A Fair Time

We decided to take G to the fair for the very first time. We had a lot of fun, but it was HOT. I honestly don't think I had ever been that hot in my life. It was so uncomfortable and sticky and just not a pretty sight. Needless to say, we did the "rushed" version of the fair and spent a small fortune while doing it (we were both fair virgins and had no idea how much it would cost-lets just say lesson learned.)

This pic is of G not on the day of the fair, but cute nonetheless.

We started with the petting zoo because it was the only shaded area of the fair. I felt so sorry for the animals because you could tell they were in heat comas. Even the baby cows were laying down and couldn't be enticed with the little feed cups. It was a pitiful sight. We hadn't even been there for 10 minutes and you can already see G's cheeks getting really red and really fast.

She loved the baby chicks. She would walk by them, point and say some form of G gibberish that we assume meant baby chick.

Her favorite ride was the carousel (she only had 2 to choose from since she was only allowed to ride the carousel and the ferris wheel.) She really did love it though and I'm thinking it had to do something with the nice breeze she was getting.

"Hi Daaaaa!"

Ferris wheel made her a little nervous, but it was a beautiful sight. Lexington is so beautiful and green.



Now the part that I hate to admit. You would think after all this complaining I've done about the heat that there was no way we would order a steaming hot funnel cake, right? Wrong! We're fatties and if I'm being completely honest the funnel cake was the only reason we went. We did order a small snow cone to go with it though to cool us off while we ate it. Piping hot funnel cake + oppressive heat= something I really don't want to talk about. Let's just say it got eaten, but it wasn't pretty.

G wanted nothing to do with the funnel cake, but was obsessed with the snow cone. Smart girl.

Life lesson #358- Don't attend fair when there is a heat advisory.

A Wagon Ride

Lately, we have been trying to beat the heat by coming up with fun little ways of keeping Gattlyn entertained while staying cool. It has been way too hot to spend the day at the park or even at our apt. pool so unfortunately G has been doing a lot of staying in. In the evenings, however, we have been taking her out for a little wagon ride around the block. G is getting at the age where she is starting to insist on certain toys accompanying us places. She has a favorite blankie for everyday errands, but this wagon trip she insisted on her favorite doll. It's the cutest thing seeing her become attached to her toys and starting to really interact with them.

Here she is showing her doll all the exciting sights such as leaves, grass and dogs.

She loves her doll!

She was being so cute and attentive with her doll the whole ride. The doll has a magnetic binkie that sticks to its mouth so when it would fall G would pick it up for her and put it back. We even commented on how cute she was being until we heard her say "uh-oh" and then start to laugh. We didn't think much about it and kept walking. Still, over and over she was saying "uh-oh" and laughing. Finally, I looked back to see what she was laughing at and saw the doll was missing! She was about 20 feet behind us on the ground. G managed to unbuckle her doll and throw her overboard. I guess she wanted to be the only baby in the wagon.

Shanghai Girls/ Dreams of Joy

Lisa See does it again! I love Lisa See. I discovered my love for her when I first read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (which is a new movie out this fall and I am dying to see.) I know I've mentioned this before, but I must say again I love reading about Asian culture. Lisa See not only writes intricately about Asian culture, but she also writes intricately about relationships. Those two combined makes for magic. In her books, she explores all types of relationships...friends, lovers, sisters, family, etc. Perhaps explore isn't the right word? She is so talented at writing about a relationship that it makes you contemplate your own relationships and the sacrifices you are willing to give to make them work. I don't think that makes sense, so your just going to have to take my word for it and read for yourself!

Now onto the books. Shanghai Girls is the first book of this 2 book series. It follows 2 sisters from Shanghai in the 1930's and their family's fall from wealth. They are lessened to having to be sold off to 2 Chinese brothers and being shipped off to America (narrowly escaping the Japanese bombs that fall on their beloved city.) This whole ride you cry with the sisters, you laugh with them and more so you sympathize for them. You get an inside look at history that you may or may not want to know about.

Dreams of Joy is the second book following the daughter of one of the sisters who runs away from her family to escape back to a communist China in search for her birth father. I don't know how many times I leaned over to Tate asking him "did you know...?" questions about communism in China. I had no idea the heartbreak this country went through during the 1950s. I have to say I enjoyed Shanghai Girls more because Dreams of Joy's main character was so frustrating. She was the type of character you want to reach into the book and slap. Bad choice after bad choice and you just want to ask "why are you so dumb?" Kind of like Scarlett in Gone with the Wind. Hate Scarlett, hate Gone with the Wind. But, I powered through it and was happy I did. You can't read the first book without reading the second because you have to know how this tragic family's story ends. All in all I loved this series. If this inspires anyone to read any of Lisa See's novels I would definitely start with Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It will make you call your best friend at the end and tell her how much you love and appreciate her.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

This pizza is amazing! Back in May we visited our really good friends, the Judds in Omaha, NE. During our visit Chelsey made us this delicious pizza. It instantly became a favorite of Tate's. It is so good that you are going to have to make it just to try it for yourself. It's also super easy and quick to make.

So, something new I discovered is Rhode's Rolls. Well, let me clarify. I've known about them and have had them as rolls (which are awesome) but I didn't know all the different things you can do with them. This pizza's crust is Rhode's Rolls. It's nice and thin and the perfect pizza crust.

So here is what you need:

Everything is eye-balled. It all depends on your tastes and preferences. If you like a lot of spinach then pack it on or if your not a huge fan of cilantro then go easy with it. Whatever you want to do it's your pizza so have it your way!

• Bottle KC bbq sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Cilantro, chopped
• Spinach, chopped
• Red onion, chopped
• Bacon, crumbled
• Oven roasted chicken breasts, shredded (about 2-3, I simply threw some salt and pepper on them and put them in the oven about 40 mins. on 350....I also did it ahead of time to save in my prep time)
• Rhode's Rolls-about 14-15, place on greased cookie sheet and cover with greased plastic wrap, let rise

Should look like this. (Remember, they take at least 5 hours to thaw and rise so take them out in the morning and let them be)

Now, work the dough and flatten it out onto the pan like this...

You gotta pinch the sides together so they stay. Now, pre-bake your crust at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Then cover it with your bbq sauce and the rest of your ingredients. Return to oven at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until crust is brown. Delicious!

I think the great thing about this recipe is that it can be transformed into any type of pizza that you like. I may just have to use Rhode's now as my new go-to crust. I also have a great recipe of Cheesy Ranch Bread using Rhode's. I may just make some to share with you. Keep posted!

Thank you Chelsey for your awesome recipe. You make such delicious food that I only wish I was half the cook that you are! Keep them coming.

Unexpected Sweet Savannah

Tate's family had a trip planned for Savannah, GA and had asked us if we wanted to go along. There was no way we could. T had work and school and I had life and...blah blah blah. On Thursday afternoon, T came home from school and asked what we were doing special for the weekend. Um, you don't have anything? We realized that we had nothing planned the way we thought we did. Holla! So I said, "why not join the fam down in sweet Savannah?" Life is too short to not live spur of the moment. By 5pm, we jumped in the car and left for the 9 hour drive. Note to self: Never drive a 9 hour drive with 15 month old late in the day. Though it's a fun story to tell now we learned our lesson that we will try to be more prepared in the future. G did horribly on the way down! We arrived at 2 am exhausted and stinky. The next day though walking out onto the streets of downtown made it all worth it. Something about that spanish moss just gets me!

The boys (A and A) in the fountains at City Market.

G making friends at the fountains.

G with her cousin M

My handsome hubby.

We had a fantastic time. During the day we hung out at Tybee Island poolside and beach side. The girl's shopped and got pedicures. We saw the sights. We ate some amazing food...Lady and Sons, Vinny Van Go Go's, AJ's (despite the massacre,) One-Eyed Lizzy's, Corleone's, The Pink House, Savannah Candy company (best gelato ever!)...my mouth is watering just remembering! Is it bad that most of my favorite memories from any vacation involves food?

Of course, we were there for the fourth. Tate's cousin Lindsey lives in Savannah so she had the privilege of playing host all week. She's an awesome host! We were able to watch fireworks from her work's high rise in downtown Savannah. It was great being able to enjoy the fireworks without the scary noise that baby G and cousin A hate.

Here's Paw-Paw, Cousin A, Cousin H and Maw-Maw enjoying the view from the office. It was like having our own suite at a sporting event.

Happy 4th of July!

On Tuesday, we sadly said goodbye. We left early in the morning (already practicing the hard lesson learned earlier) and got home to Lexington by 5pm. We had such an amazing time and are so grateful for our family we got to spend the holiday with. Life can be so cool sometimes and offer some sweet surprises. Can't wait for our next unexpected vacation.

The Farm Life

My parents own a cute little farm in Giles, VA. Right now it's their favorite home away from home, but they plan to eventually make it their permanent home. My mother has been begging me to bring G out there ever since her birth. I was never against it we just never really had the time. Well, the time came and mom was in heaven. However, after our many vacations recently (farm, beach, pools...etc) I'm starting to worry that we are raising a wuss! G hates nature and the outdoors. She can't stand the feel of grass without shoes on (she hates sand too.) I'm hoping this is a stage because I loved the outdoors when I was little. Tate, however, was a different story. He was and still is a big advocate for the indoors, TV, and carpet. Only time will tell with G (keep your fingers crossed.)

*For some reason lately, I'm not bringing out my camera as much as I'd like to. Again, I've failed to get as many pictures as I wanted. Boo and hiss.

G liked Magic more at a distance.

Cousin D went with us and really kept G busy.

G loved the turtles! (maybe because she got to be the boss of them)

Magic

She's a farm girl now.

Looking at the cows- she started to squeal when she saw them for the first time.

We were only able to stay one night, but we had such a fun time (except the fact we had no water while we were out there, but that just added to the experience, right?) Can't wait to take G again when she's a little older and perhaps a little less of a wuss.

A New Do

So, it was finally time for G to receive her very first hair cut. My sister is a hairdresser (an amazing one at that) so when we went to visit her I figured it was perfect time to get it done. I was ready to just plop her in the chair and get going, but my sister stopped me and asked "aren't you missing something?" Ummm.....no? "You're camera!" Oops. I had no idea the first hair cut was a big deal and that I was supposed to document it. I had to go searching for the camera, I finally found it and then it was finally to get started. I have to say I am glad sis suggested the camera because G was just so cute in the chair (sitting on her cousin's lap) with her cape on. She acted like such a big girl that it actually made me a little weepy.

Here's her before photo...

Here she is with the stylist and the human chair (aka Aunt Ry and cousin D)

After...

I have to say I was a little nervous to cut her hair (because there's practically nothing there to begin with), but after the cut it made her curls curlier and her hair look thicker. Grateful to have such a talented hairdressing, skin caring, make-up applying sister!

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

"He'd do what he'd always did, find the sweet among the bitter."

I have been wanting to read this book for a while now, and I've finally gotten around to it. I am so glad I did. What a wonderfully, heartwarming story about finding love, losing love and never giving up on love. In the back of the book, the author includes an interview where he states that his intention with the book was to write a story focused on "people- love and family relationships." He did just that while also including a vivid historical perspective of the 1940's.

It's a story about an American-Chinese boy falling for an American-Japanese girl during a time when all Japanese descendants were viewed as the enemy. I love stories about Asian culture (Lisa See and Amy Tan are some of my favorites.) I don't know why, but I've always been wrapped up in their rich traditions. This book was a blend of both Chinese and Japanese cultures trying to survive in a country that didn't want them. It was so informative.

All the characters are so wonderfully written and supported. Love Sheldon! The author did a great job of providing a story with deep and thought-provoking characters. It's written in the split-narrative of past and present. The chapters are titled and nice and short. I love short chapters. I think it makes the book move so much more smoothly and faster. It was the perfect vacation book.

As we all know, I am a sucker for a love story and this book had all the makings for an epic love story. War, family tensions, forbidden love, time lost, strict culture...need I say more? I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a movie. This was the type of book that when it ended I let out an exaggerated sigh and said "that was good." 4 out of 5 in Mal's book.

Night Road

I started off with this book by accident. As I was browsing the new arrivals at the library I happened upon this book. The inside cover didn't do much for me, but the library was out of everything else I wanted so I figured, why not?

I am so glad I found this book! It was such a haunting yet lovely story. It explores deeply into family relationships, friendship and the meaning they have in our lives. The characters are very relateable. One character is tragically moral than you can't help but weep with her while the other is a mom guilty of only loving her children too much. The author reminds me a lot of Jodi Picoult, but without the harsh, unfair endings Jodi loves to give her readers. The two write a lot each other stylistically even by switching from each character's point of view. However, Kristin was able to entwine the romantic vision with the harsh reality. My close friends know I am a sucker for tragedy, but even more than that I am a sucker for tragedy that ends beautifully.

I loved this book for many reasons, but the main reason was because it left me thinking (for days!) I am so glad I read it as a mother because I don't think I would have been able to relate to it without being one. This is the type of book that left me wanting and needing to be a better mother. More than that though it left me never wanting G to grow up! Simply put, the story moved me. I don't think I will forget about this for a long while.

I must warn though it had me crying the entire time. Seriously, the entire time. Do not read while in public. I strongly suggest it for a book club because it will have you talking for days. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!!

Key Lime Mousse Pie

Now this is dessert! This little baby is so delicious. Its creamy with a nice combination of tart and sweet. If you are a fan of Key Lime then try this recipe out. I decided to make it for Father's Day as a special treat for T. He loves key lime pie, but he's not a lover of true key lime pie (I am the opposite, the more tart the better is how I love it.) So, I wanted to find a recipe that would help satisfy his love for key lime pie but not have an overload of tartiness. Insert- Paula Dean. I love Paula. In my mind, Paula is my fun-loving southern crazy aunt. I love her sass, love her perfect hair and love her food! This dessert was incredibly easy to make and as a connoisseur of dessert (did you know that about me?) I highly recommend this pie! I would've taken a picture of my own pie, but we shared it with friends and alas didn't last long at all...thats how good it was.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Filling:

• 6 tablespoons fresh key lime juice (most time consuming part, but so worth it-about 20 key limes)
• 1 envelope package unflavored gelatin (like Knox)
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
• 10 (1-ounce) squares white chocolate
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lime zest
• 1 1/2 ounces white chocolate, grated or shaved into curls, for garnish
• 
  

Directions

*Word of caution- this recipe works a lot easier if you have everything all measured out and ready to go because some steps are time sensitive. Also, this pie needs 24 hours in the freezer so plan ahead.

Crust:

Mix together the cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.

Filling:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the lime juice. Whisk in the gelatin and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Remove the pan from the heat. Add 10 ounces of white chocolate and stir until smooth. Allow to cool.

Using an electric mixer, blend together the cream cheese, sugar and lime zest in a medium bowl, until smooth. Slowly beat in the cooled white chocolate mixture into cream cheese mixture.

Using clean, dry beaters, beat the remaining 2-cups heavy cream in a small bowl, until it forms soft peaks. Fold it into the white chocolate mixture and pour into the pie crust. Cover and freeze overnight.

Remove from freezer and run a sharp knife around inside of springform pan to help loosen the pie. Release springform ring from the bottom of the pan and transfer the pie to a serving plate. Grate or curl the white chocolate over the top. Cut into wedges with a knife that has been dipped into hot water and serve. Slowly devour and watch yourself go back for seconds (and thirds...and possibly fourths...no judgement passed here.)

Ode to a Father

During my pregnancy, Tater never showed any fear or anxiety for the upcoming arrival of our baby. I, on the other hand, was a hot mess. There were many many nights that I would wake him up and ask, "aren't you worried?" Whats going to happen if I don't feel instant love for my baby? What if she comes out and she's not what we expect? What if she doesn't like us? What if I'm not a good mother? What if... What if... What if...

There wasn't a night I wasn't completely consumed with anxiety over what was to come. Even though T had school the next day and needed his sleep, he would just simply turn over, rub my arm and tell me it was all going to be okay. Sometimes his calmness bugged me to death! Why wasn't he stressed like me? Why wasn't he having the same worries I was having? Then sometimes his calmness did just that for me...it calmed me. It reminded me that this is what we wanted and that I wasn't going to be doing any of this alone. That no matter what, whether she liked us or hated us, we were doing it together.

The night before my scheduled c-section, after dinner with our parents, T and I were laying in bed and I remember him saying how excited he was for tomorrow. I loved that he said that! I'm sure a lot of first time dads show fear the night before their lives are to change forever, but not Tater. He once told me that becoming pregnant was the one thing in life he was the most sure about. He's always known the type of dad he wanted to be, the type of dad I wanted him to be, and the type of dad his child (future children) deserve. He was truly excited for G's arrival because he knew that being her dad was going to be the best role of his life. He also knew he was going to be good at it because he was prepared and because it was something he so desperately wanted.

To say I am lucky to have him as the father of my children is putting it mildly. I am so thankful for him being such a hardworking, loving, and attentive father (and husband.) He inspires me daily while pushing me to be a better mother.

Thanks babe for all you do! Love- Mal and Your Gattlyn Girl xoxo

PHACE Syndrome

What is PHACE syndrome?
PHACE syndrome is the association of a large hemangioma usually on the face or neck, in combination with one or more other abnormalities. Every infant diagnosed with PHACE syndrome has different medical needs. Some have mild symptoms while other have more severe symptoms. PHACE syndrome is uncommon but may have been misdiagnosed in the past. It affects girls nine times more often than boys.

PHACE is an acronym that refers to a group of abnormal medical findings, and when these occur in combination, the diagnosis of PHACE syndrome is made.

PHACE defined:
Posterior fossa- These are brain malformations that are usually present at birth. These brain malformations do not form after the infant is born.

Hemangioma- The hemangioma usually covers a large area on the skin of the head or neck (greater than 5 cm). The term "segmental" is sometimes used to describe these hemangiomas.

Arterial lesions- The abnormalities of the blood vessels in the neck or head.

Cardiac abnormalities/aortic coarctation- These are abnormalities of the heart or the blood vessels that are attached to the heart.

Eye abnormalities.

**********************

This was the best definition I could find of PHACE. When G was diagnosed we learned she had other problems we weren't aware of. Part of her left side cerebellum in her brain didn't fully develop. This part of your brain is primarily motor control. It contributes to coordination, precision and accurate timing. Obviously, we began to worry about her physical development.

Also, we learned she was born without her carotid artery on her left side (everything deals with the left side of her body.) You know how you can feel your pulse on both sides of your neck? Well, you can't feel G's on her left side because she doesn't have one. She's completely missing her artery. G runs the risk of strokes and seizures because she doesn't have the full blood supply to her brain that the average person has.

We don't know what the future holds. Since PHACE is fairly new to the medical world there's no way to tell what will happen (or what we can expect) in her future. She is closely looked after and monitored by her amazing team of doctors here at UK hospital and still at Cincinnati Children's. Despite all of our worries and concerns, those who know G personally know what a happy, well- adjusted child we have. Meeting her you would never know the medical issues she has. She is so happy and such a joy to be around. Lots of children with PHACE have it much worse than G and I pray for those precious children daily. I also express daily gratitude for the healthy happy baby girl we have. Thank you Gattlyn girl for joining our family! We love you!

PHACE-ing our Future

I have been wanting to write about this for a long time, but I could never find the right words. First, it started as an issue of privacy. Why would I want everyone to know about my daughter's health issues? But as time went on it turned into an issue of just that...time. Suddenly I found myself wanting to voice my opinions (triumphs, frustrations, etc), but I didn't know how or where to start.

I want this blog to be an honest history of our lives so I want to share my honest feelings regarding all aspects of our lives. If I weren't being honest then whats the point of this blog? Also, I want other PHACE families going through what we go through to be able learn from us or share to us their own experiences.

So, I want to start at the beginning. Warning: this will be long and possibly consist of more than one post. I have a lot of catching up to do. This post is about the moment in our lives when we went from facing our future to PHACE-ing our future.

Pregnancy-

My pregnancy was happy, normal and healthy. At 20 weeks, the ultrasound of G showed a "bright spot" on her heart. We were told this was usually a sign of Downs Syndrome, but since she didn't have the other signs (that normally coexist with this) we were not to worry. We pushed it from our minds (as much as first time expecting parents can) and went on with the pregnancy. To this day we still don't know if the "bright spot" was simply just a fluke or some kind of sign of what was to come.

Birth-

G was born one day before her due date. She was loud, fat and perfect. I will never forget the moment I first saw her and the indescribable feeling I felt. I still get butterflies when I think back at that moment. Watching Tater become a dad in a matter of a second is another mental image I could never forget. She was so beautiful and seemed to check out healthy except when she cried an all white spot would appear on the left side of her face. It was odd to me and I can remember thinking it looked like Africa. Everyone (including doctors and nurses) told me not to worry. They explained it as "typical newborn splotchiness." I just knew that wasn't the case. I just knew it. Call it mother's intuition or maybe it was the Lord's way of preparing me for what was to come, but I knew that spot meant something was wrong with my precious baby.

If you look closely you can see the white spot stand out among her pink skin.

1 Week Old

I still remember with perfect clarity the day my pediatrician told me to "sit down." Those are words you never want to hear from anyone let alone a doctor (and especially only one week from having a baby when your hormones are raging.) She told me she suspected that her mark (which had turned a vibrant red color by now) was in fact a hemangioma. Normally they are harmless and are left alone to do their thing and go away on their own. However, G's was abnormally large. It covered most of her left side of her entire head. Starting at the back of her scalp, it covers the left side (including her ear) and down to her face. It covers her forehead and down to her eye (covering the eye lid.) The doctor told me there was nothing to be done for her. She said because of the size of her hemangioma we were to prepare ourselves for our daughter's face to become permanently disfigured and for her to possibly lose her eyesight in her left eye. We were to stand by and watch the damage be done without doing anything for her.

On the way home, I had to pull over from crying so much. I said a fervent prayer pleading with the Lord for us to find another way to help her.

Months 1-6

After that first appointment, it wasn't long until I got an answer to my prayer. I knew my daughter's fate was not going to be the horrible picture that doctor had painted. I refused to take her answer as the last word. I knew in my heart the Lord had other plans for her. Luckily, my step-dad being a pediatrician suggested the drug propranolol. Propranolol is a beta-blocker and it works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure. Only recently it has been discovered in the help of improving hemangiomas. This medicine has been such a blessing in our lives. G has been on it since she was 4 weeks old. Her hemangioma now looks as it did when she was started on the meds. The drug has "frozen" it in time. Actually, it has lightened up tremendously.

Meanwhile, G was having some heart issues as well. Because of the "bright spot" we saw on her ultrasound and the murmur that was heard when she was born it wasn't long before she was referred to a cardiologist. After lots of tests and evaluations she was diagnosed with an acute coarctation of the aorta and leaks in her mitral valve. Needless to say, this was just more worry added to the pile (it was growing more and more.)

The dermatologist she was seeing decided that her situation was just a little more than he could handle. It was time to refer her to the big leagues. I am forever grateful for his inspiration to do this. Finally, G was headed for an appointment with a hemangioma and vascular malformation team of doctors in Cincinnati. They are amazing! I highly recommend them to anyone seeking answers regarding hemangiomas or vascular malformations. This referral was the turning point in her life. After MRIs and countless other tests things were finally put together. Her puzzle pieces were beginning to fit. At 6 months, G was officially and without a doubt diagnosed with PHACE Syndrome.

Growing UP

We finally did a very grown-up thing that made us feel very proud and sick all at the same time.

We bought a car.

Proud because we did it all on our own. Sick because we bought a car.

However, we needed one very badly. Those who know what we were driving knows how bad we needed one. We did our homework, shopped around and settled on a beauty. A 2010 Ford Fusion. She sparkles on the outside, (and to my liking on the inside too) she does cool things, and she runs! Couldn't ask for anything better. We have yet to name her but are open to suggestions.

Yay for us and "Hello Beautiful!"

In a Nutshell

So, I feel like I have so much to catch up on and I just don't know where to start. I think the only way to really catch up on our life without writing a novel's worth of information is just to put all the important stuff in a nutshell. Welcome to our nutshell...

-G started to walk on her first birthday (literally on her birthday at her party.) Since then she hasn't stopped. Actually, now all she does is run. You would not believe all of the "pity" looks I get from people while I'm rushing by them trying to catch her. I have saved her from a car, many walls, a large hole, dogs, strangers, a fireplace and steps. I'm starting to seriously consider a leash. This pic was taken on one of her escapes. Yes, those are parking lot lines. Don't judge me.

-Tater works, goes to school and works some more. He is super busy now. We hardly ever see him. That's all I can say about this because it sucks. This is me throwing a pity party for myself. And then this is me stopping because I'm counting my blessings.

-We love Lexington. Love, love and more love.

-G is talking now. She can say bye-bye, mom, da-da, night-night, thank you (sounds like shank choo,) uh-oh, more, me and my favorite... (note sarcasm).. NO.

-We are in an awesome ward ( a part of our Church) with awesome people. I'm serving with the young women and Tater is teaching Sunday school.

-Most importantly, we are happy. I know that sounds so cheesy, but we are in such a happy place in our life right now. I don't want to jinx anything (knock on wood...har har) but we just can't complain. Maybe its because life is going to take a huge new turn in only a year (when T graduates) so we are trying to just enjoy life as we know it right now. Or maybe because we've hit a nice lull in life with no serious concerns or worries. Whatever the reason, we aren't complaining! Things seem to be in place and where they need to be. I love my life, I love my family and I am so grateful for my blessings.