Things get really crazy sometimes

We have so many things going on right now. Chuck has started a small remodeling on our house. He is taking out the wall between the dining room and family/TV room. This will make a really large area to gather, watch the Super Bowl and have have large family dinners. My sister paid me a nice compliment. She said that my house is the "family house" and she always feels comfortable there. She said it is the way she used to feel when we were visiting our grandparents house. That's prety cool and I know exactly the feeling she is describing. We are two months away from Aaron's wedding so the planning has ramped up. Work is getting really busy and the days have been very long. I'll survive. Hopefully the monsoon storms will come back-weather forcasts are indicating this. Chuck and I are trying to scale back our expenses so we can get some bills paid off, so lots of decisions to make. I will be hosting a baby shower for a work friend in September-planning is in full gear for that. Then after all that the holiday season is looming in the distance. Man I just stressed myself out!

Bad blogger

I have been so bad about putting up anything. It has been a busy month. We had a very fun trip to Phoenix to surprise my sister Mary for her birthday. Number 50 on Jun 14th. She was truly surprise by us but the best surprise was that her son Nick who is in the navy surprised her all the way from Everett, Washington. That was the best. I remember when Aaron did that to me and I was so happy. It is sweet when your kids do something like that. Melissa was in on it and helped set Aaron it up. Stephanie helped her brother set this up. Family-gotta love 'em. We also went diving in San Carlos, Mexico with our friends from church, Ron and Erin Brink. We also made some new friends as well, Larry and Roxane Raley. It was so much fun and we were able to get five dives in over three days. The weather cooperated by giving great dive conditions. It was the best. And we had great food-fresh ocean fish. Mmmmm yum.

Things are okay

We just got through with our small group tonight and it was so great. It is such a special thing when people are comfortable enough to really be candid. The sharing was so good and we helped each other with answers and guidance because our struggles are laid out for everyone to be a part of. I really needed the closeness and encouragement after my very busy day. God knows just what we need. This past Mother's day was special because my sister, Mary and her husband were visiting from Albuquerque-and they brought their granddaughter Kali. My mom was in heaven being with Kali. This picture is a very special one. Mom and Kali look so happy together so it made Mother's day that much better for mom.

I Like Science

When I was young I always wanted one of those chemistry sets and asked for one all the time. I never ever got one. Now I work inside a chemistry set. It is very cool. My official title is Biological Technician and I will have my 3rd anniversary at Ventana Medical Systems May 15th. It is very challenging and educational. I never expected to be doing this. I work in a cell culture lab doing science. It's pretty cool. I'll try to get a picture to share of the lab. Have a great evening and remember that Jesus is Lord!

It's been a long time since we talked

Here I am sitting and trying to think what I should tell you first. I guess a followup on the cruise was that it was beautiful, exciting, romantic and great fun. Diving was the best and here is my favorite picture.

It's me and Crush! We also saw trumpet fish, manta ray's, urchins, eels, lobsters and an amazing assortment of reef fish. Chuck is such a natural at diving and he gives me confidence. I would love to retire so I could dive every day.

We also had a great time at the Valentines Day Dinner that I was lucky enough to put together with some great help from Anna Ciurca and Denise Sullivan. Danny Dunning also helped tremendously with the music. We had a great turnout and everyone said they hoped it was an annual event! That is pretty cool. Here are some shots from that night.

These were my awesome servers and they did such a great job. They also made some good tip money which would probably encourage them to help out next year!!

Here is beautiful Anna bringing in her homemade tamales, which were the main course. They tasted great and were a huge hit. She and her husband also were busy putting up decorations.

We also had a shower for Aaron and Chelsea here in Catalina and the turnout was great. We had 35! A real house full for us. They were honored with a lot a wonderful gifts and a very special cake cooked by a dear friend Etta Benaglio, who was in the room when Aaron was born! The cake was butter pecan and lemon. Beautifully decorated and super tasty.

I love this picture of "the Girls". Lisa had already left or the picture would have been more complete. We were missing Lisa and Christina. I think you are pretty caught up. Hopefully I can stay more on top of this. Have a great spring and maybe next year Wildcats.

This is one relaxed couple, sitting in the lounge, enjoying the guitar music. We really had a great time. I will have more pictures to come.

Sorry it's been a while

Chuck and I had a great trip on our cruise and it has been crazy hectic since we returned. My mom just left for Texas to visit her brother and sister-in-law who are celebrating their 45th anniversary. My aunt Mary Louise has ALS and is not doing too well so mom wanted to see her. It is very sad and yet we are happy for them since all of their children and grandchildren will be there, along with brothers and sisters. As soon as I download pics I will get them posted. Thanks for being patient!