Phil McGraw

At the end of the day, whether or not those people are comfortable with how you're living your life doesn't matter. What matters is whether you're comfortable with it.

-Phil McGraw

To New Beginnings

It's nice to have Owen back with us, unfortunately his attitude has gone back to the way it was. Octavian is so happy to have Owen back. When Owen gets home from school, Octavian won't leave his side!

Matt and I will be Celebrating Our Second Wedding Anniversary soon!

I've already got an idea for my next Birthday! I want to go to Wolf Creek, Oregon and stay at a Bed & Breakfast. It's still a while away, so we will see. I would love to go back to the Wolf Haven!!

We went to Hawaii this year, so next year Matt has decided we're getting an 82inch TV. I say the car fixes come first, so we will see :-)

Sunday morning at the beach

Octavian loves throwing the rocks into the water!! He loves the beach! Octavian is also very into The Cat in the Hat on PBS! HAS to watch it, seriously!

Hawaii for My 30th Birthday

Hawaii was amazing!! I'm so very happy Matt and I went. It was worth every penny (except the Horseback riding). We had a Beautiful view from our room, the free breakfast buffet was good and everyone was really nice. We snorkeled, went thru a valley on horseback and even Manta Ray night time snorkeling!! It was Awesome!

Who Am I?

I am a Woman who has overcome family abandonment and a severe Disability. I am a Woman who's created a loving Family. I am a supportive Wife to my Husband. I am a loving, protective Mother to two Beautiful Boys. I deserve Respect no matter what Decisions I make!

I AM Beautiful, Blunt, Bold, Caring, Colorful, Creative, Generous, Giving, Great, Savvy, Sarcastic and Smart.

I AM Selfless, Honest, Gentle, Determined, Kind, Loving, Friendly, Strong and Stubborn.

I am NOT Invisible! I am NOT a bad person! I am NOT a bad mother! I AM NOT MY DISABILITY!

I Deserve RESPECT no matter what decisions I make!

Octavian's 2nd Birthday

Octavian's second Birthday party was in the early afternoon. Bruce, Veronica, Grandma Betty and my father-in-law John came to celebrate. Matt and I decorated with Birthday banner, streamers and clover stuff. It looked good. I made a green cake with green frosting. The number two was made out of green gummy frogs and around the outside of the cake were green army men. It wasn't perfect but I thought it was great. I also made green scrambled eggs, green mac'n cheese, green jello that was clover shaped, green milk and even green orange juice! Octavian loved his presents and wasn't interested in the cake.

Good Day

Today was a good day! Had Brunch with the In-Laws and had a good time except for when Octavian was ready to go. The cats had fun battin around the mouse in the box! I found more decorations for Octavian's Birthday party! Octavian has his daily tantrums but still makes us laugh and he said "You're Welcome" to me today after I told him "Thank you". Matt had a surprise waiting for me when I got home, a wonderful wolf picture! I am so excited to go see Owen on Wednesday and plan to take lots of pictures of Owen.

Hawaii

WE'RE GOING TO HAWAII!!! I had a rough 2010 with a few ups and it's hit me hard. I wanted to do something special (once in a lifetime thing). Matt and I wanted to go on a Cruise this year, but the research we did, nothing seem to fit us. Then I received an AAA Magazine and they were advertising trips to Hawaii. I looked them up and found one that was cheaper than a Cruise and hopefully will fit us.
Thank you to Veronica and Bruce, our trip to Hawaii will just be Matt and I for My 30th Birthday! They will be watching Octavian while we're gone. We are both super excited and Matt has never been on a plane, so he is happy to finally be going on one.

Octavian & Apples

I bought two 5lbs bags of Apples and had them on the floor, Mistake!! While I had my back turned, Octavian decided to a bite out of nine apples, even biting them thru the bags! Of course I had to grab my camera! I couldn't help but laugh.

(sorry that one picture is fuzzy)

Octavian 23 months old

Octavian will be two years old already!! He has been quite the character and very independent. He has been getting in time-outs almost daily :-( no fun.

We bought a new cat. She is two years old and her name is Teyla. Matt named her from one of his favorite SciFi shows. Teyla and Buggy don't get along but we hope in time they will.
I will be visiting Owen in early March and I can't wait to see him!!! Owen got straight A's on his progress report, yay!! Michael took him out to dinner for a reward.

Picture time!

Things have been different with Owen in Georgia. I miss him like crazy and cry quietly at night. I believe I made the right decision for my son even if others don't agree. Our home has gotten less stressful and we're laughing a bit more. Matt and I find ourselves watching Octavian, watching his gestures, dance and even the way he walks. Octavian is quite the character! The terrible twos have hit him, so we try to laugh at his tantrums and put him in a time-out chair when needed.

I miss Owen and he tells me he misses me too. Michael is doing his best at being a father for Owen and sticking with giving Owen responsibilities at home.

Life's List

On the long plane ride home, I made a list of things I would like to do before my time is up.
Here it is:
1. Fly First Class
2. Go sight seeing in Italy
3. Sponor a Wolf
4. Volunteer where needed
5. Visit Provo, UT
6. Sleep on a beach
7. Do something brave
8. Write a Poem
9. Ride a horse
10. Sing the National Anthem at a ball game
11. Go on a Cruise
12. Learn to make a new food dish
13. Get to 140lbs and stay there
14. Visit a new place in Washington every summer
15. Go camping
16. Buy a wig
17. Take dance lessons
18. Own a house
19. Buy a Husky
20. Own a car less than 10 years old
21. Take a real Vacation to Hawaii
22. Get another Tattoo
23. Learn about Family History
24. Earn a Psychology Degree
25. Become a Foster Parent
26. Guest star on The Young and the Restless
27. Learn Spanish
28. Visit Grandma Tandy's Grave site
29. Grow rose bushes
30. Be Happily married for more than ten years