Amor Y Familia

Ok so I have the best Dad ~ HANDS DOWN!

2008-09-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

I do these little focus group/study things for extra cash in my pocket and I had 2 calls last week for 2 different ones on the same night. Now if any of you have ever done these you know the money is good and it's quick..especially on an off pay week. Well since Kyle and I switched weeknights from Wednesday to Tuesday because of us getting involved at FBC, it was cool..right? The kids would be with Kyle..no prob..ofcourse I would love to sign up for both and I did. Well I get a call from Sunday saying he has to work late Tuesday and can't take the kiddos til Thursday...URGH! I call Aunt Tina cause she is the "bestest" aunt in the world...she can't watch'em she works til 8:30. Then I call my mom cause you know she would do anything for her Ash...Val forgets Mommy has school until 8:00 on Tuesdays. Lee Roy all of you know is at work at the hotel almost everyday so he was not able to watch'em. When I was on the phone with my mom she said..well I go to school but I can ask Dad for you if you want. OH MY GOODNESS!! Now I know he loves to prove that he is MR. INDEPENDENT and he has taken each of the kids to a Ranger game on his own...BUT this was going to be both of MY kids at the same time... OH-OH! For almost 4 hours. She calls me back and says.."Dad said he would LOVE to spend Papa Jake time with them" REALLY? I asked. I took the kids over to my parents house and dad was waiting for them in the living room. They come running in the door and are soo excited to see him like if they hadn't seen him in years. Jonathon can't start talking fast enough to tell dad about some Star Wars stuff and Ashleigh starts talking about her musical theater class at LifeSong Studio. Dad tells me, ok Val see you later :)...too funny. I finished my studies and came to pick them up..they had eaten Pizza Hut for dinner and had been playin Wii with dad.(yes my parents have a wii and the wii fit...and they're actually REALLY GOOD). The kids talked about it ALL the way home. THANKS DAD for making memories!

Happy Anniversary Nana Lizzy and Papa Jake(and Val)

2008-09-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

My parents have been married 24 Years as of 9/01/2008. I always joke with them and tell them that it is OUR anniversary because I was 5 when my parents got married. Just like Ash was when Lee Roy and I got married. Every year I ask them... Where are WE going for OUR anniversary?? This year dad drove mom and I to Allen for some shopping and then to Salt Grass for an early dinner. I spent the entire day with them and it was so great. As a parent I love the time with my kids as they are young and growing up. Even though I will be 30 on the 24th I still love to hang out with my parents. They are fun to talk to and have grown up conversations with. I talk to my mom at least 3 to 4 times a day AND SOMETIMES MORE. Can you imagine not having your mother call you at least 1 time a day??? NO!! THEN...When dad cooks, he calls us over to dinner. Ashleigh loves her papa Jake's cooking! Now that we are in Euless it is 5 minutes to my parents house... LOVE IT!!!

Our weekend ~ Fun, sweet and even a little romantic~ DAY 2

2008-08-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

SEA TURTLE W/ AMP'D FIN
UPSIDE DOWN JELLY FISH
WE FOUND NEMO!!!
MOMMY AND THE BABIES
SHARKS AND RAYS

Sunday Ash and I got up super early and made it to church by 8 am. I had to be there at 815 am for check in and rehearsal fo choir. I love it so much. I haven't posted about this yet but Lee Roy and I joined First Baptist Colleyville and could not be happier! I have plugged in with the adult choir and Ashleigh in the kids praise team and choir. Like mother like daughter. We are so blessed to have found a church home where everyone enjoys going... even Jonathon. They have a great group of 5th and 6th graders that have made J just really comfortable. So.... After church we came home and ate lunch and headed out for FAM DAY2. We took the kids to the Aquarium at Fair Park. It was ok, we got to see the shark feeding and the kids enjoyed it. We wanted to start at the smaller aquarium before we took them to the big one and find out they didn't like it. After the aquarium Ash splashed around the fountain @ fair park.

Our weekend ~ Fun, sweet and even a little romantic

2008-08-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

Ash and the Flamingos

Lee Roy and the kids
Mommy Ash and the new baby from B-a-B @ Zoo
This is "SAM"
Ok, so Lee Roy had the weekend off and it was the kids weekend at home. We were tired of the same old boring stay at home all weeknd so Lee Roy suggested we go and have a "FAMILY" DAY1 and DAY2. Day 1: we went to the FtWorth Zoo and had a blast. We saw all kinds of animals and Ashleigh was so excited. After the zoo we came home took showers and got ready to go to dinner in downtown. Ashleigh picked TGI Friday's and Lee Roy suprised us all with a carriage ride after dinner... so sweet and very fun!

MY GRANDMA is the best in the WORLD!

2008-08-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

After work my grandma came to pick up my babies and they went to spend the night at her house. You know how great it was as a kid going to grandma's.... you remember!! Grandma picks them up, they go to dinner and hang out all evening. She such an awsome blessing to us and especially me. My grandma is 62 and has more energy than me...I think. She asked Ash where she would like to go for dinner and Ash said Crystals. My grandma said well I don't think you want to go there to eat, you just want to play and I don't think Jonathon wants to go there anyway....and what does my daughter reply???? We can go, bubba doesn't count... don't ask him just tell him.. Nice huh? That's my girl!

JUST ENJOYING THEM ~ A MOTHER'S LOVE

2008-08-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ashleigh Being a sweetie ~ Playn w/ J and P.Rgrs

My advise on having kids..... You have to have them. At least one. School will be starting Monday. That just shows how fast this summer has gone by. My Jonathon is such a lovable, sweet boy. He is a hand full but my little man is growing up so fast. I was sitting on the couch tonight as Ashleigh and I sat to watch Annie and he caught my eye. He was just sitting on the chaise pulled up a TV tray and started playing with his power Rangers. He was so focused on these action figures I asked him what he was thinking about. He looks at me and smiles this awsome smile...."I am creating the next episode in my head. I don't want to bother you and Ashleigh" Such a lil gentleman. I looked at him and said buddy you are such a sweetie. Miss Ashleigh is such the mother hen...she is in the background reminding him that in about 15 minutes it's shower and bed. LOL!

How can people want to hurt children? I see these stories on the news about these idiots shaking, killing and abusing these precious babies.

Doesn't stop there, people who intentionally hurt kids with words or actions. If you don't want to deal with a child or children don't have any or stay away from them all together. These kids are smart and they see when someone is pretending or when someone is trying to hurt them.

This is why I pray for my kids all day everyday. I also thank God that they are always surrounded by people who actually love them. Just look at them, they are gifts from God. God doesn't play.

You're wondering what is wrong?? Why is she posting this?? She needs a shrink? No, I have Jesus he is all the help I need! Do you?

Cowboys watch party/ Back 2 to School Beach Bash

2008-08-19T13:32:00.001-07:00

Cowboy watch Party/Hawaiin Back 2 School Beach Bash. This weekend was so fun we had such a great time with friends and family. Saturday two of my BFF's came over with their kiddos(and niece) to have some fun at our place. We made tons of food and just had a great time swimming and hangin out. Kyle and his family joined us too. Nana and Papa(Clark) suprised Jonathon with some birthday gifts, he was thrilled! Tina, Henry and my mom came over, my mom only stayed for a little bit she had to get back to tend to dad. Lee Roy was the grill "BOSS" and did such a great job with the fajitas and the riblets. The sausage, hot dogs and burgers were also "YUMMO". The kids had the best time which is what is really important. Ellie 1 of my BFF's has a Jonathan too who is also Autistic. He is so special, just to look at him brightens my day he loves swimming and I was so glad they came. Her other baby Lisette is the most adorable little punkin!! She just turned three and loves the pool. She swims better than mommy...sorry El but you know it true! Belinda my other BFF came and brought her niece Katie...smart and sweet Ashleigh and Katie got along so well. Ashleigh cried when she left but Katie promised they could have a "play date" again soon. She is too cute!

Pics I haven't posted from the last two weeks

2008-08-14T13:03:00.001-07:00

Uncle LR and Leighton
Cushy huh Leighton?
My babies with Drue and Rick (Lee Roy's Parents)
He wasn't ok with that hat at 1st - LOL!

My Baby Girl ~ Ashleigh
Jonathon hangin with Leighton
HAHA - Who has the bigger BALD spot?? LR or Ricky J
Drue and Leighton
Wendy Leighton & Nana(Drue)

Time with Lee Roy's Parents and the "Frisco Russells" :) We went over to Rick and Wendy's for some swim time and then to BABES for Jonathon's birthday dinner with Big L's family. Here are some PICS. Enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY JONATHON ~ 11 YEARS OLD

2008-08-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

JONATHON IS 11 TODAY!! He was born on a Wednesday in 1997. That was the summer that was so HOT. Being huge and prego was a nightmare. I wouldn't trade a minute of it at all. The origin of Jonathon is Hebrew and means "God has Given". I thank God everyday for my Jonathon, to protect him and watch over him. He is truly a blessing to me and to this family.

Happy Birthday Buddy...

I love you!

WORKING FROM HOME ~ Started 8/04

2008-08-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life. My faith, my husband, my children, my family, health and...... MY JOB that now allows me to WORK FROM HOME 3 days a week!!! WOOHOO! :)

Two years ago, I was offered a test spot on the pilot for work at home. With my dad's accident, I missed work for 2 weeks and the pilot went on without me. Sprint is a great company to work for, the benefits are outstanding, but overall the company has taken care of me for so many years. Even before I worked here Sprint has taken care of me since my parents have been married. I just came in did my job met my customer needs, and prayed that my turn would come soon. God has his timing for it ALL!

GUN BARREL CITY TEXAS

2008-07-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

How you doin?
J ~ ChillinAsh w/Steve's Girls
Ashleigh Cheesin
Kyle took the kids to the lake out in Gun Barrel City.?. They just called at 2:30 and said they are having a great time and are "exploring" an island :)~ Anywhoo... Here are some pics.. More to come I'm sure.

My Mom's procedure ~ 7/23/08

2008-07-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Mom went in for a procedure this morning and is now at home resting. I took her in and brought her home. Tina and I went to pick up her medicine from CVS and picked up lunch for dad. She was uncomfortable when I left but I gave her her medicine and waited for her to fall asleep. I left her in very good hands. God, Dad and Tina. :)

I was going to come in at 2 but decided with the way I saw my mom that the earlier I came to work the earier I could get back to her. I have never seen my mom hurt or in pain in any way. I guess being the daughter you never seem to see mom down. She is the one that keeps everyone going. Making sure everyone else is taken care of before her. I have always seen my mom on the go, with dad, work, Tina & I even with Lee Roy and my kids. Just a strong woman! The kind of woman that doesn't like to see anyone need anything, if it's broken she wants to fix it!

The Dr. found something while doing this procedure and has sent it off for testing. Dr. said she wasn't too concerned about it but wanted to have it tested anyway. I just ask from my friends and family, prayer! Pray for my mom to feel better and that whatever the Dr. nd/or lab finds that it be nothing of concern!

Get Well Mommy I love you!

Val

My Niece ~ Leighton 4 Month Pic

2008-07-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT PIC...WHAT A DOLL!!!

Our "Chillin Out" Weekend

2008-07-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

OK, so our plan was to go out of town on a romantic get-a-way but that didn't happen. Lee Roy had been working so much he finally got a couple of days off on a weekend and we thought about just getting away. Our first choice was Galveston, since Lee Roy works for Hilton Hotels we wanted to take advantage of the great deals we could get. The Hilton resort we wanted to go to was booked so we said.. Well there is always old faithful... San Antonio. The hotels that we really wanted to stay at were also booked. We will have to go on a non-summer month. None of or plans worked out this time so we just spent quality time together, the kids went to their dad's for the weekend. Friday my parents invited us to join them for a Ranger Game v.s. the Chicago White Sox. That was a blast watching the 7 to 2 Win over the Sox. Saturday, Lee Roy and I went to Allen to do a little shopping. Lee Roy found some really great deals on some work shoes at Foresheim (spelling?), my mom, sister and grandma & me.. :) found a couple of great bags at the Coach outlet. For dinner, Lee Roy and I had a quiet & cozy dinner at Maggiano's @ North Park. Sunday was awsome. I have been praying that Lee Roy and I grow in our relationship with God. We have been attending First Baptist Colleyville for a couple of years on and off. We have been trying to find a church home where we can plug in and the kids will enjoy going too. The more we go to FBC the more we feel that God is calling us to serve at this church. Pray for us that we can openly hear God speaking to us. We are looking for a church that is not huge or too tiny and I really believe FBC is the place.

ASHLEIGH IS A LUCKY LIL LADY...

2008-07-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZBoPlCzuRY

Kyle got Ashleigh tickets to see the Jonas Brothers 7/09/08. He was going to take her and make it a daddy/Ash thing but ended up having to work. Soooo, the lucky one turns out to be me! I get to spend the evening with a bunch of TWEENS and BOY CRAZY TEENS! The concert is at superpages.com center in Dallas and in July heat.....? I dunno, does that meanI am getting old? Oh well Ashleigh has been wanting to see the JB's for a long time now so I guess I can hang out in the Texas heat with her. We have boycotted Hannah Montana, a young lady with NO room for GOD in her thank you speeches has NO place in our house. I will take pics and post'm Thursday.

July 4th Week/Weekend

2008-07-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

This past week was great! Getting settled into our new home, spending time with people we love and just taking the time to enjoy life. I have almost finished emptying boxes and getting things where I want them. The kids are loving their "own" rooms and realizing how much they love each other and the funny thing?... They miss being together in the same room. They won't say it but you can tell, they are so funny. So far they have been super sweet to one another so I hope that keeps up. They extend courtesies to one another like if one goes to get a drink they ask the other if they would like one too... just too funny. Like I said Lee Roy has been working round the clock, one of they guys at his work has been out of the country and Lee Roy has had to pick up his shifts. Great $ but I miss my Papa Bear! Thursday was Kyle's birthday and the kids got him some great gifts. Jonathon got dad a gift card to BONE DADDY'S and Ashleigh got daddy an EXXON GIFT CARD. PETRO AND FOOD great birthday gifts....TIMES R ROUGH! Thursday night the kids called up my grandmother and asked to go spend the night. Well anyone who knows my grandma, knows that all my babies have to do is call and she is as good as there. I used to be the favorite and I was my grandma's princess...everyone knows it ask my sister and my other cousins...LOL! Anyway..I have been d-throned. Now it is Ashleigh who is Queen and this girl works it! I know, I used to do the same exact thing. "Mom can I go with you?" Oh Yes sweetie...give me 30 minutes and I will be there she would say! Ash is always ready to go ... ANYWHERE! She just wants to be on the go and busy, no matter our plans or schedule, she wants to be moving. Well since the kiddos were gone and Lee Roy was working I went to hang out with my mommy :). Dad, Mommy, Tina and I watched a movie together just spent some fun family time. We watched Meet the Brown's. That movie was H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!!! We love Tyler Perry movies. Friday the kids were still at mom's(what we call my g-ma)so my mom, Tina and I did some shopping then to the POOL we went. We went swimming and laid out for a couple of hours. Yes we're MEXICAN but we still need some sun...my legs were as WHITE as Lee Roy's..LOL! The cool thing about us tanning is that we burn a little but it turns BROWN not orange or something un-natural like a fake bake bed or tanning sprays. I'm a little lobster right now, but in a couple of days I will be toasted and get some of my "MEXICAN" look back...LOL! later on that evening the kids came back from g-ma's and we hung out at my mom's house until about 8:30. Then Tina, Henry, Gavin (Henry's son) Ash, Jonathon and I went to see fireworks at Grapevine Lake. We parked by the Gaylord and the Great Wolf Lodge and enjoyed the fireworks over the lake.

The "A" Word VS The "V" Word....

2008-07-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

Now ya'll know I work for Sprint and so do my mom and sister... Well we have decided that AT&T is the "A" word and Verizon is the "V" word. So when in my or my mommy's house .... we don't say those names, they are only letters. :)

In Irving we had VFios and now that we have moved to Euless we only had the option of the "A" word's U-Verse.... This U-Verse thing just stinks. The service is bad the channels are not even close to the amount you get with Fios. The customer service techs are OVER SEAS! OMG! Just the worst pick anyone could make. I wish they would get Fios in that area. We will be getting direct TV, this is just ridiculous.

Moving was a REAL Pain In The.....

2008-07-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

Well I know it has been a while since I posted last but finally got time to "stop and smell the roses". The most important is that my sister is doing very well and we are all in good health. Lee Roy has been working a lot and that is good and bad at the same time. I miss him and the kiddos do too. The move went well. We had an issue at the last minute with the moving company that we had hired. They failed to tell Lee Roy that things had to be packed to their specifications or they were going to have to re-pack it themselves on our dime....uh.. NOT JUST NO BUT H TO THE N!!!! After fighting with this person on the phone we got our deposit back and hit the internet and the yellow pages at 430 on a Sunday afternoon. Now you know that if they are even open on Sunday it is only til 4 or 5... Not too many were open and we were running out of numbers to call when I looked up into the sky and pleaded.." GOD HELP US" You know God has his time for everything in our lives and this was about that time for us.. Within 5 minutes of my plea, God answered. Lee Roy had left a message for Torres Moving Company and the phone call was returned...The owner himself was on the other line. He asked what we needed to move and when we needed to move it .... No Hay Problema, he told me.. NO PROBLEM. I am at another job but can be there to move you at about 8 if you don't mind it being so late. We were like if you can get here, we will wait. This man was so great, he had two assistants and they were hard working people that where about making their money and getting the job done. They got there at 759 and unloaded the last box at 1230 AM. We paid the men for 5 full hours because they helped us out of a bad spot. Need a mover? Torres Moving Co.

We will be moving ~ 6/22/08

2008-06-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Lee Roy and I decided to find a larger apartment instead of a house right now. We found a really nice community in Euless. The movers will be here on Sunday to get us out of the "ghetto" kinda makes you feel like George and Wizzy or the Beverly hillbilly's ......LOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb6ErLPt4t8

Thank you Again From KRod! :)

2008-06-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Curious George "Jorge" with the pink flowers was a gift from Mommy

The "Po" from Kung Fu Panda was a gift from Ashleigh & Jonathon (Bubba as aunt Tina calls him)

The Yellow and White Daisies w/Yellow roses in the Smiley Cup~ Mike & Sandy Clark (Kyle's Mom & dad)

The flower/butterfly cookie bouquet was from my mom's friends in KC~Les & Barb

The Tiny Yellow roses and the dancing flower from Ashleigh

The flowers with the BIG red bow were from Tina's Boyfriend Henry

The other large floral arrangement was from my mom's co-workers ~Sprint

FOUND!!! :) OMG! I CAN'T FIND MY USB CORD FOR MY.....

2008-06-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

I FOUND IT!!!
OK, I know I had it last week the day I was going to post pics of all the beautiful flowers my sister got.... Now it is MIA!!! I have so many pics I want to post urrrgh! I know it is gonna be one of those "If it was a snake it would have bit you" things.....gonna keep looking!

Fathers Day Weekend - 2008

2008-06-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday my mom and I went out shopping and spent some girl time together. We came home and Dad called saying he was on his way home and that he was STARVING...LOL! Well my momma and I agreed to meet him at Rockfish... We love that place. My sister was hanging out with her boyfriend and Gavin his son so it was just the three of us. Since my dad works on Sunday we decided to bring his gift we got him. Jos A Bank was having a great sale in Southlake so my mom and I loaded dad up on polo shirts. 1 of the shirts I bought him was a Salmon color...I think if a man can feel good in Pink he should wear pink. So that was my Dad's fathers day. I didn't have the kids this weekend so we didn't plan to do much.

Kyle's Fathers ~ Kyle had Jonathon and Ashleigh all to himself for the entire weekend. How Special is that. We planned it so that on Mother's day i would have them and same for him on father's day. The kids spent the weekend swimming, playing PS3 with dad and just enjoying to simple moments that make memories. The Clark family celebrated Papa and daddy at a big family lunch at Babe's. Happy Father's Day to Papa (Mike) and Daddy(Kyle)!

Lee Roy's Fathers day ~ Although Lee Roy and I do not have kids of our own together...HE still has Jonathon and Ashleigh. We celebrated a little late, we spent time together last night. Lee Roy and Ashleigh painted Ashleigh's new room last night and spent father / daughter time it was too cute. Jonathon was the BOSS, nit picking spots that they missed or needed to fix.... it was so funny. We laughed and joked and just enjoyed the time together. Lee Roy has been putting in a lot of hours at both jobs and these times come too few and far between. My daily prayer continues to be for my husband, that God show him and open a door for him to find a job to supplement for both. I know God's Blessings are here already and a better job for him would just add to the many blessings we receive daily.

BIG Rick - (Lee Roy's Dad) - We Love you and hope you had a great father's day, we will get together soon. I know Lee Roy talked to you to wish you a happy fathers day but here are some more ... ;)

Ricky J - (Lee Roy's Older brother) Happy father's day and congrats on baby Leighton. God has blessed you with 2 beautiful children!

To all of our grandpas, Pee Paw and my grandpa Polo, you are truly missed everyday, we thank God for all of the special memories we have of you and are thankful that you were a part of our lives. We miss you and Love you still so much!

~v~

Back to US!

2008-06-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Now that my sister is doing so well, I going to shift the blog back to us. Thank you all again for the love and support throughout my sister's surgery! :)

~V~

KRISTINA IS HOME ~ 6/11/08

2008-06-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Our Tina is home!! She resting well, glad to be back in her own bed. She is feeling better everyday. We do have to remind her to take it easy, she feels so good sometimes she forgets to NOT overdue it! To all who have been praying for our family we truly thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts. To the people who took the time to email Kristina, through me, my mom or through the hospital email, THANK YOU!! We really do feel the love and support from each and everyone of you who did. The phone calls too, thank you! THANK YOU for the visits in the hospital, to our church family who was there bright and early for the surgery..A HUGE BLESSING YOU ALL ARE!

Kristina received so many beautiful flower arrangements... I will post some pics later when I get home.

Lots of Love to all!!!

~V~

Monday 6/09/2008

2008-06-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Kristina has started her therapy phase of her recovery. I pray that God watch over her as she tests her strength and physical abilities. She did mention that she feels dizzy at time and at others that her head is extremely heavy. Ashleigh and Jonathon went to visit Aunt Tina Sunday afternoon and Ashleigh was busy asking questions as usual. They were all so happy to see each other, the kids were so worried about their Aunt Tina. They have been praying for her at meal time and at bed time...it is the sweetest words to ever hear out of a child's mouth...PRAYER! No other words compare, not baby talk not ma ma, not a first word... prayer is the most Innocent and pure of all words.

On another note Ashleigh started vacation bible school at our church this morning and she called a little bit ago saying VBS was "AWSOME" I remember going to VBS as a kid and we used to have so much fun. Games, bible stories, outside play, crafts and always my favorite...SNACK TIME... :) Papa Jake (my dad) is such an awsome grandpa he and my mom called last night asking if Ash was going to VBS and we worked it out to where dad is going to take her because it is from 845 to 12 noon this week. So... Lee Roy was off this morning and took her to my dad's and papa Jake took Ashleigh to her first vacation bible school at FBColleyville. When I talked to her around 1:30, she was going to take a nap then Papa Jake was going to take her to see Horton Hears a Who. Dad is just too cool, he is driving around and hanging out with his grandkids, he has taken Jonathon out to Ranger games and Ashleigh is next. They are scheduled to go on 7/8/08. Dad is taking Ash for a grandpa and granddaughter day. Several of my dad's co-workers are taking their granddaughters...kinda sweet! :)
Thank you all again for the thoughts and prayers,

Valerie

Saturday 6/07/08 ~ Walking around

2008-06-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Kristina was up today and was able to sit in a chair on her own. She also was able to walk around a little with the use of a walker for some additional support. She has been moved out of the Neuro ICU this evening and has been moved to a private room. She is in the Richardson Tower at Harris Methodist Ft.Worth. She is excited about all of the IV's and the central lines being out she feels a little freedom to move around. Her wonderful brother in law (Lee Roy is her only BIL...LOL) made her night by spoiling her with a portable DVD player for her hospital room. Mom and I both took the night off tonight and left her in God's care and the nurses on duty. I am looking forward to being in my bed tonight, ICU couches are NO fun! I pray that God continue to watch over her and to allow her to get some rest tonight and for the nurses to continue to provide great care. I will be back to see her tomorrow and provide additional updates.

Again a BIG thank you to all who have been praying for us during this time.

God Bless!

With Love,
Kristina's Family

24 hours after surgery

2008-06-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alford came to see Kristina this morning and said that the area looks really good. They came in at 3 am to take her to do a CT scan. She was not happy! In moving her they hurt her and she was in pain for a little while. She is feeling a little better this morning after seeing the Dr. and him telling her that she was doing really well. Dr. said he was going to see about getting her out of ICU and in to a private room this evening or early tomorrow morning. Thank you all again for the prayers, she is receiving the emails being sent, they have lifted her spirit this morning. Here are a few pics AUTHORIZED by Kristina to be posted this morning.

Love to all!

Val

First afternoon after surgery

2008-06-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for all of the prayers and emails we have received and the phone calls too :)

Kristina is resting now, My mom and I are staying with her tonight and it is about 11:20 visiting hours in the NICU are so strict. 9-12, 3-6, 9-midnight and 3am - 6 am. She has had a great afternoon, she was even chuckling at a few jokes we had saved her. She is smiling and talking a bit and wants everyone to know that she is thankful for the thoughts and prayers from everyone.

My mom and I were talking and praising God almighty for the wonderful and awsome God that he has been to this family. Even when we are not deserving of his goodness, we are always blessed.

Tonight I especially place Kristina in God's hands. She had a little trouble breathing and she panicked herself into an asthma attack. She has been put on breathing treatments and is being monitored closely. She was given a dose of Morphine and will rest for several hours. Our clocks are set for 3 am. Good night(good nap)

Val and Diana(Liz) :)

11:50 Kristina is out of surgery

2008-06-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

Kristina is out of surgery and on her way to Neuro ICU, she will be there for about 2 days. She is awake and moving her Arms and legs and her surgery went very, very well. Dr. Alford removed one of the tonsils on the cerebellum and was able to tuck away the cerebellum and cover up with a piece of bone from Kristina's head. This was better than using an alternative material. We will be able to see her in about 30 minutes or so.

Thanks again for all of the prayers.

V

11:05 Closing Kristina Back up

2008-06-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Nurse came out and said the doctor is closing her up, she is doing fine . Thank you God for being with them on this day! The doctor will be out soon to talk to the family and I will update again.

Thanks to all for the prayers!

God Bless

Still working 10:00 AM

2008-06-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Nurse says everything is going ok, the team is still working on her.

Dad, Mommy, grandma, Lee Roy, and her boyfriend Henry are all here. The mood is good, we know God is here with us too.

V

Surgery Has Started - 8:30 AM a little late

2008-06-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for all of your prayers. The nurse came and told us that the surgery started at 8:30. The doctor hit the snooze too many times and started a little late. :)

Love to All!

God Bless!

Russell and Rodriguez families

KRISTINA - DAY OF SURGERY 6/05/08

2008-06-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

I will be posting updates through out the day, please feel free to leave comments here or you can email thoughts and prayers to vrussell07@verizon.net I will pass along emails to my sister and family. Kristina can also have emails delivered to her room once she is out of surgery. You can visit www.texashealth.org to email a patient. Under the "what would you like to do" options, click send email to patient Kristina Rodriguez. Hospital: Harris Methodist Ft. Worth. Thanks to all for your love and support our family can feel the prayers! Below you will find a prayer especially written for Kristina and our family. I am blessed to work with such an awsome man, he is a pastor and has the biggest heart and compassion for people. Thank You Pastor C!!!

Prayer for the Day ~ Pastor S. Courtney

Father God, in the name of your Son Jesus, we humbly submit this prayer,
You are a God of our Power and Possibilities, without you we can do nothing
But With You All things are possible to them that believe. First we say thank you for all that you have already
Done, for your love and your sacrifice as our Saviour and Lord.
We pray your protection AND Your healing power for Kristina as she faces the challenges of Chiari Malformation
Including her surgery on Thursday morning. God we pray not only for her physical strength but that you give
Her the faith and courage to know that you are a healer. We pray for every surgeon, doctor, nurse, and any other
Care taker that will be present during the surgery. We pray you will steady their hands, give clarity to their thoughts
And pour your spirit of love within them as they care for Kristina.
Father we also lift up Kristina's family, especially her mother Diana as she care not only for Kristina before
And after her surgery but also as she care for her husband. Lord we pray your comfort, peace,love and double portion of courage and
strength upon her. That when she is weak, she look to You and your Word for strength. "For YOU are our help in time of trouble"
We pray if it is thy will that her husband and her daughter, both begin to heal and that their healing
is complete, and through the power of your grace and mercy their restoration is made perfect in thy sight.
God we thank you for who you are, for what you are doing right now, and what you will do for Kristina and her family.
In the Perfect and Priceless name of Jesus we pray and ask it all…
In Jesus Name AMEN!
Pastor C.

Graduation Day Celebration - Jonathon

2008-06-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well I am back from the P*A*R*T*Y!!! He was so excited that I stayed to enjoy this time with him. Mrs. Ling Jonathon's resource teacher cried and told me that she was going to miss Jonathon. The lady is so wonderful, I thank God for blessing us with her, Jonathon was at a 3rd/early 4th grade level when she started the school year with him and now Jonathon is reading and writing on a 5th grade level, right where he is supposed to be. Mrs. Ling also asked Jonathon to invite Ashleigh for the celebration, she is so caring about Jonathon and his friends in that class. Ashleigh is like Mommy #2 for Jonathon and she protects her "bubba". Here are a few pics from that.

My Jonathon is graduating from Elementary to middle school. Where's the Kleenex!?! He is having a graduation party today and I will be there to bring in the Pizza. As he says "OMG! Mommy you are the coolest mom, you bring the good Pizza" LOL!!! I will share photos later. Also, reminder to pray for Kristina as she will be going into surgery in less than 24 hours!

Love to all, God Bless!

Jonathon - Living with Asperger's Syndrome

2008-06-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Jonathon is a outgoing, fun, loving and sweet 10 year old. Jonathon was diagnosed with Aspergers 4 years ago after 2 very stressful years of being told that he was ADD, then ADHD going through medication after medication trying to find somthing that worked. Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder in which people have severe difficulties understanding how to interact socially. People with Asperger's syndrome have some traits of autism, especially weak social skills and a preference for sameness and routine. But unlike those with autism, children with Asperger's syndrome usually start to talk around 2 years of age (the age at which speech normally develops). They have normal to above-normal intelligence. Both conditions belong to the group of disorders called pervasive developmental disorders. As many as 3 out of every 10,000 people have Asperger's syndrome. The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is not known. It tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link, although scientists have not discovered a distinct genetic marker. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically develop a good to excellent vocabulary, although they usually lack the social instincts and practical skills needed when relating to others. They may not recognize verbal and nonverbal cues or understand social norms, such as taking turns talking or grasping the concept of personal space. They may have difficulties with accent, tone, and pitch, which can make their speech sometimes odd or difficult to understand. And they may have difficulty expressing their own feelings and perceiving others' feelings. Children with Asperger's typically make efforts to establish friendships, but they may have difficulty making friends because of their social awkwardness.
Children with Asperger's syndrome often have limited and very focused interests. They are often most comfortable with fixed routines and dislike change. They may lack coordination, exhibit unusual facial expressions, body postures, and gestures, and be somewhat clumsy. Many children with Asperger's syndrome also have trouble with fine motor skills, such as handwriting.
Children with Asperger's syndrome will have some of the traits typical of the syndrome. But each child with Asperger's presents a different picture; some will have less pronounced traits, while others' traits are more noticeable. Each child will have individual interests, likes, and dislikes. All children with Asperger's syndrome have severe trouble in social situations. Asperger's syndrome is usually not diagnosed until a child is at least 3 years old, when social problems become apparent, although it may be diagnosed earlier. A diagnosis is based on a careful history of the child’s development, psychological and psychiatric assessments, communication tests, and the parents’ and clinicians’ shared observations.
Asperger's syndrome is diagnosed using specific criteria, published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Treatment for Asperger's syndrome should be tailored to meet individual needs. Communication and social skills training is usually recommended. Behavior management, in which good behavior is rewarded, can help change problem behaviors, such as interrupting and dominating conversations.

Princess Ashleigh's Birthday Parties

2008-05-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well another year and our Princess Ashleigh has turned 7 and where the time has gone...I just don't know. It still feels like I just had her and she is my little 8lb baby. Well Ashleigh is growing into a beautiful sweet and loving young lady. I am so proud of her she won a principal's award for the month of May at school and has had perfect attendance all year except for 1 day that she was out and it really made her sad that she missed that one day.... (she gets that from her Nana Lizzy) Anyway, here are some PICs from her birthday partieS...yes she had more than one and is going to have another on in June. The place we had it at messed it up so bad that they have offered to do another one for her and 10 friends for free. Her family birthday was on Saturday 5/24 her actual birthday at Babe's in Carrollton. All of Ashleigh's family was there.. Lee Roy and I, her daddy, Jonathon, her BFF Brittany, Kyle's parents, my mom and grandmother... All of Ashleigh's favorite people. We had a really great time, she was happy that we were all together and that is all that matters. :)

Prayer Request - Surgery 6/05/2008

2008-05-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

My sister will be having surgery next week and would like to ask for prayer. She will be in at 7:00 AM in Ft.Worth. This is major surgery, they will be operating on the back of her head to repair her cerebellum. My sister is 20 years old and never imagined that she would be facing such a procedure at her age. See below..

Arnold-Chiari malformation is a rare malformation of the brain that is sometimes, but not always, apparent at birth. It is characterized by abnormalities in the area where the brain and spinal cord meet that cause part of the cerebellum to protrude through the bottom of the skull (foramen magnum) into the spinal canal. This interferes with the flow of cerebral spinal fluid to and from the brain, leading to accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid in the empty spaces of the spine and brain. The portion of the cerebellum that protrudes into the spinal canal can become elongated and is called the "cerebellar tonsils" because it resembles the tonsils.There are four types of Chiari malformation. Depending on the type, the impact on the affected individual may range from mild to severe.

Family - Russell, Clark, Rodriguez..it is all Family

2008-05-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well 1 year later here we are. We have been through so much in the 3 years Lee Roy and I have been together it almost feels like we have been married for 10 or 15 years. Our family is made up of so many last names it is just a funny thing to think about. Salazar, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Clark and Russell...LOL! No matter what the last name though, we support each other day in and day out. Since Kyle and I divorced we have kept a great co-parenting relationship. He actually lives in the same complex we do for now and is great about being a co-dad. He and Lee Roy share the dad duty and it works out great for the kids. I have Mom duty all alone but don't mind it too much...I still get my girls day out with my mommy....we love to go shopping!!!! Even if we are not Shopping in Bev Hill on Rodeo Dr... We love the time together and hunting for good deals. My posts for now might be a little out of order but will catch up o the actual day in a bit.

How We started May 12, 2007

2008-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Lee Roy Russell and Valerie Salazar (me) joined together with my kids to become one BIG happy family. Jonathon and Ashleigh are the center of our world and we just love them more than anything! We have had a trying first year of marriage but who doesn't. We know that God has his plans for us and that is what we live on everyday! Lee Roy and I realize that people will try and bring you down and will try to make you feel less than your true worth... BUT God does not make worthless things and we are God's personal creations! I thank God everyday that He brought Lee Roy into my life. I have never been happier and my kids just love him.