Well, summer is half done and its been crazy with the kids all at home plus their friends hanging out here most of the days. Even Ebony our dog has her friends coming over and hanging out with her on the front lawn and porch (when we let her loose). Last month we celebrated Jimmy's 4th Bday and Jadon's 2nd Bday. My Bday (wont say my age :) ) and Joe and I celebrated our 16th Anniversary. We planned an evening out and although we managed to successfully accomplish it, it was a challenge! Joe's job situation has changed again. He is now assisting in building a log cabin from ground up. Its been hard work, working in very HOT climate at times. Joe has gone through many bottles of water and Gatorade! He has also experienced pain with muscles that he rarely used until now. My pregnancy is going well. Jacob has grown considerably and is consistently letting me know. We have 7 weeks left. On Tuesday I should find out when the C-section is going to take place. Well, I am going to post a few more pictures in our album. We hope you all have had a great fourth of July and summer. Mitzi and family

Well, the person who is writing this is the one and only Tina! I just got back from a VERY long day. At the dog show I placed 1st in junior showmanship and 1st in best junior handler.. I have only been to 3 classes too!! Wow, it's amazing how much has happened in the past 2 months. Deer Eyes is leaving on Monday, meaning that for the next 2 months I will be taking care of her horses (including Oz, my own horse) and all 22 dogs! lol my dream come true hehe. I'll have some pictures up of the show and my ribbons!

Well, thats a good question. Aside from school, she has been training to be a dog handler and how to show dogs. A good friend of ours has a champion that Tina will be showing tommorrow. This will be her first show. Aside from that she is learning the care of horses and the sport of equistarian. It has been through the goodness of Deer Eyes and Mike to make all this possible for Tina. I met them at the restaurant where I work. I attended to thier table and we got to talking and discovered that we had something in common. Deer Eyes' love for dogs and horses. She soon discovered that Tina has the same passion. Tina has been engrosed in learning about dogs and every breed there is. (her favorite show is Animal Planet) She never expected that her dream to be a handler would be coming true so soon. And about the horses, She has spoken many times of someday having a horse. Well, Deer Eyes and Mike have made that possible through Oz. I will let Tina tell you about him after she gets back from the dog show.

Wow! Well, the girls are out numbered again. We will now have 5 boys and 2 girls. It didn't take long to name our new baby. He has to be a J name and a family or spanish middle name. So, we have decided on Jacob Lee. Joe's uncle was named Lee and he is also named Lee. I had an ultrasound yesterday and the baby is due August 31. He will be our late summer baby.

Well, as you would say, we've been run through the mill this past winter. Here in Crisfield it was unseasonably cold and snowy. We had many 2 hour delays at the schools to allow ice to melt and some school closings. Some counties have had to delay the last day of school to the end of June! As you may know, I took the opportunity in October, to work as a waitress for the only Mexican Restaurant in town. The chef is from Peru and his wife is from Mexico. This is not your typical Mexican food. The chef puts out weekly specials that are not limited to seafood enchiladas. Right now, he offers Mahi, Mahi, Prime rib, stuffed whole lobster, and several other beautiful dishes. They just celebrated thier 1st anniversary and as a new restaurant, they anxiously await new customers. Well, people come from all over. Although we are not really busy right now, our Friday nights and Saturday nights are! I was also working at a local convience/gas store. I took the opportunity to work day time while Joe was looking for a job (he was laid-off in September) Actually I started both jobs on the same day. My hours allowed me to have about 4 hours of "rest" before I started the the waitressing job. The owner of the convience store was a difficult person to work for and there were many times I wanted to quit, but I decided I needed to stay there until Joe got a job. His unemployement would run out in April. Well, in December, I became concerned that I may have some health issues. After 2 months of praying and worrying, I finally told Joe that I may be pregnant. I took a test and it came out positive. This was not welcoming news to us at this difficult time, and I had some dark moments. It was during this time, that I could relate to those with an unwanted pregnancy. One morning while getting ready for work, before I could utter a thought, God spoke to my heart and I was reminded of this verse, ["all good giving and every perfect gift is from above],coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change." James 1:1:17. That thought took all other selfish and worrisome thoughts away. I am scheduled for an ultrasound May 3 to confirm due and and sex of the baby! Well, I have continued to work both jobs and yes, Joe's unemployement ran out. Two weeks into just my income, we were both really stressed about the job situation bieng that he had put out so many applications and no one was responding. On Tuesday of last week I was asking a friend if there were any openings at Glenwood Evans and Son. (This is a crab/fish distribution company located at the Crisfield dock area). She called her mom who happens to be the secretary there, and she said to drop by and fill out an application. While Joe was there, the owner started talking to him and hired him on the spot. He started on Monday. He works at the Crisfield marina, Glenwood Evans and Son He will also be driving a delivery truck to other areas of Maryland included Baltimore. I will continue to work at the restaurant as long as I can. After the baby is born, I do plan to go back. Well, those are my updates. I do hope everyone is doing well and hope to read your comments or an email!