Weekly Update

Tenley dished out toothbrushes Monday morning and the kids went to town on their dental hygiene:

We went to the Venturino's Tuesday and the kids had such a blast playing with the girls and Tenley really loved the 'My Little Pony' tattoo Karina gave her:

The kids colored together while Ed and I worked out on Wednesday:

Watching us work out must've made them work up an appetite because they ate like little Hoovers:

The past three weeks have been really rough for me and here's a little back story as to why...14 years ago my dad had cancer the size of a tennis ball in his throat. At that time the doctors didn't think he'd live longer than 5 years, but he beat the cancer and surpassed those 5 years. Just 4 years ago he suffered a massive stroke due to having 99% blockage in the left artery going to his brain and 90% blockage in the right artery going to his brain. He survived the stroke and they were able to clear the one artery and put a stint in it, but the one artery was not salvageable. Since his stroke he's had another stint put in and just 3 weeks ago he told me his artery was at 70% blockage. He is usually very comical, but when he first told me he was very skeptical and worried so I was freaking out. I was sick to my stomach and already looking at plane tickets for the kids and I. His doctor didn't have anything planned yet because he didn't know what to do because accessing the area was risky due to my dad's previous radiation. Since he had radiation they needed to go in through his groin and all the way up around his heart, rather then just cutting his neck; which would be much easier to access. He had this procedure scheduled for the 10th, then the doc cancelled it until he could have a second specialist join him during the procedure. The procedure was now set for Thursday, the 20th. I couldn't sleep at all. I prayed all night and kept looking at old pictures and replaying my last visit with my dad:

Luckily, my dad is the strongest man I know and he did better than anyone expected. The doctors thought he would need to go to ICU after, but he did so well that he went to a regular room and was released the next afternoon. I am so, so grateful that he is back on the road to recovery! I'm so thankful that God was with the Doctor's in that operation room and holding my dad's hand during the procedure to give him the strength he needed. I hope he can stay healthy for us all because I realllllly want to come home and give him a big hug and tell him how much I love him in person!

The kids could sense I was on edge Thursday morning so they took it easy on me and were full of smiles:

Once I found out that my dad was all good we went outside to celebrate:

I could not get the twins to nap that afternoon so I tried laying with them to nap, but Pearl joined us and distracted them way too much:

After taking a break from "trying" to nap they finally caved:

Once Tenley finished playing and the twins were napping, we got in some cuddle time:

The kids and I took Pearl for a walk Friday morning:

Ev and Wes thought it was funny that Tenley and I had a hard time pulling them up our steep drive:

We picked up the mail on our walk and we got a surprise package from Grandma Cath. The kids had fun opening their goodies:

(Thanks, Mom!! Love you!!)

The twins decided to boycott naps again Friday afternoon and I attempted to put them in their cribs to let them "cry it out", but they played peek-a-boo through their curtains instead:

Since the twins skipped naps, we cuddled on the couch. Wes quickly quit cuddling because he wanted to model his new Mickey hat from Grandma and looked freaking adorable:

The kids also got a package from Grammy and Pop Pop; which also had a surprise for me. This adorable coffee mug and I absolutely love it:

(Thanks for the gifts!! Love you guys!!)

I made breakfast burritos Saturday morning and the babes were so excited that they could hardly wait to get in their chairs:

The kiddos cheered Ed and I on while we worked out Saturday morning:

Evie has become our little rabbit because she only eats fruits, veggies and especially loves romaine lettuce:

That night we all made homemade pizza together and the kids were really hands-on:

The twins took a great nap on Sunday:

After naps, we took our circus to Cowabunga Bay for some fun in the sun:

(She is not real.)

When we got home we stuffed some peppers with yummy goodness that we pre-made during nap time and popped them in the oven. They came out delicious and the kids loved them:

This week was emotionally exhausting regarding my dad. If anything it has taught me that family is everything, to always treat your body well, have a sense of humor (like my dad), always be kind because life is too short and above all things, God will always be by your side. Through every storm and struggle, reach for Him and He will be there. I'm so thankful that God has gotten our family through this hard time and I'm looking forward to a week of health!

Until next time! :)