The perfect dress!

I have four kids and like any momma, I like to brag on my kids. My eldest just got promoted from 5th to 6th grade. She is no longer an elementary school student. She has begun her journey as a young woman, officially. We went looking for her dress for this special occasion and that itself was quiet the occasion. It was an enjoyable time though. We started at Ross, then Kohl's, and we wandered the mall for a bit. Then we saw Dillards...hmm...they have clearance racks. So we ventured up to the third floor to see what we could find. We knew the right dress would eventually call out to us..and it did. We found this coral beauty and Abby made it shine even more! The whole trying on and helping bring more back and switching clothes on and off the hangers etc...took me back. Back to when my own mom and I went shopping, when we were able to. I grew up in a big family. So when we did go shopping, it was special, and sure enough, Abby let me know that she felt spoiled...good..she should.

p.s. the dress was only an awesome $27. And Abby was so tickled that after we paid, they put it in a plastic bag. It was so exciting to have moved up in the world..she had bought a 'bagged dress'! Love it!

Oh, and just a bit more bragging...she has also got commended scores on all her TAKS (Texas state tests) tests for this year. Which means not only did she pass, but she exceeded expectations. On her last test, science, she ONLY missed one question. Can you see me glowing? I am!

So, yeah...I am not so regular..

So I don't tend to be real regular. Umm...and I'm not talking about that kind of regular. I just mean I don't get to post as much as I would like. Gosh during the school year I am literally in over my head! With work, and thank God for overtime too, it is really hard to find time for myself...I am still looking. The condition of my house has taken back seat, yet again! And again I am vowing to get it in order before my mom comes to visit this summer, even though she is a big help and encouragement to me.

I never would have imagined myself on the journey that I am on now. I never planned on being a full time working mom, trying to switch between 'hats' quickly and dump my 'stuff' from work before I walk in the door. Wow, what a challenge. I did one of those things that you're not supposed to do. I got the kids what I refer to as 'guilt gifts'. Yeah I got them each a little something because I have not been around enough. But on a more positive and productive note, we just got our passes to the YMCA this past Tuesday. Well the kids wanted to go out swimming right away that night...on a school night. So yes we did and we sure had fun! Just me and the kids. I need to work on making more memories like that.

Buddy! our little angel...

Since the loss of our two four legged family members, we were wanting to adopt another dog into our family. Well, it turns out that he found us. We found Buddy on the side of our house one afternoon, shaking like a leaf. he was filthy and flea ridden. We took him inside and gave him a bath and cleaned him up. We took him to the vet to check for a chip. We did the necessary checking to see if someone had lost him. But after sufficient time, we claimed him as ours. He has been the most perfect dog. It seems almost too perfect. We love him with all our hearts, which has been very healing for us after the loss of the others. When Ralph goes to pick up the kids from school, he goes along for the ride. When we go to Sweetwater to visit my Grandma and Aunt, he goes. I love that he is 'portable' and that he travels well. I think it is so sweet that he follows my husband around the house and sits at his feet and sleeps by my side of the bed. I think the one thing that I really love most....he doesn't shed! Because he has some poodle in him...poodles don't shed. Thank you God...you knew exactly what we needed and wanted.

Our Little Axle

Well, we have more sad news from our home. Our second doggie Axle, has passed away as well, he was 12 years old too. He has only been with us for about 2 1/2 years. But he has been such a sweet little guy. He never complained, always loved, and was a real trooper on the road. He is a retired circus dog that we adopted from my circus performing brother. He had a full life and happy life. I feel that we were his retirement family and we gave him the best we had. Thank you Axle for taking us into your heart and loving us. We love you with all our hearts!

Our Dear Robin

So I haven't blogged in months...either because I have no personal life or there is too much packed into my days...or both!

But we recently had something happen in and to our family. Our dear family companion and best friend of 12 years has passed on. It has been a few weeks now. My heart is still very tender. Some would argue that she was just a dog. Robin was so much more than that. She was there before we were married. She was there for the birth of our four kids and we were there for the birth of her eight. She was with us through all the up, downs, ins and outs of being on the mission field. She has come with us stateside these past three years, in what I consider her golden years. She loved us and was so loved by us. There will never be another to replace her...not even close.
Robin...you'll be missed. But forever in our hearts!

5 Things I enjoy MEME

Thanks Michelle for the easy idea...
Here it goes.

1...Quiet time at the end of the day with a glass of wine.

2...Reading a book quietly.

3..Taking a nice long bubble bath.

4..Going out on a date with my hubby.

5..Playing with my kids.


Umm, they were not listed in any particular order.

Summer vacation!

We have been blessed to be able to take a road trip to visit family in another state. But I have left my dear husband to hold down the fort, even though I have the 'tribe' with me. We have been gone four weeks and we are itching to get back home. But there has been so many family and friends that we have not seen and some that we will still not get the chance to see. Nevertheless...we need to get back home. Here are just a few precious pictures of our trip. These pic's are of us 'chillin' at the bay..it was kind of cold. But we had fun. It may be another year or two before we get back there....so who cares if it's cold, right?!