Passing the test...and I didn't even have to study

As it turns out...there's a new little miracle making itself known this Christmas! Well, we won't actually meet until August 2010 it looks like, but we'll spend the next 8 or 9 months getting to know each other on a very personal level...
Brian's great...he's excited and very soothing...puttin up with my craziness...me? I'm a little freaked...definitely excited and happy, but so far mostly in disbelief.
Last week I was something else, jumping down throats for no reason that I could think of...getting irritated and irrational. This week, I know why, but it hasn't gotten easier (if fact it's probably worse because I have a cold AND I quit smoking).
For example...yesterday went like this:
Brian thought he could get a ride home from work and when he text me at 5:30 saying he needed to be picked up after all my first reaction was "that son-of-a-b*tch" Then on the way home, I had a tag poking me in the lower back and because I was driving I couldn't reach it to fix it, so how did I deal with it? By crying of course...how else?
OMG the months to come are going to be interesting. I should say I'm sorry now to anyone who is, at present, on speaking terms with me. If you call and I pop off and you think "what the hell was that?" just know that even though I love you...I don't like anyone right now. :o)
Here's to raging hormones so that I can't tell if I'm laughing or crying...you rock?

Christmas with the Kids

What an amazing time in our lives!!! We were so fortunate this past weekend to get to celebrate Christmas not only with each other...but with the kids as well. We had 4 generations of people in our house over the weekend. Grandma and Joey (brother) came in from Georgewest, Brody and Joey (daughter) we picked up in Houston, Audie came in from Wimberly and mom came over too...It was almost perfect, all that was missing was Grandpa...but we'll see him soon (on Christmas Eve).
Anyway, things went wonderfully...presents, feasts, and happiness all around...and for those of you who already know...an extra Christmas miracle came our way (but more on that later).

Thanksgiving

So much to be thankful for...
While the passing of my grandfather was a difficult and sad time, lots of good followed. Brian and I were able to visit with people in my family that I'm not able to see on a regular basis. My dad did some socializing with a few of his siblings that was also much needed on both ends. My neice, Addison, is amazing! She's walking and talking and just the happiest little girl. My brothers and their wives are doing well. My uncle, Mike H., is walking around and is going to be able to keep both legs (a worry with the clots).
God's miracles, it seems, are never ending...
By God's Grace, Brian and I were able to spend Thanksgiving in the presence of a truly amazing group (his family Matthews-we're not related...we checked).
I can't begin to express the love that infiltrated the rooms and was so apparent to all who were fortunate enough to be there. What a wonderful, beautiful day.

R.I.P. Grandpa

My Grandfather passed away yesterday after a long battle with emphysema, cancer, and other issues. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but he's finally at peace. A devout Catholic, his main worry in life was the salvation of his family and friends whose happiness and comfort always came before his own. His 'hell on earth' will be replaced with a peace and serenity that surpasses all human understanding. I love you Grandpa and miss you...I will see you again, but for now please continue to watch over me until such time as my journey takes me home.


Prayer Requests:
My Uncle, Mike, is in ICU at the moment with a blood clot that is blocking all blood flow to his legs. He is on blood thinners to try to disolve the clot so that surgery can be performed. Please pray God's mercy on Mike and that He guide the surgeon's hands and quicken their minds so that Mike is healed.
My stepdad, Paul, will be having open heart surgery within the next month. Pray God's comfort to still his worries and God's grace and guidance on Paul's surgeons as well.

God, we come before you in thanksgiving for all of the blessings in our lives today...Your abundance is truly overwhelming. We know that you are a God who loves and comforts and we pray that comfort over the families and friends of Grandpa, Uncle Mike, and Paul. You are the same yesterday, today, and always. We believe in the miracles that were and the miracles yet to come. We ask you, Lord, for miracles in the lives of Mike and Paul. Heal their bodies, Father, as only you can. Guide the hands and the minds of the surgeons, let them know peace and patience and give them the knowledge to do your work. Lord, let your mercy shine down on all who read this and please help us to be a beacon for you. Please take away our difficulties, Lord, that victory over them would help others to see your work in us. We praise you Jesus, for you alone are worthy. In your Holy name, Amen.

Lady and the Tramp

It's true! When you give two dogs each one end of a piece of pasta they will eat until they kiss! We have some of the greatest dogs(except when they are sleeping with us, then they are jerks). I have never had an animal that I loved or cared about and now I'm filled with so much love in my life that it is crazy! I guess that just shows how much my life has changed. I really love my life today and all of the people and animals that are in it...but not cats, I still HATE cats! HAHAHA

Chesnuts Roasting...

...on an open fire. Well, not exactly, we didn't have chesnuts and it wasn't an "open fire" but none the less, There is nothing better than a roaring fire on a cold Texas night. Brian and I were fortunate enough to enjoy a fire while watching the new Star Trek last night (the movie sucked, but the company was great)...although if you let him tell it, it was the best movie he's ever seen...I don't know maybe I need a little Trekkie background to enjoy it...I've never seen a Star Trek movie or even an episode. Well, new horizons and everything...

Rice Krispy Treats!

I decided that it was high time Brian learned how to really enjoy Rice Krispy treats. When I was a kid, I remember watching my mom melt the butter, then the marshmallows and waiting while she stirred in the Rice Krispies hoping to steal a bite or two while they were still warm (before she put them in the pan and into the fridge). It occurred to me (not too long ago) that I'm a grown-up and if I want to eat them ALL out of the pot, well then, that's up to me. I haven't eaten a cold RK treat since. So tonight I taught Brian the joy of taking a spoon to a warm gooey pot of melted marshmallow and cereal. To make it more fun (and just because we're that type of pet owner), we gave some to the dogs.

Fish Mishap

So, its seems that Mika's true nature is starting to shine through. It seems that she has murder in her heart! Just kidding, luckily the fish has made it and we have added another beta fish to the fold. We added a few other fish also(only one out of five made it), so the family is growing. We just thought everyone would enjoy the video. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is always a fun time, but it's better when you have kids (and animals) with which to play dress up. Although with Brian around, it seems everyday is Halloween. Seriously, he went out to eat dressed as a pirate and kept yelling, "Arrr!" (he was the only one, other than the waitstaff that was in costume). Gina and I had a great time laughing at him though...I mean with, we were laughing WITH him.
Addison made a perfect Lady Bug, but the boys did a good job as a turtle and a rooster. They also did a fairly good impression of Shirley Temple...
We didn't have any visitors (we didn't really expect any living in an apartment complex) but we still had a lot of fun...and without kids, we got to eat all the candy ourselves!

What I'VE Learned (Brian)

I've finally learned how truly good life can be. After years of searching for some semblance of happiness or peace (mostly through one drug or another), I've finally found some good in this world. With my life God-centered, the blessings that I have been and am still expierencing are sometimes overwhelming. I have a woman in my life that loves me regardless of my past or my shortcomings, all of my children are back in my life and I'm actually able to be a father to them today, and my family is starting to see that I truly am a changed man and there is a relationship growing there that I haven't had for a long time. Life is really good and I thank God everyday for not giving up on me. I used to hate life and now I can't wait to get up and see what God has in store for me today.

What I've Learned

I've learned that "making a living" is not the same thing as "making a life." It's taken me a long time to get that. I've also learned to give it to God. He has blessed my life in countless ways and I have learned to trust Him. I have learned to accept God's abundance. My life today is incredible, regardless of what I may or may not have. I have the love of my life, I have a wonderful family, and I have incredible friends...who could ask for more?

Going Home!

We just received word that the X-rays this morning look great and Brody is being given discharge orders so he'll be going home shortly. All is well and thanks to everyone for your support. We love you all.

Home Again, Home Again

Brian and I made it home...we had to leave and get back for work tomorrow. Brody was doing well and is supossed to get out tomorrow so we decided to take our leave. We did a little video gaming and motorcycle racing with Brody before we left and he seemed to be in good spirits. It's been a very long 5 days, but it turned out well. Praise be to God. Thank you all so much for your help, thoughts, prayers, and understanding in such a trying time.
(As a side note to the video: Brody was told by the doctors that he weighs 16 Kg, so whenever anyone asks his age, he tells them he's 16...and there's no talking him out of it. It's too cute, so we had to get it on video)

Pumpkin Parade

Brody got to go to the Pumpkin Parade this afternoon. Upstairs each child was told to pick out the pumpkin of their choice, and each had a book that went with it. Brody picked the biggest one he saw which happened to be The Hungry Catepillar. He gets to take the book and the pumpkin home with him.
We also had X-rays this morning and everything is looking great...We're being told tomorrow should be the big day...going home!

Chest Tube is OUT!!!

After what seemed to be one of the most peaceful sleeps we've seen Brody get, the doctors came in at 8AM and took out his chest tube. We've all been dreading this, but Brody really showed us. I think it was more tramatic for the adults than for him. The doctors administered some morphine, then just pulled it out. Brody had a good scream and really, that was it. He felt good enough 2 minutes later to smile in a picture with his daddy.
Brian and I ran into Dr. Salazar outside, he told us that they want to do an echo and Brody will probably be going home tomorrow if all is well.

What a Day

It has been a really great day. Brody seems to be acting like a 4 yr old again. He's been up and about pretty much all day. We were told that he's not to have anything but clear liquids from midnight to 5AM and after that nothing...the chest tube should be coming out in the morning. We're really worried about this...we'll be praying that God will lessen his pain. I think Brian and I will be heading back to Austin tomorrow evening, but that all depends on how tomorrow goes.
Brody did have to take a dose of morphine earlier. He was having some pain, probably from the chest tube, but for the most part, he's doing well without anything more powerful than tylenol. He was even feeling well enough to do a little blogging himself.