tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-131985692024-03-07T10:48:03.548-06:00Clever NonsenseWelcome to my little piece of the web. I'm Brandy, two-time Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, career woman, mother of 4, and wife to Gabriel. Together, we try to make sense of this thing called life.Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-59047373942550273942009-03-03T18:36:00.003-06:002009-03-03T18:39:49.187-06:00My, how time flies....when you're living life and having fun! I can't believe it's been so long since our last update. But here is a short and sweet one.<br /><br />Life is good.<br /><br />We rang in the new year at home, with the neighborhood kids singing around our fire. Valerie turned 4, Nicholas just turned 5, Seth is turning 8 next week and I turn 36! Holy cow! Gabe got me my own computer for my birthday, with a sweet 22" screen....yippee!!! We also just got rid of the flu. It seems everyone got it, and boy am I glad to see it gone. It wiped us out, but we're on the road to recovery. Olivia and Seth got glasses, too. Poor kids couldn't see right, so they look even cuter than before in their spectacles. :)<br /><br />I'll post pics soon. I just wanted to say we are all good, growing and enjoying each day.<br /><br />Blessings to all.<br /><br />Much love,<br />BrandyBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-34464225023746544682008-12-10T21:01:00.007-06:002008-12-10T21:33:19.697-06:00~S~N~O~W~!~!Yes, you read that right...we just experienced s n o w - holy moly! It's been about 4 years since the last time it snowed here. That was really magical, Christmas Eve and snow in Texas. So here are some pics of us getting back from church and having some fun. Enjoy!!<br /><br />Can you believe this white stuff is falling down??? Beautiful....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN2_SWIGek2Rc5RD-7ZEm8qwnzqm8IDe6XCOqD2yRt6fb-pjkeJfWVDSaHL3kcpkry8m0nOZRpe7-fisIYQOy4LekmNjadvaVSvo-j20Pg78KxhM7PdA9khz8b_ivGKQekkxu/s1600-h/Snow!+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278366932078854034" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN2_SWIGek2Rc5RD-7ZEm8qwnzqm8IDe6XCOqD2yRt6fb-pjkeJfWVDSaHL3kcpkry8m0nOZRpe7-fisIYQOy4LekmNjadvaVSvo-j20Pg78KxhM7PdA9khz8b_ivGKQekkxu/s320/Snow!+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Valerie is super excited, can you tell???<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPAQhkFRkN3COa_yBEqS3E-ht1hs3VxqnxX2tIUj0GJQhClr9TaHeK82xgH_l5c3VfAqy19Oc7bnpD7eVnRA-g8ynY-9XMfYZP7GPwcZRy2wqEGDpUuzzR-ZfSEdaVYMiAQwA/s1600-h/Snow!+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278366937757811074" style="WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPAQhkFRkN3COa_yBEqS3E-ht1hs3VxqnxX2tIUj0GJQhClr9TaHeK82xgH_l5c3VfAqy19Oc7bnpD7eVnRA-g8ynY-9XMfYZP7GPwcZRy2wqEGDpUuzzR-ZfSEdaVYMiAQwA/s320/Snow!+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The entire city is giddy over this...LOL!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos6aPTd-LpV2jqldgsjvW5ameJmo0LC7TgK0eqyJWWv7gZmEcERgK_BbiLS2Bdo7cqjBkCyDMptguA7_QYIM7iLBgKllv3y9e4riR2yWs1uaXixVDlLMMkzmdC_uiU3cthhxW/s1600-h/Snow!+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278367568126645010" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos6aPTd-LpV2jqldgsjvW5ameJmo0LC7TgK0eqyJWWv7gZmEcERgK_BbiLS2Bdo7cqjBkCyDMptguA7_QYIM7iLBgKllv3y9e4riR2yWs1uaXixVDlLMMkzmdC_uiU3cthhxW/s320/Snow!+043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seth collecting snow to make a mini-snowball...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ_FKTALUtBM-_9RjFPNuECclFui-PkJ_juoBDIxymIvgul9Zs5-Te6dIRKLsq4r_P46hrNBrrWfzZ6Y1cGlgKou0xSGutNT0dCqoC__OpTsXwMRUt5onJDPz4Sy7WYf56IU4/s1600-h/Snow!+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278368064533846386" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ_FKTALUtBM-_9RjFPNuECclFui-PkJ_juoBDIxymIvgul9Zs5-Te6dIRKLsq4r_P46hrNBrrWfzZ6Y1cGlgKou0xSGutNT0dCqoC__OpTsXwMRUt5onJDPz4Sy7WYf56IU4/s320/Snow!+044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnkg9RpfMf2D28cbxRHfspxrwiD2-T3MdZPM_z7YonLrupycsizPXZwYFe0RHsvVr-8jBSZsWksI8dqhAr8sRUP98S3em1LfDMAbwUgi0ArtUKKguIaMGF3h0tnMXVwVG6rxW/s1600-h/Snow!+045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278367571178979874" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnkg9RpfMf2D28cbxRHfspxrwiD2-T3MdZPM_z7YonLrupycsizPXZwYFe0RHsvVr-8jBSZsWksI8dqhAr8sRUP98S3em1LfDMAbwUgi0ArtUKKguIaMGF3h0tnMXVwVG6rxW/s320/Snow!+045.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Me and Nicholas, who was smart enough to stay in the car!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Sn-KDKJdTmUk_PmW8PnwwLM3PH6vC0og4PHGpBXYusH93DT26vCLX-BFQQVQyhd3OL_h2FRD9biHuqAVCEY8EBZYgGkgq7Cr0fmlml8Swdqkp8Twuyuclvg-Wtdz4DK44BQ/s1600-h/Snow!+047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278368071069830674" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76Sn-KDKJdTmUk_PmW8PnwwLM3PH6vC0og4PHGpBXYusH93DT26vCLX-BFQQVQyhd3OL_h2FRD9biHuqAVCEY8EBZYgGkgq7Cr0fmlml8Swdqkp8Twuyuclvg-Wtdz4DK44BQ/s320/Snow!+047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><div>Seth got his wish, he wished for snow the other day!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_afc-AdtcxzXuAvvXYsSR1OZhvIvEuVG8T_YrfswB47aPU0i5LekhaK4RyAUOrGnBsbD16HFBMXNCCuMNMbnUGBs5J0q0LorxYsXYV9QVP_t3AUtc_oLzhdCYgJ8btjw1YnF/s1600-h/Snow!+042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278367565711356834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_afc-AdtcxzXuAvvXYsSR1OZhvIvEuVG8T_YrfswB47aPU0i5LekhaK4RyAUOrGnBsbD16HFBMXNCCuMNMbnUGBs5J0q0LorxYsXYV9QVP_t3AUtc_oLzhdCYgJ8btjw1YnF/s320/Snow!+042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Me relishing in the snow!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1I-8LK2H2A1PREk5yzmZ2TGWw9kT2hwQKoENwUNxDh1ZLs767kmE9H_fpkJnR1u7FvTUM0GimzHkXnI_xSK62qSgwDG6-9xG993V1tRUTLi9ruQyvlBuvhmjTg_xGc2EiinV/s1600-h/Snow!+036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278367561052380114" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1I-8LK2H2A1PREk5yzmZ2TGWw9kT2hwQKoENwUNxDh1ZLs767kmE9H_fpkJnR1u7FvTUM0GimzHkXnI_xSK62qSgwDG6-9xG993V1tRUTLi9ruQyvlBuvhmjTg_xGc2EiinV/s320/Snow!+036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Real snow here on Adrienne's sweater....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96lHfuaxPJKJ2L4PUPkilkWAVa5c2I3biqpBBnKmiqmdKBh8ONcPi74gZC2WGF8r6wdJnNqXmmCfRivBjWmuiDPOANr07ema43wfHspuvTEsfF0DXKY_1zkdrwfBb7NWT0s0l/s1600-h/Snow!+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278367549565397282" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96lHfuaxPJKJ2L4PUPkilkWAVa5c2I3biqpBBnKmiqmdKBh8ONcPi74gZC2WGF8r6wdJnNqXmmCfRivBjWmuiDPOANr07ema43wfHspuvTEsfF0DXKY_1zkdrwfBb7NWT0s0l/s320/Snow!+034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Nicholas admiring the snow from the car!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz11GsWRPGXCog6_4DTaoMyEXpT3iSKsjp0zqdiLGsKpH0hpPex8cQ67WirEd8gZgbhuF4P8w4n2r3uxf7NLK7OD3aBsATwe6TUlE2ro6fLcevgAv_M9Gc6na17aJmWRureov/s1600-h/Snow!+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278366969447845026" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz11GsWRPGXCog6_4DTaoMyEXpT3iSKsjp0zqdiLGsKpH0hpPex8cQ67WirEd8gZgbhuF4P8w4n2r3uxf7NLK7OD3aBsATwe6TUlE2ro6fLcevgAv_M9Gc6na17aJmWRureov/s320/Snow!+035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Olivia loved the snow!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjZ5ZB1MzO9jjb31jz_qYHKAS1NYx1la9mgZsCOt2TIuOvYNRSdjGcVxHxAt8wNLYnswj_bw3sN2w1nUUYEuKfsZOUcnqJ0f1oUAczM3RhF-RYQ2us2-EVfBeGHO2pVd0f8xp/s1600-h/Snow!+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278366954467746082" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjZ5ZB1MzO9jjb31jz_qYHKAS1NYx1la9mgZsCOt2TIuOvYNRSdjGcVxHxAt8wNLYnswj_bw3sN2w1nUUYEuKfsZOUcnqJ0f1oUAczM3RhF-RYQ2us2-EVfBeGHO2pVd0f8xp/s320/Snow!+032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Having some fun in the snow...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CNioN5KUUiDqGbS4bj-Nnza2t6LR1u6ne-zQ4Ex46gxcO28iTf_BpC3exh4raPWmBRSizA_VJ48sx4pYbKfuLJJ6rPZLFgsc0DBifE5JDVKXq69O7XeiMEicivcTx45qN7pu/s1600-h/Snow!+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278366948438725442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CNioN5KUUiDqGbS4bj-Nnza2t6LR1u6ne-zQ4Ex46gxcO28iTf_BpC3exh4raPWmBRSizA_VJ48sx4pYbKfuLJJ6rPZLFgsc0DBifE5JDVKXq69O7XeiMEicivcTx45qN7pu/s320/Snow!+022.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div>Dreaming of snowflakes and snowmen in Texas....</div><div> </div><div>Love,</div><div>B</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-18291038098929821602008-11-23T18:28:00.004-06:002008-11-24T08:33:16.573-06:00Here she is!!So, I finally picked out my bike and I am so giddy and totally in love with it! I've taken it around the block a few times with the kids, but I can't wait to really take off and log some serious miles on it. :) Yippee!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMNhtPD_JlsYNkuFEvvuICDPy3zKvU-Pfvrs7jzD11yWnU5tN5kWnidZ4CSPC740yvIUg1qGm0u6bwpZMyW1o1JyRTSbufNJlZwnIvQQ7-3jjBJ053NYqrwWLz61UegtlcFea/s1600-h/Townie+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272015134261195538" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMNhtPD_JlsYNkuFEvvuICDPy3zKvU-Pfvrs7jzD11yWnU5tN5kWnidZ4CSPC740yvIUg1qGm0u6bwpZMyW1o1JyRTSbufNJlZwnIvQQ7-3jjBJ053NYqrwWLz61UegtlcFea/s320/Townie+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIWiDYyA286d-wOu9GsAD5v7P-m2Hu7J-AIfreLLc25HhymbkCFcyT65-q8rYpsIrRvEDt_gLbdRtHwOYouy0YJ5xn1YzleHdw2s-HE8sUgHaWbmSv-tqv91GoPqq6XsZlf8g/s1600-h/Townie+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272015139549194114" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIWiDYyA286d-wOu9GsAD5v7P-m2Hu7J-AIfreLLc25HhymbkCFcyT65-q8rYpsIrRvEDt_gLbdRtHwOYouy0YJ5xn1YzleHdw2s-HE8sUgHaWbmSv-tqv91GoPqq6XsZlf8g/s320/Townie+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />In bike heaven...<br />BBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-25256946276443241792008-11-21T22:01:00.010-06:002008-11-22T00:03:25.144-06:00Life is good...Despite all the drama, stress and b.s. at work...Life is good. I caught this on the way into work a few weeks ago.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOmUA6UXFQurlWu59w8CDS4zIfZKxvgKLXMtvEu9JG96bB_kDasu971ZhxBvDLa6W30w9z2Q0vo9aiBXwSzbP0TPb-6-3iQcw2FolL-i24gEbopWJvbMZCC3htmIFv6XU7FNw/s1600-h/November+2008+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271327880776647826" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOmUA6UXFQurlWu59w8CDS4zIfZKxvgKLXMtvEu9JG96bB_kDasu971ZhxBvDLa6W30w9z2Q0vo9aiBXwSzbP0TPb-6-3iQcw2FolL-i24gEbopWJvbMZCC3htmIFv6XU7FNw/s320/November+2008+037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are some Halloween photos, better late than never is a motto I live by. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESNKORsNdbGxuxMsRqihXdVZZa3GgpnRYcGBL-GlH1qmIes7_h-XMY6OBv-HaGcPWaPDwrtA4l4xXmFNk0b5JNTGl23e47WRbfB63j0qfHaB6RFd3vK56nZ_l3LOa5W2R1HiJ/s1600-h/Halloween+2008+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271335214612678754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESNKORsNdbGxuxMsRqihXdVZZa3GgpnRYcGBL-GlH1qmIes7_h-XMY6OBv-HaGcPWaPDwrtA4l4xXmFNk0b5JNTGl23e47WRbfB63j0qfHaB6RFd3vK56nZ_l3LOa5W2R1HiJ/s320/Halloween+2008+009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLB-bT4eqyHPIf1iIo25FQwEwVoSWaKLZ2a_G6PHX7FxOSn6ElyBio8i_1WZnIuWWRobddJepNqbfh41I4SqILse7TYUMJZZswQ6dI509cyy17Qh7yhIT8bqEfQOa2ymH1DDR/s1600-h/Halloween+2008+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271335221549636578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLB-bT4eqyHPIf1iIo25FQwEwVoSWaKLZ2a_G6PHX7FxOSn6ElyBio8i_1WZnIuWWRobddJepNqbfh41I4SqILse7TYUMJZZswQ6dI509cyy17Qh7yhIT8bqEfQOa2ymH1DDR/s320/Halloween+2008+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuTWvqy1_39gIEAMtCrS1W063zn0AZ4glIQxBSCF7EHjfFY7w4oxtBUuoV-RGGqx6_D7x6c57yXm9bxSB5rozQBoVPun2RTaUvckYW2hkEInxu1ZrIhg5xEqPUp3eEoCzOBai/s1600-h/Halloween+2008+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271335236224442226" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuTWvqy1_39gIEAMtCrS1W063zn0AZ4glIQxBSCF7EHjfFY7w4oxtBUuoV-RGGqx6_D7x6c57yXm9bxSB5rozQBoVPun2RTaUvckYW2hkEInxu1ZrIhg5xEqPUp3eEoCzOBai/s320/Halloween+2008+035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9P7oR4JdV09kB4lZ7EeXTgnUf7eLtYc_O1LdWO62mAXpmigOvvBXnQUaEEANmYf-MymkASmtUm9vndhxlKuWHApsPN_cUgRvH5M7NnQXQeoceyhObX2Gwcc2WgLuKSQG-_nJ/s1600-h/Halloween+2008+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271335224351377074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9P7oR4JdV09kB4lZ7EeXTgnUf7eLtYc_O1LdWO62mAXpmigOvvBXnQUaEEANmYf-MymkASmtUm9vndhxlKuWHApsPN_cUgRvH5M7NnQXQeoceyhObX2Gwcc2WgLuKSQG-_nJ/s320/Halloween+2008+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpnUJhu5N8NwNyAz3LF7KteJLVMmSoAi9naealD3Wg62DWN2aJ-Wy-457qOD4lx0tFfa-TtLUH65HwsjEctU8pL3po2WYgqmTkyJSz2h-gBlR_lBkK8dlvzCDLVPbJYIfwdle/s1600-h/Halloween+2008+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271335229232660162" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpnUJhu5N8NwNyAz3LF7KteJLVMmSoAi9naealD3Wg62DWN2aJ-Wy-457qOD4lx0tFfa-TtLUH65HwsjEctU8pL3po2WYgqmTkyJSz2h-gBlR_lBkK8dlvzCDLVPbJYIfwdle/s320/Halloween+2008+024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I also am *finally* getting my bike tomorrow! I've decided on the Electra Townie. Don't ask me what color just yet. I've learned that this bike buying process has been a much longer one than I anticiapted. I thought I could just walk in to a bike shop and get the Townie. Nope. And then I found out if I blink, the price jumps up like 20%! I'll post a pic of it when I get it home. Wouldn't you know it though that the day I decide to buy a bike the forecast calls for rain. And we haven't had rain for a few weeks. LOL!<br /><br />Oh, please continue to pray for my sister. She just had surgery this past Thursday and had a bone graft using someone else's bone. Who knew this was possible? We're hoping she gets out Sunday, but she still has a long road ahead of her. The doctors said maybe within a couple of months she'll be able to stand on it for the first time in 6 months since the accident. Just keep her in your prayers.<br /><br />I also wanted to add Bekah, Jake, Jessica, Matt, Marsha, and the many, many others out there who continue to battle against the hodge. I think of them every day but wanted to get some worldwide presence for them as well.<br /><br />Thanksgiving is next week, then Christmas and then another round of birthdays to get through. I love this time of year!<br /><br />I'll end with a painting Olivia recently did on a piece of cardboard. Just about anything is a canvas to this little artsy girl. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY63ymd3HxDIKwyvKfT0hGU0oQptKeusTGgkhUdgrBQpehbyikvZ9M22kNliXHvKnxNGhu3bDQhcIxsJY-L6pI5mdoZ7uh629-OZntFsCjJlnAXiAtl2Gq-ltl6gl3_8EvQaG4/s1600-h/Halloween+2008+040.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271335428714648146" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY63ymd3HxDIKwyvKfT0hGU0oQptKeusTGgkhUdgrBQpehbyikvZ9M22kNliXHvKnxNGhu3bDQhcIxsJY-L6pI5mdoZ7uh629-OZntFsCjJlnAXiAtl2Gq-ltl6gl3_8EvQaG4/s320/Halloween+2008+040.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sweet dreams to all,<br />bBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-39601716865492761582008-10-26T18:41:00.015-06:002008-10-26T19:22:11.851-06:00Olivia turns 9 and I get to feel 10 again!What a weekend! Olivia celebrated her 9th birthday at the roller rink. Do you know how long it's been since I've been on roller skates?!? I found it ironic the first song to play as I enter the rink was "Micky"! A flash came over me and I was 10 years old skating to this song on the rink! But then I was snapped back to reality when I about wiped out. My mind may been thinking 10, but my body said otherwise. We all had a great time and I am happy to report that I did NOT fall once, although I came close several times! That's even skating with a 7, 4 and 3 year old on my arm (well, not all at once). Not bad for a momma of four. Look out Roller Derby Girls, I just might make a run for it!<br /><br />This Friday marks 10 years when Gabriel and I met, and tomorrow Olivia turns 9. Just typing that makes me feel old. But I have been blessed with a youthful heart and mind. Not to mention these curls on my head tend to erase some years. Wanna hear something wonderful? I was mistaken to be 25 years old by someone at the hospital and then the checker at a grocery store actually asked if I was old enough to buy beer! You can only imagine how big of a grin I had on my face as I whipped out my ID card.<br /><br />I've been researching bikes lately and I'm torn between two of them - a Trek Cruiser Wasabi or an Electra Townie. I'm going to one more bike shop this week to touch and feel them again to be sure I'm happy with the one I choose. I'm excited about the purchase, but I didn't know there was so much to a bike! And one that is just for an enjoyment ride, it's not like I'm going to be in the Tour de France or anything. So stayed tuned for my final choice. I should have pictures of it this weekend.<br /><br />Here's the Trek...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw9B1uxb91xsv1EpQjIe0l0IEvRlb6aC9WMk7wvDO66hFk1kfx5At14qYwuH8bPB8Pzj21_2RNfB_nr2BS1p5c9sVeZejzD95Z3xicSo5u8WUkKy5VstUCaddvSmvI9nmb9Gz/s1600-h/wasabi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261634692029440002" style="WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw9B1uxb91xsv1EpQjIe0l0IEvRlb6aC9WMk7wvDO66hFk1kfx5At14qYwuH8bPB8Pzj21_2RNfB_nr2BS1p5c9sVeZejzD95Z3xicSo5u8WUkKy5VstUCaddvSmvI9nmb9Gz/s320/wasabi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's the Townie... <div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttMcgy6NA2Xr0Ux81hCd5FEjicZq2VrpuO5VQG-q6y1QQwHtXsViqVUIa40MTrQrRl1H_fXkwJt9xypk9tqLra8MnCLduYUucFELcEz8rmm-KFRTvkNMZWfnWr3E8d28uvrf0/s1600-h/Townie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261634694085646738" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttMcgy6NA2Xr0Ux81hCd5FEjicZq2VrpuO5VQG-q6y1QQwHtXsViqVUIa40MTrQrRl1H_fXkwJt9xypk9tqLra8MnCLduYUucFELcEz8rmm-KFRTvkNMZWfnWr3E8d28uvrf0/s320/Townie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br />So, here are some pics from the birthday party Saturday. With Olivia's birthday tomorrow, our Halloween anniversary and Trick-or-Treating this Friday, look out for more posts and photos. I might actually blog more than twice this month! <em>gasp!</em><br /><br />You knew I had to throw in there a photo of the sky or cloud, right? I saw this on the way home and loved the light coming through the perfrectly formed circle.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzttl3qMHMcivwpoC53WD0K-FUzB2ENQmEHyrEwoq0to75J6C5wPmPy8eQUs098kijkY_a5WGEnlIvIo-3fHF1nbzG6Sy5k08Ru1wA6coCzZaJgPWEKJ8doyZC9m44IbsQxAX/s1600-h/October+2008+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261632035858122546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzttl3qMHMcivwpoC53WD0K-FUzB2ENQmEHyrEwoq0to75J6C5wPmPy8eQUs098kijkY_a5WGEnlIvIo-3fHF1nbzG6Sy5k08Ru1wA6coCzZaJgPWEKJ8doyZC9m44IbsQxAX/s320/October+2008+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div><br />Olivia's rockin' birthday cake!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J4y3QfviAR_pmqWvOxIpLQBLg-sYQV0b2H0sROXdWmF5ii6lqpF5Kqv5dLY1KUrDPe9LWhlnXtSG12XE6cARiTKGUCUWq1jZEXH_7MzkwYIXyd3LP12cvkqrS2s17FvPmgM3/s1600-h/October+2008+035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261632061425446114" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J4y3QfviAR_pmqWvOxIpLQBLg-sYQV0b2H0sROXdWmF5ii6lqpF5Kqv5dLY1KUrDPe9LWhlnXtSG12XE6cARiTKGUCUWq1jZEXH_7MzkwYIXyd3LP12cvkqrS2s17FvPmgM3/s320/October+2008+035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I had to be quick to catch Seth, poor guy was on the floor more than on his wheels! But by the end of the party he had it down!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XxFpkW0kNLSfdE7x28KqnIHObwCZF8X_dgsmu20zYHE59L2pYfExXxi8DYTJiyBNcC-G5fMZ6szfvrdQ6eHOCGDXAPAg2wZPyJSHd_YtGZyPY7LKVtP6iweJdyqeQGt1s_nu/s1600-h/October+2008+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261632536724487586" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XxFpkW0kNLSfdE7x28KqnIHObwCZF8X_dgsmu20zYHE59L2pYfExXxi8DYTJiyBNcC-G5fMZ6szfvrdQ6eHOCGDXAPAg2wZPyJSHd_YtGZyPY7LKVtP6iweJdyqeQGt1s_nu/s320/October+2008+021.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div><br />The kids taking a break from skating to enjoy some pizza.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc-z5cGHIYB9EbrPLh0kpJvCny4BqniamcAtNjWGPQ1DRsjDc2SdXGF8UxMoT2-_IYPodPvSHsZBbn8E2AuvzSCI6MkMkhue05_zr6F2MxatDhm8wKMs6skr1X-b7i7iFOBF3/s1600-h/October+2008+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261632056267442018" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc-z5cGHIYB9EbrPLh0kpJvCny4BqniamcAtNjWGPQ1DRsjDc2SdXGF8UxMoT2-_IYPodPvSHsZBbn8E2AuvzSCI6MkMkhue05_zr6F2MxatDhm8wKMs6skr1X-b7i7iFOBF3/s320/October+2008+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br />Nicholas LOVED the skates! He did awesome for a 4.5 year old!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFq7Abey7-eRZfvzfJrf7P-Dr-059weRK2g7irdM1gpO9dI1uBociGiV57tzRK2nWXv_mo0v9Mr5l783_UeD2xiYP6wPfunjfJPqOzfimxQUyFxeoZ-mjY9lD5TLQr7_kHOxs/s1600-h/October+2008+030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261632065724265810" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFq7Abey7-eRZfvzfJrf7P-Dr-059weRK2g7irdM1gpO9dI1uBociGiV57tzRK2nWXv_mo0v9Mr5l783_UeD2xiYP6wPfunjfJPqOzfimxQUyFxeoZ-mjY9lD5TLQr7_kHOxs/s320/October+2008+030.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Ok, now we're going to make some cupcakes for Olivia's class tomorrow.</div><div></div><div><br />Love to all,</div><div>B</div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-8013082526456369102008-09-26T21:37:00.004-05:002008-09-27T08:13:45.783-05:00One Year Scans Are CLEAN!!!!!I had my regularly scheduled scans, but this time around it marked my 1 year anniversary of getting back into remission for a second time. This was a really special moment, since I hadn't been clean for a whole year since being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma back in 2006. It's also a time to exhale a bit more. Hitting the one year mark is a special milestone, it means you really might have a chance to beat this thing. Did I think I would be here, still in remission, back in January? No. I did not. I remember telling Gabriel that I didn't think I would make it to Christmas. But a lot has changed between January and today, the most important change would be my relationship with God. That has made all the difference in the world for me. I think had I not been able to embrace the Lord I would be suffering from anxiety, depression and fear. That's not to say I don't feel any of those still, of course I do. But I don't let it control my life like it so easily can when you are staring death in the face. The difference between now and then. I'm not scared to look death right back in the face. My soul is at peace. What a difference a year makes.<br /><br />We've been having the most beautiful sunsets recently, so you can imagine me with my camera out just about every night. I wish I could carry my DSLR around with me as it takes much better pictures, but it's just too bulky. Which is why I bought a point and shoot for Christmas last year. I can pull this sucker out at a whims notice when I happen to see images like this driving home.<br /><br />Beautiful.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyLhHAih29gkwO682rMIEfYzKxnk2I6NZP01Q_HcNpCIalx7w9ka9aQX2KxPg0dStI1MZB7VD5Qg2smlKRKhAb9tGpzRQMqZDgpeO_6wSpTj28nrpIBWAZRScYGx0p9mYKgac/s1600-h/104.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250534404195542386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyLhHAih29gkwO682rMIEfYzKxnk2I6NZP01Q_HcNpCIalx7w9ka9aQX2KxPg0dStI1MZB7VD5Qg2smlKRKhAb9tGpzRQMqZDgpeO_6wSpTj28nrpIBWAZRScYGx0p9mYKgac/s400/104.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last year I was carried through my treatments by wonderful angels around me, friends, family, co-workers. I want to post a special song one of my sorority sisters sent to me called <em>Sheltering Tree</em>. It really sums up my journey through cancer and back again and it's become one of my favorite songs!<br /><br /><em>Sheltering Tree</em> by Newsong<br /><br /><em>it's been said a friend is like a mighty sheltering tree</em><br /><em>a place of refuge we can run when trouble comes for you and me</em><br /><em>someone we can count on through the thick and thin</em><br /><em>when the storms of life are blowing, there's</em><br /><em>just nothing like a friend (there's just nothing like a friend)</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>chorus:</em><br /><em>we all need sheltering trees</em><br /><em>friends in our lives who'll get down on their knees</em><br /><em>and lift us up before the king of kings</em><br /><em>we all need sheltering trees<br /></em><br /><em>there've been days that i was sure that i couldn't make it through</em><br /><em>clouds of doubt came rolling in and i didn't know what i would do</em><br /><em>i would've given in and said i just can't go on</em><br /><em>if it hadn't been for a friend that helped me to be strong</em><br /><em>(helped me to be strong) </em><br /><br /><em>chorus :</em><br /><em>we all need sheltering trees<br />friends in our lives who'll get down on their knees<br />and lift us up before the king of kings<br />we all need sheltering trees </em><br /><br /><em>bridge: </em><br /><em>you can face the highest mountain and</em><br /><em>the climb won't feel so high </em><br /><em>or cross the darkest valley and it won't seem so wide </em><br /><em>nothing is impossible when a friend is by your side<br /></em><br /><em>chorus:</em><br /><em>we all need sheltering trees<br />friends in our lives who'll get down on their knees<br />and lift us up before the king of kings<br />we all need sheltering trees </em><br /><br />Love to all my sheltering trees,<br />BrandyBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-87737749574858445382008-09-21T16:42:00.014-05:002008-09-22T21:19:24.918-05:006 days and 12 hours after Ike - We finally have power!Hurricane Ike blew in and we haven't been the same since. We lost power early Saturday morning and had been without it until this past Friday night. My mom's house and neighborhood is still without power as I type. The storm wasn't as bad as it could have been. Our 30 year old oak tree is still standing, as is our house! The only damage we incurred was the fence, but that can be easily fixed. Neighboring houses weren't so lucky. There were lots of overturned trees and houses with significant roof damage. Saturday was hot and rainy. Sunday night a cold front blew through, which is exactly what we needed sans AC. But that didn't last long. Luckily, my dad had his power restored the day after the storm, so we slept there at night. The kids have been out of school since the 12th. I was back at work this past Monday, so it was nice to be reconnected to the world after living off the radio for a few days. Here are some photos pre and post Ike. It was an interesting week, the kids actually learned that life can be lived "unplugged". We were lucky, we always found gas without waiting for hours, we always found ice without having to make a mad dash for it and we always had a nice home cooked meal thanks to our old smokey! Gabriel even attempted to wash clothes mid-week. Crunchy clothes makes you grateful for fabric softener! :)<br /><br /><div><div><div>Well, life is getting back to normal. Of course, that's for us on the west side of Houston. Those closer in town and in Galveston still have so much to do and rebuild before life is even close to what is was before Ike. Ike proved to be a stronger storm than it's Category 2 strength. I have so many fond memories of life on Bolivar at a friend's beach house. I still can't imagine that it's just not there anymore. I really will just have memories now to cling to.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Here are the photos from Ike:</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>On the way home Thursday before the storm, this is the parking lot of a high school football stadium getting filled with coach buses for people needing evacuation help.</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ke0NF8qsaCn_Lhyvam5Ryw"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa6JE8KZOI/AAAAAAAAHWM/x-9PvwdDduI/s288/P1010566.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Thursday night going home from work, the sky looked gloomy...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q_-NTaoNWUVJbt7uuogPAw"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa6N37YAMI/AAAAAAAAHWw/FVNeNMEQ40I/s288/P1010570.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Friday night, 8pm and hours before Ike makes landfall, the sky looks beautiful...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ot5qdX_A9pD14_qhqAnMOg"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa69iFuA9I/AAAAAAAAHbc/Svezc2i2T-4/s288/DSC_0213.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>What do you do while waiting for a Hurricane to hit? Grab some beers and hang out with the neighbors...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G_T9E9l0TlYKztqXL5HnDg"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa6_wZQZuI/AAAAAAAAHbk/X99jVJ_vcIA/s288/DSC_0214.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>The kids in their shelter room aka the closet under the stairs!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/16zWhPke5HlWwORIEcSSjQ"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa6q2cYxAI/AAAAAAAAHZo/YVKhwhdzogg/s288/DSC_0199.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div>I've never seen them so excited for bed before!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TOdj4FHjwV2UjLHECSjRzA"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa6ycnTMII/AAAAAAAAHac/cI3nGC8GPac/s288/DSC_0205.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>8am Saturday, this is the only damage to my mom's house...Not bad!<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5fz3Wv9eaAp9LuIs2e7WoQ"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa7YXf_EcI/AAAAAAAAHdY/xAMDEUOrgOc/s288/DSC_0228.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div></div><div><div></div><div>Front of mom's house...</div><div></div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/szjVwvBxbw38GHRGQnOuwA"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa7oPQPO8I/AAAAAAAAHeI/1LdKrfkOQB4/s288/DSC_0234.JPG" /></a> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Street sign wasn't so lucky...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fNuKImOlfaSf-H_-axH8AQ"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa7ticBmhI/AAAAAAAAHeY/ybzYH3aktZc/s288/DSC_0237.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Trying to get to our house would not be so easy...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q56BbLvZf_FMcrmbk4Vrvg"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa7ugjYtSI/AAAAAAAAHeg/VD5EvyNT8C8/s288/DSC_0238.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Big tree in middle of road = reverse...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pwH4qGMWKxhfyFWnGznsTg"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa7z9vungI/AAAAAAAAHfA/ffeTCPhkZSs/s288/DSC_0242.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>You saw this throughout all the neighborhoods...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gr71WiO9yXAPsP4cJ_QXVQ"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa74LD5QAI/AAAAAAAAHfY/cakbaIIDCYU/s288/DSC_0245.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Gotta love the local bar!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nAqUAazMoebireWGiRc72g"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa7xp5wDfI/AAAAAAAAHew/XZddpAxk1Zs/s288/DSC_0240.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>This used to be the awning on the gas station across the street from the Whataburger!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7WvzB1q3CFUbBh_PGBlwNA"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa8EtSonAI/AAAAAAAAHgM/zsVgpoHEe0A/s288/DSC_0251.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Finally get home and this is the extent of our damage....phew!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J_Te7Qtrci6NULqqaMM9YA"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa8JKCNoYI/AAAAAAAAHgc/fpXEXF7UpFk/s288/DSC_0253.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>We had a little surprise on our porch, a newborn squirrel!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ETOZP4ChS8MGjwVOHcuKzA"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa8YEJYZuI/AAAAAAAAHhM/PydjMijbvW0/s288/DSC_0259.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Life without power wasn't so bad....businesses were nice to those without power at home...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/upzkW3jSfADWo-L_Klh17A"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa6RVmiA0I/AAAAAAAAHXA/-EEtokJOibk/s288/P1010577.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Mid-week we were desperate for clean clothes...gotta love Gabriel's ingenuity!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UuFQlXanlovhKIzs07tKwQ"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa91xrkLZI/AAAAAAAAHpw/kssCX7hjSS4/s288/DSC_0332.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Mom's house already looking good and ready for a new fence!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ziHWnvMe-KXo0JhO-Jg5Sg"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa97wb0uRI/AAAAAAAAHqA/bK1ZCFj2c-M/s288/DSC_0334.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>The kids at my dad's house (one of the few with power most of the time!)</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Kung Fu Olivia...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YixuwnFSoeymuva2xViZtg"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa9VfYFRFI/AAAAAAAAHnk/KPIf2sAXKIM/s288/DSC_0311.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Grandma and Valerie...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UJHWKJ3BSUhsM7vsIEncLg"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa9GR9R0KI/AAAAAAAAHmM/VHiFwwmIfvg/s288/DSC_0298.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>Jedi Seth...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dxnNOxaAy6weVg1mmWmosg"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa8uzFhwSI/AAAAAAAAHkI/OjguptjXdT4/s288/DSC_0282.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Doing some gymnastics in the yard...</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4AUh3jjfCTdDP9EYLeOH9g"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa9lC0hxxI/AAAAAAAAHos/TgzoZa4ItAs/s288/DSC_0320.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Valerie <em>thinks</em> she did a cartwheel...shhh...it's our little secret!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qw3NVrWRRGye8XUGc0_fzA"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa9fzDqYII/AAAAAAAAHoc/hWk7RO4dGTw/s288/DSC_0318.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Little Miss V!</div><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_cqlgD2BlttQglx7hdb1dg"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SNa9CNeF05I/AAAAAAAAHlw/tI5XtR-r1a4/s288/DSC_0295.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>What a week! Let's hope we can go another 25 years before a hurricane decides to hit us again...</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Love to all,</div><div>B</div></div></div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com104tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-75863750888567391502008-09-12T13:07:00.002-05:002008-09-12T13:19:14.588-05:00The calm before the storm...So, Hurricane Ike is hours away. We've decided to ride it out. We live fairly west of DT Houston , so we're not in the storm surge area. I clearly remember riding out Hurricane Alicia back in 1983 and the biggest problem was the power outages for two weeks after the storm. We're stocked up with our water, batteries, candles, flashlights, ice and food among the other items we've purchased to help ride this storm out. I do feel for the residents in Galveston. The storm surge sounds like it's going to be a historic one.<br /><br />So, please keep everyone along the coast in your prayers. We will get through this, but it's going to get ugly for a few days. I'll update as soon as I can. I'm positive we will lose power, I just hope it's not for too long.<br /><br />Love,<br />BBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-10840201986417873692008-09-04T18:21:00.007-05:002008-09-04T18:49:54.369-05:00Daily observations in the day in the life of a Vargas...First Day of School 2008...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQ5r4WF6qZ-WJIf1Y8mpJiPKp7zGE3szEoOP3lrdK783b63SGV8ifScucmGODbrO1OQh78R__h7XffJ5HJ8jntPLdViKzJBcYWYhthC9LAgvXn1trPNPYWUGVoyfn2hjtodT_/s1600-h/DSC_0176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242317114767313698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQ5r4WF6qZ-WJIf1Y8mpJiPKp7zGE3szEoOP3lrdK783b63SGV8ifScucmGODbrO1OQh78R__h7XffJ5HJ8jntPLdViKzJBcYWYhthC9LAgvXn1trPNPYWUGVoyfn2hjtodT_/s200/DSC_0176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love sleeping baby pictures!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NjjOkxk1ebBPs6nWS2PCowCcCk7Gg9usHsY6wzTLujAWgaWosc_CexVGXhiBOTx8pmH_gkAFXfY5yVNN7xfa53F2XBDEqkl0Jh4WJp0M405quyPa70hcAVHLc6ZLd7A_ESnF/s1600-h/DSC_0173.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242312149717179538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NjjOkxk1ebBPs6nWS2PCowCcCk7Gg9usHsY6wzTLujAWgaWosc_CexVGXhiBOTx8pmH_gkAFXfY5yVNN7xfa53F2XBDEqkl0Jh4WJp0M405quyPa70hcAVHLc6ZLd7A_ESnF/s200/DSC_0173.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sunrise out of my office....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJVA3S0XIkdveiTKz1cSZOC5AVgANn6ZEO9RhjRDfHI7HitoZ_hxUdFvMr3YIrEcgdXujHiWodZYuqiiX1_QHmVBXh4vAdrljlFVhBK65nBvmnfjWM7LHX4RJNOCR-_NsRbIe/s1600-h/P1010536.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242312155204968514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJVA3S0XIkdveiTKz1cSZOC5AVgANn6ZEO9RhjRDfHI7HitoZ_hxUdFvMr3YIrEcgdXujHiWodZYuqiiX1_QHmVBXh4vAdrljlFVhBK65nBvmnfjWM7LHX4RJNOCR-_NsRbIe/s200/P1010536.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Miss Valerie...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1R4VcciX9eyy59b5yDUa5umtZJTScbE_pEU9G3V2_ZapDProLusHsTQrvsAHWECIH36Vg9J21-k4doH9uAYKg477I8L5y-A96dbAVhhmBo6NeBjL4WoiT6GbsiVDq4tdyxbRp/s1600-h/P1010486.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242312159230840706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1R4VcciX9eyy59b5yDUa5umtZJTScbE_pEU9G3V2_ZapDProLusHsTQrvsAHWECIH36Vg9J21-k4doH9uAYKg477I8L5y-A96dbAVhhmBo6NeBjL4WoiT6GbsiVDq4tdyxbRp/s200/P1010486.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What's wrong with this picture??? Way too hot in August!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7M3cHgJQJerOU16kdWR7QOxcIwtj4hW8uelwlW__S9BVRi5iZKyCpyrpLdiCvTecknvVvaWCbgKLyJRD_l0VcWV1Z43duXhw_S_m_KKOaaU95EAZnXSlH0TGnaAe7drvD8AE/s1600-h/P1010532.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242312166151898498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7M3cHgJQJerOU16kdWR7QOxcIwtj4hW8uelwlW__S9BVRi5iZKyCpyrpLdiCvTecknvVvaWCbgKLyJRD_l0VcWV1Z43duXhw_S_m_KKOaaU95EAZnXSlH0TGnaAe7drvD8AE/s200/P1010532.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKigYD_l5NtDItl1bEJxvd89UstwazbR6dxM04fYAEeTaNwFmBmbUO-1j7nfH0j8QA7O2EZ3FW88cCSOWqQ20ftqUKeWk3Bnr6_Q5f3WYaj_LyXi0Zmt18DYJfo2PBKtq2L8o/s1600-h/P1010486.JPG"></a><br />I know this girl!! Kelly Crabb (on the left) is on this season's The Amazing Race (which I LOVE) as well! Go Kelly!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXaAoccPFyvRjMgBAeO8DbpAnzRwVIomZLeMgE__UjcZ8tbnmiXMgo2RKnwl3OTMRVFE7_so7Al6_GnzZ5lp8pPsbw0MEd1KZhm7uMuRxFHfEYoEIZX7-_Z9LeqbBcf8FJyq-/s1600-h/KC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242313940650361778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXaAoccPFyvRjMgBAeO8DbpAnzRwVIomZLeMgE__UjcZ8tbnmiXMgo2RKnwl3OTMRVFE7_so7Al6_GnzZ5lp8pPsbw0MEd1KZhm7uMuRxFHfEYoEIZX7-_Z9LeqbBcf8FJyq-/s200/KC.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And last but not least, the kids' favorite song right now...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liq-2tIRgEM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liq-2tIRgEM</a><br /><br /><3,<br />bBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-67357078166091833992008-08-16T12:14:00.005-05:002008-09-04T18:14:38.899-05:00The end of summer....I can't believe summer is just about over. The kids started school a few weeks ago (I started this post the 16th but it is now the 4th of September!). How is it that we have a 3rd and 2nd grader? I remember when I was 9. It seems like just yesterday sometimes. Well, we still have one more year before Nicholas goes off to K. I knew I would cry when we took Olivia to her first school day as a Kindergartner. I was surprised I cried even more with Seth, thinking I had already done this just the year before. No, that didn't seem to matter. It was a moment I wasn't prepared for and Gabriel had to take him into his classroom. Now I know...it doesn't get easier with each child. This is our last year with both little ones at home. Right after Nicky starts K next year, Valerie will be entering K and soon we'll have all four little ones in school. So, I enjoyed this year's First Day of School, because the next two ones will be filled with many, many tears. :)<br /><br />Seth, the 2nd grader, and Olivia, the 3rd grader, on the first day of school!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf-qp92MOq4mU_TJsvfKoVZTbFMO12r9uIEPYY2r5Y5lTWYmp9abkVOynf2zBx6_y-QPuIl0prt3jtO9hdo7AhVsXipaXVrpNPedE9FLmldSjaDBfSOyW5MffGMzq0rntCtdY/s1600-h/DSC_0176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242307098775234498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf-qp92MOq4mU_TJsvfKoVZTbFMO12r9uIEPYY2r5Y5lTWYmp9abkVOynf2zBx6_y-QPuIl0prt3jtO9hdo7AhVsXipaXVrpNPedE9FLmldSjaDBfSOyW5MffGMzq0rntCtdY/s200/DSC_0176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, where has summer gone? Gabriel was busy protesting properties all season, I guess we'll have to start planning pre and post summer vacations because we won't be doing anything during June and July. July was a busy month. Olivia and her Girl Scout Troop went to the Circus as a reward for a successful cookie selling season. Now before you start, it had been YEARS since I've been to the circus. The only thing I remembered was the smell and the elephants. Lo and behold, the circus ain't what it used to be. I know the animal rights groups have had their say, but they really need to go to the circus. The only animals left were the elephants and the tigers. That's it. Where were the bears, the tigers, the monkeys? And not one clown! Oh, we did get a really cute dog show....but dogs at the circus? If I had to describe the circus now, I would say it was a cross between a broadway musical and cirque de soleil. The smell we not so fondly recalled was missing as well. The girls had a good time, and I guess that is all that really matters.<br /><br />Some pictures from the circus, the Brownie troop and Olivia getting a bright idea!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQyDC01qmcPsuv-N-fPCT-5y2RgKsAXptqf1FD_OqOhDElAGIpXs_z3wjsKrfvB_49-maR4ug-DVSrS3sNNWb65RHQz335SsV7I1KpS1TQroFUTB2rj-MtStXzCY720F13Uhk/s1600-h/P1010441.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242307106422142978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQyDC01qmcPsuv-N-fPCT-5y2RgKsAXptqf1FD_OqOhDElAGIpXs_z3wjsKrfvB_49-maR4ug-DVSrS3sNNWb65RHQz335SsV7I1KpS1TQroFUTB2rj-MtStXzCY720F13Uhk/s200/P1010441.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BvoHkN4guOVypLn6Pvgjp3thHwNi1j5xtlcvUbrCjeKAVI8kyfd2jcjK6UY5Ni1Wee3dZ3QpeO7AyHvzfshYmGw-lZTY8RhL-cLtFdYKJVhl73J9VvZVs2wMXsH8Z_yCgv7J/s1600-h/P1010455.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242307114218164306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BvoHkN4guOVypLn6Pvgjp3thHwNi1j5xtlcvUbrCjeKAVI8kyfd2jcjK6UY5Ni1Wee3dZ3QpeO7AyHvzfshYmGw-lZTY8RhL-cLtFdYKJVhl73J9VvZVs2wMXsH8Z_yCgv7J/s200/P1010455.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-FiscZ6VoNcKJ46BsPz8jEaSC4N0XTrMcJNuGfsr9J7kPkjVviyVukMK3uEbgwcMsK3Rd7s_T9LFzwUnDMCMMVPxj5VKMsP1pxzDxT2nB0_ycwO0R3KArVedb8lI2chXFaRe/s1600-h/P1010458.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242307118591661858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-FiscZ6VoNcKJ46BsPz8jEaSC4N0XTrMcJNuGfsr9J7kPkjVviyVukMK3uEbgwcMsK3Rd7s_T9LFzwUnDMCMMVPxj5VKMsP1pxzDxT2nB0_ycwO0R3KArVedb8lI2chXFaRe/s200/P1010458.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We roll into August and all hell broke loose. God has been blessing us and watching over us, but we seem to love hospitals this summer. I don't think there's been a year where we've been into so many. My dad had been complaining of his throat tightening when he would work out and his gums hurting him. My dad is in good shape and takes pride in taking care of himself. He also is one to visit the doctor often, making sure to have his check ups completed faithfully every year. So when he went to the doctor they requested an EKG. That came up a bit abnormal. Ok, ENT doc was paranoid but then his cardiologist was a bit more calmer. He had him come back in a week to do a nuclear stress test. After the test, they admitted by dad to the ER and wouldn't let him leave. Seems his main arterty was 90% blocked and another artery was 30% blocked. He had to have an emergency double bypass surgery. The doctors were amazed he hadn't had a heat attack yet, but said it was only a matter of time. And when it hit, it would have been a massive one. They liked to call him lucky, but I call him blessed and that God spared him for a reason. It just wasn't his time to go yet. That same week he was in the hospital, my mom had to go in for scheduled surgery on her liver. She ended up staying there nearly a week. So we stayed with my sister at mom's house since mom is her main caretaker (remember, my sister is still in a wheelchair and will be for the next 6 months, at least). Olivia really came through in helping my sister out during the day as Gabriel was working the boards and I couldn't take time off from work since it was just Liz and I in the office along with a temp. Gabriel's mom was a lifesaver as well, coming in to help with the kids. Needless to say, it was a C-R-A-Z-Y week. But we made it through it and everyone is healing and recovering well.<br /><br />We did get a chance to take Olivia and her friend, Maggie, to Build A Bear a few weekends ago. It was her reward for making straight A's. They had a really good time and they both got the same dog. They are too cute!<br /><br />BFF 4 Ever!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cxeQksh4lODxOgPWRzsVd05j8rde1vu3-SqIPuGLqst_6I5_lvWd8o_z8sngfNLPnZWV9qfuk7e_RgQA-QQnzhZ8KiGqE56JsM2Upm5tfRIjgYtIy0OnR_7tqt9uZXMPCMwQ/s1600-h/P1010559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242307122071432258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cxeQksh4lODxOgPWRzsVd05j8rde1vu3-SqIPuGLqst_6I5_lvWd8o_z8sngfNLPnZWV9qfuk7e_RgQA-QQnzhZ8KiGqE56JsM2Upm5tfRIjgYtIy0OnR_7tqt9uZXMPCMwQ/s200/P1010559.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's been a short summer and although I would like to enjoy it a couple of more weeks, I really am looking forward to Fall, it's my favorite season of the year. Birthdays are coming up too. Gabriel's is coming up in a few weeks and then Olivis turns 9 in October!<br /><br />Bring on those gorgeous fall leaves and lower temps!!<br /><br />Love,<br />BBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-66539767427020872532008-07-12T13:35:00.004-05:002008-07-12T14:33:13.186-05:00A little piece of heaven...What a refreshing moment it was for my soul to meet up with an old friend. Sharon was in town, with her two kiddos, tagging along with Bill on a business trip to Houston. It had been 9 years since we last saw each other. 9 years! A whole lifetime happened within those nine years and yet when we were catching up it felt like it was just yesterday.<br /><br />We met in college, were sorority sisters and then lived as roommates for a few years after school. She was there when I moved to Illinois after college, and then she was there when I moved back home as she moved down to Texas with me. We've both seen each other at our worst, our best and during my one and only heart break she was there. We went our separate ways right after I met Gabriel and she moved to Oregon to be with Bill. I got married, had children and so did she. We got back in touch a few years ago and she was there for me again when I was undergoing treatment for lymphoma. So you can imagine how good it was to hug my dear friend and see her beautiful children. She's just as beautiful as ever and is a wonderful mother of two. Surprising since she never wanted children in college and was very vocal about it. :) She's an amazing mom to beautiful Sophia and Jake. And the kids all loved each other's company and got along with one another as if they had know each other all their short lives. We really needed more than the half day we were allowed. How do you catch up on nine years in 5 hours???? But it was a wonderful visit and it just reconfirmed that no matter how long time passes, those close to your heart will always stay there.<br /><br />Here are some pics of the kids (can you believe these are OURS?!) and one of the two of us that Olivia took. :)<br /><br />Thank you Sharon for visiting us. I love you and miss you and can't wait to see you and the family again. I promise not to let 9 years pass this time! LOL!<br /><br />Love,<br />B <div> </div><div>Here's Jake...he is adorable!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItx_inwYkoQGxCY_mqrpYvikcm976TZaNWTvjYtDVTD4U2lOdjAsPCE2VL_Gz_v9wC9YShHVVt4tjOYnd_G1hvfnP7C_Bqb3XovquNEAVyKVX_2bNGuyGBaw5P4nvMAUBylMs/s1600-h/DSC_0275.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222210026472544658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItx_inwYkoQGxCY_mqrpYvikcm976TZaNWTvjYtDVTD4U2lOdjAsPCE2VL_Gz_v9wC9YShHVVt4tjOYnd_G1hvfnP7C_Bqb3XovquNEAVyKVX_2bNGuyGBaw5P4nvMAUBylMs/s320/DSC_0275.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Here's Valerie and Jake after meeting for the first time...she's shy...</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNERUuDknkSOw_maXUq_XdRnwlXMjg89V_4nmJhXkBO9DJOslYJ_GIaVG_6kGxFHT4ETIAYygmCViAdvtdg3QtvkEqKhFbjzrKAt8JILXvfy9kfDbKyLzPSqgiPfdfa4l8j6XC/s1600-h/DSC_0276.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222210028578369570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNERUuDknkSOw_maXUq_XdRnwlXMjg89V_4nmJhXkBO9DJOslYJ_GIaVG_6kGxFHT4ETIAYygmCViAdvtdg3QtvkEqKhFbjzrKAt8JILXvfy9kfDbKyLzPSqgiPfdfa4l8j6XC/s320/DSC_0276.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Here's Olivia and Sophia, she's sharp and so funny for a 3yo!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSH0hgUCZE4-x3rimvUv9Sr5OVkKX4dai7mczTp8LR06m4PsFQ2jvoP825OeLqeiS7hxEt6uxAnQvJjOrg_3XjhO0WGSbxmy9FDlQymYgVweLb35KufMISgKjwYrAJqUgS1VGS/s1600-h/DSC_0277.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222210035166932738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSH0hgUCZE4-x3rimvUv9Sr5OVkKX4dai7mczTp8LR06m4PsFQ2jvoP825OeLqeiS7hxEt6uxAnQvJjOrg_3XjhO0WGSbxmy9FDlQymYgVweLb35KufMISgKjwYrAJqUgS1VGS/s320/DSC_0277.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Ok, so we wanted to get a picture of all the kids on the sofa....here's Seth and Jake while we wrangle everyone up....</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUnYG5Xl1_-TDGz6C_t9B-Ekw-81BUUvoGPkT8tz2bHYXn_6tMQXnCmm8gUKlEbzcYOB1tmzJHQIns3SgHxgNuy1EELcvnwUGGhhpEtoQR5KUBVze6n5hMFsUxmpH5GH1386f/s1600-h/DSC_0289.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222210051528542146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUnYG5Xl1_-TDGz6C_t9B-Ekw-81BUUvoGPkT8tz2bHYXn_6tMQXnCmm8gUKlEbzcYOB1tmzJHQIns3SgHxgNuy1EELcvnwUGGhhpEtoQR5KUBVze6n5hMFsUxmpH5GH1386f/s320/DSC_0289.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Everyone getting into place...almost there...</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU0eYhLz3aK1E2KxkIY27LO06DLNg2xYPYwUpmbQb0zXQtxvZS8VhpdNJIovqiWLDLO2VwA6LiNn9LisQOSc37TIrhwEzTQQdVoPRZgoMlO2GcyVXOTsrZ8eqvMpFF23VkHM2/s1600-h/DSC_0281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222210042643750018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU0eYhLz3aK1E2KxkIY27LO06DLNg2xYPYwUpmbQb0zXQtxvZS8VhpdNJIovqiWLDLO2VwA6LiNn9LisQOSc37TIrhwEzTQQdVoPRZgoMlO2GcyVXOTsrZ8eqvMpFF23VkHM2/s320/DSC_0281.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Ok, all are in place....ummm, Nicholas over here.....</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGo4Ewvm4ew_TtRV-ginuSjNrqdiJlGo7D5QTeiM9qVDrwoLQy1HdzymZDCHTN5u9WKRBXf55lk_l5KK3yKPS4z6o_IENadpbnQMSOiFHY4B24rScj84-9CBIucosVroz4B7F/s1600-h/DSC_0291.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222211110915432898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGo4Ewvm4ew_TtRV-ginuSjNrqdiJlGo7D5QTeiM9qVDrwoLQy1HdzymZDCHTN5u9WKRBXf55lk_l5KK3yKPS4z6o_IENadpbnQMSOiFHY4B24rScj84-9CBIucosVroz4B7F/s320/DSC_0291.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJPHHmchG2AmDTVwMFMB3h2LjJKwTODQijFGrX7HloFqnuu8RCzHIsdy8-XKNQZnjGqQDYRvzdt_9Pej3Po4Q3uugMMitAkx39GfO9PdFDy2Nvof4sMq0tRdDlhz2QKtAA1lD/s1600-h/DSC_0297.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222211126790910834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJPHHmchG2AmDTVwMFMB3h2LjJKwTODQijFGrX7HloFqnuu8RCzHIsdy8-XKNQZnjGqQDYRvzdt_9Pej3Po4Q3uugMMitAkx39GfO9PdFDy2Nvof4sMq0tRdDlhz2QKtAA1lD/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Ok, photo shoot over....LOL!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhk7_jcHXjHc7VbQRu77b6LL_n2eLv8iQc-zS84Oy4FGWXKmAAPt2L50i2UsChZZFadLE9I3OK2NE3Ig4-PEosbyvceplH1UfMDzZW5mr2Ao_qjxSyilWDy11H4MjC-rzDllf/s1600-h/DSC_0293.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222211117369020818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhk7_jcHXjHc7VbQRu77b6LL_n2eLv8iQc-zS84Oy4FGWXKmAAPt2L50i2UsChZZFadLE9I3OK2NE3Ig4-PEosbyvceplH1UfMDzZW5mr2Ao_qjxSyilWDy11H4MjC-rzDllf/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Still looking good after all these years, babies, chemo and more!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnAKVW84vYumU869RQfdDwLRUlJhhyphenhyphen-c-AfAHh9pRvAeC55z8snRXjs8_GSZKLJ9M-pnxD8fs8FcfM4PVrsYkCwE4Rs-5AICiBSUCVm6-Rlkx9HiC4hL0lzRs08ZGCNkwCZfF/s1600-h/DSC_0300.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222211129396185234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnAKVW84vYumU869RQfdDwLRUlJhhyphenhyphen-c-AfAHh9pRvAeC55z8snRXjs8_GSZKLJ9M-pnxD8fs8FcfM4PVrsYkCwE4Rs-5AICiBSUCVm6-Rlkx9HiC4hL0lzRs08ZGCNkwCZfF/s320/DSC_0300.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-76151556764250444142008-07-12T13:17:00.006-05:002008-07-12T13:30:09.222-05:00VBS was a hit this year!The kids went to their first vacation bible school at <a href="http://www.bc-bc.org/">our church</a>. A good friend was able to pick up Olivia and Seth for the entire week. They topped it off with a special program that Sunday. Here are some pics from service.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUCEg3vhnISY1jsIn0dq_bpCmUZvC3P-mU-rh8vypcDZr-cGDNZ1cMQfxW5ch8PthkvWDGu8OFnKMEIvSa__zGjoda2nY_UwWg1Ldxf4QLgA48yvDvYWNll9w7HbcnyzZOt3o/s1600-h/DSC_0139.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222194965922575826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUCEg3vhnISY1jsIn0dq_bpCmUZvC3P-mU-rh8vypcDZr-cGDNZ1cMQfxW5ch8PthkvWDGu8OFnKMEIvSa__zGjoda2nY_UwWg1Ldxf4QLgA48yvDvYWNll9w7HbcnyzZOt3o/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxLy_fSMPw0qgdneuXCJFq8CWN59IxRf71aoGFIqZ2gtda1DpODzjcH1Ot5YGUTvFRuSMHvLaokw7KDWCLDA_fxWRwOIBom9lDNFPR8EzhjBp-2H0u9UBg15_8d02oKMLbXCv/s1600-h/DSC_0143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222194980113031266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxLy_fSMPw0qgdneuXCJFq8CWN59IxRf71aoGFIqZ2gtda1DpODzjcH1Ot5YGUTvFRuSMHvLaokw7KDWCLDA_fxWRwOIBom9lDNFPR8EzhjBp-2H0u9UBg15_8d02oKMLbXCv/s320/DSC_0143.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqkpnmjtxkevWkAfaRytvjfpyrZKsaFQi7qASYLvFhyGQXJTF0XXFeZum8GLli-W1EDWNU9fi8oMMFdzju8FVaQc9YWiCEJKOBbpHN0bNwouZKBsV6EquXksoRLP5JcGOOCO2/s1600-h/DSC_0140.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222194975065955890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqkpnmjtxkevWkAfaRytvjfpyrZKsaFQi7qASYLvFhyGQXJTF0XXFeZum8GLli-W1EDWNU9fi8oMMFdzju8FVaQc9YWiCEJKOBbpHN0bNwouZKBsV6EquXksoRLP5JcGOOCO2/s320/DSC_0140.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9GWC3EDUxIMCSHUtWx0tQq-xth6WJw6vHnTGtbsqrlTrZMGIpICAO_cwW26kGDBqhGPgFh6OR0gL8aa5UhcR6TgFocDM-ns-dL9LQjGI48YrmuE3uBYgS62e51ZVGBNsdKA4/s1600-h/DSC_0149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222194982280750338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9GWC3EDUxIMCSHUtWx0tQq-xth6WJw6vHnTGtbsqrlTrZMGIpICAO_cwW26kGDBqhGPgFh6OR0gL8aa5UhcR6TgFocDM-ns-dL9LQjGI48YrmuE3uBYgS62e51ZVGBNsdKA4/s320/DSC_0149.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Love,<br />BBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-36878973530210899452008-07-05T22:44:00.016-05:002008-07-13T08:24:18.044-05:00My Own Independence Day Celebration...This Independence Day was a very special one for me. Not only were we celebrating the freedom we have on a daily basis living in the USA, but I was also celebrating a more personal freedom. <strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">I am still cancer free!!!</span></em></strong> I had my regular lymphoma screening on June 24th. On the 26th I met with Dr. Fanale and got the news that I am still dancing with NED! (N0 Evidence of Disease) I am healthy and that much closer to my one year mark of being in remission come September 14th. Thank you, Lord. I go back on September 24th and if all is clear then, we'll start re-immunizing my body. I've got to start all over just like a newborn. After that, I hope to start scanning every 6 months vs every 3. It's so hard living your life in three month chunks, and then waiting in that sterile doctor's office to hear if you can continue on with life as 'normal', or if your life will once again be distrupted and you're facing a life or death situation.<br /><br />So, this 4th of July was even more meaningful and boy did we celebrate! Since we had family all over town, we went house hopping. We started by walking in our neighborhood's annual parade. The kids rode their bikes and we walked. Nothing like a 2 mile walk at 9am! We then headed to my moms, had some yummy bbq and pasta salad, then went over to the Vargas' side. That was a blast, we didn't realize so many Vargas' were in Houston and I loved meeting new family. Then we headed back to dads and played a little bit of poker (won a whopping $2) and finished the night off with an apple martini and fireworks! Poor Valerie, she still despises fireworks. That's my baby. lol<br /><br />Here are some photos of family and friends celebrating Independance Day...Hope yours was just as relaxing and fun.<br /><br />Getting ready to start the neighborhood parade. Seth was riding with his boy scout troop and the rest of the kids rode their bikes, well except for Valerie who had the best seat in town!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHK-FnxWPkJ3pbdz8paeXUzsb3mtt1wY9dAYrkFjsKai7Buzne1NSfg7qN7s-t9qqMcCKCLgOajuPuKOuDE-lnTLF-aF3mmvSjhfRHJPY9LF5Rw8MR2x6Sf20K-KwowKnSRL6/s1600-h/DSC_0186.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222182938092112242" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHK-FnxWPkJ3pbdz8paeXUzsb3mtt1wY9dAYrkFjsKai7Buzne1NSfg7qN7s-t9qqMcCKCLgOajuPuKOuDE-lnTLF-aF3mmvSjhfRHJPY9LF5Rw8MR2x6Sf20K-KwowKnSRL6/s320/DSC_0186.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Isn't she cute?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmX5w63xQAKewAGYko1s6_ei6y4NV7c4uEvp3sKeTWYsAUEjjvgaxTDNBGX6hIN-KuDK0D6K7BW3Aig__RRKX9NcekWfsLXLjavLa7zz2-ll47bNgZQObhyx79y9BgjDxQO47/s1600-h/DSC_0193.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222183385316925506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmX5w63xQAKewAGYko1s6_ei6y4NV7c4uEvp3sKeTWYsAUEjjvgaxTDNBGX6hIN-KuDK0D6K7BW3Aig__RRKX9NcekWfsLXLjavLa7zz2-ll47bNgZQObhyx79y9BgjDxQO47/s320/DSC_0193.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DINI34W8TILpe47USjvVKXHj_hKSGCcsz_NCL_Ae1gFY3hFWjAg77fMUT9lSIaC2oiPpuh-DM0AaGAT2gyhSqCWO2SBFd1dH2T5xJPQANx8K_KIyp4WeRnFkqsP8zoq7lMpj/s1600-h/DSC_0194.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222184677850153538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DINI34W8TILpe47USjvVKXHj_hKSGCcsz_NCL_Ae1gFY3hFWjAg77fMUT9lSIaC2oiPpuh-DM0AaGAT2gyhSqCWO2SBFd1dH2T5xJPQANx8K_KIyp4WeRnFkqsP8zoq7lMpj/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qvQbMZfij1eE3cOUWV0EXGHK-LcRn-7nqBp0YwmDUYluX0PwA_es3C1uQteyQ6yNcXpqkea3F6wvffsbrfzCsyxR37cxsIcHHrTxbIDjVMlhzCjbQjaQYMGONPwQOUucubEz/s1600-h/DSC_0197.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222184680043765042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qvQbMZfij1eE3cOUWV0EXGHK-LcRn-7nqBp0YwmDUYluX0PwA_es3C1uQteyQ6yNcXpqkea3F6wvffsbrfzCsyxR37cxsIcHHrTxbIDjVMlhzCjbQjaQYMGONPwQOUucubEz/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbChsytd7XnXPqJnQiGYiXqx1Xtzbye2ZZZhS2cPLyC2C7gbas0WFH2nRqXm7PEougmvJ9gOhNUEToz-OVPSvy-EO6CkUzT5rUdLcev69Z3uk8zlrejfo-SWLd0LW0GBTF8tL/s1600-h/DSC_0203.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222184690007834322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbChsytd7XnXPqJnQiGYiXqx1Xtzbye2ZZZhS2cPLyC2C7gbas0WFH2nRqXm7PEougmvJ9gOhNUEToz-OVPSvy-EO6CkUzT5rUdLcev69Z3uk8zlrejfo-SWLd0LW0GBTF8tL/s320/DSC_0203.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Finishing up the parade with juice and ice cream!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF7ZHAVsGPFA9i9WKF7VrF9YB7Cc-IXQIwWp3xe5VvRpVj9_9R0JGXxHb4_eJy_oPPbULN7ZQKNckwd_nwhKeIvyw55c8UeTqbH_dVhABDVxwNjpG4KAIGgFKP8jC4yNKMF0T/s1600-h/DSC_0211.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222184692018626946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF7ZHAVsGPFA9i9WKF7VrF9YB7Cc-IXQIwWp3xe5VvRpVj9_9R0JGXxHb4_eJy_oPPbULN7ZQKNckwd_nwhKeIvyw55c8UeTqbH_dVhABDVxwNjpG4KAIGgFKP8jC4yNKMF0T/s320/DSC_0211.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Vargas Kids...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuRlRB8qPMa31W38ZDvZE1jF6ndqD4KLCxTmr-bNcPafbTgWR-hYZObdYwLelL5xpTT5uGf73bv8YwhUxK8uaU5Siig05hIRhBQC-5tybOm1HebDgGsdEjAjtlsviA5Ce2IqA/s1600-h/DSC_0226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222184696833475042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuRlRB8qPMa31W38ZDvZE1jF6ndqD4KLCxTmr-bNcPafbTgWR-hYZObdYwLelL5xpTT5uGf73bv8YwhUxK8uaU5Siig05hIRhBQC-5tybOm1HebDgGsdEjAjtlsviA5Ce2IqA/s320/DSC_0226.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Vargas Clan...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HT8KfrSUdMBbIkK2Ykz80eHYIwjEJHMhh46h8QRp2BUUaUjQ5hPygIBRL99zmSjXRBdTAQn5VUPBJ8NdnMljt4X6uHJP0-k4pCrSh5v6PgQyf3JEHGizi48K5QOAO7e12UMy/s1600-h/DSC_0256.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J6QGB59qiByO7eu0K3uYjgze-YEGXHSdomrODLHbqrLmmnTojDpcnaaLrqhyqSSNVvc5qt9Z9DOl-1TRHNhIBUNCiG9GNfiTIcXpjb5sBH0CyGb4gGp8mnttApUSvZThZbKx/s1600-h/DSC_0258.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222192906976613826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J6QGB59qiByO7eu0K3uYjgze-YEGXHSdomrODLHbqrLmmnTojDpcnaaLrqhyqSSNVvc5qt9Z9DOl-1TRHNhIBUNCiG9GNfiTIcXpjb5sBH0CyGb4gGp8mnttApUSvZThZbKx/s320/DSC_0258.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioyTD3OqWiSF48xTVrh-oPS7QiZp-qEMNWjpo8btyxeubh-AlmpZ7vkqjasKzJ_lzJcJfZ9Oh5XAyNEwPpojjbRRMpnnvkPE5t_psWXP_wfDC6KrDWpDcp73NZY2sxtDTf0BU/s1600-h/DSC_0262.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222187308660020402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioyTD3OqWiSF48xTVrh-oPS7QiZp-qEMNWjpo8btyxeubh-AlmpZ7vkqjasKzJ_lzJcJfZ9Oh5XAyNEwPpojjbRRMpnnvkPE5t_psWXP_wfDC6KrDWpDcp73NZY2sxtDTf0BU/s320/DSC_0262.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvKDfcf48KVTh6IT4nohLvMG2LkEA8L7bNb3FAseXgOHe8vVEa3DWx1RBr_rDFue7AiV4V9I4hAn2kbV4xfirpthbPQn_c3i_TlsO9TUf_xOS6KYu37zkJy0HQcqxJqrzLFKF/s1600-h/DSC_0227.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222185987841068770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvKDfcf48KVTh6IT4nohLvMG2LkEA8L7bNb3FAseXgOHe8vVEa3DWx1RBr_rDFue7AiV4V9I4hAn2kbV4xfirpthbPQn_c3i_TlsO9TUf_xOS6KYu37zkJy0HQcqxJqrzLFKF/s320/DSC_0227.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Aunt Diana and Valerie<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSiWDjoj622Ga9oSk4whKpTS1McD0JC52RLJh9Q4YbBAUv0F-WAZo0gd9Ye1zY2wlCG7rqF4CWei6wTpPt3M-Tvk9HdTwLtSxKPGOCtlhkry4pGv3Jy-CgQ3KFvE1DJIAAcGu/s1600-h/DSC_0239.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222185999577209298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSiWDjoj622Ga9oSk4whKpTS1McD0JC52RLJh9Q4YbBAUv0F-WAZo0gd9Ye1zY2wlCG7rqF4CWei6wTpPt3M-Tvk9HdTwLtSxKPGOCtlhkry4pGv3Jy-CgQ3KFvE1DJIAAcGu/s320/DSC_0239.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Valerie and Great-Grandma Mary<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWruwWqUfh76gAo5hwTwyX8uvv-6kwUIRPX_tVvKtx8EKMxxUiy9UIWDiOcqTz17eK4ZVC-vvwaf51OUcrzUjxDcV5MM7HTAKdiikGlxv0V8dvqIuWkd-acO6fli7FHJyHBtwe/s1600-h/DSC_0242.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222186012124492962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWruwWqUfh76gAo5hwTwyX8uvv-6kwUIRPX_tVvKtx8EKMxxUiy9UIWDiOcqTz17eK4ZVC-vvwaf51OUcrzUjxDcV5MM7HTAKdiikGlxv0V8dvqIuWkd-acO6fli7FHJyHBtwe/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUciYQbGi_xqH-A2mNFrvxLAKPj6HFtlAFQ58w9In4SKPcyUN8gfmuOBKh-I4Mt4p_pAsIsQ5mm6s0iX4Kq3HVv1O8tsripkyIHPBMeu_nuUiyjevMVWMd76GZsrtx8kRFRgY/s1600-h/DSC_0247.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222186018814935730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUciYQbGi_xqH-A2mNFrvxLAKPj6HFtlAFQ58w9In4SKPcyUN8gfmuOBKh-I4Mt4p_pAsIsQ5mm6s0iX4Kq3HVv1O8tsripkyIHPBMeu_nuUiyjevMVWMd76GZsrtx8kRFRgY/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeat78m6Fp6oLqE-03UY6hGKtqMozgujDrfdHj2Yq_DWd3uTD7I_5rYgq1Qd6_h_yY7yeejy_k2J7iTyjVew6bxyCLsDqSb_9fAyfocGekR1qTDJDEL2ZlnZ4ktUHNbfMiZou/s1600-h/DSC_0250.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222186027810468946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeat78m6Fp6oLqE-03UY6hGKtqMozgujDrfdHj2Yq_DWd3uTD7I_5rYgq1Qd6_h_yY7yeejy_k2J7iTyjVew6bxyCLsDqSb_9fAyfocGekR1qTDJDEL2ZlnZ4ktUHNbfMiZou/s320/DSC_0250.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Enjoying the fireworks....Happy 4th of July!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepwb6j4b-fYFRSITAdv1FqevjV6OV8OYg0x5E0PZtWiWFnzApIFyc1fTlakOA98t_w7uoyYtRV6YDaresHzN-Ux0-Vpm8hzLqcIERTXBn6eI35SIgY2Qh6pe9Vo-0_PCCFKBK/s1600-h/DSC_0268.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222187329174451090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepwb6j4b-fYFRSITAdv1FqevjV6OV8OYg0x5E0PZtWiWFnzApIFyc1fTlakOA98t_w7uoyYtRV6YDaresHzN-Ux0-Vpm8hzLqcIERTXBn6eI35SIgY2Qh6pe9Vo-0_PCCFKBK/s320/DSC_0268.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoOspe6qOYIEVG5FC6z1GKY5vr7ESe8QjFNHuXTfT62cZcu1w0Hfvo8z62LfUiEYhMDueGsh8SKeWjWU7WRVl68xIimNFPYZCAs5WMtLhGUQNlbWJdLKbI0QzJ6zcr92e2yWX/s1600-h/DSC_0269.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222187323628557874" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoOspe6qOYIEVG5FC6z1GKY5vr7ESe8QjFNHuXTfT62cZcu1w0Hfvo8z62LfUiEYhMDueGsh8SKeWjWU7WRVl68xIimNFPYZCAs5WMtLhGUQNlbWJdLKbI0QzJ6zcr92e2yWX/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well, almost everyone...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpeUl5U1zAv6mB-s7F9NwlZzmt4RDl8QtIlYRovRo-p8C74tf7853o8GxPpVB4wS-aSLNtaOacc-9nolyEOPCftQQWlt9Q3eWbVonfdKVNXivxvY_EjqCye1HeLQ0BPcC1713/s1600-h/DSC_0265.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222187316309894162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpeUl5U1zAv6mB-s7F9NwlZzmt4RDl8QtIlYRovRo-p8C74tf7853o8GxPpVB4wS-aSLNtaOacc-9nolyEOPCftQQWlt9Q3eWbVonfdKVNXivxvY_EjqCye1HeLQ0BPcC1713/s320/DSC_0265.JPG" border="0" /></a>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-23022192857713087802008-06-07T12:03:00.016-05:002008-06-10T10:55:39.939-05:00We blinked...Did you miss seeing these cute kiddos???<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBUtp2Z2Whp4BMQaVAPyZfZ7jdvExt_0I4uvvo8XfWNgUU4Gctsuewlx3JQOQ47xngfZ0fgJ2hOHjFxYPIpKfUb7gNkmreN351KAkQYCRbMRGWz_oo5ISF0Rde50oifvPFbfO/s1600-h/DSC_0038[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209333296690910578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBUtp2Z2Whp4BMQaVAPyZfZ7jdvExt_0I4uvvo8XfWNgUU4Gctsuewlx3JQOQ47xngfZ0fgJ2hOHjFxYPIpKfUb7gNkmreN351KAkQYCRbMRGWz_oo5ISF0Rde50oifvPFbfO/s320/DSC_0038%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx-exvKJjHdSzqHX2peiEkLvCnUC-DSVo926pd7Y0_nerh5nPP1unoG8qRIQ81O1YBYLRLfhvahKTbKnGkvBvhxsbUhvuPjwBFjuggUIIUJqSgiM_RTxKGMkBBkl1nqRGUlJC/s1600-h/DSC_0042[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209333337918522610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx-exvKJjHdSzqHX2peiEkLvCnUC-DSVo926pd7Y0_nerh5nPP1unoG8qRIQ81O1YBYLRLfhvahKTbKnGkvBvhxsbUhvuPjwBFjuggUIIUJqSgiM_RTxKGMkBBkl1nqRGUlJC/s320/DSC_0042%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlZA_7rAWOe-YUF0vQUZSQuM6fWbN1rTeJfVzMZMIzXP2u5Q5TNwdJi3sxupq-rxdWF_b3OWGfzOYMfYSYH5hTSCBLBuHQjMoKTs9d8Mt2M818dE6kW9W86LlRp3Ssakf1t0m/s1600-h/DSC_0044[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209333368567406274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlZA_7rAWOe-YUF0vQUZSQuM6fWbN1rTeJfVzMZMIzXP2u5Q5TNwdJi3sxupq-rxdWF_b3OWGfzOYMfYSYH5hTSCBLBuHQjMoKTs9d8Mt2M818dE6kW9W86LlRp3Ssakf1t0m/s320/DSC_0044%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Somehow, someone pushed fast forward on our life right as May began and now we're back at play and I'm trying to catch up and adjust to June! Holy cow, how fast time can go by in the blink of an eye!<br /><br />So much happened in May, it was an emotional roller coaster the entire month. If it weren't for the 300 or so photos I took in May, I wouldn't know where to start. But I promise not to bore you with <em>all</em> the photos.<br /><br />Ok, here we go...<br /><br />I had a follow up chest CT scan May 5th. Remember I had to go back to make sure the pneumonia had gone away? It came out clear! Now, I get to go back for my regular lymphoma scan at the end of this month.<br /><br />Our nephew Jhonen was baptised the first weekend in May and Gabriel and I were honored to be his Godparents! Gabriel's dad happened to be in town for about a month and it was extra special since the entire family was there.<br /><br />Valerie visiting with Grandma Chris, Great-Grandma Vargas and Jhonen's Great-Grandma<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsHwsrvZVl5CXyoTyrX0SVlA_Ox7CpOL29jc2EpvOcU8O9EZhn5WD9R6ur83xB2w1TuWMm6C0rrxKC_Ljd3sKycsCiDcy2ptoBN0Kqj_HChsNebYQz61v0YRy16lIGlb-fBGF/s1600-h/DSC_0023[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209332702820663746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsHwsrvZVl5CXyoTyrX0SVlA_Ox7CpOL29jc2EpvOcU8O9EZhn5WD9R6ur83xB2w1TuWMm6C0rrxKC_Ljd3sKycsCiDcy2ptoBN0Kqj_HChsNebYQz61v0YRy16lIGlb-fBGF/s320/DSC_0023%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Martha smiling for the camera<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rrGt5I3GToB7LiEetsWffcQBkEvaOcDxvatNjEtmJK8s00b7z6waJ4rWsRRAAkeKXniJ-O_cO5SctUf5B-oh0w58lqXfssCZgsxh-VRCGFYmCjV7nk-MqSZzWTUaNlnuYnxq/s1600-h/DSC_0020[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209332674802240290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rrGt5I3GToB7LiEetsWffcQBkEvaOcDxvatNjEtmJK8s00b7z6waJ4rWsRRAAkeKXniJ-O_cO5SctUf5B-oh0w58lqXfssCZgsxh-VRCGFYmCjV7nk-MqSZzWTUaNlnuYnxq/s320/DSC_0020%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seth with Jhonen and Grandma Chris<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOz-gfcNJPEnSW-hEm1eVTLeSoNe_kkSMyThKi1pAUCBn3tYFDrvLIIhfMHyawoMX3BSGa7ADJVj1AdOZdrkQoZjlLnmhpO4fHcPu7mW5MEZylkT3ODnMnUrg6oTcyL8tirAI/s1600-h/DSC_0028[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209332685752602130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOz-gfcNJPEnSW-hEm1eVTLeSoNe_kkSMyThKi1pAUCBn3tYFDrvLIIhfMHyawoMX3BSGa7ADJVj1AdOZdrkQoZjlLnmhpO4fHcPu7mW5MEZylkT3ODnMnUrg6oTcyL8tirAI/s320/DSC_0028%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What do you get when you're bored having to wait 10 minutes to go to swim practice, flip flops and a beat up skate board? Not pretty! She was out of swimming and PE for almost 2 weeks! She even had to use crutches for nearly a week because of this ugly sprain. She even missed Field Day at school. Lesson learned...let's hope!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXdxwDBQ7SkKodVvK8YeSu_RvkB7wWL41RlAZ8cQytgFSgt0T2MM7YL-oAnrcRYpBzXWeY3EmmRhSzws8cABGMS8qh7_93PnPmtZunNFQBV2oGbj64TKbEK5OpIUiMqOMOgT4/s1600-h/DSC_0006[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209332650435298962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXdxwDBQ7SkKodVvK8YeSu_RvkB7wWL41RlAZ8cQytgFSgt0T2MM7YL-oAnrcRYpBzXWeY3EmmRhSzws8cABGMS8qh7_93PnPmtZunNFQBV2oGbj64TKbEK5OpIUiMqOMOgT4/s320/DSC_0006%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At the hospital getting meds and crutches<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvUVMcekWQvDoY22brcCha31vRXDrNbs5A50CRNlJch-yS_SnDen89c8j5G3ReA1KkEFqRgdkmuN2SZEhieREkFpPsQI-FZqOgrK7kU57xNFYUWrONGtBzFKDhCHsSWBCGb8v/s1600-h/P1010185[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334020287256738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvUVMcekWQvDoY22brcCha31vRXDrNbs5A50CRNlJch-yS_SnDen89c8j5G3ReA1KkEFqRgdkmuN2SZEhieREkFpPsQI-FZqOgrK7kU57xNFYUWrONGtBzFKDhCHsSWBCGb8v/s320/P1010185%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Field Day with Seth<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNHZ4n_MYJ9y4gmK54siFnZjOMLCXs2jaV_7MFBcRZz_sH_byv-9-9ysoigWz5vYC-l_rYEV1TYRBlsU8Kb342vtu0LrPU6RyA004T8xQgPQgM73t1AvvN2qqvGy7D5Qi99vE/s1600-h/P1010205[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334421638525442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNHZ4n_MYJ9y4gmK54siFnZjOMLCXs2jaV_7MFBcRZz_sH_byv-9-9ysoigWz5vYC-l_rYEV1TYRBlsU8Kb342vtu0LrPU6RyA004T8xQgPQgM73t1AvvN2qqvGy7D5Qi99vE/s320/P1010205%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mother's Day was nice this year. We spent it at Angie's house. The kids enjoyed a slip and slide, although it was unusually cool. We enjoyed some yummy bbq ribs, brisket and even better mamosas! (You don't see Olivia because she was still on her crutches.)<br /><br />Grandma Baylor with the 'babies'<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWpaYlh3BW8kLfC3xCvFMTOnWRn14t_NflaEjnO2pmP8fROJK1MbfReVv_KJkacmVuRsVuoXA05Y7W0dmXR4qdw_jWSS4PsNRkI7tmauWZJFVX_w2VQBV6Awq01QcU2mY93e-/s1600-h/DSC_0063[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209333398020977666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWpaYlh3BW8kLfC3xCvFMTOnWRn14t_NflaEjnO2pmP8fROJK1MbfReVv_KJkacmVuRsVuoXA05Y7W0dmXR4qdw_jWSS4PsNRkI7tmauWZJFVX_w2VQBV6Awq01QcU2mY93e-/s320/DSC_0063%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Veronica and Taylor<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rVnlSrM1wC3wIzawCCOeaykWoSFGJ6ZP2QKn5jsPg16P_cFJzydDbCdsHdfWFzoEnnlNqKUunjFcrYqxC9nBvBPITDzcQhcmsvGm6ShkEtpqrwIZ6A5hc7G83uRjG_DrWAMr/s1600-h/DSC_0057[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209333384691846850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rVnlSrM1wC3wIzawCCOeaykWoSFGJ6ZP2QKn5jsPg16P_cFJzydDbCdsHdfWFzoEnnlNqKUunjFcrYqxC9nBvBPITDzcQhcmsvGm6ShkEtpqrwIZ6A5hc7G83uRjG_DrWAMr/s320/DSC_0057%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The slip n slide was a HIT!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3NmWhyphenhyphenbjeJarAzV10ek9MyKjVxGo9bwhw-1rLu1qG6jN8Ob0U_5TACPDYLpfCa08phDTJDrAzxW-CubbdpekIH4FsDnk6x2VpWQckIZAVuyqYZCOOczJg9rKIryQ023-wv5w/s1600-h/DSC_0089[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209333984982592658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3NmWhyphenhyphenbjeJarAzV10ek9MyKjVxGo9bwhw-1rLu1qG6jN8Ob0U_5TACPDYLpfCa08phDTJDrAzxW-CubbdpekIH4FsDnk6x2VpWQckIZAVuyqYZCOOczJg9rKIryQ023-wv5w/s320/DSC_0089%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our world was shaken in the early morning hours of May 13th. I found my mom in my room crying, saying she needed to go to Ben Taub (a major trama center). Half asleep, I was wondering how she got in and why she was needing to go somewhere like that when she had insurance. She had scratched her arm badly at Angie's on Mother's Day and at first I thought it was that. Then she said my sister Adrienne was in a car accident. My heart dropped. Only<em><strong> serious</strong></em> accidents are taken to Ben Taub. My dad was on his way already, the hospital had called him after finding his number in my sister's cell phone. My mom couldn't drive because she was too emotional, so I drove us there at three in the morning. They wouldn't give my dad any information, which made our 45 minute trip there even more solomn. When we get there we find out she is stable but has some serious injuries. My first thought was "Thank you, God she is still alive!" She was on her way home from a friend's house at around 12:40am and she had just entered a major freeway. Some car came speeding behind her, crossing three lanes and clipped her bumper. This caused her to lose control, she rolled a couple of times and ended up crashing into the concrete median, sliding the length of a football field. Luckily, there was an eyewitness who stopped to call for help. Unfortunately, no one got a good look at this car's plates or even the car itself and they took off without stopping. Firefighters had to cut her out through her roof. Miraculously, the only injuries she suffered were two compound fractures on both ankles. Her left side was much more damaged than the right. She was wearing her seat belt, and had she not she probably would not have survived. She's been in the hospital since May 13th. She's been progressing nicely. Things that could go right, have. The doctors at Ben Taub initially thought she would lose her left foot. The damage was just too severe. Pieces of bone and skin were left behind in the car. They were able to close her right ankle wound immediately, but her left ankle wound was just covered last week. After transferring her out of Ben Taub, she's in the best of hands with a local orthopedic surgeon who specializes in trauma injuries as hers. The plastic surgeon had to use a piece of her stomach muscle to cover it rather than do a skin graft, and as an added bonus she got a free tummy tuck. :) The orthopedic surgeon still needs to go in and put in her mold of her foot, pins, etc...but he will do that once her skin heals. After this, she still needs to have reconstructive knee surgery on her left knee. But she is alive, she has all use of her entire body and although it could take up to a year before she's walking again, she's with us and my kids have their Aunt still. I've put some pictures of her, her injuries and her birthday party (it was the 20th) that her co-workers threw for her. They have been AMAZING. She has been blessed to have such loving and caring friends and employer, Jason's Deli. Everyone has been wonderful in taking care of her and my mom at the hospital.<br /><br />Adrienne celebrating her birthday with her colleagues from Jason's Deli<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFpUSAFH-fW4ouERqK6fL57hFnmL9ZcWXIW3nZPNSbZJj891jnhb2CDZbuT88_OGHyj8Ogk3iu25i7HCWsOreeu7G58QMoCfyKH9OHIyy2ZLVHAaL5yQ7Gb1gtZM0GBNTw36N/s1600-h/P1010258[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334429700140066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFpUSAFH-fW4ouERqK6fL57hFnmL9ZcWXIW3nZPNSbZJj891jnhb2CDZbuT88_OGHyj8Ogk3iu25i7HCWsOreeu7G58QMoCfyKH9OHIyy2ZLVHAaL5yQ7Gb1gtZM0GBNTw36N/s320/P1010258%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Adrienne's leg before the operation<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8dqdeBqGbhWgB6ylzK-tGMNB_qWwQPDYmYKi4_a15P-TI_KRGRvbUPZINzMYoc7YMDWEEIaddeukmlkuiMLHNrKEow22cZzWYGuoa7GbBI7yE6j9aghkZ1fngM8dQM4UTonq/s1600-h/P1010300[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334439172659154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8dqdeBqGbhWgB6ylzK-tGMNB_qWwQPDYmYKi4_a15P-TI_KRGRvbUPZINzMYoc7YMDWEEIaddeukmlkuiMLHNrKEow22cZzWYGuoa7GbBI7yE6j9aghkZ1fngM8dQM4UTonq/s320/P1010300%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After the operation<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4yg7f6TgBm1lnvjptUfuxM3DfOHIiv-xKCAN-31JFWmOSi-4aQSlYboosAkB58D7in6F48NupKHSPBmGqIRPSTW20AWL8Ln_vbvOr0Gn1a9oS3b5o5jQgZ8jskLlbLQJroQp/s1600-h/P1010340[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334937686203314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4yg7f6TgBm1lnvjptUfuxM3DfOHIiv-xKCAN-31JFWmOSi-4aQSlYboosAkB58D7in6F48NupKHSPBmGqIRPSTW20AWL8Ln_vbvOr0Gn1a9oS3b5o5jQgZ8jskLlbLQJroQp/s320/P1010340%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A super cute cookie cupcake just for her<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHz2s6FVb5woPTpg-FW-2IY3IZNOCwp3r1_ehPlCQZRzU3ebzpShfl5YcLQ3xPK3j6esXrB7-Y7tXMv6zqXcp-59nhE2DuHFbszwjDvYOON8YkS65Uo20WRXRdP-eEiRHi-fgr/s1600-h/P1010261[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334433553992882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHz2s6FVb5woPTpg-FW-2IY3IZNOCwp3r1_ehPlCQZRzU3ebzpShfl5YcLQ3xPK3j6esXrB7-Y7tXMv6zqXcp-59nhE2DuHFbszwjDvYOON8YkS65Uo20WRXRdP-eEiRHi-fgr/s320/P1010261%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She got a new puppy to help with her therapy when she gets home. So in the meantime, we are puppy sitting for her. He's a really cute dog and he's adjusted well to Harlow and the rest of the family.<br /><br />Valerie with Echo in bed<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2BjfYWuUbfPAtzmCxojV2Z7Y4IRWm41NmD6eGJ2gSNcPGsm8cP71PH7fA2a19MiWaXU7x0TVJx7-flAExfqFrUi4fuYt3HnAop9A28CFk842dyug4J9Qtf_QMXP1lKgVXqoX/s1600-h/DSC_0136[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334007263285650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2BjfYWuUbfPAtzmCxojV2Z7Y4IRWm41NmD6eGJ2gSNcPGsm8cP71PH7fA2a19MiWaXU7x0TVJx7-flAExfqFrUi4fuYt3HnAop9A28CFk842dyug4J9Qtf_QMXP1lKgVXqoX/s320/DSC_0136%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I ended up catching another cold from the hospital. Of course, it went straight to the lungs and I'm just now getting over it. I can't help but stress when I get even the slightest of colds trying to keep those thoughts of being more than a cold. I feel like wearing a mask 24/7 just so I don't get sick. I'm so prone to picking up any bug that is out there right now. But I'm praying for God's guidance through this. I'm still working on giving it all to God and trusting and finding comfort in Him.<br /><br />The kids are on the neighborhood swim team this year again and it's in full force! For the entire month of May, we weren't getting home and having dinner until 8pm because of swim practice M-F and then the kids had to get ready for school the next day! Once school was out, their practices moved to the morning. Much better for us, at least we can run some errands at night (like get milk!). Today was Gabriel's day to take the kids to their meet. I get home meets and he gets the away ones. It's been weeks since I have had a Saturday at home, able to catch up on cleaning and laundry. I can't believe I'm actually excited about that! For the past few weeks, we were going to birthday parties right after swimming meets, so we wouldn't get home until 4! And by then, we're too pooped to clean, go shopping, etc...So, I am finally able to catch up on daily life stuff and stay ahead of it rather than drowning in it. Swimming lasts through June, then we'll be done. The kids will be able to sleep in then. Right now, they practice at 7:30am M-F, have swim meets that start at 7am Saturdays and then get up at 8 for church Sundays! So much for a lazy summer! LOL! Since school is starting in late August, they'll have at least a month of sleeping in only to have to get up early again....<br /><br />Olivia getting ready for a heat<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTI1Sqiw6AWdSxfLlN4fhIag33DwS1Ckor0ex1Owr2Dtm1XkfKEMGdlLnu3MHEOiXNosRckXnKE9Za6kkAfE-2OpUdGgy7OLBWN8_OW29Sv0ZDPTTzi3Psa-EDDXcQeh9jaSb/s1600-h/DSC_0124[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209333993284004162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTI1Sqiw6AWdSxfLlN4fhIag33DwS1Ckor0ex1Owr2Dtm1XkfKEMGdlLnu3MHEOiXNosRckXnKE9Za6kkAfE-2OpUdGgy7OLBWN8_OW29Sv0ZDPTTzi3Psa-EDDXcQeh9jaSb/s320/DSC_0124%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seth getting on the block<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JAxl-FXBpEcX5dSYHYtMZUm-4QPy7688YLXLDbL3JdyhBZi1OONI6Gfx8VLhIU8ObE8AfoUmio5zZF7RPvzqFYz8yK0kyN5m6t46CuxtZ5KJDP-YFgoZlk1pP29Tl9x_m8_K/s1600-h/P1010174[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334009929672290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JAxl-FXBpEcX5dSYHYtMZUm-4QPy7688YLXLDbL3JdyhBZi1OONI6Gfx8VLhIU8ObE8AfoUmio5zZF7RPvzqFYz8yK0kyN5m6t46CuxtZ5KJDP-YFgoZlk1pP29Tl9x_m8_K/s320/P1010174%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh, we now officially have a Wolf Scout in the house! Seth graduated from a Tiger Cub and got a new book and necktie. Doesn't he look handsome? He absolutely loves Boy Scouts!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3ajxbClT8JGs1iJopddYCQFyXVmKr5vbRWxmjIzdAFRiUHiem8hFvkm8gNojVZRlJgFsUmfAa3HF5taINqZeeS2UsE8RUUJ4mHbSH4lnChGPzHmgsiDYpidSnRJrJeUbEiPY/s1600-h/P1010329[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334922907196914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3ajxbClT8JGs1iJopddYCQFyXVmKr5vbRWxmjIzdAFRiUHiem8hFvkm8gNojVZRlJgFsUmfAa3HF5taINqZeeS2UsE8RUUJ4mHbSH4lnChGPzHmgsiDYpidSnRJrJeUbEiPY/s320/P1010329%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On the work force, Lara left us in Mid-May, she had a much better financial opportunity and took it. Who can blame her? :) But that means work is even crazier than usual until Wednesday, when our new admin starts. And since the building is for sale, we've been having about 2 tours a week. It feels like I'm going out on a date, putting my best foot forward, dress, make-up etc...it's so damn funny!<br /><br />Ok, so this is what our house looks like Sunday nights....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkwYnjtI00jwsVglitBrbyMSvm00BP8NHecY1VAKbQjqGco4Hr2ymyLxV_n1t3mgIaihl5fHicEhJQS7NC3wQ55m7UXr78GwnWVDCoQtFVQdMz26JNh4ODDCHew62Yl-Al0Va/s1600-h/P1010355[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209335369055771346" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkwYnjtI00jwsVglitBrbyMSvm00BP8NHecY1VAKbQjqGco4Hr2ymyLxV_n1t3mgIaihl5fHicEhJQS7NC3wQ55m7UXr78GwnWVDCoQtFVQdMz26JNh4ODDCHew62Yl-Al0Va/s320/P1010355%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYwt5iZxg0cIgAeyOCLnZo1fdjCsmzNc4Pa59eykQok_3hZPWF3zo0l0zkCCy108UlKT9kTLNVotNDdV2ccegeGQr2C1ivN_2cqS8OOxl4H9MhDol3-WaUbDsfFjzdr1c-K-C/s1600-h/P1010350[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334949974811202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYwt5iZxg0cIgAeyOCLnZo1fdjCsmzNc4Pa59eykQok_3hZPWF3zo0l0zkCCy108UlKT9kTLNVotNDdV2ccegeGQr2C1ivN_2cqS8OOxl4H9MhDol3-WaUbDsfFjzdr1c-K-C/s320/P1010350%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2z-mZJBc_TtWBm9o28YkFd1PHZkDuW8tjAwSq0hIRe0TTH9QDOMxQax3XSwIF-Ted7_GvfQUwtjdnYsJp83IcZLjoqSfWAIkj5RzpS-wj7v6FPsLiT4XzXu-xFL0SgkdAoAO/s1600-h/P1010353[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334966591462466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2z-mZJBc_TtWBm9o28YkFd1PHZkDuW8tjAwSq0hIRe0TTH9QDOMxQax3XSwIF-Ted7_GvfQUwtjdnYsJp83IcZLjoqSfWAIkj5RzpS-wj7v6FPsLiT4XzXu-xFL0SgkdAoAO/s320/P1010353%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPsOQMh2yGjys7_ZxjT5ypRuOCW6is2PYUdZ2EnjrFhzDXusedi4j6UKa3wvfjCDBoA0d9ycHZ7j-wfivYjx08-5L9Xe3Z04hIaIfX96V_qjFhhDWkrq15DAEEPkgBl9kWIZw/s1600-h/P1010354[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209334979831470370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPsOQMh2yGjys7_ZxjT5ypRuOCW6is2PYUdZ2EnjrFhzDXusedi4j6UKa3wvfjCDBoA0d9ycHZ7j-wfivYjx08-5L9Xe3Z04hIaIfX96V_qjFhhDWkrq15DAEEPkgBl9kWIZw/s320/P1010354%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmHG0_BsLeD9r1pkVcpEa63ebL-p6A7xn5PBWESOAn8zsgLlN0a7-HPq51UOnJzmDcS09SHKaKsK5YGCFiUKd6q4ut9DQqBT1ljakJGvnAWXCCTpeMOGewVewtD9I7vwIoOqs/s1600-h/P1010357[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209335380609423394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmHG0_BsLeD9r1pkVcpEa63ebL-p6A7xn5PBWESOAn8zsgLlN0a7-HPq51UOnJzmDcS09SHKaKsK5YGCFiUKd6q4ut9DQqBT1ljakJGvnAWXCCTpeMOGewVewtD9I7vwIoOqs/s320/P1010357%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Leaving Walmart last night<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsqyCjKQyHj_eKw0EEjKjn95r0D3ODnEVZZ6RdBoPqbFV2Y677M50o4pfio4PFAajWklRJLBwKi5zdrDMrsIfofP71LaxP1kt0jYW_2R6aUdKKD_BxGP3DWQItVhKFT9TDKpW/s1600-h/P1010349[2].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209332633233150338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsqyCjKQyHj_eKw0EEjKjn95r0D3ODnEVZZ6RdBoPqbFV2Y677M50o4pfio4PFAajWklRJLBwKi5zdrDMrsIfofP71LaxP1kt0jYW_2R6aUdKKD_BxGP3DWQItVhKFT9TDKpW/s320/P1010349%5B2%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also, I hope you all don't mind the change in this blog. It was time for a change. And isn't that what life is all about?<br /><br />Love to all,<br />BBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-79329583004698781322008-04-29T20:39:00.003-05:002008-04-29T20:45:44.076-05:00My Hero!Amy finished the LLS TNT Marathon this past weekend in Nashville, TN in 5:29!! How amazing is that? Here are a couple of pictures of my hero, my sister, my friend.<br /><br />Amy looking fabulous!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGef9alcdidxt_2SSh6bXGLRaqBnM9x4Zf0lkumITb3lF3V_DPWrZCRSd0CFdd-Ei3oqtxl4Kn-UJMeB2HDPcRfu2scD8wLrrfx_zp5OHuDW6tYSRhqQDYR_dhLf7qK5W4Kh8v/s1600-h/AMY+TNT+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194847417994201890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGef9alcdidxt_2SSh6bXGLRaqBnM9x4Zf0lkumITb3lF3V_DPWrZCRSd0CFdd-Ei3oqtxl4Kn-UJMeB2HDPcRfu2scD8wLrrfx_zp5OHuDW6tYSRhqQDYR_dhLf7qK5W4Kh8v/s320/AMY+TNT+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My hero!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0HRuQYOQet4AJh_2kcQtb_gKvoqkTDSUFLJLVsEoOnb7oy1Oj4tqzmQZEGrBJoq6IFbG5ePCqCv0XDVOLCKfaaBbwytli4luRqKZMTuqLc6FaA8HQ0QUzKDc7CSTeSiHr1Z8/s1600-h/AMY+TNT+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194847426584136498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0HRuQYOQet4AJh_2kcQtb_gKvoqkTDSUFLJLVsEoOnb7oy1Oj4tqzmQZEGrBJoq6IFbG5ePCqCv0XDVOLCKfaaBbwytli4luRqKZMTuqLc6FaA8HQ0QUzKDc7CSTeSiHr1Z8/s320/AMY+TNT+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She has been not only a dear friend, but an inspiration to me in how I want to live my life. She exceeded her goal and raised nearly $4,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and she's an amazing mom to two beautiful kids. I wish miles didn't separate us like they do, but our hearts are always near each other.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">You did it, Amy!!</span></strong> Thank you for honoring me, and thank you to everyone who helped Amy reach her goal. <span style="color:#000066;"><strong><em>Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and everyone one of you from the bottom of my heart.</em></strong></span><br /><br />With much love and gratitude from Texas,<br />BrandyBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-69617131061971631282008-04-27T19:21:00.008-05:002008-04-28T20:39:31.944-05:00Our little arteest...Olivia has been drawing since she could hold a pen. I found these 'pieces' that she did when she was a mere 3 years old using a green marker and yellow highlighter. :-) <a href="http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos295/7/71/91/72/54/0/54729171703_0_ALB.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwAqPzd4Pk43QNWGc38fl23YeyAxA0OVHXXMroBqdaG4Jqu174GZRS86ws7iuzcT44NAysK3rmf9e9VeAF2PulIlqxHLP141kSylZQnnAGZAtIptjM0hDrNIVNbFQwXGmSieG/s1600-h/Olivia+2003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194475499596172050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwAqPzd4Pk43QNWGc38fl23YeyAxA0OVHXXMroBqdaG4Jqu174GZRS86ws7iuzcT44NAysK3rmf9e9VeAF2PulIlqxHLP141kSylZQnnAGZAtIptjM0hDrNIVNbFQwXGmSieG/s320/Olivia+2003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/R4EXYk5hw3I/AAAAAAAAEJU/zjfK-KLaaJI/86732906803_0_ALB.jpg?imgmax=400"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/R4EXYk5hw3I/AAAAAAAAEJU/zjfK-KLaaJI/86732906803_0_ALB.jpg?imgmax=400" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Her school district recently held a Spring Art Show and we were sent home a letter saying her art would be one of the ones presented at the education complex. They had selected 8-10 drawings per school, from elementary through high school. We were really excited that her work was getting recognized. But then we got a call saying that she was one of 22 selected as a <em>Joan Slayton Dailey Art Award</em> Recipient! She had won a $100 art scholarship and her piece would remain at the education complex! WOW! Talk about icing on the cake. So this past Thursday night was the ceremony where she was presented with her award. Let me tell you that these kids are all amazing and talented artists! We were blown away by not only her work but those of other kids. Here are some pics from the night. Although we don't get to keep her original work, we will be sent a framed copy and I will make sure she signs and dates it! :)<br /><br />Big sis and lil sis after the ceremony...<br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeYQKsioI/AAAAAAAAGrY/jzgJH2EUsE0/DSC_0092.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeYQKsioI/AAAAAAAAGrY/jzgJH2EUsE0/DSC_0092.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cute Seth...<br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeZwKsipI/AAAAAAAAGrg/fgYr2Bcie2k/DSC_0096.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeZwKsipI/AAAAAAAAGrg/fgYr2Bcie2k/DSC_0096.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Olivia had her pick for dinner and she chose Fuddruckers! Yumm-O! I thought the table we were sitting at was appropriately named for us! LOL!<br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeuQKsizI/AAAAAAAAGs0/NT5iio51nS0/P1010156.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeuQKsizI/AAAAAAAAGs0/NT5iio51nS0/P1010156.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Daddy and Olivia bein silly...<br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUewgKsi0I/AAAAAAAAGs8/IHqpDvis-Ek/P1010158.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUewgKsi0I/AAAAAAAAGs8/IHqpDvis-Ek/P1010158.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seth and his milkshake mustache...<br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUekQKsiuI/AAAAAAAAGsI/AOM4JUTUlJE/P1010148.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUekQKsiuI/AAAAAAAAGsI/AOM4JUTUlJE/P1010148.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Olivia sitting with the award recipients before the ceremony starts...the little boy next to her is in the same class as Seth and his cool Giraffe won Best in Show!<br /><div><div><div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUd-QKsiYI/AAAAAAAAGpU/WxM0dXyFztw/DSC_0065.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUd-QKsiYI/AAAAAAAAGpU/WxM0dXyFztw/DSC_0065.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Olivia getting her award...the lady next to her used to be their school principal for over 18 years until she retired a few years back. She was especially proud to have two BCE students there!<br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUd_wKsiZI/AAAAAAAAGpc/s8BzKeSGGmQ/DSC_0066.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUd_wKsiZI/AAAAAAAAGpc/s8BzKeSGGmQ/DSC_0066.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Olivia and her art teacher, Ms. Otero, posing in front of her painting. She also won a blue ribbon on top of everything else!<br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeSAKsikI/AAAAAAAAGq4/V6owEIqu0gw/DSC_0087.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeSAKsikI/AAAAAAAAGq4/V6owEIqu0gw/DSC_0087.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Olivia next to her painting and award certificate.<br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeNwKsiiI/AAAAAAAAGqo/DloWkzBCs0o/DSC_0085.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeNwKsiiI/AAAAAAAAGqo/DloWkzBCs0o/DSC_0085.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Olivia's <em>Desert</em> Painting<br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeTgKsilI/AAAAAAAAGrA/KRrSUuq9HfA/DSC_0088.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/bhvargas/SBUeTgKsilI/AAAAAAAAGrA/KRrSUuq9HfA/DSC_0088.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Olivia right before the ceremony.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtsPjF-xPBvWmpF9hcukupQu3WqtWVwHJn4XbyjMa4uJa7UM50rz9Fl-tPqHnrAyJ4DV_dJm0ep7Y4Fz6FhRe25buqDrt6MONPvJg6457EdkJYYytJouDQl4O49YsDwp5xRj0/s1600-h/DSC_0058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtsPjF-xPBvWmpF9hcukupQu3WqtWVwHJn4XbyjMa4uJa7UM50rz9Fl-tPqHnrAyJ4DV_dJm0ep7Y4Fz6FhRe25buqDrt6MONPvJg6457EdkJYYytJouDQl4O49YsDwp5xRj0/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>We took up two whole tables! Go Vargas Family!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTdfg0_a9ksg4v7GX33VSIr_4MM-Exn27CBkaeuO9IDIfz68Gku53doAOuavjluJvXBhkhJen-A1JePNVyI8Mi8CWF9lFePv-jGOOiiGc_7zTQZ3Afy7MAYGfqxi8P6QKSl2A/s1600-h/DSC_0059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTdfg0_a9ksg4v7GX33VSIr_4MM-Exn27CBkaeuO9IDIfz68Gku53doAOuavjluJvXBhkhJen-A1JePNVyI8Mi8CWF9lFePv-jGOOiiGc_7zTQZ3Afy7MAYGfqxi8P6QKSl2A/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Nicholas waiting patiently with his Blockbuster game!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwaB0gcm_juRtCAscjXwU3czrMNsF17KsiIKoRJLUsVBwrEoYvsAObedmmd4epmsf5u9ElQkeFSletFHZvm_pXJv9PNTq7v8CEA3edoqGPS-ynwg6FeIAeDDKDvwpH_qz1dG1/s1600-h/DSC_0060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwaB0gcm_juRtCAscjXwU3czrMNsF17KsiIKoRJLUsVBwrEoYvsAObedmmd4epmsf5u9ElQkeFSletFHZvm_pXJv9PNTq7v8CEA3edoqGPS-ynwg6FeIAeDDKDvwpH_qz1dG1/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Olivia waiting for the ceremony to begin.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggjHVHXECkqlANKH9Gl-ETdBhQw8g1rl2cqlLoMhFiJE6Pg5t9Yg5goe_Sg4DU9QnufI_0n3MYLKu1YRTSCYRn2dskZlVk2-tOvjCPLHEDb5505Opx_lEE2b7MJet-1KwrwV9/s1600-h/DSC_0062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggjHVHXECkqlANKH9Gl-ETdBhQw8g1rl2cqlLoMhFiJE6Pg5t9Yg5goe_Sg4DU9QnufI_0n3MYLKu1YRTSCYRn2dskZlVk2-tOvjCPLHEDb5505Opx_lEE2b7MJet-1KwrwV9/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><br /><div>We are so proud of Olivia and her amazing talent. It was a wonderful evening that I will forever cherish.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Now, we get to go art supply shopping for the little arteest...move over Crayola...you are soooo yesterday! lol!</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Love to all,</div><div>b</div></div></div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-26190756491883434262008-04-23T21:42:00.019-05:002008-04-25T22:21:43.575-05:00This week in pictures...We made it to our first Astros game this season! Too bad we couldn't take all the kids, but Olivia and Seth had a good time.<br /><br />If you look closely, you can see George and Barbara Bush right in the first row, front and center.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU3nngI6SjTu0qYLHkrNoymywMbJUrDvkyAbDRPvaL5QI0YGibuGM0ghcTejNb5On-6eUhlOx5RIuNywnpDDLU91t6ukjhGo9rWmOSlVm4f7r-PHlkzq6kQ1GDiAIm7rC-pTt/s1600-h/P1010107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192644932995009218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU3nngI6SjTu0qYLHkrNoymywMbJUrDvkyAbDRPvaL5QI0YGibuGM0ghcTejNb5On-6eUhlOx5RIuNywnpDDLU91t6ukjhGo9rWmOSlVm4f7r-PHlkzq6kQ1GDiAIm7rC-pTt/s200/P1010107.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gabriel and Seth posing for a picture...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2dQL_Op4OvNjGT9PulUdkJ9typGnEc__A9HAx7xZLGFValSZlRY-7eXpsDsZJiu35-qn9GqCTOw1qol6MARLYXxlisfeijmfMCkhyphenhyphen31_bXm-x2zEKxf2wpiCUrhjCw6qVU4A/s1600-h/P1010102.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192644348879456946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2dQL_Op4OvNjGT9PulUdkJ9typGnEc__A9HAx7xZLGFValSZlRY-7eXpsDsZJiu35-qn9GqCTOw1qol6MARLYXxlisfeijmfMCkhyphenhyphen31_bXm-x2zEKxf2wpiCUrhjCw6qVU4A/s200/P1010102.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Olivia and Seth giving me some smiles!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lv1ObKNZ52vXSk4hq1xNEEuQDmWIFrnsgLEc7Iy4enIpGB15uMM0mMQDeQskiEe0JVr2soHIhtSGcjAOd3niPDCBH84diF9zGoBOvd_hwub0YJslRxZdvDbGDzuEJcR3jN9N/s1600-h/P1010124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192643885022988962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lv1ObKNZ52vXSk4hq1xNEEuQDmWIFrnsgLEc7Iy4enIpGB15uMM0mMQDeQskiEe0JVr2soHIhtSGcjAOd3niPDCBH84diF9zGoBOvd_hwub0YJslRxZdvDbGDzuEJcR3jN9N/s200/P1010124.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had awesome dugout seats and the weather was perfect!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSDORM1-kn4e1Bujph9c3SlHoyWeVXAQQXyjk3riw201k1FKcVGkuwtmiqTnWaRcWH6YgNu3-spGnUjW66UoAwrwkOhyphenhyphen_v8Gx0eNgcamSd_DFmhrvI4TMoap33ezf3NICmXCR/s1600-h/P1010092.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192643279432600210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSDORM1-kn4e1Bujph9c3SlHoyWeVXAQQXyjk3riw201k1FKcVGkuwtmiqTnWaRcWH6YgNu3-spGnUjW66UoAwrwkOhyphenhyphen_v8Gx0eNgcamSd_DFmhrvI4TMoap33ezf3NICmXCR/s200/P1010092.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Look who we ran into on the way to our seats!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJqkIfUIDLMuifDnKI7plXriZaQUXWb_y6NZACc6QmkLUm0bZjgkA0c-LeFrT1AakGEkkyVrUCsgAmSu2les11bQmLRWRyKw94mVjjbFuxvW7wfr1Dps8H9_jfxHZxkhMjvEg/s1600-h/P1010090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192642785511361154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJqkIfUIDLMuifDnKI7plXriZaQUXWb_y6NZACc6QmkLUm0bZjgkA0c-LeFrT1AakGEkkyVrUCsgAmSu2les11bQmLRWRyKw94mVjjbFuxvW7wfr1Dps8H9_jfxHZxkhMjvEg/s200/P1010090.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Valerie and Nicholas having some fun...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTyq8TlsraSu4UQhoy-pzTbdX9KxIEIV5LWQ_ccotx9zNRbOMXXT1A2pIfK1axrlYPU7ntQDDLsg88GSi7gMbmIlH5iHLoiwNjqm2Tjs10gW1jQYbevz1X_nAdD6yJVAYVjz1/s1600-h/P1010085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192642347424696946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTyq8TlsraSu4UQhoy-pzTbdX9KxIEIV5LWQ_ccotx9zNRbOMXXT1A2pIfK1axrlYPU7ntQDDLsg88GSi7gMbmIlH5iHLoiwNjqm2Tjs10gW1jQYbevz1X_nAdD6yJVAYVjz1/s200/P1010085.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they cute?!?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCF-05LifK_9tVHi_VJeAhdqC30CMUzFCTMcJggCaj9Yq39-fjV1oieWGEJpm8IRF874n73eLQ8QTPpiVdsWfyVS22J7GSVoYCN_pIqakibsi2BJ6QIqL6XD7sj4C1RVLhwzO/s1600-h/P1010086.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192641952287705698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCF-05LifK_9tVHi_VJeAhdqC30CMUzFCTMcJggCaj9Yq39-fjV1oieWGEJpm8IRF874n73eLQ8QTPpiVdsWfyVS22J7GSVoYCN_pIqakibsi2BJ6QIqL6XD7sj4C1RVLhwzO/s200/P1010086.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Valerie got hold of some scissors and went to town on the right side of her head. So, we chopped her curls and we'll try growing it out one more time. LOL!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuAf529g1_TW9BfbmNM9H_GnrHw2WHjTezgb2k-TaHUccYk1GjQBVZlFR5Hc5VC-G1qAhNA8ghNjsBWtL-nX_u84wkK0ZtgU8CrfHqpqDYP9OS0Of_YtCcSBmRs8Rqzjczdob/s1600-h/P1010068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192641509906074194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuAf529g1_TW9BfbmNM9H_GnrHw2WHjTezgb2k-TaHUccYk1GjQBVZlFR5Hc5VC-G1qAhNA8ghNjsBWtL-nX_u84wkK0ZtgU8CrfHqpqDYP9OS0Of_YtCcSBmRs8Rqzjczdob/s200/P1010068.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hiding behind her ball...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi61nDGZzEf5ZxS90OG_cK7IE7phL-AkgTJgwGZ67O8pUbeK1An_IM9oDeyq1U_EpjaBCWVb3QHmFghwodLaNYd6HV0HJ6jkhX8NldEUKOaoEbZMqj0ep9emia-xOOy8JsWHre/s1600-h/P1010067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192641192078494274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi61nDGZzEf5ZxS90OG_cK7IE7phL-AkgTJgwGZ67O8pUbeK1An_IM9oDeyq1U_EpjaBCWVb3QHmFghwodLaNYd6HV0HJ6jkhX8NldEUKOaoEbZMqj0ep9emia-xOOy8JsWHre/s200/P1010067.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Nicholas and Valerie having fun on Olivia's old Barbie car!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwkb0UYUGSZTsYZu1PxLbm5vFVBwSEDs2hu3lmK2ep61j2d7hK_ONkiP7L3T2yeuPNOA0AJpEJ-Uz1KMm19IwSIebrh2iY0CvqPvXil1gZlQcSedXX4kTfIOfOC9cstIVKmb4/s1600-h/P1010046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192640878545881650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwkb0UYUGSZTsYZu1PxLbm5vFVBwSEDs2hu3lmK2ep61j2d7hK_ONkiP7L3T2yeuPNOA0AJpEJ-Uz1KMm19IwSIebrh2iY0CvqPvXil1gZlQcSedXX4kTfIOfOC9cstIVKmb4/s200/P1010046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuEsa2O2qnURIk70gEB1ktyWwmfktkconsDsDwyKc1Ruqy12r2U5yvxI9J6GUrwckcnnTI_2XaUQo5EXe4sg1ZH-PSdIMk1umBs-hus5XcCyBLgmunExMJ19cm9e9_5nZHVn6/s1600-h/P1010043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192639830573861394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuEsa2O2qnURIk70gEB1ktyWwmfktkconsDsDwyKc1Ruqy12r2U5yvxI9J6GUrwckcnnTI_2XaUQo5EXe4sg1ZH-PSdIMk1umBs-hus5XcCyBLgmunExMJ19cm9e9_5nZHVn6/s200/P1010043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seth loves frogs, and we have some that live in our yard. So, he made them their own Town Flag - Froggy Town!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwMGRyr9chffJBaJQoCfCTd4Z5QJJPZkWSiy5sbSQigH_Wq3RXKb_0JdRMvkWOCc2G06BjSZ1_KDQJTmXiY3VuTVUBU5_3LPT8Y4yxumWhm4rYdtYwCqe4b79pbOqZWpa5T9o/s1600-h/P1010042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192639212098570754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwMGRyr9chffJBaJQoCfCTd4Z5QJJPZkWSiy5sbSQigH_Wq3RXKb_0JdRMvkWOCc2G06BjSZ1_KDQJTmXiY3VuTVUBU5_3LPT8Y4yxumWhm4rYdtYwCqe4b79pbOqZWpa5T9o/s200/P1010042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our neighbor has this tree in their backyard and every year we get to eat some of their yummy fruit that falls in our yard. The kids love these!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUlal9XDv_M2XjJBkN08T1MXQjro7mBtPMrDoEiQdhjeuAwQq_BHCpCT6idP2JhBq5rd3_3MuC-f3qdR0s-ewUfV69OlsrpA4zkf_1kWECdhpo8C6PDfdPiUw7HdV_ggQD7QJ/s1600-h/P1010035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192638709587397106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUlal9XDv_M2XjJBkN08T1MXQjro7mBtPMrDoEiQdhjeuAwQq_BHCpCT6idP2JhBq5rd3_3MuC-f3qdR0s-ewUfV69OlsrpA4zkf_1kWECdhpo8C6PDfdPiUw7HdV_ggQD7QJ/s200/P1010035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>The weather has been cloudy, but this was one of our last sunrises we had seen in over a week.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEmhOjHC7oZJxbf11TXxRJPQhPArnox8ydT6jv-wEkXDfxBUcj0tFyKAdsZL-8ze8FISApXDJQqw3GGUylxdI9sUjVeeiquBkNUq36pnz1YB2Q-ssOJR-2-6aObWiL2qWThku/s1600-h/P1010038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192638275795700194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEmhOjHC7oZJxbf11TXxRJPQhPArnox8ydT6jv-wEkXDfxBUcj0tFyKAdsZL-8ze8FISApXDJQqw3GGUylxdI9sUjVeeiquBkNUq36pnz1YB2Q-ssOJR-2-6aObWiL2qWThku/s200/P1010038.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This was an awesome find and I just had to share...While at Sam's we found this HUGE Lazy Susan...for $30! We snatched it up and it's certainly made our dinners much more smoother. These dishes are so wide, they can hold a 3lb roasted chicken cut up. We LOVE it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6wNHZODo6thSvRcFI8klEZ3hEzY7s2n6wKR2R5KK4o80uPwVxaaIMTJaYu7moA3GMhRSbgay3hplOUqy4vANeH53Cec8NlgFNEs-d8RTRemgeMkfFvNmmf9hUeeHjVxbwMAg/s1600-h/P1010037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192637859183872466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6wNHZODo6thSvRcFI8klEZ3hEzY7s2n6wKR2R5KK4o80uPwVxaaIMTJaYu7moA3GMhRSbgay3hplOUqy4vANeH53Cec8NlgFNEs-d8RTRemgeMkfFvNmmf9hUeeHjVxbwMAg/s200/P1010037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian_9vYBbpbFDv232fdWEnY8sBWsGIM1vWlVsOsq79ZBz-gq1DtVAXYGtrfUUchMxVwnSW8V4teWaffFaBobpR3mW_f5UpCWTqe4CjEleCu-ReUpOnaY38hK88MKjuz4G-8pM6/s1600-h/P1010026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192637429687142850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian_9vYBbpbFDv232fdWEnY8sBWsGIM1vWlVsOsq79ZBz-gq1DtVAXYGtrfUUchMxVwnSW8V4teWaffFaBobpR3mW_f5UpCWTqe4CjEleCu-ReUpOnaY38hK88MKjuz4G-8pM6/s200/P1010026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I have so much more to post, but that will have to wait until tomorrow. Until then...</div><div></div><div>~Sweet Dreams~</div><div>b</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-27068906101757832392008-04-13T17:27:00.019-05:002008-04-13T18:56:10.649-05:00Our corner of the world...I want to try to post some sort of weekly, maybe daily, little observation of life photos. I love having my point and shoot camera because I can finally take pics on a whim. So, to get things started these pics are about a week's worth of daily observations. I'll start off with our cute little nephew/cousin - Jhonen. We got a chance to babysit him a few weeks ago and it was absolutely wild having a baby in the house again! Olivia's mommy instinct took over and then he was out before we knew it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCOOjm05esnnoSmiGr94-2VrhkkFC6ZtpKAm4NolYWxLSWtDqP6SbbjDAC_NwaJlAYrdmn25RrGeyMRt1fN_Z_xEYUTugHzp1TiJ60sySPTQ_xk_KAFU7YPW0YfU4S3fdagjH/s1600-h/DSC_0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188861039577729586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCOOjm05esnnoSmiGr94-2VrhkkFC6ZtpKAm4NolYWxLSWtDqP6SbbjDAC_NwaJlAYrdmn25RrGeyMRt1fN_Z_xEYUTugHzp1TiJ60sySPTQ_xk_KAFU7YPW0YfU4S3fdagjH/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIpCnrPaZOF7q58K6tRVE54CF62X_wGUf7Ca8zm6QgVB-8FBXMND1wlxemIA33l26hpjd0A8DmSIY8aI6InjRXDfHaK507zgT_-ZLYJ082U7aSwO4lRLS7XpP4Qy9Oyu3uV8f/s1600-h/DSC_0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188861606513412690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIpCnrPaZOF7q58K6tRVE54CF62X_wGUf7Ca8zm6QgVB-8FBXMND1wlxemIA33l26hpjd0A8DmSIY8aI6InjRXDfHaK507zgT_-ZLYJ082U7aSwO4lRLS7XpP4Qy9Oyu3uV8f/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ok, so this stretch of road is<em> normally</em> clear, in fact it's not uncommon for most drivers to drive at least 65/70 mph on this road (but not me, because that would be illegal as the speed limit is 50mph!). ;-) Well, Tuesday afternoon we were bumper to bumper from the get go, and about midway through we were able to see the cause of this back-up. Seems a tow truck had some mechanical problems. At least it wasn't the entire stretch of this road - that could have easily been an hour's wait!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLnf9TsDOn0WEuiYbo6DIu4NaNNW4TpSCu5aQoj_xvNz4QB3Hphb8pi2KF17RCZeT-7sYUP-sczP_cefDr3de_REIn7XszDcq132ZbTZXxKgQjTQ2FXfuukRYT_yPk9ji7_RW/s1600-h/P1000960.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188863380334905986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLnf9TsDOn0WEuiYbo6DIu4NaNNW4TpSCu5aQoj_xvNz4QB3Hphb8pi2KF17RCZeT-7sYUP-sczP_cefDr3de_REIn7XszDcq132ZbTZXxKgQjTQ2FXfuukRYT_yPk9ji7_RW/s320/P1000960.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5H5BfvSe-_GnheyE6Fz4HLkGfW01BF7mXoK_wHKHwat-qsaM1T4X51ejCd4ozRnBcd_h4FBRwGtSM7fETXGIGmcmCyMyUtCKHYqJICE1rsz67f9dARYrUpmr6-VfffKp_bya/s1600-h/P1000965.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188863745407126162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5H5BfvSe-_GnheyE6Fz4HLkGfW01BF7mXoK_wHKHwat-qsaM1T4X51ejCd4ozRnBcd_h4FBRwGtSM7fETXGIGmcmCyMyUtCKHYqJICE1rsz67f9dARYrUpmr6-VfffKp_bya/s320/P1000965.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here's the view from my office. I love staring up from my computer monitor and seeing all those green trees! If you squint hard enough, you can see Downtown Houston in the background.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWDj-I86xPdN4c1hNyDe091Rt2v2VjCraVJnVXha2ahiR9QjwIxFBr1bqWRcbYmIjbC9lX1gsKIUQjtK-X90Qu-tykEfjuwgJqghPevgJ84Gd2B4z02UxSTqMfocd7_ckSnRy/s1600-h/P1000971.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188864187788757666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWDj-I86xPdN4c1hNyDe091Rt2v2VjCraVJnVXha2ahiR9QjwIxFBr1bqWRcbYmIjbC9lX1gsKIUQjtK-X90Qu-tykEfjuwgJqghPevgJ84Gd2B4z02UxSTqMfocd7_ckSnRy/s320/P1000971.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVC3Yr1eBlju2RPmm468lvHJjdEVyQNBAiGcJAdlDVKcDH_mxAIhpvpQR6HS8yM8Uz5_g6VOtMvZu25dSTlIGWaXkDCrf48YWNTm4dlwR2BZLRK6WftzFugcLJZroorsCb6Hf/s1600-h/P1000973.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188864582925748914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVC3Yr1eBlju2RPmm468lvHJjdEVyQNBAiGcJAdlDVKcDH_mxAIhpvpQR6HS8yM8Uz5_g6VOtMvZu25dSTlIGWaXkDCrf48YWNTm4dlwR2BZLRK6WftzFugcLJZroorsCb6Hf/s320/P1000973.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Monday morning during rush hour...the skies were bringing rain but the sun was able to peek through. A lovely sight if only for a matter of minutes!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TFN6ZYL6dHEedt8hP4qMF-SEF-rTQe_yUtjiVUMdpbPQTKYh88OwwlqMM0V-v5Gk9qDZznZtEY-1Ez9yv32kuAJxVnaCFLLzdSSsrsQJFHzYGX_W7zG6xOtpFOF8FHMcAEWW/s1600-h/P1000966.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188865772631689954" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TFN6ZYL6dHEedt8hP4qMF-SEF-rTQe_yUtjiVUMdpbPQTKYh88OwwlqMM0V-v5Gk9qDZznZtEY-1Ez9yv32kuAJxVnaCFLLzdSSsrsQJFHzYGX_W7zG6xOtpFOF8FHMcAEWW/s320/P1000966.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ok, I was waiting in line at Walmart Friday late night (such a waste of registers - 20+ and yet only 5 or so were open!) and this poor little boy was nodding off in his cart while his mom was paying. He was just so cute I had to pull out my camera!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHWPpvaY_qdlRkn4kIUrwyf96wtOqvLK805yhEWo96SUSuARILxopFUKJBHjp_mKFAzkhPpvKROeSMA_PUwRpjcuJd_Gh-RJtXoa88K-wy8-9RLG7CcaZu9spI1IbtNATKe0h/s1600-h/P1010023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188865321660123858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHWPpvaY_qdlRkn4kIUrwyf96wtOqvLK805yhEWo96SUSuARILxopFUKJBHjp_mKFAzkhPpvKROeSMA_PUwRpjcuJd_Gh-RJtXoa88K-wy8-9RLG7CcaZu9spI1IbtNATKe0h/s320/P1010023.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WN4YG2VGG8D-Sn9erxFkV6Gea2xwAIxh4QG3bHfCsk2YSdbFaP1CPX4aP8Y4T3_9E3zKWC_j795UkmjwU3G5VnIrG6uongATQuPRoJAZKRc0I_zMiuibDe13RKkY2lHDipJU/s1600-h/P1010024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188865072552020674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WN4YG2VGG8D-Sn9erxFkV6Gea2xwAIxh4QG3bHfCsk2YSdbFaP1CPX4aP8Y4T3_9E3zKWC_j795UkmjwU3G5VnIrG6uongATQuPRoJAZKRc0I_zMiuibDe13RKkY2lHDipJU/s320/P1010024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Friday evening we had an awesome sunset. The first is from a parking lot I pulled into just to take the photo and the second was from my sideview mirror...even that view took my breath away!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIVxc2Y5fA6vbcxKOugQIBBkL6jwOjr_c2miWsKEoB4cXdZHvQyyM9zB3VAiD11HyENU_xGH_opD0hp2BJr2jRbhMuB_8yjNvnUZ3tVuOqESCLhufaY94g3rlzzKpfm_bdm4w/s1600-h/P1010007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188862405377329762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIVxc2Y5fA6vbcxKOugQIBBkL6jwOjr_c2miWsKEoB4cXdZHvQyyM9zB3VAiD11HyENU_xGH_opD0hp2BJr2jRbhMuB_8yjNvnUZ3tVuOqESCLhufaY94g3rlzzKpfm_bdm4w/s320/P1010007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFhyahBD-138MzR4IBJwK1BbuOCmz4mxeXZl3WQ7iFEyPl9VWp-DBTGHJbGk6bvoSZrMbbFZV0FF2_6y5ICw_N0enJ6OIAm32yuH7zEkLhv7FbY0wApKSQ5SRStIiLOthJZ96/s1600-h/P1010012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188862796219353714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFhyahBD-138MzR4IBJwK1BbuOCmz4mxeXZl3WQ7iFEyPl9VWp-DBTGHJbGk6bvoSZrMbbFZV0FF2_6y5ICw_N0enJ6OIAm32yuH7zEkLhv7FbY0wApKSQ5SRStIiLOthJZ96/s320/P1010012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The kids' pediatric doctor's office moved to a new building and it was very cool. Nicholas has been battling a cold/cough and we just wanted to be sure it wasn't in his lungs. I regret not taking more pics of the lobby and even restroom! They have a fish/ocean theme throughout the suite and we happened to be in the <em>Killer Whale Room</em>! Oh well, next time we go I'll shoot away.(Nicky was fine by the way!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E8eYIQc2rbPEtG9j4pIxfnGNcnX3n6YNJ62MEdwFsNrP9Y4w7v8IpGtpVOIHnkspzfOcGOovs_qZXr7gvS7zJhYR1scWcJ1SplUnMC15BmqijrUsScWPLougmtUWJCcv1JIr/s1600-h/P1000994.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188866184948550386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E8eYIQc2rbPEtG9j4pIxfnGNcnX3n6YNJ62MEdwFsNrP9Y4w7v8IpGtpVOIHnkspzfOcGOovs_qZXr7gvS7zJhYR1scWcJ1SplUnMC15BmqijrUsScWPLougmtUWJCcv1JIr/s320/P1000994.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzyxzv2_4qutvSvfK2ka0K-7Fcjza5z5ByqXSg0Xz_xuU2ITiE2W1r6gUiflFg5PqQfxUs2BJRWUI0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><p>So, if you see a crazy woman toting a camera around and taking pics of the oddest things...it's probably me! LOL!</p><p>Love to all,</p><p>Brandy</p>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-37857663894052429802008-04-10T14:44:00.004-05:002008-04-10T22:19:05.659-05:00What type of fruit are you????I'm a Banana, and I don't even like Banana's...LOL! I stole this from <a href="http://bitofabummer.blogspot.com/">Wullie's Blog</a>, who borrowed it from another blog...and so forth... I thought this was cute and it pretty much summed me up, not bad for a 2 minute quiz.<br /><br />So, what type of fruit are you?<br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" style="color:#eeeeee;"><br /><span style="font-size:14;"><br /><strong>You Are a Banana</strong><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whattypeoffruitareyouquiz/banana.gif" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />You are mellow, easy going, and a total softie on the inside.<br /><br />People find it really easy to get along with you. You suit most tastes.<br /><br />And while you're very sweet, you're not boring or ordinary.<br /><br />You have an attraction to the exotic, and you could show up anywhere... doing almost anything!<br /><br />You are spirited, energetic, and a total kick to be around.<br /><br />You're also quite funny. Your sense of humor is on the goofy side, and it fits you well.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whattypeoffruitareyouquiz/">What Type of Fruit Are You?</a></div><br /><br />xoxo,<br />BBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-83480832366926166212008-04-08T22:23:00.006-05:002008-04-08T22:58:29.551-05:00Cancer Fundraising Goals...Have you taken a peak at the link over there to your left??? Go ahead, I know you want to look! My dear friend Amy has now <strong><em>exceeded </em></strong>her goal of raising $3,4oo for the Leaukemia and Lymphoma Society!! She has collected $3,880 so far - WOW! She ROCKS!!! Her marathon is coming up in a few weeks (April 26th), so please say a prayer and wish her well. I will post an update after she crosses that finish line!!<br /><br />I decided to participate in a walk myself, this one for the American Cancer Society's Relay for LifeĀ® event. Here's <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeHighPlainsDivision?px=5827769&pg=personal&fr_id=6558">My Personal Page</a> . I set a goal of $100 because <strong>a)</strong> it's my first time doing an event like this and <strong>b)</strong> I'm terrified of it coming back too soon and I won't be able to finish what I started. I know that's not a very positive outlook, but right now I'm taking it day by day and I'm just trying to get through this first year with clean scans. But after reading <a href="http://www.lyonsfamily.org/">Julie's</a> blog, I was just moved to join her sister's team and walk in her honor and I plan on doing it with or without cancer!<br /><br />BUT, please know that I'll be more than happy to exceed that initial goal. :)<br /><br />Ok, I'm off to bed...as Valerie says....<br /><br />Sweet Dreams...<br />BrandyBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-87136099155799197892008-04-07T21:39:00.007-05:002008-04-07T21:56:23.453-05:00A Very Nice, Long Vacation...I was off Thursday and Friday, and it was a much needed break on my poor body! I was able to catch my breath and feel like I'm not one step behind everyone else. So, while I was off I took advantage of the beautiful weather. The kids and I went to the park Friday afternoon. It was fun for all! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsjfL8eUltPDwcg01hgvmdzwmJLRfSAFHymYcnw_fRR9kIJtYEw1yHHgmxgvtk8NWoADbJiLFPf_BZiAMi-3GJKEqwqCRTiJ7ulO9rThzkegxhU_wAZXyL8PmjOZ0Wb4g-jtY/s1600-h/P1000820.JPG"></a><br />Nicholas and Valerie having fun on the slide...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68lXG7fzhcklD7LAfjpzn1SkVBjgksJUsBF2xIp5-Hy-0cV852PWsEB9oqT-aYocdF5ExpzhTJwcy1aYTYmlsLNRFk4bVpswa4dwgj_k23SpDTHBLLc961IWQ8vLvPpoOkqO2/s1600-h/P1000805.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186700944308473442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68lXG7fzhcklD7LAfjpzn1SkVBjgksJUsBF2xIp5-Hy-0cV852PWsEB9oqT-aYocdF5ExpzhTJwcy1aYTYmlsLNRFk4bVpswa4dwgj_k23SpDTHBLLc961IWQ8vLvPpoOkqO2/s320/P1000805.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jCuaLwqM8FtilCALzlr9v5HUgEHLDks59M08iUhOhxSE1K9lb0510_eaWvkJR898t9rdy16wp-mjsoNpn3vFXv4uBKtkSF9k92GCW597lcr7j3Y1uMloGKhkm6Fw3OyxN2tI/s1600-h/P1000799.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186702576396045954" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jCuaLwqM8FtilCALzlr9v5HUgEHLDks59M08iUhOhxSE1K9lb0510_eaWvkJR898t9rdy16wp-mjsoNpn3vFXv4uBKtkSF9k92GCW597lcr7j3Y1uMloGKhkm6Fw3OyxN2tI/s320/P1000799.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Taking turns on the tire swing...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTozKgShvH1uwmRuJz1TWSr4esEZm-lFMAQ-PggfI5QGBV7BQoA7G4QWmrIIt94oGfHql0TAePw_wn1ChONtiAbLG_ROYWKkI5p6gG1eSaPTw-pBLY3mdaesNZOYBXOtXx6VbA/s1600-h/P1000881.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186700287178477138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTozKgShvH1uwmRuJz1TWSr4esEZm-lFMAQ-PggfI5QGBV7BQoA7G4QWmrIIt94oGfHql0TAePw_wn1ChONtiAbLG_ROYWKkI5p6gG1eSaPTw-pBLY3mdaesNZOYBXOtXx6VbA/s320/P1000881.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZLHO6p5ILMdr6Yx_XukPs5SK4IDaMMvMsmx9e8RuIxeteU0PDK0-B-Mvp5MoIS-FOM0p4XkN8uPyEhoZB6q6s827b1scUZyXJfUTprB7oJusc0yDLA2gVaYF7JE43EK5gB_x/s1600-h/P1000845.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186699655818284610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZLHO6p5ILMdr6Yx_XukPs5SK4IDaMMvMsmx9e8RuIxeteU0PDK0-B-Mvp5MoIS-FOM0p4XkN8uPyEhoZB6q6s827b1scUZyXJfUTprB7oJusc0yDLA2gVaYF7JE43EK5gB_x/s320/P1000845.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Love to all,</div><div>Brandy</div></div></div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-51177258720503875622008-04-07T21:24:00.003-05:002008-04-07T21:39:21.337-05:00Guess what I got in the mail over the weekend????<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLpOxubgX21D4YoA-VVCICmtCxH50GPGQU9VRbNLDZnoEm958hrDXW-PIdzigDNY3lYAPZYFXVyO5auvnYu2DFCzbTsKAeR5Pb7CwUYaoIQJKnIwepFvqs81c0GMEwCUE7Fvo/s1600-h/DSC_0054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186697259226533426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLpOxubgX21D4YoA-VVCICmtCxH50GPGQU9VRbNLDZnoEm958hrDXW-PIdzigDNY3lYAPZYFXVyO5auvnYu2DFCzbTsKAeR5Pb7CwUYaoIQJKnIwepFvqs81c0GMEwCUE7Fvo/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thanks again to <a href="http://www.ksbj.org/">KSBJ</a> and <a href="http://www.farouk.com/">the makers of CHI</a>! It's already been happily used...on Olivia!<br /><br />Hugs to all,<br />BrandyBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-22016385617455162522008-04-02T20:17:00.012-06:002008-04-02T21:40:12.682-06:00Baptism Day!Olivia and I were baptized Sunday at our new church - <a href="http://www.bc-bc.org/">Bear Creek Baptist Church</a><br /><br />To be totally honest here, I have changed so much since my <a href="http://www.mdanderson.org/topics/bmtatmda/">Stem Cell Transplant</a>. All for the better I think...or at least hope! What has changed the most is my faith. BC (before cancer), I was a "spiritual" person (I believed in God) but I had no relationship with Him. I knew what I wasn't, and up until that time I just hadn't found the right church. Although we were trying, I was never motivated enough to keep going to church every Sunday. It was such a chore. Well, when death is staring you in the face something in you has to change. Not always for the better, but you are not the same person you were before the traumatic event. My faith became my strength, the strength and comfort I needed to die, to live, just to get through the ordeal. I haven't looked back since. So, when we found bcbc it just felt like home. It has a terrific children's program, offers the bible study classes I was looking for, but most importantly it's a place I get to praise God for giving me the miracle of second chances. I love going to church Sunday's now, and I haven't missed one yet. It seems to refresh my soul and I always leave there feeling better and blessed.<br /><br />So, I was ready to profess my faith and belief in Jesus Christ and Olivia said she was ready to. So we thought why not do it together? And we did. March 30th we were baptized. It was such an honor to have my daughter by my side, and it was even better knowing our family was there witnessing this special moment. I loved the entire ceremony, and I cherish all the sweet memories that we made that day. But most importantly, I am blessed to have such a sweet child who has such a strong sense of faith to want to be baptized with me. That is pure love. <br /><br />Here are pictures from our special day. Enjoy!<br /><br />In the dressing room right before the baptism...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEJNLxHIZSaVuysph-LInZqhtT0Gru0Tre06rZDVyYjhfkKjB99tOT3gCPIkrkDZ_PtuG4PCY1122eC1aoAlkM6F1Szin7auwU6kQz7kqUUik-oHt93fVodr2zyNF2oKamyVt/s1600-h/P1000773.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184854439083675122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEJNLxHIZSaVuysph-LInZqhtT0Gru0Tre06rZDVyYjhfkKjB99tOT3gCPIkrkDZ_PtuG4PCY1122eC1aoAlkM6F1Szin7auwU6kQz7kqUUik-oHt93fVodr2zyNF2oKamyVt/s320/P1000773.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I went first, and this is Olivia coming up...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G-EV9zlPTEp0PpVq157_EZt7gqhY5EH3i_GkJEAUt_pFRsqAvAUEAzDr87c9cUTVRQf13P2YOd_mCIMm11SPYo2uuiNNucKGeBGXFStU65BCiDMBHBIoJV9eXamOwFVyricL/s1600-h/Olivia+Dunk+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184855006019358210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G-EV9zlPTEp0PpVq157_EZt7gqhY5EH3i_GkJEAUt_pFRsqAvAUEAzDr87c9cUTVRQf13P2YOd_mCIMm11SPYo2uuiNNucKGeBGXFStU65BCiDMBHBIoJV9eXamOwFVyricL/s320/Olivia+Dunk+3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Martha, Olivia and me in the dressing room after the baptism!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBIktz4ktr8xslmOsVOGh6FALWwVqMjiBPdl3y2-RfXtnNZQzyNPuuD6bovWZ-PVvyjy1tJE0kpB-uH9rqgzwWg6waTt-WKtd3II9MakByRnALIxhWgiAEduUFxlS6vGce0vv/s1600-h/P1000780.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184855547185237522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBIktz4ktr8xslmOsVOGh6FALWwVqMjiBPdl3y2-RfXtnNZQzyNPuuD6bovWZ-PVvyjy1tJE0kpB-uH9rqgzwWg6waTt-WKtd3II9MakByRnALIxhWgiAEduUFxlS6vGce0vv/s320/P1000780.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, after a very eventful morning, we all headed to a Mexican restaurant for some yummy food! All that excitement led to some grumbling tummies!<br /><br />The family chowing on some food...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HK6wEfiUw-dUXbRoauWfOQ7dSZQdIj4wHLuYoTsadFhiw6m_gRbP5EpsOv_RnpxWLIKHyoMn0y_suU5xnXeR-6wm_OcMsdTRtFvurbR9N43GVRTK8EA9YB9nOspru6vlRHRP/s1600-h/P1000781.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184856973114379810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HK6wEfiUw-dUXbRoauWfOQ7dSZQdIj4wHLuYoTsadFhiw6m_gRbP5EpsOv_RnpxWLIKHyoMn0y_suU5xnXeR-6wm_OcMsdTRtFvurbR9N43GVRTK8EA9YB9nOspru6vlRHRP/s320/P1000781.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Love to all,<br />BrandyBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-30304171790778563482008-04-02T19:49:00.003-06:002008-04-02T20:15:35.331-06:00Six Degrees of Separation...and my 15 minutes of fame!From Wikipedia...<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Six_degrees_of_separation.png/734px-Six_degrees_of_separation.png"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Six_degrees_of_separation.png/734px-Six_degrees_of_separation.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em>"Six degrees of separation refers to the idea that, if a person is one step away from each person he or she knows and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people he or she knows, then everyone is an average of six "steps" away from each person on Earth."</em></div><em></em><br /><br />Want to know a cool feeling? Pulling into the garage at work and then hearing your name on the radio, <strong>but</strong> not only hearing your name but also hearing the words you typed here on the blog being read by the DJ! <em><strong>That</strong></em> is a way cool feeling! It all comes down to this theory of Six Degrees of Separation. Of course, God is the ultimate one we are all connected to. But what's fascinating is how we are all connected, somehow in someway. For me, Lymphoma has been my connection to hundreds of people I would normally never have met before. There are people all across the world who deal with this one little blood cancer. During my battle the first time around, I was more in denial and felt reassured by my doctors at how this was curable and how lucky I was to have the "easy" cancer. So I went about my business treating this cancer like it was some sort of flu I had to get rid of. It wasn't until I relapsed within a year of treatment and underwent my stem cell transplant that my whole world changed - literally my core was shaken and sadly it needed to be. At that point, it was important to reach out to others who have been there, survived it and for those who were struggling it alongside me. There's nothing like being in the 10% population and feeling so alone, wondering why treatment didn't work for you. I thought what a lonely journey this can be at times, even though you are surrounded by family and friends. But in reality, you are not alone and there has and always will be someone who has walked a similar path.<br /><br />Ok, so back to the morning show on KSBJ. Mike and Susan are an incredible on-air team. I'm fairly new to the station as a listener, but immediately I loved it and have yet to switch stations. I love hearing them on the way to work, Susan cracks me up (could be because we're birthday twins!) and I have stumbled across Mike's wife's (Becky) blog and from there came across several other wonderful blogs (not to mention awesome deals, thank you Becky!). That's how I realized one of Becky's dear friends has non-hodgkin's lymphoma. It seems we all run around in the same circle of lymphomaniacs...LOL! And that is how this nobody who won a CHI was a somebody for a few minutes this morning. <br /><br />It really is such a small world, isn't it? <br /><br />Much love to all,<br />BrandyBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13198569.post-4239829589831146852008-04-01T20:41:00.004-06:002008-04-01T20:58:26.810-06:00Monday was my lucky day!I won a FABULOUS CHI (see pic below) on the radio heading into work yesterday! KSBJ had a promo when the weather announcer said it was going to be a <em>CHI</em> day (hot and humid), then you call in to win one of these. And I won! I have never won anything on the radio before and I was soooo excited!! Needless to say, I was esctatic all day and it really did start my week off on the right foot.<br /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Q27F08DXL._SS400_.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" height="158" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Q27F08DXL._SS400_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I know what you're thinking "Brandy, you have no hair to CHI". Yes, you are right. But at the rate it's coming in, by the end of summer I should be using this baby everyday! And in the meantime, I will be using it on Olivia's hair. She loves it when her hair isn't 'poofy'. lol! Unless a pot of gold fell into our laps, I would never think of spending this kind of money for my hair. I just wouldn't. So now, I get one and my family still gets to eat! LOL! It should be coming in the mail over the next couple of weeks. I'll let you know when it gets here and test it out on Miss O.<br /><br />Thank you, KSBJ! :)<br /><br />Eagerly waiting to CHI,<br />BrandyBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13958894580091655797noreply@blogger.com0