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.
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.
Love,
B
9.12.2008
9.04.2008
Daily observations in the day in the life of a Vargas...
First Day of School 2008...
I love sleeping baby pictures!
Sunrise out of my office....
Miss Valerie...
What's wrong with this picture??? Way too hot in August!
I know this girl!! Kelly Crabb (on the left) is on this season's The Amazing Race (which I LOVE) as well! Go Kelly!!
And last but not least, the kids' favorite song right now...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liq-2tIRgEM
<3,
b
I love sleeping baby pictures!
Sunrise out of my office....
Miss Valerie...
What's wrong with this picture??? Way too hot in August!
I know this girl!! Kelly Crabb (on the left) is on this season's The Amazing Race (which I LOVE) as well! Go Kelly!!
And last but not least, the kids' favorite song right now...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liq-2tIRgEM
<3,
b
8.16.2008
The 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. :)
Seth, the 2nd grader, and Olivia, the 3rd grader, on the first day of school!
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.
Some pictures from the circus, the Brownie troop and Olivia getting a bright idea!
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.
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!
BFF 4 Ever!
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!
Bring on those gorgeous fall leaves and lower temps!!
Love,
B
Seth, the 2nd grader, and Olivia, the 3rd grader, on the first day of school!
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.
Some pictures from the circus, the Brownie troop and Olivia getting a bright idea!
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.
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!
BFF 4 Ever!
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!
Bring on those gorgeous fall leaves and lower temps!!
Love,
B
7.12.2008
A 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.
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.
Here are some pics of the kids (can you believe these are OURS?!) and one of the two of us that Olivia took. :)
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!
Love,
B 
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.
Here are some pics of the kids (can you believe these are OURS?!) and one of the two of us that Olivia took. :)
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!
Love,
B
Here's Jake...he is adorable!
Here's Valerie and Jake after meeting for the first time...she's shy...
Here's Olivia and Sophia, she's sharp and so funny for a 3yo!
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....
Everyone getting into place...almost there...
Ok, all are in place....ummm, Nicholas over here.....
Ok, photo shoot over....LOL!
Still looking good after all these years, babies, chemo and more!
VBS was a hit this year!
The kids went to their first vacation bible school at our church. 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.
Love,
B
Love,
B
7.05.2008
My 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. I am still cancer free!!! 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.
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
Here are some photos of family and friends celebrating Independance Day...Hope yours was just as relaxing and fun.
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!
Isn't she cute?
Finishing up the parade with juice and ice cream!
The Vargas Kids...
The Vargas Clan...
Aunt Diana and Valerie
Valerie and Great-Grandma Mary
Enjoying the fireworks....Happy 4th of July!!!
Well, almost everyone...
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
Here are some photos of family and friends celebrating Independance Day...Hope yours was just as relaxing and fun.
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!
Isn't she cute?
Finishing up the parade with juice and ice cream!
The Vargas Kids...
The Vargas Clan...
Aunt Diana and Valerie
Valerie and Great-Grandma Mary
Enjoying the fireworks....Happy 4th of July!!!
Well, almost everyone...
6.07.2008
We blinked...
Did you miss seeing these cute kiddos???
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!
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 all the photos.
Ok, here we go...
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.
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.
Valerie visiting with Grandma Chris, Great-Grandma Vargas and Jhonen's Great-Grandma
Martha smiling for the camera
Seth with Jhonen and Grandma Chris
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!
At the hospital getting meds and crutches
Field Day with Seth
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.)
Grandma Baylor with the 'babies'
Veronica and Taylor
The slip n slide was a HIT!
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 serious 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.
Adrienne celebrating her birthday with her colleagues from Jason's Deli
Adrienne's leg before the operation
After the operation
A super cute cookie cupcake just for her
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.
Valerie with Echo in bed
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.
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....
Olivia getting ready for a heat
Seth getting on the block
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!
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!
Ok, so this is what our house looks like Sunday nights....
Leaving Walmart last night
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?
Love to all,
B
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!
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 all the photos.
Ok, here we go...
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.
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.
Valerie visiting with Grandma Chris, Great-Grandma Vargas and Jhonen's Great-Grandma
Martha smiling for the camera
Seth with Jhonen and Grandma Chris
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!
At the hospital getting meds and crutches
Field Day with Seth
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.)
Grandma Baylor with the 'babies'
Veronica and Taylor
The slip n slide was a HIT!
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 serious 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.
Adrienne celebrating her birthday with her colleagues from Jason's Deli
Adrienne's leg before the operation
After the operation
A super cute cookie cupcake just for her
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.
Valerie with Echo in bed
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.
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....
Olivia getting ready for a heat
Seth getting on the block
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!
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!
Ok, so this is what our house looks like Sunday nights....
Leaving Walmart last night
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?
Love to all,
B
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