My Ring

I was thinking the other day that I've never posted a picture of my ring. I think its beautiful and I love it! The story behind it, was that it was Sergio's mom's. The ring his Dad gave her. It's so special! Serg did good :)

New Couch :)

My mom's neighbor was giving away their leather couch and they asked if we wanted it! So my dad went and got it, and brought it over last night. The couch has recliners on both sides, a table with cup holders and a drawer in the middle. I think it looks great and its really comfy too!

One for my brother....

Our Patio

Our Patio

My "garden"

Kenzie just loves laying in the sun!!

Well now that we're in an apartment again, our "garden" is in pots. We're only growing peppers this year, it might be hard to grow cucumbers and corn in a pot :). Surprisingly we weren't able to grow peppers at the townhouse. Our best pepper growth was when we lived in an apartment. We have several different kinds this year! Hopefully that means we'll have an abundant crop. I'm most excited about making Grandma Rangel's salsa recipe with FRESH jalapenos! Hopefully it will be HOT and even more delicious!

Reviews...

Well I got this book a few weeks ago. It's geared toward married couples but I wish I would have read it well before we were married. It is also supposed to help married couples with dying relationships. While our relationship is anything but dying, I've gotten A LOT out of it. I would definitely recommend it to any female, that plans on being with a man. I believe it can help your marriage whether you've been married for 1 year or 30 years. It mainly discusses changes you can make to strengthen your relationship, without bowing down to your husband and letting him do whatever he wants. The biggest thing I've learned to change, is my attitude toward Sergio, especially in stressful situations. I've already noticed a difference. I hope that with these changes I can more like the wife God wants me to be.
Every American should be made to watch this movie! Every service member who is killed, gets escorted home, from a base in Dover, DE to their final destination. The body is never left alone. It's based on a true story of a Marine that was killed in Iraq in 2004 and escorted home by a Lt. Col. It was an amazing story, that brought to life that this happens everytime a service member makes the ultimate sacrifice. The numbers the news reports isn't just a number. It's someones son, brother, father. The movie shows the process all the way from the time the body leaves Germany (from Iraq) to Dover, where the body is cleaned and prepared for burial, to the Marine's hometown for the funeral. It was an extremely sad movie, especially with the impending departure of my own brother. It really puts into perspective what a sacrifice men and woman have made over the years for civilians like me. Definitely a must see!!

Serg's Shrimp Dinner

The other night I made Serg shrimp kabobs with fresh pineapple. He loved it!
First time making shrimp was a big success!!

Making Cupcakes with the Kids

Colt

Piggy Pants Gillie :)

Jake

Meg's in Florida

Outside the Airport

I couldn't be more proud of my sister! At the beginning of the school year, Megann signed up to take an EDUCATIONAL trip with a teacher (not a fun, wild class trip) to Florida(scheduled for the end of the school year). She had never flown before and was going with people she barely knew. I just think it's really brave of her, especially knowing how shy she is!

Well the time came for her trip and we dropped her off at the airport yesterday. My mom talked to her last night and she is having a good time so far. She absolutely loved the flight! She is going to be really busy for the next couple days, and will be home late Saturday night. I know they planned to swim with manatees, learn to snorkel and swim with dolphins. This is such an amazing opportunity for her!

A little brag on Serg!

For those of you who don't know, Sergio plays on a competitive adult baseball league, and has several games a week all over the DC Metro area. He currently has a batting average of .500!!! His average is .200 above the next player on his team! He is also currently on a seven game hitting streak! Below are some of his stats for 8 GAMES:

• 36 at bats
  
• 12 runs
• 18 hits, 14 singles, 3 doubles and 1 home run
• 4 stolen bases
• 7 RBI (runs batted in)
• Only ONE strikeout
  

He has 4 games in the next 6 days, so he's hoping to keep his batting average that high! I'm so proud of you Serg! Keep up the hard work!!

Megann Grauduated High School!

On June 11, my sister Megann graduated high school. She chose not to walk, so we went out to dinner instead. I am so proud of her and all she's accomplished! She has turned into such an amazing young woman with a huge, fun personality. I'm so blessed to have a sister like her! I wish her all the best, for whatever her future holds! I'm sure she's going to do great things!

One more of Richard....

Serg Cuts the Cake

Sergio's work had a mini-party for the Army's birthday. The oldest and youngest employee's who have served got to cut the cake, and believe it or not, Serg was the youngest :). Here are a few photos from the party.

Happy 234th Birthday to the Army!!

Another one of Cam

Although adjusting to the heat of the desert was a little rough, he's doing really good and learning a ton! He should be home soon! Love and miss you Rich!

Cam's in California

In preparation of his upcoming deployment, Cameron is currently training in Southern California. He sent us this picture just a few days ago. He's learning a lot and having a great time!