Strength

In the past year and a half I have learned a valuable lesson. I can do hard things. I can face up to mistakes and get my life back. I have an inner strength that will not be defeated. I love my Savior who knows me and knows my struggles. He guides me and helps me face up to these challenges. It is hard to admit when you have done something wrong but the blessings that come from it later are incredible. I am so thankful for a loving supportive husband who I fall more in love with every single day. I am thankful for the most incredible children who love me and teach me every day. I am thankful for my parents who love me and guide me. How wonderful it is to have a supportive family that will be there for you always. I am one blessed girl.

Reunion 2012

This past week was spent at the Porter Reunion in Greer, AZ. Last time we went Chase was just a little baby and he never even touched the ground. This time he was in HEAVEN! He loved everything about it. All of the kids did. They loved being able to play outside all day long. They loved being free to explore and to play with their cousins.

Cole loved being a big kid this time. Usually I keep pretty close tabs on these kiddo's. Cole has grown up a lot in the past year. He loved being able to go to the pond with other kids as long as there was two of them going. He just had to tell me first. He also loved being big enough to push everyone on the "big red swing" He loved every second of the reunion.

Kiley loved being there with all the girls! She also had her 9th birthday while we were there. She loved it! She loves being around a lot of people and loves to "perform." She loved having the little kids love her and want to play. She had tons of fun outside too.

Wyatt was happier than I have ever seen him. He would get tired toward the end of the day and just walk with a blank face. That is when I knew he was going to pass out. He loves being outside. He loves playing with cousins. He loves playing with Grandpa! He loved loved loved the "big red swing." When he and his cousin Hayden were riding on it Hayden decided he was done riding and when it was highest in the air flew off because he just let go. He hit the ground face first. Wyatt came flying off and landed on his feet to check on Hayden. Poor Hayden had mud all down his face but luckily not really hurt. Wyatt loved the swing.

Chase loved being able to run. He loves being outside. He felt so free. It was scary though because he loved hanging out behind the cars. It was a close call for Uncle Dave. He was right behind his car as he was about to pull out. I found him looking at his reflection in the bumpers. Silly boy.
He loved singing and dancing and playing with bubbles. He loves being outdoors!

We had some ups we had some downs. But mostly it was just fun to get out of the heat and enjoy ourselves. When Chase took his nap during the day I would just sit on the porch and enjoy the weather. When Andrew got back to the reunion after having to go home to work a few days we were able to sit and enjoy being together. I loved every second of being with him. He makes everything better. What a lucky girl I am to have married my best friend and love of my life. Life is good!

Family Fun

One of our favorite things to do as a family is to sing. We all love it! Recently we were introduced to Glee Karaoke. The kids have talked of nothing since. I love that they had so much fun. Turns out Kiley is a sassy little singer/dancer. She had the time of her life performing and being crazy. I love this side of her. I love that she doesn't care what other people think of her. She is in no way shy. If she loves to do it she will do it. She doesn't care how others perceive her and I think it is one of the coolest things in the world. I hope she stays that way forever. She is fearless.

Father's Day

Today we celebrate fathers. I am so thankful for my Dad. He is the best example I have for how a man should be and how he should treat others. My dad is kind and generous and truly loves his family.

Andrew is the other father in my life. He is the most incredible father I could ask for, for my kids. He teaches them with patience and kindness. He loves them and makes sure they know right from wrong. He leads by example and inspires our family to choose the right path we should all be on. I am thankful and blessed to have him in my life.

Swimming

Last summer I took the kids swimming at least three days a week. They finally learned how to be safe around water and Cole and Kiley even learned how to swim. I only took Chase with us a few times. But that all changed today. I took the kids swimming and Chase was in HEAVEN!! He has absolutely NO fear of the water. He would stand on the side and just jump right into my arms. He would say "un k mom! I am ready!" He is so much fun. I am a little hesitant to take him with us when Cole and Kiley are new swimmers and Wyatt isn't swimming yet but he truly has never been so happy in his life. He would say "one two three dunk me!" I just love how he is definately an individual and he is so brave! I love this little guy.

Depressed

I have come a long way since I had that severe depression a year and a half ago. It got so bad. I pulled myself out of what can only be described as hell. I find myself getting depressed again more and more. Nothing like it was before but enough to not want to get ready in the morning and I am tired all of the time. I force myself to put on clothes. I force myself to put on make up. I just wish I would want to. I am tired of feeling this way. I am tired of being sad. I am tired of being tired...

Too much??

I have been thinking a lot lately about friendship. I know big shocker since it is one of my main topics of blogging but I digress, I have become much more selective about who I will share my time with. I am in a time in my life where I NEED my friends to uplift me. I need friends who will listen to me while I whine but also be able to come to me for their venting as well. I need the give and take. I need to be able to help as much as I am helped. (Does that make sense?) My biggest obstacle is being that friend. I have always shared too much of my story. I share with anyone who will listen. Trouble is that sometimes that person then has the ability to use it against me or use it to humiliate or even hurt me. This is something I have been working on and trying to improve. There are few who really know what I am going through and how I feel. I am thankful for the few. I just hope to be like them :) What a blessing it is in our lives when the Lord puts people in your path just when you need them.