“The most important things in life aren’t things.” ~ Anthony J. D’Angelo
Today marks the 100th time I’ve posted something here on the “Jungle of Life”. One hundred…it seems like a good time to reflect on what this has all meant. So…
Life is about making our splash. Sometimes it’s grand, sometimes it’s a belly flop…
Sometimes, that means paddling our own boat…
Other times, that means we just need to rest.
Life. It’s about caring for others.…
And about having fun, dressing up, and cheering for the home team!
It’s all about trying new things, challenging ourselves, and testing our limits.
Life is about spending time with the one we love, the one who is there no matter what…
Life…is being with the ONES we love.
Sometimes in life, we get into predicaments…
And the best thing we can do is just smile, and be ourselves.
Sometimes we act weird.
Sometimes we look weird.
And the best thing we can do is just be who we are, and sing out our song…
Life is about climbing up new poles, and then just hanging around.
And learning new things…
Sometimes, we sit in the stands and cheer on the others we know.
And sometimes, it’s about getting into the action, and making the big catch.
Life. We grow up. Family. We’re always there for each other.
Sometimes life gives us hills to climb…but then…the ride down is a lot of fun!
It’s about working together…building our lives (and our treehouses)…
Life is…Love. Caring. Respect.
Life. There will be mountains to conquer. We can’t do it alone. It’s having the ones we love, there with us, through it all.
Life is…grand!
Life is grand because of the wonderful family I have. They make all I do worth it. Life is grand because of the friends I have. Life is grand, because of you, my friends, all of you! All of you that read these words. Regular visitors and friends. New visitors. You all, every one of you, make my life better because of your thoughtful comments, the time you take to read my words, your simply being here!
Thank you, everyone, for being a part of my jungle of life!
What a wonderful post! I loved all the photos, and it’s a moving tribute to what matters most.
Betsy Wuebker´s last blog post..MOMENTUM
And the best thing we can do is just be who we are, and sing out our song…
That is what I am working on…
This post brought my tears. Very touching, thank you. I wish I had what you have.
Beautiful family Lance. Good job at making it that way.….
Beautiful post. Made me smile.
Avani-Mehta´s last blog post..2008 Blog Review and 2009 Plans
Happy Hundred Day Lance. What a wonderful Family. You are SO blessed.
AND smart enough to know it. yeah for you!
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations´s last blog post..Teeter-Totter Tribulations
I love this post! The pictures are powerful and your words are sincere. Thanks for sharing some of your offline world with us. It is truly a gift to be blessed with such a loving family.
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..How Do You Practice the Art of Life Balance?
Great post and photos! And happy century! =)
monica´s last blog post..Monday Food Diary: Hangover Cures and Cornbread
In deed it was enjoyable reading through your posts. You managed to make a perfect blend with your wisdom and photos.
Here’s wishing you many more centuries to come
Cheers
Shamelle
Shamelle– TheEnhanceLife´s last blog post..The 5 Emotions That Drag Us Down Or Shape Our Destiny
What a beautiful 100th post! I can’t wait to see what the next 100 bring.
Kim´s last blog post..Sunday Musings
100 fantastic! Very nice pictures.…a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing!
mark salinas´s last blog post..Linking time again!
100 posts. That’s big time, Lance. Congratulations! I was looking for a picture of you with a perm, but didn’t see it. Are you going to post it later?
Writer Dad´s last blog post..At Least I Don’t Have Zits
I’m blinking really fast to keep the tears from overflowing … oh, oh — there one goes. You did it — you made me cry, Lance!
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us — here & always! And what a beautiful family life you have.
Big hugs,
Linda
Linda Abbit´s last blog post..How a Bus Stop Helps Prevent Wandering in Alzheimer’s Patients
Okay so I’m with the other two ladies, trying my best not to cry! What a moving post Lance, so well done. Happy One Hundred, and I’m praying for many, many more! Blessings to you,
Audra
Audra Krell´s last blog post..Hard Times
Oh, Lance, you have such a beautiful, active, happy family!
What a wonderful post.
I was smiling right along with you and the family in the last picture!!!! Happy 100th post.….….…..what a great way to use it
.….….….filled with the love you have so visibly shared with the rest of us!!!!!!!
I love all the pics of you and your awesome family!
Annette´s last blog post..6 Months~~~~~A Practical Benefit of Weight Loss
Happy 100th Post!! What great reminders (and fun pictures– love the badger, and the kid in the cupboard, haha!!)
This totally reminds me of the web site where I met my husband. He had several pics on his profile where he listed below each how they related to his characteristics (i.e. a picture of him and 4 of his nephews was titled “good with kids”, and one of him in Egypt by the pyramids was called “loves travel and new experiences” and one of him cliff-jumping titled “not afraid to try new things”).
Thanks Lance, for a touching post, and for giving us a glimpse of who you are (love that quote, too).
RooBabs´s last blog post..Deer Widows’ Weekend
Okay, Lance, count four crying women, now. I’m just a sentimental sap.
You gave me a glimpse of my own history (you’re in the Midwest, aren’t you?). You speak from the heart. What you say is real, and about what’s real. You have a real knack for letting your words give voice to your heart, and the wonderful photos just added the extra zing. Now my contacts will be gummy and sticky, but I don’t care! My heart feels like you just gave it a nice fat hug. Thank you!
Julie´s last blog post..Been There, Done That
Lance,
What a great summary. Lovely pictures. I like the one in the tupperware cupboard… Reminds me of my sons. Check them out at
http://tweemannetjes.blogspot.com/
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..To laugh often and much… — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Love the inspiring words/photo journey! Life IS grand. Congrats on 100 posts!
Sagan´s last blog post..New form of exercise: dodging cars!
Congratulations on 100 posts! And this one is awesome, thanks for the peak into your family/life — it looks like a very happy and healthy one! Fun pictures!
Stacey Shipman´s last blog post..The See Saw — a Metaphor for Life Balance
What a flowing post! Congratulations on your 100th post and your wonderful family.
And thank you for sharing …your spirit on your blog does reflect the wonderful energy of your family.
Wishing you and your family rainbows and sunshine
Maya´s last blog post..Embracing our cultural identities at work and in life can only be good for us
I got your pics from Jean Browman’s website-the CheerfulMonk one about your favorite photo. Your blogs are excellent. Glad to meet you.
http://stresstopower.com/
http://cheerfulmonk.com/
Congratulations! You guys are grand, what great pics and what a fantastic family, thanks for the peak
Monnica´s last blog post..37 Ways To Boost Your Energy (Without Breaking A Sweat)
That’s great. Thanks for sharing. Life is wonderful most of the time. Looks like you all have a great time together.
FitMom´s last blog post..Multisport Training Tips (the clothing edition) and a giveaway!
Your welcome and thank you Lance for all you do.
I LOVED this post! What a great way to put things in perspective. Thanks for sharing your family with us. Those are some of the things I appreciate about you — your attitude and perspective on life, along with your giving spirit. Congratulations on 100 posts and keep up the great work!
Jennifer´s last blog post..It’s Your Choice….
Happy 100th Post! That’s a big deal Good For You.
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..When Motivation Isn’t Enough
@Betsy — Thank you Betsy! It’s not the things…that matter most…
@Laurie — You’re singing your song, I know you are Laurie. Thank you…
@Avani — Thank you Avani!
@Wendi — Why thank you, Wendi! I “try” to remember it…
@Stacey/Create A Balance — Thanks so much Stacey! Your words mean much to me. Do I always remember what a gift my family is to me? I try…
@Monica — Thanks Monica — it’s hard to believe I’ve written a hundred things already!
@Shamelle — Thank you Shamelle! I hope to have many more to come, as well…
@Kim — Thank you Kim, I’m excited to see what the future holds, as well!
@Mark — Many thanks Mark!
@Writer Dad — Thanks much Sean! The ’80’s were good for music, but hairstyles — NO, I’m not going there…there is no proof!!
@Linda — Thank you so much for your support here Linda! And for your very kind words. It was a pleasure to share my family here today!
@Audra — Thank you so much, Audra — and there WILL be many more to come…
@Vered — Thank you Vered — they keep me busy!!
@Annette — Hey, it’s great to have you smiling with us Annette! Thank you so much for your continued visits, you’re an inspiration!
Hi Lance!
Wow, such beautiful pictures of a beautiful family. Both in blogging and family-building, you are a few steps ahead of me. You’re setting up a great example for me to follow.
ari
Ari Koinuma´s last blog post..8 Secrets That Help If Your Loved One Suffers from Depression
@RooBabs — That quote is great, isn’t it! Picture really do speak a thousand words, and especially with a glimpse into what they mean. What a way to get to know your future husband! The cupboard picture — yep, that’s a favorite of mine too!
@Julie — Sorry to make you cry Julie (ok maybe I’m not…)… Yes, I am in the midwest, did the Badger give it away?? Your words are very touching to me Julie, thank you so much. And…I’m glad I could give you a “hug” today…
@Mindful Mimi — Thank you! Yes, that cupboard shot is a favorite of mine too! Just checked out your little guys — cuites, they are! Enjoy them every day…
@Sagan — Thank you Sagan! And yes, life IS grand — for all of us!!
@Stacey Shipman — Thank you Stacey! It’s been really a lot of fun doing this post — sharing a little more about my whole family. And, life is mostly happy and healthy (well, except for the custard stand that within walking distance from our house…that cuts into the “healthy” every now and then…but it helps with the “happy”).
@Maya — Thanks so much Maya! My family definitely keeps my spirit flowing…
@Bikehikebabe — Thanks for stopping over, and thank you for the compliments!
@Monnica — Thank you Monnica! It’s been a real pleasure to share a peak into our lives…And I’ll tell you what — it’s you guys — everyone who stops over here — who is grand!!
@FitMom — We “usually” do have a great time together (there are moments…but, hey, what family doesn’t have them???). Life is great around here! Thank you Rachel!
@Jennifer — Thank you so much Jennifer, really, thank you! This was a lot of fun, sharing a few glimpses of our life over the last several years. It brings back lots of memories! And reminds me of what really is important in life. When I decided to do this one, I was drawn to picture of people and experiences we’ve shared. And it quickly becomes evident of what truly is important in life — it’s the people that make all the difference (and maybe a camera!!).
@Meleah — Thank you Meleah! It is a big deal — it seems like I’ve written a lot when I see that number!
@Ari — Thank you Ari! And, Ari, I think you’re doing amazing stuff — and you’re an example for all of us on how to plan and build for the future — continue to be a light toward the future!
Awesome Awesome photos you have here!! Your family looks great!! Love your 100th post. A very meaningful one!
Evelyn´s last blog post..Can You Read My Mind?
Great pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them.
Jean Browman–Transforming Stress´s last blog post..Following the Path…One Step At a Time
Congratulations, Lance. What a wonderful, awesome post! You are one of the finest people I have met blogging, and your post shows why! Btw I really appreciate your comments on my blog…I know I can count on an uplifting comment when I see your name.
May you have a hundred (and then some) more!!
Pink Ink´s last blog post..Color Me Happy
I loved reading your post. Your kids are so beautiful and growing up so fast! Thank you for sharing the pictures and your thoughts! Great things to always remember and keep in the front of our minds as we go about our daily lives.
God Bless,
Jaci
Lance, What a tremendous achievement — Fostering an environment in which to live a rich and fulfilling life with the people you love. Reaching 100 posts is also a very fine achievement. I’m very pleased for you. You’re a rich man. Here’s to your next hundred. Dave.
Dave Fowler´s last blog post..I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead
@Evelyn — Thanks much Evelyn!
@Jean — Thank you Jean!
@Pink Ink — Thanks Jewel! Really, you’re too kind to me (you are)! And…I’m hoping, too, there will be many, many more to come yet.
@Jaci — Hi Jaci!! Thanks for stopping by — it’s great to see you here! It’s hard to believe how fast we’ve went from the little cupboard pictures until now — football games and all. Time flys by!
@Dave — Thanks much Dave!! We’ve tried to live a life, not necessarily full of material wealth, but more of a personal wealth and well-being. It’s all been good! Thanks again buddy…
What a good-looking bunch. Very creative post, lots of thought and obvious love in this one. Love the boy’s hair-cut!
Congrats on your 100th!
Jannie´s last blog post..a blip
Awesome Post Lance! It definitely gives people something to strive for!
100 Posts, keep up the good work! I’ll be here to read!
Jenny´s last blog post..Please Remember Me
This is one of the nicest posts that I have seen in the recent past. You will post a lot more and give a lot of us a whale of time in your jungle.
rummuser´s last blog post..An Inspiring Story.
Congratulations on your 100th post! I’m new around here, but I love what I see, so I subscribed. Looks like you’ve have a busy life … and a strong family … and you like to keep it real. I appreciate that … Keep up the good work.
Hi Lance. To echo some of the comments here, you ARE blessed and you have a sincere way of expressing this. I too had to brush away some tears. The value you share about your family reminds me of the values I recognized from reading Laura Ingalls’ “Little House” books.
Davina´s last blog post..Awakening To A Balanced Life
Totally totally awesome! And it’s been a priviledge being part of your jungle life! Thanks!
Urban Panther´s last blog post..Jumping to the Island of Conclusions
Hi Lance: Congratulations on your 100th post, it’s always a pleasure to stop by here, you’re doing good work. Your family is beautiful!
@Jannie — Thank you Jannie! The hair cut, that was for crazy hair day at school — and it was definitely crazy!
@Jenny — Thanks much Jenny, I’ll be here to write!
@Rummuser — Well, thank you very much Rummuser!
@ru4real — Welcome, and yes — we do stay busy! Too many kids and not enough adults on some days! But it’s all good…
@Davina — Thanks so much Davina. And you know, we’re not far from prairies here…or at least corn fields…I drive by many each day…
@Urban Panther — Thank you UP! It’s a privilege having you, and everyone else, stop here in my jungle!
@Marelisa — Mare, thanks so much for your continued support, and for your very kind words!
Hey Lance. Oh how I loved to see this post. I came over and tried to comment. My computer froze up! I realized that I had over 10,000 pictures in my IPHOTO and my computer could take no more. I have been cleaning out some files for a while and I made my way back over. My computer is happy for the moment.
Anyway, this is a great post. I felt like you had a busy life like this. On the go and loving life. Keep that up and keep them happy! Love does that you know. You have it and it shows.
Happy 100th.
Tammy Warren´s last blog post..Unspectacular Quirks
Hi Lance
Gosh 100 posts — congratulations. You sure have come a long way. I still remember when I stumbled across your blog in the the very early days. I still read all of your posts — sometimes I am playing catch up. You have a wonderful way of conveying warmth and love for your family and life in general. looking foward to the next 100.
Leanne Magraith | Forever Change´s last blog post..A Story About A Major Business Restructure — Part 5
I’m a jungleoflife “noob”, but I have to say, I’m falling in love. Many people in this world would benefit from seemingly simple ideas and posts such as this. Keep up the good work!
Jamie | WiredParentPad´s last blog post..Think Before You Speak — That’s So Gay
Congratulations on your 100th post. Thrilled I can be here to share your ride through what looks to be an amazingly blessed and joyous life. Your kids are gorgeous and your family looks so happyit bring tears to me eyes.
Kelly
and these are great photos
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Tagged By Roshan
Nice work. Keep it going.
Steven Smith´s last blog post..Changing in a Spinning World
@Tammy — Thanks so much Tammy! So, see — this is nothing — the FEW pictures I have here!! Kids, right — they sure can keep us on the go. Thanks again, Tammy, for your continued support here.
@Leanne — Well, Leanne, I remember that too — you were one of the first (if not the first) people to ever leave me a comment. We go way back!! And it means a lot to me that you’re still around here — that I haven’t scared you away yet! Leanne, thank you for continuing to be here month after month — you’re awesome!
@Jamie — I’m glad you like it Jamie! Your words of encouragement mean much to me — thanks for stopping by!
@Kelly — Thank you Kelly! And, I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride — it’s the folks like you that make this so much fun to do!
@Meleah — Thanks so much Meleah, that means a lot to me!
@Steven — Thank you, and thanks for stopping by Steven!
good GOSH YOU HAVE YOUR VALUES STRAIGHT!
that is all
MizFit´s last blog post..It’s getting HOT in herre.
congratulations on 100 posts, and what a great 100th post it is!
it reminded me of a static version of one of those inspirational video slideshows, if it was one, what would your soundtrack be?
Andy Bailey´s last blog post..CommentLuv wins the WPMU plugin contest!
Oh Lance — I feel so Grand!
What a beautiful post — and did you get a telegram from the Queen? (here in Australia you get a telegram from the Queen if you turn 100).
Robin´s last blog post..How A Lot Of Wind Changed My Plans
Beautiful post! Brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Natalia Burleson´s last blog post..The day ended well.
Thanks for stopping by, Lance! Great post, and congrats on hitting #100!
Gena´s last blog post..Baked Potato Soup
Lance,
How about putting your pictures on Flickr? We would love to see more of them.
Jean Browman–Transforming Stress´s last blog post..Following the Path…One Step At a Time
I loved the pictures. This post I bet took a while to do.
Life is all of what you said, and may I add — it’s the ultimate challenge.
Bamboo Forest´s last blog post..Make This Halloween a Ghost Dad Halloween
That’s great Lance, but did you cut that poor child’s hair to fit in with your post!
Tara@From Dawn Till rusk´s last blog post..The business of blogging: Dave’s story
The pictures say so much! The one on “predicaments” is sooo adorable.
Congrats on your 100th post Lance.
Irene | Light Beckons´s last blog post..Synchronicities
@MizFit — Thanks much Carla! Coming from you, that really does mean a lot!
@Andy — Thank you Andy! A soundtrack to go with this one…hmmm.…I think you’ve just inspired a new post for me — more to come soon! And thanks for making me think on this one!
@Robin — Hey Robin, you ARE grand! Thanks for stopping by — you, and all my readers are the best! No, no telegram! Shoot, how did I miss out on that!! Thanks much Robin!
@Natalia — Thank you Natalia!
@Gena — Thank you, Gena, for stopping by!
@Jean — Hmmm.…Flickr. I do have an account, I’ll think about that… Thanks for stopping by Jean!
@Bamboo Forest — This was really a fun post to do (and it was so hard to choose which pictures to use)! Yes, life is the ultimate challenge, and one that I’m grateful to be participating in. Thanks much Bamboo Forest!
@Tara — Thanks Tara! The hair…it was cut that way for “crazy hair day” at school — and I think this does qualify at crazy hair! He kept it that way for about a week, then we just shaved it all off. So, to answer you question, Tara, no — we DIDN’T do this just for the post!!!!!
@Irene — Thank you Irene! That’s one of my favorites as well — the predicament picture.
These photos followed by simple statements made me tear up because every single one of them spoke of the truth.
I ought to add this:
“Sometimes photos speak of a thousand words.”
Stephen Hopson´s last blog post..Stephen Hopson Interview with Barbara Swafford of Blogging without a Blog, Part II of II
Congratulations on your 100th post Lance! Your son’s haircut is so.. well, I’m just glad you posted it. Now when my little girl finds the scissors one day and decides to try it herself, it will be easier to laugh.
Rachel´s last blog post..Paper Pile Makeover Results!
@Stephen — Thank you Stephen. For me, these pictures bring back a lot of memories, good times that we’ve had over the years. And, it’s a reminder that time flies by — and that I need to enjoy each moment I have with my family. And you addition — a picture is worth a thousand words — perfect!
@Rachel — Thanks much Rachel! The haircut…well, we left it for about a week (crazy hair day at school) — then shaved it all. Maybe that’s easier with a boy! But anyway — try to see the humor in it if your little girl ever goes scissor crazy!!
First time to your site. Found you through AVTCoach. Lovely tribute to your beautiful family. God bless you all!
Nichole´s last blog post..Adopting an Attitude of Gratitude
Nichole, thank you so much for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed this — it’s one of my favorites!
I got a shock when I read the title, I thought you reach the age of 100 already. Hopefully by then, we are still around to read your reflection on life.
.-= scheng1´s Last Fabulous Post ..7 tips to self improvement =-.