Congratulations to Matt, Sally, Francis and Scout on their newest addition, George!

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Originally uploaded by The Gulde Family.

Yesterday afternoon about 4 p.m., the world was made just a little better. Sweet baby George finally decided to join the Guldes in Chicago. I'm so happy and ecstatic for them.

Plus, I think George might just have the potential we'll be looking for in Rosa Jane's mate. Of course, that is years down the road. In the meantime we all wish them well from the Roedner Ranch.

Kickin' back in the hot sun in Richland

Last weekend, RJ and I trekked to Richland to hang with the family during these hot, hot days in north Texas. I think they had experienced ten straight days of triple digits so why the heck not go to Richland to sweat it out with them? Honey and Granddad left on Saturday to go to a wedding in GlenRose. I can't even remember what Caren and I did. I think we stayed inside and watched Failure to Launch. I've gotten so used to being somewhat far away from RJ at night so that when we were right next to each other I could hear her every wimper starting at two-ish a.m. .. but who really knows what time it is. The alarm clock never seems to be set to the right time and who am I to adjust it? I'm on vacation.

One of my favorite parts about being in Richland is hearing that 5o'clock train roar by in the pitch black dark. The dogs (and there are some 15 dogs) howl right back with the lonely whistle.

Oops, I think I forgot to mention . . .

when I was speaking with Sally this afternoon that not ONLY is it Rosa Jane's 10 month birthday, but also it's Most Talented, Cutest Cutie contest day.

I don't think I have to tell you who won. But I will give you a hint: She can play on the piano (right AND left hands) and sing "happy birthday to me" by heart. Click on the photo to see even more from this significant day.

Living the Good Life with Rosa Jane

These are the dog days of summer. We're finding ourselves more comfortable inside than out on the streets running errands and then getting back into a steaming hot car. ICK... but still, it's better than bundling up for the winter. They are probably still wearing jackets in Boston. ;-)

This past weekend, Robyn and I took RJ swimming. She loves kicking her feet in her new float. It's a great way to wear her out so she sleeps soundly, too. Don worked slavishly hard on my newly redesigned photography website. It may be a week before it is launched, but we're having fun putting it together.

You can see more random pictures from the last three weeks by clicking on this photo.

Whoa! Inner Space Cavern Tours!

In 1963 as the Texas Department of Transportation was building Interstate 35, they kept losing their drill bits and didn't know why. It turns out they were building atop the cavern that is now called Inner Space. Boy, did it rock. At one point they turned out all the lights and we were in complete and total darkness. Don carried Rosa Jane most of the way, but when I came near her, she clinged to me like never before. My sister's family drove from Richland to spend the weekend with us. From here they head to Sea World SA or bust. Click on the picture to see more....

Our favorite girls!

We love these girls so much. What a blessing they are to us! I only wish we had more time all together...

Happy Fourth of July, Y'all!!

If y'all thought Rosa Jane was cute back then, you should see her now! She is an absolute delight to be around and she knows it, too. We mimic her pats on the tabletop and her little woos. She now babbles with her hands playing with her mouth and delights herself with the new sounds.

There are only two exceptions to this bit of joy which I can think of at the moment: 1. When there's a bowl full of guacomole on the table and she just can't get her fill. For better or worse, she's developed a little wimper cry that says, "what about me?! Gimme more!" 2. When it's naptime and Momma tries to soothe her. She will have NONE of it and only grows more furious. She has quite the temper, but a sweet disposition most of the time. To the best that we can tell, Rosa Jane doesn't hold a grudge and that helps us to sleep more soundly.

The Pixie came to play with us for the long weekend and we all had a wonderful time. Yesterday was mostly sad though because she left before noon and left a gaping hole. No fireworks for us. I keep telling myself that we will get out and see them again... but for the last few occasions you would have found us by the TV.