It’s about a dream…
I had a dream of millions of people, united in mind and heart, making a true difference in the world around them. Not because they were wealthy. Not because they were popular or famous. They made a difference because they cared. Reaching out into the darkness and pulling someone to them. Saving souls by saving hearts.
People who have displayed noble character despite crushing odds arrayed against them. People who sacrificed without a murmur for those in need. Those who go to sleep at night crying with a broken heart, simply because they have been forgotten by those around them. I saw this not only work, but thrive, spreading to every country of the world. It worked because it was completely ridiculous. Ridiculous enough to catch on and spread.
There are countless people around us who don’t know how valuable they are. How truly amazing they are. How much potential they have. In fact, what most don’t realize is for this world to truly change and become a better place in which to live, it’s going to take every single one of us. Together.
Carley, Kathi, Asia, Wynnie, Jaime, Simon, Evan, Cesilea, Josh, Jami Taylor, Leilani, Ethany, Jessica and Nathan.
I don’t know how, but my family wants to make a true difference in the lives of others. To be a light on the hill to show there is still a measure of goodness, love, integrity, charity, honesty and hope in the world. We know we’re not perfect, but maybe we can help others by simply being ourselves and encouraging them to stand up and become who they were always meant to be: someone brilliant and breathtaking. We aren’t better than other people. We don’t believe that.
We simply care. My hope is that we might inspire you.
I’m so grateful for the blessings of a loving companion. That my best friends and those I admire the most happen to be born as my children. I want to share that with you and to encourage you to never settle. Survival alone may be necessary at times, but it’s never enough. Become the most you possibly can, with what you have and what you know…then make it better! Don’t wait…do it all in motion!!
This site is a tool for us to share our talents, gifts, experience, support and encouragement to those seeking more in life. We’re not sure what that’s going to look like or where we will end up. We’ve never done this before.
The world out there wants you to believe that there is no hope. That there is only despair, pain, suffering and slavery in one form or another. It’s a bold faced lie. We’ve seen too much and experienced too much to believe it. There’s still a great deal of love and beauty in this world, even amongst the most trying times of our lives (and there have been many).
This is an age of miracles, I assure you.
In short, this is a New Era and we want to share it with you. We hope you’ll join our family online.
You can never have too many people who care.
Love Always and Forever,
The Buckley’s
Our Family
I like to think of our family as unique and ‘real’. There’s Kathi and I and our eleven…yes, you heard me right, ELEVEN children (two more to go). They’re smart (all clever students), talented (all of them artistic) and all of them are BIG thinkers. I’m going to claim some credit on that last one. The fact is, they’re all brilliant and beautiful.
We have a specific way of doing just about anything. I’m a stickler for rules and working as a team, which makes for some fun experiences and incredibly intense headaches. The key here is Kathi. She’s the miracle/super-mom. We wouldn’t have any real traditions, schedules or social interactions with her. The children are privately educated, have a multitude of social engagements and I think it’s safe to say, some of the centers of influence with the local youth.
What makes life even more interesting is that our home is what we call a Lighthouse. A place for anyone to feel welcome, especially youth. Our family, simply put, creates a comfortable environment. Here’s our self-written bios:
Huggable (a.k.a. Jaime/Dad) 
I completely adore my family. They are the best people I know. From my lovely, beloved wife and best friend Kathilynn, to each of my blasted near perfect kids. Ok, I’m biased, but I have that right. There has never been a single day where one of them has surprised me, impressed me or made my heart burst with gratitude for being able to BE their father.
Yeah–they’re that amazing. So, who am I?
Husband, father, cartoonist and writer. I love people. I love the potential of the soul. That wasn’t always the case. I was born in Oakland California and grew up to know a great deal of violence. Got hurt a lot. So I dedicated years to training in how to hurt people back and became uncommonly good at it. Funny thing was–when I could finally deal with a dangerous situation that came my way, they stopped coming my way. I found myself naturally avoiding or peacefully negotiating my way out of danger.
I started seeing unique qualities in others. Everywhere I turned I saw something incredible. Something worth admiring. Kids that had been cast aside were gold to me–simply because if they could be pointed in a positive direction, they were unstoppable. That’s impressive.
I’ve been a designer, bodyguard, bouncer, repo man, analyst, promoter, publisher and dishwasher. Been writing a story since 1990, Wanted Hero and in late 2004, early 2005 created my first website solo using a bunch of library books. I started making electronic comic books (eComics) and sold them online for $0.97 each. Also created two graphic novels. By the end of the first year, we had about 750,000 visitors to the website and readers in 60 countries. It was a fun run while it lasted.
My hopes & dreams involve;
1.) teaching my family how to build this blog, and;
2.) to simplify and focus my life in writing Wanted Hero. This is more than a story to me and my greatest fault has been making more busywork for myself. Too much compromise. So I’m shutting down all my websites and doing one thing: write and share.
3.) self-publishing Wanted Hero with digital versions available on kindle and nook readers for $.99-$1.99 each. We’ll go to print after that. The rest, well…it should be an interesting ride.
Tuckered (a.k.a. Kathilynn)
(From Jaime): I know I taught you how to change this–BUT I have a copy of this on my laptop, so don’t bother deleting it dear…I’ll just put it back.
“I want to profess my love to my wife. It’s important to me to do this. I have many faults and only the most remarkable woman could endure my stupidity as I learn and grow. Everyone who knows us has probably heard my story, but I loved her from the moment I saw her. I wrote a note to my mother less than 3 minutes after seeing Kathilynn, and nearly 5 years after we were married, saw that very note in her scrapbook.
Kathilynn is the most noble, pure, loving and faithful human being I have every had the honor to know. She is my closest friend and the beat of my heart. I will continue to humble and reinvent myself each day until I can give you the noble husband you deserve. I may be the head of this family my love, but you are most assuredly the heart. 20 years seems like a blink. I’m ready for the next 20. You have my admiration, respect, devotion and love, Always and Forever.”
Kathilynn: Hmmmm….me? Well, I am wife of a great and creative man, mother of 11 beautiful children and living the dream of my youth. Seriously, I dreamed of being married and having lots of little kids. Luckily, when we are young we haven’t had the experiences that are real life to taint our dreams; yet, nevertheless, even in ‘real life’ I would not change a thing.
I am extremely grateful for a supportive husband who allows me to stay home with our children and sometimes even appreciates my over-opinionated ways.
I am passionate about homeschooling – educating my children, and all that that entails. Raising my children to be self correcting, hard working, truth seeking, principle based, God fearing, capable, family centered, compassionate, happy good people with integrity is an all consuming occupation that I take very seriously. There are many other things (we) I get passionate about because I have been so blessed in my life that it is hard for me to list them. Each new day I find something to be excited about and that is what I focus on. Sometimes I think the kids feel like I am psychotic in my quest for perfection and the best or right way of doing things, but usually we have a lot of fun together.
In my non-existent down time I imagine that I am quilting or sewing or scrapbooking or baking or napping or playing the piano or guitar, singing songs and telling stories to my little ones or reading for the simple pleasure of it.
I like to tell people that I thrive on organized chaos. Though that may be true, I really love being surrounded by the people I love and the ones who love me.
Shaky (a.k.a. Cesilea)
(From Dad): “I remember when Cesilea was born. I stared at her for the longest time and then turned to Kathilynn and our doctor and asked, ‘Is she supposed to look like that?’ Of course I have learned that you have to give some kids a few hours to even out their features.
Cesilea was the child that told me I was going to love being a father and that starting a family. She was bright, curious, fun to play with and actually had full blown conversations with us by the time she was a year old. Our pediatrician was constantly begging to test her because of her progress. At age 7, she both thrilled and annoyed the librarians because of her tenacious appetite for reading and learning.
Best of all, she was mom’s best friend. Kathi needed our first to be a girl and Cesilea was it. Those two were inseparable and over time, these females have dominated our home. I don’t think me or the boys would have it any other way.”
Zany (a.k.a. Evan)
(From Dad): “Oh there were shouts throughout our house for some time after Evan was born. You’d think a male child never existed before him. He was my miniature partner and shadow wherever I went. Armed with his nuk-nuk (plug) and his special blanket Evan would join me anywhere and was content to simply “be” with me. In fact, I would be weight lifting and he would climb up on my stomach (used to be flat BTW) and lie there, his chin in his little hands and through his nuk-nuk ask me, “Whatca doing?”
“I’m lifting weights.” I’d respond with a grunt.
“Oh,” he’d reply, “how come?”
“Because daddy wants to be strong,” I’d reply.
“Oh.” Then he’d ponder and raise an eyebrow, “You can be as strong as me!”
Course if you see him now–he could say that literally. 
”
Crony (a.k.a. Leilani)
(From Dad): “Leilani is a unique soul. I wanted to say that because I feel she is not only my daughter, but a kindred spirit that I admire. A young woman who stands her ground on principle despite the opposition is a trait to be admired in my book. She is an anchor of sanity to her father and I wanted to make sure she knows that.
When I started teaching the kids how to fight, especially the girls at a young age, Leilani was the most aggressive. She seemed to be remembering more than learning and it’s always been a pleasure to watch her progress in everything she does. She reminds me of a perfect merge between the personalities of her parents, with that dash of 100% Leilani flavor to spice up the mix.”
Timid (a.k.a. Jessica)
(From Dad): “To the outsider, Jessica seems to be our wallflower. However, I would say Jessica is one of my most passionate children and I admire her deeply. She just happens to be extremely reserved. She is kind, loving and long-suffering, but when she reaches that point or you have crossed that line…heaven help you, because no one else will. You will undoubtedly get eXACtly what you deserve!
Her passion for drawing is mind boggling, but her skills in clay and sculpture as well as scratch-art is phenomenal. But would you like to know what I love most about my daughter?
That I can come home, no matter how much the world has beaten me down I always find a smile along with a pure, soft voice saying, “I love you dad.” Always, always, always.
…I appreciate that more than she will ever understand, and love her so deeply for it.
It’s going to take an exceptional man to be worthy of any of my daughters, let alone this angel. Be prepared boys…I’m armed.”
Volcano (a.k.a. Nathan)
(From Dad): “Nathan has been an anomaly in this family, and I mean that in a positive way. He overflows with passion and heart–sometimes to an overflowing temper. Yet when he decides to, he’s the kindest person any of us have ever known.
The truly unique thing about my son is…I started having unusual dreams about him before he was conceived, during the pregnancy and just after he was born. I know what he would look like, what his personality would be like…and that we would have the opportunity to do the impossible. So far, it’s happened exactly as I dreamed. He’s right on track to brilliance.
He has heart, strength and talent oozing out his pores, especially when it comes to sculpture. In fact, I’m trying to convince him to take the stewardship of creating figures for a Wanted Hero chess set. He’s that good. Dreams things up or sees something around him and next thing you know it’s been made in wood, clay or even a stray bar of soap.
His mother and I have incredibly high hopes for Nathan. We believe in him, even when he doesn’t believe in himself.”
Sunshine (a.k.a. Asia)
(From Dad): “If I could say one thing about Asia it would be that she is, hands down, the most thoughtful human being I have ever met. Not because she is my daughter, but because that is a defining characteristic that anyone who has ever known her would testify of. In family prayer, she is so mindful of each and every detail, and praying for anyone she has met that day or has expressed any need. I love that about her.
She also has a deep love for her Father in Heaven. When she prays, you almost have to open her eyes from time to time, because from her tone you would expect to see God sitting there having a conversation with her.
On top of all this, she is the best natured child and has, by and far the best disposition of all the Buckley children. Love you Asia darling.”
Nosey & Bossy (a.k.a. Jami Taylor)
(From Dad): “I knew her name before she was born. When she was three and we were both sick, sitting alone at the breakfast table one morning, I remember her snorting to herself, giving me a side glance. A moment later, she did it again. When she did it the third I time I smirked back and asked, ‘What’s so funny little girl?’
To which she replied, ‘I stole your name. Now you’re just “dad”.’
Jami Taylor is a bright light in this family and very emotionally invested in other people and events. Her passion for drawing equals any of her siblings and she’s very good at it.”
Jami: “I like Ethany and Jessica, especially when Jessica tells me her stories. She writes stories and they’re really good! When I grow up, I’d like to be a Chef. It sounds fun. I also love animals. It’s wonderful to have pets that love you all the time. I like to draw and it’s probably one of my most favorite things to do.
I love my family, so much sometimes that I start to cry. I really want them to know that they mean everything to me and I’m glad they are all my best friends.”
Bossy & Nosey (a.k.a. Ethany)
(From Dad): “Jaime and Ethany have always been called our ‘twins’. When Kathilynn was expecting Jaimi Taylor, she had impressions for the longest time that she was carrying twins. Yet one day, that feeling suddenly…went away. If I remember correctly, I think there was some excessive bleeding as well. When Jami was born, the placenta was inspected and we were informed that there had been, in fact, another baby at one time, early on in the pregnancy. The moment Ethany was born, the two girls have been inseparable.”
Ethany: “I love to camp and be with the family. The swimming and playing in the water–the eating outside all the time…I love that! The best part is having friends to go camping with, like when we go with the Allreds and Uncle Merlin. It’s when we all play games together no matter how old you are and you can make more friends, even when you’re little. I love being with my family, because they’re so nice…and because they’re MINE.
I love Lolo, because she always tries to make me feel better, especially when I don’t have friends over. She’s one of my best friends. I love spending time with my family and I don’t like going anywhere until I’m done spending time with my family first.”
Granola & Milk (a.k.a. Simon)
(From Dad): “The Buckley household has always been a place of creativity and high energy…but it paled in comparison to the moment the magnanimous personality of Simon entered the world and our family.Simon is everybody’s favorite…something. The long awaited little brother, the master storyteller, and up to the moment of his birth, we all had great expectations.”
In Simon’s own words:
“Daddy, tell them I’m good at drawing.”
Dad: “What else do you want me to tell people?”
Simon: “I make good things and I’m awesome and a big brother and I wanna be as big as Evan…or anyone bigger than me. But mommy says I’m growing too fast. …oh, and I need to do the things that I need to do.”
That’s our son. Full of life, love, loyalty and kindness. His favorite things are his Nerf Dart Gun, clay (and he’s quickly catching up top his 13 year old brother in actual creativity and skill with clay), Dragon Hunters (his #1 favorite movie) and the all powerful Granola and Milk. At 5:15am, EVERY morning, he enters his parents room to his fathers side of the bed and quietly asks for Granola and Milk.
Lovy (a.k.a. Carley )
(From Dad): “Oh my baby Carley. What a bundle of personality you are!
This is almost like having a newer version of Cesilea around. Carley is intelligent and learns so quickly it shocks you. Her comprehension of words and how to use them in a conversation amaze. She is so open and engaging with her family and those she knows, but completely aloof when t comes to strangers. In fact, if she sees that mom and dad don’t like you, she won’t touch you with a 10′ pole. Smart girl.
I love hearing Carley early in the morning when she’s gotten up by herself and decides not to disturb anyone. She’ll take her dolls and maybe some of her brothers Lego’s and create a little neighborhood and have conversations for almost an hour. She’ll sing, laugh, scorn and go shopping all by herself. She is SUCH a doll–but don’t let those darling looks fool you!
She got the name Lovy from Cesilea and once she heard it, she begged to be called Lovy from then on.”
Unquantifiable (a.k.a. Wynnie)
(From Dad): “Wynnie is unlike anything this family has experienced and we can only imagine that it comes with being the youngest of 11. She is an explosion waiting to happen, always alert and wanting to be involved in any and all events within the house. In fact, it’s accurate to say that she only sleeps against her will!
Her smile is not only beautiful, it commands your attention. When she smiles at you, you know without a doubt, that you are loved and even adored. If not, she will stare at you, without expression an without blinking, longer than a Siberian Cat.”