Archive for May, 2008

“Yeah, I’m hatching them…”

90 degree weather, backyard inflatable pools, popsicles, bug catching…summer is here!

Other weekend plans included a crawfish boil that my Uncle had at his place out in the country. Ava enjoyed the crawfish…playing with them, that is. As I was tucking her into bed she said, “We forgot to bring my crawfish home. I think he misses his mamma and daddy. Maybe we should get him next time and bring him home.” To which I replied, “Yeah, sure, next time…” Good thing that one still works.

We spent alot of the weekend outside. Weather was good, flowers were blooming, and we had projects to complete. We power-washed and cleaned up the old swing set that was left-for-dead in our backyard. I am looking for a “before” photo and then I will post. You won’t believe the transformation…it is HGTV worthy. We also started on the back of our garage… stay tuned for the finished project. We have great plans. Think lemon trees, veggie garden with raised beds, hibiscus between the beds, stone pathway down the middle, and a wooden arbor with climbing rose/clematis. Of course, I need a few years to complete the vision…but it all begins with the first step.

Bella and Peanut sharing a bed (Peanut is my sister’s lovable little dog that Ava ADORES and torments relentlessly). Dave’s face is priceless in the next photo, which also showcases Olivia’s favorite position. And finally, check out the gorgeous blooms that I got for Mother’s Day. I didn’t think I liked lillies, but I have decided that I LOVE them. I just ordered some to plant in my garden. Watch out!

Okay, so she’s been doing plenty of Downward Dog and trying as hard as she can to stand on her toes. But on May 7 2008, one day after her 7-month birthday, Olivia finally figured out how to use those knees and CRAWL baby! Fortunately Kate had the video camera nearby and the rest is history. She’ll be walking in no time.

My long-time friend Cameron recently completed a 40 mile walk for breast cancer to raise money and awareness. She has a new blog and wrote such a sweet, inspiring post about her experience. I am sure we all know people within our lives who are fighting the battle with cancer. Just within my own close circle I have a friend (my age) who has already had a complete mastectomy due to rare and aggressive breast cancer. She is now facing a battle with melanoma. My previous center director, committee member, and friend is facing a battle with pancreatic cancer, and close friends of my family recently lost their 21 year old daughter to a metastatic brain tumor. You don’t have to look far to realize that when you are healthy, you are so truly blessed. So, hop over to Cameron’s page and take a read. It will make you so grateful for your health and perhaps if you are like me, it will remind you the next time the crazy traffic, or whiney kids or rude waiter is making you nuts…that everything is really OK, you really are so lucky, and these little things don’t amount to anything at all.

****For the web challenged, just click on the underlined, highlighted word and it will take you to that link.

Time is flying…where does it go? Little baby girl is now 7 months old. What a fun age! While I love the cuddly, snuggly, soft-smelling newborn stage…I must admit that it is so much more fun for me once they start to come out of that cocoon. Of course, getting a regular night’s sleep probably helps that too. Olivia is doing so great. If I had to pick one word to describe her right now it would be inquisitive. Being the youngest member of our family is NOT going to slow this one down. She wants to be involved in everything… whatever we are eating, whatever we are talking about, whatever we are doing. She loves being out and about around people and lights and activity. She is very vocal and has no problem chiming in! She is really pretty easy-going as long as she is being included! And, while she has been doing the boot-scoot-boogie for a couple weeks now, she just started truly crawling. I took a video and am waiting for Dave to edit and post it. Too cute! She sleeps through the night, eats like a champ (kale anyone?), loves her sister to bits, loves baths and swinging, and just is a all-around happy baby. So, here’s to a great month!