so hard with these same questions and it has always brought me back to the same thing..........hope. This is the life we are given, it could be worse, just watch the news, but it is our life and it is the life that we know and have to deal with.

Zoe and I have been working on making a collage journal of things that inspire us, make us happy, and things that bring us peace. Zoe started making her journal as an assignment for school, but I love how she has put a lot of thought into the pages. I believe when you focus on the beauty and the good, the other stuff that complicates our lives seems a little less.

Summer Rain - U2

When you stop seeing beauty
You start growing old
The lines on your face
Are a map to your soul

When you stop taking chances
You'll stay where you sit
You won't live any longer
But it'll feel like it

I lost myself in the summer rain
I lost myself
I lost myself in the summer rain
In the summer rain

It's not why you're running
It's where you're going
It's not what you're dreaming
But what you're gonna do

It's not where you're born
It's where you belong
It's not how weak
But what will make you strong

Anybody missing summer?

There is something so simple about summer. I miss the freedom that summer brings.

No homework

Sandals

Long days

Being outside with friends

Front porch(which reminds me I need to take down the Christmas deco outside!)

Flowers

Vacations

Summer concerts in the park

Family, friends, family, friends, family, and friends.

The highs and not so low lows of 2009

In no particular order, here is my year.

I drove the Jeep on a Moab trail for the first time. The kids said I drove too fast, I figured if I drove fast I wouldn't get stuck.

Renan got arrested at the end of a U2 concert. Apparently he thought it was funny.
I went to the Temple Bar in Ireland and didn't get drunk.
Zoe and Ezra came in first place in a 5k. Renan did great also, but I have no clue of his time. Sorry Ren!
I was lucky enough to go to Laguna Beach twice in one year.

Zoe learned to jump serve.

Ezra broke his wrist on the last day of school, not a great way to start out summer vacation.

Made a perrenial peace garden in remembrance of my dad who died last year. The garden brought me no peace at all. Hank apparently found that it was a great place to destroy as he was running the perimeter of our property several times a day.
Ezra attempted to be me for a day. Didn't last an hour. Tough life I have.
Met Ree Drummond aka Pioneer Women. I have been reading her blog for years and I went with some friends to a book signing. She told me I have beautiful hair. I told her it was natural, but I don't think she believed me.

That my friends is my year give or take a few hundred things. I hope everyone has a Happy New Year. I love you all. By the way I turned my comments section on again, apparently some of my friends were not happy that I turned it off. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to comment! Feel free to read my blog, comment if you would like or not, either way have a great day!

Merry Christmas

Presents are wrapped and ready!!!!!!! Life is good. All that is left is a little cleaning and a whole lot of cooking. I hope this Holiday brings joy to all. Merry Christmas to all my family and friends.

I am in need of some warm weather here.

A couple of months ago my mom took me and my sisters on a trip to Laguna Beach. We had a fabulous time and I have decided that I would love to go again very soon. Lets say.........tomorrow. The arctic weather here is getting very old and it is only December. So I guess looking at my pictures from the trip will have to get me through.

My sister Rachel was the trip photographer and she took a ton of pictures. At the time I wanted to kill her because every time I would turn around there she was with her camera. It was not enough just to stand there and look pretty, she needed excitement. For me not wanting to look like a fool in public............well that was just not going to happen. I gave in eventually! After all was said and done, I was glad she took all those insane pictures.

The highlight of the day was when the chocolates were out, which was about every 15 minutes.

Apparently we weren't paying attention for this picture! All I know is that camera didn't add the pounds, it was all the chocolates I ate. Yikes!!!!!

Wish we were there girls. Thanks mooooooma!

Attempting Christmas photos with Hank

Yesterday we attempted to take some Christmas pictures with Hank. Well lets just say Hank had other things in mind.......

Hank: Come on guys lets just play.

Hank: No frisbee? Okay we can just run then!
Hank: Okay this is ridiculous

Hank: Okay maybe one quick one, then frisbee!

Thanksgiving

There is so much I am thankful for..........

Zoe and Ezra

I love that Zoe and Ezra understand at such a young age that life is precious. They are two children that don't waste their lives, they are always up for a new challenge. I am constantly amazed at there unbelievable love of life. I am one proud mama!

Renan

I love Renan! Yep you heard me right! The last few years of my life have been difficult and he has not complained one bit and let me be. That says a lot about a person. I have changed and he is okay with that. He has changed also (he believes he is just numb to the pain of living with me). Whatever the case is it works for us because we will have been married for twenty years come March.

My family

I love my mom and sisters very much and there is not a day that goes by when I don't think about them and wished they lived right around the corner from me. We went to Laguna Beach in October and had a great time hanging out. I also love my dad very much and miss him daily. He chose not to go on the trip with us and spend the time relaxing away from the madness of our lives. What a lucky man.

U2

I will never admit to being groupies, but this band has allowed us to go on many exciting trips in the last few years of our lives. Most recently Ireland. So thankful they are adding another leg to their tour. We will now be taking Zoe and Ezra to Seattle to see them next summer, maybe even New York. That's the life!!!!

Friends and Family

You all know who you are and I am thankful for you. I am thankful for all my friends that make me join life once in awhile. I am thankful for all the support and love I receive from all of you. You are the best!