Wow it's been a while since I've updated! I'm not even sure when I left off, but here is the latest and greatest from the Ramski Clan...

Last spring we vacationed in Palm Springs with my parents for a whole week! It was fabulous! Lots of sun and swimming and we stayed through Easter Sunday, so the kids got to participate in the hotel's activities, including an egg hunt and meeting the Easter bunny.

Jessie graduated from high school (yay!), moved out, and is attending community college for a degree in stage management. She really enjoys her sign language class. She's also working part time at Macy's. We miss her around here, but are excited about making her old room into a second family room/game room ;) We had a nice graduation party here at the house with family and friends who helped her reach her goals. It takes a village!

Julie received her first Communion and we celebrated at my parents' house with family. She looked so pretty and confident! We had a lazy summer, then she started 3rd grade at her new school! It took me a long time to find just the right school in our new district and it looks like I picked the right one. She loves school again and appreciates the focus on performing arts (I knew she would!). She has started playing the flute and has plans to join the dance team.

Enjoying herself at the lake

Jaycee started the terrible two's early, just like her sisters. She continues to be the most difficult of all three. She did, however, toilet train herself, and finally gave up nursing the beginning of the summer (I kept telling her bobbies were night-night). She is growing like a weed and talking up a storm (even in her sleep like Julie!). We are excited to celebrate her second birthday soon with the grandparents. She picked a Minnie Mouse bow-tique theme. It's very cute!


My second and final surrogacy is under way. The parents and I were shocked to find out both embryos took and I am carrying twin girls! They are due March 4th, but my doctor won't let me go past 38 weeks, so mid February. So far they have been very nice to me and haven't craved anything weird! It is amazing seeing two wiggling around during the ultrasounds. Quite the experience!

Babies A and B at 10 weeks - one of the last ultrasounds they fit in the shot together!

Things seem to be balancing out for me here at home. I always wish I could do more, but I'm ok with not being perfect or getting it all done. Just like at work, it's about priorities and squeaky wheels. Tonya is super supportive and that has made all the difference in this decision working for us all.

Tonya has been working up in Susanville the last 2 months. They are extremely short-staffed and officers from all over California have been sent there to help. She has been able to come home on her days off, which has been a life-saver for me. Once she returns, we are going to start on the many projects we have wanted to do around the house. Still making it ours.

We have been fostering dogs for the Sacramento City shelter and Recycled Pets NorCal, a local rescue group. They have all been adopted (yay!) and we are taking a break while Tonya is away. Last May, when looking for a crate on Craigslist, a woman was giving away a "pit bull" for free. I took one look at the picture and knew she wouldn't end up in good hands. We decided to jump on it and just get her and take her to the shelter as a stray the next day. Once we saw her in person, we knew that wasn't something we would be comfortable with. She was super thin, had fleas and roundworm, and had a skin allergy causing a lot of hair loss and itchiness. Her teeth had been filed down, her ears cropper too short. She was terrified, but sweet as can be.

Emily's first day with us....May 2012







It has taken months of trust building and vet visits to get her healthy, inside and out. An expert trainer in the area has taken her on and is working to instill more confidence in areas outside the home. She labeled her a Staffordshire Terrier/Bulldog mix. I'll be sending away for a dna test to see just what she is! She is finally a happy dog that enjoys life. We are so thrilled with her progress and she thanks us daily for our efforts. Most people are still scared of her because of her looks and hesitation with new people, but once they know her, they see what a sweet, soulful dog she is (although I really do wish her ears hadn't been cropped - and too short at that).

Emily Lou all healed with tlc, a grain-free diet, and lots of vet bills! September 2012

On other dog news, Rex completed his obedience class and earned his Canine Good Citizen certificate! So proud of him! Shortly after, we celebrated his first birthday, but he will always be my baby boy <3

That's it for now! We're looking forward to Jaycee's 2nd birthday party, our first Halloween in the new house, Thanksgiving at Mom's, Julie's 9th birthday party, and Christmas. It will be so special this year, as I am hosting! I have always looked forward to having a beautiful house to celebrate the holidays with family and friends in.