Pizazz!

First of all this picture was taken by Leah, of herself. I love it! I think its artistic, especially for a six year old.

On to the next thing. Mylo, Milli, Leah and I were drinking some Diet Coke (there was no Root Beer so the kids got DC as well), mine tasted a little funny. I asked Leah to taste it and then taste her own to see if there was a difference or if I was just going crazy. After she tasted mine and then hers, she took a couple of thinking seconds and said "I think yours has... um... more pizazz". I had to laugh. What a great description on our two different drinks. She is very fun... I can't wait for her to grow up and we get to hang out.

Not Enough Pink

We have been praying for pink, and we HAVE pink BUT its just not healing fast enough. Even though we have been planning on having the graft, knowing that she needs it makes me sad and scared. She needs to have surgery because she is not healing fast enough and the graft will help to protect her open wound, it will actually close it. I think this is a good thing. She obviously needs this done and I am glad to know that this will end soon (sort of). She will have a huge bandage for a couple of weeks and then a fitted glove (pressure bandage) that she will have to wear for about a year or so. They said that we can get some fun colors and we will! I will not be able to change her bandage but we will have to take her up to the Burn Unit for them to change it for us. I am still going to do all the things I have committed to do like Girls Camp. All the babysitting has been set and I am excited for the spiritual uplift that camp will bring to me. I am grateful for all the prayers that have been said in Milli's behalf, please keep them coming, especially Monday (day of surgery). Thanks!!!

Milli Moo Update

Milli is doing really well. She is moving her hand like normal, she gets upset when we change her bandage, she is climbing on everything that she can and is super smiley. We don't go in to the burn unit until Wednesday. And to be honest I can't wait! I can see some definite change on her wound and I see a lot more pink, as a matter of fact I think it looks more pink than white! HOWEVER, Dave and I are not jumping the gun, we are not sure if the healing is going as fast as they would like or if its even making enough of a change that surgery will not happen. Dave and Esteban gave her a blessing last week (as he was on his way home from work). I know that God is watching over her and that is why she is doing so well. We have felt the power of prayer in her behalf. It is amazing how strong the spirit has been the last 10 days as others have prayed for Milli. Thank you for all those that have been so concerned for her well being. I will update again on Wednesday...

In other matters... How is this sweet, angelic child mine!?!? I am starting to wonder if she was mixed up at birth. How can we be so different? Yet, our bond is so strong. How could I be so lucky to have her (and the other monkeys)?!?!

Father's Day

We had a lovely day on Father's Day, well at least Dave did :)

We started our day with making breakfast for Dave, this was Leah's idea. I had planned on making breakfast burritos but Leah said we should make dad his favorite bowl of cereal... hey, no problem! Cereal it is! We greeted Dave with some presents for Father's Day. We gave him a new shirt and tie for church AND a card, I know, we spoiled him (wink, wink)

Dave with Milli, Mylo and Leah early Father's day morning

We love Dave! He is a great father to our little kids. He is stern when he needs to be stern. He is a good listener. He is a good and hard worker. He is loving and caring. He is huggable. He is a good example. He is fun. He is encouraging with our goals. He is a great provider. He is just perfect for us! We love him and feel blessed to have him in our family and for all he does to help us live out our dreams. After these last (almost) seven years of seeing Dave with the kids, its still gives me butterflies to see him having a tender moment with the kids. There is nothing more precious than seeing a father care for his kids and teach them so many wonderful things... I am so glad when daddy (Dave) comes home, GLAD AS I CAN BE!!!

I would have loved breakfast for mother's day... or any day for that matter.
He really did enjoy it.

Abuelo with Gabi, Leah, Mylo and Mason

We don't get to see my dad very often so when we do I like to take a picture. This is a bitter sweet time for me. In one hand I love my dad and he was a great dad when i was young. He always provided and was always giving to us and those around him. He was a good example of being a worthy priesthood holder. He was always a gentleman to my mom... In the OTHER hand, his recent actions still hurt me, deeply. Life is so different, it will never be what it was supposed to be. He is missing out on so much! I hate to admit that I really don't know him. He came by on Friday to see Milli and we gave him gift. I didn't call him on Father's day, I just didn't want to cry... at times I still feel like I need to let the hurt out but its just easier not to talk about it. I still love my dad... I just really miss the person I knew to be him.

Grandpa Al with Mish

On a happier note, Al is very present in our lives. As of late I have been able to get to know him so much more. The man is busy and a social butterfly (Dave did not acquire this trait). He always has done so much for us. He is SO generous. I always laugh a lot when I am around him. He has taken the place of my dad when he hasn't been there. He is really fun and a good grandpa. He doesn't just give the kids everything they ask for to show them that he loves them, rather he shows them with affection. He deserves to be happy. It makes us happy to see him so happy. He is a great guy and deserves great things.

Happy Father's Day to three special fathers in our lives.
We love you!!!

MMMMM... Ribs Outside!

Yet, another reason we just LOVE summer.

I love setting the table outside and preparing these yummy ribs. It just makes me happy. As I set the table the other day, I reflected on how happy these things make me. There is just something special that comes from being with friends and family on a relaxing summer night, its just priceless!

(I really need to SERIOUSLY update my food blog. These ribs will be on it very soon)

Mueller Park Adventures

Last week we joined we tagged along with Maricela and her scouts for a night of fire building, hot dog roasting, marshmallow roasting, mountain exploring, adventure. For a long time we have been wanting to go up the canyon and build a fire and just hang out. We had a great time. It took Dave a very long time to build the fire because all the wood was wet from all the recent rain we have received, but once it was going it was so nice to have a fire roasted hot dog (bratworst for us). We had Mason with us that night as well and that was a lot of fun. I think the kids had a great time. Milli loved it too even though she was stuck in the back pack for most of the time. I love Mueller Park, its so beautiful up there. Leah and Mason saw a snake on the path, but it looked like just a garden snake to me. I am sure we will go back up very soon. We love doing something fun and out of the ordinary. Plus I think we all really needed the 'chill' time.

Update on Milli

* WARNING*
This is not for those who are queasy.... so beware.
The second picture might be a bit too graphic for some of you.

Milli is doing great. She is happy and eating and sleeping like she always does. She is playing like a normal one year old. She loves to climb on things and nothing will stop her, unless Dave, Leah or I physically put her down :) (Leah is a GREAT help with her). I went to the burn unit yesterday and they gave me instructions on how to change the bandage and how often. I have to do it twice a day. I cannot do it alone so Dave holds her hand while I change the dressing. She doesn't like it and cries when it gets washed. It doesn't seem to be making a lot of change but we keep praying something will happen as far as some pink spots. Milli has to be seen every two to three days up at the burn unit for them to see the progress. We have to keep a sock over her dressing so she won't pull on it. Poor thing can't grasp things very well, but she manages very well with her left hand.

Here's a picture of her after her nap, eating one of her favorites, grilled cheese!



This next picture is over her wound this morning after we cleaned it out.

We go back to the burn unit on Tuesday. Wish us luck!