60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 23

Today's photo challenge is to post a photo of your favorite book. Since I can't choose a favorite book, I've chosen my favorite series: Harry Potter. I remember when this series first came out, and I always said that I would never, ever, even in a million years, never read them. I didn't think it sounded very good to be honest. But, last year I changed my mind, and decided to give them a chance. And I am so glad that I did! The whole series is just amazing. Harry's story turned out to be a very good thing for him in the end. I like how "magical" it all seemed!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 22

Today's challenge is to post a photo of something you wish you were better at. I wish I was better at taking pictures.... of myself. I don't ever like how I look in pictures. I think sometimes I look too dorky! I'm getting better at it though. This one isn't so bad!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 21

Today's challenge is to post a photo of something you wish you could forget. I wish I could forget Sherry (my real mom) leaving my brother and I when we were little. It hurt growing up. Even though I am now 27 years old, I still think of how much I wish I could forget all of the things that she had ever done to me. I forgive her, but I will never forget. She is the reason I am a good mom. I could never hurt my girls like that. So, I suppose it is good to remember her for that.

Being a divorced mom is hard.

Last week, I had my girls, Natalie and Kira up to visit. It was their spring break. I was worried it wouldn't feel like Spring, as there is still snow over here in Montana. Regardless of the snow and the amounts of rain, we had such a good time. The week went by too fast for my taste. When it was time to send them back to their Dad, Natalie (my oldest) took it hard. Kira was excited to see her Dad though. The whole drive there, I felt so terrible.

Its been about two years since the divorce. It was something that I wanted, and I'm glad that I did it. The only thing I would change is how hard its been on my girls. Since I live in Montana, and they live in Oregon about 6.5 hours away, it makes it even harder. The girls live with their Dad at the moment, so during breaks, I am able to have them come down. I love every single minute of it! I always wish it would last longer. Each time I have to send them back though, it breaks my heart just a little more.

The girls have been gone for 2 days now. Kira wanted to call and talk to me. She's missing Mommy today. How I wish there was something I could do to be able to see her right now. I look on the bright side though. I will be seeing them again next week, as Natalie has a dance in hip-hop coming up. I'll be down in Oregon for a couple of days, and I'm so excited!

I know that any parent who is divorced knows how hard it is on the child(ren). As long as they all know how much we love and adore them, that is what matters. Nothing can ever change that.

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 20

Today's challenge is to post a photo of somewhere you'd like to travel. There are a lot of places that I really want to go... but this one seems a whole lot easier to do. It doesn't require me going overseas, and that is perfect. I don't want to travel that long anyway!!! I would love to visit New York City. No specific reason really.... its just something that I've always wanted to do. I'd have to see the Statue of Liberty... go to Central Park, and see where the World Trade Center used to be. I'm hoping in the future, I can do this.

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 19

Today's challenge is to post a photo of yourself when you were little. I only have just these two thankfully! I was almost worried I'd have to find one from when I was a teenager! In this picture, I am in 3rd grade or 4th grade. I lived in California for 4 years. After that was when we moved to Montana to live for a year.


In this one, I was in the 6th grade. Check out that long hair!!! Eeep!!! So glad my hair isn't that long anymore. This was back when we had moved to Oregon. I lived in Oakridge for 3 years.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 18

Today's challenge is to post a photo of your biggest insecurity. I would say for me, it is my weight. Can't really post a picture of weight.... so instead here is my enemy: the scale. As you all know, the past couple of months, I've been working big time to lose it. So far, I think I'm doing good, but, I am still very insecure about it. I will lose the weight!!!

60 Day Photo Challenge... Day 17

Today's challenge is to post a photo of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently. Back in January, Robbie and I decided to get a dog. This was a big deal for me as I haven't had a dog in forever. I forgot what dogs were like. I was nervous having Nico around a dog as well.... but once Jasper the Friendly Dog came home.... it all worked! While Nico was scared of him at first, Jasper fit right in. He has lots of energy, and so it makes me go outside. It makes me do more! I am very glad that we got him. He's a great dog!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 16

Today's challenge is to post a photo of someone who inspires you. I must say that the person who inspires me is Ellen DeGeneres. She is such a wonderful, giving person! She goes out of her way for others. Also, she doesn't judge. To me, that is HUGE. We should never judge someone for who they are. We are all good just the way we are. :)

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 15

Today's photo challenge is to post a photo of something you want to do before you die. I've got two things that I really, really, REALLY want to do. Ever since I've been a little girl, I have always dreamed of Paris. It seems like such a wonderful magical place.... or maybe that is the little girl part of me talking. I Whatever the case may be, I must visit the Eiffel Tower.



Another must for me? Tokyo, Japan!!! When I was 18, I really got into everything Japan. While a lot of that obsession has faded away, I still want to learn Japanese, and I would love to learn more about their culture. Plus, it seems like fun over there!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 14

Today's challenge is to post a photo of someone you couldn't imagine life without. I can't choose just one person. That's impossible!!! I have quite a few people in my life that are so very special to me. They are these girls right here. These girls are just amazing. Each one of them all have such a huge hold on my heart. I'd do anything in this world for them. Natalie, Kira, Cadence, and NicoAnn, I hope you know how much I love you!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 13

Today's challenge is to post a photo of your favorite band or artist. Ever since I've been 13 years old, I fell in love with the band No Doubt. I love their music! I have always thought that their songs would be something that I would say if I was in the music business. Even after all of these years, they still kick butt!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 12

Today's challenge is to post a photo of something that you love. And I so, very much so, love chocolate! It brings some joy into my life, and it just tastes so good! My favorite kind of chocolate is the ice cream variety. The best!

Nico walks!!!

Today, for the first time ever, Nico took her very first steps! It was so exciting. She started off by holding onto the coffee table, and took 3 steps. After that, she was walking around, and she took up to 10 steps! I'm such a proud Mommy!

Favorite Photo Friday!!!

This picture of Natalie brings back memories of when we lived in Springfield. We moved there when she was 1 1/2 years old. We liked to frequent the parks a lot over there. Natalie loved just running and playing in the grass more than playing on the playground equipment. I loved just watching her run around. It was so cute! It was like she thought the park was the greatest place in the world. :)

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 11

Today's challenge is to post a photo of something that you hate. Its hard for me to choose which I hate most: cows or moths. Cows more scare me than anything, but I really hate moths. There just isn't something right about them!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 10

Today's challenge is to post a photo of the person you do the most messed up things with. Well, I don't go out and do "messed" up things LOL So instead I'm going to post a picture of when I took a trip to Colorado all by myself. It was scary being in a place I didn't know, but I'm glad I did it! It was also my first time flying in an airplane. It was a great experience.

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 9

Today's challenge is to post a photo of the person who has gotten you through the most. That person is my wonderful boyfriend and father of my youngest baby girl, Robbie. He loves me as I am. He has always been there for him when I really need him the most. He is very encouraging, and he also understands me. I'm so grateful. :)

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 8

Today's challenge is to post a photo that makes you laugh. This picture I just aboslutely love! This was taken when Nico was around 1 month old. I wanted to get a group picture of Natalie, Kira, and NicoAnn together. This was the best photo that I got out of them. The caption I've always had for this is: Kira: OOOWWWIIIEEE!!! Mommy, Nico pulled my hair! Nico: WAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Natalie: Mommy, I really don't think this is going to work out....
This picture always makes me laugh!

Video time... Nico helps with the dishes!

This is a little video that I took of Nico "helping" me with the dishes. She does a pretty good job. She really gets into it!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 7

Today's challenge is to post a photo of your most treasured item. Everything that I have in regards to my son, Nathan, is something that I treasure and cherish very much. His life was so short. It wasn't fair. Even though he is now in Heaven, I treasure all of those moments and times I did have with him. I started collecting Precious Moments figurines when he died. It was able to bring me a little bit of peace. These are something that I will never part with. They are all a part of my Nathan's memory.

Favorite Photo Friday!!!

It's been a long while since I've done my favorite photo Friday. I'm up and blogging again now, so I am going to jump right back in to doing it. This photo is of Natalie and her Grandpa John. Natalie was a year and a half old. It was during the time of my high school graduation. I was living in Springfield at the time, and had to come all the way back to Prineville for my graduation. Natalie got to spend some one on one time with her Grandpa.
From the time Natalie was really little, she has always had a wonderful bond with her Grandpa. She loved being able to go to his house and to see him. They always had such a fun time together. I love this photo because you can see just how much they really adore each other. It always makes me smile every time I look at it.

When babies start growing up.....

Yesterday, I had a bittersweet moment with Nico. I was cleaning up the bedroom, and she was playing in her playpen. She started to fuss a little, so I picked her up. I always ask her to give Mommy a kiss, but she usually just giggle and turns her face away. When I asked her, she actually did it for the first time! I was so happy, I started tearing up.
I have noticed that all of my babies are growing up. All of my girls are doing so many different and amazing things. It makes me happy and sad at the same time. Since Nico is my last baby, all of her firsts are making me sad. I just want her to stay little for a little longer, but I know that each and every day, she is becoming more like a toddler than a baby.
It may be sad that my baby is growing up, but I'll enjoy all of her firsts that she has along the way. I know that there are many more to come! The best first of all is when your child says "I love you" for the first time. I'm looking forward to that. :)

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 6

Today's challenge is to post a photo of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day. This one was a hard one! I have always wondered what it would be like to be in the shoes of a guy for instance.... but I think being a girl is a whole lot better. :) I've also wondered what it would be like to trade places with Cinderella, as I just want to wear her dress! Then, I realized that I could buy one. So, that left me with Gwen Stefani.


She has been in the music business for years, and she even designs her own clothes. What's not to love about that? I'd love to do that for a day!

This working out is starting to work out....

Every Thursday is my weigh-in day. I usually dread it, because I'm afraid the scale will decide to not like me, and it won't tell me what I think I need to hear. The scale was never my friend before, but maybe its starting to become a bit of one now. My goal for the past 3 weeks has been to lose 5 pounds. At the beginning, I weighed 195 pounds. This morning, when I weighed in, I was very pleased to see that I am now 189 pounds!
This is really huge for me. In the past, I'll try to start working out and eat better, and then, I get absolutely nowhere, and fast. I think that maybe in the past I have set goals that seem to big for me to reach. This time, I wanted to try a different approach and see if I could lose the weight. I made my goal small, and I was able to see that it is easy to reach. I have been eating smaller portions. I have been drinking water throughout the day. I have been working out. I have proved that I can do it!
Now that I have reached my goal, I am setting another goal: to lose 5 more pounds in 4 weeks. I am hoping that I will lose more, but this kind of goal setting seems to be working for me at the moment. I am going to stick with it. There is no turning back now!
Now, if only it would stop raining, I could go out on a walk.

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 5

Today's photo challenge is something that I just love. There is nothing like reflecting back on your favorite memory. Since the challenge is to post a photo of your favorite memory.... I'll have to post 4 pictures. My most favorite memory is the birth of my children. Each of those days were the happiest of my life. My kids are my everything.


Natalie's birth, December 30th, 2000



Nathan's birth, January 10th, 2005



Kira's birth, August 11th, 2006



NicoAnn's birth, February 3rd, 2010

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 4

This challenge, I had to post up tonight, as today's challenge is to post a picture of your night.


Tonight, we had some company over. Robbie's co-worker and his fiancee came over to show us their XBOX 360 with the Kinect. I must say, that is the best gaming system that I've ever seen! It really makes me want one now.

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 3

Onto challenge number 3... which is to have a photo of your favorite TV show. I can't choose just one, so, I'll be listing my top two at the moment.


I absolutely adore this show. "Bones" is one of the best shows I have watched in a while about crime. The whole cast makes the show amazing, and the relationship between Brennan and Booth makes the whole show worth watching.


This show is my new favorite "reality" show. "Keeping up with the Kardashians" is just funny. It always makes me laugh! The whole family is crazy and wacky, but they all love each other very much. That is what every family is about!

The battle of the bulge continues on.....

So, way back in December of last year, I said that I would use the Wii Fit and see how it helps me lose weight. That lasted about a week or so. I got so caught up in the holidays that I didn't even think about it.
Then New Year's rolls around. I decided to not just make a resolution, but a promise to myself. I will lose this weight. I'm doing this for me. I don't feel like me. I want to have myself back!
In the past month or so, I've been working really hard on losing weight. When I first started this, I weighed in at 195 lbs. Not something that I'm very proud of. I've been told I don't look that size, but indeed I am. The things I've decided to do are to not drink soda. To not eat such big portions at meal times. To get my booty moving!
So far, I've lost 3.5 lbs. Its not a huge loss, but its a start. I will take that. The weather outside is starting to improve over here in the great state of Montana. I'm going to take advantage of this while I can. I'm going to start with walks. I'll work my way up to jogging. I'm still going to do all of my other ab and booty workouts. My goal for now is to lose 5 lbs. I'm over half way there. I know I must make small and realistic goals. So far, so good. I know that I can do this!

60 Day Photo Challenge.... Day 2

Today's challenge is to post a photo of the person that you've been closest to the longest. That person would be this little girl right here. 10 years ago, she came into my life, and she changed my life forever. When you become a mom, you know that your life is for your child, and you would do anything for them. She's my baby, and we have a wonderful relationship as mother and daughter. Natalie is who I've been closest to, and we always will be. :)

The 60 Day Photo Challenge!!!

Recently, my oldest daughter Natalie asked if I blogged anymore.... and I realized, that I haven't. In a very long time. Bad!!! So, today, I made a promise to her that I am going to blog. That is where this 60 day photo challenge comes in, as this is just for her. :) Let the challenge begin!!!



Day 1: A picture of you and 15 facts.

1. I am a mother of 4 children.
2. I am left-handed.
3. I am scared to death of cows!
4. I would love to visit France someday.
5. I love to read.
6. I am a huge fan of Cinderella.
7. I am also really scared of moths!
8. I finally learned how to drive at the age of 22.
9. I am very clumsy.
10. People that wear socks and sandals at the same time bother me.
11. I secretly want to be a singer. I'm not the best singer though.
12. I have flown before, but I don't like flying.
13. I wish I could draw.
14. I hate washing dishes. I'd rather scrub the floor.
15. I always said I would never like Harry Potter. I like Harry Potter now.

Until next time! :)