Having a grateful moment...

I'm just sitting here realizing how much I have and how ungrateful I can be. I'm working really hard on changing my perspective on things and finding a blessing in every aspect of my life, even when something can be difficult. For example, last Saturday we had one of those days when we seemed to be out of everything in the house so we went to Wal-Mart, Costco and the grocery store. By the time it was all said and done we had spent A LOT more money than I would have liked and I was so bugged. But as I'm sitting here I realize that at least we had the money to get what we needed: a HUGE blessing that I know not everybody has.

2nd example: I was putting away dishes last night and grumbling to myself about how my cupboards are too small and I don't have enough room for anything. This means that, #1 I have cupboards which means I have a home so that in and of itself is an incredible gift, and #2 I have food and dishes filling all my cupboards and I really am not left wanting for anything. What a petty thing to be upset about.

3rd example: Ben just started another long 8-game homestand so we won't be seeing much of him this next week. We love our husband/dad so it is sad when he's not around. But he's not off in Iraq or some scary place risking his life for months or years at a time, he gets to come home and sleep at night. And he's off working, providing an income and allowing me to stay home with our angel. Especially in this time of economic hardship I am so grateful for this blessing.

Finally, as I have been playing with Kiara this week I have been thinking so much about her birthmom and wondering how she's doing. Kiara's 2nd birthday is coming up and while I'm busy planning a party and thinking about what kind of cake to make, she is half-way across the country alone, wondering what her daughter's voice sounds like or how tall she is. Words will never express the gratitude I feel for this young lady and the sacrifice she made almost 2 years ago and continues to make every day. I know Kiara is our daughter and was meant to be in our family but that doesn't mean her Bmom hurts any less or that it is any easier for her. Our life is so complete and happy because of her and I have more gratitude for her than I ever knew possible. I also know I appreciate my daughter more than I would have had pregnancy and motherhood come easily and I am so grateful for that perspective.

I think it is so easy to become accustomed to life as it is and take for granted all that we are lacking but I hope we can all, at least from time to time, realize how much our lives are blessed every day. And go hug your family...that's what I'm going to do!

Water baby

I love this picture of Kiara lying by the pool. She started doing this when we went swimming on Monday and would tell me "night-night." The shades really just complete the picture though.

Kiara and her little friend Lauren. We see them all the time and they play really well together.

Nothing like a little girl talk!

One of my favorite parts about visiting Utah is seeing my best friends. I have known Tiff my whole life and Audrey since 5th grade and have always considered them my surrogate sisters. We have been through so much together and have more memories than we can count. I also owe them big time because they are the ones who set Ben & me up on our blind date. Thanks again, girls! What would I do without you? BTW, have I ever mentioned how hard it is to be friends with such beauty queens? Seriously, throw me a bone!

A few random pics...

Who doesn't love a good germ-infested bird feather?


Best friends, Kiara & Thomas



My niece Macy is too cute for words. I was bummed I didn't get to see more of her while we were there but loved every minute I was with her. Here she is playing with my brother's giant dog, Hanna. Macy never seemed to realize that Hanna is like 4 times her size. I missed a great photo-op when Macy began drinking out of Hanna's water bowl and her mom refused to put her back long enough for me to snap a pic.

I soon realized why Laura was hesitant to stage such a shot when my own daughter thought this would be a good idea:

Yes that is Kiara feeding herself water (with a fork mind you) from said water bowl. So gross!

What a bunch of pigs!

When we got home from the farm the kids all took turns practicing their "oinking" abilities. It was especially funny seeing the babies (Kiara & Thomas) do their impersonations. So cute!

The Farm at Thanksgiving Point

My last day in Utah we went to The Farm at Thanksgiving Point and had a blast. Kiara loved all the animals but only from a distance. Most of the other kids were excited to get as close as possible but none wanted as close as sweet little Thomas. This kid is not even 2 years old yet and has no fear of anything (as was proven Monday when we went swimming and he repeatedly jumped off the side and purposely went underwater). Right off the bat he was trying to climb in the cages and mix it up with the cows. It's very rare that he ever holds still but I discovered that he loves having his picture taken and will pose all day if you ask him to. I love this one of him leaning against the cage, he really is a sweetheart. And he and Kiara have quite the special bond, it's very cute to see.

Here are 5 of the 10 kids that went to the farm that day. These cows were so gentle letting the kids pet them. I was impressed at how brave they all were.

Kiara loves her cousin "Boxies", aka Brox. Here they are on the wagon ride that we all loved.

This is the only animal Kiara would touch at the farm, it's hard to tell in the picture but this is a sweet baby goat and Kiara loved him!

Here is Kiara calling the duckies and quacking at them. They were a big hit when they splashed in their little pools.

Another trip to Utah

Ben just finished a 9 day homestand at work so rather than be here alone that whole time Kiara & I took advantage of her still being free to fly and played in Utah for a week. We had a great time with my family although we missed Ben like crazy. Each day was a different party or activity and we were pretty beat by the end of each day, but it was well worth the energy! On this particular day we had a salon/tea party with all the girls except Macy. They each got their hair curled and a new flower clip, then they had their nails painted and changed into their favorite princess costume. We finished with a tea party and mini muffins. I think everyone had a great time and I enjoyed doing hair without traumatizing anyone! It's such a different experience doing caucasion hair, definitely something I didn't realize before we got Kiara!

LINDSEY
My oldest brother's 3rd child. She has the sweetest voice ever!

CASSIDY

My oldest brother's 2nd child. She is very fiesty but still quite the girl!

WHITNEY

My oldest brother's oldest. She is a true princess and oh so SMART!

EMMA

My 2nd oldest brother's 4th child and only girl. Even with all those brothers she is the biggest princess I've ever seen yet still as tough as they are!

EM & LINDS MAKING NECKLACES

ALL THE PRETTY PRINCESSES!

Little Ham!

No words required on this one. How cute is she?