HALF DOME!!!!!!!!!!!

I really wanted to do a BIG hike this fall. As a mother it's easy to think that everyone's needs come before mine... and truly they do. With that said though, I need to do some things for me.

I gave up my body to have children. I gave up my time to make sure they were happy and loved. And I did so willingly and without any regret.

Now that everyone is older... now I can do a little thing here or there for myself. Hiking brings me peace and is a good time to contemplate choices I can make. Hiking to me is not about the climb, but about the challenge. Sometimes even the views at the top overwhelm me! But what I really love is coming back down. Knowing I made it to the top and can enjoy the easiness of the way down.

I love my body. I don't think I could ever say that before. I love that my body carried 5 children. That it breastfed them. I have stretch marks. I have a small belly pooch from ripped abs. But I look fabulous. I feel fabulous. And I can breathe. I love that I'm athletic. That I can push my body and it will rise to the challenge.

Where do I even start? 

Left the house at 12AM and drove down. Got there at 4am, took a couple hour nap in a parking lot that said don't sleep in your car in this parking lot. Started hike at 6am. Weather PERFECT. Summitted at 10:00ish. Finished by 3.

17 miles. 4,800 elevation gain.

The steps. The fall colors. The good looking Italian men that didn't speak English. 

David and Kara, "How did you get those gloves? Well, I'm not surprised you are a beautiful woman."

Or the lady that yelled up from below me on the cables, "Not fair! I want your arm muscles!"

THE CABLES!!!!!!!! When you rock climb and have good gloves and it isn't even a challenge. Staring death in the face and running down face forward.

Pure adrenaline!!!

I came to some good conclusions. Life is what it is. I am worth time. I will be just fine in life whatever happens. God is good and He loves me.

My dad made this possible. YET AGAIN.

Jody came home at night to help with the kids even though work has been beyond stressful for him.

I got lost in Cali, but it was fine because

1. Hip Hop

2. Windows Down

3. Sunset

4. Cali 90 degree weather

Although I will say, it's taken a few days to recover!!!

Such a beautiful birthday gift and great way to start out my year.

I was truly spoiled by everyone. From rock climbing gift cards, to cash, to flowers from Keyonna (and chocolate), bras and clothing from Ram (seriously looooooooove those bras) and a beautiful shirt from Nancy. My dad gave me the ultimate gift, a card from my mother that she had written me and never given me. My children singing to me and Maria making protein balls for my breakfast.

I am blessed. There is no other way to put it. God is gracious and good. He blessed me with safety. And I just need to remember to be better. To do more because He's given me more.

Nina turns 14- Guardians of the Galaxy Sleepover

I get sentimental just thinking about this girl here. She has brought so much happiness to my life. She is the greatest help (Maria too) to me in my daily life and I am so blessed to be able to be her mother.

We had such a great group of girls over. Wonderful manners and just fun to boot. The noise level was about a 120 on a scale of 1 to 10.

We had a great dinner- Nina's choice: lemon pasta, caesar salad WITH croutons, and watermelon.

We decorated galaxy sugar cookies (Jessica made them for me.... WOW) and had a movie snack bar for.... drumroll... Guardians of the Galaxy.

We had make up and nail polish for whoever wanted to practice or doll up or get a make over.

When toys'r'us went out of business I stocked up on these key chains. They were awesome.

Eli was really tired. He was struggling but was much more behaved in the morning!! Little grumper puff!!! I think he snuck a little too much sugar too!

Papa got the cake. Seriously dad. I owe you an organ. Like a literal organ you can sit down and play Madonna songs.

Ella got her makeover in the morning. She was so excited.

The girls prank called boys, laughed hysterically, screamed, did other weird things.... everyone had a fun time I think.

So grateful for each day of life. For each miracle we call a day together. My children are my everything and my reason for breathing. I would be nothing, absolutely nothing without them.

Happy Birthday sweet Christina. Beautiful beautiful lady.

Also for her birthday we celebrated on Saturday by going to Urban Air!!! 3 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!
INSANITY!!!!

We got fudge from Scheel's and on Monday I'm going to take her to TJ Max because a friend gave her a gift card.

I will say too, Ramya got her a stunning little number that she loves!!!

Thanks for the bras and undies friend. YOU ARE THE BEST. Much nicer than the hanes from Wal-Mart.

Haaaaaaaaaaaaappiness!!!!!

This art makes me BEYOND HAPPY!!!!!!

Seriously!!!!!!

They did such a great job, especially with the coloring!!

Truckee River Fun Run & Birthday Time!

Wake up, feelin' nervous. Just wanna beat my time!

Can't find the place.

Forget the papers.

But we make it. And WE GET 1ST PLACE!!!!!
Eli 9 mins 27 secs

Sofia 27 mins 06 secs

I beat last years time by 1 sec but I WILL TAKE IT!!!
Plus the course was different

We were soooooooooo loved. Everyone cheered us on. Everyone waited for us and gave us supportive commentary. We are so blessed. I have the greatest children and an awesome man mate I call husband.

I heart Kap. Nike forever.

We enjoyed a lovely breakfast at Black Bear after and movie time! Eli got to pick a nerf gun toy out at Ross and now it's time for steak dinner.

Happy Birthday my sweet 7 year old!!!

I did have to mention there was a little boy he beat. I told the little boy how proud I was of him and to never compare. We are so quick to be unsatisfied with ourselves and as long as we do our best, that's what matters. The little boy told me he was strong and then said, "But Eli... he just must have a lot of energy."
Indeed.

Eli turns 7 - A PARTY OF PREHISTORIC PROPORTION!!!!! Jurrasic Park Party Time!!!

The era of pinterest. My life wouldn't be the same without it. And neither would our off the charts fantastic parties!!!

I must say. Life with two grown, helpful, kind, obedient, talented older daughters is THE BEST!!!!!!

I couldn't have done ANYTHING without them. I just kept listing things off and they'd go and do. Maria did a FABULOUS job with the dino nest. They spent a good 3 hours helping with paper mache for the dino eggs. It was totally worth it. The kids LOVED painting their eggs!!

We love Manny and Josh! And Papa too.

HAHA!!
They were so helpful because things got wild. They cleaned all my brushes and trays of paint. Papa hosed off whip cream.

Manny even volunteered to come over early and help. I love my family more than words can say.

Eli is his father's son in that he is extremely lovable and likable. Everyone just gets along really well with him because he is a mellow, thoughtful, caring, and considerate child. He wanted to invite 40 kids. I compromised at 20 and then there were 5 older siblings that came to chill/slime. Seriously, I don't even know what went on at the slime table. Thank you Maria and friends!!!!!!

Dino snot experts to the max.

So helpful. I mean... you can't pay for this type of help!!!

All my handsome men. Jody got off work early and is always so understanding as our house is utterly trashed. When I apologized that dishes weren't done his response was, "No one cares. You know that."

Things are slowly getting better. We need to just get him less stressed somehow. I'm thinking weed.

Just joking.

Sure I am.

DINO DIG TIME!!!!! Everyone who wanted to play, took turns.

That's a dino skeleton they got to rinse and keep.

While we start the next game, dino stomp the balloons, the pre-teens decided to have a whip cream fight. And I am SO GLAD THEY HAD FUN!!!!

Mommy's in shape!!! So Mommy became a TREX and chased the kids and they searched for bags of candy. I know, not a pinata.... but still super fun!!

Awesome.

Food time!!!

Blankets. Always.

So glad these two little bugs get to do ballet together! Although Ella was really upset there was a boy in the class.

Eli loves his friends. Summer always is so amazing with her thoughtful cards. I remember last year she was giving homemade gifts that were so special.

We are spoiled by our friends!!!

Jody was on volcano cupcake and dino dig pudding cup duty.

Birthday present chaos. LOVE. At one point Eli said, "MAN!!! I don't know who gave me this, but THANKS!!!!"

It was a lovely party and so grateful a few parents stayed to help out too! It really was a HUGE DINORIFIC TIME!!!!!!!!!!!