Mt Rainer Grand Canyon

Mt Rainer Good Morning,

I believe in my last post I stated that it would be about October or November before was going to get any post done. Well here it is 25 Oct 2009 and I am writing my post. Let me tell you that it has been a wild and crazy few months scince getting back from our road trip.

To start, a few day after we got back Emily had a doctors appt for her hips and after getting test done for her back also we found out that she was going to need back surgery. Now the doctor offered to do less evasive surgury where he would go in with a needle to relieve the pressure that the disc were causing rather than opening her up and do in that way. We decided to do that, so a couple of days later she went into the hopital and had the procedure done that took a few hours. After a few weeks she was feeling better; however, was unable to really do anything that would cause the back to be injured, which means no lifting and working out and that kind of thing, which leads me into the next adventure.

A couple of weeks after Emily's surgurey we recieved a call from the base housing letting us know that we were going to have to move into a different unit on base. We knew that it was coming; however, we were told it was going to be in Oct when it was going to happen, but here it was Aug-Sept when it was going down. To add to the crazyness, we had decided awhile ago to move ourselves because we had the opportunity to make a few buck doing it our selves. We are close to paying off our all out debt so we figured this would help. Anyways, after Emily's surgury we realized that she was not going to be able to help pack or move, So I was going to have to do it by myself. Now we still had the opportuinity to have the Air Force move us, but we really could use the money so we went for it. I figured if we wanted to get out of debt I would have to work hard for it, and boy did I ever. It was not fun at all. So I took two weeks off and started to pack, I got a lot packed and Emily helped out where she could. Then came Wednesday night, I called the housing folks and asked them that we were for sure going to get the key tomarrow, she said, "yes, everything is in order." Than the next day at 4:00 in the after noon I recieved a phone call from the same lady, "I am sorry but the place is not going to be ready." ......................I had no idea what to say. Then she tells me that she wants to put us in a hotel for 5-6 days. I told her no. There was no way we were going to leave and stay in a hotel, I told her either she finds a new place that we can move into tomarrow or we are not moving. She called me back with another place. Whew!! thats's over, now comes the move.

Back ground information, it has not rained here in south Texas in over a year, well guess what it did the day that I was to move, RAINED. Unbelieveable, but I made it work. I got all the boxes and small things moved and then some folks from church came and helped me move the big items. Emily felt bad she couldn't help, but we needed her to get better. So it has taken us longer to get unpacked than packed. I hate moving and I will not do it myself anytime soon.

School started a couple of weeks later for the kids. Annabella is in the 1st grade and Marcus in Kindergarden. They are having fun, Annabella started off rough but she is getting better. She has seperation aniexty and other issues that we are work through. The kids are doing good though

My school is almost done, once finished with my current class I will have three classes left. So excited.

I am helping coach a flag football team. The kids are 9-10 years old. It is a blast I can't wait till next year when Marcus can play. We, the team, have won our first game and then came back and won our second game in a row. The kids are excited and are playing well together now and playing there parts. So much fun.

Now that the weather is cooling off we are looking forward to getting out and going on our adventures on Saturdays. Well I am off and here are some pictures from our trip to Washington.

Ready to go

Well, not much to report, summer started just like for everybody else, and not much going on. We are preparing for the big summer vacation. Road Trip from San Antonio Tx to Seattle Wa. We have been preparing for this trip for a long time and we are only a week away. We are so excited for this, we need a huge break from Tx and life and just want to get away for a bit. So keep an eye out in Aug. or Sept (okay who am I fooling Oct or Nov) anyways I got some great ideas for movies and such so keep an eye out.

Take care

Ramos'

Happy Memorial Day

I just wanted to post a message about my service in the military. When I joined the Air Force 4 1/2 years ago, I did not join because I felt a duty to my country or because I wanted to serve. In fact I did not know much about the service. I knew that the military was fighting in Afghanistan in defense to the attacks of September 11th 2001. Iraq, I am not even going to go into that. I joined the Air Force because being married and having one kid and another on the way, I needed a way to support them. Only reason.

As I look back on this memorial day I am have found a new appreation for the military and the men and women who serve. I can stand here today and say I am proud to serve, I love putting on my uniform. I know what my uniform stands for and I am proud to serve my country. I found a group of people unlike any other. The camaraderie between Airmen, Soldiers, and Sailors is increadable. The camaraderie that lies in units, to know that we will be there for each other no matter the situation is unforgettable.

There are many from the past that are forgotten about that have fought for what we have today. From all the wars past men and women have served with great honor. Not every war was popular and some may not have been right; however, we must never forget the sacrifice that many have made for the cause of freedom.

I have found another camaraderie that will not be found anywhere else, that is being a member of the church and being military. Going to church each sunday and sitting next to people who are in the same situation brings a feeling of camaraderie that supports each other no matter what. As Emily and I have experinced with a ward that steps up to help each other in times of need. For me knowing that where every I may end up because of the military I know I will have a ward there full of members who are military and are willing to help me if I need.

So, on this day as we go about our business, enjoying our day off I hope and prey that we may all find a spirit of appreation for the all voluntary military. Even though some of the things we are asked to do may not fit our position in life, it is the greater cause. It is the protection of our way of life, our freedoms, and our religion. To sum it up, I found a scripture in The Book of Mormon that explains what I have found and why I contine to serve in the Air Force:

Alma 43:45-47

45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church.

46 And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as yo are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies.

47 And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their religion.

Thank you to all who have served past and present.

Happy Memorial Day

Hey Everybody (where did mary g0)

Just a quick update on whats going on. Emily and I found out last week that 8 months ago Emily's doctor was notified by the Radiologist that she has a fracture in her hip; however, the doctor never followed up with Emily to even tell her that she has a fracture. NICE!!! Anyways, so the doctor she saw last week asked about it and we had no clue on what he was talking about so the doctor ordered a bone scan to see if the fracture was still there, which we believe it is, and to see how bad the arthritis is in her other hip. Emily has a follow up appt. on Wednesday to find out what is going on and what is going to be done to fix the issues. We hope for the best that all was found was a fracture and we can press on. Emily is hanging in there, but in a lot of pain. Not only in her hips but also her upper torrso, which they havn't been able to find out anything on that. We are hoping that the hip issues has just radiated up and if we get that fixed then that will take care of the other.

The kids are doing fine, there in a stage where they are picking on each other which in turns ends up on us, so that has been fun. School is almost out for the summer.

The new dog, Ruby, is great she is so much fun to have around. The kids love her. They are doing good on showing Ruby who is boss. Except when Ruby is playing and ends up bitting on the arm. We are trying to get the kids to tell her no bitting, but they just want to come to us.

School is going, I am taking a English/Literature class, sucks greatly, Four essays in eight weeks. Ok for some of you folks our there your like "that super easy" but I hate writing essays with a passion and then on top of that I hate reading so for me it is a double whammy. Oh well I am just about half way done with that.

Well that is about it, here are some pictures of my Airman Leadership Class. I walked away with the Acadimic and Leadership awards. Two out of Three not too shabby. A Picture of Annabella riding her bike that she is doing really good at. Emily and Ruby on one of our hikes and Marcus too.

Well, there you go, that is whats going on here. Hope everybody has a great Monday and week and before you know it....It will be Friday

Ramos

New Family Member

Well we finally got a dog!

OK, one that we'll most likely keep.

Anyway the kids are freaked out by her, which sounds right for Annabella. Give her a few days and some confidence she'll be fine. The problem is "RUBY" is 6 months old and a boxer which is a double wammy for being hyper and loves to play and jump on people. Annabella doesn't like that too much, but it'll come with time. The cats are just as freaked out, this will be intresting. Anyways she cute and we hope this will be good for the kids and the family.

Update on Emily's health....Doctors still don't know what it is and there doesn't seem to be any end in sight. Emily has taken a new attitude towards it. She is going to control it instead of it controling her.

Other than that here are some pictures of the Ruby, the new member to our family.

Well take care all and remember it's almost Friday

Archived video, finally finished

Hope you enjoy

P.S. Buffering takes a bit so please be patient.

Dang Gall Bladder

Hello Everbody

Sorry it's been a while, the reason is that Emily is dealing with Gall Bladder issues and is in a lot of pain. She has had some issues with the docs to get her into a specialist to get it taken care of; however, she has finally seen the specialist and he is running a few more tests. Hopefully we will be able to find out exactly what is going on and get her fixed up and back to normal. We have wonderful friends who have taken upon themselves to watch Marcus during the day and Annabella once school gets out. Emily was having a hard time taking care of Marcus so these awsome frinds stepped up. With great gratitude in our hearts, Thank you. It has meant so much to us to not have to worry about Marcus during the day.

That is really all that is going on around here. The kids have all of sudden discoverd that they can use a special method of torture on each other called "bugging" and "ignoring" and "tattle" These methods are being used and the skill there of is being refined to make the torture even better to use on each other. Driving us nuts. At this very moment they are playing very good, but give them about 2 to 5 min. and one will be coming to me to tattle, while the other is screaming "don't tattle on me." Oh the joys of being a parent.

I am starting a leadership class this week. It is going to be for 6 weeks. I had to drop my school class because it is very important to do well in this leadership class. So after the leadership class I am going to have to make up for the class in order to finish at my projected date. Right now if all goes well I will be done with school about April of 2010. Can not wait.

Well I am going to sign off now. I do not know if I am going to be able to have time or information to give in the next 6 weeks. I will give new news on Emily's Gall Bladder.

Take care all,
Ramos