Take That Rosacea!

For several years I've been trying to find some way to cope with my rosacea. I've tried antibiotics, prescription creams, ointments, and over the counter cleansers. Nothing worked. After my allergic reaction in March I was through with dermatologists and decided I would just have to deal with having the complexion of a tomato. I randomly picked up this kit at the grocery store of all places because I'm drawn like a moth to a flame to any product that says "controls rosacea." This stuff is amazing! My complexion looks great, and I am so happy with the results. There is a price to beauty though. One of its ingredients is sulphur, and the odor is very strong. I feel great, look great, but smell like a box of lit matches. So sorry family, friends, and co-workers that you have to be around the smell. I'm hopeful that the company will develop a more aromatic version in the future. For now I'm not giving this stuff up for anything!

July 4th Weekend

Gigi's 80th Birthday

Birthday Weekend

This past weekend we went to Dallas/Fort Worth to celebrate my birthday. We stayed with my best friend Denise and her family. On Friday we went to the Dallas World Aquarium with the kids. It was an amazing place, and I hope that we will get to go back again soon. On Saturday the guys watched the kids (this included a trip to the new Cowboys stadium) while Denise and I did some power shopping. We had ladies lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Yum!!! It was a great way to spend my birthday. Thanks Denise for making the weekend so memorable and fun!!!

Daddy Time!

Graduation!

I am now an RN, BSN! Woohoo! Guns up Red Raiders!

Lubbock

Sixteen years ago I started working to get a college education. The first part of this journey started in Lubbock, TX and on Saturday it will end in Lubbock, TX. A lot has happened in the past years. I've learned a lot about work, having a family, and finding balance with the two. Deciding to finish my degree was part of finding that balance. I needed it to enhance my resume as a professional, and I needed it as an example for my daughter. It's important to finish what you start which is ultimately what getting a degree demonstrates. I know that my mom wanted this for me. I wish that she could be there to watch me walk the stage and get my diploma. I can remember going to my dad's graduation and I hope that Sidney will remember going to mine. I really did it!

So Sew

Now that the school part of my life has come to an end (until I decide I need a Masters degree that is) I find myself with an abundance of free time. During Sid's nap today I dusted off the Wii and worked on my tennis game and solo guitar skills. That was fun for about 30 minutes. Then I wandered around the house looking for something to distract myself with and re-discovered my sewing machine. I used to make lap quilts for gifts once upon a time and have several projects that have been collecting dust for the past 3 years. I picked back up working on the baby blanket I started for Sidney when I was pregnant. It's pink and green with rose buds. Super girly. I've almost finished piecing the border but I have to pace myself or I start getting sloppy. I'm also looking for a knitting teacher to expand my sewing repertoire. I like my sewing machine but knitting needles are much more portable.

Remembering

Green Thumb

This year we're experimenting with a vegetable garden. We've tried tomatoes and herbs in the past but this year we're going to branch out into peas, carrots, squash, and cucumbers. We started a few seeds in little pots last month. Then once they got started we transplanted them into our little veggie bed. So far our transplants are not doing so well. We also planted some seeds so hopefully they'll take off now that it's warmed up out side. Here are some pics of the finished effort:
Sheba getting right in the middle of things.

This picture reminds me of my grandma watering her yard. Lots of good memories of her working in her flower beds. Probably because she never made me help spread the cow manure.

Sid lovin' her garden. She even hugged it right before I took this pic. Hopefully the work will pay off and we'll have some fresh veggies to snack on this summer. If not, there's always the HEB produce section.

Digging up the Past

After my grandparents passed away last year, my family decided that it would be nice to move my mom and aunt to the same plot. So for the past several months my uncle has been working to get all the legal details in order to make the move. It required a judge's seal of approval and lots of patience but they finally moved my mom this week. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I like that they are all together. I like that i can see my grandparents, aunt, and mom at the same time. It's just odd. Kind of like re-arranging the furniture, but with bodies. I'm going to see it in a few weeks. She's still dead, but I keep thinking that she's happier now. I hope so anyway.

Gorgeous!