Finally time to catch up. Again.

I took way too long to post, yet again. But I have valid excuses this time! No, really, I do! I know, it seems like I'm apologizing for the giant lapses of time between each of my posts these days, and it gets old. I get it. But for what it's worth, I can explain.

So, as you read last, we were busy with P90X, Z's school, A's school, and my two jobs. We loved our time off during spring break, and jumped back into everything full force once we got back. Then, we got a puppy. Yes, a puppy.

The boys finally wore me down, and I gave in to getting another dog. As most of you know already, we adopted our new furry family member from Austin Pets Alive!, and Z named his new buddy Cody. Adding potty training and puppy patrol to my list of already existing duties each day literally wiped me out. I finally found the one thing to send me over the edge and make me feel exhausted. It gave me flashbacks to Z being a newborn, and the unbearable sleep schedule you endure, though Z seemed to sleep better than this dog. We decided to crate train, which was literally one of the crappiest experiences of my 37 years, but thankfully the torment only lasted 3 days. Three excruciatingly exhausting days. But, we conquered crate training, the dog started sleeping through the night, all seemed to be falling back in to place ...

Then he got parvo. Our precious new fur-child was stricken with a potentially fatal disease. Seriously? Could we catch a break? At this point, I gave up on finishing P90X, and vowed to return to it one day soon to finish it. (I -will- be a graduate, dammit!) We then endured lack of sleep, due to constant worry, around the clock. Every day was a roller coaster, and this went on for about two weeks. Cody even had to be checked into a dog hospital to help him beat the virus, and increase his chances of survival. Finally, on May 4, he was released back to us and we were given the word that he was going to beat the disease. Thank God for that, because I couldn't imagine having to look my 9-year old in the eye and tell him his dog was dying, after he had waited over a year to get a dog in the first place.

All the while, I have still maintained working two jobs, and the burning desire to lose weight. Though I was seeing some slight changes with P90X, I wanted more drastic results. So, a few weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers after researching it extensively, and mulling it over & over in my mind. I'm happy to say I have already lost 8 pounds since I signed up 3 weeks ago, so I have found something that suits me, and am excited to stick with it.

Oh, and add in getting rear-ended during this time, as well. Awesome. Long story short: got hit on I-35, crinkled up the back end of my beautiful new car. Car was in the shop for 13 days. Got a hooptie gangsta car for a rental. Was so glad to get my new car back, made "new" all over again. Thank you, Covert Ford!

There, see? Working as much I have been, being a Mom, tending to a (sick) puppy, having to deal with a car accident, and trying to maintain some kind of workout/weight loss regiment took everything out of me. Blogging fell low on the list of things to do each day, though it was always in the back of my mind. I actually find it relaxing to blog, but I was too exhausted to relax. Any spare moment I had, I would be trying to sleep, because I needed it. Badly. I would normally be too nervous to say all is well now, for fear of jinxing us, but I'm throwing caution to the wind and I'm going to put it out there. All is well with us now, and I can finally get back into a routine with my blogging. And I'm excited about it!

To catch us up to present day, the dog is growing by the hour. He's quickly gone from a tiny furball to a small horse.

In my front seat, then.

In my front seat, now. Refuses to believe he's too big to be up here.

Five weeks ago.

Last week.

Z finished 3rd grade this past week. Can't believe the year went by so fast, but I guess I'm always saying that at the end of each school year. I have a big 4th grader on my hands now, and it's seems surreal.

Z and his teacher this year.

And we are still counting down to our cruise. So happy time seems to be flying by, just hope it keeps up this pace. C'mon summer - be over soon! I hate you!

We have already started planning another cruise for 2014, as well as a trip for our 15th anniversary at the end of that year. More on that later, though, as I now have to get ready for work at Central Market. Stay tuned.

Until next time ... peace and pastries to all.