Blessed, Lucky, Loved

I sat last night and really reflected on how truly blessed I am. My friends, my family, my love-

I am so honored to be a part of making the world a better place. Remember the movie Pay It Forward? It's so very true. If just each of us- treats others the way we would want to be treated in return- just think.... think of the possibilities.

My new job- the values that we teach our children, the friends that make me want to be a better person. For real- my cup is full. My heart beats hard and proud.

And my heart goes out to families that have to experience loss. It pains me.

The tornado in Joplin- claimed too many. This family -the Hamils- lost their 15mo old son, the mother and 5 year old daughter are in the hospital, and her 3 year old son was ripped from her arms during the storm and is still missing.

Heartache.

If you can help. Help. $5, $10, $20- every cent counts. Give blood. Give supplies. Give your time. The American Red Cross has plenty of information of ways to help as well.

Count your blessings. Hug your loved ones. Send some love to those who need it.

Ramblings-

whew! what a week- last week of school- 3 day weekend- and 100 degree weather- HOT!

BigSisC won the Citizenship Award- that's for being helpful and a role model student throughout the year- she was the only girl in 7th grade to win the award!! Way to go! So very proud of her- can't believe that she will be starting her last year of middle school next year..... time has just got to slow down!
BigBroC has his awards ceremony and 5th grade graduation on Friday- then it's out of elementary school and off to the 6th grade for him-

surely- I don't age at the same rate as the kids do- right? .....RIGHT?

Earlier this week we hit up the Round Rock Express game. We love sitting out on the "grassy knoll" - at least that's what we call. We just bring a big blanket and relax chase babyK around. At least the sun had settled a little bit and we got a good spot in the shade- a nice breeze- and a great crowd.

This weekend we are heading out with one of our favorite families- the K Family. They have a lake house that is o'so fun. Spending the days floating in the lake and fishing. And of course my favorite part of the planning- is deciding what to eat!

The menu for this weekend:
- sausage and biscuits for breakfast
- brisket and red beans
- jalapeno bacon wrapped chicken
- grilled corn on the cob with cilantro pesto butter
- grilled asparagus
- spinach artichoke dip
- cheesy bean dip

I know- way to much food- we always have a lot.

And speaking of having a lot- my family is truly blessed and I don't want to end on a sad note here- so read on to the next post-

SUMMER LOVE!!

Cha-Cha- Cha- Changes...

Man! I feel like I haven't posted in FOR- ever- and that probably because I haven't.

So much has been going on- so I am just going to give a quick re-cap and then we'll be all caught up and we can move forward from there.

1. I GOT A NEW JOB!!! Very very exciting- and it's with a company that is home based. so everyone works from home- how cool is that? So to get some training underway I went to "boot camp" in Park City, UT for 3 days one week. Got pretty spoiled with a nice big room with a fire place. Went and checked out where they hold the Sundance Film Festival- and of course, did some work too. Then I came home and turned right back around and headed out to Orange County, CA for our annual company meeting to stay at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Nigel for 3 days- and WOW- I was pretty spoiled there too! Steak, lobster, wine, live music, sail boat racing- oh- and we did some work too. All in all this has been a fantastic move for me and I am so happy and honored to get to work with this great group!

2. K had his 15 month doctor's appointment (last month) He is just growing growing growing. Still in the 5% for weight and height- coming in at just 20 lbs. But no worries- his noggin is still big and in the 75%- it's all the smarts he keeps in there. He's walking, running, climbing, and good ol' dad taught him how to jump in the bed.... good one dad. He can sing Itsy Bitsy Spider- with hand movements, the ABC's, and he will try and repeat just about anything you say. (going to have to start watching what we say) He eats like a champ- and the strangest thing- the other night he reached into the Pico and wanted to eat it??? that boy!

3. BigBroC is finishing up his last days in Elementary School- 5th grade graduation is just a week away! Then it's off to Middle School *gasp* He's decided to play the Baritone- so I think next year will be a lot of fun for him.

4. BigSisC has finished her 1st "sports" season- she played volleyball, basketball, and then did track. She says she likes basketball best- and can't wait to play next year. Of course next year she will rule the school as a big 8th grader- time is going by too fast!

5. Around the house we have been sprucing up the yards- we have some peppers and tomatoes growing.
-We are almost ready to start our patio.
-We almost have my new office all set up- and we are going to be adding some french doors to the study.
-Diesel chewed up my heart strap for The Watch- why? I don't know- he's such a weird dog! but good news- it still works- yay.
-My mother's day was great. We went to Pecan Street Festival, ate crawfish, and then played some bat-mitton with friends- great great day! Thank you to all who made it so special.

Hmmmm... I think that about sums it up. Hopefully things around here will get back into the normal routine- I'll keep you all posted.