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!