Walking with my Buddies

I've actually been walking with buddies of the human variety, but instead of torturing everyone with pictures of us all sweaty and gross I thought I'd post some of the other friends we have at our favorite walking park. The squirrels are really really tame. Some people actually bring nuts there and feed them out of their hands. Others just walk around dodging them as to not trip over them. Okay that was a bit of an exaggeration, and some of us are a tiny bit scared of them. But I love that this park is in my backyard. Okay it's not really in my backyard but it's in my neighborhood. Okay it's not really in my neighborhood but it is pretty close. And it is a really beautiful place. Even has a couple fountains.

Anyway I have a few friends which shall remain nameless, that have encouraged me to do some walking. Now me and exercise do not mix, however with much careful prodding I finally agreed to join in. The first week I was so busy doing rain dances all day so we'd have to cancel our walk, I could hardly get any work done. No such luck!! So walking I went. I walked, and I cussed, and I complained, and I moaned, and I got sweaty, even had really dramatic fainting spells and all. Did that phase anyone? Did anyone call 911? NO!! So I kept walking. The second week was much less dramatic. I did complain a little, still tried to get out of it with any excuse, kept on sweating, but kept on walking. Amazingly enough week three has been quite different. I'm actually enjoying it just a little bit. Well maybe not enjoying it but must admit I feel better for it. And every night when I come home I look in the mirror and even though it feels like I'm walking my butt off, guess what? It's still there. If and when it does fall off I will post pics, but for now I'm off walking!

Happy Father's Day !

We had a wonderful Father's Day. We went up to Daytona to attend church with my father and spend some time with him. Afterward we went over to Darin's Mom's for lunch. She fixed us a great meal and had a nice visit. We were able to spend some time with her, Dakota (Darin's nephew), "Little" Randy and "Big" Randy. It was kind of a quiet day. Tabitha had to work all day so we missed her :( All the Father's in my life are very special to me and for that I am very thankful.
Darin is not only the best Husband in the world but also the best Father in the world. If it hadn't been for their rotten Mother I know my kids would've turned out perfect ;) If there had to be one word to describe Darin it would have to be "Caretaker." Darin is the one you always find standing in the background watching over and making sure everyone and everything is perfect. I've never seen him turn anyone away that was in need of his help. My children and I have definitely been spoiled by this "Super Man" We're thankful everyday to have him in our lives.
This is Darin's father. I never had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful man, as he was taken from his family by cancer when Darin was only a child. His Mother did a great job in raising them, and being both their Mother and Father. I know he was very special man and would be proud of the wonderful men his sons Darin and Randy have turned out to be. I look forward to meeting him one day, and to see the smiles on his family's faces to be together again.

My Daddy is the kindest, most gentle, the absolute smartest, and loving person I know. I sit and marvel at how much love this man has to give. There's never been a time I had to question his love for me. He has always been a rock in my life. There for me whenever I needed him. Never judged me and always made me feel like I was the apple of his eye, and that I was the most important thing he had. This as you know was quite a feat since there are 10 of us children and I'm positive everyone of us feels the same. I was loved and accepted even when I wasn't the easiest to love. I'm thankful for his love and most of all his love of the Lord, and his beautiful testimony of the gospel. I love you Daddy!

Happy Father's Day !!

You go with your GRAD self !

Darin and I recently returned from a trip to Minnesota. The main reason for the trip was to see my niece Samantha (Kim's daughter) graduate from college. I really enjoyed spending time (although not as much as I would've liked) with Samantha and the rest of Kim's family. We went on a nice tour of the Minneapolis-St.Paul area, had a few meals, and lots of laughter together. Samantha is a beautiful person inside and out and makes me proud to be her Aunt. From the time she was a small child she's amazed me with her intelligence and humor. I knew all along she would go far and I look forward to watching her make her next move in this game we call life. Congratulations Sam, and again.......You go with your "GRAD" self ;)

Happy Mother's Day !!

I just wanted to share with everyone how thankful I am and how lucky I feel to be a mother. I had a wonderful Mother's Day. First of all Tabitha, Randy and Darin gave me a wonderful (pink) digital camera. (Now I get to be the annoying one always taking pictures). We joined Darin's family for a beautiful lunch and had a great time just being together. We normally would gather for a group photo, but the sand storm in the dirt parking lot didn't make for a nice backdrop. Oh well maybe next year. These are the few photos I took while inside.

"Little" Randy, Me and Darin

Tabitha and her friend, Mallory

Darin's nephew Dakota, sister Judi and Mother (Marie).

Darin's sister Jodi, brother-in-law Link and niece Marissa.

Marissa and Dakota, I added this one just cause they're so darn CUTE!!

"Big" Randy was also there, but somehow dodged all the photos. I'll do better next time!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day, as always, but what really makes Mother's Day so special to me is not being pampered myself by my children and the people that love me, but to honor all the Mother's that I love, most of all MY two mothers.

This is my Momma. Just seeing her smiling face brings a smile to mine. My Mom has to be the absolute strongest woman in the world. In all my life I don't think I've ever heard her complain. She's had a very good life and radiates positivity. She never has a mean thing to say about anyone, and I know I learned my acceptance of people from her. Of even the most questionable people and situations she always finds some good. When I grow up I want to be just like her. Nothing gives me more comfort than the sound of my Momma's voice. There's not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful she chose me ;)

This is my other Mother. I know the picture is of Darin also, and I probably have better pictures of her, but I love this picture of them. Marie is a great Mother and has been a wonderful Mother-in-law to me. She's always worked extra hard to provide for her children and even now is there at the drop of a hat when anyone needs her. She's shown me love and acceptance, even though I'm sure it wasn't always easy. The love she has for her children is very evident in all she does. And I must admit I look forward to meals of any kind at her house, she definitely can throw down some good grubbin. All of her daughters are taking after in that way also. I hope some of that rubbed off on Tabitha through all these years ;)

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mother's out there !!

Here goes :)

I don't really have any idea what to write about on this thing, but really enjoy reading others and keeping up with people's lives by reading theirs so I would like to give it a try. We'll see what happens. Hopefully I'll get the hang of it.