Time of Thanks

It is the infamous black Friday, though it is not as dismal at the name eludes to. In fact there are so many wonderful things to be thankful for. Family is a big thing that I am thankful for this year along with every year. Within the past few years our family has grown and I am sure will continue to do so. I am thankful for every new member to this family, whether it was the brother and sister in laws or of course my own husband... and who can forget the little guys that are now part of the family. And with the addition of each new member of the family the old ones have always done an amazing job embracing the newbies. I am especially appreciative of this when I see how well Michael gets along with everyone in the family. It is fun to see how Brian and him cab play games for hours or how all Connor can talk about is that he plays soccer with Michael or when Andy helped make a traditional Cuban meal or how my dad and him spend hours talking computer and trading ideas or how he talks with Sarah all the way down in Nicaragua or even how my mom says he is the sweetest man thinking he can do no wrong... little does she know hehehe. It is a true blessing to be able to incorporate him into the family I knew growing up, one that changed with time (to include people I love like my own family) and to know that some day I will get to experience the same with his family in Cuba. So this holiday season it is family I am most thankful for and I think that is how it will always be.

Happy Anniversary!

We have now been married a little over a year and like many things this day and age it went by quite fast. It has been a fabulous year for us, of course with the ups and downs... but I look at all that as learning more about the other person and us as a couple. For our anniversary we went to a city not far south from Denver called Colorado Springs. We stayed in a cute little motel that has been fixed up quite nicely. On Saturday we wen to Cave of the Winds and took the famous "lantern tour" where the guide told us ghost stories and all we had to guide us were modern day lanterns. It was a lot of fun and kind of creepy at one point because we had to blow out the lanterns and then were silent for a few seconds to get the experience of complete darkness and silence. It was dizzying for me, but luckily it did not last too long. The next day we were planning on going to Seven Falls, but never made it there as our hostess at the hotel recommended we see Helen Hunt Falls in a state park, which was a pleasant surprise and free, so it was double the fun. And of course on our getaway weekend we enjoyed some good eats while in the Springs area and overall had a great time and some good laughs as well.

New Life

Being present for the birth of my newest nephew was really a joyous experience. I had always been a bit nervous to actually see it, my sister-in-law saying that it is a great form of birth control. And while it of course looks extremely painful to say the least, it is quite amazing to see how a little one comes into this world. Granted we could not fully experience the birth since it was by cesarean section, but it was still powerful non the less. And for how many people can you say I was there the day of your birth. I don't know about anyone else, but for me that seems like a pretty big deal and something really special. To be able to say to someone else (that is not your own child- though that is even more special and something we have yet to experience... give us some time) I was there on the day you were born is quite unique. Most of you who are reading this might be thinking this seems obvious or something you may have realized years ago, but for a first time birth observer I wanted to share my thoughts with you all.

My Dad's 2nd Profession

So I always knew my dad cut hair being as my sister and I would get the royal treatment by my dad and his handy little hair scissors. Sarah always got the feathered bangs and I kept with my cute little bob. Of course at some point we "grew up" and decided we needed the professional hairstylist. Well apparently my dog Heidi is not above the talents of my dad and experienced her first Tommy haircut this summer as it is too hot for her. My mom kept saying she should get her hair groomed at a place, so when Mom left for Nicaragua Dad took her to his own personal groomers... in the backyard. When I first saw her I knew right away that my dad did the grooming, but am sure Heidi appreciates a bit relief from the heat. She looks like a sheep that has been sheared, yet by a blind man. In all honesty my dad did a good job, but I will let you be the judge.

California

This 4th of July Michael and I took advantage of the long weekend and hopped on a plane to San Jose, California to visit my brother Andy, sister-in-law Lisa and nephew Connor. And we are glad we did. While it was only a few short days we realized any time spent together with family, though short it may be, is well worth any amount of money spent. We sure miss being able to see them more regularly but are grateful for the time we do get. On the 4th of July we spent the day at Lisa's parents home by the pool, drinking and eating yummy food. Even though we got a little burnt, the day was fun to just relax in the company of such inviting people. Lisa's grandpa Nano finally helped me convince Michael to get in the pool, which he was glad he eventually did. Connor was hesitant to get in the pool, but once he did it was hard to get him out. And of course at night Andy prepared a fabulous meal at the Tripp Tavern. Saturday started in a delicious way as we stopped at Race Street, Lisa's family's place, to eat some great seafood. That was Michael's favorite part I think. We then spent part of our day at the famous Santa Cruz Boardwalk, that was after an excruciating hour or two getting through traffic and finding parking. We finally got to ride some rides, play some carnival games and at none other than eat corn dogs. I even got a ring in the clowns mouth on the merry go round (I was the only one that time around and I know I made Lisa proud). Sunday was our departure day but before we would leave we headed down to Capitola to get some food and spend a little bit of time at the beach. It was a lovely way to end out short stay at the Tripp Tavern and were sad to leave, but know we are always welcome.

Expecting

We are all awaiting the arrival of a brand new baby boy. Well let me explain. He is not technically mine as I am not the one carrying him, rather my sister-in-law Marci. It is just that we are all so excited for them and for us with the arrival of yet another sweet little boy to ou r family. Having seen Connor grow and getting to spend time with him I have realized what a blessing children are and cannot wait to meet my new nephew. Of course with all that comes many a baby shower. While I missed on of the many as we were out of town, I was able to help celebrate at one such shower. It was fun to see all the baby stuff. It was also nice to spend time with family and friends. It is just a short time away until we are all able to meet baby Tripp.

Weddings

Two weeks ago a close friend of mine got married. She also happens to be my cousin. We are only a couple months apart in age and for as long as I can remember we were as close as sisters. Granted that with time things change, but it is a blessing to have her in my life all these years later. I remember talks we used to have about when we would get married and how the wedding would be and who we would marry. Of course neither of us knew at the time who we would be calling husband, but it seems to fit perfectly even if we never dreamed it. I was thrilled to be able to have her at my wedding last August and it was even more special to be able to see her so elated as she made this big step with her now husband Mike. It is kind of peculiar but we both married Michael's as the two are completely different men, as Jennifer and I are our own person as well. Jennifer and I have been through a lot in our lives and it has been truly beautiful to watch her mature and grow. She is such a caring and thoughtful person and it was even apparent on the one day that many bride's want to be perfect and completely about themselves. Jennifer was still thinking of others and wanted make sure that all were having a good time. She is a beautiful woman and I know that she will be happy with her Mike. I wish them all the best in their long life together and pray that our paths will always cross as we grow and change.