Best Month Ever . . .

It's official I am cleared to resume my hockey play. The strength is there in my shoulder that I can take hits and dish them out. My slap shot is still lacking, but I will use the next 2 weeks to get some power into it. My legs are stronger than ever as I have spent the last month doing heavy leg exercises. I had the luxury of trying out my running speed around the base paths in the softball game sunday. Which by the way was the first win for the Komodo Dragons. My coaching record is now starting to look better with a win in it. Becky is starting to show she has real skills as a catcher. If you don't believe me just ask her and she will show you the bruises. Michelle is now moving in with us on the weekends. Which only made sense since she is around every weekend as it is. Hockey is in full gear, but I am staying away because of my brothers wedding.

Becky is loving her new job . . . uh let me rephrase that looooovingg her new job! Though it can be stressful, it is a stress that she enjoys and that challenges her. Some of her former Children's co-workers have even come to work for her. My classes are going well, though studying genetics makes me just look at my family alot closer (boy do we have some odd ball genes). Looking forward to the class being over with and starting some Christmas vacation. Mel and Bobby are talking about a ski trip and looks like we might head out to Ruidoso once school is out. Becky's graduation is December 11th. So I think we will ski as a celebration after that.

Well I must be off. Before I go I do need a great big favor from everyone. This week has not been all cherry's. Unfortunately last week our friends Christine and Spencer had the fright of their lives when they found out that Christine's mom had fallen down the stairs with their 4 month old daughter. Madison received a big goose egg on her head and is doing well, but is still recovering from the accident. We also learned that Dustin's mom is sick with terminal cancer and that he and his family are dealing with the expected loss of his mother. Finally Mel has to have some medical testing done that the prognosis has multiple conclusions (some good and some bad). I ask that you keep each and every one of these people and their families in your prayers. With all of the joy that we have at the end of the year no more sadness should exist. I know with everything that occurred last year I am ready for something good to occur (whether that be a mirale or just some plain old positive news).

Please be on the lookout as I will be posting an update shortly regarding a birthday pary for Johnathon.

On The Mend

Well I am finally getting back to a normal routine.  I have been driving for a week now and I am starting to feel normal.  I still have some strength issues in my shoulder that I am dealing with, but this in not to be unexpected.  I still have physical therapy twice a week, but I am definitely closing in completing it.  I will probably return to playing hockey full time around the second week in November.  With my bothers wedding the first weekend in November I am trying to keep my schedule flexible since many of the arrangements are running late.  I think my mom is finally experiencing the joys of trying to put together last minute wedding plans.

When Becky and I were married almost 9 years ago, we made a decision after we saw how much wedding planning pulled families to breaking points that we wanted to make it easy.  Easy it was.  We simply called resorts in Vegas and had them send us information and videos on their wedding services.  From this we decided on the wedding chapel at the Excalibur Casino and Resort.  We selected our package and then called a travel agent to book our flights.  No worrying about flowers, photographs, videos, and etc.  It was fun easy and relaxful.  Looking at all my mom is having to do now, I think she appreciates that from which we saved her from.  Then again I know for all of the pain, its worth the rewards of being involved in something so special and important.  Sorry mom for not giving it to you all and we are here if you need a hand with anything.

If you see a blonde streak go flying by on her bicycle, its Becky.  After starting her new job she has found that the stresses are not the same and that she has some free time on her hands.  So she went and got a brand new bicycle and is riding with the neighbors to get exercise.  She started softball last weekend and before the first pitch she was traded.  That's right my first coaching decision was to trade my wife for a pitcher of beer . . . OK actually it was just a pitcher no beer (though we got the wrong end of the deal as the beer should have been sent for her performance).  The trade was good and bad.  Becky was going to be out catcher and she ended up catching for the other team so I enlisted our friend Leslie to catch for us.  Both Becky and Leslie played so well while having such a good time that they have created a quandary for me when it comes to next game.  The game went very well with the exception that we lost 10-9.  Though it was another coaching loss for me I was quite proud of our team as they never gave up and stayed in it until the end.  We played an experienced team and we performed like veterans.  I think this Sundays game may have an outcome in our favor.  I would like to thank all of our fans for showing up for support.  I know I loved hearing them root us on. 

We had a treat Saturday as Supergirl gave us some great tickets to the Dallas Stars preseason hockey game.  We were able to live the high life with VIP parking and tickets.  We were able to enjoy free food, drinks, and hobnob with the financial supporters of the Stars.  Then to make life even better Becky, Michelle, Leslie, and I were shown on the jumbo tron at the arena.  Nothing is better than all of the text messages I received from friends seeing us on the "big screen".  Though I have not played in the NHL I can at least say for one minute I was part of its celebration.  Thanks again Mel for the tickets!