Time...

Last night when I went to bed, I asked myself what I had accomplished that day. Where had the time gone? Laundry was washed, but not folded. Dinner was eaten, but dishes left in the sink. Toys were put away, but the floor not vacuumed. How had I managed to burn up an entire day without completing any of the tasks I began? I felt like a failure.

So today, as I sorted through pictures, I looked for proof that my days aren't a waste of time. And this is what I discovered.

As TIME passes:

Little girls fall in love with dogs. (This is Walter.)




































They win coloring contests, which earn them a dining experience with gigantic and terrifying mascots at restaurants.
















Babies sprout teeth, learn to roll over, sit up, and eat solids. They don't care that these new talents break Mommy's heart and make it burst with pride.

Little girls become big girls who give presentations, watch mesmerized as larvae turn into ladybugs, and practice cartwheels and handstands by the hour.

These beautiful events don't get written down in an appointment book or appear on any "to do" list. They take place in spite of dirty dishes, unfinished laundry, and sticky floors. And sadly, they happen whether they are witnessed or not. My photos reminded me today that I AM watching. I'm not missing any of it (even if it is 1 pm and I haven't showered yet.)

I'll never win a beauty pageant or a Pulitzer prize. I'll never be an ambassador to a foreign country or run an orphanage in a third world country. I'll never receive an award for the hours I spend every day caring for my sweet kiddos, but their smiles and laughter have to mean I'm doing something right.

So, maybe I've accomplished something important after all......

If this chair's a rockin'..........

Future bull ridin' rodeo star....or bronco buster maybe? YEEEEEHAW!

La Vida Loca

Our recent trip to Mexico was fabulous. We stayed on Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancun. Things began a bit stressfully when we arrived at the airport with 4 passports (oops, Tina, we're a family of 5 now). Ben went home to get it, and we made our flight. [READ: Ben cursed at the top of his lungs while driving 95 mph and Tina had a nervous breakdown at the ticket counter while Liv tried not to throw up, Kiki dumped the contents of her suitcase on the floor, and Milo pooped all over his clothes.] But as you can see, it was all worth it when we got there.....


Kiki is ready for a nap after snorkelling. She surprised us all
when she jumped in and swam along the reef with the rest of us.

Our room was steps from the pool with the beach just beyond that. We had an actual "cabana boy" who brought
drinks and snacks to our patio, pool chairs, or beach umbrella. It was great to be so spoiled.

We visited a turtle farm where sea turtle eggs are protected
and hatchlings are later released into the ocean to try to increase their numbers. The girls got to hold these baby
land turtles while we were there.

The beach was our favorite place to be whether swimming, napping, or playing in the sand.

We walked into the little fishing village every evening where
we enjoyed the live music, the fresh seafood, and the local
people who were incredibly friendly.

The island is small enough to see in a few hours by golf cart.
The girls took turns steering, and we stopped at lots of beautiful places along the way.

My favorite moment all week was at sunset on our last evening. I can't think of anything more spectacular than watching the sun sink into the Carribean Sea, listening to acoustic guitar with Ben and the kids laughing on the beach in the background.

We all loved having Ben to ourselves. No work, no phone, no
interruptions. He is such an amazing father, and I couldn't hope for a more loving partner to share my life with. It was wonderful to watch him play with and enjoy the children so much. But most of all, I was happy to see him relax during a
much deserved vacation.

Proof that being a work-a-holic sometimes pays off!

Happy New Year 2009

This was to be the photo on our annual New Years card that we usually send out to friends and family. This posting is as close as we got. Oh well, there's always next year for ambitious projects.

Let it snow...let it snow...let it snow! This is Ben's current workout routine.

Liv had her hair, nails, and makeup done at a birthday party...isn't she gorgeous?

Future ranch owner gets her first tractor for Christmas...notice the horse in the trailer.

After asking Santa for a Barbie house for 4 years straight...Liv finally broke him down.

After 35 years of NOT being a morning person, Milo's song has me waking up with a smile on my face. Who wouldn't be happy with this sweet sound as an alarm clock?

It's a beautiful life

I can't believe I have three such fantastic kids. Ben and I marvel at them every day. Life just doesn't get any better than this!

We had a gingerbread party at our house last weekend. We made a stable for Santa's reindeer, complete with fence and feeding trough.

Newest pics of the kiddos.....

Baby Mac is 3 months old today! He is growing and changing daily. He is the sweetest little soul.

He babbles and coos continually, but my favorite is the giggle.

I hope this stuff washes off....

We got a bit carried away with the face paint. The kids thought it was only fair that if mom and dad got to paint their faces, they ought to have a go painting ours and each others.