Clark, Henry, Duece and Friends

Fun at the Park with Annie, Luke, Ringo and Francie!

Clark and Deuce.

What good little brothers!

Just two boys and thier dog.

Ingrid Michaelson

[via FoxyTunes / Ingrid Michaelson]

Swimming at Auntie Kristin's!

Aunt Kristin spoiled us today with a little impromptu Labor Day Barbecue and Swim Party!

In many areas of the country this would probably be the last swimming day of the summer...in AZ we will probably be able to swim right up till Halloween!


Dad, Henry, Clark and Auntie Kristin!


The boys sunning themselves on the rocks...what a nice day.


Dive in guys!


Henry and I still enjoying the pool...everyone else was eating!

My Birthday!

Kevin put together a perfect birthday party for me! Friends, Family and Karaoke at home. If you know me at all, you know home is my favorite place to be!



My mom made a delicious cake and cupcakes! Rachelle and Annie are enjoying the cupcakes...apparently unaware they are being photographed!



Opening presents!! Bradley was enthralled...or did he even notice?



Karaoke! Kevin set up the big speakers! I am sort of in love with my microphone voice...so are Abi and Kristin.

Anyway, it was a delightful evening!

Ahhh Peace!

How sweet is this? In the immortal words of John Lennon, he is a "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy."

Regret

I do not enjoy regret. I avoid it as I think we all do. But sometimes, perhaps too often we make decisions based on incorrect assumptions, and then we must regret them.

I have been thinking of the subject lately, because I cut off communication with a friend years ago. Not a just a friend--my best friend. I believed she had wronged me and would not allow her to explain her actions. I have recently gotten back in touch with this friend and found out, she felt just as wronged as I. It was all due to a lack of communication and resulted in years of no contact.

During those years, I got married and had two darling little boys. Those were events that in the past I had always imagined my friend would be a part of. Now they are sweet memories for me, but I am saddened that she wasn't there.

Regret cannot change that past, but I think it is the natural consequence for some bad decisions. I miss having her as my best girl friend, and I am not sure I will ever get that back.

There are great lessons to be learned from a little regret.

I recently looked at my wedding photos and realized this one should have had my friend in it. There is room to the far left for her and everything.

Henry's 1st Birthday!

http://www.elliswoods.com/4811web/henry.avi

Peace Be With You.

I many times thought peace had come,
When peace was far away;
As wrecked men deem they sight the land
At centre of the sea,

And struggle slacker, but to prove,
As hopelessly as I,
How many the fictitious shores
Before the harbor lie.

-Emily Dickinson

Oh the search for inner peace! The Lord said, "in this world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Poor Miss Dickinson. I love her for her "struggle." But, I do not believe that Peace is a harbor in the distance. It is a feeling you can choose...regardless of circumstance.

We are all so different, maybe only some of us have the ability to choose Peace...like playing the piano. I am greatful to God for the ability to choose inner peace. And, I wish it for all the world. I believe we will all have it someday...maybe in the next life.