We're still here! :)

It's been almost 4 years since my last post.

Oops.

We've grown.

Literally.

We've got a new person now.

His name is Tractor and we adore him. :)

Skylar is now 13.

Russell is 7.

Bristol is 6.

Reese is 4.

Tractor just turned one last month.

Life is good.

My father, my friend

Today is my Dad's birthday. I've spent the last few weeks reflecting on what a remarkable man he is. He is kind, tries to lead by example and as he says would not only die to protect his children or grandchildren, he would kill to protect them too.

I believe that with every ounce of my being.

Before my sisters came along, it was just me and Dad (and Mom too of course). My dad was my buddy. We did so much together. I remember so many fun times there are too many to mention. My favorite however was the time his beloved Camaro broke down when we were on our way home on Christmas. We had to walk in the dark. I had one of those dolls with the pink heart in her chest that lit up. I kept making her glow so we could 'see' the whole way home. I have spent my entire life being scared of the dark (I still am). That night, I wasn't scared.

Me and my dad

My dad has always known when to work and when to have fun. I wish I could say I inherited that from him... I haven't. I would much rather have fun all the time. ;)

 Believe it or not,, this man is one of my heros!

Seeing my dad as a fellow adult and a grandfather to my children has taught me so much. I have learned that no matter what my children do I am still going to bend over backwards to help them. I have learned that you don't give up on your kids no matter how many times they break your heart (I haven't experienced this one yet but I'm sure it's coming) and I've learned that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you start fresh tomorrow and try to get it better the next time.

Even though my dad isn't a member of the same church I am, I have always seen him as an example of what our Heavenly Father's love is like. I came across this poem a while back and it took me back to my childhood with my amazing dad.

My Father

By Barbara J. Porter

---

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My father’s feet will lead me

in paths I know are right.

My father’s knees will bend with mine

as we say prayers at night.

My father’s lap will hold me

when I need a place to rest.

And when I’m sad, I like to lay

my head upon his chest.

My father’s hands are big and strong,

and they work hard for me.

My father’s arms can lift me up

so I may better see.

My father’s lips will speak to me

with words of truth each day.

My father’s ears will listen

to the things I have to say.

I like to sit so very still

and look into his eyes.

I know he understands me,

and he is good and wise.

I’m glad I have a father

who guides me with his love.

He helps me better understand

my Father up above.

(Friend Magazine LDS services June 1995)

Happy Birthday to my wonderful father. A man who will always have a special place in my heart. A man who still makes me smile when I do well by saying "good job kid". I  can only hope my children learn as much from me as I have from him.

My mom wanted a prince charming on a white horse...instead she got this guy riding
a rocking horse waiting for her on their wedding day.

Now will someone please teach my wonderful dad how to operate a computer so he can read this!!

;)

Life ain't always beautiful....

But it's a beautiful ride.

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the passing of my Grandpa Tom.

I spent most of my day trying to think of something to write in his honor but

words escaped me. (Don't laugh, it happens occausionally)

While thinking of him I also reflected on the short life of a girl named Amanda Parrot that

also passed away on March 30th a few years after my Grandpa. She lived down the road from me and left this earth long before her time here should have been up.

 In thinking of her I couldn't help but

reflect on all the things I've been blessed with and all the lessons I've learned. I realized that there is no greater tribute to my beloved Grandpa Tom than living life to it's fullest and learning something new every chance I get.

Here's a little of what I've learned in the last decade or so:

I am from Arlington. No matter where I go in life, Arlington will always be "home". It's an amazing town full of amazing people and I thank my lucky stars I get to call it my hometown.

My Dad ROCKS! He's such a great man. I have learned I can count on him no matter what. He may not always agree with me but he will always be behind me in everything I do.

My family really is nuts!! They laugh with me, at me and even at themselves when the need arises. Seeing them from an adult's perspective has taught me when to take life seriously and when to let things go and have fun.

Losing one grandfather taught me to appreciate my Grandpa Dwight so much more. He doesn't see my kids often but he makes the most of the time he has spent with them. I have loved being able to relate to him as an adult and a parent. I wish I could have done that with Grandpa Tom as well.

One of the bigger lessons I've learned is that life can hurt. Bad. Life can just flat out suck. It chews you up and spits you out but you have to move on. Justin Hebert taught me that through his death. He gave his life in Iraq. He went too soon. We weren't BFFs or anything but growing up alongside someone and then knowing that you're never going to see them again ever can really sting. He died at a time when I had a few other losses in my life. I used to sit next to his grave, enjoy the view overlooking some of God's most beautiful creation and ponder my life. It came to me through that unusual therapy that I could get through what I had been struggling with.

Through all it's ups and downs I can honestly say my life is amazing. I know my grandpa would be proud of me. He would be so happy for me knowing that I learned the most important life lesson of all: Happily Ever After does exist!!

If it weren't for my grandfathers and my DAD setting the bar so high I would have never been looking for (and found) a man like my sweet, patient, dedicated husband. We have created a beautiful life together full of love and laughter for our children.

What greater legacy can there be for a grandfather than that?



Baby Steps

I've been trying to get back in the habit of running since

I had Reese. I was running with Skylar and doing really well

until about a year ago. When I had Reese I was tipping the

scales at 243 lbs. That's 100 pounds more than I was when

I got married. It's disgusting how bad I've let myself go.

I've made all the typical "Mom" excuses: No time, When I do have time

I don't want to be away from my kids or I'm tired. But I'm at the point where I'm willing to admit to all of you that my weight is a HUGE problem and I need to do something NOW. I need to be able to run with my kids. I need to be able to look myself in the eye in the mirror and be proud of what I look like.

So now it starts.

 I don't have any goals in mind. No number on the scale, no weekly distance goals. Just to go a little further every time I go out. I can't live my life as the fat mom who can't keep up with her kids.

They deserve better.

I guess I deserve better too.

The kids this last week (Except camera shy Skylar)

My awesome husband!!

I realize I don't give my wonderful husband the recognition he deserves

so this post is just for him!

I love you Tod!!

 Tod stepped up and took on
the role of Dad to Skylar
when he married me.
He did it without a second thought.
I am so grateful to him for
always treating Skylar like his own
son and loving him
unconditionally. Tod has always
been proud of Skylar for his intelligence
and loves helping him with
Cub Scout stuff.

 This is the day Russell was born.
Even though he has always loved
Skylar like his own son it was
nice for us to have a Skinner born. :)
Tod and Russell are buddies and maybe
even clones. Both of them have earned the
nickname "Hulk" for their ability as toddlers
to hold their breath until they
passed out when mad. Luckily, Tod has
outgrown this.

 Bristol is definately Dad's Baby Girl!!
He loves having a girl and the cuddles
and giggles she brings into our home.
Bristol is the perfect blend of princess
and tomboy. She loves being a helper
which makes Tod so proud. He
loves reading to her and just generally
any time they get together.

 I love watching Tod with Reese. This was them after her
first bath. He is so great at putting her to sleep. :)
Because she's still nursing I tend to hog her A LOT but
he enjoys the time he gets with her.

Tod and the kids LOVE story time!!

Tod complains when they pick long books or

Dr Seuss but I don't really think he minds. ;)

I am so grateful every day for my husband. He's the

best thing that could have ever happened to me and

Skylar. It's nice to have someone who not only has my

back but is by my side throughout all of life's ups and

downs. I couldn't have found someone better to

spend forever with.



Our Birthday Boy!!

Happy Birthday Russell!! We love you so much and are so glad you are part of our family.
Here are some of our favorite Russell moments:

                                          My Dad & My Boys Skylar (5) and Russell (newborn)

                                                     Tod and Russell (my favorite picture)

   WE LOVE YOU RUSSELL!! Today is your special day and you deserve the best birthday!!