March Madness

Wow I can't believe I haven't updated the familia blog since Wynnie's heavenly birthday on December 2nd.  Time flies :)

We all had a nice Christmas ... Dori had fun telling people "Merry Christmas" all month long. I know I don't look a day over 21 (wink wink) but in December I turned 41. It also marked the 20th anniversary of my plane crash and my parents heavenly anniversary. Lots of things have changed but the people who loved and consoled me back then are many of the same people who love me today.  I walk funny, my body's aches and pain from my mobility limitations are a little bit more pronounced 20 years later, but for being in a 757 that smashed into the side of a mountain, I gotta say I came out ok. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my parents but I know their love is always with me. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for the 21 amazing years of love and parenting they gave me. I went a little overboard with celebrating my 41st birthday but luckily I have a very forgiving husband and wonderful friends/accomplices that made it a blast. 

Since December Chris has cut out soft drinks, cleaned up his diet and has lost over 20 pounds! Since December I've pretty much have done the same thing and have gained about 7. 

Ben and Alex enjoyed their Christmas break with their friends. Last month their St Rita basketball team had a heart breaking loss at the Dallas Parochial League championship game. They had a great season. Pictures speak volumes and they normally were a fun loving  group of boys. 

But after their tough loss, here is the final team picture. Poor sweet boys! 

Alex has really flourished as a writer this year. At parent teacher conferences his English teacher told us he has such an amazing "voice" in his writing. We are so proud of him! He joined the school's baseball team and last night was their first practice. He loved it! He is still goalie for soccer but he can't wait for that season to be over. 

Dorian has managed to go through the cold and flu season like a boss. He still has his hospice nurse Kathy visit him once a week. We've had a few changes in our day nursing staff these past few months but it's been fairly smooth and good for Dori. Our only major issue with him is spitting. At first he only was spitting on one of his nurses. Then from spitting on her, he has now developed a fascination with spitting on EVERYONE. It's not cute. It's not funny. I have no idea how to stop it. Any suggestions? But other than that, he is sweet as can be and always fun. 

For spring break we took the boys skiing with the Mazurs in Lake Tahoe. It was beatiful! We loved it! 

Casino night --- Arty the Party was the one man show at Harrahs and I told Chris I want him flown to Dallas for my 50th. Yes he was THAT good!! Or maybe the cheap beers made Arty seem like the next JT. Not quite sure. 

Chris, Alma and I spent an afternoon snow shoeing. I almost passed out. Chris seriously thought he and Alma were going to have to carry me off the mountain. It was pretty embarrassing. 

Back in January I went through training with Make-a-Wish and I am now officially a Wish Ambassador. Basically I'm a volunteer that gives presentations about MAW to any groups doing fundraisers for them. In some instances I can also represent MAW in accepting donations on their behalf and representing the organization when they need a face and a story to help promote MAW. I'm excited to go to my first event in a few weeks... I'll take Chris and the boys with me to WRESTLE MANIA!! Crazy right? I want to introduce Ben and Alex to the profession that put a roof over our heads and food on our table for so many years. Yay Papi!! 

All in all, it's been a wonderful winter. Chris was promoted, I was able to land NASA as a client again and have been setting the groundwork for a productive Spring/Summer work season. As always, thanks for your friendship and support. If you read through my blogs it's one of two reasons 1) you are a true friend or 2) you like bad jokes. Either way, thanks for sharing a few minutes reading about my sweet little family. Wishing you all a wonderful rest of March!