Update..Are You Ready for This?

This weekend was one the most bizarre couple of days I have ever been through. Actually, I may take that back. It was the number one most bizarre weekend. EVER. I have to warn you, this post will be long. After reading my previous post, you can see that my family is one of disfunction and plain drama with a capital 'D'. My 3 brothers and I have never really witnessed any affection or display of true love (or my idea of it..) between my parents. Most of this stems from my mother's addiction to alcohol and my father's depression and mood disorders. **I cannot believe I'm actually being up front about this..but I feel like to get the real idea of the freakish events that took place, it has got to be mentioned.**Please do not get me wrong- I grew up cared for and loved deeply by my parents (Even though not so many 'IloveYou's were said, it was always shown in their own way) and never quite witnessed or understood the severity of their issues together and individually until I was much older. My youngest brothers, however, have been through a storm of emotion and drama in their youth. For some reason my mom and dad stopped 'hiding' it in the past 10 years or so. Things had gone from bad to worse to disturbing. I have seen some things, that even still , I am convinced was all a dream. This also means that my 12 and 17 year old brothers have seen these things, too, but at a much younger age. I have been through some crazy times, and Jordan has been through his fair share as well.

So, fast forward to the last week in June -> Here are the details in a nutshell:



**My Mom had fallen of the deep end (not really any surprise there)..my Dad rushed Sam to Dallas..Dad reports loosing his job on this same day..Dad back to Austin..Dad rescues Mom..Mom and Dad back to Dallas..INTERVENTION..Mom agreed to rehab..Mom and Dad back to Austin..Mom checks into Detox in Austin (second time in 18 months)..Dad never misses a visiting hour..Dad decides to fall in love with my mother like they were 22 all over again (????)..Dad receives a job offer..Mom out of detox..and here we are.**

WHEW. There are some details here and there in between, but the gest is there. Ok, so now that is all over with. Like I said in my previous post, my parents have been living separate for the past 18 months. My mom was living in Round Rock and my dad in Austin. After my Dad had decided to be there for my Mom and take care of her (??) he requested that Jordan and I plan on coming to Austin to select some things that we wanted to take back to Dallas from my Mom's house in Round Rock since it will now be on the market to sell because my Mom is moving back to Austin so they can be together (??). My grandmother had beautiful furniture and silver and all this is in my Mom's house. Now, without the room for all of it, my Dad has allowed Jordan and I to 'inherit' things of our choosing. The next month is going to be crazy busy for us, and there is not much time to wait before the house sells, so last minute we decide, 'hey, lets just go this weekend!' Friday my Mom was released from detox, so it worked out that we go for her support as well. So, after Jordan got home from the station on Saturday morning we loaded up and headed out. From the moment we arrived it was plain wierd. My mom and dad greeted us holding hands (..huh?!) From there forward it was laughing, joking, affection, love- just an enjoyable time. I kept looking around for the 'You're on Candid Camera' crew to come out..I knew this could not be really happening. I have seen my Dad cry twice in my whole life- once when I was about 13 years old, and the next time was this past weekend. He was crying of joy when he talked about my mom coming home to him. Let me just say, I have been faithfully praying for my family for years, and my Dad finally said to me this morning 'Amber, your prayers have really worked. You have been an amazing rock for me and your family'. (Sidebar-my parents are not faithful followers of Jesus) I wish someone would have had the camera on me at this moment. My face was classic, I'm sure. So, here we are. I am skeptical, but hopeful. That is all I can be at the moment. Half of me is waiting for this all to just blow up in my face and go back to drama, drama, drama. Who knows. This could be the turning point for my mother and her addiction and my father and his motivation to help her instead of being angry and bitter. She begins rehab on Monday- 9 weeks long of 4 days a week, 4 hours a day. I honestly was worried to even attempt to being my camera with me..but I pulled it out, and here are some pictures from this weekend.


Sam, Mom and Myself before heading out to dinner

Mom and Dad- my Dad has never really had this facial hair..so, aside from the weird, yet comforting fact that he requested a picture with him and my mother, and they are both smiling in it, I think the beard is alright. :)

Jordan and I at Sonic for lunch on the drive home. We talked to whole way home about how strange, yet, uncommonly enjoyable the weekend was. I LOVE my husband. The love he has for my family is a true example of unconditional love.

Daphnee and Brittany had a busy weekend at their grandparent's house (Bree and Roy!) Here she is on our way home after we ate Sunday dinner with the Massey's. Plain worn out!

My grandmother's silver, after Bree and I polished it for about an hour!
Thank you all again for your prayers. God truly has His hand in everything and this weeks events were no exception. I pray for all this to not be a 'phase', but for my parent's relationship to flourish and for both of them to seek help with their own individual problems.

Also, thanks again for listening to me go on and on about all this. This is one super long post! It actually feels good to have gotten it all out, though. I can truly see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Just Like Any Other

So..this past weekend felt like any other weekend..

There has been so so so much going on in my life just in this past week- personal stuff. My family has a fair share of problems and issues and occassionally these issues rear their UGLY heads and start a fire of emotion and stress. This time was no exception. To make a long story short, for the past 6 months my youngest brother has been living with my dad (separated from my mother; they are not divorced-why, I have no idea.) Sam is 12 years old and was tired of dealing with her and her problems and lack of motherly care. So, he made an adult decision, at the ripe age of 11, to move in with my dad. This was a blessing!! So, now, any time their is an issue (it is so easy just to call them issues, but, gives no credit to what they really are.) Sam gets very uptight and anxious. My dad brought Sam up to Dallas last Tuesday to stay indefinitly until things smooth out a bit in Austin. This past week with my sweet brother has been so much fun. Although I am still stressed, an easy conversation with him makes my smile, always. So, this weekend came and went in a blur- and with it, Fourth of July came and went. I cannot honestly say that I watched or even heard a single firework. Poor Sam. But, he did have a great time that day! Jordan was at the fire station, so I took Sam up to visit and he got an earful and first hand experience with some of the equipment.

Light and Sirens

Learning about the difference between the Truck, Ambulance and Engine.
Being sneaky-placing a popping firework in the hitch of the door, so when it closed it would popBreathing O2

Gearing up- Flippy Flops and all!

What a CUTIE!

My husband-> life-saver

After the fire station visit, Sam and I rented some movies and went home to our house full of dogs! We were babysitting the Massey's dog, Libby, over the weekend, so it was a full house!

Sam and Daphnee posing well for the camera

Sweet Girl

I just ask that my family as well as myself be put in your prayers. It is a tough time at the moment that has done a number on my heart and spirit.
Thanks to my sweet friends that have been there for me and listened to me cry- you are greatly appreciated beyond words can express. Love you- you know exactly who you are!

Four Day Weekend..Yet Again

Oh, I could get used to this. I was off on last Monday..then worked three days and then off again on that Friday and again on Monday! My brother, Patrick, drove up from Austin on Thursday night to visit for the weekend. We went to Stonebriar mall and took them to eat at The Cheesecake Factory- which was delicious, as always!

Patrick and his girlfriend, Kat

Daphnee learned a new 'trick' while Pat visited. She loved every second with him, and was really depressed and moping the day they left. I had never seen my 15 week old pup sulk.

Daphnee in her usual goofy sitting position

We went to the pool for about an hour on Saturday. It was miserable. The heat was so crazy, even the pool water gave no relief. You couldn't even enjoy laying in the sun, it was just plain uncomfortable. So, we came home and Jordan and I cooked dinner.

I could pass for the younger sibling in this picture..pretty sure I do not look at all 7 years older.

Patrick and Kat left on Sunday, and I spent the day with the Massey ladies at Northpark and Maggiano's. My camera died on me..so no pictures :(

Since Diane's last day at work was on Friday, she was off Monday before their big move. So, we took it upon ourselves to soak up the sun (through the clouds!) We went to her parent's house and layed around and had a great time!

Di and Rach

Jake loves to swim!! (Diane and Joe's Cocker Spaniel)

Pool Time for the Pooch!

Attempt #3 to take this picture with the self timer! The dogs kept running in front or we would be too side-tracked with the goings on around us..we would miss it. You can see Dakota, Di's parents' lab waiting for us to throw the tennis ball, you can barely see behind Rachel's head!

Such a great weekend, yet again. I didn't want it to end, and I was sad for Tuesday to come.

I will end with my tribute to the King of Pop..Jake's 'gerry curl'

R.I.P. MJ!

A Bittersweet Goodbye

So the time has come to say goodbye. I have been dreading posting this all week because it really means that she hasn't changed her mind. Well, it isn't as simple as that, really. My very good friend, Diane and her sweet husband Joe are moving to Lubbock. WHY?! Joe is an architect, well, almost. He has to finish the rest of his Masters to become registered, and Texas Tech offers a combined program in architechure and business. So, he got accepted into this program, which is such a blessing as it is pretty competitive, but so bittersweet for them to be moving away for a year and a half. Anyway, Tuesday nights have been our standing 'girls' night for myself, Diane, Pepa, and Rachel. We got to the movies or dinner or hot yoga (not Pepa's favorite! HA!) whatever we do, we catch up over the past week and update on all things new. Either way, it is our time to be silly girlfriends, and I love it! So, we declared this past Tuesday to be our last one as a foursome, at least for the next 18 months or so. We decided to invite the boys, too, since it will be the last time for them to get together, too. Ok, gotta start with the pictures..can't really see through the blurry vision to type anymore!

We went to BJ's Brewhouse in Addison to celebrate Joe's acceptance and our friendship

Pepa and Di

The beautiful Rachel and myself

My darn good-looking husband in hot pink. Whew..he is hottt.

Best Friends

The Foursome

So, we have dwindled to three..but I keep telling myself, not for long. I have already bought a plane ticket to come at the end of July before I start my internship. Pepa and I are going to do a mini-vacation to the great town of Lubbock. YESSS. ;)

Seriously?

This is the thermometer in the dash of my car (excuse the quality). I was on my way home from work yesterday and couldn't really believe it. 108 degrees? Seriously? Also, I was listening to the radio this morning and heard that it is pollution level red, and a heat advisory was issued until Thursday night at 8pm. They also reported that there are about 2,500 people already lined up for American Idol Try-outs. My suggestion is to forget the clothes and hold your breath for the day. Its amazing what people will do for their 15 minutes (ok, so not all of AI winners/contestants are one-hit wonders, but I can think of a few..)



It's only JUNE. Get ready for the hottttt summer.

When There Aren't Enough Hours in the Day..

As I have mentioned earlier, I start my dietetic internship at Presbyterian Hospital on August 10th. This means that I will no longer be working at Baylor, and it also means that I have a ton of PTO and vacation time! With this being said, I have taken a couple days off here and there, and one of them was yesterday. Jordan was supposed to be at the station, but he was off, so it worked out perfectly for us to hang out for the day. We decided to make a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo. I love the zoo, and no matter how old I get, that will never change! I was fearful of how hot it may be, but it actually was pleasant in the zoo..I don't think either one of us broke a sweat! I took plenty of pictures, but these are just my favorites, Enjoy!

The Penguin House- This one was literally posing for the camera..people were lined up to take a picture, so I took this time for a photo op, too! :)

He is gigantic. Enough said.

Jordan's favorite part of the entire Zoo, the bald eagle. So handsome!

This beautiful creature is perfectly symmetrical, its amazing!

Jordan and I infront of the elephants- my favorite part of the Zoo!

This is Casey- he only has one tusk, and he is so so cute

Another one of my favorites
I decided that since there is never enough hours in my weekend, I should always have Monday off... Oh, how I wish!

The Rhythm of the Weekend

This was a full weekend, so be prepared for this super long post!

This busy, busy weekend started on Friday morning around 5:00am. Jordan was getting up to go to the fire station and I was slowly moving to get into my normal before-work routine. I kissed Jordan goodbye, and proceeded, or, attempted to turn on the shower...no water. I thought, what in the world? I ran outside to see if I could catch Jordan before he drove off, and as I was calling out for him, I heard it..flowing water. Just as I was midsentence, Jordan heard it too. I think the light bulb turned on at that same time. We investigated the 'river' running through our yard and realized that it was our water main. UGH! One of our trees' roots busted it sometime in the night. The water meter was spinning like crazy as gallons of my shower water was rushing down the street gutter! We shut the water off completely and kind of sat there with 'what do we do now' looks on our faces. Let me just lell you, I have the handiest husband, ever. Jordan took emergency holiday and went to work on fixing this issue. Lowe's opens at 6:00am and Jordan was waiting as they unlocked their doors. Needless to say, 12 hours, no shower, brushing my teeth with bottled water, having to hold my blatter until getting to work, and only $38.00 later, we have water!!!! Thank goodness, I really needed a shower!

This is the lovely hole in our front yard

Saturday morning came quickly and started us off right after our rough day before. Jordan was playing in the 'Battle of the Badges; Fire vs Police' softball tournament and his first game was at 10am. But, first, we had to take care of some important business: >SHOPPING! Old Navy was having a one day only sale on their tank tops- 2 bucks a piece!! Jordan sweetly agreed to go with me to make the purchases (they only allowed 5 per person, so, I bought 5 and then Jordan 'bought' 5!) Then, it was off to the ballpark!

Jordan calls this his 'baseball card' picture ;) He did SO very well!

The IFD boys in the dugout

Good Buddies! Jordan and Chuck after their first win-they look pumped! ;)

Alan, J, and Chuck

Relaxing between games..it was SO hot!

Game #2-Irving Fire vs Denton Fire

Jordan played against his long time high school friend, Shane (#21), that is on the Denton Fire Dept

It was so great to see him and his wife, April, and their precious daughter Abi!

Trying to stay in the shade. Thank goodness for the breeze!

Irving's biggest fans! Chasity (Chuck's wife) and myself- LOVE this girl!

5 games later, I was ready to go home!

Sunday: A Proud Day To Be a Father's Daughter

The Cake I made for Roy for Father's Day dinner at the Massey's

Sweet Love of my Life and myself after church and in comfy clothes.

Jordan being so silly while licking the beaters after I iced my cake.. typical. I have come to realize that he will never grown up. What fireman does??

I couldn't resist! He is so handsome!

Daphnee looking precious as ever..Look at those eyes! I hope they stay that way always

Jordan (with a sunburned forehead!) and I after dinner: Steak and Potatoes, Roy's fav!

Jenna and her Beau, Adam

Took three tries to finally catch him with his eyes open! All the while, Jenna still looked gorgeous with her cute new do.

Roy and I

I always cheese hard when I take a picture with this sweet man. Love him!! Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful Dad's out there! You truly deserve this special day..Love you

This was a jam-packed weekend..I don't think we could have fit anything else into it, even if we tried! Good thing I'm off tomorrow (Monday) Going to the Fort Worth Zoo, just me and Jordan :) Look for more pictures to come!!