Texas is for Rodeos

Ronnie and I went with a group from the Wounded Warriors Project to the BBQ kickoff to the month long San Antonio Rodeo. We got a bit more than we were expecting. When we pulled up into the Sea World parking lot, there was a sea of trucks, campers, and people. The BBQ took up the entire parking lot with amazing food, loud music, and Texan hospitality. We went with the wounded warriors to a private tent for our barbecue and then were free to explore. We had a lot of fun and even bought ourselves our first Texan cowboy hats!

Ronnie with "Cactus Joe."

Remember the Titans?

The real-life Coach Boone of the Titans and some of his players came to BAMC to visit some of the injured warriors. We really enjoyed our time with him and the players.

Home Again!

Ronnie is back home after four days in the hospital. His INR levels finally evened out, but not before he was our of places to draw blood from. Because of Ronnie's burns, the only places to draw blood from are his left hand and his feet. After three days, each location was exhausted and half a dozen nurses found themselves with failed attempts and Ronnie was thoroughly fed up with the worthless sticks. The doctors then opted to put in a PICC line, an IV of sorts that has a line to draw blood that goes all the way to the heart. Though a fairly standard procedure, they still had trouble inserting the line and needed a couple attempts. Thankfully blood draws were much easier after the procedure and Ronnie even slept through the night draws. The doctors opted to send him home with the PICC line so his weekly blood draws can utilize it for a couple weeks.

So glad to have him home. :)

.... One step back

Ronnie was re-admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon after his lab results came back with low INR levels. His levels had dropped dramatically last week so the doctors increased his coumadin dosage to compensate. But after even lower results this week, the decision was made to admit him to 4 East. We dont know how long he will be in the hospital, but we are praying that it will only be a couple days. Ronnie was started on an Argatroban drip yesterday to help up the levels. He is a bit discouraged to be back in the hospital after doing so much better lately and also hates being poked with needles every few hours. Pray for strength and courage in the days to come.

A Rainy Holiday

Ronnie and I decided to be "spontaneous" and go for a weekend away to Corpus Cristi this past weekend. It was a four day weekend, and we were getting kind of tired of base and hospital life and felt the need to break away. The forecast called for could air and rainy skies, but that did not deter us. We packed our bags and headed for the beach. We stayed in the Omni Resort and enjoyed a weekend of just being spoiled. It was great. We were able to see some of the sites through the lenses of the beautiful fog.

I got to thinking that it's funny how the rain and fog is just like our life right now... It's not ideal, but somehow, it is beyond beautiful in it's own way. Funny, huh?

Yes, I know I'm a slave to routines...

We are still trying to find our routine buried in the hustle and bustle of doctors appointments, therapy, and military briefings. Plus there is all that paper mess that comes with getting married... We know what we would LIKE our schedule to be, but we just aren't quite there yet. *sigh* oh, well, maybe next week...

Letter Writing, Take II

Ronnie and I have spent the last couple weeks writing letters in our free time. There have been so many people who have sent us letters and gifts both for our wedding and since Ronnie was injured in October. There has been an amazing outpouring of love, encouragement, and blessings inside each and every envelope. While we would love to write or talk to each and every individual who has contacted us, we realize that to attempt such a feat is impossible, though we still try. We have had fun responding to many of the letters including many from elementary school class rooms. Thank you all for your letters and beautiful words and artistic drawings. We are ever so grateful.

In addition, Ronnie's mother put together a beautiful 70+ page scrapbook of letters from so many of our friends for us to enjoy for years to come.

Thanks everyone!

My Amazing Family

I was so happy to have my family so supportive and so involved in our wedding. My mom helped me with so much of the plans for not only the wedding but also for moving and married life in general. Dad played a huge part in the wedding as he walked me down the isle and gave me away and also read a Bible passage. Shelby did an amazing job handling all the music. She played her guitar during the prelude and DJ-ed all the rest. Cori was my go-getter girl. She was by my side all day long helping me with all the little things from zipping my dress to keeping me organized. Ronnie and I both had a good cry when it was time for my family to go home. We love and miss them so much and had a blast with them while they were here with us in San Antonio.

Sea World!

On Saturday, the day after our wedding, Ronnie and I went with my family to Sea World. It was Ronnie's first real outing since his discharge. While he was able to walk a little, he stayed in his wheelchair for most of the time but did take the stairs to see the shows. The shows were so great! We especially loved the show with all of the diving incorporated in along with the animals! We had so much fun and it was great family time. So glad we could enjoy a vacation day with the fam before they had to go.

Our Wedding

12/31/10
Ronnie and I got married on New Years Eve at the chapel in Brooke Army Medical Center in the presence of our families and a few hospital staff. It was a small and intimate occasion but was ever so special. Please enjoy a few of the pictures. For more, please visit my facebook. :)

Click here for Pictures on Facebook