Two Girls, Two Boys

My brother has girls and I have boys. That’s just the way we roll. I am so excited that the girls, Belle and Izzy, are coming to Grammies this week. We are headed to Grammies on Friday night to enjoy a long weekend of cousin fun! Check out these cousin shots from the past year.

Eating after Sea World – Summer ‘09

Playing after Sea World – Summer ‘09
Eating Breakfast – Spring Break ‘10

Playing – Spring Break ‘10

Cousins are Out-of-This-World! - Children's Museum, Spring Break '10

I know what you’re thinking…we do a lot of eating and playing! Hey, it’s the only time they are still long enough to get ‘em all in one shot!

And She's Off!

Mom left on her trip this morning. Cristian rode with me to drop her and Diana off at the airport. 7 days on a Mediterranean cruise and 7 days in Spain...a relaxing 2 weeks. No kids to chaperon, no itinerary to follow. Just the two of them paling around. My only concern is the balcony on the boat. All the horror stories you hear about cruise ships always involve a balcony and someone going over it, right into the ocean...or in this case, the sea. I have been obsessing about that stupid balcony ever since she booked her trip and told me she got a room that had one. Yes, it sounds nice and maybe I should not be worried...but it is what I do, I can't help it. I felt a little better when my brother shared the same concern. See, I'm not the only one. Ha! So, for my mom and for my sanity could you say a little prayer for her and Diana. I just want God to watch over them and keep them safe. They are both seasoned travelers, but having the big guy on your side can't hurt! Thanks!

Philip's Legacy

I haven't blogged in awhile, but today I felt very moved to do so. Kelly's Korner is a great blog written by an amazing woman. I have not participated in her 'Show us your life.' Friday's before, but today is different. Today, she is hosting a 'Show us your encouragement blog or website.' When we received Philip's diagnosis, I broke down...then I googled. I was on the Internet for hours that night, well into the early morning. I needed to research and I needed to find others; other parents who could help me understand. For me, education and learning is the key to take away my fear. The best place for me became the living with trisomy 13 site. I found support, love and understanding. I am still in contact with several of the moms I met through that site and keep up with the online support group. I have been contacted by several moms in my area who were going through early diagnosis and I felt really blessed to be that person for them. That 'other' that I had yearned for in the beginning. My blog is a bit neglected lately, but I hope if you have found your way here you will click on the link to the right 'Philip's Story' and take a few minutes to read about our amazing first born and the impact he made on our family. I miss him everyday, but he gave me so much. He made me the one thing I always dreamed of being, a mom. After you read Philip's story, please feel free to talk a look around the Living site. There are pages and pages of beautiful miracles, some living on Earth and some in Heaven. Thank you for stopping by!

Best Laid Plans

I wanted to post updates from the holidays this weekend, but our computer is sick with a virus. We should have it fixed by tomorrow and I can gear back up to start posting regularly!

In addition, please keep the people of Haiti in your hearts and prayers. I have been avoiding the news because I just can't handle the images and the thought of what they are going through; it breaks my heart to think about it...it is just too much to comprehend.

Matthew Paul Turner wrote a great post over the weekend about Martin Luther King. I really liked it and even heard it being endorsed on the radio yesterday (KLove). Small world! Matthew is in Uganda and has been posting about his trip. Amazing stories and pictures...you should check them out here.

Another Boy!

UPDATE:
Because our newest baby is burnt orange and white, we decide on a UT themed name. We wanted something short and sweet and easy for Cristian to say. The winner is: MACK
Mandy and Paul stopped by last night to meet Mack and he fell in love with Paul. I wonder if Mack's former family were country folk. Paul had just come from the barns where he was tending to his pig, Ms. P.I.G. Mack seemed to take to Paul's scent right away. Country dog in the City...this should be an adventure for him!

We have added another member to our family...
And...it's a BOY! 28 inches tall and 60 pounds! Isn't he the cutest? This picture was taken at his former home...he doesn't sit on the furniture at our house. We picked him up yesterday and I am in love! He is a very good boy and has been trained really well. He was a rescue so we don't know a whole lot about his former life. Our friends who rescued him had taken him to the vet. He was a bit lean (you can't tell in this pic), but otherwise in good health. No heart worms or parvo. He had been in a dogfight while wondering the streets so he had to take some antibiotics. He looks great now (still a little lean). He is around 2 years old and we think he is a pointer, boxer, American bulldog mix of some sort.

I have never been a dog owner, so I really hesitated to get one. Carlos has been asking for years. When I saw this guy's sweet face I could not resist. Our friends who rescued him had him for a couple of weeks and were able to give an excellent recommendation. That made my decision much easier! We are being cautious with Cristian, not leaving them alone together for awhile. So far so good...last night was great. It is rainy and cold, so Big Dog slept in the garage. He did great and went to the restroom right on cue when Carlos walked him this morning. We don't have a name for him yet...I am pulling for 'Hank' and Carlos wants 'Bud.' If you have a suggestion leave me a comment...we would love to know what you think!

Under Construction

As you can see my blog is undergoing some changes. It is a new year and my devotion to this blog has been renewed! I am excited to start, but a fresh slate was needed...some new paint on the walls. I am just using some freebies for now, but am hopeful that I will one day figure out how to customize the header. I am unwilling to spend money, so time and patience will be needed. No rush, I am happy with this new look and will just add a few choice poses to the side bar! New posts to come this week...from October pumpkins, Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas presents, I've got tons to share.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and like every day, we remember our Philip. It just feels more official today. So, as you walked through your day, can you please take a few minutes to remember any and all little ones that have gone to be with Jesus? Pray for their families as they continue on in their lives with a little piece of their heart missing forever. I will be stopping by Philip's place this afternoon to have a quick chat...just a few minutes with my boy.

I have been horrible at posting lately, just feeling very overwhelmed with life...so many things to do to keep up with the daily stuff and so many things I want to accomplish on top of the chores. I had a birthday this past Sunday. Carlos threw me a little surprise party with friends on Saturday night at our local hang out. It was so much fun. Then, on Sunday, I had a panic attack for breakfast. Not sure if it was the 'turning a year older' or the Hanna Montana movie my son and niece were watching that did the trick, but I was in a full blown panic. Tears, hyperventilation, it was all there and I was so embarrassed. My mom helped talk me down. Poor Cristian and Dru just sat there looking at me...their eyes said "Hey crazy lady, snap out it!" Oh, geez. So, when I say it has been crazy 'round here, I ain't lying. ha ha ha. I hope everyone is doing well, I will try, very hard, to post new pictures of the little guy this weekend. He is walking and talking up a storm, just keeping us on our toes!