Muscle memory...

Tonight was pure bliss. We loaded the kids up at 3pm to head up the mountain in hopes of good ski weather. Last week the snow was very icy...making a beginner like me scared out of my brains. Tonight was completely different though. First and foremost I'm not freaked out by the chair lift anymore. I know it's pathetic that I ever was...but yes..I scare easily. And with fresh powder I was able to go at a pace where I could actually internalize what to do and "muscle memory" is beginning to happen. More than any of that though, being with my family...husband...kids up on the mountain spending good times together is what made the night flipping awesome. We ate pizza at a restaurant on our way home, came home and practically fell in our beds. 4 hours of skiing did all

Of our bodies in.

p.s wish I could have included pics of Connor and Christian but once they are in that snow they just don't stop for anything.

Happiness...

When We sent Halee off to college I had no idea how literally we were "sending her away." However, the man she's chosen is someone I will gladly hand her over to. I know she's safe, loved and taken care of. I'm certain she'll be happy and as a parent, isn't that all we really want? Happiness for our children? I can't even convince myself to be sad because when I look in her eyes and see that she's happy I can only be equally as happy, and what does that make me? A happy mom.

Crazy hair day...

Crazy hair day is easy to accomplish when you have tame these lion manes on a daily basis.

Skiing...

I never thought I'd try to ski. If it had been my choice I would have said "heck no, try again" but I have a very persistent husband and he harassed me until I gave in. I've only been three times now and yes, it's getting easier. But my rear end is paying for it. Talk about a good workout when you're snowplowing for 3 hours straight because you're afraid to gain momentum. It's been fun though, I have to admit. Watching the kids love it and become good at it is the reward at the end.

Big hair...

It helps just a little on crazy hair day to have so much it's practically coming out of your ears. I love these two.

Indebted...

This is the backdrop I found on my husbands phone today. When I met Chris and his family for the first time I realized very quickly that my future father in law wasn't a man of many words. I learned over time though that he was indeed a man of wisdom, selflessness and family. I've always had a special place in my heart for him. Is it because he raised a boy that loves me and puts my needs as his top priority? Well, yes...I believe it is. I owe him so much.

Let us pray...

Actually not..lets just sleep instead. I know I've posted pictures of these two and their sleeping escapades before but this one in particular looked exactly like Chris was praying. When I showed him the picture he said "oh my gosh, my bald head makes me look like a Martian!!" I of course said "um...no it doesn't." But then I looked closer and had to agree that the picture looks a little on the Martian-ish side but it's only the angle. I reassured him that he had a very sexy bald head and I think he's going to be ok now.

Feet...

I don't know why but this picture makes me smile. It's Grace's feet. It reminds me that she still has small feet, but also that because her feet are growing...she's growing. Halee's feet were just this small and now she's an adult. Austin's feet are two sizes bigger than his dad's. Connors are a size bigger than his dad's. Christian is catching up quickly. Their feet are growing...and so are they. Raising these children is the best gift Heavenly Father has given me. It's him telling me that he loves me because they are so special....he must value me if he trust me to care for them. if I do nothing else in this life, raising them would be enough.

Skiing...

My husband snuck behind my back while I was on vacation and bought a ski package. He's good with timing because he did it when he knew I wasn't around to protest. He's a smart man. I'm glad he did it. The kids have loved every minute. Even the girls are going on the lifts and skiing in some pretty steep stuff.

He practically had to force me to go yesterday and I failed miserably. I never expected it to be so difficult. This may have to be a father/children activity. 

Maui...

I escaped. I went away with four good friends and left all worries behind for 7 days in Maui. I can do that because I have a husband who puts my mind at ease. He is a true gem. A winner of winners. 

We went on a sunset bike tour and woke up at 3am to get there early enough. As sad as it sounds it's the first time I've been willing to wake up for a sunset. And I'm 39 years old. Kinda sad. But I did it. And it was worth it.

We ate shaved ice everyday...shopped....but mostly sat on the beach. 

I'm a new mom now. I needed that. Thank you, husband for your support and love.