Happy Birthday to our 1st baby!

Today is Denver's 12th birthday! I can not believe we have had her that long. . .yet I can not remember a day with out her. She is truly a gift from God that I could not be more thankful to have received. I know it sounds silly, but she really did change my life. . .a true demonstration of unconditional love, forgiveness and joy. I will admit, I often find myself trying to behave more like her! I remember when we picked her out. . .it was a month and a half after our wedding and a few days before Brey was scheduled to go to the field. As usual, I traveled the entire time he was away. 3 days before he was scheduled to come home, I picked up my precious puppy. I put her in a box on the front seat of my car and made the hour drive from Nashville to Clarksville, Tennessee. I slept next to her crate those first few nights and got up with her more times then I ever did with Gracie. And then came the call. . .Brey would not be able to come home until a high tech piece of equipment was "found" (or turned in. . .everyone knew someone had stolen a pair of night vision goggles). The first time Brey met Denver (as our puppy) was at a Company Meeting with 100 angry wives. This was the first time sweet NeNe was able to calm the crowd. Everyone oooh'd and ahhh'd over her and then I put her back in the travel box and headed home. After a few more days together, her true personality began to shine. I actually had bruises on the backs of my arms from her "sneak attacks"! I remember Brey calling from the one spot in the field that would get a cell connection and all I could do was cry and say "I don't know what to do with her. . .I may have to take her back!" I still laugh out loud every time I think of it:) Daddy finally came home and it took all of 12 hours for her to start sleeping in our bed and she had gone from a Momma's girl to Daddy's girl by nightfall on day 2. Some things will never change! I often credit her with saving our marriage during those first few years. When we'd disagree and not know how to make-up, she would often be what brought us back together. What a priceless gift! She would go everywhere with us. . .day trips, road trips, shopping trips. . .it did not matter as long as she was riding on Daddy's lap. We would come back to the car and she would be curled up in my seat. . .it became a game to see if we could see her before she saw us. No matter what we threw at this dog, she would roll with punches. Beaux definitely wreaked havoc on her lifestyle, but even he adores her! A lot has changed for Denver in 12 years, but she has only become more loving and more loyal. I know this might be a bit much for "non-dog" people, but I kid you not, this animal is a blessing that I count second only to Brey and Gracie. I am so thrilled that Gracie loves her as much as we do. Every morning she comes in to our room and cuddles her on our bed. I often find her laying next to Denver just petting her head or telling her what a good dog she is. It is so precious to see her develop Brey's love of animals. So tonight I thank my Heavenly Father for this gift that He has used over and over again to teach me and to love on me. . .I will cherish each day we have to spend with her!.

GAME ON!

I am so excited I can barely stand it! For months, we've had a vacation planned to Brey's family cottage. . .two weeks ago we received Gracie's Preschool information and it overlapped our vacation. Without a flinch, Brey cancelled our trip knowing that this was important in the overall picture of her education. After phone calls to the school, the family and the airlines:), Gracie and I will fly to the "Rivah" while Brey executes the original plan. As I look back at the photos from our last trip, my excitement is almost too much to contain! I don't know why, but this is my favorite place on earth. It is so restful. . .I remember a trip the we took the day after I buried my grandfather. It was so peaceful. . .I firmly believe God knew exactly what I needed. . .He blessed us with mild temperatures and no neighbors. I sat on the porch and read for 5 days. It was a perfect way to mend the soul. Several trips come to mind of. . .crazy fun! We love spending time with our "neighbors". . .it's as if not a day has passed. Boats, beer and being with "forever friends" makes for an unforgettable time! I can not wait to walk down the pier, breath the sea air and know that all is well in the world. This place is especially sentimental because of Brey's memories. Photographs of his childhood line the walls. It is one of the few things he truly remembers from his childhood ~ and it is complete happiness for him. I long for Gracie to have the same memories and feelings that we have for this modest cottage. A 27 hour drive makes it more difficult, but I vow to uphold this heirloom in the eyes of my child. I will admit, the idea of three days in a car with a strapped in kid and two dogs (each way. . .uphill both ways, without shoes on) was enough to drive me to drink! When Brey decided we should cancel the trip I was not really disappointed. However, now that the trip is "GAME ON!" I could not be more excited! Brey (and the dogs) will pick us up in Washington, D.C. (another one of my favorite places) and drive us the short 3 hours drive to the cottage. I can't wait to cross the bridge over Horn Harbor. . .Denver (my precious 12 year old lab) will raise her head (no doubt, she will be riding in Daddy's lap), sniff the air. . .look at Brey. . .sniff the air again. . .and begin to cry! She knows. . .we all know. This is a small piece of Heaven on Earth. Please pray for our safe travels. . .Brey will be driving 27 hours each way. . .alone. Granted, he usually drives 90% of the time. . .but it is a long (boring) drive. Gracie and I will return home the night before Preschool begins (responsible. . .no ~ heirloom. . .YES!). Hopefully we will land on time and only be a few hours past bedtime. So. . .here are a few of my favorite photos from "the Rivah". . .hope you can "step off" for a few moments and enjoy our "Sound Retreat". . .

I promise ~ more to follow. . .

The end of the week. . .

So VBS did not end on a high note. . .the Tuesday night skit scared the pants off of her (and several other small kids), which resulted in mommy scooping her up from her group and exiting the building. The next night she went to Amma and Poppy's while Mommy and Daddy went to the Sugarland / Keith Urban concert (yes, it was insane!). Thursday we spent some time with Lisa and the kids. The first picture is of Benjamin and Gracie. . .this is what happens when little boys come to play at our house:) After nap she woke up wailing for Daddy (he left town. . .again. . .unfortunately for Uncle Dick's funeral this time). It took a good 30 minutes to get her settled down so I decided VBS would not be a very good idea. I am certain the down time at home has done wonders. She is sleeping really well and her mood is 100% better. We had a great time at the pool yesterday with her friend from ballet. You'll get to know Joslyn really well this year as the girls are in the same preschool and ballet classes. She is a doll and we really enjoy spending time with them. Here are a few photos from the end of the week. . .

Camp Pinecrest Presents Hope Hospital. . .a.k.a. VBS!

Vacation Bible School ~ Day 1! What a blast. . .Gracie did great, considering the last session started at her usual bedtime!!! She made a sock puppet, played Duck. Duck. Goose!, had a snack, sang songs and hung out with her friends. What else could she want? It was really cute on the way home when she said "Mommy. . .I was the only one in my class that. . ." (really LONG pause) (Mommy's mind running wild)!. . ."That what, Gracie?", "that was nice the whole time!" What a wonderful surprise (and surely not any of the scenarios that flashed through my head ~ sorry, sweetheart:))! Hopefully tomorrow night will go as smooth (even after falling asleep at 9:45p.m., a morning with Cousin Alyssa in the swimming pool and no "official" nap). Here are pictures from Monday and Tuesday. . .
Ready to go!

Large group ~ Day 1!

So this is what you do with a slip-n-slide!

Still trying to get the hang of this. . .

Look at the ham in the back!

Ariel's turn!

The preschool class. . .

This is a movie. . .hit pause (II) on the playlist below before pressing the play arrow. . .

IT'S DADDY DAY!

Well, after 5 long weeks. . .DADDY COMES HOME TODAY! It has been a really interesting time for all of us. Gracie is almost a different child. She is completely potty trained and very independent. She is sleeping like a champion, but still waking up a bit early. However, she will let the dogs out and get her own "breakfast snack", as well as take herself to the bathroom and put her clothes on for the day (which is sometimes quite entertaining:)). She loves to help Mommy with any task, which includes filling the dog bowls with water!!!! and giving them their treats; it is amazing that my other "daughter" has been able to lose 4 pounds. Denver is having a lot of trouble with her knees and shoulder so I have restricted her (people) food intake, as well as cut back her exercise. She is doing much better (thanks be to a double dose of Rimadyl) but I think Brey will really see a difference. We had a HUGE scare with Denver. . .she was panting all of the time and doing this strange gagging cough. Being that I WAS a drug rep (which is almost a doctor:)) I decided to research and diagnosis her condition online. . .I was 100% certain that it was congestive heart failure. When Brey called the next morning I promised myself I would not say anything. . .but out it came! Poor Daddy had to sleep and then climb the Swiss Alps the next morning with this extra baggage weighing him down. After an extraordinarily long day and a $400 vet bill. . .Denver is totally fine! The vet actually said she is in really good condition for an almost 12 year old dog. Praise God drug reps are just that. . .The vet must think I am a lunatic. . .I completely presented the case as it was a done deal. Oh well. . .I LOVE TO BE WRONG! Beaux is still Beaux. The weather has been pretty severe this month, which means the carpet cleaner has been hard at work. Poor little dude, I know he'll be so relived to see Daddy. Only Brey makes him feel safe. Unfortunately, Daddy missed Father's Day, but Gracie has been planning his celebration for a month! Mommy has done remarkably well. I think having a jam-packed schedule has helped us both, but unfortunately I did not finish any of the tasks I had wanted to do. I am actually looking forward to cleaning the house today. . .now that is a significant personality change! I have learned to use the tractor to mow the lawn. Who would have ever thought I could plow with an ATV and mow with a tractor? I really do love to do the yard. . .I mow about every 4 days:) Could it have something to do with complete isolation? Gracie plays outside and gives me a "thumbs up" every time I come around to let me know that she is o.k. I have also executed Daddy's vision for the backyard. YIKES! This is the scariest part of the entire separation/reunion. . .I had 9 huge trees planted, a new patio put in, electrical overhaul done and the hot tub is being delivered on Tuesday! Hope he loves it! He is still having a fireplace built, so I will post pictures when the project is complete.

Tomorrow is our 12th Wedding Anniversary! What a perfect gift. . .time together! It is funny to look back on how I used to handle separation. I remember the first time he went to the field. We had only been married 6 weeks and he had to leave for a month. Granted, it was just to Fort Campbell (which is where we were stationed) but it was completely devastating! I sat in the foyer sobbing. I remember him telling me years later that he had forgotten something and knew that he could not come home to get it, so he actually had to go to the store and buy a new one:) I wish I still felt that way when he leaves. Sad how life hardens your heart. A week long business trip here and a two week training course there make it easier to be apart. . .but it shouldn't be easy. Being a parent forces you to go on with the normal routine, or at least create a new normal. I know many of the issues that Gracie and I dealt with were directly related to not having Daddy's attention and influence. Obviously, we have been counting down the minutes to Daddy Day. Last Sunday we started talking about the upcoming week. . .Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ~ ballet camp, Friday ~ dentist and Saturday = Daddy Day! The bedtime routine ran way long last night as she'd been running around the house singing and dancing to songs she'd made up about Daddy coming home:) This morning at 6:20, in the midst of a dead sleep, I heard my door open. I peeked open one eye and she had a huge smile on her face! She shouted out "IT'S DADDY DAY!" For the last hour she has been popping in to say "I miss my Daddy" just to hear me say "You don't have to. . .he's coming home today!" She laughs and say "I KNOW!" and runs off.

Final thought. . .It was really hard to be apart for this long (especially when you can not just pick up the phone and call whenever you want), but a lot of good has come, too. I pray that our normal will be slightly adjusted from the way it looked before he left. May we sit and relax more. . .laugh out loud more. . .talk about the insignificant more. . .think about the little things more. . .in general, not take one day together for granted. Here's to the new normal!

First visit to the Dentist!

I had no idea what to expect today. Gracie is a trooper, but when it comes to visiting the doctor, a bribe for good behavior/participation is usually involved. I have to say this dentist and her staff is AWESOME! It is a Pediatric office which was chosen because of her education (Baylor College of Medicine with a UT Houston Residency). They are top notch and high tech! Gracie had to be coaxed from the waiting room due to all of the cool toys. We were taken to an initial visit exam room that did not even have a "chair". . .but it did have more really great toys! Their plan was to have Gracie lay back on my lap and put her head in Dr. Foster's lap so she could manually examine, brush and floss her teeth. As we were discussing her history, Gracie interrupted with "I want to go in the big chair!" She knew they had t.v.'s on the ceiling and could not wait to check that out! They prepped a room and made her dream come true. The hygienist was so calm and nurturing. She showed her all of the tools and explained how she would use them. She gave her a test drive with the water/suction routine and let her touch everything else. She started up the Dora video and Gracie never flinched. Of course the Doctor was just as fabulous and ended by giving Gracie a bag of goodies and a token for the prize machine. Because she did not have any cavities she will be entered in a drawing to win an I-Pod. . .seriously, who thought of this stuff? When did the dentist become a fun, social outing? She can't wait to go back in January. . .she has even picked out the prize she will get with her next token! Here are a few photos from today. . .
Checking out the equipment. . .

The cleaning. . .

Cool Breeze. . .

On the phone with Daddy. . .He comes home tomorrow after being away for 5 weeks!

All bright and shiny!

Dance Camp. . .The finale!

So after a rough ending yesterday, today was fantastic! Gracie had a blast learning the routine and making a Dora the Explorer Vest (out of a paper sack). She was not thrilled about the part where she said her name in Spanish, but she managed through. . .for Daddy. I encouraged her to do her best so Daddy could see the video. . .it worked:) I am still devastated by the fact that I missed the actual performance. I had been sitting in the parking lot for almost an hour and I MISSED IT! I don't know why they started 5 minutes early, but they did. Fortunately, they did the performance again, which is why no one is wearing their vest. I can only imagine what she must have been thinking. I know she knew that I was there because she waved at least 10 times. I'm sure I feel much worse about this then she does, as she has not even mentioned it. None the less, Dance Camp was a huge success and will be repeated next year ~ hopefully with Cousin Alyssa in toe:) Here is the video from her final performance at the Princess / Dora Adventure Dance Camp 2009. . .(yeah, yeah. . .mute the music on the playlist below by pressing pause (II)).

Dance Camp ~ day 3. . .

So. . .what can I say? The teacher said Gracie had a great time today and did a great job learning the routine, but when it came time for the mommy recital. . .not so much! She half-way participated for the first few moves and then started whimpering, which was followed by full crying. So out of character. On the way home I asked her why she was upset. The first answer was she's afraid of the dragon in Sleeping Beauty (which was no where near the class, but they were dancing to Sleeping Beauty music). The next answer was that she did not like pretending to be asleep and the final answer was that she missed daddy. I'm not sure any of them were the truth, but I will say there was a 180 degree mood swing from the time I walked in and the time the recital started. Who knows? The mind of a three year old is almost impossible to decipher. I will say she came home and had a great nap:) Tonight we were able to spend some time with Aunt Lara, Cousin Nikki, Amma, Poppy and Nana. What a treat! I think the highlight of the day was playing dress-up with Nikki and Nebo (the life size stuffed chocolate lab)! So, yes, I do have video of today, but I don't think she'd appreciate me posting it for all to see. You'll have to make do with a picture from tonight. . .