A week Not to Remember!

On Tuesday, June 19, my Aunt Betty had a heart attack. According to the doctors, it was one of the worst heart attacks a person could have. She had stints placed in her heart on Tuesday. She would need a by-pass but they were scared to put her through that b/c she wasn't strong enough. She was in the hospital for 6 days and then she passed early Monday morning at 12:35am. She was a great woman. One of my favorite Aunts. I didn't get to Mckinney often, unfortunately, but if I did - I always made sure I could see her. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She left behind so many people who love and care about her. She will be forever missed!

Me, my mom, dad, brothers (Christopher & Stephen) went to visit her at the hospital on Sunday. They called in the family b/c they knew she wouldn't make it through the day/night. While visiting her, my dad, went outside to smoke in the 150 degree heat (crazy!!!) and almost passed out. The nurses checked him and said his blood sugar was extremely high and they couldn't hear any air moving around in his lungs. So, they admitted him in the hospital. He spent the next 6 days there, trying to get his lungs strong enough so he could go home. My dad has COPD and unfortunately, if you continue to smoke, it just keeps getting worse. My dad was finally released on Friday, June 29. But was sent home with 100% oxygen. His COPD has gotten so bad, from the smoking, that he can't be without oxygen - otherwise he'll go into respiratory distress.

Daddy : )

Daddy, Ben, Will & Andy

I am thankful this week is over. But really worried about what the days ahead hold for my dad. I'm so worried that he will continue to smoke. So far, he hasn't. And I'm hopeful that he doesn't. But I'm woried. I hope he chooses us, life, instead of smoking.

Aunt Betty - you will be forever missed. We love you and will remember you always!

San Antonio Hill Country

David and I have had this vacation planned for months now. We worked out a time for Jamie to come and care for the kids so we could have a few days to ourselves. We were all set to go, and William came down with a fever virus. Crazy! It's going around his school and it's just a fever w/no other symptoms. He got sick Sunday and we were supposed to leave Monday. So ... we waited out his fever and finally on Wedensday - he was better. So we left Thursday morning and headed to the Hill Country for some much needed R&R. The hotel was great b/c I called everyday and delayed the hotel by a day. They were so understanding and truly wanted to work with us. On the way down we hit the San Marcos outlets. Love the outlets! And of course, had to hit the Pottery Barn outlet.

Last year we stayed at the La Cantera - which we loved. But this year we are staying at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa. We thought the La Cantera was awesome! But holy eyelashes batman ... this place is AH-MAZE-ING!! It is fantabulous. From the minute you drive up to their circle drive, till the minute you leave from the circle drive - everything is perfect! This hotel is full of grand features. Every detail is well thought out - there are litterally no after thoughts. All the staff that works here are extraordinary. I am assuming the JW Marriott is big on customer service. And let me tell you - they excel in that department.

We arrived at the hotel, and were greeted by helpful empolyees happily helping us. They checked in David's golf clubs and sent them to the course. Loaded our luggage on a cart, that they would bring to our room later. Then we were greeted by another girl who held the door open for us. That part was a bit weird for David. He wanted to hold the door for her. But that's my gentlemen husband : ) Then we were greeted by Jessica, who was so gracious and so polite. She gave us our room, and we went to it. It was on the first floor - which we thought was great, b/c it had a Juliet Balcony that was on the ground floor. It was beautiful! So easy access to all the nightlife - which would of been great. However, it was right by an exit and the swimming pool. And since we came here w/o our 3 boys - we didn't necessarily want to be around other kids. So we went back and talked to Jessica. She said "I'm going to do something special for you guys." And boy did she! She gave us a 1 bedroom apartment w/a huge balcony overlooking the golf course, the hill country and water experiences. It was AH-MAZE-ING! It was more than we could of asked for!

We tried out every restaurant and eatery here. The Velocity was great. We loved that the back walls/doors opened onto the patio. So fun! We loved the food, the service. But mostly - we loved the 120 foot tv that was on the wall. Wowza!! I have never seen something so big. It's an awesome place. We ate at Ciblo Moon several times. Loved, loved their food. Each time our waitress was so great and helpful. I felt like I was talking to a girlfriend. So kind! I think our favorite place was the Crooked Ranch. We sat at the bar and talked to the barteneders who were so nice.... every night! Just really made us feel at home. They also made incredible drinks!

What a great, great place for us to de-stress from our life and have some much needed couple time.

This photo was actually taken from our first room, before we upgraded. We loved the photo on the wall behind us. It was metal and the photo was printed on it.

The view from our second room - our upgraded suite. The view was amazing.

This was below us. Their waterpark. I almost felt guilty that we didn't have the kids. They would of loved this. David and I did actually go swimming once. We lounged in the lazy river; rode the 3 waterslides; and lounged in the adult infinity pool.

The next few photos are from The Velocity. That TV was HUGE!!

They had giant iPad's in the lobby that were really cool. Of course, it's the first thing David is drawn to : )

Right outside Cibolo Moon. Beauiful view!

Back in the room. David relaxing with his Nook Color.

Living room w/the balcony.

Bedroom w/connecting balcony to living room. My handsome husband : )

One side of the bathroom.

The other side.

Entry way.

Me : )

One cool thing we did was ride Segways. It was fun! I didn't think I would be able to do it. But I figured it out. We were with 2 other couples who weren't even staying in the hotel. Just came for fun.

Relaxing : )

While we were away, Jamie took great care of the boys. They were busy and had lots of fun. One thing they did, was go on the lake. Jamie & her parents took the boys boating. Which THEY loved!!

We had a great time. It was nice to get away and take sometime for ourselves. Now, we wanna take the boys : )

Ben's Art Piece

Benjamin had a piece of artwork - a painting - that was selected to be in this year's District Art Show. He did such a great job! His piece was beautiful!

We actually didn't go to the Art Show itself, b/c Ben didn't want to. But after the Art Show, the pieces are displayed in the school hallways on display boards. We were able to find Ben's so we could snap a picture.

I talked to his Art teacher and she says that Ben is really coming into himself artistically. We are so proud of him! We have noticed a huge improvement with him as well. We are hoping to have him test into the Enriched Art Program for 5th grade.

Way to go Ben! We are so proud of you, son!

5!

This morning, Andy opened his eyes, rolled over, touched my face and said "mommy I am 5 today!" That's right, he is. Today at 12:28 p.m. my sweet boy is officially 5 years old!

I love this boy with every part of my being. He is my son, my love - but mostly, he's my Pal! He loves me and I love him! I am profoundly blessed beyond belief.

• I love how overly affectionate he is. He loves to hug, kiss, cuddle, sing about being hugged, kissed and cuddled and sing about how much we love each other all day long.
• I love that William is his bestfriend and that he literally thinks William is a superhero!
• I love how magical everything is to him. Seeing things through his eyes gives me so much joy.
• I love that he still needs 'blankey' after all of these years. I think it keeps him little.
• I love that whatever his brothers do, he must do the same. He doesn't care that he's younger. He wants to be just like them.

At his party this past weekend, I hung a banner of pictures of him through each year of his life. I can't believe how fast time goes by. I wish I could stop time so that I could enjoy him at this age, just a little while longer. Here are the photos that hung on that banner.

Happy Birthday, my dear sweet boy!

Bluebonnets for Easter!

Every year I say I am going to take the boys and take their pictures in the bluebonnets - but I never do. Well ... I guess maybe I did when they were first born. But I find as they get holder - I take less pictures. I am vowing to change that. And that started w/the bluebonnets.

We are lucky where we live - there are lots of fields near by. We found the perfect spot to take our pictures. I had forgotten how beautiful the bluebonnets really are.

William, 7 years; Andy, 4 years; Ben, 9 years

I could not get Andy to look at me and smile for nothing!!

Andy was chasing a yellow butterfly. If you look close, it's in the bottom,

left-hand corner of the picture :)

The place where we took photos, was in a neighborhood and was an empty lot. They apparently had a lot of traffic.

Andy liked the little pink flowers.  

Happy Easter to you and your family!

Ralf is 4!

Today, we celebrate Ralf turning 4! We aren't sure if this is his actual birthday, but this is the day that he came to us and the day we will celebrate him! He wandered into our life 1 year ago, and has been such a blessing to us.

As per our family tradition of birthday parties - Ralf got his as well. We hung our traditional birthday sign for him. And Since our other rescue and puppy, Teddy, isn't real keen of other dogs in his backyard we could only invite human friends. So the boys invited 3 of our neighborhood friends to join in Ralf's party :)

Ralf was a bit freaked out by all the excitement and just wanted to go in the house.

Ralf's home-made birthday sign from William : )

William & Ralf : )

David had to feed Ralf his Frosty Paws. He was a little freaked about the noise and wasn't real interested in it. But once Daddy held him and started feeding it to him - he was totally on board : )

Kuma, Ralf & Teddy enjoying their birthday treat - Frosty Paws!

A few of the neighborhood kids w/Ben, Will, Andy, Kuma, RALF & Teddy. All enjoying their birthday ice cream.

We are so thankful for Ralf and thankful that he wandered into our life. And mostly, we are thankful to Take Me Home Pet Rescue for all of their kindness and support with Ralf. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have fostered Ralf and we wouldn't have fallen in love w/him. Thank you TMHPR.

Happy Birthday RALF!

Christopher's 40th Birthday!

My brother, Christopher's, 40th birthday is here! And we are celebrating!!

We went to one of his favorite Mexican Restuarants. YUM!! He had about 25 of his friends that came out to celebrate. So, so sweet. Including, a work buddy of David's (and my friend), Roy. We also forced his partner, Mike to come. So fun!

Here's me, Christopher, Roy & Mike!

Me & my brother : )

Christopher w/his birthday sombrero :)

It was a lot of fun! After the restuarant, we went down to the bars and really had a great time. I'm so glad I got to spend my brother's 40th birthday him! So so special!

Happy Birthday, Christopher! I love you!

17 years of lovin you...

It was 17 years ago on this day that I saw a beautiful man and knew instantly I would be in his life forever. I was at Enchillada's in Downtown Dallas w/my cousin. We walked in and saw this table full of guys - about 20 of them. I immediately spotted, David - the most handsome one out of the group. Where we sat, my back was to him. I kept turning around looking through the table of guys to catch his eye. And luckily for me - he was leaning forward, trying to catch mine back. We played eye flirting all through the meal. Then it was time to go. For some reason, I was too nervous to go up to him and give him my number. I know, right? Little surprising - but I was. So, I found a maid in the building, paid her $5, and asked her to give him my number. I watched from around the corner to make sure she gave it to the right one. It took a few days and then he finally called. We met at a local bar, and I had my cousin tag along. Funny thing is - I wasn't 21. I was 20 years old and not legally old enough to drink. Of course - I was nervous to tell him that. I knew he was definitely older than me. I later found out he was 30 years old, and it took him awhile to call me b/c he knew I was young. We had a great time on our first date. My cousin ended up leaving and we talked for hours.

From that moment on, we were inseparable. We were together almost everyday for 2 years. And then, sadly, we broke up. I think I was too much for him : ) I was pretty sad about the break-up. He told me - if you were 5 years older - it would be different.

So for the next 5 years, I would call him just to check in. I wanted him to know that I was still here. I didn't want him to forget about me. (which was silly - b/c how could he, right?) Sure, he dated and I dated other people. But I knew that if I ever were to settle down - it would be w/him.

So, 5 years after our break-up, I bought a computer. And of course, I didn't know how to hook it up. So who do you think I called to come and do it? That's right - David! He came over, hooked up my computer for me ..... and after that - we were back together. And we've been together ever since (that was in February 2001).

It's been the greatest time of my life! I'm so blessed to have such an incredible man by my side! I love you David!