where are my freaking sheep??

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Here it is, a beautiful saturday morning. I stayed up late last night, as is becoming the norm, and so you'd think I'd at least sleep in until 8 or something... but NO... this morning I'm wide awake at 6:freaking:30. But its the kind of awake-ness that although your body is up and going, your mind is screaming 'go back to sleep, you are NOT ready for this day to start yet!'

Today is a weighted day for Hubby with his company. Well this whole week and next week are unbelievably important and its got me tied into a ball of stress. On the outside I'm maintaining composure, and on the inside, Im scrambled. I have that little "shelter" switch turned on inside where I try to make everything seem completely normal for the kids. Hopefully for them, its just another Saturday, another day of summer, blissfully stress-free.

Although one of my girls said to our dog yesterday, "Max, you have such an easy life. You only have to worry about eating and sleeping and playing." Then she looked at her sisters and said, "Remember when everything used to be easy?" I laughed and then challenged her to explain what exactly was so hard and stressful for her in this summer of friends and poolside activities. She sheepishly admitted that it actually wasn't that stressful.

I think back on times like that too when everything seemed easier. I wonder if things just seem that way as time passes, and we only remember the good things? Maybe my sheep are just hanging out talking of easier times, when the didn't have to jump. Whatever the case may be, they better get back to it soon, or I might have to light a freaking fire under them.

red wine

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there are days. days when the ending of the day is the best part. the days where you were worn out and all you want in the world is to unwind. this brings me to my friend, red wine. hello old friend. so glad you could make it.

red wine and I are closing the end of this long day. dont get me wrong, it was a great day. last night I took seven super happy, screaming girls to the justin bieber concert and they screamed until their voices were gone. then they all slept over. this morning I made a yummy breakfast for them and then gave free haircuts. then my dad showed up for a cut too. then I went grocery shopping and cleaned and cleaned. we grilled for dinner- YUM! nothing better than the summer! and this day was NOT going to end with me fixing the freaking gate lock. its been broken for far too long and Im always worried maxdog will get out. no matter that the drill isn't charged and i have to keep switching battery packs in-between screws. or that its after 9:30 and pretty much dark. no problem. red wine and I can fix it.

in fact red wine and I are pretty much invincible.

I am so excited because tomorrow my best friend is coming in town to visit for the week with her son and I have all these fun things planned. more than anything, I am excited to just laugh and talk and talk and laugh some more and just enjoy her company. there is nothing like seeing someone that you just fall back into where you left off. I think that's what makes a friend that stands the test of time.

red wine and I are like that too. :) pretty sure red wine will always be the best way to finish off any day.

dear red wine...

you complete me.

alpacas and independence (I know.. they don't really go together...)

How can you not be in love with this alpaca!?

Granted, I know I didn't really know what an alpaca was before I met this little guy... but don't you just want to hang out with him and his little skater haircut? Yeah, me too. Look he's totally winking at you with a little alpacaish grin!!

Ok aaaannnyyyway. So it was the 4th of July the other day. I hope everyone had a great one!

In the spirit of the holiday, here is a list of thing I am thankful for and the freedoms that I enjoy:

• my husband- I know I am so lucky to have him in my life. Love ya baby- always have, always will
• step-daughters- they truly make my life enjoyable
• the freedom to work from the comfort of my home

• Maxdog- he is my little love

• my family- its been a rough couple of years for my parents and siblings, but we have all tried to help each other out and to forgive. Hopefully as things go forward we can just keep supporting each other and heal. Because when it comes down to it, your family is what really matters
• friends- especially my best friend in Las Vegas- love her to death
• health- I am thankful that all of my family has their health. My heart goes out to so many friends and the struggles of disease. You are in my thoughts.
• the simple things- coffee in the morning, the sunshine, music, fun phone calls, iced chai, fruit all summer, laughing, red wine, alone time with hubby, weekends, a good book, dusk, head hitting the pillow after a great day

I hope that everyone had a great holiday filled with family, friends & of course good food! I am thankful for my freedom to make decisions based on my own judgment and not anything that is forced on me. I am grateful to all those who serve our great country, to keep us safe and somewhat oblivious to the hardships around the world.

Love the USA!!! Happy Independence Day!

goodreads?? how did I not know about this??

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Hello there!! So its the summer and I haven't been on the computer much! I have done lots of fun things with the girls, been on some trips, painted some new pieces, contracted and FINALLY got rid of a three week flu, and been outside a bunch.

Last night I went to book club, totally unprepared. I actually hadn't even bought the book!! The summer days have just slipped by!! Anyway, I really enjoyed listening to them discuss the book, even though I hadn't read it. It reignited my desire to READ, so THANKS Kelly!!

I also was introduced to GOODREADS! I CANNOT believe I had not done this site before!! It just allows you to show what books you have read and rate them- and then to see what others recommend. It's like a bookreader's facebook cuz you can see your friends and stuff. So I put in all of these books I've read and looked at what some of my friends recommended. It's a great site! Seriously, I am floored at my out-of-the-loopness.

Anyway, sign up! It's a great site and Im really excited to pick out some new books to fall into! This will be a much better way to do book reviews!!

I have been feeling stagnant in my book for the last month or so. Hubby started reading it and gave me a bunch of feedback so I am working through that right now. Feedback is kind of hard for me... Im a little too sensitive for my own good. I think at first it always makes me feel bad, and I try to defend why I did something that way I did. But after a little while, I start to try to take the suggestions and address them.

I had wanted him to read it for a while and give me his thoughts, because I think I am so involved in it, I may not see things clearly. And I just wanted someone else's opinion, to kind of make sure Im on the right track... or at least a track that is interesting. :) So I am going to try to rededicate to writing every day. I really do want to make some headway on it this summer!!

soooooo..... Im off to work on it!! aaannnnddd them Im going to take the girls to the POOL! :)