There are many ways to heal. Sometimes it takes good doctors who know how to perform certain maneuvers to save a life...thank heaven for those. Sometimes it takes just a very strategically placed band-aid with a little bit of neo-ointment that is always topped off with a kiss. Then there are other times when laughter and good, loving people around you is what you need to heal. When it seems like nothing else is working sometimes laughter and love can heal that tender spot that nothing else can reach.

Right now I feel like my eyes have been pried open and I have learned. Maybe sometimes I wished it wouldn't be so hard or painful to learn, but all good wisdom that we take in helps us for the better. Sometimes in life we learn through our own personal tragedy and sometimes we learn through others. I have seen so many wonderful women in my life suffer. Some I know well and some I only know through others, but my heart has felt close to them, and their suffering I have shared. Even if just a tiny morsel of it. I have stood in amazement at the capacity of good that abides in all of them and also the strength that has been available to them through our Heavenly Father. This life isn't easy but it is made easier by having good loving people around us. We are blessed with family to lean on in times of need. Luckily though if you are like me and don't come from a normal family dynamic or live thousands of miles away from them there are friends that we can adopt as family. Some of my closest friends have now become sisters to me. Not second or third sisters, but sisters.

I have learned over these past few months as I have watched these good women battle through it all that there are ups and downs. That every good person out there when faced with affliction falters. They have their down days and their ups. I've learned it isn't about being up all the time it is about when you fall down getting back up and sticking it out the best you can. Putting your shoulder back to the wheel and "pushing along". I don't mean to be preachy I simply mean to share something I believe in, because I know I have had times when I have felt my best wasn't good enough because it wasn't perfect....well that is okay because I know it never will be but better yet it doesn't have to be! I can just do my best...sigh...that bring relief.

Thanks to all those wonderful women who keep going even when faced with what seems like insurmountable obstacles that completely overwhelm you at times. I love you and think of you always. I am so thankful for your example, friendship, and love.

Just wanted to start out with something to melt your heart. AWWWH! Aren't they cute. Okay on to the updating.

I am going to be the first to admit. I have been slacking. With lots of good excuses but lets face it excuses are just like opinions-everyone has one and they all stink.

So instead of all my lame excuses I decided to post an really long blog...here you go Holly. I hope it can hold you over until this week. I know they are cute and I would miss them too if I didn't get to see them everyday.

We took a trip out to California to have a small family reunion with Chris' family-we missed you Dave and Michelle. It was nice to have the family together and figure it had been at least 3 years since that many of us had been together. This is Kate with her cousin Kendell they haven't seen each other since Kate was 9 months old. Kendell lives in Hawaii so we don't make it there-ever!...someday though. This is Kate on her first official ride with no parental supervision, at least within 5 feet. I was nervous she would freak out. I was so glad Kendell was there otherwise she would have been all alone.

We went to Knot's Berry Farm while in Cali. It was my first time and it was really fun.

Just Checking....

We had such a fun time with the West family. It is funny though out of all the things we did I think one of the funnest things (and I have heard others agree) was just sit around in our mom and dad's room and talk. It was nice just being together.

This is us enjoying the waves. We were so bummed we forgot our swimming suits this day. The waves were huge. I love, love, love the ocean!

Then we took a trip up the road to "The Happiest Place On Earth". This was our first time going to Disneyland with kids. It is much different. Chris and I had season passes when we were first married and since we only lived a few ours away we would jet down to Cali every now and then to get away. We would have a blast and just go, go, go. Those of you who have kids know that doesn't fly. You are still constantly going but at a much slower pace. Seriously I would wake up at 7:00 am and not stop doing something until 12:00 or 1:00 am. It was so much fun. There is something different about getting to watch your kids have fun.

Watching the light in Kate's eyes when she would see something exciting or scary. It was a new kind of enjoyment for me. I loved it.

Minnie was the first character we met. Kate just laid her head right on her head. She loved it.

Then we met Mickey. Notice how she cuddles up to him again.

Main Street view.

Notice the legs hanging out on the side of the picture. This was only half way through the first day. Disneyland isn't for the weak.

Kate with Grandpa Dave in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle.

These are my favorite all time pictures. Grandma wanted to take Kate on her first ride so Chris and I could go on some. She was kicking and screaming and just wouldn't go so she took Carter instead. This just shows his personality. He is always up for a good time. As long as he is fed that is.

Mom and Kate

Aunt Julie and Kate

Family pic-Carter always gives the characters the stare down.

Disneyland

More to come.....