Time to Say Goodbye

My favorite man in the whole wide world.

My favorite two kids in the whole wide world.

My favorite family in the whole wide world.

Yesterday we had a fun time trying to take our family Christmas picture. There just happened to be 30 mile per hour winds outside so we settled on an indoor picture which will be on your Christmas card. I try to avoid professional photography, it just stresses the hell out of me. I like to take pictures on my schedule, and my dad required no sitting fee. Next year I suppose we will take professional pictures. I was sad to see my parents go today. We had a nice week of relaxing, shows, shopping, BBQ'ing and eating. Now it is time to plan Larissa's birthday party, and continue my Christmas shopping. This is always such a busy time for me since Larissa's birthday falls the week before Christmas. As a pre-teen, it is all about sleep-overs, crafts, polish, and movie night. It won't be long before we have a home full of pre-teen girls. Once that is over, we head to Texas for some family time and my brother-in-laws wedding. Should be a fun time. Rene will leave to Nicaragua tomorrow for a short one week trip. Will still miss him much.

Chilaxin

My sweet baby girl

Busted!

So tonight we simulated what it would be like if we were back at the ranch. After a long day of cooking and shopping, it was time to take in the beautiful stars, wine, and roasted marshmallows. We listened to dad do what he does best, talk about his days as a coach, and some spooks about his drives back from late night games. Oh, how I love listening to my dad. He has a way of making people listen, the gift of speaking. Even though we have heard his stories over and over again, we never seem to get tired of listening.

Thanksgiving

Wow! November already. So this time last year we were gearing up for our trip to Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto. Here we are having our soup appetizer while our Kobe steaks (the best steak I have ever had) are being made and getting ready to eat crab legs in Osaka (also the best crab legs I ever had). This year will be very different, but I mean that in a good way. Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and family, a luxury few of us in the military get a chance to experience while living overseas. My parents are headed up tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving with us. It has been a long time since I spent this holiday with mom and dad. I am prepared to make the full meal deal as I usually do every Thanksgiving. Grocery stores are packed, commercials are popping up on black Friday, Christmas decorations are on the shelves. All signs that the holidays are close. I love everything about this time of the year. Although here in the states people continue to struggle with unemployment and a bad economy. I have no doubt our country will preserver. This year I will be thankful for love, family and good health, and the very blessed life I thank God for everyday. Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends out there!

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veterans's Day ! A special thanks to my wonderful husband for all the dedication he has devoted to his job. Eight years ago we left a lucrative private practice partnership offer for the chance to serve in the U S military. Although our decision came with great sacrifice, it was a decision that we felt in our hearts was the right thing to do. I have truely enjoyed the adventure and the opportunity to be able to meet so many wonderful friends. So today, say Thank You to a veteran.

Because I Can

My favorite motivational quote that I keep on my refrigerator; "I run to feel alive, to feel my pulse dance, to feel the sun bathe my muscles and to hear the wind whisper songs of inspiration in my ears. I run to feel the asphalt burn beneath my shoes, to stretch my stride to new times, to push my body in a rhythm that erases all limitations. I run for those who cannot, for those who can, and for those who dream of one day lacing up their shoes." Women's Running Magazine- I run because I can........

Memory Lane

May 1990, the day Rene and I graduated from UT Austin. A new beginning in starting our futures together. We were off to San Antonio to start Dental School and plan a wedding. A happy day for the both of us and our families.

A trolley on the streets of the University of Arizona, WTH

We had an early start to our Saturday today as we ventured off to The University of Arizona campus. Renie took his SAT exam today in preparations for the start of where he will decide to go to college. I got an odd feeling as he ventured off into the test center. I wanted to walk him to the door as if he was still my little 4 year old. As he opened the door to the car he said "Oh mom and dad, I love you, but I will be fine." We had fun on campus watching the students ride their bikes and jog. It was just a beautiful day here in Tucson and the campus is so nice. I got a kick out of the charming little Starbucks on campus. Today reminded me of my college days at the University of Texas in Austin. We had such a blast and I could remember just itching to get out of Benavides and start my journey towards independence. Dorm parties, all nighters, and great times. I so want both my kids to experience college life. It is the one place I hope they will feel a sense of belonging and stability, make friends for life, and know they will not have to pick up and move as soon as they get comfortable. We ended our afternoon eating some delicious red velvet cupcakes.

Laws

So yesterday I was out and about buying groceries at our local Fry's store. Normally I shop on base, but I just did not feel like driving. Rene came home early and surprised me since he had a day off from his Phoenix class. It was nice spending the day and night with him. He left this morning and will be back Thursday. Hopefully this will be it for awhile. Anyway, so I am at the meat isle when I notice a man with a gun holster. It was just odd to see a man at a grocery store with a gun. This year the Arizona law favoring the constitutional right to bear arms without requiring a permit was passed. You see people eating at restaurants with guns, etc......I don't like this at all. On a positive note, I guess if I was around a place where a crime was taking place, these people would be the ones to protect me. Hm! Not sure how I feel about this law. In my opinion, the less guns around the better.