Gunner

This time next week, we will have a new family member. He will be 8 weeks old and he is a brindle, male boxer.  We have been anxiously awaiting his arrival and getting prepared for a new puppy in the house. I hardly remember Harley being a puppy.  I do remember how she loved to dig holes in our backyard and would sometimes play so hard we thought she might pass out.  I look back on pictures of her when she was so very small, and I can hardly believe it. So, bringing Gunner home will be bittersweet.  What a joy to have a new furry friend and to love and spoil, but yet a reminder of a sweet girl we lost not long ago.

The breeder says he has perfect markings and wanted to keep him for a show dog, but her husband told her she needed to wait until the mama's next litter.  He comes from a great bloodline and the breeders seem to truly LOVE raising Boxers and have been so great to work with.

Adam and I will drive to Waco next Saturday to pick him up. I pray for some speedy training of this little guy!  I don't have as much patience now that I have three kiddos:) As long as he potties outside and doesn't chew up my house, we'll be great buddies!

Learning to love again... we can't wait to be your new family Gunner!

You have big puppy shoes to fill!

Sweet puppy Harley

Don't cry because it's over...smile because it happened.

I really struggle with this sometimes.  It's easy to get into a rut of focusing on what has passed and those who are taken out of our lives.  I love this quote though.  I seem to have this in my mind on repeat these days!

We lost our sweet Harley about a month ago. My heart is broken and I long to see her sweet face, see her lying next to me while I work, or hear her little scratches on the door because she needs to go outside.  I want to be able to hurry home to let her out of her crate. I want to see her sweet kidney bean, because she is so excited to see me every time I walk in the door.  I want her to stay in the bedroom with us until the last person is out of bed.  I just want her here again. I could see it in her eyes that she wanted to keep fighting, but I couldn't bare to see her body fail her. We were blessed by a sweet doctor who came to our house so we could let her go in peace. We couldn't bring ourselves to load her up and take her in. It was just too much. She passed so peacefully and I will never forget how she licked Adam's face as she started getting drowsy. It was her final act of love and loyalty to him. I have cried because I wanted to save her and keep her here with me, but I will smile because she brought my family joy and happiness for eleven years.  She was loved immensely.... and the feeling was mutual.

Since January it seems I've been gone as much as I've been home. In three months, I've been to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Pennsylvania, Honduras, Belize, Cozumel, and New Hampshire.  I do enjoy traveling to new places, eating great food, and if I get to go with my family... even better!  Adam did get to come with me to Las Vegas which was an awesome treat for us. I love Las Vegas and can't wait to go back. The food was sooooo tasty and we even came home with $300.  Even though it was a work trip, we still managed to have plenty of fun! New Orleans was another work trip. I'm not sure it's the place for me. I can't say I really experienced New Orleans, so I won't rule it out just yet. We did hit Bourbon Street for two nights and found a couple of neat places, but it kinda felt like 6th street to me. Been there, done that.  Pennsylvania was a short trip but a cold one. I've never been in negative temperatures before, so this was quite an experience. Thankfully the roads were clear and the driving felt safe. Yikes! The snow makes the terrain quite beautiful, but I could NEVER live somewhere with such harsh winters. Forget it! I'd rather sweat in Texas any day!

SPRING BREAK 2015!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!

The boys and I went cruisin' with my mom, sister and her family. Kylie was in Aulani in Hawaii with her BF Erin during Spring Break having a blast. Of course! I was a bit apprehensive about taking the boys on a cruise (no escape came to mind), but my mom reassured me it was very family-friendly so we went for it! The cruise was certainly family-friendly.  There was a mix of all ages, which made for a fun trip for everyone! I don't think the boys had any idea how big the boat would be and were amazed when we first saw it. The pool won them over immediately.  We sailed out of Houston and cruised for two days before our first stop in Roatan Honduras.

Our first stop was Roatan, Honduras... Gumbalimba Park and Tabyana Beach. It was an interesting shuttle ride to the Park, getting to see many parts of Roatan and learn its history.  At Gumbalimba park, we saw butterflies, iguanas, waterfalls, parrots, and monkeys...oh the monkeys!! These so-called "trained" monkeys are quite adorable. If you get close to their habitat they will come over and see you or even jump on your shoulder! Jackson was excited to let one sit one his shoulder and Carter wanted no such thing. The alpha male monkey started to get upset and the guy working said it was because he didn't want to "work" or socialize for treats. He was showing his big teeth and jumping around.  I started to back up and walk away when he jumped off the fence and ran over where the boys were standing and starting trying to scratch them and jump on them. It was hysterical and terrifying all in one! Thankfully the boys brushed it off with ease and we all got a good laugh afterwards.



Next Stop... Belize!!!  We went to a small, remote island by boat where we had food and fun, as well as a short snorkel outing.  The boys even jumped off the boat with Grandma Mary while we snorkeled.  Big day for my big boys:)





Cozumel was our favorite stop... Playa Mia! Perfect spot for all.  Beach chairs on the beautiful beach, kayaking, big pool, waterpark, buffet, and drinks! Sign me up!!!



What did I do when I got back home?  I cried.  I cried because I was sad my week with the boys was over. My week to focus solely on them with no other obligations to interfere. We were together 24/7. I loved it and sometimes they drove me crazy, but I still loved it. I wanted to be in those moments longer, so I cried. I wanted more time with them.  Then, I smiled.  I smiled because it happened! I smiled because I got to make memories with my little buddies. I got to see them experience so many new things for the first time. I cried... and then I smiled:)

Facing the hard truths...

One of the hardest things to deal with can be reality hitting you smack dab in the face.  Here's our reality... our sweet Harley girl has been fighting lymphoma now for about 7 months.  When we got the diagnosis we were shocked, sad, mad, and so many emotions.  We were also sure it was not her time to go.  She was still running, playing, eating, and all the other things our Harley girl does.  She doesn't look sick! Much less like she is dying...

We made the decision to start her on treatment almost immediately.  We were not going to give up on her yet.  No way.  It's been a long 7 months of weekly doctor visits, lots of medicine, special food, watching poops (yes, you heard me), and lots of love.

Our current reality is the cancer is starting to take over.  We feel we are no longer winning at keeping it at bay.  Her white blood cell count has been too low to do chemo for the past few visits which has given the tumors even more time to grow.  She sleeps quite a bit, walks pretty slow and her feet slip on the tile.  She's peaceful and loved.  She gets fresh chicken and meat any time she wants it. She gets kisses and rubs all the time.  She's getting our love and we'll keep giving it to her until she tells us she's done fighting.

Our hearts are broken and we've shed many tears over these past 7 months for this dog who has blessed our lives immensely for 11 years. The fact is, I'll never be ready to say goodbye.  I can't imagine working at my desk without her lying by my side, or following us into every room we go into, or thumping her water bowl when I haven't noticed it's gone dry.  Lonely. 

We have another visit on Monday to see if she's well enough to get chemo. I'm hoping for the best, but in my heart I feel it's not going to be what we want to hear.  I don't know for certain how much longer she will be here, but I plan to make every day count.

I love you Harley girl. Always.

Bad Blogger Award Goes To.... ME!!!

Ugh, my heart sank a bit when I logged into this blog only to see I hadn't blogged since June. I am sad because these days seem to fly by so quickly and I want to remember everything! Well, maybe not everything, but I want to have this to look back (or for my kids to look back on) to see all the fun, crazy, happy, sad, (enter many more adjectives here) moments we are living in now.

I'm not going to beat myself up about it though... it has been a very challenging year trying to create that so-called work-life balance.  Geez.  Balance.  I like that word.  It sounds so nice and peaceful doesn't it?  Okay, so back to my crazy year now of not-so-balanced, peaceful moments!  I think my biggest apology goes to Miss Kylie, who has even told me she would be my editor if I needed help keeping up with my blog.  She loves to read them:) Considering my kids are the reason I do this blog, that makes me happy!

I guess I have to do somewhat of a quick rundown of where are we now so I can get this show back on the road and get back to blogging regularly!

One of my favorite things to do is think about each of my kiddos and what I love most about them right now, today.  Of course, there are so many things I love about them every day, but I'm sure I can narrow it down a bit:)

Kylie... she just turned 10 years old a week ago! An entire decade, so she likes to call it. Hard to believe my little girl is in the double digits. She continues to amaze me in so many ways. I don't think she even realizes how many gifts God has blessed her with.  Don't get me wrong, she is quite the confident young lady, but her gifts are abundant and so clearly from our gracious Father. Her grades continue to be amazing, although the workload for 4th grade has definitely picked up quite a bit. In fact, she is working on making her own Renaissance dress right now and sewing it by hand! What? So awesome. She continues to ride horses and loves it immensely, play piano, sing, and even took up the UIL version of Spelling competition.  Oh yeah, and soccer starts in 2 weeks!  This girl is crazy talented and committed. Watching her brings me the utmost joy. My heart swells each time I see her practice and perform.  Sky's the limit for this girl!

Jackson, my big boy 5 year old... he is still our biggest challenge in regards to behavior and listening. He still loves for me to get him dressed, brush his teeth, and just about anything else I will do for him.  Having Ms. Bobbi for his Pre-K class last year really accelerated his love for learning, which I have to admit I was initially concerned about it. He is now reading at a 1st grade level!!!  I get a kick (pun intended) out of watching him play soccer.  It is the coolest thing ever to watch your kid play sports! Every kick or goal makes my heart swell with pride!  He LOVES playing video games with Adam, or sometimes just watching him play!  It's been a rough year in regards to adjusting to Kindergarten. I'll be honest, when I get progress reports with Ns for Listening, Self-Control, and Obeys Rules, it is the most defeated feeling. I want so badly for him to do what he is asked, but I'm not there with him to make sure he's on task and listening. I think it's starting to create self-doubt in my little guy and my heart breaks for him. I am committed to this boy! I will love him through this and he will be victorious!  God is in control of my sweet boy's future and I will continue to pray for wisdom and guidance on how I can be the best mom for Jackson.

Carter.  Coolest little three year old ever!!!I have to find pictures of his birthday and write a post on it.  It was awesome.  Here's a hint... there was definitely some naked inflatable water sliding going on!  He did so well in school and has been learning his letters like a champ.  He is extremely articulate and yet he still makes us giggle all the time with his mis-pronunciations!  Avengers = Kavengers,  Yellow = Lellow,   Remote = Kamote.  I'll have to think of the other ones, but those popped in my head right away.  He's been accepted into the BCA Pre-K program.  It's a bit of a risk since he is so young, but he will have the same amazing teacher Jackson had. We have the utmost confidence in her ability to adapt to Carter's needs. The girls REALLY love our Carter.  He's so endearing and those big, brown eyes will melt anyone's heart. Every, single day he looks at me and says "I love you mommy" and will rub his little head on me. He loves hugs and affection and it can make even my darkest day bright! Thank you God for this little boy who brings the sweetest love to my heart. He loves trucks, trains, planes (you get the picture), swinging, jumping, and driving his sweet police car around the yard. He continues to be the pickiest eater of all three.  He eats no fruits or veggies, except for bananas. I can probably name the foods he eats on both hands. It makes coming up with school lunch just about the hardest thing ever. Ugh... please Lord help him grow to love more variety in his diet!!! I have to warn his teachers at the beginning of the year to not judge my mothering skills on his school lunches. How embarrassing. Kids are so humbling aren't they? Ha!

Harley. It's hard to even know what to say about my sweet Harley. She's been fighting lymphoma now for 7 months. When we got the diagnosis in July, my grief began and it continues.  Now, we know she is not getting better.  Her tumors are much bigger and spreading. She hasn't had chemo in 4 weeks because her white blood cell count is too low.  Every week without chemo means more tumor growth.  She pants almost all the time and tires very easily.  Her appetite is still ferocious, which is a good sign. She's gained 8 pounds since July! I wish she could tell us what she's feeling.  I wish she could tell us what her wishes are!  We have said since the beginning that once we don't see our Harley anymore, we'll know it's time.  Once her little nubbin' quits wagging, once she doesn't show us her toofes, once she doesn't beg for treats all day, and once she doesn't want to participate in whatever we are doing, we'll know.  God help us when the time comes. When she's gone, a piece of my heart will go with her. She has brought us more love and joy than I ever realized a pet could give. Until the time comes, I will continue to hug her and look her in the eye and tell her how amazing she is and how much I love her. She knows though. I can tell. I think that's why she's fighting so hard....devoted until the very end.

Adam. He just started with a new mortgage company and has jumped in very quickly to a demanding position. It was an amazing opportunity he couldn't pass up. I am so proud of all he has done to get to this point, and I know he is up for the challenge. He is crazy intelligent and extremely efficient in his work. I know God will honor his hard work. Now, if we can just get an office closer to home, it will be the PERFECT situation!  We went out to Chuy's last night, followed up by Esther's Follies and a little Pete's Piano Bar.  It was a really fun night, and I am thankful we got to have a little Valentine outing together! Sometimes I think we forget how it all started with just the two of us! We forget how "we" were before we became a family. It's good to get out and remember who we are as husband and wife!!! I am thankful for his love and his constant effort to show me and tell me how much he loves me. I am a lucky lady!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

Strep Throat Be Gone!!!

Kylie got her tonsils removed on Thursday, which was a much-needed surgery after 6 cases of Strep Throat and many sore throats this school year.  Dr. Zapalac did a great job, of course, and Kylie has taken it like a champ! She is so tough! I can't believe how well she has handled the pain so far.  She misses solid foods though.  You wouldn't think a kid could get tired of ice cream, but I think she has reached that point.  The pain meds make her a bit nauseous too, which really adds to the fun of it all.  Poor baby.  I am always amazed at how strong kids can be.  Even more tough than adults at times.  I have a good friend that works with pediatric cancer patients, and I asked her one time how she does it.  I would think it would be such a difficult thing to be around all the time. She said those kids are actually some of most positive, strong kids anyone could ever meet.  I bet she is right!  I bet it would be truly inspiring to be around them as they fight such a huge battle so bravely.  We could all learn so much from those kiddos.  I know I have already learned so much from mine!

 

Another fun thing in our household... we have three new furbabies! We got three brother dwarf hamsters!  Rocky, Turbo, and Tiger are super cute and fun to watch. Kylie's we nick-named Turbo or Spaz as I like to call him.  That little booger is so hyper.  He gets on the wheel and his little legs run SOOOO fast.  It is hilarious!  The kids have really enjoyed them, and I am glad Kylie has something to cheer her up!

 



Avengers Assemble! Jackson is 5!!!

Jackson had a great 5th birthday.  It happened to be the last day of school, so they played all morning on inflatables at school and then got awards in the classroom.  He got the Humorist award, which I think is very fitting.  He is quite the funny little guy.  Every teacher he's ever had has told me how he makes them laugh all the time.  Not only does he say funny things, but the expressions he makes are just as funny!

The fun day started with a HUGE donut from the famous Round Rock donuts! That thing has to have at least 1,000 calories in it I'm sure.  Jackson loves donuts.  He actually loves just about anything loaded with sugar. Veggies and fruits, not so much.

 

 

He decided to have an Avengers party this year, so we went all out Avengers and took it to Wazoo's for some jumping fun! Grandma Debbie made an awesome Captain America shield cake (that's why we call her Cake Boss now).  Jackson had such a good time with his buddies, and I love watching my kids have fun with their friends.  They jumped and ran for 2 hours and were a sweaty mess when all was said and done!

Happy 5th birthday my man!!! I love you so much. I love our snuggles at night and how you never forget to ask me to say prayers with you. You are really smart, but sitting down to do school-work is really not your favorite thing.  You are so much boy! Anything that has to do with trucks, dirt, and reptiles you are ALL IN! 

 

 

 

Ms. Bobbi and Jackson

Easter Time!

I am just mad at myself for falling behind on my postings, so I am going to catch up here soon!  Let's start with Easter.  So, it may be June already, but better late than never!  We had a great time hunting for eggs, painting eggs, hanging with family and all the great fun things Easter brings!  Carter was old enough this year to understand it much better, which is such a treat for me to watch!  Jackson is so funny though... he is so apprehensive when it comes to big egg hunts.  He wants me to be right there by him and help him.  It's so strange.  I think it freaks him out that kids just bolt out in a crazy frenzy to get all the eggs.  It's just too much for him and he freezes!  So, I get to hunt for the eggs with him, which is still really fun for me.  And, one of these days I know he'll be too big for egg hunts, so I will gladly hold his sweet little hand and be his "wooby" as I like to call myself.  I typically think of myself in that way for them, like a security blanket.  As long as they know I'm right there near by, holding their hand they are completely secure.  What an honor it is to be their comfort and their rock! And, I hope they know that even when they are 20, 30, or 40, I'll always be their wooby!