Charles Ingalls

I hereby interrupt my grieving to bring you Charles Ingalls, one of the world's hottest and most perfect men.  I watched a lot of Little House while growing up and confess I still watch Little House.  He's the perfect package, inside and out.  Not Michael Landon, folks, but Charles Ingalls.  I want him.  Always have, always will.

I think I married Brandon because he reminded my subconscious of the ideal man I knew during my formative years.  Manly, able, hard-working, kind, honest, humble, sinless... virtuous, lovely, and of good report.

Dear Everyone:

We finally got our internet back after over one month without it. I feel like I missed out on the world for a time. soo...

Dear Alana:

Holy crap I am so terribly sorry- like crying and feeling horribly helplessly sorry for you.  I ran into your mom today and when I asked how you were, no wonder she said not good.  She didn't mention anything.  Leave to your mom to be the pinnacle of discretion.  So few people on earth are discrete anymore.  I guess social media makes it pretty impossible.  I visited the site you provided and read about your baby's condition.  Will you go the full 9 months?  Do you need anything?  Babysitting?  Cupcakes?  A movie?  Dinner?  Should I call or just sit over here wondering about you.  This news is furthering my already HUGE gratitude for my 2 healthy kids.  Life is a miracle and we are so blessed to be given families.  So many people who want children have hardships gaining them.  Just the whole process of growing and delivering healthy babies is wretched and scary.  It really is like passing through the valley of the shadow of death to give birth.  I will be thinking of you for quite a while.  Actually- it is kind of weird that I ran into your mom and then learned about this because for some odd reason I kept thinking of you this week.  You popped into my head on Monday and haven't left since.  Carry on my dear friend.  You must.  I'll send chocolate.

Dear Ciara:

I can't come and it sucks.  I've been trying to figure out how to get to Vegas all week.  The major obstacles are this:

• We do not own a car that works (seriously-I have borrowed an old funeral van to get to work)
• We are in overdraft until our next paycheck
• We have no child care
• I work

Seriously bummed about this.  I cannot believe you will be this close and we can't get together.  I need some serious friend and reminiscing time asap. I work so much this year that I can't possibly find anyone to watch my kids when I don't work.  They go to bed at midnight and I have to wake up at 6 am.  Plus, Annie is crazy. Please can it be Christmas vacation already?!  But we are happy.  In need of a spa getaway, but happy and busy and poor and tired.  Is it too early for me to be going grey? I miss you.

Dear Jenny:

You going down?  Heather and Brad Nelson came over and hung out at my house on Tuesday.  We talked about what a free spirit you are.  What are you doing these days?

I keep putting this off.  But I looked at my calendar and realized this coming Monday is the day we had planned to meet you, Ciara, in Las Vegas.  I haven't even talked to Jenny about the trip but I won't be able to make it.  A few days ago at my ultrasound, Brandon and I found out our baby has anencephaly.  I'm going to carry my baby to term and then we'll bury him next to my Dad and brother.  I see two different doctors on Monday because I have only been with a midwife this pregnancy.  I'm still throwing up and constantly nauseated at 19 weeks, though with Ben and Anika the sickness ended at 12 weeks.  But even with no appointments or barfing, I am certainly not up to the day date... hardly leaving the house.  I could have postponed breaking the news forever... it sucked to actually type the words.  I'm so sad and scared.  Thought I'd better fill you in so you're not expecting me Monday.  But I love you all... God bless.

Williams - Ramona Falls

7 miles and 5 tired hours later.....maybe I was a little too ambitious with choosing this hike. 7 miles is a long way for four children but we survived to tell the tale. Herb carried Nora and Abby up the mountain even though I offered to carry Abby. Abby in a front pack and Nora in a backpack. We had to stop about every 5 minutes to rest for Herbie and Sage and they complained a lot but for the most part they did great. I was so proud of them for accomplishing such a tough hike. Maybe next time we should start before 3pm and only hike a max of 3 miles. Good Times!

 Crossing the raging river

 One sexy man!

 Enjoying the reward!

 slowly walking and stopping and walking

 Beautiful Mt. Hood in the distance

Resting after our climb

Williams - Wings and Waves

Wings and Waves back in July. Here are a few pics from our exhausting and fun day.

Williams - More Summer Fun

 self portrait

 playing slap with Grandma Williams

 my little mermaid

 trampoline sleepover

 ward campout

 shopping at the outlets

 Herb's work picnic

Abby's first swing