Welcome Summer! (I think)

It's not officially summer yet but when the thermometer reads over 100 degrees I think it's safe to say summer has arrived.  We have been doing well and having fun, hence, the absence of posts lately.  We are reaping the fruits of our labor from our vegetable garden, i.e. fresh tomatoes, chillies, jalapenos and squash.  I just took a pic of some tomatoes before they fulfilled their destiny in some fresh salsa! The kids have been going to swimming lessons and enjoying the pool. don't mind the towel we are cardinal fans (don't tell hubby) We went to stay at a beach house in Ocean Side celebrating my brothers and sis in law's 10 year wedding anniversary.  Congrats!  alexa  me and my honey ocean side, ca sunset strawberry farm picking one for the road I've also started doing Insanity workout's trying to burn those last 10 stubborn pounds.  Gotten addicted to having Shawn T yell out me! Dig deeper! And the workouts are totally insane - I am not a person that sweats much ever instead I mostly get red {see tomatoes above} so I feel so excited to actually have some sweat dripping down my head when I'm done with the workouts.    Been trying to clean, declutter and organize although with 3 kids at home it's a slow process.  Alexa has just been enjoying having her brother and sister home from school to keep her company and busy playing also called making a mess.  Went to our convention in Tucson, AZ and went exploring/hiking/swimming in Sabino Canyon, which we all loved.  The best was hearing my daughter say, 'I can't believe I'm actually swimming in a river!" And watching all of them have fun under a waterfall!  Hard to believe there even is one in Arizona.  trailing down almost four miles  under a rare arizona waterfall   an amusing sign  The following picture is special to me because back when Alexa had her surgery in February we stayed at the local Ronald McDonald house that was right next to this mountain.  At the time it was snow capped and from the dining area you had a great view of it.  Because of our circumstances (being in hospital 24/7) we did not get to enjoy this side of Tucson nor the view.  We have been going to conventions every summer but always staying near the airport.  So this time we decided to stay at a hotel located north of down town close to the RMD house. We finally got to explore the area and enjoy the view.  hotel view We are now getting ready for a trip back to the beach and our first trip to Disneyland with Alexa! And a trip to visit Austin, Texas before summer is over to visit our possible new home town ~ actually really curious about Georgetown, Texas too so if any one of you have lived there or been there would love to know what you think of the area.   I really think we should just begin to live out of a suitcase because I'm getting quite tired of packing, unpacking and repacking. So that's it for now folks. It's dinner time!

From Blogger Pictures

CHD Again

I had gotten to the point of enjoying entire days without thinking of CHD until a few days ago.  It reared it's UGLY head back in my life.  My heart breaks for these families that have recently lost their children.  Please keep them in your prayers. 

One is Allie, we met her parents in the hospital when we were there with Alexa back in Februray.  Yes, in February!  They have been there all this time.  Allie fighiting one thing after another ~ such a brave and strong baby girl!  Last week she was sitting on her mommy's lap smiling, looking like she might finally get to go home.  She then turned very septic and today I read she passed away.

My heart also aches for Bryce and his family.  A 13 year old boy waiting for his 2nd heart transplant.  All he wanted to do was be in school and hang out with his friends.  Instead he enured many long hospital days, strokes and organ failure and has now sadly passed away.

I has also recently began to follow Chrissie's journey.  A precious little girl that has endured way too much for her short age.  As I read her mother's blog I was brought to tears by her relating the story of her needing to get off ECMO and telling her daughter to fight while Chrissie although suppose to be sedated from drugs had tears rolling down her face.  She has also sadly just passed away.

Please pray for these families as they must endure this unimaginable pain and loss.   

I HATE that CHD can do this to children and families!  I HATE that it cannot be cured now!  I HATE that you never know what complication can arise!  

It is just a reminder to enjoy each day to the fullest and love and enjoy your family today like it were your last.