She survived her first (and hopefully her last) black eye. Poor baby.



Yesterday was Don and Emily's birthday party. We all met and Dave and Busters and had a great time. Emily was on a roll and won lots of tickets.



Since Don's birthday was yesterday and Emily's today, it was easier to combine the two.



After a yummy dinner we all went to Don's parent's house for cake. It was so great getting to spend time with everyone. Even if it was a Monday night.



Hope they both got their wish.

Patrick was never big about cemeteries or things like that. During our almost 25 years together, we had talked about what to do if one of us dies. So I had a general idea of what Patrick wanted when he died. I decided on his favorite fishing spot. That way when we went to visit him we would be celebrating life not death. So today, the anniversary of his death, we all went to the park for breakfast.

The drought is worse than I thought. I couldn't believe how low the lake was today.
I was sorry that our ducks were not able to come and visit us today. The day we had the funeral at the lake, we had three ducks swim up and watch the whole ceremony. When it was all done they quietly swam away. It was like they knew what we were doing there and had just stopped by to pay their respects. This year we had even remembered the bread for them.

It took a little more of a walk but we did make it to the water.

Serif and her daddy got to look at the tadpoles swimming around.

Missy and Terry got a chance to spend some quiet time alone on the bridge while Serif and I wandered in the woods. I loved our walk. She is such a joy and talked constantly as we walked along.

Then it was time to play a little catch with the whole family before we headed back home. It was a very nice visit.

I still miss Patrick every day. Not the painful deep hurting that you feel when someone that you love first dies. No, it's more the missing of that part of you that made you whole. Missing the person that you shared all those years with. The person that you shared all your dreams and hopes with. The person that you promised to love no matter what and who is not there at your side any more. There will always be a hole in my heart for him.

Maybe because this has been such a hard year for our family that I have felt Patrick closer to me than usual. In times of stress I can feel his presence giving me strength. I have changed so much in the last 11 years. I like to think that he is proud of the woman I grew up to be.

I have no idea where the time has gone since my last blog. Never fear I am well but a little over worked. We had some big wigs at the office last week so things were a bit busy. Now it looks like things are back to normal and I'm getting caught up on my work.

I have gotten to spend a lot of time with my girl. Lately I have been getting off work early on Fridays. So I have been picking Serif up from school and her mommy can pick her up here. That way she and I get a little one on one time. One thing that she loves to do when she is here is to get into my make up. It's become a ritual for her to stand on the chair at my vanity and make herself beautiful.



And then when she was all through I almost cried when she said "I'm beautiful like G". Children are so wonderful.

Just popping in for a quick note to let everyone know that I am alive and well. Hopefully I'll get back to blogging again soon.

Right now we have some big wigs in the office so that has kept me busy. We had a company dinner last night and a lunch meeting today. They should be leaving this evening so hopefully life will get back to normal.

The good news is that I have gotten back to working out. I plan on hitting it again today after work. It really does help to relieve some of the stress after a day at the office. I just have to keep reminding myself of that when I just want to go home and hit the couch and veg.

Okay back to work. Hope everyone has a great day.

This is so awesome. I finally joined the 21st century. This weekend my wonderful son-in-law Terry and J put wireless in my house. So right now I am in my bed relaxing after a wonderful day and writing my blog. How awesome is that. I know most of you already have this but it's all new to me and I'm loving it.

Missy got a new crock pot and decided to practice on the mother's tonight. So her MIL and I got invited to dinner.

She made the best turkey and rice stew. It was so yummy. She also had biscuits.
Here are my beautiful girls working hard in the kitchen.
It was a wonderful evening. Missy's best friend joined us for dinner. She spent the time playing with Serif. Serif just adores her. E has been having a hard time and, even though she's still sad, I felt better getting to at least see her. I do have to tell you that she really does look awesome on her motorcycle.

Later in the evening, as we were sitting around relaxing and letting our wonderful dinner digest, C stopped by. What a wonderful surprise. I hadn't seen her since my birthday. As usual, she is looking fabulous.

Now I am home relaxing in my bed and getting ready for another week. Time for my beauty sleep.

And so life goes on. We are all back at work and dealing with life in our own ways. The healing takes time.

Serif got her hair cut over the weekend. She looks so cute and this is the perfect cut for her. Very easy to take care of.

While out running errands on Monday we stopped for a quick lunch. It was so nice to have my sweet family sitting across from me.

And, of course, they always show me the greatest respect when I'm taking pictures.

On a happy note Tom actually called last night. It was so good to hear his voice and find out what is going on with him. I have gotten so used to having my children close that is taking a little adjustment having him so far away. The main thing is that he is happy. That's all that matters.

One of the hardest things a mother can go through is watching her child in pain and knowing that there is nothing she can do about it. That's the way it has been for me that last couple of days. I have had to sit back and watch my sweet daughter go through one of the hardest things a woman can go through. The loss of a child. Missy lost her baby last week.

I was at work on Wednesday when Terry notified me about the baby. I am so grateful for the people I work with. There was no hesitation. Just go be with Missy and that's what I did. We all arrive at Missy's house to be with her. Her MIL, her SIL, Terry and me. We were all there to give her the support she needed. She was still in shock then.

I took Serif home with me since Missy had to go to the hospital early for her D&C. Afterward, she and Terry came over to my house so I could watch over them. At least I was able to feel like I could help a little.

I am so impressed with Missy. She is a strong woman. I know how hard this is. She is not hiding from the pain and loss. She will grieve but she is also looking toward the future. Serif is a big help. She doesn't know what's going on but she does know something is going on. She is being there for her mommy. She is watching over her and taking care of her in her own way.

Missy and Terry have a wonderful marriage and family. They will get through this stronger and better than before. Every time something bad happens they pull together and draw strength and hope from each other. They will continue to grieve but there is hope too and Serif is there to contantly remind them of the future that their family has.

Yesteday afternoon we finally a some relief from our drought. It really poured after I got home. Luckily Missy and Serif arrived just before it started. We had fun watching the rain come down but then Serif wanted to go out and play in the water.

There was really a strong current running in the gutter. Missy and Serif are checking it out.
Then I get the cheesy grin from Serif. Don't you just love the panda umbrella?

The kids next door were making boats out of leaves and sticks. They let Serif join in the fun.

She picked out some really good leaves for her boats.
Of course some times they needed a little help on their way.
Never fear Mommy was keeping a close watch on everyone.
It was so wonderful to see my grandaughter playing the same games in the same spots that her mother played at that age.

I'm not sure you can see but her shorts are soaked from her sitting in the water.
Here they are discussing the the merits of the different leaves. We all had a lot of fun. It's hard to believe that she is getting so big.

This morning I went to the doctor. All is well and I am extremely healthy. Good news all around. My thyroid is right on so the medication is working. I am still maintaining my cholesterol with diet and exercise (oh if he only knew) so no medication for that. In fact, I am so healthy that he doesn't want to see me for a whole year.

The other good news is that it rained yesterday. What a wonderful sound that was on the windows last night. Just what we needed. It's been a long dry spell. My yard actually has some green in it. We may survive this summer afterall.

I think I have finally recovered from last week. It was not the best week I have had.

Monday – Having to put Bosco down.
Tuesday – Stomach flu
Wednesday – Continued recovery from stomach flu
Thursday – Dinner with Tom, Missy, Terry and Serif and then helping Tom pack his trailer for his trip to Alaska
Friday – Said good bye to Tom as he headed out to Alaska
Saturday – Wonderful 16th birthday party for K. Took lots of pictures but of course they are still on my camera.
Sunday – Missy and Terry had the mothers over for dinner.

That pretty much sums up my week. It was hard saying good bye to Tom and there were tears. He is starting a new life and I pray that he finds all the happiness that he deserves there.

I am trying to adjust to coming home and not having Bosco waiting there for me. That is still hard but I know that every day it will get easier. I admit that there has been some second thoughts about whether I was right to do it when I did. But deep in my heart I know it was the right time for him.

Hopefully I have recovered from all my illness and am planning to actually try to start back at working out every night after work. It felt good to get all my work out stuff ready this morning. Now I just have to keep up the momentum.

BOSCO
AUGUST 18, 1994 - AUGUST 11, 2008

You were my friend and companion. You were there through the good times and the bad times. You were there for all my tears and laughter. I told you my thoughts, fears and dreams. You were my confidant. You were always happy to see me when I got home. You adored Serif and were patient and loving to her always. No one could have ever asked for a better dog. I know that the tears will eventually stop but the memories never will.

Today is an exciting day for our family. Not only is it Terry's birthday but this afternoon they have their first doctor's appointment for the baby. What a wonderful birthday present for Terry. He gets to see a picture of his new baby. Missy has a great doctor is that is going to let Serif join them in the examination room. That way Serif gets to experience everything right along with mommy and daddy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRY!

Not much to talk about today. I've been a little under the weather so it's been pretty much work and home.

Monday is Terry's birthday. In honor of his birthday, enjoy this video. The old guy still has it.

Looks like I'm back to the boring life again. I really don't have anything to talk about. Just rambling a little.

There are changes happening in my family right now. Nothing bad but changes just the same. I'm not really ready to talk about them yet. I will when it's time.

I loved being a mom. It was something that I always felt I was meant to do. I'm not saying I was the perfect mother. In fact, I'm the first to admit that I have made a lot of mistakes. The one thing my children could never say was that I didn't love them.

I tried very hard to always be there for them whenever they needed me. I still try to be there but now they are adults and there is a line that you try very hard not to cross. No matter what I personally think, they have to make their own decisions. They also have to make their own mistakes. Just the way I did.

I remember when Patrick and I were starting out. It would make us so mad when either one of our parents would try to tell us how to do things. My mother (and mother-in-law) was very good about making those little comments about the proper way to raise children or keep a house. Sometimes our thinking was the same but sometimes it wasn't. It took a while for my mother to realize that there could be other ways of doing things than the way she and her mother had done them. Luckily, as I got older, we achieved that wonderful relationship of friendship. She was always there to give advice when I asked but kept most of her opinions to herself.

In my lifetime so much about raising children has changed. What you can and cannot do. Sometimes I marvel that mine ever made it to adulthood. But I must have done something right because they are both wonderful adults. I am not only proud to have them as children but I am proud to have them as friends.

As you can see, they have grown a little since these pictures were taken. They were cute kids though.

There are many reasons to have a blog. Deep thoughts, sharing fears and joys. So many reasons. But one of the biggest reasons could be to embarrass your daughter. Right?

So the other day we were cleaning out Missy's old room . I know it's been almost 11 years since she left home but she never really moved out. All that stuff in her room was a big indication of that.

It was so much fun going through all the stuff and remembering both the good and the bad. But then I look up and out comes my beautiful baby girl.

That's my girl. Minnie Mouse wedding ears and an old pair of glasses. That's my baby.

This has been a very strange time for me. My life is usually so boring. I mean really really boring. The get up go to work, come home and go to bed boring. But for some reason that hasn't been the case and I'm loving it.

Last Saturday Terry's mother, sister, niece, Missy and I all went to the movie. I have to tell you that if you are looking for a feel good chick flick, then you have got to see Mama Mia. It was great. We had four completely different women watching this show and we all loved it. I love going to Alamo Drafthouse to see a movie. You can sit there in comfort while you eat your pizza and then have a nice big piece of chocolate cake with ice cream and never miss a thing on the screen. Pure decadence.


Then Monday night was Kathy's birthday. That meant dinner out with the family. Oh what fun. We went out for seafood. Yummy. The crab legs were great. The only problem was terrible service. The only good thing about bad service is that you get to spend more time visiting with everyone. I hope Kathy had a great birthday. Next one up is Terry.

Humans and animals have a lot in common. You have children, you raise them and then they go out on their own.

For the last few weeks I have been watching the house sparrows as they built their nest on my front porch. We watched the mommy and daddy gradually build the nest to where it was strong and safe. Since it was inside the eave, it was safe from the wind and rain. Though in Austin right now that was not an issue since we are in a drought.

If you look closely you can see two baby birds sticking their heads out of the nest.













This is them a week later. Boy those parents really had to work to keep them fed and growing like that.










Over the weekend, the babies grew up and left the nest. It was time for the kids to leave home to start their own life.

I will miss them. Think they will write?

Okay, so yesterday I told everyone about the wonderful party my children threw for me. Now I think you should see what Sunday brought.




Terry was helping a friend move so he didn't get his nap until we were doing our weekly grocery shopping. Now you have to remember that everyone was sleeping so no one got a picture of the old lady sawing logs on the other sofa.

I thought I had a fantastic birthday on Wednesday. It was all I had hoped for. Apparently my children had another idea. I have to tell you, I had no idea turning 60 could be so much fun.

Saturday night I was scheduled to babysit. Missy got a text while at my house and told me that the couple they were going out with had cancelled on them. She was so disappointed because she was so looking forward to dressing up and going out. A little later she asked if I would be willing to go with the three of them for a nice family dinner. Since all I had planned was to have Serif I said sure. So I went in and got dressed. We asked Terry to pick a nice Mexican Restaurant and he went to the computer to find one. He told us that he found one off 620 where he and Patrick would eat while working in the field. Sounded good so we said go for it. Driving to the restaurant, we got to the turn off for the Oasis, a beautiful restaurant on Lake Travis, and decided to see if they would be too crowded to eat there. We were being spontaneous. Right?

The place was really crowded. I was surprised when we got out of the car and ran into Terry's sister in the parking lot. She let it slip that this had been planned and that there was a party for me. I thought another nice family dinner but I had no idea what was waiting for me. We go up these stairs and E and C are there taking my picture. I was so surprised when I walked into a room of people with a slide show in the background of all these pictures of me as a baby all the way up to present. I can tell you that it was a total surprise. Boy I had no idea Missy was so sneaky.

I have never had a surprise party before. I was in a state of shock the whole time. I can't believe my sweet baby girl did all this. There was lots of food, friends and laughter. There was also a balconey to enjoy the view of Lake Travis. Enjoy some of the hundreds of pictures taken that evening.

This is my beautiful E. Sometimes you can pick your family.

There was lots of love and laughter in the room that night

The whole family. Tom provided the most delicious cake. I'm still enjoying it.

I can't believe they did all this for me.

I am truly the luckiest mother in the whole world.

I will leave you with the beautiful sunset we were able to enjoy from the balconey on my special night.

I survived my 60th birthday! I can't tell you what a wonderful day it was. I have to admit that if yesterday was any indication of what lies ahead, then the 60's are going to be fabulous.

First I was awakened by a phone call from my two girls singing happy birthday to me. What a wonderful way to wake up. Then Missy and I met E at Starbucks to visit a little before going to Alamo Drafthouse to have lunch and watch a movie. It was so sweet of both Missy and E to take the day off to spend it with me. They both made me feel special through out the day.

After the movie, Missy and I killed some time shopping. We do that so well and then headed off to get Serif. Missy had made cupcakes and sent them to school for the kids to enjoy my birthday. So when I walked in all these little 3 year olds sang happy birthday to me. It was great.

I had hoped that we could go to a park but it was just too hot. This Texas weather has been record breaking heat this year. So we went home so Serif could see what we bought her. (I said we went shopping didn't I?)

Before we knew it, it was time to meet everyone at Outback for a yummy dinner. I can't put into words how wonderful it was to sit at that table surrounded by my friends and family. Both of my children, Tom and Missy, my wonderful son-in-law Terry, my precious grandbaby, my special rent-a-daughter E, my friend K who also happens to be Terry's mother and my dear friend N. It was all so very special and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my special day. Thank you all for being there.

That night as I lay in bed, I couldn't help but think about what a very blessed person I am. I am surrounded by loving family and wonderful friends. I am truly loved.

Thank you Missy for making my 60th birthday such a special day. You are, and will always be, my special baby girl.