My Boys; Reading

I walked by Parker's room a few minutes ago and saw this - him and his dad reading books together. Parker actually moved a bit before I got the picture so he's not laying right next to Ray like he was when I first walked by (it would have been a much better picture).

August Update

Ray's grandpa Frank passed away on Saturday. He had been fighting pneumonia in the hospital for several days. Ray and I went down to see him last Tuesday and we are so glad we did as he was awake and spoke to us. By the time Ray's mom got down there a couple of days later, he didn't even wake up. He passed peacefully with Anabel and Ray's cousin Jess by his side. His funeral is Wednesday. I expect it will be filled with warm stories and loving memories. Ray and I had a bit of fun speculating about what he might be doing and whom he might be seeing in heaven. We are pretty sure there are cards, coffee, pipe smoking and tall tales involved.

I was able to take care of some business while we were in Red Oak last week. We got an offer on my mom's house so there were several details that had to be taken care of and a few things that had to be removed from the house. Hopefully we will close in a couple of weeks and that will relieve a huge burden. No matter how much I try, I can't help but worry about the house (I take after my grandma!). It has been really upsetting going through this process as the house has been in our family for about 50 years and holds many special memories for me. The house is in very bad condition so we are selling it for less than we need to settle the estate. I am putting my trust in god that it will all work out in the end. Maybe I'll win the lottery!

A good friend of mine is expecting news about a biopsy that she had done last week. I have been so worried about her and her family and I am praying for the best possible news for all of them. What else..... my cat has something wrong with her leg and has stopped eating normally, as have both of our dogs but we haven't had time to get any of them to the vet. Work is absolutely crazy. I feel like I'm barely keeping it together most days.

On a more happy note, my sister started a new job today. She is looking forward to shedding the demands of owning her own business, gaining health insurance the ability to take a vacation now & then. Both of our kids are happy and healthy so despite all of the stress, it's hard to feel too bad about life. We are so thankful for the wonderful blessings the good lord has bestowed upon us and we have faith that he will help us through.

I sincerely hope this finds you and yours happy & healthy. I will try to post some new pictures soon.

Dance Fever!

Here is Parker grooving with this music/dance toy. He would not stand still!

You can see his crib in the background is missing the front rail. He learned how to crawl out of it a couple of weeks ago so we are officially into the toddler bed. He's had a bit of a time adjusting and has been crawling out of bed almost every night.

Make Up, Dress Up

Chloe loves loves loves her makeup! She even loves to share it with her brother, who, at the moment, also loves makeup, along with trucks, bugs and most of all, construction equipment.

They were playing dress up last weekend. Chloe has several outfits that were hand-me-downs from her cousins - here she is in the pink fairy outfit. Parker's favorite outfit is traditional Indian skirt & top that Manju (on Ray's team at work) brought back from India for Chloe a couple of years ago. He wouldn't keep it on long enough for a picture though.

Where did July go?

I guess we've been busy. I was out of town last week on business so July just slipped away. We also couldn't find our camera for a week or so which didn't help! Here are a couple of pictures from Emily & Addison's b-day a couple of weeks ago. As you can see, no one would look at me!

After the painful decision not to buy UNO hockey tickets this fall, we changed our minds and decided to buy a mini package. Much cheaper and less time committment so it should work out. Chloe asks every day when the hockey boys are coming back - we tell her they're at home for the summer.

Ray also started playing hockey again. Tonight was his first game since before Parker was born. I need a new hobby since deciding to give up home shopping. We (or I) have officially decided to stay in our house for the long run. We're going to make a few improvements and just enjoy what we've got!