Table for Eight

I've been thinking this week about how wonky life can get. And I've also been thinking about how funny it is that we don't really photograph the wonky, just the good. Well, for the most part. In some ways that makes our lives LOOK a little out of balance when we review photos and blogs and social media (Particularly other people's lives, right? I mean our own positive posts seem accurate because we know the wonky is there somewhere in the background. But sometimes in looking at other people's captured moments it seems  as if their lives are definitely more awesome-er than ours. Are you picking up what I'm layin' down? ) But in other ways I think focusing on the good is kind of a good thing--because I think it's super important and valuable to focus/emphasize the good over the bad and/or wonky. It doesn't mean the bad or wonky doesn't exist; it just means I believe it's super helpful (for our own sanity, our children, and society)...

Me with our sweet baby Zu, a few years ago. I know it's completely stepping out on a limb to think that I could/should offer a parenting tip: I have SO much to learn yet myself. BUT, after Zu came home yesterday and shared this experience she had while riding her bike in our neighborhood . . . I just had to . And in my defense, I have had a few profound life experiences adopting 6 kiddos and living on a deserted island with "strangers" for 67 days--experiences that have taught me one SUPER IMPORTANT LIFE/PARENTING LESSON/LIFE-HACK: Whenever you meet someone--no matter where or how you come to meet--focus on what you have in common. Find the common ground. Even if the only thing you have in common is that you are both human beings on Planet E at this unique space/time: find the common ground. Your relationships, and the health of our societies, depend on us finding common ground one with another. I promise you--try it for a day and you will see what ...

Our whole fam--dropping Elder Meehan off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Well, this was a HUGE week for our family: Elder Meehan (Jay) began his service as a full-time missionary for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). It was really an emotional week, filled with highs and lows.  We're so happy/excited/proud of Jay for serving a two-year service mission. But it's definitely hard to say goodbye for two years. (We will only have written contact for the next two years. And a phone call on Christmas and Mother's Day.). It's a bit like sending him off to college AND Survivor in my mind: It's going to be an awesome adventure, filled with experiences that are life-changing. He's one amazing kiddo to do this (and we are fortunate to be able to send him). Here are some of the photos from his send off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. (We are fortunate to live in Utah because we were all ...

Survivor Caramoan cast, Day 3 in the game. (c) CBS, 2012, Monty Brinton. Last night was the TV Guide Preview for our season of Survivor. And I have to say--eve n after having lived this experience once before -- holy cow, I forgot how vulnerable you feel watching your self o n TV .   And I'm not alone in feeling vulnerable. I talked with 3 or 4 other players last night after the show aired and everyone said pretty much the same thing: -- "I'm excited it 's finally here." (We filmed a while ago.) A ND   -- "Did you see my X, Y, or Z ? It's aw ful." (F or me, it was my posture and sau sage thighs. For another, their acne. For another, their smir k in one cut-away.) Isn't that the way it goes? Here we are, living out our dream to play Survivor and be part of the Survivor Adventure, and yet we feel super insecu re as we watch the expe rience with friends , family, and 10+ million other s. It's made me think. A...

I love this post from Pinterest. Why? Because sometimes the "voice in my head" is anything BUT encouraging. Take just this morning, for example. Before I'd even picked myself up out of bed, I'd inventoried 100+ excuses for why this day was going to kick my butt. (For reals.) Here's just a tiny sampling of my self-talk. And yes, I'm fully aware of how wonky it is to share my internal dialog, AKA "The Voice In My Head." (Don't judge, just love please. Ha!): The Voice In My Head: This Morning's Edition --Work. It's almost finals week/end of the year. There are so many emails to return and papers to grade. There's more work than there is time. ("I really could have been a better teacher this semester..." etc. "I bet other teachers are all caught up.") --Health/Fitness. I WAS doing great for about 3 weeks, eating very little sugar and/or junk, BUT then the Easter weeken...

Our youngest daughter with Sparkles the chick(en). (My friend Janae raises baby chicks each Spring. Sparkles is part of the newest flock.) No matter what your faith, religion, spirituality, etc., Spring serves as an incredible reminder: Life goes on. Even after the darkest, coldest, bleakest "hour," life begins anew. It's not always easy to believe-- especially when you're in the midst of that dark hour --but our spiritual life can literally be reborn with each breath we take. I hope you have a beautiful holiday weekend. PS: How are you planning to celebrate? Our family celebrates Easter, but we are learning more and more about the Jewish Passover this year, so we are taking the kids to a deli in Salt Lake City where we can try some of the traditional foods served at a Seder Dinner. (Since Survivor, I'm all about the food experience. Ha!) After the deli field trip, we plan to dye Easter Eggs, go to church, and hopefully have a visit from E.B....

Some of you know my story, but just real quickly for those who don't-- I first auditioned for Survivor when I was 30. And I was eventually cast for Survivor South Pacific when I was 40. For 10 years I had this goal of being on Survivor! And while I know this is a silly goal for many people (the idea of being on a reality tv show), Survivor has literally changed/shaped my life in so many ways--it's been anything but silly. It's actually been incredible and life-changing. I have learned so much from the experience of auditioning (preparing, facing rejection), being cast, and eventually playing the game. But I think the most valuable lesson I learned playing Survivor is this: You're in charge of your life. If you're waiting for someone to give you permission, encouragement, inspiration, and the resources to live the life you dream about ... you've got it all wrong. Because if you're willing to work hard, be persistent, and face f...