It's been a while...

So much for trying to keep you all up with what's going on with the Mesones family. We're still trucking along...

Natalia turned 5 in November, and is already counting the days 'til she's six (well, 12 actually...for some reason that's the magic number for her). Their desire to grow so quickly always seems to amaze me. I keep telling her she needs to slow down...but she just rolls her eyes at me. (Can you believe it?!)

Nico is even more of a handful than he was back in October. He certainly has a way of making his feelings known. He's got such a personality...complete strangers can't help but comment on how "adorable" he is, or how BIG he is, or how "wise" he looks. Natalia is usually quick to point out that they have the same long eyelashes.

Smokey is taking everything in stride. I've never known a dog to be so good with kids. Not once has he snapped. He enjoys sleeping late in the mornings (sometimes he doesn't even get up to say goodbye to everybody!). He's a great help around breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course snack time is also a busy time for him. Smokey is pretty good about keeping food off the floor, highchair and (when no one's looking) the table. He's a good boy--the home would be empty without him.

Then there's Crystal, our transvestite beta fish. (She's male, but Natalia doesn't care...her name is Crystal and she's a she!) If there ever was a fish with personality, it's Crystal. She's such a fun little fishy...she loves to dance when the kids dance in front of her. She gets upset when she's not fed more than 2 times a day or when her water needs changing. She's been a wonderful addition to our entourage.

Jorge and I are still trying to make ends meet. I won't lie to you...these hard economic times have hit us pretty hard in the gut, but we're pulling through. Jorge is about to go part-time with his mortgage loan work, and take on another job with a roadside assistance company. The new job pretty-much guarantees a paycheck every week--that's all we're looking for at this point.

I'm still working as an electronic communications specialist. Things are picking up in my field as more and more companies are cutting back on hard-copy communications and travel, opting for a more electronic means to communicate and exchange information and knowledge. It's been interesting, to say the least.

It's been a long, strange trip...and we're getting a bit weary. We'll just have to buck it up and be strong for all the kids out there and hope they don't feel the same pain we do. I find myself saying often: "this too shall pass." Why does it always seem like the next rest stop is 50 miles away when you really need a break?

We can only hope that the world comes out of it a little smarter, happier, and full of grace. Let 's get it right this time!

Love ya! Peace out!