Carlos left Mexico when he was 14 because his Dad was an alcoholic and abused him. He pulled Carlos out of school at the age of 12 to work for the family. His uncle knew what was going on and asked him if he wanted to come to the US. So he came here illegally. I met him in 1998 and moved in with him 6 months later. At that time I didn't know he wasn't legal. I just knew I loved him. We married 4 years later and now have been married 8 years. A lot of people think once you're married, they become legal. Well that's not the case, I wish. For the past 4 years we have been working with an immigration attorney to make him legal. I guess I never thought he would ever have to actually leave. We were told he would, but hoped things would change with the laws and he would be able to become legal while he was here. After filing tons of paperwork and paying a lot of money the day has come for Carlos to go back to Mexico to become legal. He has an interview at the Mexican embassy on October 29th at 11:15. He will have to go to 2 interviews. Only after the first one can he schedule the 2nd one. That is where 2-6 months comes from. It takes a while to get the appointment. The first interview they will make him take a blood test and prove he's not on drugs or been in any trouble here in the US. The 2nd interview is when Carlos will get to introduce his life here with us. Then he will show pictures of our lives together dating back to 1998. Each one had to be dictated by me as to what was going on in the picture and the year. We had to get together letters from people in my family, our counselor and others saying how they knew Carlos and saying why they think he needs to be here. I also had to write one. You can imagine how emotional I got while typing that up. I have so many people asking why he has to go back to Mexico. Ever since 9-11, becoming legal here is much harder. It's a good thing, but not for us. It has been very tough going through this. I would never wish this pain on anyone. I love my husband so very much. He cares so much for me and Greyson.

Right now I just need strength and prayer, tons of it. I have never been alone, and Carlos has never been back to Mexico since he was 14. The only thing he is excited about is seeing his Mom for the 1st time in 16 years. Other than that he is scared to go back because it is so dangerous there. There was no way of getting around him going back. It's just the way it has to be. I am mostly sad about him not getting to kiss his son goodnight every night or just tell him I love you face to face. I know my husband will be back and our lives together will be much better and more complete, but getting there sucks.

I wanted to blog about this because I have tons of people asking me WHY? I hope this will help you to understand. It's just the way it has to be. I wish it were different and easier.

I want to thank every one of my friends for being here for me through prayer and sharing all your kind words. I love you all and you will never know much I need you right now.

When Carlos comes home we are going to have a HUGE celebration! I will make sure to keep everyone posted.

A Shout Out....

I just wanted to say

HaPpY BiRThdAY GrEYsoN!!!!!

Mommy and Daddy Love you soooooooo much!

Important Women's Health Issue

Important Women's Health Issue:

* Do you have feelings of inadequacy?
* Do you suffer from shyness?
* Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?
* Do you suffer exhaustion from the day to day grind?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions. Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything. You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regiment of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want
to live.

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas.

Margaritas may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas. However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Incarceration
- Erotic lustfulness
- Loss of motor control
- Loss of clothing
- Loss of money
- Loss of virginity
- Table dancing
- Headache
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
- And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNINGS:
* The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
* The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.
* The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing.
* The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

Had to share this, gave me chills....

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey.. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words: Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her.. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her. Love, Meredith We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it... Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had. Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand.. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies..' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey &Meredith and this note: Dear Meredith, Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love. Love, God

Welcome Home Gracie

I have been thinking about adopting another dog for about a month now. It's been 7 months now since Fido went to Heaven and I just felt it was time to give Minnie another friend. I wanted to take in a dog that wasn't a puppy and maybe had it rough so I could give it a great life. I came across Gracie's puppies on STLtoday.com yesterday. They were super adorable and going for $250. When I called the owner she mentioned that the mommy of the pups needed a new home also. She had given her away to a friend and Gracie got pregnant, so the friend gave her back. The owner couldn't keep her because she had an autistic son that was stressing Gracie. When I saw Gracie and held her for the first time, I knew I wanted her and not one of the pups. She just looked so relieved and limp in my arms, licking on my face. I knew it was right that she come to our home so she can be a spoiled dog like she needs to be. I am taking her to the vet for the first time in who knows how long. She'll be examined today and get her shots. Then we'll make arrangements to get her fixed so she doesn't have to have anymore pups. I feel really good about my decision to make Gracie a part of out household. She loves Greyson and he can't believe she will actually sit in his car seat on his lap with him. Minnie would NEVER do that.. haha.

Tried another great recipe tonight......

Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 plum tomatoes, chopped
2 bunches scallions, chopped
3 cups cooked white rice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Directions
Heat the butter, olive oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Cajun seasoning and shrimp and cook, stirring, until the shrimp begin to curl, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the tomatoes and scallions to the skillet and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Add the rice and 1/4 cup water and continue to cook until the rice is warmed through and the shrimp are opaque, about 3 more minutes. Stir in the parsley and serve with lemon, if desired.

This is not my picture. It came from the site I got the recipe from.

OK, so I'm at work thinking about what to do for dinner. I decided to google some easy meals. I came across this great blog and decided to try the first meal on there. It's called Crunchy Baked Tilapia and it couldn't have been any easier. I took a picture of how mine looked and also copied the ingredients and directions. My hubby must of LOVED it too, he went back for seconds.

Ingredients:
3 fillets of Tilapia
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter, cut into small slices
3/4 tsp garlic salt
Freshly ground pepper
dried parsley
1 fresh lemon or 2 TBSP lemon juice
12 Ritz crackers, crushed (I used whole wheat.)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Spray baking dish with nonstick spray. (I usually use a 9x13 glass baking dish for this recipe.) Drizzle each fillet with olive oil.

Sprinkle each fillet with 1/4 tsp garlic salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle parsley on top of each fillet and then top with crushed Ritz crackers. I used 4 crackers per fillet. Squeeze lemon over fish or drizzle lemon juice over top. Top with butter dabs and place in preheated oven.

Bake for 12 minutes at 375 degrees, or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork

Very Thankful to Rachel and JD

We made it home safe from North Carolina. Something we were looking forward to so much, came and went too fast! Greyson absolutely LOVED his first airplane ride, all went smoothly. We got to see the Army base that JD works at. I was impressed with all the humongous airplanes, oh yeah and the hot military men every where you look. I couldn't believe how many there were. I have been clueless about military life.

The best part about our trip was going to Carolina Beach, what a beautiful place! Our kids had a blast. Rachel let me sit on the beach alone the morning we left and I really enjoyed it. I spent some time with God that morning, just praising Him and thanking Him. What a gorgeous place to be. Our weather was perfect, not too hot or cool. I hope we can do this again some day!

Thanks so much Rachel and JD for opening up your home to us and letting us share it with you for a week. We really enjoyed the time we spent with you guys.

Audrey Shae

One of my closest friends had her precious baby girl last week after having 3 boys, she finally got her baby girl. You can only imagine how much pink she has at her house finally getting the little girl she's always wanted. She weighed 6 lbs 15 oz, 19 1/2 inches long. She's nothing short of BEAUTIFUL! Today Greyson and I went and saw her for the first time. She was breath taking and Greyson was so gentle with her. Angie showed him her baby feet and never should have, he wouldn't stop asking her to unzip her sleeper. Here are some pictures of the little princess.

CONGRATULATIONS Angie and Matt!

Branson, MO

I am blessed with a really awesome friend named Angie. We grew up together and her parents have an amazing cabin in Branson, MO that they let people stay at for nothing at all. You almost feel guilty for not paying anything for it because it should be about $300 a night, haha. Carlos, Greyson and I reserved it for last weekend. I drove down not knowing what to expect not ever being there or seeing any pics or anything. As soon as we pulled up to the house Carlos and I were in awe. Immediately I got my camera out and started snapping pictures to make people jealous, I mean to share with everyone. We got there Friday night about 6pm and grilled some burgers and pretty much just lounged around. Carlos fell asleep on the couch watching Greyson's cartoons and me and Greyson went downstairs. There was a playroom for kids with tons of toys and a living room where I layed on the couch and read a magazine. I could tell right there it was gonna be a nice little trip. Greyson was a little uneasy about being down in the playroom. I think he thought I was gonna leave him down there and go back upstairs. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him keep raising up to see if I was still on the couch. Every time he saw me, he'd say, "Love you Mom." It was so cute.

Saturday morning we woke up early and went to Hwy 76, the Branson strip, and ate breakfast at Shoney's. After breakfast we went to a strip mall and did a little shopping. I got the cutest purse! Around noon we decided to Ride the Ducks. What a fun time that was! Greyson drove the boat, he thought he was hot stuff. When we got done with that we went to the Kirby VanBurch magic show, or as Greyson calls him Crabby BanBurch...and he's serious. Greyson had his head buried in my chest most of the show. I guess it was a mixture of the theatre being dark, loud music and girls getting cut in half that did it. Around 7 we went back to the cabin and grilled again then chilled on the couch again. Sunday morning we cleaned the place up and left to go home. We hope to get to go back again some day. I am willing to pay for it..no kidding. Oh yeah all these pictures were taken with my cell phone. I charged my battery for my digital camera all week only to forget the SD card in my laptop at home. SO NOT SURPRISED.

Taking him on his first airplane

I am so excited and scared all at the same time that Greyson will be flying for the first time in a few days. We are going to North Carolina to visit some friends. It's coming up so fast and I have nothing ready. I can't find my camera, don't make me go buy a new one..haha. The forecast is showing thunderstorms every single day we are there, but I am past being sad about that. I am just excited about the trip and feel blessed to be able to go. I can't wait to see Greyson's face just seeing the airplane. I have been told to make sure he's chewing bubble gum for his ears. When I was a kid I hated that about flying. Mom and I used to go to Chicago a lot to visit some friends. I will be sure to post about it when we get back from our trip.

The Batchelor needs to get rid of

Vienna Sausage. OK I can't believe I am even blogging about this. But, really? This girl is a total quack. I really like Tenley. She has been married before and I can tell that scares him. She is such a real (or seems to be) one there, and she's adorable too! Cory is still a virgin (so she says) and is saving herself for marriage. I think that's great if it's true. I have a hard time believing anyone on these kinds of shows are being 100% themselves, after all it is a competition in the end. So, as of tonight I am hoping he picks Tenley.

Saw it again

Just thought I'd share that. So, I saw Avatar Friday night and Saturday night. The movie is just OK...haha

I had no desire to even see it...

The movie Avatar that is. I hadn't even seen any of the previews. Someone told me about a site I could watch a bootleg copy of it and I thought I'd just watch minute or two of it to see what all the hype was about. So, after about an hour of watching it I realized I had to go see it on the big screen. I called my Mom and sister Tami and neither one of them had any desire to see it. After about 10 minutes of begging they both agreed to come with me to see Avatar at the movies. After seeing the movie I guarantee they would go back to see it a 2ND time now, haha. Once you put those 3D glasses on it's a whole new world with this movie. A lot of people don't like Science fiction movies, I am one of them. This isn't what I expected at all. The coloring in the movie is amazing, along with the story and the music. This is a movie I will own. All though I know it will never be the same as seeing in the movies and having stuff fly at your face. Mom and I were dodging things and laughing out loud because we were embarrassed. We had to have looked so silly. Trust me, you will love this movie. I don't know how anyone couldn't, it's that AWESOME!

Girl Interrupted

It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since Amy Walker was called home. Amy Walker is my sister Cher's stepdaughter. She was such a sweet girl and it is a shame she only got to live a short life. If you are interested in her story click here to read the article from the Riverport Times 10 years ago.

Our new puppy...

I know it seems awfully soon to be thinking about any other dogs but this one is so cute. I don't know if I can pass him up. Whatcha think?