Animal Cookies

RJ and I went to the Zoo on our anniversary. It was so much fun! We were like two little kids! One of the most fun anniversary ideas EVER…thanks RJ!!

The Penguins really inspired RJ to get in tune with his inner self. I begged him to let me buy this penguin hat...NEG...cute picture though. He got a little "Hogle Zoo" hat instead.

I kept telling him that this wasn't a real lion but did give him an animal cookie for risking life and limb for this picture. Those teeth are pretty sharp and what if the water turned on...that could take your eye out!!!

When we walked in the gates the first thing we saw was the Train...we both turned to each other and said "let's ride the train." It was hillarious!!! This train is made for little people...like little kids...we were scrunched next to each other and lovin every minute of it. I couln't have been happier!
This elephant is too awesome! It was showing all these tricks and playing...yes, that's right...SOCCER!!! At first I felt bad that they had to put on a show for us...but then I was ready to throw money!!! So talented and I love elephants anyway because they mate for life...like me!!! (this is the ONLY time you are allowed to think of me in elephant terms :) )

My absolute favorite...the carosel!!! This was my favorite "ride" as a child. I even believe my parents would put me on this and tell the ticket taker to let me go around for an hour or two...I would have been completly content!!! RJ stood close just to make sure I didn't fall off...

These are some of the other animals. Seriously, this was a FUN day!!!

RJ's magestic pose with a Rhino statue...

I finally found a statue of "Thunder Cat" from He-Man..."I have the POWER!!!"

What a great time! We are goof balls and this was the perfect place for us to celebrate that! I had such a good time and we were laughing the entire time. I just felt like sharing our dorky moments and knew you would enjoy this as much as we did!!!

Love you MUCH

From the moment I joined my family I have been a sister but I have always been the little sister, the one everyone attempts to protect from the lessons in life, the one that will always be symbolically hoisted above the flooding waters and kept dry (or so you “think”). How wonderful is this feeling? How great is it to delight in the core defininition of words like family, love, compassion and sisterhood? IT IS ASTOUNDING!!! IT IS BREATHTAKING!!! IT IS TRULY BEAUTIFUL!!!

I love my family beyond measure! My sisters and I, as separate and unique as we are, share the same heartbeat and the same devotion to each other. I live in a space of gratitude and appreciation for this gift but believe it or not…I now face the most humbling and divine experience of my life.




My little brothers, bless their sweet souls, have NO IDEA what they are getting into…unless they do!!! They are entering a family that is mostly crazy but completely unique!!! They are completing a family that is rare in its compassion and way too close with its disclosure. My dad can confirm this…three very loud and open daughters will teach you this quickly!

It humors me to feel that it’s taken me this long to figure it out. I have “titles” that are offered by the levels of life that open themselves to me. I have accomplishments and I have successes that could carry me all my days but I have yet to fully experience the one that has impacted my life so intimately…that of sister…big sister!

Time has allowed me the chance to let this change permeate the layers of my life and I am EXCITED!!! I know I really have no idea what to expect or how to really feel. However, I do feel love and a tangible connection with these spirits that I know are “old souls.” I know what they have already taught me and I marvel at the possibilities of what they will continue to unveil.

I know that I will absolutely lay my life down for them. I know I will be the best example I can be to them. I know I will be the crazy, wacked out sister that only I can be for them. With a little help from the other “sisters,” and by this I do NOT mean nuns, these little boys are going to be the most spoiled, most carried, most sporty and most LOVED little brothers in the world. So to my dad and Amy I say…“Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones (Gen 50:21).”

Love you MUCH!!!

Only The Beginning

RJ and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary on August 28th. I can happily and honestly say, this is only the beginning. We have grown up together in so many ways and it's hard at times for me to tell where we are two in the fabric of one. My life memories are scattered with the laughter, the smile and the love of the most amazing person. If you are fortunate enough to know RJ, you know these qualities. His laugh is infectious. His smile is unforgettable and his love is perfect!

RJ and I have been through lessons that have challenged us, brought us closer together than most people would ever "hope" to be and yet today I feel closer to him that I did yesterday. I have known RJ for over half my life. I have had daily contact (for the most part) with him for the last 16 years and I ache and desire to be near him, to learn of him, to feel him and to continue to know him.

It is my blessing to be "married to my best friend!" I have the opportunity to stay up all night and giggle about the most obsurd situations with him...to hold his hand through tragedy...to see him succeed with honor...to hold him close when we dance...and to begin our life together. I am grateful!

RJ, I am in love with you! Ti Amo!!!