Random Acts Of Cuteness

**Warning! The following pictures may cause other mothers to 'ooh' and 'aww' over a kid that is not their own. It may also cause battles between grandmothers and great grandmothers as they attempt to 'one-up each other' with their friends on who's grandchild is cuter. You have been warned.**

"Okay mom. I'm really getting tired of you taking pictures of me. Seriously, put the camera phone down and do some knitting or something."

"Does this shower cap make my butt look big?"

"Oh, don't mind the slurping sounds. I'm still listening to you. Continue."

You think everything grows big in Texas? Well, you haven't seen what's been growing at Costco! That's not a melon next to her head. It's a grapefruit!

An oldie but goodie. This picture was taken while I was still in the hospital recovering from my liver transplant.

A Day At Gymboree

On Saturday, April 18th, Elektra was invited to the birthday party of her friend, Joel. It was Joel's 1st birthday and he was celebrating it at the local Gymboree. This was Elektra's first time at Gymboree and she wasted no time trying out everything that the place had to offer.

Elektra making a perfect dismount off the high beams.
This girl's flawless performance has just earned her a spot in the next Olympics!

Now, she is making her way onto the high board.

She shoots! She scores! Unbelievable shot with just seconds left on the clock.

Elektra's floor routine was interrupted by a jealous competitor.

That's going to be a penalty for Russia.

Okay, I'm done with the Olympic references.

Here was the highlight of the party for Elektra- Bubbles!

"Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles, bubbles! My bubbles!"

Here is the whole birthday party gang. Joel, the birthday boy, is the little boy in the center being held by the girl in the pink shorts. In the back row where Elektra is sitting, three kids over from her, wearing the Mickey Mouse tee shirt is Noah, one of Elektra's boyfriends.

Elektra had a lot of fun. By the time we got home she was knocked out!

Easter Eggs, Candy and Peeps. Oh My!

Well, Easter weekend was filled with activities for Elektra. On Saturday our church hosted a community Easter Egg Hunt at the nearby park. Tons of kids were there. Ray took Elektra out to the field to pick eggs. Ray told her to pick up the eggs and when she looked around to see all 500+ eggs spread out across the field she said , "uh-un", meaning 'no'. She thought she had to pick up ALL the eggs. But soon she got the hang of it and came back with a nice stash.

Hunting for eggs

Relaxing after a hard day of egg hunting

This is what the Easter bunny left for Elektra on Easter morning

Here is Elektra all dressed in her Easter Sunday best. This is the only good shot I could get of her. She did not want to have her picture taken.

After church, Ray took some Easter lilies up to John's grave while Elektra and I went back home and changed clothes. We had to get ready for yet another Easter egg hunt that was being held on base hosted by the local police and fire department. I must say that hunt was a straight out ruthless battle of parents pushing over little kids to get the 'golden eggs' that held a ticket for a prize inside. I spent most of that hunt just keeping Elektra out of the way of egg brawls. But Elektra had fun, despite the other parents.

Needless to say, Elektra got way more candy then she needed and I'm still finding plastic eggs behind the couch and under the beds. I swear those things can be just as bad as confetti and holiday tinsel!

Our Little Angel

On February 19th our son, John was declared brain dead due to two massive strokes he endured. On February 20th his heart finally gave its last beats as God gave John his wings.

Ray and I took some prints of John's feet and hands to add to his memory box that the hospital gave us. In the box is a collection of little reminders of John that we can add to and look through anytime we feel the need.

Our son's final resting place. He is in good company with his great uncle Frank watching over him. The lilies are from the Easter service.

Although he is no longer with us, John will never stop being our son and we will never stop loving him. He is never more then a heartbeat away.

Dusting Off An Old Friend

Wow, hold on one minute.

(Grabbing some Windex and a dust cloth. Proceeds to clean off blog.)

Sorry about that. I didn't realize how much dust had collected on this thing.

Well, long time no see! How's it been? You doing okay? That's good to hear. And me? Well, it's been interesting to say the least. I won't go into detail here. I'm working on getting the dust cleared around here and doing what I need to get my creative juices going again.

Just wanted to let you know that the blog is back up and running. Hopeful no more major interruptions. Too bad I can't blame it on the screenwriters boycott or anything cool like that.

So, here we go. . .