Tuesday, April 3, 2012

My #1 Players

We have officially enetered the 2012 baseball season. Last year was Corbin's first year to play. He had a blast playing and we had a blast watching him! This year has gotten even better and has brought us a new baseball player to love. Ethan! They are both playing in the 10 and under age group and are on the same team. It's so exciting to watch them grow as individuals and to learn where their strong points are. Ethan plays out-field and Corbin plays short-stop.

My crew before their first game.



Don't ya love Taya's boots?



Ethan at bat!


Corbin at bat!


They are 2-0! Way to go boys!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Surgery

A couple weeks ago my world was turned up-side down.

I had been having upper abdominal pain(that was as bad, if not worse than labor pain)and apparently after eating Golden Corral for lunch one Sunday afternoon just REALLY ticked off my stomach, which turned out to be my lovely gallbladder...ya know, that thing you never really even know is there or what it's purpose is...until you anger it.

So, after barely eating or drinking anything for 4 days I went to see my family doc. Love this guy. The kids see him too. I told him my symptoms, he felt around and decided he was almost positive it was my gallbladder. He sent me to have an ultrasound that afternoon and said surgery PROBABLY in the next couple weeks. Ok, I have time to prepare. The kids and I then went to play in bounce houses for the next 3 hours. They ate nachos and french fries...my mouth was watering. See, thanks to the ultrasound I couldn't eat or drink anything...NOT even WATER.

We get to the imaging center at 3:00. at 3:30 I had my ultrasound. Everything to go as normal. Until the tech showed the Dr my pictures. They got on the phone right away with my family doc. The tech came back and said my doc was fixing to call me. I was a bit confused and left. As I get to the parking lot my phone rings. It's my doc. He tells me he's calling the ER doc and the SURGEON on call at the local hospital. Pardon me? Say what? Why? He told me I was in worse shape than he thought and "this" isn't going to wait until Monday...that I WON'T MAKE IT til Monday. Still not sure what that meant but as you imagine at that moment I was terrified. Thank GOD my dad had decided to come sit with the kids while I had the ultrasound. He kept me in one piece...otherwise I would have collapsed.

By 4:15 I was in the ER. Crying hysterically. Matt was on a job...in Houston...6 hours away. I didn't know what to do or think. I thought I had at least 2 weeks to prepare.

I got a room 5 hours later and settled in for the night. My amazing mom by my side the entire time. Would have been lost without her. She was my backbone for 2 days. Sleeping in the most awkward, "eat you alive" recliner for 2 nights, taking me and my IV pole to the bathroom every 30 minutes. I was only strong thanks to her.

Next morning, bright and early they wheel me into surgery. I again couldn't stop crying. Texted Matt and told him I loved him and to tell the kids I loved them...ya know, in the terrible case that I didn't wake up(my worst fear EVER). As they drugged me I told my mom to sue if I didn't wake up. That way my family would be set financially.

Surgery went great and within 2 hours I was back in my room...for another night. I saw the kids and my folks a few minutes then off my dad and the boys went to a track meet. The boys had a great time helping out and hanging with the high school boys. I'm SO glad they had that escape from the reality of me being hooked up to machines and in the hospital. Taya, however, stayed at the hospital with my mom and I that whole day. She was awesome. She fed me jello and ice chips and made certain I drank enough water and did my breathing treatments as directed.

Later that night Matt got home and came to see me. He was definitely a sight for eyes. Such a relief to have him finally by my side.

The next day I went home. It was then that I realized just HOW much I need and love my husband. Poor guy, I know I must have worn him out.

I have to say after all is said and done I have a regret. I really wish my kids never had to see me like that. Crying inconsolably. Terrified. I could tell by the look in their eyes they knew something was wrong. Really hit me how affected they were when Ethan...my strong one, the one that tries to be so tough and independent, told my dad "Pepa, I want my mom the way she used to be."

Glad to say I'm back the way I used to be, just gallbladder free, a bit wiser and WHOLE LOT more thankful...for my own life...and the amazing people in it.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Another Job Well Done

The handy work of my handy man...



Love him :-)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

My Love

This past weekend was rough. After almost 2 yrs in our home, we found out that we have to move in 4 months. This saddens me. We love our home and the life we've created for our children here. I was heartbroken. On top of this, we were getting ready to send Matt off for another week(to my delight, he came home early!). My emotions were in another world and I was just in a plain funk.

In the midst of my pouting and sulking, I was reminded of how much I love my husband. He's my rock, my strength, my heart and soul. He's my best friend.

The way he lives his life and treats those around him inspires me.

The way he plays with the kids endlessly. Baseball. Kickball. Basketball. Hide -N- Seek.

The way our daughters eyes light up when he walks into view or becomes within ear shot.

The way our sons would rather(most of the time) play with him than their friends.

The way he, after 13 yrs of me pleading, has started making the bed everyday.

The way he rubs my feet and back anytime I ask, even though he would rather be rubbed himself.

The way he can make me weak in the knees with just a simple kiss on the cheek.

The way just hearing his voice on the other end of the line makes my heart melt.

The way he loves me so unconditionally. So completely.

The excitement I get when I know he's coming home after only being gone for a few days still surprises me.

As I was driving home the other day, it occurred to me that even after 12 rough, tough, fun, happy, fulfilling yrs of marriage, I'm STILL so IN LOVE with my husband. And THAT alone puts a smile in my heart :-)

Monday, January 16, 2012

A Magical Dinner

Saturday night we had the pleasure of going to dinner at Magic Time Machine in Addison with my folks and brother. That place is something else! We took nuerous pictures but since we ate our dinner INSIDE A GREAT BIG PUMPKIN, the pics a bit dark. We have our memories though.

If you've never been it's a great place for kids as far as entertainment. The food was good but we all know, no one really goes there for the food. It's a bit expensive so I say eat somewhere else and go there for dessert!

The fun behind the madness is that ALL the staff is "dressed" as some sort of fictional character. The give all the kids "autograph books". As you wait to be seated or even as you enjoy your meal, you can walk around and get the autographs from all the characters. The boys had a great time with this. They got signatures, from the Joker(who crossed off Batman's name...said he was making alterations to the card-very funny), Mulan, Shaggy, Mario, of course, and many, many more. Corbin even got his lil' sis Belle.

The first young lady that we thought was our waitress was "Mulan". Kids not too impressed by her, however pepa advised them that she did have an entire movie named after her. That peaked their intrest. She was nothing special but we were in for a treat to come. Our waiter was Mario, from Super Mario brothers. My poor mom was a bit lost as to who that is but the boys knew and thought it was pretty cool. He was dressed in a red t-shirt, the denim overalls and a red hat. He even donned the squeaky voice, whch I wasn't aware Mario had. Very cute. So cute in fact, I believe our little Taya has had her very first crush. Everytime he would come around she would hide her tiny little head in daddy's chest and smile. Who knew she was so shy. Never seen her act this way before. Mario would ask her name, she wouldn't talk. When he walked away Taya then decided she wanted to tell him that the pizza HE gave her tasted like "fake" pizza(told you, they aren't known for their food). She would ask over and over when the "funny guy" was gonna come back. This went on for 2 hours. She finally told him her name near the end and we tried getting a picture but she wasn't having that. As we were leaving she said she wanted to tell the funny man bye. So we tracked him down, she said good-bye and HE decided he still wanted that picture. Taya, on the other hand, not having it. He turned to leave and she got sad saying she wanted a hug. So, she got her hug and a handshake! Very cool to watch her sweet little self get so embarressed.

On the way from my parents yesterday Taya asked Matt and I, "Mommy, when can we go see the funny man again?" We told her one day we would go back. I think she'll hold us to that statement.

My Handy Man

I'm so blessed to have a handy husband. He's my Mr. Fix It around the house and Mr. Builder at the job site. Just call him Bob. Although, my builder is WAY cuter than that guy kids love watching.





I'm a pretty proud wife. I love him :-)

Friday, January 6, 2012

Corbin Turns 9

Well, today marks 9 years of greatness with our Mr. Corbin. This kid brings more laughter to my life than I thought any little boy ever could. His sense of humor. His outlook on life. His dreams. His desire to be the best that he can be. His love for his family.

He's quirky. He's sensitive. He's tough. He's full of life.

When I need a hug, his are the best. When I need a laugh, he makes my whole body chuckle. When I need ANYTHING, he's there. He's my world.

Growing up I always assumed that when I got married and started a family I'd have 2 kids and 2 kids only. A boy first, then a girl. The way my parents did it. We would have the perfect family. I got pregnant first with Ethan. This is good. My plan is in motion. Then, came the second pregnancy. From the moment I got the news that our family was expanding, I knew we were gonna have our girl...and be the perfect family. Little did I know that God had a far different plan. A plan that was so much bigger and better than I could have fathomed as a child. Honestly, when the doc said, and I quote, "Well, it looks like he(Ethan) is going to have a little brother.", I was utterly disappointed. I wanted my girl! Now what? My plan is all messed up. Or so I thought. Corbin has brought more joy, laughter, playfulness and love to my life than I could ever dream. He is a gift from God, as all my children are, that I am thankful for everyday and I can't even begin to imagine our family any other way. Sometimes, the greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

Corbin, you are such an AMAZING little boy and a one of a kind son. We love you so much more than you'll ever know!!! Happy Birthday, buddy!