The Fighter's

Last week was a rough one. Mom went through 9 hours of surgery at the University of Michigan on Monday to correct a carotid cavernous fistula, to no avail. She will head back into the same surgery this Thursday so the surgeons can try 2 alternative intra-venous routes, and then they’ll move to plan B. We are hoping the intra-venous routes work as they are less invasive and less risky. She is a trooper though and her vitals stayed strong through surgery and she has recovered well a week after surgery. Just anxious to be her normal self and get this over with! The time my mom was in surgery was agonizing to say the least, but I truly believe that there is purpose in times like this…things work together to grow us. I realized (again) how absolutely thankful I am for my amazing family. Doug, my dad, my brothers, future sister in law…through the 9 hours of waiting, we kept each other going with humor, some tears, food and starbucks coffee! It is so nice to know that through celebratory time...

Doug and I had a fantastic time in New Mexico. The Sandia mountain scenery was beautiful, we ate great food, drank some wine, explored different spots around town (Old Albuquerque, historic route 66, Sandia mountain Tram (longest tram in the world) and laid out by the pool. Can’t beat that for a weekend trip! A great time to celebrate 5 years… Sandia Mountains, Route 66 & Old Albuquerque

After 6 days with a sore throat and a gradually fading voice, my voice box decided to call it quits today. I didn't realize until I called my dad up this morning at 8am for some guidance on a utilization calculation for work, opened up my mouth, and....nothing! So...this was a dilemma. Husband out of town. No voice. Two demanding children. Hmmmm. But we made it through today. With some squeaking, a lot whispering, some "mom" grimaces (and smiles too)...we made it through. Ava kept saying..."mom, talk loud" and at times got frustrated, but by the end of the day she was so cute and whispering with me. I explained to her this morning that my voice was sick which was why I had to whisper...and then later in the day she started asking..."voice feel better mom?" She also just thought it was so hilarious when I put her to bed, whispering her prayers, Jesus Loves Me, The B-I-B-L-E and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer (our nightly bed-side routine for about the p...

Yesterday was our 5 year wedding anniversary! It has been a super 5 years to say the very least. God has truly blessed me with a guy who makes me laugh, grow, love and enjoy life in a way that I wouldn't if he was not by my side. And to top it all off, he's added two scrumptious munchkins to the mix! I am truly, truly thankful! We will be celebrating next weekend in New Mexico! My parents are taking the girls, and I am headed out to meet Doug (who will already be there for work). Looking forward to a long weekend of exploring, relaxing and enjoying "us" time. I absolutely cherish these times with Doug and can't wait (and I can't wait to sleep in)! Here is a sneak peak of our morning yesterday! We went on a walk and stole few shots along the way...

The highlight of today… My team at work was having lunch at Steak and Shake, so I took the girls to meet them (keep in mind I work in the Finance department, and although a great group of people...we have our share of "stiff" personalities)! At first Ava was shy, and Katelyn just stared at everyone, but as the lunch progressed…my daughters kept it real... Katelyn’s diaper leaked while a co-worker was holding her. Oops. Ava began giving our CFO extreme force high fives (wind up included). He is a grandpa of 6, so I’m thinking he enjoyed it. But I had to tell her to lay off after a few heavy smackers. Katelyn entertained everyone by blowing raspberries (and peas) out of her mouth. Laughter only encouraged her and before I knew it, her face (and the table) was caked in peas. All I can say is that us Fighter girls wanted to bring some humanity to lunch today. Other than that, we enjoyed this beautiful weather (70 & sunny) and walked to the park with our neighbors. Katelyn has...

I am going to give this a try! I have always tried to journal, but am so used to typing that after a few days of writers cramp, I give up! So...maybe online is the way to go. We had a great Father's day weekend. A few highlights... Katelyn ate BLUE play dough on Friday night. I had to peel it from the roof of her mouth! Setting: Mall playground, Saturday morning. Ava poutily runs to me and says..."Mommy...Daddy told me no, Daddy like Grumpy Bear" (referring to cartoon Care Bears). I had to turn around and laugh before turning back to stand ground with my Grumpy Bear who said "No". Escaped COSTCO only spending $24. It was a miracle considering we usually go there for a few things and end up walking out with a cart full! We went for blueberries & strawberries and came out with both those things + coffee. Not too shabby. Also stole a few shots of the girls in the grocery cart! Summer fun in the back yard baby pool. Ava likes to put her slide into the poo...

Love how enthusiastic kids are about simple things. We broke out the hot air popper tonight! Waiting... Anticipation... Popcorn!!