Halloween Housewarming Bash

Halloween is a fun time of year; it's that one time you can dress up as something fun, sexy, devlish and no one seems to think you're insane. It's kinda nice really... ha.

We decided that Halloween would be our deadline to have everything in the house complete. EVERYTHING, boxes unloaded, changes we were making, adding things. Boy it's been rough to accomplish all of it. Justin just finally finished staining the deck, I'm not sure he'll do that adventure again. Any how, here are pictures of our party - had a great turn out. Folks loved the house, and I loved having laughter, noise and people fill our rooms. Great way to break in a home! For those of you who know us for our parties...the legacy lives on.

I'm sorry that a lot of our friends from home and scattered across the US/WORLD couldn't be a part of the ghoulish night, but we know you were here in spirit. :-)

Granny was the Black Widow - of course she had to be something semi-sexy and she was. She also enjoyed being in character; she was after the men that night. Go granny go!

I was a witch - I'm totally in love with my hat; it'll be around for a while. ha!

Justin - Napoleon Dynamite, I love my husband

JS - Pancake girl! I love JS' ingenius ways. Here in Kansas there is an International Pancake Race every year in a town by the name of Liberal. Liberal in fact is where she hails from and her mother has run this race. The race is also held in England - the time of the runners is decided, the winner is declared the International winner. Pretty cool!

Enjoy!

Way to go Schotzie

Schotzie! This post is all about Schotzie. Some of you know about Schotz and how she came to be part of our family of three (Justin, Jacquie & Ozzy). If you don't, here's the scoop. Anitra called asking if I wanted another kitty. Justin and I wrestled with having another right after Ozzy. After much debate, Justin agreed, yes another cat; with the promise no more kittys. You all know, we have three...so. Ha! Just keep thinking about schotzie. :-)

Our little girl came to us from Anitra, who had a friend who found this little stray kitty cat. She was tiny, her coat was rough, and to be quite honest, she wasn't very pretty. But, our hearts softened, and Schotzie made the 3 1/2 hour drive, half with Anitra and the other half with us.

She and Ozzy grew to love each other, and are true companions. In fact, from time to time you see them cuddle together in a corner. :-)

Schotzie and Justin have a very special relationship. Anyone who has met Justin, probably knows about Schotzie. Schotzie has also picked a favorite amongst us, Justin. She loves her daddy. In fact, about three ago, Schotzie started what is commonly referred to as chittering. I love to think that she and her dad have meaningful conversations. :-) This converations only started with Justin, but over time have started with me and with others (Mom, Granny & Cyra). :-)

The cat talks all the time now. Ha! In one of her rare moments of a conversation between her and Justin I was able to capture a video, and Justin posted on YouTube. Justin and Schotzie were talking to one another, turns out the video is a HUGE hit on the site. It also been viewed so much that Utube wants to pay us - we don't know how much; but its real cool! So you may see us on America's funniest home videos or the Animal planet. ha!

For your enjoyment - no money coming to us now...:-)

Enjoy the show!! :-)

OUR HOUSE!

So I have to apologize for my delay in getting these pictures out to everyone. It's been quite an ordeal keeping all the balls in the air and still finding time to put the junk in it's new place. However, hope you enjoy - we love our new home! :-)

We live in a new development; but one of the things that drew me to the area is that our home doesn't back up to anyone else. The first morning I slept in my new house, I looked out my bedroom window and awakended to the wild sunflowers growing behind us. Absolutely beautiful!

spare bathroom upstairs

My new office

Living Room

Kitchen

If it's at all Possible, I'm in love with my stove!! It's amazing!!!!!

This is all I can get up now - need to finish dinner - enjoy!

Cancer Surgery

So today has was the day we'd all been waiting for. Today, started at 3a with a very short night the night before. We managed to get up, get Granny going, me in the shower and doing some official work time as I'm remoting in from the office. We GOT there, that's the important part!!

We had mom at Via Christi St. Francis at 5:15a and ready for surgery check-in. They immediately took mom back, we said our love yous and prayers, and there she went, rolling in the opposite direction we were motioned.

Mom's surgery didn't begin until 7:3oa and we didn't hear from the surgeon until 11a. Dr. Porter said it went VERY WELL; that the tumor was quite VICIOUS (not a word I would normally here from a doctor). He was deteremined and successful in the removal of the tumor - hurray. There is lots of scarred tissue, but they anticipated that and stated that her pre-treatement of radiation and chemo was the best thing for her.

All in all, mom is doing well. Granny and I are both exhausted and I'm back to work as I finish out my remote-in day. Thank you for your prayers and everything. This is all thanks to God.

If you want to send flowers: Here's the address to the hospital. She will have to stay for 4 to 7 days post op for observation.

Via Christi St. Francis

Attn Patient: Roxanne Estrada

Room: 8056

929 North St. Francis

Wichita, KS 67214

Happy Birthday Cyra

On July 21, 2007 Anitra went into the hospital for having preclampsyia, they admitted and induced her. It was a long night, but Tante stuck around to be there for Hetra and the arrival of Baby Cyra. I certainly wasn't going to miss this....

At about 1300 the lady next door started screaming BLOODY MURDER! I imagine she was delivering a 13lb child at the rate her lungs were screaming. Anitra and I woke up, began to talk and talk about everthing.

We started this long venture together patiently awaiting Cyra's visit. I was so excited, I can't explain how my impatience grew, I had already waited 9 months and the next 15 hours seemed like an enternity.

Finally that evening, my blessed niece made her appearance. Today is her 2nd Birthday! It's amazing to see how she's grown from the wee lil' one pictured above. She's developing her character, her voice, her disposition....EVERYTHING. This Tante feels as though she's missing out on quite a bit with them being overseas. But I know I'm probably not.

She's been the best gift I could have ever asked for, my child or not...she's mine no matter what anyone says. I imagine Anitra would argue that she atleast looks like me. :-) She's the apple of my eye, the joy of my heart, the blessing God intended for our family!

Cyra - Tante Loves you always & Forever!!! Happy Birthday!

Granite

The house is coming along nicely. We've been given a date of closing of August 28th. WOW, how the time flys when you're busy with everything. Here are two pictures of our granite and cabinets together. I think we have a nice touch. I'm also including our kitchen sink faucet; Anitra's comment..."Class all the way Chuck." I hope so!

Thoughts?

Chicago

So as some of you know, I took my first trip ever to Chicago, IL. WOW, what an amazing city! We stayed at the luxury Penisula Hotel - wonderful beautiful and exciting. Here are some pictures from my amazing business trip. The conference was okay, but the location made up for it in all the right ways! :-)