K is scheduled to take ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) Her lesson for yesterday was canceled due to inclement weather, so she was all dressed up with no place to go. She insisted that she continue to wear her swimsuit around the house instead. Hopefully it will dry up enough so she can start today.

I love her swimsuit, but Papa C. had his doubts about the coverage. Kaelyn only confirmed his thoughts as she tried to pull the top down to her navel as we were getting her dressed...she couldn't understand why it stopped so short :)

Crawfish Boil

Noelle & Tim Kornegay hosted a fabulous party this Saturday at their home. I think they must have been cooking/preparing for the previous 3 days with all the yummy food they served...it was WONDERFUL! Lots of great food and great company....perfect recipe for the perfect party :) Thanks Noelle & Tim (And Suzanne & Errol) for all the work you did preparing...I know everyone enjoyed themselves.

Back Home

Well, the silence has been replaced by lots of laughing, squealing and talking...the sounds of my two little monkeys being back home with me.

At dinner last night Meme & Dan treated us to Gringo's. As I was putting food onto Zeke and K's plates, Kaelyn kept saying (over and over and over), "I want rice n beans Momma" "I want beans" "beans Momma, beans" (she is nuts about beans)...after she said it for what seemed like the 100th time, Zeke turned to me and said, "Man, Little Missy here is freaking out about wanting those beans!"

Later in the evening I was laying down with Zeke for bed. After a couple of minutes, out of nowhere Zeke said, "Momma, you are the prettiest Momma ever." (Awww...what a sweet boy!) Then he followed that statement to say, "and your breath smells like beans." :) Crazy child!

Aggie Muster 2009

Last night my parents, Bryan, Lisa, Macie, Bill, Jane & I attended the Baytown location for Aggie Muster to honor Brad's legacy. It was an important tradition to Brad and I know that he was proud that so many attended in his name.

We love you Brad & we sure do miss you.

What is Muster?Aggies are all about unity and loyalty. When an Aggie falls, the family comes together to remember. This remembrance occurs annually on April 21 as Aggies observe Muster, a solemn event to honor current and former students who died during the previous year. Over 300 Musters are held around the world, with the largest taking place at Reed Arena on the Texas A&M University campus. All Muster ceremonies feature the Roll Call for the Absent. As the names of the deceased Aggies are called, a family member or friend answers "Here," to symbolize that although their loved one is not present in body, his or her spirit will be present forever.

My good friend Camille & her husband Blake attended Muster in Singapore. She wrote this on her blog, describing her experiences last night.
April 21st, 2009 there were approx. 40+ aggies that gathered at the American Club in Singapore to honor the fallen aggies this past year. Like the poem above "In Memoriam" we toasted in honor of them all. It was a good way to celebrate those whom we knew (Brad) and those whom we did not but with the same color of blood color maroon we will forever be one. The Good news is that we know exactly where Brad is roaming (the poem says wherever they may roam)... the streets of Gold with Jesus.

In Memoriam
We stood a little taller,
and a little prouder then
When we heard the call of Muster
and the Roll Call just begin.
We stood there all together
and wiped away the tears
When our names were called out softly
and answered with a “Here!”...
and so we’ve joined together
with our brothers of the past
To make our final resting place at
Aggieland our last.
We take a toast to our brotherhood
wherever they may roam,
For us the trek is over
Aggieland we’re coming home.
by Lt. Col. David Harrigan ‘68

A note from Camille:
I just wanted to tell you what an honor it was to say "Here" when they called out Brad's name at Muster 2009 for Singapore. Ron Lee and I were both present and we both said "Here"... it was a bit touching but such an honor to be an aggie and a humbling way to honor our dear brother. I have blogged at it (of course) but I have also attached some pics for you of the roll call (which was held in at the American Club in a pub that have banners with all the colleges for the US). I am praying for you... your strength amazes me... and I can only hope and pray to resemble the hope and faith that you have in our Jesus... your light is bright and I know is 'screaming the truth of Christ' to so many. My hands are folded, my heart aches, and my eyes are often wet when I think of you... but my hope and faith is restored. Please let me know what I can do... I know Jenny W. talked to you about a quilt and I understand that is already being done for the kids... but if I can do anything for you guys please let me know. I love you and keep pressing on...
Camille

Another note from Julie Brymer:
Tonight, we attended the Harris County Muster. Brad's name was called, and we proudly answered "here" for him. I didn't know if you were able to attend, but it was an honor to answer here for a man of God, a fellow brother in Christ, a fellow AFC'r, and a fellow Aggie. My husband talks of Brad often, as he admires him and the way in which he lived boldly for our King. It pushes Justin towards a more imitate walk with the Lord.
We continue to pray for you, each night. Thank you for your sweet example of devotion to the Lord and His will. I see Christ in you, and I admire you as a great woman of faith, honesty, truth, grace, and faithfulness.
You are loved!
Your Sister in Christ,
Julie

Macie & I ended up wearing matching lime green dresses...we didn't even plan it. Macie gets her great fashion sense from her Aunt Jenny. :) Of course Bryan said we just looked like someone throw up lime green and hot pink all over us. Although, I think he was just jealous he didn't have a pink and green shirt to match!

Playing At Uncle Matt's Pool

The kids were really cooped up for the first part of our trip, due to all the crazy, wet weather...so one afternoon we took them out to Uncle Matt's pool to swim. The water was FREEZING!...of course, Zeke the polar bear didn't bat an eye at it...but the girls and I tried to stay clear of the splashing. Burr!

Sweet "Siblings"

Here are pictures from this weekend's visit to Kerrville. Zeke was SO excited about seeing all his extended "siblings" for a nice, long visit.

K & Zeke are staying in Kerrville for the remainder of the week while I work at home...all by myself! I am basking in the silence right now...it is SO wonderful :) I know I will miss them.....eventually. Thank you Mimi, Dan, Krista, & Bibi for taking care of my kiddos...they just love being there with all of you.





Aunt Krista bought Kendall and Kaelyn matching dresses so we made sure to capture a couple of pictures of them together..they looked so cute.

More of Macie...

Here are some of the pictures of Macie that we took last week with Lisa's camera..since mine was out of battery! She looks so sweet in these pictures.


These are the pink sandals that I brought Macie in the hospital. I knew that I needed to help instill the proper shoe-fettish that I have with Macie. Every girl needs a great pair of pink sandals :)

Visiting with Miss Macie

Kaelyn & Zeke had their first opportunity today to see Baby Macie...they were both SO excited! They get their baby craziness from their Momma :) Zeke was thrilled to have the chance to hold Macie all on his own, but balked at the first sign of fussiness....he did NOT like that. Unlike, Callie, who laughs hysterically...Zeke was immediately concerned that the sudden emotional outbursts needed to be attended to....so much like a man to be uncomfortable watching a girl cry :)

I came today ready to take pictures of Macie. Last week, when I went to the hospital on Thursday, I made it with my camera but no memory card. Today, when I went to take a picture...again I had forgotten to put my memory card back into my camera. But, I have outsmarted myself by putting a spare in my purse so, problem solved, right? Wrong! After 6 shots, my battery died. I am truly going to lose my "Aunt" title pretty soon if I don't get my act together. Luckily Lisa has a great camera too...so I just borrowed hers.


Look at that sweet face...don't you just want to eat her up?

Exploring all of Macie's little parts

After I held Macie for just a moment..K was NOT amused. Lisa and I were both so surprised by her jealousy.

A Very Special Friend

I have a super-sweet friend, who happens to also be a Mary Kay Sales Director, named Linda Balas (who we lovingly call "Mumsy"). Yesterday Sandra & I met with Mumsy to share lunch with her at P.F. Chang's. Mumsy & Sandra have suffered what no mother should, in losing all of their children in a tragic way, early in life. Mumsy is the only person I have ever crossed paths with who shares such a similar tragedy with Sandra & David.

Mumsy lost her daughter Renee to lupus, just five weeks after Renee gave birth to Mumsy's grandson, Trevor. Then, just four years later, her son Bryan continued to struggle with the loss of his sister. After encouragement from those around him, he sought counseling to help him cope. Doctors gave him an anti-depressent drug to take that ended up causing more mental anxiety for him. Shortly after, Bryan took his own life.

Sandra was also able to share with Mumsy about losing Brad's older brother, Brett during the heart/lung transplant and then talk in more depth about Brad's recent passing.

Mumsy is such an inspiration to me. Her spirit of love, despite unthinkable challenges, continues to inspire me every time I am in her presence. I know that her children must be so proud of how she continues to live her life in their absence. I am so grateful that God has brought Mumsy into my life for a time such as this. I continue to learn so much from her.

Touching Gift

(From right to left)
Kim Stewart, K, me, Rich, CoCo, Sarah, Shelby, Zeke, Christi Stewart, & Harper Reaves.

We have some wonderful family friends named Bob & Kim Stewart who, before moving to North Houston, attended our congregation at Southeast. When their oldest daughter Christy heard that Southeast was helping to raise money for Zeke & Kaelyn's education fund, she and some of her friends from Northland Christian Academy got together to organize a Garage Sale Fundraiser for our family. The sale was held at the Stewart's home on Saturday morning and in just one day they raised $4136.81!

The campus minister, Rich Reaves, along with some of the girls who organized the sale came over to the house to deliver the earnings. We were so moved by their thoughtfulness...it was overwhelming. I have never seen such kindness and generosity from a group so young. I was touched beyond what words can describe.

Thank you ladies for blessing our family in such a wonderful way. We are so thankful.

Farmer Zeke

Brad had always wanted to grow a garden in our backyard to have fresh veggies for our family. In honor of that wish, and to help encourage Zeke to expend his vegetable interests, Papa C. decided to build a garden in the back yard with Zeke. This afternoon they went out to check on the growth and were pleasantly surprised to see quite a lot happening. They saw growth from their carrots, tomatoes, & peas.

Happy Easter!

More Pictures...

Silly girl!

Peek-A-Boo!

Happy Birthday Papa C.!

Tonight we celebrated Papa C.'s 62nd birthday at their house...my mom planned a delicious meal and had several friends over to celebrate with us. We had a great time. Happy Birthday Papa!

More Macie Pics

We got to go by and see Macie again yesterday with her big sister Callie. It was hysterical to watch Callie hold her...anytime Macie cried...Callie thought it was the funniest thing ever...she would just laugh and laugh. Of course I took about 100 pictures...Bryan mentioned that he thought Macie would start to associate the sound of my voice with squinting from all the flashes in her face.

Please say an extra prayer for Lisa...she has been in quite a bit of pain the last day and half...we are praying that tonight will be more relaxing and more restful for her...before they head home tomorrow.

Macie Rae Hanna is Here!

Macie came into the world at 2:13pm
weighing 8 pounds / 0 ounces
19 3/4 inches in length
Both Mommy & baby are doing great!
She is a real cutie :)
I love this picture...look at that proud Daddy!

Macie had quite an audience right from the start.

Still Waiting....

Lisa was scheduled to have her c-section this morning at 10am. At 9:30 she was taken to the O.R. and started to prep (Bryan was even dressed ready in his scrubs). It turned out that her doctor was held up with an earlier patient and consequently was late to the hospital. Because of the delay, Lisa's c-section was postponed until 2pm. So, we called the first trip to the O.R. a dress-rehersal for the big event. Now they will be ready at 2.

Our friend Stephen commented that it was just like a typical girl to make us all wait so long for her arrival. We passed the time with a couple of card games and we told a few stories. Lisa has been smiling the whole day as she patiently awaits Macie's arrival...I am greatly impressed by her patience.

It is 1:30pm now and they have just wheeled her back out of the room to take her to the O.R. (again). We should be able to see sweet Macie in about an hour!