So, that was a blur. I just realized it's been 31 days since I posted anything. Things haven't calmed down much, which is the reason why this summer is blazing by. To add to the hectic fun, we've had three deaths (a cousin I never got to meet, my best friend's father-in-law, and an old friend's sister) and Aaron's stepmom diagnosed with colon cancer. [sigh] Two of the three recent deaths were from cancer, too. Eff you, cancer. Can someone please pass me a vodka tonic?
Aaron's stepmom is still weighing out her treatment options, so there isn't much to tell about it at this point. Just please, if you pray, send one up for her & my father-in-law. No one wants to be faced with cancer, and it is definitely a diagnosis that came out of the blue, completely unexpected. Important thing though -- she found out because she went in for a routine check-up. Check-ups pay off, people. Please get one, if you haven't lately.
On a happier note, Z went off on his first solo trip. Five whole days with no Mom & Dad - we wondered if he was old enough to handle it when he left, and boy, was he ever. He had an absolute blast, not one tear shed! (Well, on his part, anyway. Mom was sniveling a little each night when she had no one to tuck in ... but hooray for him being more confident and balanced than his Mother!) He went with Thomas & his parents to South Padre Island, where they packed in a ton of activities including a pirate ship tour, a turtle conservancy, a dolphin watch, and many trips to the beach & pool. Whew! Karen, my dear friend & Thomas' Mom, was sweet enough to send me updates via text message, as well as pictures of what they were doing each day. Bless her, for she kept me sane and happy while he was gone.
The drive down there.
Cheeseburger in paradise.
Best buddies.
Modeling his shark tooth necklace.
On the pirate ship tour.
Aarrrrrrrr.
The night he came home - one happy little worn-out dude.
He let us know we need to come with them the next time they all go, because it's "even better than Port Aransas". Hmmmm, I think I'll be the judge of that ...
Aaron and I enjoyed the week alone, though we still had to work. Mom & Dad can't miss work if we need to keep funding summer trips with Z and his friends. ;) We did go eat one day at a little cafe in Marble Falls, and stopped by a cemetery on the way home, so I could snap a few photos. It was blazing hot, but definitely a fun trip, sans the kid.
Other than that big trip, we've just been working & spending a lot of time with Amy and her family. The twins are getting so big already - make it stop! I love this age! Who wouldn't love spending time looking at these two faces?
Amy has a son Z's age that he's played with since his birth, as well as a 3.5 year old. When we go over, the three boys play together, and Amy & I get to visit and play with the babies. It's a win-win! Z has been spending the night over there a lot, which helps immensely with my work schedule, and it gives me an excuse to have to go over there so I can nibble more on babies. LOVE IT.
Lastly, since summer isn't busy enough, we finally decided to take the plunge & get laminate floors installed. NO MORE CARPET! HOORAY! [big cheesy grin] After countless hours of research, trips to stores, and internet scouring, we decided to go with Lumber Liquidators. Our two final choices came down to:
The samples outside, in the sunlight.
And the winner was:
The right sample from above, but indoors.
I'm seriously as excited as I usually get for Christmas. I have wanted to get rid of this carpet for the past 10 years we've been here, and now my dream is finally coming true. [another big, cheesy grin] The install starts Thursday morning of this week, and everything should be done by Friday night. We'll be spending the night with my parents on Thursday night, to avoid the mess & the fact that our beds will be broken down into pieces in the garage. All hectic and added stress, but well worth it in the end. I can't wait.
School will start in a mere three weeks, then time will really flip into high gear. Before we know it, we'll be staring down the holidays, and planning our flights for our cruise next summer. (Awesome!) Work is officially about to start sucking worse than any other time during the year, so I'm putting my game face on, reminding myself that I'm lucky to have a job - let alone, a job I like. Hope everyone is having an amazing summer, and soaking up all the fun time before schedules and school kick back in!
Peace & pastries to everyone. Please keep my in-laws in your prayers, and I'll udpate soon. xoxo