I've been terrible about updating lately, but I had to let everyone know I haven't fallen off of the end of the earth.

Things are much better at home...and the vacation really helped us to relax and get a fresh start. Despite some serious neighbor antics...again...we are on the road to recovery, I think.

On the way to Jellystone I had time to do a lot of thinking. As we crossed the border of Minnesota and entered Wisconsin, I could literally feel the layers of stress peeling away. I began to feel so relaxed and hopeful. For the first time, I allowed myself to feel like everything really is going to be ok. I also realized that right now, my whole family is so fragile that I have to really set the tone. When I am hopeful, positive, upbeat, everyone gets along and has good days and dh is is more relaxed and positive....if I am feeling gloomy, all bets are off.

I made a consious decision while I was on vacation to be more calm and to think a lot more about what I say/do before I take any action. I know that it can't be only up to me, but maybe right now this is what the family needs in order to start moving forward.

I've also noticed that, Amanda's "mean girls" attitude is slowly disappearing. She is doing community theater this summer and got a big role playing Barbie in a Barbie and Ken sketch Laughing and she's thrilled...

We've turned off the tv and have taken to watching Brady Bunch videos at night! bolt The kids love it though and I think that the themes are relevant to the conflicts and problems that they have today...just without the slinky outfits, obscenities etc. Now our big goal is to get rid of the computer addiction in this house!

Vacation pics coming soon!