There is hope!

“I don’t have AUTISM anymore”?   

Watch this and hear it from the families themselves. 

"AUTISM YESTERDAY" Autism is Reversible from JB Handley on Vimeo.

Graduation

Brown Mackie College - Boise

Associate of Applied Science, Accounting Technology

Honors Graduate



Relieved and happy to finally be able to say "I did it"

Anna and Leann, two dear friends I made along the way.

My wonderful Accounting Professor, Chris. 

Couldn't have done it without him!



Cirque du Soleil's Alegria in Boise

We went to see Alegria with our friends Jason & Courtney last night, and it was absolutely one of the most enchanting shows I've ever seen. 
Next year they are doing a Michael Jackson tribute tour, and I am most definitely going to try to round up a group of friends to go see it in Portland.

Precinct 70 Poll Girls

And a new tradition is born!  I was invited this year to join my girlfriends for Election Day as Ada County Poll Workers.  We had so much fun and thankfully the day stayed busy and pretty much flew by. Voter turnout for our precinct was over 56% - very impressive!

Precinct 70 Poll Girls: 

Sarah, Brandy, Amy, Tena, Amber & Laura

Laura, our delightful and well prepared Chief Judge keeping us in line

Our Potluck:  Potato/sausage breakfast casserole, fruits and veggies, sandwiches, white lightning chicken chili, and an amazing homemade apple dessert.  

Laura, Am and Amy checking ID's and taking signatures

Tena and Sarah distributing and receiving ballots

Halloween

The Stenquist's did it again with they're amazing, over-the-top halloween party.  Some photos I borrowed from Facebook...











Tinker

Our sweet little bean left us on Monday, October 18th.  She brought so much joy to us each and every day for well over 8 years.  I'll forever miss her genuine smile, big dog demeanor, and amazing spirit.  So many people adored her, and it pleases me to look back and realize what an amazing life we all gave her.
 
We've been walking around quiet and a bit lost since her passing.  Feels so odd that she's not there to greet us at the door, cuddle on the couch, or to even hear her nails click around all over.  We'll especially miss her on the camping and outdoor adventures that she loved so much.  She sure saw a lot of Idaho with us and her big sister Cody.  I'm thankful I was holding her in my arms before she became the tiniest 4-legged angel in heaven. 

Fly high sweet girl, we'll love and miss you always!

In her younger years with her first family, The Fetty's

Bittersweet - Our last night of snuggles on the couch

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Summer's over already, are you sure?  Well alright then if you say so. 

What a delightful summer it was, no wonder its my favorite season.  We had the boat out as much as possible with friends and neighbors skiing, tubing, fishing, and diving into the cool waters of Idaho.  Other memories made were the many camping trips, outdoor parties, relaxing in the backyard, and so much more.

Our most special mention for the season were the moments spent with both of our Grandmother's.  In June we took my Grandma Geri on our long awaited dream trip to Yellowstone.  It was just the three of us on a nice road trip to a beautiful place.  We drove non-stop for three days and the sights we saw were breathtaking.  It was so special to experience that with her and keep my promise made over ten years ago that we would someday do this together.
About a week after we returned home from Yellowstone, we got the call from Michigan that our Grandma DiMaria wasn't doing too well, and that it was time.  We jumped in the car right away and were in Michigan 36 hours later. The next four days we spent by her bedside holding hands, hugging, laughing, smiling...saying our goodbyes.  We'll never forget all the special memories and moments surrounded by all of the family.  And leave it up to Grandma and her Italian sassiness right through till the end, she had us in fits of laughter for most of the time.  Grandma passed away about a week after we came home, just a few days before her 96th birthday.  She lived a beautiful life, and she'll be carried in our hearts always.  Riposa in pace Nonna, ti vogliamo bene.

And time marches on...the leaves are turning now, Autumn is here. We'll be close to home for the holidays this year.  With college out of the way, I've been decorating pumpkins for the front stoop and am very much looking forward to getting into the Christmas goodies.  But before I can get ahead of myself, there's still some fall projects to do around the house.  We've got painting to do indoors and out, and also just bought a new Stor Mor shed that'll be used for all of our gardening/camping/boating supplies.  Very much looking forward to getting a bit more organized in our tiny little abode.