Oh Buster...

Buster is on the mend...again. He's had another bout with his hemolytic anemia. Now that it's affected a third organ (this time his joints), he's been diagnosed with Lupus. Poor pup. He's doing much better and starting to walk a little better (he's been limping/not using one hind leg for over 5 weeks).

I'm very thankful he's doing better. Buster and I have very deep connection. I swear he knows my every thought - I can just think the word 'walk' and he gives me that excited 'let's go!' look even if I haven't said a word. At 8 years old, it's too early for him to be so ill. He's being placed on 'maintain' meds that he'll have to take forever in hopes he stays healthy.

Other than limping, he's acting fine...playing with tennis balls and being his demanding self. Upside of having a bad leg means he can't jump, can't say I miss that. Lou has taken to following Buster around and sitting right next to him. I think she knows he's sick. A dog's sixth sense is really amazing.

Send good thoughts for Buster!

Olympic Rockstar - London 2012 here we come!

I just have to share my excitement about our young relative that is a diving phenom. At just 15 years old, Kristian is currently training with the USA Diving 2008 Olympic Team. While he wasn't one of the two selected to dive in this year's Olympic games, he was selected as the first alternate. This means he will continue to train with the Olympic team and be ready to fly off to Beijing if the others can't dive.

Kristian is SUPER talented and we are all so proud that he more than accomplished his personal goals this year. No one is more deserving to be in his place than he is. He is an all-around great young man - amazing athlete, great student, super big brother/son and an all-around gentleman.

As the youngest athlete to win a gold in the World Junior Diving Championships (beating out the Chinese favorite), Kristian has already made is mark on the sport.

I'm saving my money now to head to London in 2012! Way to go Kristian!!!!

(photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Babies, Birthdays and Cake...OH MY!

We had a great time in Laguna visiting family. Kate and William had a great 'pre-bday' or 'practice bday party' getting ready for their big day in Michigan on the 22nd. Kate will be two and William will be the big number one. It was really fun to see them and share their bday fun. It was also really great that Mark's parents came down to see us and meet my family.

Spending time with family was the best part of the weekend...and was much needed. Squeezing babies, sharing laughs with parents and siblings and just relaxing in the comfort of family made for a really nice weekend. I just wish we got to see each other more often. Until next time, we'll keep all the memories of the weekend close. To quote lil miss Kate, "Cheers!"

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