The Road to Recovery....I Hope and Pray

I don't know if many of you know but I have been suffering many different symptoms associated with hypothyroidism for over 5 years now. I have been on medication for years without relief. Finally, with the some information from a complete stranger, I have hopefully found my saving grace in a world-renowned doctor in Houston, Dr. Ridha Arem. He specializes in thryoid imbalances and all the complications that go along with such a problem - and believe me, there are many! My family has suffered through so much and I have so much guilt inside for it that I pray that Dr. Arem can help stabalize my levels and return me to me. The cycle has been difficult and painful, both physical and emotional, and my hope is that I can become Anne again and enjoy my life once again. My wonderful husband and my beautiful children deserve a loving and caring wife and mother. So please, keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you updated... XOXO ~ Anne

Houston....we now have a teenager in the house!

Yes, the day has finally arrived...Lyndsey is offically a TEENAGER! On February 20th she turned 13! She had a wonderful day of community service and then a party with some friends ~ and one whom also turned 13 this past week, Katelyn. Here the two new teenagers pose for a picture before blowing out candles on the cake.

Mardi Gras Time!

Since Fat Tuesday just passed and Mardi Gras has begun, Lyndsey's social studies class was learning the traditions of the celebration. So for a project each student was to make their own Mardi Gras mask. Of course Lyndsey dove right into this project being the artistic one in the family and did an absolutely fantastic job!

I am a Working Man!

I love my husband dearly, but he has been working extremely TOO much. Not only has he been flying around the country for work, but when he is home he has been in the garage working endlessly trying to finish the cabinets for our fishing camp. He is doing a remarkable job and I couldn't be more proud but seriously, he needs to take some time off and relax!

Oh My...40 is Quickly Approaching!

Well, this year I turned 37 and I admit I do not like getting closer to 40. It seems each year as my birthday approaches I get grumpy and hard to deal with ~ per my husband who has to deal with me! Anyway, this year Byron was wonderful. Since Lyndsey had school, James and Byron hungout with me all day just relaxing and doing a lot of laughing. The two of them got haircuts but them took me to the mall for some retail therapy. Now if you don't know me very well I am a terrible shopper. I never find anything I want and if I do I don't want to spend the money. So, basically we walked the mall and just looked. After that Byron stopped and bought me these beautiful flowers (I LOVE FLOWERS) and a cake ~ my favorite, a Dairy Queen ice cream cake. After Lyndsey got out of school we went to eat at Ichiban Japanese Hibachi restaurant! Ahhh ~ wonderful food. James was amazed at the guy cooking in front of us but loved it. Of course we stuffed ourselves silly then came back home and dug into the cake. Yummy. It was a great day with a wonderful family. I am blessed!

Very Proud Parents

We would like to announce that our daughter, Lyndsey, has been accepted into the National Junior Honor Society. After being invited to apply because of the superior grades throughout the year, we received the official acceptance letter yesterday! We are very proud of her and her hard work throughout her academic years. She will have her official induction February 23rd with Mom and Dad, James, Grandpa Hale and one of her favorite teacher from 4th grade (we hope), Mrs. Travino, cheering her on! I will post pics from this very special night!

Missing the Super Bowl

Well, now that I have updated my blog and missed the 3rd quarter of Super Bowl 44, which looks like it is turning into a close game, I will logoff now and post more later. I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead and a very Happy Valetines Day!

Thinking.....

My dear, dear husband has been working feverishly on his days off trying to get the cabinets done for our "fishing camp" that we have in Trinity, TX. So before he could actually get to the wood working portion of his project he had to get the measurements down to a tee. Here he is one night working, or should I say thinking hard?! I give him credit, he has done an absolutely tremendous job and I am very proud of him. I can't wait to post an updated picture of where he is now. Two thumbs up honey! I love you ~ XOXO.

Me and My Mom

I love my Mom so very much and it is rare that there is a photo taken of the two of us so I had to share this picture that Lyndsey took. It is not the most flattering but it is still special to me. I know Mom reads my blog so I will take the time to thank her for all that she has done for me throughout my life. Mom, you are a remarkable woman. You have taught me how accept life as it is, even when it may not be too kind, and to learn from each experience, even though I may not understand the lesson at that moment. I am the woman I am today because of your strength, understanding, compassion, and mostly your love. I love you ~ XOXO.

Happy 4th Birthday James!

Wow! I cannot believe that my little boy is already 4 years old. It stills seems like yesterday that we found out that we were pregnant. Where does the time go? Anyway, James turned 4 on December 26th and we celebrated with Mimi and Papa still here, along with Gpa Hale! We had cake and ice cream and, of course, lots of presents (like he needed anymore after Christmas)! But, I have vowed that even though his birthday is the day after Christmas I will still make sure he feels every bit as special as he is! So, this year is was an Incredible Hulk birthday with everything green (plates, napkins, balloons)...just take a look!

Christmas 2009

Ok, Ok, Ok....it has been almost two months since Christmas and I am just now posting my pics. Sad I know, but I just haven't taken the time to get my blog updated. But, during the Super Bowl half-time I thought would be the perfect time since James is watching one of his shows, Lyndsey is in her room doing only God knows what, and Byron is off flying the friendly skies. So, here I sit updating the blog....I hope you guys enjoy our new photos.

This Christmas was little different since Kurt was unable to join in the festivities, which he was dearly missed. But, Mom and Dad were here and we loved having them as always. The kids managed to hold their excitement until about 6:30 but all bets were off after that. It was a wonderful morning with lots of laughs and surprises.



This years Lyndsey has really gotten into giraffes, so giraffe print was the main theme behind her Christmas gifts. In this photo is a giraffe head wall hanging, or mask as Lyndsey is using it, that Lyndsey received from Santa. She also got several giraffe figures, a light switch plate (thank you Uncle Craig and Aunt Dora), a giraffe print purse that she was told she would under no circumstances be getting becuase I couldn't find one, and a giraffe print pillow made personally by me with lots of love!



James, on the other hand, is SO easy to buy for.....any thing that shots, drives, or makes lots of noise. In other words, anything that is ALL BOY! Uncle Craig and Aunt Dora really pick a good one this year....for both Byron and James it seems. You can see what I mean in the pics!
I guess it is like the saying goes...."Like Father, Like Son." Or in this case, "Like Son, Like Father." I have to admit, it was super cute, and super funny to watch Byron try on James toy. I don't think I laughed that hard in quite some time!




Well, like I said, Mom and Dad were here to enjoy the festivities with us again this year so I got a quick snapshot of the two of them. Dad was barely awake but you take what you can get.




Last, but not least, I figured I would add one last photo of me....the woman behind the camera. Byron took this picture just to show that I really am at all these events. And, of course, I have my handy dandy sidekick helping me get everything just right!