So it's been a while....

and we have completed our camping trip, had a 2nd birthday party, got new tubes and have grown by leaps and bounds since last we spoke. The camping trip went well. Ruby loved the outdoors, slept decently in a tent and we didn't even have a face-off with a bear! Pheew! I didn't sleep much mainly because I was constantly worried that Ruby would uncover herself and be exposed to the cold of the forest all night or slip into her sleeping bag and be lost forever! I know, I'm very dramatic. I truly wish I didn't think that way. But alas, I am cursed in this way.

Her party was a great success. Everyone present seemed to have a good time, including myself (which is odd and usually a neurotic experience for me) and most importantly, Ruby seems to have an understanding of what the event was all about and speaks about it to this day. That probably means the most to me. She still sings "Happy Birthday to Ruby..." and then smiles big. This is such a precious time in her life and ours. I want to capture it all. She's also in this role-play mode where she wants to do whatever we do. I want to FEED this mode. I LOVE this mode. I can watch her all day long.

On Sept 11, Ruby got her 2nd set of tubes. I wish that I could say that I felt good about it, but she seems to still have an infection, so it just feels like a lot of work and sacrifice (mainly on Ruby's part) without any of the benefits. It makes me angry and upset to think about it. Any advice?? Any miracle cures?? I'm open to ideas. 

Work has been rough on us lately. Chad is traveling a lot and I'm swamped, to say the least, at work. We're also going into holiday mode which, in retail, means A LOT of work and usually little time at home. So, we still have our work cut out for us for the rest of the year. I pray for guidance and direction and patience and moments of clarity for us all. I need some time with my hubby. Just he and I. Not sure when we'll get it. Probably not this year. At least the year is almost over. I think I'm going to plan a getaway for us for the new year. A nice long weekend. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts on that one, but I think this will act as our light at the end of the tunnel. Good thing we have several good Mag lights to get through he tunnel! We're gonna need them! 

So, I'm thinking ahead and hoping my Mom can come up for Christmas. It's selfish to expect her to come, but I do. I really want her to be here. I still believe she will be one day. This current sinking economy is not helping the situation. She's been laid off and is currently looking for a new job. I think she and Al are OK, mainly because he still has his job and they live very modestly, but I know it's hard and limits them completely. This is one of those situations I wish I could write Oprah about and dream that she will fix it! You know, the nice , furnished home she surprises Mom with in Sacramento, plus extra money to retire on, and unlimited Southwest Airlines flights for Al to go back and forth to visit family and for both to travel with! Sounds good huh? I'm just California Dreamin'. That doesn't cost me a penny. 

I promise to have more exciting, less depressing news next time! I sure missed my blog. I won't be gone for so long this time. Much, much love....