PlayTime!

If there was anything you did as a kid that you would love to do right now...

DO IT!!!

(Just don't hurt yourself. TeeHee!)

The Will to have "Will"

I always love the little messages I get, and this one I particularly liked because it's an "invite".

"WHY THANK YOU! I THINK I WILL!"

For some years now there has been a tender recognition of our ability to survive this amazing human experience, and today after working with an incredible survivor, I am all the more AMAZED. One of the fulfilling aspects of my career is that people are comfortable to open up about their challenges, hurts, sorrows and beliefs that others struggle with or choose to not understand. The incredible suffering that a child experiences and somehow has the tenacity to endure is mind blowing to me. I'm sure the stories in this world go so far beyond my comprehension and I truly believe that I could not endure what many have. For those survivors, I wish I could wrap a blanket of warm love around them and give them a sweet kiss of compassion to possibly, even slightly, plant or nurture a seed of self worth.

I am in wonderment that my life has brought me to this place of offering tools to the worn, heart-broken, shattered and sometimes even buried souls. At times it's as though we are moving the dirt, and brushing them off. Some just need a little sprinkle of truth to create a sparkle. Others it can be hard work, chipping away until finally they see some light. The thoughts and ideas start coming in and the molding begins. They start to reshape their lives and over a period of time, I watch a transformation. It is truly a pure joy!

Keep taking steps. Seasons come and seasons go, and the deeper we reflect on our current moment, the better of an outcome we have for that season. Every season provides opportunity for growth and change. Some choose to stay and hang on to the pain and don't recognize the end of one and beginning of another... so it continues to be an endless season, and we all know that extra long winters are no fun. Plant, actively nurture, and grow. Your personal harvest will be full of beauty and wisdom beyond your expectation... I promise!

With Love,

Courtney

Harvest Time 2011

Mid summer

Spent two weekends in a row at Dad's. That's unheard of, but I'm so glad it worked out.

The pics from the first weekend are in someone else's camera so I don't have those yet. We had all 6 of us sisters together for a bit so that was fun. The second weekend I brought the kids and we played and enjoyed all the family that was there... great aunts and uncle, a few cousins and several siblings.

Bradey jumping onto the "Relaxation Station".

Whitney, Lana Mom, Baby Edie, Dad and Mom

Me and my babes swimming back at home.

Can't go to the beach and not dig in the sand.

He loves to swim in the deep with me. Giggles the whole time.

There's no place like home.

Date night out. Grandma brings dinner and a movie for the kids and we go play.

(The sun has a pretty smile in this pic.)

(Not the best backdrop, but I insisted.)

It feels like the summer weather just got here and we are already getting school supplies and clothes. I hope everyone has a good end to summer!

Love, Courtney

P.S. My heart goes out to the families of those who died in the war this past week. May you find an extraordinary healing and peace to put your hearts back together again. There is greater love being sent to you from around the world than you have any idea.

4th of July weekend

The most interesting game of "Clue" you will ever play. Five year olds play by their rules.

Stealing a kiss... sometimes that's the only way I can get one.

Man and his best friend.

We played hard and celebrated mom's birthday.

Then the 4th of July celebration started with water slides with the Allen family.

I love how big sis watches out for the boys. Once Bear started down that slide there was no breaks for the rest of the day. I'd say he climbed those steps a hundred times. (Exaggerated, but that's what it felt like.)

Following this guy everywhere was a job. He was so tuckered that he fell asleep as we left the parking lot. Too much fun!

Hiking was next. The main hike was too long and steep for Luke so him and I stayed on the main paths. Wish I had pics of the view from the top. Next time.

Celebrated Sis's b-day. It was a perfect day.

This and that

Pinewood Derby.

Bear's car is the red one. It came in about 7th place and got the award for... "The Best Spoiler". His very own design.

Cousin niece. She is beautiful. I'm so proud of her momma.

Baby shower decorations. (Frank's sister adopted a beautiful boy.) I loved these. Frank's mom painted them.

A gift for Frank's sister was some of our home made invitations placed in this frame.

Here's the man of the hour. Simon.

And this is just some weird kids having a party. Strange.

It's you and me kiddo

My quiet blog has turned all but silent due to the stress, that won't allow me to quiet myself enough to write for a moment.

Wrestling practices are over and my little bear boy received his first trophy ever. The excitement of having something to show for all his hard work, made all those grueling practices well worth it for him.

My teenager got "Student of the Month" and is planning her next four years of high school and already thinking on to college. I'm not sure her dad and I will ever get used to her being "grown up".

Preparing the littlest of the gang for kindergarten, once would have been a joy, but watching them grow so fast it has become a bit of a bitter/sweet experience. I want to hold them all close, especially as I watch the world change at what feels like hyper-speed.

I'm teaching more classes and taking continuing ed classes which makes more of a strain on the day to day life. What an oxymoron. Stressed out Yoga Instructor. Frank keeps saying, "Put the heels of your feet in the small of your back... and breathe." A joke we have occasionally repeated since the start of my yoga schooling. I went to a chiropractor today who is going to work with me to de-stress and customize my diet. It was obvious that stress is the major factor to a few health issues I've had over the past 8 years. I'm hoping that over the next 60 days, I will be able to turn around my physical and emotional state. Should be good and I'm excited about it. As for the moment, I'm going to go squeeze my kiddos and enjoy a beautiful evening.

Have a fantastic weekend!