February Activities

For being a short month, February has been very full! We've had Bandit in obedience class for the last eight weeks and he graduated either at the top of his class or the bottom (they didn't tell us but since there were only two dogs in the class - he had to be one or the other). Actually he's done really, really well. We now have the knowledge on how to get him to stop tugging at the leash when we take him for walks. He can sit, lay, stay, come when called, shake, high fives, do doggie pushups as well as other things. It was kind of fun to do this with Bandit *and* Travis. Next, Lindsay and Peter now have an adorable 11-month old foster daughter. Her name is Kalaya and she was a premie with a lot of medical problems. They thought she was going to be deaf and blind because she was so early but she's made tremendous progress and has her sight and hearing. It sounds like they are going to have her for somewhere from six to twelve months. Here are pictures of Uncle Sisco & Aunt Robin with "Kiki" as the boys are calling her. Robin and Sisco came over to show us the photos from their ultrasound. While it is a little early to know for sure the preliminary indications are that it is going to be a boy!

Robin's Due Date...

Robin wanted me to make sure that everyone knows when she's due - August 22nd (Ed & my anniversary) but Travis is really hoping that his new niece or nephew will be born on his birthday (the 26th).

New semster, new schedule

I'm trying to get back into the routine of school. I'm taking a full load again this semester... Art History, Color & Design, Space Planning and Custom Design. So far I'm designing the layout for a Culinary Arts School, painting, and designing a custom rug. It's been fun and hopefully not quite as much work as last semester. I'm in class Monday through Thursday from 11:00 to 1:30 and then on Monday and Wednesday evenings. But the class right in the middle of the day sure puts a damper on my lunch rendezvous with friends! (The only drawback to this schedule)

I went to my bariatric doctor this week and (drum roll please) ... I'm down to the weight on my driver's license! I only lost 4 pounds over the last month but with as sick as I was and only wanting to eat crunchy things that scratched my sore throat; I'm happy with a 4 pound loss. In another 10 pounds or so I'll post another "this is where I'm at photo" so you can all see my progress.

Almost forgot...

It wouldn't be Christmas without our infamous Santa Dog! I don't know what we ever did without this wonderful dog - he has truly been a blessing to this family. Travis and I are taking him to obedience class to work on just a few problem areas but he's even impressing our instructor! So I have to say THANK YOU SUZETTE for fostering this amazing dog so we got a chance to meet and fall in love with him and make him a part of our family!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The family gathered at our house for our annual Christmas Eve celebration. The kids all picked up some wonderful presents - but I think the best "gift" we all got was Robin and Sisco announcing their pregnancy. So next year, I'll be able to post yet another picture of grandkids with Santa. Speaking of ... the first picture is Kalel and the second is of Manny and Angel.

As if you couldn't tell - Kalel *hated* this weird guy in the funny suit (aka - Grandpa). Manny and Angel weren't too much better although they are a little older and able to be bribed! The promise of ice cream goes a long way on 3 and 4 year olds!

I got an "A"

Not all of my grades have been posted yet, but my grade for Drawing and Rendering has... I got an "A"! WhooHoo!

The official update - I ended up with three "A's" and one "B". I got the "B" in my AutoCad class which I'm perfectly happy with since I don't feel we learned anything in the entire class anyway!

Um.. Merry Christmas?

I actually slept in a little bit this morning (trying to get over strep throat) and when I got up I had plans to go to the grocery store and pick up the items that I need to make my world famous baked beans for Peter's graduation party this evening. I had even gotten as far as to putting my jacket on and pulling out my car keys when our home phone rang. My mom was calling to tell me that she had been involved in a car accident. She was headed to our family doctor because she's got this same crud that we all have - when she had someone turn left in front of her. She slammed on her brakes but was unable to miss him. Here's the good part - she's fine. The bad part - her car isn't; the accident took out her radiator. So now we're dealing with insurance companies, tow truck drivers and rental cars. I guess we know three businesses that aren't being affected by this economic downturn right?