January 27th, 2009: Our 2nd Year Anniversary!

As I sat down to write about what the significance of reaching a date like today represents for our family, I wasn't quite sure where or how to begin. It is most certainly a date that we knew would one day arrive, but just didn't expect for it to happen quite as rapidly as it has. As a family, we are VERY grateful for every day we have had here. Here's a little bit on why we CELEBRATE about it -
In the past year, we have, among other things: acquired Gabrielle's pet Layla (a great b-day surprise), had a visit from some special family members (Hi, Sarah and Martha), spent some time touring the amazing Barcelona, "vacationed" in Texas, have met several new and wonderful people, changed housing within Doha (for the better), brought in a live-in Nanny (more info. to come on our "Amazing Grace"), celebrated our first Christmas in Doha, experienced a few days of rain (it is a treat, for the most part), and brought in the New Year with a great party!

As I went back to refresh on the events of the year, as are presented through this blog, I admit that it took everything I had in me to keep me from getting sentimental. WE HAVE DONE A LOT AND HAVE HAD A BLAST DOING IT! Please take the time, if you haven't done so already, and reminisce on our good times, and celebrate them with us! We feel ever so blessed, and are eternally grateful for it all.

To our Family and Friends back in the States:
We have survived and intend to continue to do so. It is, though, only by the Grace of God and with your thoughts and prayers, and continued emails and calls that this has all been possible and do-able for us. We THANK YOU all from the deepest part in our hearts; and are looking forward to catching up with you on our next visit "HOME"!!

(I must apologize for not adding any pictures to this post. As you know, Roland and Nick are not in town with Gabrielle and I right now, and neither is our camera! Stay tuned though, as I'm certain he will be bringing back some great footage of their "Awesome Adventures in Texas!")

WE MISS YOU GUYS! COME BACK SOON. AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

LOVE, MOMMY AND GABRIELLE (AND LAYLA)

Celebrate Good Times - Cool and The Gang

Half of my HEART is gone....

.....or going, that is. Let me explain. As the wife and Mother that I love being, my family is my HEART. As I sit here blogging (yes, finally, I know), one whole half of my family is on an airplane on their way to the great state of Texas for a mini-vacation. Nicholas, now a full 4 years old, and Daddy both are heading back HOME. Home: isn't that, also, what people say, is where the heart is? You get my point, I know!!



And, at this precise moment in time, I am truly OK with all of this. (Ask me later how I'm doing with it....or maybe not!) I am actually proud of myself for holding up better than I thought I would be. This IS the FIRST time Nicholas Lorenzo and I have been apart for the 2 1/2 weeks they plan on being gone; let alone, to be this far apart from one another. It really hit home when those exact words were said to me by little Nick himself. There's nothing like having a little kid tell you EXACTLY how it's going to be!!



But, leave it to my son to be oh so super excited about his trip. Of course he was! As anyone that knows him knows, this is just ONE MORE big adventure for him. And to have his Daddy all to himself is the super sweet icing on the big multi-layered cake.



So, yes, Mommy will terribly miss both he and Daddy; and big sister Gabrielle will anxiously await a phone call or two from them very soon. And, let's not forget that Doha will not be the same for us while they are gone. BUT, Roland and Nick will be having the time of their lives with our family and friends; and knowing that is what will fill my heart where the present gap exists!



Texas, here they come....aren't you LUCKY!!

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HAPPY 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MARTHA & SERGIO! WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH! GOD BLESS YOUR UNION AND YOUR PRECIOUS BOYS ALWAYS. WE LOVE & MISS YOU!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!