An Update on The Valdivias
Well, well, well! Here I am again =)
Here's a couple little random pictures to start off the post:
Here's a couple little random pictures to start off the post:
I made the family a Valentine's dinner on, well, Valentine's Day =P I ended up making Spinach and Feta stuffed chicken breasts, Caesar salad, & Cream of Broccoli soup in mini Sourdough bowls.
For dessert I made a Banana Split for Mom and Dad to share (Garrett made sure I put M&M's on it!).
The following week on the 22nd of Feb. we took our normal Fresno trip, but it was far from "normal". The day before, Buddy was showing some signs of something (his droppings were extremely watery and he was eating and drinking a lot - more than normal) and since us bird owners/lovers have to act quickly or they may fall dead by the next day, we made an appointment at the vet to take him in when we went to Fresno on Friday. So, after the appointment, which was at about mid-morning, we decided it was worth while to take Buddy back home and then go back down to do our "normal" Fresno trip. Turned out that we didn't get back home until 2:30 (long story) and we didn't leave for Fresno again until 3-ish. Mom and I condensed our shopping trip as much as possible and flew in and out of the stores. We didn't get home until almost 10. A couple days later the vet called and gave us Buddy's test results. Turns out he's pretty healthy for an 8 year old bird. We're continuing administering pro-biotics until his droppings firm up again.
One evening we saw these awesome clouds over our house. Mom says they're either the beginning or the end of Mammatus clouds. Here's what extreme Mammatus clouds look like (you do NOT want these around! If you do... take cover! ;) ):
Image courtesy of NOAA weather
We had a surprise guest at church on Sunday. The little girl was born as one of our family's were walking out the door to leave for our house. The family did come once they did what they needed to do and brought the goatie with them. She ended up staying with the church throughout the whole evening! She was even a good girl while we prayed and sang songs =) I don't care for goats, but I did have to admit that this little girl was quite cute!
For dessert I made a Banana Split for Mom and Dad to share (Garrett made sure I put M&M's on it!).
The following week on the 22nd of Feb. we took our normal Fresno trip, but it was far from "normal". The day before, Buddy was showing some signs of something (his droppings were extremely watery and he was eating and drinking a lot - more than normal) and since us bird owners/lovers have to act quickly or they may fall dead by the next day, we made an appointment at the vet to take him in when we went to Fresno on Friday. So, after the appointment, which was at about mid-morning, we decided it was worth while to take Buddy back home and then go back down to do our "normal" Fresno trip. Turned out that we didn't get back home until 2:30 (long story) and we didn't leave for Fresno again until 3-ish. Mom and I condensed our shopping trip as much as possible and flew in and out of the stores. We didn't get home until almost 10. A couple days later the vet called and gave us Buddy's test results. Turns out he's pretty healthy for an 8 year old bird. We're continuing administering pro-biotics until his droppings firm up again.
One evening we saw these awesome clouds over our house. Mom says they're either the beginning or the end of Mammatus clouds. Here's what extreme Mammatus clouds look like (you do NOT want these around! If you do... take cover! ;) ):
Image courtesy of NOAA weather
We had a surprise guest at church on Sunday. The little girl was born as one of our family's were walking out the door to leave for our house. The family did come once they did what they needed to do and brought the goatie with them. She ended up staying with the church throughout the whole evening! She was even a good girl while we prayed and sang songs =) I don't care for goats, but I did have to admit that this little girl was quite cute!
Not much has been happening since I last posted besides the few things I mentioned above; thus, the lack of updates! It appears we'll be getting busier as the days roll by. Garrett is taking a martial arts class twice a week.. He goes to the little kids class before his to help the instructor set up, helps teach and 'control' the kid's class, then goes to the adult class as a student, and THEN goes to the "Black Belt Club" where they teach more complex 'maneuvers', and then he helps clean-up. So he's gone almost 8 hours a week now and I'm missing him terribly!! A few years ago I went along with him and we both participated in the class, but I opted out this year. The class was established to do things The Christian Martial Way. Anywho, he's participating in the class with a number of our other close friends and he's enjoying himself immensely.
I've also started becoming a little busier, as I'm trying harder to involve myself in our family economics even more. Dad's teaching me more about the ways of Quicken and once things are 'in order' I might be taking over the accounting! Ack! Not something I particularly enjoy, but it is necessary. I'm also trying to pursue a couple side projects that may provide more income for the family, so I'm excited about that! As they develop I'll report them, I promise ;)
Mom's also kept herself busy - which mothers do best. Planning, cooking miraculous dinners (and I mean miraculous. When you think there's nothing in the house but a bit of cracker crumbs, she sets down a meal that could serve more than just our family! One day I want to master that art =) I'm glad I have such a great teacher!), learning about new things to improve our family living and health, encouraging the family when things get tough, selflessly serving everyone but herself, even when her health suffers, etc. She's a great woman!
Dad's keeping himself very busy also! After working at the Post Office for most of the day, whatever time he has before dinner and after he tries to find other means to support the family. He also strives to keep his family spiritually fed and brings us together in the evenings, either reading quietly to ourselves, studying, or talking about numerous different things that need to be discussed. He invests time with me by taking Sunday morning drives (when able) together as he teaches me how to drive the Cruiser. These drives are precious times that we share together, since it's just the two of us and it brings on intimate discussion which I really enjoy. He also spends a lot of time with Garrett and they've gotten really close. The two of them work in Garrett's room, as we moved Dad's “business” computer in there with Garrett's, and they do window washing jobs pretty often, both of which provide plenty of time for conversation.
We're striving to become even more knitted together as we enter into this new phase of our family life. Now that all Mom and Dad's children are in their 20's (yes, all two of us!), we're trying to understand and feel this new ground that seems so strange to us. It's been such a blessing being part of this family, and I'm ever thankful that the Lord plopped me here among these three great individuals!
As we keep moving forward, here, I'll keep you posted when things happen in the Valdivia household! Until then, the Lord bless you!
I've also started becoming a little busier, as I'm trying harder to involve myself in our family economics even more. Dad's teaching me more about the ways of Quicken and once things are 'in order' I might be taking over the accounting! Ack! Not something I particularly enjoy, but it is necessary. I'm also trying to pursue a couple side projects that may provide more income for the family, so I'm excited about that! As they develop I'll report them, I promise ;)
Mom's also kept herself busy - which mothers do best. Planning, cooking miraculous dinners (and I mean miraculous. When you think there's nothing in the house but a bit of cracker crumbs, she sets down a meal that could serve more than just our family! One day I want to master that art =) I'm glad I have such a great teacher!), learning about new things to improve our family living and health, encouraging the family when things get tough, selflessly serving everyone but herself, even when her health suffers, etc. She's a great woman!
Dad's keeping himself very busy also! After working at the Post Office for most of the day, whatever time he has before dinner and after he tries to find other means to support the family. He also strives to keep his family spiritually fed and brings us together in the evenings, either reading quietly to ourselves, studying, or talking about numerous different things that need to be discussed. He invests time with me by taking Sunday morning drives (when able) together as he teaches me how to drive the Cruiser. These drives are precious times that we share together, since it's just the two of us and it brings on intimate discussion which I really enjoy. He also spends a lot of time with Garrett and they've gotten really close. The two of them work in Garrett's room, as we moved Dad's “business” computer in there with Garrett's, and they do window washing jobs pretty often, both of which provide plenty of time for conversation.
We're striving to become even more knitted together as we enter into this new phase of our family life. Now that all Mom and Dad's children are in their 20's (yes, all two of us!), we're trying to understand and feel this new ground that seems so strange to us. It's been such a blessing being part of this family, and I'm ever thankful that the Lord plopped me here among these three great individuals!
As we keep moving forward, here, I'll keep you posted when things happen in the Valdivia household! Until then, the Lord bless you!
