Good News!

Here's the latest from HR on Tim:
Tim had his hand surgery Monday and all went well. He will be discharged tomorrow and fly back to Califionia. He will be in his new apartment tomorrow night. He will start his rehab. in California and fly back to Bethesda for his hand surgery when it can be scheduled. Thanks for all the prayers. HR

If you don't have his address and phone number just let me know. I'll get it to you so you can talk to him when he's home. - Cory:)

A Few Updates

Here's the latest note from HR:
Tim will have surgery on his ring finger on Monday. No plans have been made to remove the middle finger yet. Tim thinks he will go back to California next week. The hospital in California at Balboa can monitor his condition as well as Bethesda. He will fly back to Bethesda when the amputation is scheduled. No other news. He is doing better that expected. Thanks HR

Tim has had a couple of surgeries already on the first and third finger of his left hand. The bone in his middle finger has been shattered, with the tendons and ligament completely gone. The doctors said that after 8-10 surgeries using cadaver bones they may be able to have the finger working again, but they couldn't guarantee it. They recommended that it be removed and Tim has decided to go ahead and do that. I'm sure that was a tough decision, but he's being very mature about the whole thing. Also, Tim did get to go to the funeral of the friend that was killed in the attack he was in. HR said that was good for him because he felt some closure by being there. Tim was wheeled to the front to be next to the family. As people filed past they hugged his neck. He was a stranger to them, but his presence meant so much. It was, understandably, very emotional for him. Please keep all of these families and their circumstances in your prayers tonight.

A Couple of Notes from Tim's Dad

2/16 - Tim had a rough day today but he made it through the shoulder surgery
ok. He was in lots of pain and the doc's were working on that. They
moved Tim to Rm 21 and phone 301-295-2955. Thanks for all the prayers.
Cathe and I are back at the hotel and real tired. Love ya all HR

2/18 - Tim did real good today. He was up and walking today. Still lots of
pain but he had good motivation to get moving. He wants to go to the
funeral Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery in Va. for the friend Ellis
that died when Tim was hit. He was standing next to Tim. I'm not sure
the doc's will let him go. Its a 2 hour drive from here. Another friend
came in from Germany tonight. His name is Emery and is in a medical
coma and went to ICU. His condition is real bad. Attached is a photo of
Tim up and walking. He didn't last too long but its a start. He went back
to bed after this and didn't get up again. Thanks for all the prayers.
I believe all Texas and New Mexico is still praying. 5 major surgeries
and he is up and walking. Only God can give him the strength do this.
Thank you. HR

H.R. Prather

First Picture of Tim

He's back in the US! For now he's at Bethesda and doing fairly well. He will undergo several surgeries in the next few days to repair his shoulder, hand and some other injuries to his backside. We all know that Tim is a real fighter, but everyone that has emailed me and said they are praying for him gets some credit for his condition looking so good. I will keep you updated as I hear more.

Another cousin of mine needs your prayers

Kalvin is doing very well, and I'm a firm believer that that everyone has helped him get so far by beliving he could do it. Now, my cousin Tim Prather, who has bravely served country in Iraq for two tours, needs some support from us. He was hurt by a suicide bomber on February 7th. He's currently in Germany in serious condition with shrapnel injuries to his legs and torso. I don't have much other news right now, but as I hear, I'll keep you updated.

One appointment down...many more to go

We had our first appointment with the infertility doctor this week! It was two hours of very frank talk with a strategic planning overtone. Randy had a glazed over look most of the time as I'm sure most guys would. That's alot of talk about female parts he probably hasn't heard named since health class in high school. He made it through the appointment though, and I will give him kudos for that!

I was really excited after the appointment. I have had my suspicions of why we haven't been pregnant yet, but we walked out of that office with some real answers. What a relief that was! We are lucky enough to have an insurance plan that will pay for infertility treatments, and our doctor is really working with us to get us the most chance of a pregnacy for very little out of pocket.

My doctor will run some tests and make sure everything is working right over the next few days, then we should have a plan for procedures to get started. I will let you know when to get excited!

Your prayers are working!

Kalvin has been moved out of ICU and into his own room! He will still have lots of recovery, but he has walked a few steps and can sit in a chair for short periods of time. We aren't sure how much therapy, or even what kinds of therapy, he will need yet, but this is a great indication!

My dad's family is the kind that likes to give plenty of support, and the more they can do in person the better. I am also this kind of a person, so it makes me feel really good to see them all come together. Basically, most of the family on my dad's side have been camped out at the hospital. Some of them day and night, just to make sure my Aunt Ruth doesn't have to wish for anything, including just an ear to talk to. I've always loved having a big family, and seeing how these brothers and sisters have come together, and even how many of us cousins are involved, I rememeber why I think a big family is the way to go. What a wonderful network yor family can be!

Kalvin is doing some better, but keep the prayers coming!

Kalvin got to sit up in a chair today, but he's not out of the woods yet. He's not being sedated anymore, so he's somewhat alert and awake. The nurses are trying very hard to get him comfortable, but I'm sure the pain must be outrageous. He's very restless and squirms around in his be alot. It may seem suprising, but this is all good news! The doctors are still concerned about swelling in his brain and his blood pressure, but overall he has been improving some every day! Thank you all so much for the support you have given. Each of your prayers have been noticed!

Please say a prayer...

My cousin, Kalvin Tucker, needs as many prayers as we can give him. Most of you know that the weather in this area has been cold and icy for the past couple of days. Kalvin was driving to a friends house to play a video game and somehow slid off the road. His truck went sideways and the driver side door hit a telephone pole. His head busted the drivers side window and actually hit the pole, per the paramedics, because there was blood and hair on it. Obviously, he was hurt pretty bad. His skull is cracked and his brain is swelling from the bruising. He's listed in critical condition and they say it will be up and down for the next few days. Hopefully, he will make a full recovery, but only time will tell. This is my dad's sister, Ruth's, middle child. I'm starting a prayer chain for Kalvin, and every prayer counts. I'll keep you posted on his progress as it comes.

See Mr. Brock in his Boots!

Randy's New Toy

Randy got a guitar for Christmas this year. You would think he was a ten year old with a new video game. He plays it every night from the time he gets home from work until the time we go to bed. On the weekends he plays it, literally, until he can't play anymore. His fingers are calloused and sore, but he keeps on keepin' on. It's really been kind of fun to listen to him play and get better over such a short period of time. He looks up music online and then makes adjustments so that it sounds like the real songs. How he knows the difference my tone deaf ears will never know. I'm really proud of him though. That guitar could be some of the most well spent Christmas gift money ever!

Happy 2007!

And just like that, 2006 is gone. Can you believe that it's been 7 years since we were preparing for Y2K and the massive power outages that was supposed to bring. It seems like just a little while ago we were partying like it was 1999!

Randy and I spent New Year's in Ruiodoso. It was pretty low key, but still a good time. The scenery was beautiful with fresh snow on the ground. Maybe a little too much snow, since we couldn't make it up the mountain the first day we were there. We left our car at the bottom and had Beth and Chad with their 4 wheel drive Jeep come get us. The road was steep and was packed with ice. It was pretty, but very slippery! Once again, I left my camera at home, so I have no pictures yet. I will get Beth to send me hers so you can see Randy and Beth "sledding" on the road in front of the cabin.

Well, 2006 was good to Randy and I, but I have a feeling that 2007 might be even better. We have our first appointment with the infertility doctor on Thursday. We're starting diets and looking forward to getting in shape this year. I know that sounds like a typical resolution that is made to be broken, but I think we will feel better just by exercising a little bit. Randy got a guitar for Christmas, so he's learning to play it. I'm listening to chords that are supposed to resemble a Cory Morrow song (I think!) as I type this. My job is fantastic, and I'm excited about continuing into the new year learning about it. Randy is getting a taste of what management is all about and is doing a wonderful job. Everything is great so far, and I will keep you posted on any changes!

No Christmas Pictures

You may have noticed that we don't have any pictures from our families over the holidays posted to the Snapfish site. Randy got me a new memory card reader for Christmas, and I tried to use it on my laptop to post the pictures last night. I don't know how, but I managed to erase them. No Christmas pictures to post! Sorry!

This is the picture we sent out on our Christmas cards. If you didn't get one, that means I don't have your address. I apologize for not getting it before Christmas! Like every other aspect of my life lately, I was really running behind in getting these addressed. As a matter of fact, I believe there is a good number of you all that didn't get yours until after Christmas. Better late than never, right? Anyway, be sure to send me your addresses so I can get you on my list for next year!

And A Very Merry Christmas Was Had By All...

Randy and I have been having Christmas since Thursday. He had his bank party at the bowling alley, to which spouses weren't invited, and I had our Sehon Christmas at my Uncle Frank and Aunt Margaret's house. It was a good time, but I left my camera at home so I didn't get any pictures! Sorry! We took Friday night off, and went to the movies. We saw The Good Shepard with Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie. It was a great movie! Both Randy and I think we need to watch it again, because there was so much "code talk" that we didn't know we missed something until it was too late. On Christmas Eve, my dad and Tracy, Beth and Chad, and Tanner came to our house for a turkey and dressing dinner. I cooked the turkey in my new roaster that I got from Randy for Christmas. It was so juicy! On Monday, we went to Randy's parents for Christmas day. It's always so nice and relaxing to be at the James' house. His sister, Gina, and new brother-in-law, Trey, were in town and we had a good time with them. They currently live in Linden, TX, but will be moving to Athens soon. We won't have a chance to see their house now, but I'm really looking forward to visiting their new diggs! They will be close to Canton, so a shopping we will be! :)

Merry Christmas!!!

Randy and I hope that our friends and family will have a wonderful Christmas! We miss you all! Check back after the holidays for pictures!

Thank goodness Thanksgiving is over...

It was a great time, but Whew! I was tired! My mom's family came to my house again this year. I really love hosting Thanksgiving. It makes me feel good to have everyone there to eat, visit, and enjoy each others company. As Lesa said, "Another successful Thanksgiving!" We did all miss one member of our family this year. Even though it wasn't mentioned, Granny's absence was noticed by everyone. One bright spot: Glen's mom, Grandma Brewer, was able to be in town and spend the holiday with us. It was really good having her with us for the meal. Randy smoked two turkey breasts, and my mom and Aunt Sherry prepared a huge spread of sides to go along with. We had some guests this year from New York. Our friends Andrew and Stephanie came and brought his parents. They graciously brought a real New York cheesecake to help with the dessert table. Wow, now that was fantastic!

Now, let's usher in Christmas! I think that's my favorite holiday of the year. Although I do enjoy getting to spend Thanksgiving with my family, I really enjoy the celebrations that accompany the Christmas season. I love the parties and the festivities and all of the wonderful food that comes along with it. Earlier today I joked that I had to get decorated because I only have 30 days left before Christmas is over. Well, at least it was kind of a joke. It's true! We only have 30 days left to squeeze in all of the Christmas plays, Santa's Workshops, and Christmas light looking we can stand for the next year. I even love the mall at Christmas. Most people can't stand it, but I'm a little different I guess. I like the hustle and bustle of everyone shopping for goodies. I think it's a great atmosphere! Well, can't type any longer...gotta get started! I'm already running behind!

Honey's B-Day was a Success

We didn't have the party afterall. Randy just wanted to go eat at Outback and not be out all night. I think he's getting old! But, it was his birthday and he got to choose. So, we made a reservation for 11 and had our own little party there. Our friend Leslie even brought a birthday cake! It interesting to say the least. Although she is a newbie in the kitchen department, she really did a great job. The cake was decorated like a baseball and she wrote Happy Birthday on it. I for one was proud of her. Great job Leslie!

It's almost Friday!!!

Yeah! It's almost Friday, which happens to be Honey's birthday, and my last day at Home Depot! Everyone should celebrate! :)

Randy finished his jury duty today. Finally. He's been on a federal grand jury since Monday, November 6th. That's nine days of listening to a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo about a poor kid that was paralyzed during a football game and wanted some money from the helmet company because the helmet didn't protect his neck. Does that make any sense to you? Well, long story short, they found the helmet company not guilty. The trial must have stressed him out a little though. One night last week I woke up to Randy handing me a picture and the remote off of the nightstand and telling me (in his sleep!) that it was evidence. Then, night before last, he woke me up at a little after 2am asking me if I "concur". It was insane! Even if he's not glad that trial is over, I am. Now maybe I can get some sleep!

New Jobs!

Most of you already know that Randy has been promoted to being a bank manager. That was effective on October 1st, and he has been doing a terrific job! It's a little different than his previous job making loans, but he's adjusting. He says he's excited, and I'm so excited for him! He's been with Bank of America for seven years and worked his way from a teller in college to the branch president position. I'm so proud of him! :)

Now, just six months after I started working at The Home Depot, I'm changing jobs again. Although I have been in human resources for 4 years, since I graduated, I'm going to switch gears a little bit. I will be working for VistaCare. My position will be business development and community outreach. Basically, I will maintain relationships between VistaCare and the physicians, nurses, hospitals, and clinics that refer their patients to VistaCare for hospice services. I'm not completely sure what my job will entail yet, but my first day is November 20th, and I have a feeling I will have more information then! I really think this is going to be a great move for me!

Hello!

Hello to everyone that checks in! This is our new page to keep everyone updated on what happens in our lives, and hopefully some comments about what's going on in yours. We are busy, just like most of you are, and we want to make sure we can all stay connected. Although we are pretty boring most of the time, we will do our best to make this blog as interesting as possible!