Our 4th of July...

Our friends invited us out to their parents (Machelle's) house on lake Conroe to go boating. This was going to be Emma's first time in a boat and she was EXCITED, which is an understatement.

We spent about 3 hours on the lake, inter-tubing and enjoying the water. It was a beautiful day. We then docked the boat and ate some BBQ lunch and afterward we all went back to the White's home where we spent the rest of the day. I took a nap, Emma and Hannah played all afternoon and then we had dinner together and went on home.

The White's are such generous people and have been so kind to us. They feel like family. Thank you Machelle for inviting us to go with you and your parents on a fun outing!

Emma's trying to decide if she likes the inter-tube

We finally got her in the water and she eventually enjoyed it

Robert and Hannah
Can you see Emma trying to hide the smile?

Hannah and Machelle

Barry and I were the first to go

Me and Mrs. White

Trip to NASA

On Wednesday, July 1st Emma and I took a trip with Robert, Machelle and Hannah to the Space Center. We have been before, but Emma really enjoys it there. Barry was suppose to be on a trip, but ended up sick so was home in bed, instead.

Quite a bit has happened in the last few weeks...

On June 8th I had the first, of two, procedures to rid myself of varicose veins. Over the last several years I have had increasing pain in my left leg due to these things. It had gotten so bad that when my feet hit the floor in the morning my leg was already hurting. Standing for a long period of time was painful, but I would just push through it. Until finally I went to the doctor to talk about my options. Endovenous Ablation was what was recommended. My doctor said it would only continue to get worse if I did not do anything. So, on that Monday afternoon Barry drove me to the doctor where they numbed my leg and threaded a tiny catheter through my vein from the ankle all the way to the groin. (I know, can you feel the pain too). At that point they used a laser to kill off the vein and start to close it up. The whole procedure took only 45 minutes and was relatively pain free. I had to wear a compression stocking from my toes to my waist for a week, taking it off only at night and to shower.

Then a week later, I had a second vein, on the same leg treated, only this was on the back of the calf muscle, so it didn't seem so invasive. This procedure seemed to be the most painful in recovering as the vein was pulling away from the tissues and I had more inflammation. The nurses described veins like children, "No two are a like." However, now three weeks later, my leg is in no pain and looks like a normal leg, with no bulging veins. Ah, sweet relief.

Barry was going to be gone most of the week, during my second procedure, so my mom flew to Texas to help me and Emma. Now, my mom has not stepped on an airplane in 21 years so this was a HUGE deal. We were so excited to have her come and be with us and proud of her for taking that step to fly. Thanks mom for making that sacrifice!

Between all of this-

• Emma had swim lessons twice a week
• Has had summer school the other two days, during the week
  
• Hung out with her friends
• Been swimming at the pool a lot
• Barry's been traveling
• Staying cool from the 100 degree plus heat
  

In the next few days I'll post pictures of our trip to NASA and our 4th of July adventure.

Stay tuned....

We are thankful the electricity was out for only an hour this morning. Apparently 26 homes were effected because a fuse blew. It's been like a 100 degrees people!

We made our decision and we are not taking home the dog. Barry and I were a little surprised by Emma's reaction. She didn't really want to get done and play with the dog, but I almost could not blame her; the dog kept going for her toes...well, make that EVERYONE'S. It became a little bothersome. I know we could change that behavior, but we just felt this was not the one for us.

She was a good dog in other ways. She never barked, knew where the door was to go out and potty, was on the small side. You did need to be aware of which side you were approaching her on because of her only having one eye, but other than that she was a good doggy.

I think I might have my heart set on a puppy; one that Emma can "grow" with and we can train from the beginning (people, I know puppies bite and nip too...but it's one thing when your trying to break that behavior and then stick your fingers in their mouth to nip on). Anyways, we have put it on hold. The breeder I found does have a male and female ready to go so we're debating if now is good or not. They will have some other pups ready in a month or so.

So, we'll see what happens.

Dog Possible

Post by Barry:
Today we went to visit a possible addition to the family. Different gene pool though. This one is four legged, monocular but still cute like a little dog should be. She was rescued from a bad situation and is being fostered by a sweet family with 2 other little dogs.

We are praying to make a decision about this little dog. Good thing is that she would free to acquire meaning we would not have to buy her from a rescue or breeder. We would just need to take her to a vet and get her spaded. We have friends that would be willing to care for the little dog when we go on vacation.

Now the tough part... what would a good name be for a one eyed little girl dog? Emma likes Winkie. Debbie is not a big fan. Debbie likes Lola, Lucy or Gigi. Emma is not a big fan. Barry suggested Winkie with the nick name of Winkers but he does not really care.

So now the decision making process. I am sure you will all know if we get a new little dog.

The End of a Season...

...and the beginning of a new one.

Friday was Emma's last day of preschool. No longer will she be going back to preschool. Kindergarten is her next step. Hassler Elementary will be her school. I didn't think I would feel sad, but I did. She's growing up. More and more she keeps saying, "I'm a big girl now." I loved her teachers, Mrs. Baxter and Mrs. Kersh. They had a great class of kids and I got to know some of the moms pretty well. More than 1/2 the class will be heading to Hassler too, so I'm hoping Emma will get at least one friend from preschool in her class.

The last day was Splash Day, which included a pizza party. This school has a real pool, age appropriate, for the kids to play in and they had a great time. I went to help and I almost jumped in, it was hot standing out there.

So, we move on to bigger and better things. In fact, tonight was the first time Emma went over to her friends house without having one of us go with her. Kate and Jenna live across the street and they are 5 also. They like to call over the fence and ask Emma to come play. So, I walked her over and their mom said, "Go get a few things done." I was so excited that Emma had "graduated" to not needing us there. We feel totally comfortable with Theresa and Haas so it was a great moment. After I got Emma home and we were getting ready for bed, she said:

"I had a fantastic time"!