What is a family?

What is a family? I needed to answer that question for an assignment, and I’ve never really thought about it much because for me, it’s something I just feel and know. I know who the people are in my family, and certain friends who instantly come to mind as well, but it’s the what, not the who. What needs to exist in order to call something a family? Sure when you are born you have a default family, but what are the ties that bind? What is at the depths of the what? I thought it would be fun to ask some people to answer that question in one or two sentences; I got some pretty amazing responses.

What is a family?

A unit of deep understanding.

Family is an unspoken agreement/hope between two or more people to have feelings of loyalty, acceptance, tolerance, love, and/or support towards the other(s) for a lifetime. Family is the unit to which you choose to be genuinely obligated.

The super glue that keeps us grounded, united, and focused on our journey through life.

What life is about.

Those you grow with blood or not, they are the people that make you who you are.
Family is the unspoken relationship between individuals, whether it be blood, friends, lovers, pets that requires no explanation or expectation. It’s the feeling of loyalty and comradery that you can count on no matter what.

The holiday season is upon us, and there is no better time to think about and appreciate family.

Writer's Block

It is official; I have a serious case of writers block…at least according to some of the things Wikipedia has to say on the matter. I have moments of inspiration however it’s getting it out of my head, onto paper, and into meaningful words that is the problem. I am having temporary difficulty dealing with even writing a simple blog! I am lacking creativity!
I attribute it to school frying my brain… I suppose the good news is that I am not studying to be a professional writer anyway.
With that said, here are some pic's of our activities over the past few months. I’m hoping with some r&r, the cells in the right hemisphere of my brain will have a chance to grow back…they were severely suppressed this last semester.



















Karac's Disneyland trip (With Cory, Ash and kids)















Me in The Big Apple!!!
















Mike, Kristen, Caiya Southern Ut.



















Creighton home from trek (Jealous, I wanted to go)















Caiya one man rafting















Kelly Slater hanging out in a TJ's bag

Food for thought...

‎"Everyone is born a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it'll live its whole life believing it's stupid."
~Albert Einstein~


I suppose I fell upon this quote because it is my time to think about how this applies to my life right now, today.... It's not rocket science, but it takes the Saviour and his example to rise above thoughts we may entertain about ourselves and/or others...I am thankful I have the opportunity this weekend to listen...and learn.

amor, sayang, meilė, حُب, kjærlighet, LOVE...

I am pretty sure no matter how it is said, felt, wanted, or given...the ability to love unconditionally is a gift. I have utter gratitude in my heart for a hand full of people in my life, who lift burdens and brighten each day, with simple and loving words or just a smile that radiates inherent goodness. Thank you for sharing such a special gift.

Your Missing Out

You should know that if you don't have one of these...




and at least one of these...




you are missing out on the following: naughty, adorable, curious, protective, clever, mischievous, happy, loving, playful, loyal...

Everyone contributes special qualities that make a family unique, and lately I have noticed that these two (Caiya, and Kelly Slater) are an important contribution to our family. They love us unconditionally and make us laugh constantly...

One Love...

And the lion shall lie down with the lamb




Although this may be one of the more popular misquotes from the bible *refer to (Isaiah 11:6) I am pretty sure either way the message is one in the same, and also answers most of humanities problems... Do your own soul searching and figure out what this means for you. Happy 2011, just a tad late. ;)