A visit from The Schroders

My good friend Carolyn and her two wonderful kiddos came out to visit for a few days. We spent the days mostly hanging out and catching up while watching our kids play. It was crazy to see how much our lives can change in just a few years. Before we chased around our pups, now we're chasing around our kids! It's nice to know that our lives can change drastically, but our great friendship will always remain! Thanks Carolyn for coming out! We loved having you guys here!

Scott, Cally, and Cailyn

Big hugs for Scotty

Cally helping Scotty drink his milk

Congratulations Class of 2010!!!

Two of my brothers, Carlos and Danny, graduated this month. I didn't want to miss their special day so Cally and I flew out to Denver to celebrate with them. The first to graduate was my brother Carlos who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He has worked very hard to get this degree and I could not be more proud of him. Along with this huge accomplishment he also just purchased a brand new house and has moved in with Valonika, his girlfriend.With a degree under his belt, a mortgage to pay, and a serious relationship I'm realizing that my little brother is not so little anymore. Congratulations Carlos on all your amazing accomplishments! I'm so happy for you!

 

We had a few days between Carlos' graduation and Danny's graduation so I spent that time hanging out at home with the family, catching up, and letting the grandparents enjoy Cally. They were so happy to have her back and she spent everyday playing around in grandma's kitchen and out for walks with grandpa. Zane flew in midweek and was able to hang out with us as well. While he was there, we took the opportunity to go visit old friends, Dustin and Kathy Nabhan and tour the beautiful Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

Cally playing in g-ma's kitchen

Helping grandpa mow the lawn

Finally, it was Danny's turn to wear the cap and gown. Danny graduated from Prairie View High School and it was so great to watch him walk the line and into adulthood. Now that he's a high school graduate he has gotten his first job and is planning on going to college to continue his education. I still can't believe how old Danny is now, he's always been my baby brother! I never thought this day would come so soon! Congratulations Danny! I'm so proud of you! The world is at your fingertips now!

My parents walking underneath the bleachers to get a good spot for the ceremony

Happy Mother's Day

This was my 2nd annual mother's day and it was a great one. Zane woke up earlier than I did and grabbed Cally when she woke up so I could sleep in which was really nice. Upon waking, Zane and Cally took me outside to present me with my mother's day gift. In the front porch were two beautiful wine and whiskey half barrels which I have been wanting for a while now to use as planters. Attached to one of them was a beautiful drawing from Cally.

It felt great to be acknowledged on this special day with such a great gift although I must say that being a mommy is truly the best gift of all. I could not ask for a better daughter. So here's to Cally, I love you my darling girl.

A room with a view...and a balcony

Since before Zane left for Iraq he has been talking about building a balcony from our master bedroom. While in Iraq he came up with plans on how he was going to build it but not only did he want a balcony, he wanted a hot tub on the balcony so we can relax while enjoying the beautiful views behind our house. So after a few weekends of work the balcony was up. Zane's parents came out shortly after and helped him finish the project by taking out the window in our master bedroom and replacing it with french doors. After gaining access to the balcony, Zane and I managed to get the hot tub on the balcony by using ramps and a come-a-long to pull it up. Here are some pics of the project and it's progress. Although not completely finished the biggest part of the job is done. Zane did an amazing job! Thanks babe for all your hard work! I love the new view! Also, huge thanks to John and Mary for taking the time to come out here and help us out!

To make use of the space below the balcony, we decided to make a giant sandbox for Cally to play in. We needed to cover the AC units so Cally would not poor sand in them so we built a small play area for her as well. She loves it!