Catch of the Day...

I often talk about our AWESOME neighbors Rich and Nora, and today will be no different. I am not sure if Chad and I can EVER move because we would be leaving them behind. This weekend Rich came over and offered to take our boys fishing! They were sooooo excited. Chad and I have tried to take them, but neither of us knows much about fishing and have NEVER caught anything. So, Rich picked the boys up on Saturday at 4pm, loaded all the gear and a cooler full of sodas and snacks, and off they went. We expected them back in about 2 hours, but they didn't arrive back home until after 8pm (the boys bedtime) and they still had to eat dinner.

As it turns out, it was well worth it. Dylan caught his 1st 4 fish and Collin caught 3. They had a blast. Her are a few shots that Rich took of the boys...

It turns out that they had so much fun that Chad is getting his fishing license and they are all going fishing again on Thursday evening!

Bugs!!!!

Well, lately, I have been reading one of my co-workers blogs about her problem with LIZARDS being in her house. While I feel for her, I would much rather have lizards in my house than what I found sitting right behind me while scrapbooking this weekend at my dining room table.

Brit, these pictures are for you...

These are pictures of a Tarantula Hawk Wasp! We had one that was as big as they get. It was HUGE and DISGUSTING!

Tarantula hawk stings are considered to be the most painful of any North American insect.

One researcher described the tarantula hawk’s sting this way: "To me, the pain is like an electric wand that hits you, inducing an immediate, excruciating pain that simply shuts down one’s ability to do anything, except, perhaps, scream. Mental discipline simply does not work in these situations.rantula hawk stings are considered to be the most painful of any North American insect.

We were very fortunate NOT to get stung because, at the time, we didn't even know what it was. I hope I NEVER encounter one of these again. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!

The Pool Is OPEN!!!

While I absolutely DREAD our endless days of over 100 degrees, I am looking forward to spending time in the pool.

The pool is still too cold for me, but today was our first 100 degree day and the boys went SWIMMING!

It was fun to watch. They couldn't help but to smile (even under water) they LOVE it so much.

Even our little dog, Diesel, got in on the fun!

Okay Summer, ready or not, here we come...

So I decided it was about time to post a picture of my good friend Shannon. I have known Shannon since high school and our husbands have been best friends since then as well.

I am sure you have seen pleanty of pictures of her husband, Matt, because that is who Chad spends all of his time with. They go hunting together, they used to go quading together, and they hang out several times a week.

Matt and Shannon are our kids Godparents and Shannon makes the most amazing cakes. Thanks to her, my kids have had some really fun birthday cakes. She and I scrapbook together, and every now and then, when we have time, we love to grab dinner or a coffee together and just chat. We are lucky to have them living so close.

These are her adorable boys, Josh and Ryan. We spend holidays with them and Chad even cuts their hair.

Easter

From dying easter eggs,

To preparing for a picnic at the park,

To enjoying a church service out in the sun,

To perfect kite flying, water balloon throwing, bike riding, easter egg hunting weather,

To an afternoon nap and waking up to Tequila sunrises on the back wall (courtesy of our neighbors),

To an Easter dinner made by mom,

To playing scrabble with my honey once the kids were in bed,

To a back rub and a great night sleep...

I would have to say that we had an EXCELLENT Easter!

Another Reason NOT to Work Night Shift

I once had a friend who titled one of her blog posts "Bad Mommy Moment", well, this is definitely my worst. I am not sharing this because I am proud of it, I am only sharing because I have hopes that at least someone out there can relate.

Two days ago Chad and I were going to rent a movie. The movie store is just down the street so the kids usually stay at home while we run this quick errand. Well, Tuesday, Collin wanted to come with us and hopped in the back seat just as we were leaving. He didn't say a word the entire way there (a miracle for those of you who know Collin). When we got to the movie store, Chad and I returned our movies and started looking at the new releases while Collin went over to the Game Crazy side to look at and play video games. When we were done, we ran across the street to Fry's and then home to our neighbors house to visit. When we finally got home, Dylan looked at us and said "Where's Collin?". We were confused to say the least. We told him Collin was with him, what did he mean where is Collin...but then it clicked. "OMG honey! We left him at Game Crazy" I yelled. Chad honestly didn't believe that we had done that. He was sure we had left Collin at home, but sure enough when he was on his way to Game Crazy Collin called and said "Dad, where are you?" Chad is too funny and simply answered, " I am on my way to pick you up, duh."

Fortunately, Collin was NOT scared or traumatized. I gave him a big hug and we laughed about it A LOT that night even though it is not funny. My excuse is that I don't get enough sleep. Chad didn't have one except that Collin was too darn quiet so he forgot about him.

Poor Collin. Mom and Dad really love you and we are soooo sorry!

Eye Update

Okay, so here is the latest on my eyes....

I followed up with Dr. Kahn yesterday. He is the physician that actually did my LASIK surgery. He says that my right eye (the one with DLK) looks 95% better than when he sent me to the corneal specialist! Yeah! So, the treatment is working, however, the prognosis still isn't great. I am not expected to regain all of my vision back. In fact, I will probably level out at a point that is worse thank where I started in that eye.

I asked my corneal specialist about the option to repeat the LASIK surgery in the right eye so that I can still obtain my dream of perfect vision (crazy to even think I know)....his answer " I wouldn't touch you"! LOL I can't say that I am surprised. I guess the chances of getting DLK a first time are 1 in 5000, but once you have had it the chance of it recurring is much much much higher.When I saw Dr. Kahn yesterday, he assured me that I would still one day have the vision I desire. He says that the corneal specialist is right I CANNOT have LASIK surgery again, however, I can have PRK done because there is no lifting of the flap. This is something I am going to have to REALLY think about, but it is nice to know that the option is out there :)

A few things I love about spring...

Spring is my favorite time of year!!! I love the weather. I love the cool breezes. I love all of the flowers that are blooming. I love getting the backyard ready for the summer. (ok so I let Chad get the backyard ready for the summer - thanks honey!) Most recently, Chad has been installing nice outdoor speakers so that we can enjoy music while out at the pool. (I can honestly listen to music every second of the day. It is another thing I love)
While I am NOT looking forward to the heat of summer, I am looking forward to reading by the pool, hanging out with our neighbors, and swimming EVERYDAY with the boys! I am sure there will be lots of posts to come.

One afternoon after a rough week, I arrived home to find this beautiful and thoughtful gift on my door step! I have the most amazing friends that surprise me when I least expect it. Thanks Britt :)