Lunchtime Update

For those who haven't seen it.... I would like to introduce you to Hootieville!

Http://terrinicks.typepad.com
Check it out!!

Casstro's First Easter

So, i'm a bit late in sharing our Easter pics at Hootieville. But, here they are now.


Daddy helped Connor find the eggs and get a good grip. Hannah, Noah and their friend Jack were pretty quick but we all made a good team.
Too bad we had to wait between each egg so she could taste it and make sure she approved of her new find. IT was very cute and we had lots of fun.

Saturday on the other hand, was not a great day. Connor woke up feeling under the weather and a bit out of it. Andres swore it was from earlier in the week when she rolled off the bed (#1) on my watch. But after a visit to Dr Kwasman, a 104 temp, a soak in a cool bath and an evaluation we found out she had an ear infection. Poor baby! It's sucks for these lil' ones who can't just tell us what or where it hurts. So she has been taking her strawberries and creme medicine and her temp has stayed down all week.

Connor's First Grand Assembly

Mom, Auntie Lissa and Connor drove up to Fresno Saturday morning for a weekend of Grand Assembly sessions. It was Connor's first BIG rainbow experience and it was so good to see everyone.

Connor wore a dress for the occasion and I can't wait for the weather to warm up so she can wear more... she looked so stink'n cute!

Grandma Hootie even made Connor her first Rainbow sweatshirt that said "Future GWA just like my ma" with a cute little camel. (Those who know the Rainbow story will understand all that)

This is Connor about to give her friend Bella (Crystal's daughter) a kiss. It was way too cute!
And here is Connor doing what she does best, sitting in a bucket in Grandma Hootie's booth. We all had a great time and you would not believe how many people said 'she looks just like her Grandma'. It was good times and we look forward to next year when we celebrate the camel's 10 year reunion... good lord we're getting old!

Tis the Season

Ok ladies. It's that time of the year, Bachelor time! Right now my 'non-bachelor Andy', Connor and I are watching 'The Bachelor, Where are they now?' So where are they now? Most of them are single again and in relationships with their dogs. :) This time my guesses will be opposite of my first instinct and we'll see if that stragedy works better than my guessing games in the past. See you next monday our new british bachelor! In the mean time I'm gonna finish dinner for my family!

24/7 Golf

So my husband is a new golf fanatic! He eat, breathes and sleeps golf. He has been playing for a little over a year and has taught himself everything he knows. And that is A LOT! His goal is to join a tournament and I believe he will impress everyone. For those who see Andres on a regular basis, check out his feet. There is a 85% chance that he has his golf shoes on.



Now, while this may sound like I am complaining, or being negative about his golfing, I am not. I am proud of him! He impresses me every time I go to the range to watch him hit a bucket. He has dedicated himself to improving his game. Whether he is playing, watching or reading about it, he is learning. He is a very smart man, which I say all the time, and he picks up on new techniques and advice in a second. He does a great job applying himself to new tips and improving his patience each round.



Now will I play with him you ask? Some day. For the first time last week I hit a couple balls at the range with him. It is an awkward sport and takes time to find a comfortable stance, but it can grow on you (well some of you at least). It may just grow on me as well, and i have a good teacher. One thing is for sure, he is more than excited to teach Connor to play. He has taken her to Golfsmith many times and taught her how to hold the club already... of course she holds it and brings it straight to her mouth. So in closing, I am married to a golfing mad man. He is doing so well and Connor and I can't wait to cheer him on (quietly of course) on the sidelines at a tournement soon enough.

Keep the spirit

For those who have read my sister's blog or the comments my father left on both our blogs, you know of the loss we all suffered today. Vickie Diem has been a great and positive influence on so many lives and every time I think of her I think of the two words below.
in·spi·ra·tion
in·spi·ra·tion [ìnspə ráysh'n](plural in·spi·ra·tions)
n
1.
stimulation to do creative work: stimulation for the human mind to creative thought or to the making of art
found inspiration in the landscape around her
2.
somebody or something that inspires: somebody or something that inspires somebody to creative thought or to the making of art
His book is an inspiration to all would-be travelers.
3.
creativeness: the quality of being stimulated to creative thought or activity, or the manifestation of this
a moment of inspiration
4.
good idea: a sudden brilliant idea
5.
divine influence: divine guidance and influence on human beings
6.
physiology breathing in: the drawing of air into the lungs

am·bi·tious [am bíshəss]
adj
1.
having strong desire for success: having a strong desire to be successful in life

I have sat in front of the computer for over an hour trying to find the words. How do I thank this woman for the countless gifts she has brought to this world? How do I describe the impact she has made on me? I can't, there is no way to measure her love and support. Instead, I send my prayers. She will always been in our thoughts.

In the words of Vickie Diem "Keep the Spirit of Rainbow in your Heart". However, this time we will Keep the Spirit of Mrs. Diem in our Hearts, Forever!

Google.Husband.Com

For those who aren't familiar with the story behind Andres and myself, I'll just say 'it's a long one'. However, one thing that wasn't long was the time it took me to fall in love with him. We met in a bar, texted each other for about 4 months and finally met again one afternoon when he showed up at my work. It was an odd day but we became inseperable from that day on. (I can count the days apart from him on one hand beginning May 11th, our first date.)

As we near our 1 year anniversary of marriage I look back at our history together. We've had some great days, some rough days and lots of growing days. But one things for sure, we try to end each of those days with a hug, a kiss and an I Love You. I am thankful for everything God has blessed us with, our health, our new home and most importantly, our baby girl! We are growing as people, as husband and wife and as parents, but each day brings more room for growth. Andres recently bought the audio tapes from Joel Osteen's book, 'Become a Better You' and has really enjoyed it. He is setting goals for himself and, like Joel says, never settle. Strive to be better and achieve more.

I am next in line to listen to the CDs and work on becoming a better me. Joel is inspiring Andres, just like Andres inspires me. He is my google, my search engine when it comes to politics, religion, geography, history, entertainment and so much more. He has a huge heart, and although it tends to get him in some hot water, he is one in a million. He is a handsome man who would give the shirt off his back (I literally stopped him once from doing just that, but with his favorite jacket. I promise I wasn't a Scrooge and I didn't tell him no, i just asked him to go home and pick out a jacket he doesn't wear instead).

I love you Andy, you are my favorite MR!

How much is it worth?

So I just finished watching American Idol and got stuck on the show that followed; The Moment of Truth. Wow, what an intense show. I don't think I could do it... be asked very personal questions and forced to answer for money. It's like someone takes all the thoughts out of your head and lets the whole world know. I believe, some things just aren't worth repeating and even more, not worth the feelings that will be hurt by those involved. Now, I'm not saying I have anything to hide but sure as hell don't want to test it on a TV show. This woman just walked with 100 grand but had a tough, supportive and confident husband and mother by her side. They held up to some tough question and I am glad not to be in the car with them for the ride home.