Here's a little email coorespondence we had and I am putting here just to have it in print. It regards our newsletter we have started called The Medley Circle:

Me: Hey groupies,
Do you think we should keep our newsletter monthly or do you think quarterly would be better? The majority (not counting the three kids at home) decides and Mom isn't voting. Well, since I am the vice president of the family, I will break the tie if there is one. So let me know right away.
Monthly _______ Quarterly _______
Love, Mom

Rachel: MONTHLY MONTHLY MONTHLY!!!!

Sarah: quarterly. I think I will keep up on it better.
3½ hours later: I answered quartlerly.. that was before I actually read the newsletter. I'm changing my preference to monthly. This thing is SWEET. I loved reading everyone's entries!!!

Hannah: MONTHLY!!

Naomi: i would say monthly. I know that lots happens in my life and i love to share it. i also talk to family members every few days so i love frequent contact.... my vote is monthly.

Dad: Monthly ____x___ Quarterly _______

Majority rules and after Gideon's resounding MONTHLY over the phone, I think that it is a clear consensus, even before the last two votes come in. My vote would have broken a tie with a MONTHLY. So I'll "see" you next month. Love, The Editor--Mom

Health and Happiness

Health and Happiness.
That is what my whole life is about. I have spent years being an emotional wreck or moving mountains or keeping balance. I am 52 (still) and I am so glad for the little miracles that make up health and happiness that have brought me to the place I am now.

Then, health and happiness meant:
-going to the gym at 6:00am
-fitting into my pants without elastic
-dinner ready on time
-all the children out of diapers
-making enough money
-all the kids behaving in church
-no fighting
-raising the kids to be responsible
-trying not to get mad

Now it means:
-being able to tie my shoes without a written plan
-fitting into my pants with elastic
-dinner
-knowing I am not in diapers yet
-still struggling with the money
-all the kids (and their kids) in church
-getting everyone together
-not being able to stop smiling
-trying to live up to the excellence of my amazing kids

When I write it out, it does not say what I really feel and on a blog, the wet spots from the teardrops are not visible. Health and Happiness--what a great name for this blog. It reminds me of all that we have together.

Be healthy, be happy, and know that you are both!!

Love, Mom