~ Wrapping up 2010 ~

What a crazy year this has been!!  I have celebrated the highest of highs this year ~ marrying my best friend and sweetheart ~ and struggled with the lowest of lows ~ dealing with Chad's illness ~ but we are full of hope for the future and know 2011 will be a great year!!  

I was minding my own business ~ content, but freezing in Chicago.  I had no intention of falling in love and making any big changes to my life... and along comes Craig Gallagher ~ who shakes up my world completely!!

A view of Chicago

We met when we were 10 years old ~ at the Scera Pool and even then he caught my eye =) When we finally went to the same school ~ Lincoln Jr High ~ I knew he was the one I wanted!  I guess he felt the same way and we followed each other around for a couple years, meeting up at the ball park, the swimming pool, even the mall, but I was extremely shy and he gave up on me (I know your Mama taught you that the BEST things are worth fighting for!!!) And yes, that was me who wrote "Love Ya" on his yearbook picture!  =) So we went our separate ways through high school, although he stayed on my radar!  Still, he didn't have to wait til we're almost 50 years old to make his move on me ~ all I can say is... it's about damn time baby!!!

I started 2010 in Texas, as I spent the holidays (Christmas 2009 & New Years 2010) with Craig ~ and we started talking about getting married =)  Craig flew to Chicago for his birthday in late January ~ and we talked more about getting married... I flew to Utah in February to visit my family ~ and Craig convinced me to go meet my future Mother-in-law and sisters-in-law while I was there ~ on my own, I might add ~ and he still owes me for that one!! =)  

Meeting my future in-laws ~ Feb 2010

We planned a joint trip the end of April ~ to meet each other's families and had a wonderful, but quick trip!  We had a big Gallagher family party, where I felt welcomed and loved right away. It just felt we had all been family for years already!  We had a huge Renstrom family party, where Craig fit right into the rowdy Renstrom bunch and everyone loved him from the first meeting ~ it just felt as if our two families were one already ~ we just needed to get them altogether in one spot!  Craig made his proposal official at Bridal Veil Falls ~ and we started planning a wedding =)

More of the in-laws ~ May 2010

Craig meeting my Mom & Dad ~ May 2010

Craig meeting Chad & Magan ~ May 2010

Craig flew back to Houston and I flew back to Chicago and started packing up my place ~ and planned my move for the end of May.  What a big job that was!!  I left Chicago on May 28th and met Craig in Little Rock Arkansas for the drive through Texas ~ we arrived in Baytown on May 30th.  It took some time getting used to my new home ~ the heat, humidity, the bugs! But I was here with Craig and that's all that really mattered.  He started working out of town, leaving for the week and coming home on Friday through Sunday ~ we decided it was a good transition for us both, but we are so ready now for the job in Athens to finish up so we can be together all week!!

Leaving Chicago IL 

Almost home to Houston

Summer passed as I unpacked, organized the house, got familiar with my surroundings and new home, and planned our September wedding!  We spent two weeks in Utah for the wedding and honeymoon ~ and finally got our entire family (we missed a few) together for the occasion!  We enjoyed visiting family as much as we could during our time there ~ I fell in love with all the grandkids and can't wait to see them again =)

Eleven of our 12 Grandkids =)

November came and it took me to Las Vegas to be with Chad for his thyroid surgery... the rest of November  was not productive for me at all while I struggled with the bad news we had received and researched everything I could about thyroid cancer.  I thank God every day for Craig, Chad, my family and friends who have shown such love and support and helped me cope the past 6 weeks!!!

Chad & Magan ~ Check out his incision!

During December, I prepared the house for Christmas, looked for work, went on interviews, with hope that one will offer me a job ~ It looks like I'll be heading back to Las Vegas in January or February to be with Chad, but in the meantime, Craig and I are loving life, enjoying being with each other, and teasing each other about all sorts of things.  We definitely know how to have some fun!  Money was tight this year, but there was enough love in this house that we could forget about that stress for the moment.  We enjoyed our first full Christmas season together!

Our first Christmas 2010

We look forward to celebrating the end of this amazing and incredible year ~ and welcoming in 2011 with hope for the future, love in our hearts, love for everyone in our lives, and prayers for good health and happiness to everyone. We truly love each and every one of you!!  

~ Just for Fun ~

A Christmas video starring Craig & Leslie

~ I can't believe it's December ~

We are doing some yard work today and just had to post some pictures ~ I can't believe it's December 18th and the grass is still green, the leaves are finally changing color, and I'm wearing flip flops outside =)  Texas winters are definitely something I could get used to =))

~ getting ready to mow ~ 

~ leaves are changing color finally ~

~ our backyard ~ lots of leaves still on trees ~

~ green grass in December! ~

~ warm enough for flip flops =) ~

~ Christmas Wishes ~

(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨ "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world... and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."   ~Norman Vincent Peale

I love this time of year... with the lovely music, well wishes from everyone, the beautiful lights and decorations, even the chill in the air adds to the flavor of the holidays.  I just want to wrap up everyone I love in my arms and tell them how much I love them, how important they are to my life and my happiness, and make the good feelings last all through the new year.  I know this time of year can add stress to many people ~ not enough money to provide the desired gifts, not having loved ones around, not feeling peace in your soul, not feeling loved by someone...  If we would all just reach out to those who are needing something, we could provide so much joy without much effort at all. 

I remember one year, we (the entire Renstrom family) decided to provide a Christmas to a family in need.  We contributed food, clothing, toys for the kids ~ and when we went to deliver the packages, no one was home and to keep the packages from getting wet in the snow, we opened the unlocked door to place them inside.  There, we discovered a one room house, with curtains hung for privacy, the barest of essentials, and very little food in the cupboard.  We were so humbled ~ it was unbelievable that people were living this way in Utah County, where there is an abundance for most of us.  That was one of the best Christmas' I ever had ~ and was such a teaching moment for those of us with children.  

Please ~ take a look around you.  Find someone who needs some love, prayers, some attention, some food, some special gift for their child... and make someone smile this Christmas.  That will be a gift that will stay with you forever!!

To everyone who fills my cup, with love, laughter, happiness, joy... I love you. Thank you for your friendship, your love, your support.  I'm so blessed to call you family.. and friends.  And to the two loves in my life ~ Craig & Chad ~ I don't know where I'd be without you guys ~ you each make my heart smile every single day ~ I love you!!!

~ Warm December Days ~

Can I just say I LOVE TEXAS in the winter!!!  We have averaged 70 degrees since December 1st and I am soooo happy to be in a warm weather climate =))  Craig tells me we'll get colder in January and to expect a couple of cold 30 something days.  REALLY ~ a couple of cold days???  I can handle that!!   The leaves are just starting to turn colors ~ and we eat outside on the patio whenever we can.  Love it!!!

We got our Christmas tree up and decorated... it's pretty and I have the lights going all the time!  I just love Christmas time ~ the music, the lights, the goodwill that should be shared all year.  I just wish we were close to family during this time.  I was sharing with Craig some of our family traditions during the season and on Christmas Eve, and it made me a little melancholy to share this time with family.  

To everyone in our families ~ parents, kids, grandkids, siblings, in-laws, nieces & nephews, extended family, and friends ~ we miss you and love you all....  thanks for being such an important part of our lives!

~ Thanksgiving 2010 ~

We celebrated Thanksgiving quietly this year.  There has been so much going on in life, it was nice to have some extended time with Craig ~ who always seems to find a way to make me smile and even laugh ~ just one of the many things I just love about this man!  

I spent the first part of the week with him in Athens, TX, where he's been working the past 8 months.  While he worked, I spent lazy days at the nearby lake, reading a good book, or visiting with family and friends on the phone.  We were lucky to have some beautiful 75 degree days while I was there and I enjoyed the warm November days ~ what a welcome change from the bitterly cold Chicago winters!!

For Thanksgiving, Craig deep fried a turkey ~ yummmmm!!  He injected it with a Cajun Butter and Lemon Butter Garlic seasoning ~ and oh my goodness, it was gooooood!!!  He also made his layered potatos that I love so much...  I just LOVE a man who can cook!!!  It was a nice, relaxing day, spent with the man I love and adore so much =)  It was a little quiet for Thanksgiving and we would have both loved to spend the day with Chad & Magan, Kovi & Jodi and all our grandkids, family and friends... we're hopeful we can make that happen next year!

Chad continues to heal from his initial surgery, while awaiting other tests and scans to determine next steps.  We appreciate everyone's love and prayers ~ please keep it up!!!  We believe in the power of prayer and it means the world to both of us!

I've also included a few favorite November pictures ~  our dogs ~ Dixie & Star ~ waiting patiently for some scraps and a stray kitten who adopted me and kept me company for the whole day. 

A beautiful sunrise on Thanksgiving morning and a perfect beautiful pink rose in our front yard.

Now I'm listening to my favorite Christmas music and thanking the Lord every day for my many blessings and all the beautiful people in my life.  I love you all =)

~ You Raise Me Up ~

Thank you ... to all my family and friends who have been so incredible and have shown so much love and support...  we appreciate all your prayers ~ I believe in the power of prayer!!  Thanks to Craig, who keeps me smiling when I'm struggling to find it within me ~ Thanks to Chad, who has such a great attitude and keeps me calm ~ Thanks to Magan, for being there for him!!  ~ Thanks to all my friends and family, your love, support, and prayers mean the world to us and we love you all so much... Each of you raise me up in your own way ~ Thank you!!!

~ Chad's Surgery ~

November is a month for giving thanks, and I am so thankful for all of God's blessings!  I'm grateful for being able to be with Chad during his surgery, for my wonderful husband's support and encouragement, for my sister Julie and all my family support and love (Renstrom's, Robertson's & Gallagher's), for the surgeon's steady hands, and for Chad coming through the surgery so well.

A couple of weeks before the wedding, we found out that Chad had a tumor on his thyroid.  He went through a series of tests, scans, biopsies, and they determined it must come out.

I flew into Las Vegas on November 4th to be here for the surgery the next day. After a rough night and little sleep, we made our way to Summerlin Hospital to check in.  The wait was hard on Chad... he was hungry and thirsty after a night of fasting.  They finally took him in for prep and we spoke with the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the nurse.  It was good to meet them all and ask some questions beforehand.  

The surgeon anticipated 2 hours in surgery, so by 3, I was a little concerned.  The next hour was hell for me and I'm so thankful for Craig & Julie, who did their best to keep me calm!!  Finally, the doctor came for me after 4 hours and 20 minutes ~ Chad was doing well... and was in recovery.

The tumor was the largest mass he'd seen... growing on his thyroid, nerves, and vocal cords.  It was crushing his trachial tube... and they found a second, smaller growth on the other side.  They removed  a large part of his thyroid.   There was also a possibility that his voice could change due to the tumor  being on his vocal cords. They decided to keep him in the ICU for a day or two to monitor his condition and recovery. 

It was so good to finally be able to see him and talk to him ~ although it was hard to see him with tubes and an oxygen mask and the bandages around his neck.  I stayed by his side til they kicked me out... and I was actually thankful he was in the ICU because I knew he'd be monitored constantly during the night.

His night in the ICU was uneventful and he looked good the next morning! =)  After checking his incision, they decided he could go home that day!  They removed the drain from his neck along with the bandages and we got our first look at his incision.... wow!!  It was truly frightening to see... about 4 inches across his neck, staples, puffy, swollen... it looked like a Frankenstein scar across his neck!  We know it will heal and fade in time and will someday just be a memory... and thanks to some of Chad's friends, decided it would make for a great "story" about a fight with a ninja warrior =)  

Chad is getting stronger every day... and today we're venturing out to another doctor's appointment (this one for his back injury!).  His voice seems to be just fine... and we don't hear any difference, so that makes me smile too.  We see his surgeon on November 11th to find out the results and remove his staples.   Prayers continue for the prognosis to be good...  and I thank God every day for the beautiful and amazing son that I've been blessed with, my sweet, wonderful husband, who would give the shirt off his back, who has been my rock throughout, my entire family... and Chad's friends who showed so much love and support.  I love you all.

~ October Happenings ~

Well... October is over.  It's been a fun month!  My big Five-O birthday was this month... but instead of a big crazy party, we celebrated quietly ~ just the two of us.  We'd had so much going on with the wedding and honeymoon, and had only been back in town 10 days ...  I was still just tired and wanted Craig to myself.  When Craig asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, I suggested we spend the day in Galveston on the beach.  I've never spent my birthday on the beach watching the sunset ~ so it was a perfect day!   Honestly, with Craig working out of town these days, any time I can spend time with Craig is wonderful =) 

Celebrating the big 50 in Galveston

Dinner at The Spot / Tiki Bar

I don't know why people stress about birthdays!  It's just another number... sure we're all getting older, but that's to be expected, right!   I have to admit, my 50th birthday was celebrated in grand style ~ how many people get to marry their junior high sweetheart just before turning 50!  Life is GOOD!

We also had a get together this month with some of Craig's friends to celebrate our wedding.  Craig cooked 4 briskets ~ and I manned the pit all day to make sure the briskets were cooking properly... something I'd never done before... and yes, the briskets turned out great!  He loves to cook for a crowd and everyone sure enjoys what he cooks!!

Craig has been working side jobs the last couple of weekends and got a great compliment from a high end Houston landscaper.  He asked for Craig's number and wants to use him for some landscaping jobs... so that speaks highly to the quality of his work... and another contact in the area is always a good thing!

Halloween came and went with little fanfare.  We just didn't have the energy to put into costumes this year and just got together with friends at a local bar down by the water.  It would have been so great to be in Utah to spend time with the grandkids and our nieces and nephews instead!   Maybe next year..................

~ Some favorite October pictures ~

A beautiful October sunrise over our home!

Our Roses are blooming!!

An October sunset in Baytown

LOVE the pink tones of this October sunset!

~ Life in Texas ~

After a rough summer ~ trying to get used to the heat, humidity, and BUGS, I'm finally starting to enjoy life in Texas!  I first arrived in Texas on May 30th, 2010, after a long hot drive with my car's air conditioning out!  It was hot and uncomfortable, although it was a beautiful drive!  I didn't expect it to be so green and lush, but as I found out, East Texas is beautiful.  I drove from Chicago to Little Rock, where Craig met me for the drive across Texas.  In spite of the hot car, we had a lot of fun beginning our new life together!

Drive from Chicago to Houston May 2010

Almost home!

The summer temps were in the low 100's with nearly 100 % humidity... all I did was sweat!  I can't believe how Craig can work outdoors in the heat all week AND on the weekends... I preferred to stay in the house as much as possible!  I started getting up early to catch the sunrise and enjoy the cooler temps, because I knew I'd be inside most of the day.  I was wondering if I'd survive Texas!  The bright spot was the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that Craig & I enjoyed together ~ we love experiencing the beauty of nature together and the Texas sunsets are amazing!!

Sunrise over the water September 2010

Sunrise September 2010

Sunset at Kemah - August 2010

By the time we got back from our wedding / honeymoon in Utah at the end of September, the temps had dropped to the low-mid 80's and I am LOVING life here now!!  The mornings and evenings are a little cool, but daytime is so nice ~ and I'm so excited to not be dreading the COLD BITTER CHICAGO winters!!!  Craig keeps telling me I need to look on Houston summers as "our winter" when we're not outdoors as much.  I've decided 3 months of "our winter" beats the 6 months of freezing cold Chicago winters!

LIFE IS GOOD for Craig & Leslie in Texas =)

~ The Honeymoon ~

~ September 19-25, 2010 ~

We decided to spend our Honeymoon in Utah, since we both love the mountains and landscape so much and just don't get enough time there! Besides that, it would give us a chance to have more time with family... something we definitely don't get enough of!

My sister Julie and her husband Steve gifted us with several days at their condo at the Zermatt Resort in Midway. It was absolutely beautiful.... and so relaxing! Even though we both thought we knew where we were going, we got a little lost on our way there and had to stop and ask for directions... but to give Craig some credit, he was okay with asking for directions! =)

~Zermatt Resort ~ Midway Utah ~

~ The accommodations were lush and relaxing...as you can see from Craig enjoying the master suite! ~

~ And the views from the windows and our patio were beautiful ~

During our time at the Zermatt, we took a lot of drives through the canyons, enjoying the scenery in Provo Canyon & Bridal Veil Falls, the Heber/Midway Valley, Park City, Sundance, the Alpine Loop, American Fork Canyon... we just couldn't get enough of the beauty of Utah in the fall. What a perfect time to get married in Utah ~ it was absolutely beautiful!!

~ A few of our favorite pics from Provo River & Bridal Veil Falls ~

~ Heber & Midway Valley ~

~ Park City ~

~ Sundance ~

~ Alpine Loop ~

~ American Fork Canyon ~

~ Just some pics of the two of us having fun ~

When we came back from Zermatt, we spent more time with family.  One night we went to Kovi & Jodi's house for dinner.  Craig cooked some of his yummy hamburgers and potato wedges and I had fun playing with my new grandkids =)  I'm in love.... they are so beautiful and sweet... Little 4 year old Bryton hardly left my side and wrapped his arms around my neck to say "I love you Grandma"  it just melted my heart!! ~ I haven't won over baby Coleson yet... he's a little cautious around me, but I'll win him over eventually!  I can't wait to visit them again and hope to move home to Utah where we can spend time with them on a regular basis!   What a great job Kovi & Jodi have done with their sweet family!  I'm more impressed by them every day.

We also spent more time with our parents and our siblings and their families.... but didn't get nearly enough time with everyone!  Time came to an end way too soon and we miss them all very much.  We love all of you and appreciate all you've done for us!!  We'll be back ~ you can count on it!!!!