What we are doing update

Silence on the blog front = Us truly living. Ashalee has successfully finished her Sophomore year at Tuachan high school. She loves the school, she was in the play once on this island and in choir and dance this year. Andrew just finished 7th grade. This year was a much better year for him. He is doing great at making the adolescent transition...I decided he does much better if I just keep my mouth shut. Adam just finished sixth grade. He loved it and is Mr. social all the time. I am still working at ekmf as the child advocate and loving my job. My children's program is growing unbelievably, I actually believe I am helping change lives. I work with 52 children ages birth to 18. I am STILL in school for my masters but am happy to report that I have 8 months of course work left, then on to my internship where I am actually able to do counseling. Michele is working at the college and developing a awesome new program for students who are entering developmental math. She is also working at the ekmf with me as the Director of operations, which has made my job so much less complicated. She is amazing as always.
Most importantly through all the struggles and crazy making of life we are still alive and smiling most days. And on days we are not smiling we are crying and that to is OK.

ASHALEE

My oldest is 16 and she is the most wonderful, beautiful most amazing girl I know. Happy 16 Ashy, you are still my sunshine.

Can anyone tell me?

When did my children grow up?

Summer

This summer was bittersweet. It was the first summer my kids have ever had a normal visitation with their Dad. So for two, two week periods this summer I have been wandering around the house aimlessly. Not really, school, work, and summer sewer projects always call to me. I traveled when I could, to ignore the gaping hole in my heart that is filled perfectly by Ashalee, Andrew and Adam. So, I did get to go to Florida, Asheville NC and Olympia WA. The scenery was awesome, but even better than the scenery were true friends who regardless of my neurosis (like tubing down death defying rapids, or worrying I won't make it hiking),still consider me a friend. Hopefully a life long friend. These are some of the most amazing women, and I consider it a privilege to call them friends.

Do I need any more reasons?

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=7369522&cat=105&lpid=14 (copy and paste into browser)
The divorce rate is rising exponentially. It's not like people need anymore incentive to divorce, but here is one more reason to NOT marry. My favorite part of this listing is the misspelling of excessively right after drinks hmmmm. Just thought I would be helpful. You know, doing my part to help prevent unnecessary pain by preaching abstinence from marriage. If the website doesn't work on your browser this is what the ad reads, listed under pets.


Husband Needs Good Home
provo, UT 84655 - Jul 31, 2009
My Husband needs a good home..
not housebroken.. Barks all the time.
Stays outside most the time. Drinks Exsessivly
Eats 22 hours of the day
if you can give him a good home please email me thanks

Friends

There are times in our lives where we see who our real friends are and set free those who are simply posing as friends, when in reality they are the furthest thing from a true friend. Thank you to all my friends who choose to love. You are amazing gifts.

South Dakota Crazy Hinton Reunion

I love my family even though they drive me crazy at times. I wonder if anyone else feels this way? They know your most vulnerable spots and sometimes use it to their advantage. Some have bathed with you, played with you, been disciplined with you and cried with you. None of us is close to perfect and I wouldn't want it any other way because many times it's our imperfections that bring us closer. Congratulations Hinton family we survived another reunion still loving each other regardless of our weaknesses, political opinions, bald spots, love handles and flatulence. That is no small feat! I love you ALL!