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

Discharged from BAMC!

Ronnie was discharged from the Hospital on the rainy Wednesday of December 28. It was a long day of running around but he was ever so grateful to be out.

a little behind...

Those who know me know that I LOVE writing to people. I love being able to encourage someone and brighten their day with a little note or card. The past seven weeks I have felt the same encouragement from so many who have written me letters, comments, e-mails, texts, and even through phone calls. I am beyond thankful for that. There is no possible way that I can respond to the at least 400 combined notes that Ronnie and I have received. It is overwhelming in a good way. I want so badly to let each individual know that THEY were a part of this recovery through the blessing of Christ. But alas I cannot. So here I am, 7 weeks later, beginning to type away at the few notes that I can accomplish tonight.

Update: 12/12/10 Near Death Experience... Again.

After a week of progress including walking, eating, feeding tube removal, and dismissal from ICU, Ronnie had a really scary day today.

Ronnie had a big scare today after an adverse reaction to a drug given to him through his IV. while we are still unsure exactly what happened or what caused it, but we do know it was a near death experience. The doctors were able to undo his reaction and stabilize him after finding out what his body was reacting to. Ronnie says he would rather be on fire than feel the pain that came with today's trauma. He repeatedly praised God for his "second" (or maybe third) chance at life. Please pray for peace as he is now experiencing some anxiety and fear of the medications.

On another note, Ronnie's next surgery is scheduled for Friday and they will be fusing his pinky. He is a little uneasy about the thought of not being able to use his pinky in the same way again, but what keeps him positive is the RELEASE DATE he was given today! They are hoping to have him out of the hospital by DECEMBER 20th, if all goes well, though he will still need lots of therapy.

Update: 12/6/10

The last few days have been filled with good news and bad news all rolled into one. On Friday it was discovered that Ronnie had two blood clots in his lungs. While pulmonary embolisms are potentially life threatening, Ronnie is in stable condition and being treated with a therapeutic level of cumadin and heprin drips. So far, his symptoms have been decreasing though the clots could take a while to dissociate.

On Saturday, fluid was found in Ronnie's lungs though no one was sure if it was blood or not. They expected to need to take him into surgery early Monday and put in a chest tube and perhaps a filter for the blood clots. However, on Sunday the x-rays showed that the fluid was being absorbed on its own and that perhaps an invasive surgery was not necessary. Thanks God!

Through it all, Ronnie seems to be in high spirits and making continual progress. he has started walking again this past week and has been going to the Burn Unit gym to "work out" each day. He has also slowly been starting to eat more which is HUGE. Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Thank YOU.

So I just wanted to take another minute and say how AMAZING our god is. In steps of provision he has sent complete strangers and casual acquaintances into my life to grant me vehicles, gifts, housing, hugs, monetary donations, and most importantly prayers all purely out of love. In addition my school (IUPUI), teachers and advisers have helped me rearrange my schedule not only for this semester's homework, tests, and even finals, but also for next semester's classes and my acceptance into the Clinical Lab Science program in the fall. I'm amazed.

I do not for one second want to overlook the friends and family who have supported both Ronnie and I through this new challenge of life either. Without them, I would be lost.

So as I prepare for the next step in mine and Ronnie's life, I am more than encouraged that God is in EVERY detail.