Today sucks

My grandpa passed away today. Needless to say it has been a really hard day. Every time I think about it my stomach and heart start to ache. Never in a million years did I think when I said goodbye to move to Texas that it would be the last time I saw my grandpa. Sure his health hasn't been perfect, but I at least thought he had a couple of years ahead of him.

He went to the hospital with pneumonia last Wednesday, returned home Friday, and went back to the hospital on Sunday. His oxygen levels were really low and they eventually had to put him on a ventilator. Then worse news came...Grandpa had the swine flu. I have to admit I thought the swine flu thing was blown way out of proportion by the media but not any more. The swine flu is all too real now.

Once on the ventilator his heart started racing because he was till working so hard to breathe. He also has a few other diseases that weren't helping anything either. They got him stablized and this past week he has been in the hospital being monitored. Because of how contagious the swine flu is the family had to be very careful. Everyone had to wear robes, masks, and gloves to go in his room, but my poor Dad couldn't go in at all. My Dad has rheumatoid arthritis which has weakened his immune system, so the flu posed a much larger risk to him. I can't imagine how horrible he must have felt as he looked through the window at his sick father, not even able to hold his hand and speak words of comfort.

This morning I got the message that Grandpa had passed. It still seems unreal. I was at school and quickly told the educator I had to leave and rushed to my car to come home. I felt like the world was collapsing down on me and I was all alone. I wanted to drive as fast as I could to be in Chad's loving embrace. I desparately needed him to tell me everything would be okay. It has been so hard to be away from family at this time, unable to visit the hospital and not being there for not only grandpa but the rest of the family. As I drove home the tears were flowing. I kept telling myself it couldn't be real and if it was real, how could I not have gone home before he passed?

Then I had a really special moment. I felt my grandpa in the car with me. I almost heard him say, "I love you. It's okay." Each hair on my body stood on its end and by some miracle I felt at peace. I have never had an experience like this, but obviously my grandpa knew how hard of a time I was having.

I am glad the last time I saw him was a great memory. Often times we leave family without really saying goodbye, but I'm so glad that isn't the case here. The last time I saw him was when Chad and I went out to dinner with the adults in the Sutton extended family to say goodbye before we moved to Texas. After dinner was over, Grandpa gave me a big hug and kiss, wished me luck, said "I love you" and finished with goodbye. Those words have all too much meaning now.

I love my Grandpa dearly and will surely miss him. I can't wait to come home and embrace my family. How I miss them today!

Till we meet again Grandpa!

My first shampoo and style

Last week in class we shampooed and styled each other's hair. The educators didn't really give us much direction and just let us do our own thing this first time. They were basically just trying to give us a break from being in the classroom. Amber (see picture above) and I were partners. I don't think her hair looks perfect, but not bad for my first time! It was really nice to get out of the classroom and actually do something.

I really like the people in my class. There are 7 girls (including me) and 2 boys. Everyone gets along great. I definitely get along with Amber best. We are two peas in a pod. We are both married, a little older than the majority of the students, and kind of nerdy ;) We just aren't into drinking and tattooes and actually want to get a good grade on the tests and not just pass. Another girl and us have started carpooling to school which has been fantastic!!! School is like 35 minutes away so gas and the tollway fees add up quick!

I don't know if I ever said the name of the school I am going to, but it is The Salon Professional Academy. It is a Redken-endorsed salon so hopefully I am getting a good education. Redken doesn't endorse too many schools so they can closely regulate the teaching methods and practices of each school. There aren't any in Nevada and only 1 in the entire state of Texas just to give you an idea. If you are really bored and what to find out more you can go to www.thesalonprofessionalacademy.com. I like it so far but we'll see how I feel in a year from now!

Backyard Fishing

You can go fishing pretty much everywhere in Texas, and Chad has been dying to take Vance. The other day while I was at school Chad got his fishing license and headed to the fishing pond right by our house. He said that didn't work out too great with Vance so he came home shortly after he began. He then came up with a ghetto-fishing style at home. Yes this is Vance sitting on Chad's lap holding a fishing pole in the backyard. The hook on the line is covered with a marshmallow (safety first)! Chad would cast the marshmallow to the back fence and Vance would help reel it in. Chad called it "fishing training." He figures if Vance is interested in doing this maybe he can try the pond again in the future.
As soon as I got home Chad rushed me outside to show me his new trick. I started laughing! I love how different the things are Chad does with Vance compared to what I do with him. There is definitely a big difference between men and women. Instead of reading books and dancing around the house, Vance is wrestling and playing sports all day. Vance is enjoying all of the time he has been getting to spend with his daddy. I guess he'll be well-rounded to say the least, right? Check out the video to see the fishing in action.

Promise to read it all before you laugh

I have decided to go to cosmetology school! Below is a picture of my first day of school (I'm just a little kid at heart). How did I come to this decision? The quick version is I have always thought it's a great career and I think I will love it. Chad and I came to Texas to re-evaluate our lives and make sure we are doing what we want. That's exactly what I am trying to do!!!

The long version -
I started a new job with a Dallas luxury magazine selling advertisements. It sounded like it could be a great job so I went to work with an optimistic attitude. I came home in tears wondering, "What the hell was I thinking moving to Texas?" You had to come up with all of your own leads which is really challenging when you live in a place where you know nothing about the area. The job was 100% commission, so I could work hard and earn nothing. Chad and I decided it wasn't worth me being this miserable so I quit.

After that we started thinking about what might make me happier. We came up with a lot of different careers in all fields but kept coming back to the possibility of hair school. I was really hesitant at first, but Chad couldn't have been more supportive. We still had to figure out all of the logistics though (mainly the money). My cousin is also really supportive of me going to cosmetology school (she wishes she would've done that instead of gotten a bachelor's). She told Chad and I we could stay with her and her family while I went to school. She also offered to help with Vance a few days a week.

Here's where we stand now -
I started school last Monday. I am going full-time and will graduate in a year. Chad wasn't able to gain residency so he will have to wait to finish his bachelor's until next fall. He is going to work so we can pay cash for my school and save for his. Once we have enough in the bank we will move out of my cousin's house. For now Chad is still looking for a job. He just tested with the police department so we'll see how that works out. Until he gets a job, he watches Vance. After that we will have to come up with something different depending on his work schedule.

I LOVED my first week of school. It has definitely made my happier. It's been a great place to make friends and really makes me feel like we are putting roots down here. This decision has made Texas feel more like home. I feel a little silly for getting my degree and then going straight back to school, but I figure no degree is a waste right? At the least my finance degree helps me make better financial decisions for my family.

I'm so grateful for the support from those I have talked with, especially Chad. I'm not sure what I did to deserve such a wonderful husband, but I love him with my whole heart!

I guess if you still aren't convinced this is a good decision you can laugh now! Just don't ever come to me for a haircut in the future...karma is a b*tch ;)

Potty Time

Vance has become fascinated with sitting on the potty. If he sees Chad or I going into the bathroom he immediately starts pulling his shorts down and tears off his diaper. We then sit him on the toilet for absolutely no reason but to avoid a fit. He is clearly FAR from being ready for potty training, but I figure it couldn't hurt, right?

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Last week we went out to lunch with the Hendrix's (Aimee, Adam, Matthew, & Nicholas). Many of you know them! They are some friends we made in Las Vegas. They moved to Texas a couple of years ago (I think) and we are now reunited. Matt turned 12 so we got together for lunch at this super-yummy Mexican restaurant. I can't believe Aimee has kids this old. After lunch Vance rode on the little mechanical horses they had. He just laughed the whole time!

We are so grateful for the Hendrix's and their friendship. It's nice to have at least a few familiar faces here in Texas. They told us we can come over whenever we want. They may regret that in a few months!!!

Matching Headbands

Yesterday I was getting ready while Vance made a mess in the bathroom. He discovered my headbands and decided he wanted to look like his mommy. The next thing I knew he put it on his head and started laughing and running around. Chad wasn't too thrilled but I thought it was adorable!

PS - The awesome looking tye-dye is just his pajamas. He doesn't wear them out in public - don't worry!

What's going on here?

Vance is still trying how to figure out exactly how to feed himself. I HATE this stage. He makes such a big mess, but I know if I keep feeding him that he will never figure it out. The other day we gave him some chocolate cake and I expected it to be a huge mess. Not too bad from this view right?

I could live with that mess, but check out the other side...

My little Vance man is SO dirty! I mean honestly - was he even trying to eat it? It looks like he was attempting to do some war paint more than it looks like he was trying to eat. I can't wait until he figures out how to eat!!!

PS Vance - you don't eat through your nose!

Diving Maniac

As I said in my 4th of July post, Vance LOVES the water. I swear the boy has no fear! At first when we went swimming he was content to let us hold him and just swim around. Then he wanted to stand on the side and jump to us. It wasn't long before he discovered the diving the board.

We helped him climb out of the pool, but then he headed to the diving board like he knew exactly what he was doing. He pulled himself up the diving board and walked out to the edge. He then waited for us to say, "Ready, set, go" before jumping in. We would catch him and let him go under for a little bit. Every time he came out of the water he had the biggest smile on his face. You have to watch the video below - SOOOO cute! (The video is sideways and I don't know hot to fix it.)

This seriously makes me afraid for the future. I'm always worried he is going to seriously hurt himself. He just has no idea what his physical boundaries are. I have let him fall in a couple of times and then got him out. I thought maybe if he panicked a few times that would help him realize water can be dangerous. It helps for a second but the kid has no long term memory apparantly. Consequently, I am a little hyperactive when it comes to swimming. The entire time we're around water Chad and I take shifts watching him like a hawk every moment - literally.

Stay tuned for more adventures from Vance!

Happy 4th of July

Owen, Mary, Cagan, Vance, Me, & Chad

We had a fun 4th of July! I don't know why but I love this holiday. I love the tradition of swimming, BBQ's, fireworks, etc. It all just seems so American! We started the weekend out with a trip to Lake Lewisville. As always, we had a blast. Vance has way too much confidence in the water for someone who has no idea how to swim.

When we got home we started baking for the day. Yes - Allison Waldron baked!!! Miracles never cease. I made the typical American flag cake that everyone makes. I think it turned out pretty good and it tasted delicious.
Then Chad and I got restless so we went to the store and got stuff to make sugar cookies. We baked them and then we decorated them with the kids. I LOVE decorating cookies. I am not even good at it but I like to try. Miss Macey couldn't resist eating a cookie before dinner. The evidence was left all over her face.

We went to Amy and Corey's friend's house for swimming, fireworks, and a barbeque. Vance was a maniac in the pool. They had a diving board and that was all the temptation Vance needed. I'm dedicating a whole post just to that so check back. We played water basketball, had a diving contest, and just relaxed. Then we fired up the BBQ and had some delicious chicken. Amy made the most delicious marinade. We had WAY too much food left at the end of the night.

After we dinner we lit off some fireworks in the driveway. Fireworks are prohibited in Texas so you have to buy them in Oklahoma. The fire marshalls drive around just waiting to catch somebody. We got lucky and never got busted.

Vance wasn't too sure he loved the sparklers. Whenever we gave him one he would just stare at it. After awhile he would grab for the flame and then was mad because we pulled it away from him. Aren't we the rudest parents ever?The picture below is Vance trying to throw those little poppy things. I don't know what they are really called. It took him a second to catch on, but once he did he thought he was one cool cat.

Owen was our other little buddy for the weekend. He came and plopped himself down on my lap right by Vance. It was too cute watching the little guys interact.

After we were done with our fireworks we went to the ballpark to watch the real fireworks. I felt super-American watching fireworks at a baseball park. The show didn't start until like 9:30 and Vance had had too much fun before then. He totatally crashed before the fireworks even started. I was kind of bummed because I think he would have loved them. Oh well - maybe next year!

I'm not going to lie - I did enjoy the extra cuddles!

Our 1st adjustments

Chad and I had never been to a chiropractor to be adjusted. I don't know what it is but something just isn't natural about your bones making those kind of sounds - especially when they do the neck thing. I swear it looks just like the same move people to do kill each other on the movies.

Well Corey's brother, Cagan, is going to school to be a chiropractor. When Cagan came over to celebrate the 4th he offered to adjust everyone. We decided to give in and...it felt great! My back made the loudest sound when he adjusted it, but I immediately felt relief. I'm still not so sure about the whole adjusting the neck thing. Chad was even more nervous than me but he let Cagan work his magic and felt better too.

Thanks Cag! Hopefully we can look forward to many more adjustments in the future!

You know you're in Texas...

if you're eating YELLOW watermelon. Yes - yellow watermelon.
Chad had just went grocery shopping and decided to buy a few watermelons. He started cutting one open and immediatley looked disappointed. They he asked, "What the heck?" I walked over to see yellow watermelon. We both thought it was pretty crazy! It tastes exactly the same. It's just the color we're not quite used to.

Creative entertainment

The kids are starting to get a little restless and so are we. Doing nothing sounds great but after awhile the appeal wears off. The other day Chad and I were watching the kids and couldn't sit on the couch for one more minute. What did we come up with?

Potato Sack Races -
Climb under the bridge -

Fashion show -

Make overs -

Any more ideas?

Mexico - The End

Of course we couldn't go to Mexico without going snorkeling. I have been snorkeling in quite a few places but this was probably my favorite. The guide we went with was amazing. Instead of just throwing us in the water and telling us to enjoy ourselves, he literally guided us through the waters. He showed us various coral, fish, and plants. This is by far the coolest reef I have seen.

Reef

School of fish huddled together - looks like a bush
More fish

Unfortunatly my underwater camera really sucked so the pictures didn't turn out very good. You can't see any of the colors and they all seem a little blurry. I guess you'll just have to go and see for yourself!

I'm really bummed the picture above didn't turn out better. This was a huge school of fish with one giant fish in the middle of them. Everything that looks like a plant is actually a fish. The darker spot near the middle is the big fish. What I love about seeing schools of fish is they seem so motionless.

The end of Mexico!

Mexico - Part 3

Chad and I really wanted to see some Mayan ruins while in Mexico. There were a lot to pick from but we decided on Coba. The site contains several large pyramids, the tallest, in what is known as the Nohoch Mul group of structures, being some 42 metres (140 ft) in height (tallest in the Yucatan). The picture above is Chad and I on the top of that pyramid.

Coba is estimated to have had some 50,000 inhabitants (and possibly significantly more) at its peak of civilization, and the built up area extends over some 80 km². People lived there from about 100 bc to 1400 ad. That is a long time!!! It was a really neat feeling to stand in the middle of a place with so much history. It just made me realize how much bigger the world is than me. Way bigger than the here and now. The things I stress out about just don't matter that much in the grand scheme of things.

We saw several different structures including the church, castle, crossroads, watch tower (see above), ballcourts, and the big pyramid. Each of the structures is made up of layer after layer of stone. The picture below shows one small cross-section of how each building was constructed. I can't even imagine how long it must have taken to build.

I thought the ballcourts were really cool. I don't know how many of you have seen "Road to Eldorado" where they play ball with an armadillo, but this is similar to that. In the most widespread version of the game, the players struck the ball with their hips. The ball was made of solid rubber and weighed up to 9 lbs or more. The game had important ritual aspects, and major formal ballgames were held as ritual events, often featuring human sacrifice. The Mayans began placing vertical stone rings on each side of the court, the object being to pass the ball through one.

The picture above is Chad standing in front of the Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the peninsula. It was SO big. We climbed all the way to the top and finally made it 120 steps and 140 feet later! My legs were burning by the time I made it to the top. Nevermind the humidity and the heat taking its toll on our bodies. Picture from the top looking down. I definitely wasn't in a hurry to climb back down. Chad and I just sat at the top and enjoyed the scenery for awhile. There was a little enclosed area at the top. I took this picture from inside of it. Funny story - Chad came to walk in and didn't realize the entry wasn't made for 6-ft tall men. He hit his head so hard on the stone. Everyone around us was trying really hard not to laugh at him. He was okay, but he definitely felt kind of stupid. That's all about Coba but on the way home our driver pulled over and gave this monkey a banana. In a matter of seconds the monkey had peeled the banana and started chowing down. It was really cool to see how well the animal used its hands.

Below is a picture of a traditional Mayan house. People actually live like this! The walls are made of branches and the roof is made out of leaves. There is no flooring and no doors. The lack of doors helps the wind blow through the house to keep it a little cooler. Once again - I am so grateful for the modern luxuries I daily take for granted!