Blessings in second opinions

We have tried many options for one of  Joe's herniated discs and the pain he experiences from it but none have been successful for more than 4 months. Joe recently had a second opinion given by not one but two surgeons (in the same appointment)!  One said he would not consider surgery until trying out more options and the other said he would!  Joe will first need a spinal block (near the herniated disc in his neck) to prove that the surgery would be a success in stoping the nerve pain.  This will take place next week.  If the spinal block is successful then he should be given a surgery date. I'm trying not to set myself up for dissapointment but I have hope & faith that it will work.   Please pray for us.  Thank you in advance for your prayers and concern. 

I am grateful for the beauty in my backyard...

Joe's birthday morning in pictures

Michael holding a "Happy 31st Birthday Daddy" sign. 

{waiting for daddy to see}

{Daddy saw, now it's time to be bashful}

Happy Birthday Joe!

We love you so much and can't imagine life without you! 

You bring so much joy to our lives and you do so much for us!

Today I'm taking little cherry cheesecakes to work for Joe to share with co workers.  

Tonight we'll dine on flank steak, jazzed up mashed potatoes and broccoli. 

Meet Pugsley

This is Pugsley.  He is Michael's favorite stuffed animal.  His name came from a Ty beanie baby Pug.  We wanted to name him Rufus but Michael liked Pugsley better so it became his name.  He takes him just about everywhere.  He's come with us to visit family and sometimes friends.  Other times he's not allowed to leave the house, feared that he may get lost.  He's getting a little frumpy looking since he's been around for almost a year now but Michael loves him dearly.  The best part about him (in my opinion) is that he cost less than $3 new, on clearance.  Michael loves giving him kisses and talks with him daily.  He's even ended up in timeout for doing something bad, in Michael's opinion(I was sad I was not fast enough to catch this on video).  Michael cuddles him in the chair before bedtime while reading books and takes him to bed.  Puglsey even motivates Michael to do things like getting ready for bed or helping clean up toys. 

We all need a buddy in life and Pugsley is Michaels'

Getting Older

On Saturday Joe took Michael and I to Red Robin to use my free birthday burger certificate.  I turned 27!  I had the California Chicken sandwich and it was delicious!  We had a great time and Michael even got to see Red.  He wasn't even scared but refused to give Red a high five.  He would wave and say "Hi Red" and "Bye bye Red".  He couldn't take his eyes off him.  It was cute.

Of course the only picture where Michael is looking I close my eyes! 

He is pointing to Red in the second picture.

Later that evening Joe put Michael to bed while I went out with a few girlfriends to Disney's A Christmas Carol. I highly recommend the movie but it's not for young children.  We watched it in 3D and I loved it!  The last time I remember seeing a movie in 3D was Terminator 2 at Univeral Studios Hollywood about 7 1/2 years ago. 

I thought about posting a picture of me in the glasses but after putting them on Michael I knew I wouldn't look as cute.