Ryan's Graduation

Our nephew, Ryan, graduated from Kindergarten today. The whole family was invited so Dave took a couple of hours off work to attend along with Ralph and of course Grandma (Ralph's mom) and Auntie (me). They sang 4 songs (one about a flower hence the flower head gear he designed) and of course all of us had tears in our eyes. It's just so hard to believe that he's growing so fast as are all our nephews and nieces! Here are some pictures ... enjoy!

Ryan with his teacher, Mrs. Baxter (a friend of mine too from church):













Hayley tried on the head gear too!














And Auntie with the girls waiting for the program to begin:

Dad & Joy

Dave and I met my Dad and Joy in Castle Rock tonight for dinner to celebrate my birthday last week. We had a wonderful time as always and got to catch up on our lives. Here are pictures of us from dinner. Thanks for dinner Dad and Joy!!

Morning Star x2!

Well, our little bird above our front door has two babies now. Dave had read online that morning doves hatch two eggs so we were expecting the second one and she delivered. Here's the latest picture and of course we'll update when the babies arrive!

Welcome Morning Star!

Well, I've been wanting another pet. So "Morning Star" as we're naming the mama, has arrived! We opened our front door today to find a morning dove bird flying away and then we saw her nest. We climbed up and saw her first egg. There will likely be a second egg soon according to what we've researched on the internet. Nature is so amazing isn't it??!! Can't wait to see the baby!!

Vail Weekend May 24-26, 2008

My friend Tina and I went to Vail this past weekend. We had a great room at the Vail Cascade which is where these scenic pictures are from. We went shopping in town, went out for a fun dinner and did some scrapbooking. Then on Sunday we had massages before heading home. It was a nice getaway from everyday life!!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I'm 39 years old today! Wow ... where did the time go??!!

I had a wonderful day! I felt so spoiled all day!! First, my favorite girls and I went to lunch. Jen, Hayley and Mira took me to Chili's. Thank you Jen for a wonderful time ... you always make me feel so special!

Chris & Mira


Jen & HayleyThen I had my first physical therapy appointment and it went well. Then I came home for a little break before Dave got home from work. I had messages from my dad, Joy, my girlie Julie, and Mom & Dad! Then off again ... Dave and I went to P.F. Chang's for dinner. We had a gift card from my Dad and Joy from Christmas. It was a wonderful dinner and Dave surprised me with a beautiful new necklace! Then, one more surprise ... our friends Tina and Mike invited us over for a visit and when we got there ... surprise ... cupcakes with a candle to celebrate my special day!

Isaiah & Chris

And my birthday cupcake!! Thank you Tina!

And then my last surprise ... a birthday email from my nephews and niece up north, Xander, Kyler and Jaisa and a PICTURE of all 3!!! Yippee!!! It was perfect!!

Recovery Update

Well, a week post-surgery, and I'm doing pretty well. I do get VERY tired after a day of ANYTHING unfortunately! Dave's mom tells me this will pass with time. I've been soooo spoiled this last week. Our friends Julie and Todd brought dinner Tuesday the night of my surgery which we cooked on Wednesday night and ate twice. How special we felt! And then our dear friends Tina and Mike did the same on Thursday night. They brought the wonderful meal over, cooked and cleaned, and visited ... I always enjoy having them over and of course Isaiah brings lots of laughs. It was great! And on Saturday night, my sister and family came over and did the same. Another wonderful meal!! I also received beautiful flowers from our old friends Barb and Tom. And on Saturday when Jen and the family came over, I was spoiled with flowers, lotions and cards for Mother's Day! It was terrific! Of course, the best part was spending time with everyone who came over and gave me a break from my pain!!

Mother's Day was wonderful too. Dave woke me up with a Starbucks latte made as I love it ... nonfat milk, sugar-free hazelnut and decaf ... and cards from him as well as our furry kids. And a Starbucks card for future purchases. He then made breakfast. So spoiled I felt!

My depression has been bad unfortunately. I fell into an episode on Friday, but I'm starting to feel like it might end soon. As I type all these wonderful things, I realize how lucky, loved and blessed I am and that makes me happy!

Thanks to everyone for the emails, cards, and prayers. I'm so very lucky!

Jen & Mira on Mother's Day

Friends Tina & Isaiah

Flowers (from Dave and friends Barb & Tom)

Surgery Complete 5/6/08

Well, my hip surgery was Tuesday and everything went well. The doctor was able to repair a tear in the hip, get a biopsy from the abnormal tissue lining, and clean out all the "dust" in the area. There was a small mass in the back that he wasn't able to get, but he's hoping this scope will be enough. We'll have to find out when all is healed.

Dave's parents spent the day at the hospital along with Dave so I had people to visit with before and after. And it was so nice that they were there to keep Dave's mind off of the surgery.

I got home from the hospital Tuesday night and these roses were on my front porch from Dave. My favorite ... roses!