tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31355457054526132862024-03-12T17:52:20.946-07:00The Sullivansbradsulli@gmail.comThe Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-36508547374319504852012-01-11T11:53:00.001-08:002012-01-11T12:08:01.623-08:00New Blog Address...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JP2Nf1vaim4/Tw3qSFdZvdI/AAAAAAAABSc/XTB-GGzQZqs/s1600/The%2BFam%2B%2528canvas%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JP2Nf1vaim4/Tw3qSFdZvdI/AAAAAAAABSc/XTB-GGzQZqs/s320/The%2BFam%2B%2528canvas%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696466700117589458" border="0" /></a><br />Hello there.<br /><br />The blogging hiatus has ceased. Jenny and I have combined efforts and started a new blog. Visit <a href="http://www.sullivanwims.blogspot.com">www.SullivanWims.blogspot.com</a> for future updates.<br /><br />Hope all is well. Happy New Year!The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-84538706918991545812011-08-22T19:46:00.000-07:002011-08-25T18:54:59.798-07:00Details...For more wedding pics and details of the day, go to <a href="http://www.kellyhornberger.com/blog/?p=8750">http://www.kellyhornberger.com/blog/?p=8750</a>.
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<br />Kelly and Joe Hornberger donated their time and talents to capture our special day and we are so thankful.
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<br />Hornbergers, thank you for honoring God and blessing others with your lives.
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<br />These are the links to other donated photo sessions that the Hornbergers have done for us.
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<br /><a href="http://www.kellyhornberger.com/blog/?p=7617">Galveston Engagement Pics - http://www.kellyhornberger.com/blog/?p=7617</a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.kellyhornberger.com/blog/?p=4554">Chloe's 8 month Photos - http://www.kellyhornberger.com/blog/?p=4554</a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.kellyhornberger.com/donate/?p=82">Chloe's Newborn Photos - http://www.kellyhornberger.com/donate/?p=82</a> and <a href="http://www.kellyhornberger.com/donate/?p=55">http://www.kellyhornberger.com/donate/?p=55</a>
<br />The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-72894320499892842942011-08-21T19:00:00.000-07:002011-08-22T18:16:09.065-07:00Quick update...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VpASOe9Z7oU/TlG5XNOyD4I/AAAAAAAABPk/XS1LoJUW3dc/s1600/BradyJennyWeddingDay.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VpASOe9Z7oU/TlG5XNOyD4I/AAAAAAAABPk/XS1LoJUW3dc/s320/BradyJennyWeddingDay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643495616411733890" border="0" /></a>This post is LONG OVERDUE, but life, along with all the changes that have taken place over the past multiple months have caused "updating the blog" to find it's place near the bottom of the never-ending to do list.
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<br />However, here is a quick update...
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<br />Jenny and I got married at the end of May on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Spring Branch, TX (about 30 miles north of San Antonio). We had a small ceremony with mainly family and some friends.
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpBZ8pB2DSs/TlG_37QPuwI/AAAAAAAABQc/h-QuRPzxrqc/s1600/5ofUs.jpg">
<br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nINWMgSMPDY/TlG5XSutjHI/AAAAAAAABP8/XhdC7xZD-to/s1600/River%2BView.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nINWMgSMPDY/TlG5XSutjHI/AAAAAAAABP8/XhdC7xZD-to/s320/River%2BView.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643495617887833202" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0my7ijBWBjQ/TlG_PUxQy-I/AAAAAAAABQU/1903pblN9aA/s1600/Kaelyn.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0my7ijBWBjQ/TlG_PUxQy-I/AAAAAAAABQU/1903pblN9aA/s320/Kaelyn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643502078066215906" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkpfBaSJGJA/TlG_PEfpHVI/AAAAAAAABQM/Kzxc-R1YU4w/s1600/Dad%2B%252B%2BBoys.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkpfBaSJGJA/TlG_PEfpHVI/AAAAAAAABQM/Kzxc-R1YU4w/s320/Dad%2B%252B%2BBoys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643502073697344850" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCb8-fqpG5U/TlG-J3Qc4hI/AAAAAAAABQE/2QWGzbJDXeI/s1600/Chloe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aCb8-fqpG5U/TlG-J3Qc4hI/AAAAAAAABQE/2QWGzbJDXeI/s320/Chloe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643500884732994066" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpBZ8pB2DSs/TlG_37QPuwI/AAAAAAAABQc/h-QuRPzxrqc/s1600/5ofUs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpBZ8pB2DSs/TlG_37QPuwI/AAAAAAAABQc/h-QuRPzxrqc/s320/5ofUs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643502775591484162" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13fdCqG-12Q/TlG5XSB3m3I/AAAAAAAABP0/wER8bBO8mac/s1600/Newlyweds.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13fdCqG-12Q/TlG5XSB3m3I/AAAAAAAABP0/wER8bBO8mac/s320/Newlyweds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643495617699748722" border="0" /></a>
<br />At the end of July, we spent a weekend with Brad Wims' parents up in Granbury, TX. Brad's mom, "Nonnie," snapped this picture of us outside of the restaurant after breakfast on Sunday morning. This is the best family photo we have taken so far. Good job, Non!
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWFNLOTXqDY/TlG5WxKOZmI/AAAAAAAABPc/KEB86Su3jdM/s1600/Fam%2Bin%2BGranbury.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWFNLOTXqDY/TlG5WxKOZmI/AAAAAAAABPc/KEB86Su3jdM/s320/Fam%2Bin%2BGranbury.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643495608876426850" border="0" /></a>We are so thankful for the support that Brad's and Sara's families have offered as we embark on this new journey of life.
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<br />Here are a few recent pics of Chloe...she's growing up so fast.
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FW7Va4GYYnI/TlHCy2g_lfI/AAAAAAAABQs/Bhtpsr9qE_M/s1600/Chloe%2BStrawberry%2BShirt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FW7Va4GYYnI/TlHCy2g_lfI/AAAAAAAABQs/Bhtpsr9qE_M/s320/Chloe%2BStrawberry%2BShirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643505986955089394" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyBBjxPC1Bc/TlHEl--_K1I/AAAAAAAABQ8/HjdPRQtE4rA/s1600/Flips.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyBBjxPC1Bc/TlHEl--_K1I/AAAAAAAABQ8/HjdPRQtE4rA/s320/Flips.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643507964913331026" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aoBqEEvohMQ/TlHEllrWvzI/AAAAAAAABQ0/X1GrwrlMvBM/s1600/Chloe%2Band%2BElmo.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aoBqEEvohMQ/TlHEllrWvzI/AAAAAAAABQ0/X1GrwrlMvBM/s320/Chloe%2Band%2BElmo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643507958120103730" border="0" /></a>The plan is for Jenny and I to combine efforts and start a new blog. However, that is still near the bottom of the to-do list...
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<br />Until next time, thanks for checking in on us.
<br />The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-75456992753561178832011-02-11T19:52:00.001-08:002011-02-12T20:10:07.161-08:00Meet Jenny Wims...In May 2010, I received an email from a woman who was "walking a similar path" as me. Jenifer Wims lost her husband to a rare form of bone cancer and was raising her 2 children as a single parent. Jenny's husband, Brad, was diagnosed with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondrosarcoma">Chondrosarcoma</a> when she was pregnant with her second child. Brad fought his cancer battle courageously and after multiple trips to Germany for alternative therapy, Brad passed away on March 2, 2009.<br /><br />After Brad passed away, Jenny was contacted by a few widows/widowers and found comfort in sharing stories with them. She offered that same support to me and I found it very healing to share with someone who had experienced the same loss that I had. She understood the pain that came from losing her spouse and best friend. She also "saw the bigger picture" and trusted that God had a plan for her life.<br /><br />After a month of emailing back and forth, I called Jenny and we began to converse nightly on the phone. During one of my trips back to Houston to visit family, Chloe and I met Jenny and her kids (Zeke - 7 and Kaelyn - 4). Jenny lives less than 1 mile from the house where Sara grew up (and where Sara's mom still lives).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9N18DzpuBJc/TVYMAHcmE8I/AAAAAAAABNA/7_bb1hgvk5E/s1600/Wims%2B-%2BCalifornia%2B%2528resized%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9N18DzpuBJc/TVYMAHcmE8I/AAAAAAAABNA/7_bb1hgvk5E/s320/Wims%2B-%2BCalifornia%2B%2528resized%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572654785056084930" border="0" /></a>Jenny, Zeke, and Kaelyn<br /></div><br />When Chloe and I got out of the car at Jenny's house, Kaelyn met us at the car and asked, "Where is Chloe's mommy?" I told her that Chloe's mommy was in the same place as her daddy. She smiled and nodded...and truly understood. Jenny, Zeke, Kaelyn, Chloe and I spent the afternoon barbecuing and swimming. Our time together felt so natural. We had a lot to talk about and I felt an immediate bond with Jenny and her kids.<br /><br />During the months that followed, Jenny and I began dating. Soon after Sara died, I began to pray about the future. Though I did not put a list on paper, in my mind I desired my future wife to be a widow. There is an understanding between those who have lost their mates, and I love the fact that Jenny and I can talk openly about Brad and Sara. I love hearing stories about Brad and Jenny's lives together because that has formed who she is.<br /><br />Over the past months, Jenny and I have spent lots of time together and our relationship has continued to develop.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV4YmUKEfQg/TVYNwhH9-UI/AAAAAAAABNY/huqWh34pWfg/s1600/Guadalupe%2BPeak.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV4YmUKEfQg/TVYNwhH9-UI/AAAAAAAABNY/huqWh34pWfg/s320/Guadalupe%2BPeak.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572656716094241090" border="0" /></a>Guadalupe Peak in west Texas<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0HbMWGC4_U/TVYNwmifHVI/AAAAAAAABNQ/BxJp3NKsIZw/s1600/JB%2B2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0HbMWGC4_U/TVYNwmifHVI/AAAAAAAABNQ/BxJp3NKsIZw/s320/JB%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572656717547642194" border="0" /></a>Christmas in Houston<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLUGaBAf0wM/TVYRL3Gdr_I/AAAAAAAABOY/ntwFyhFpCjk/s1600/ZCBJK.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLUGaBAf0wM/TVYRL3Gdr_I/AAAAAAAABOY/ntwFyhFpCjk/s320/ZCBJK.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572660484384862194" border="0" /></a>Sea World<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U-MRFHOt3o/TVYNw7VVaqI/AAAAAAAABNg/J3xD_9TLPPM/s1600/Brady%2BJen%2BAward%2BBanquet.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U-MRFHOt3o/TVYNw7VVaqI/AAAAAAAABNg/J3xD_9TLPPM/s320/Brady%2BJen%2BAward%2BBanquet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572656723129625250" border="0" /></a>Randolph AFB Banquet<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbTAWBdQb64/TVYRL8LhPgI/AAAAAAAABOQ/uqICWpbysFM/s1600/ZCBK.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbTAWBdQb64/TVYRL8LhPgI/AAAAAAAABOQ/uqICWpbysFM/s320/ZCBK.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572660485748243970" border="0" /></a>Watching a movie<br /></div><br />During this past week in Lake Tahoe, I asked her to be my wife. We are looking forward to our future together as we mesh our families into one.<br /></div></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4ecEhDblrY/TVYNw-RKYRI/AAAAAAAABNo/YrXMF84qeCM/s1600/Proposal.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4ecEhDblrY/TVYNw-RKYRI/AAAAAAAABNo/YrXMF84qeCM/s320/Proposal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572656723917431058" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ev9EXdFssU/TVYNxP-3L2I/AAAAAAAABNw/ZCmqbRSEMiM/s1600/SheSaidYes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ev9EXdFssU/TVYNxP-3L2I/AAAAAAAABNw/ZCmqbRSEMiM/s320/SheSaidYes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572656728672513890" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTaVCwEKIIw/TVYPIVhgMRI/AAAAAAAABN4/1-mH43jxRgQ/s1600/Snowmobile.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTaVCwEKIIw/TVYPIVhgMRI/AAAAAAAABN4/1-mH43jxRgQ/s320/Snowmobile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572658224808603922" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYos_SyFzWw/TVYPIrHYyuI/AAAAAAAABOA/4Hv2P047yDg/s1600/Lake%2BTahoe%2BBoat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYos_SyFzWw/TVYPIrHYyuI/AAAAAAAABOA/4Hv2P047yDg/s320/Lake%2BTahoe%2BBoat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572658230604647138" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMgdDXaC5XQ/TVYPIwIWjSI/AAAAAAAABOI/aameJJMD9Gk/s1600/Lake%2BTahoe%2BSunset.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMgdDXaC5XQ/TVYPIwIWjSI/AAAAAAAABOI/aameJJMD9Gk/s320/Lake%2BTahoe%2BSunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572658231950871842" border="0" /></a>To read the Wims' story, go to <a href="http://thewims.blogspot.com/">www.thewims.blogspot.com</a>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com239tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-63427268737938752462010-12-25T08:39:00.001-08:002010-12-25T10:48:41.181-08:00Merry Christmas...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRYeh2cYRFI/AAAAAAAABMM/R6LinE4uRGo/s1600/Chloe%2BRudolph%2BJet.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRYeh2cYRFI/AAAAAAAABMM/R6LinE4uRGo/s320/Chloe%2BRudolph%2BJet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554660757307147346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRYehrabVpI/AAAAAAAABME/fKl7839aPrg/s1600/Chloe%2Band%2BSanta%2B2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRYehrabVpI/AAAAAAAABME/fKl7839aPrg/s320/Chloe%2Band%2BSanta%2B2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554660754346170002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRYehePzs5I/AAAAAAAABL8/9OXoWKtIDw0/s1600/Chloe%2Band%2BSanta.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRYehePzs5I/AAAAAAAABL8/9OXoWKtIDw0/s320/Chloe%2Band%2BSanta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554660750811968402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6-B2-6tB7II?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6-B2-6tB7II?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRY71WbyN6I/AAAAAAAABMc/OMTB7tZ7Se4/s1600/Cozy%2BCoupe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRY71WbyN6I/AAAAAAAABMc/OMTB7tZ7Se4/s320/Cozy%2BCoupe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554692978149308322" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRY71aMdYyI/AAAAAAAABMU/eAecWZ12RsA/s1600/Christmas%2BChurch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TRY71aMdYyI/AAAAAAAABMU/eAecWZ12RsA/s320/Christmas%2BChurch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554692979158770466" border="0" /></a><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PrDxguMt-1Y?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PrDxguMt-1Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />Merry Christmas from our family to yours.The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-9758654663977466292010-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:002010-12-03T05:42:00.142-08:00November...<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Life has been incredibly busy over the past few months, but we are doing well. Chloe continues to amaze me with all that she is learning. She recently started walking and is learning new words everyday.<br /><br />We spent Thanksgiving in Houston this year and had a good time with family.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPhyLeQ7kCI/AAAAAAAABKc/5aWfhs4rx1w/s1600/b%2Band%2Bc.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPhyLeQ7kCI/AAAAAAAABKc/5aWfhs4rx1w/s320/b%2Band%2Bc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546308482534969378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPh1TH4JVnI/AAAAAAAABK8/80Hp-ENG8dg/s1600/In%2BHouston.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPh1TH4JVnI/AAAAAAAABK8/80Hp-ENG8dg/s320/In%2BHouston.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546311912499271282" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPhyMBuuepI/AAAAAAAABK0/aos6qHAZHpc/s1600/Cousins.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPhyMBuuepI/AAAAAAAABK0/aos6qHAZHpc/s320/Cousins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546308492055181970" border="0" /></a>With the Gorman Girls<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPhyLtyH_FI/AAAAAAAABKk/V9PH8G_k__s/s1600/CGS%2Band%2BDad.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPhyLtyH_FI/AAAAAAAABKk/V9PH8G_k__s/s320/CGS%2Band%2BDad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546308486700727378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPhyL0fQofI/AAAAAAAABKs/e4jNQvHTDpA/s1600/CGS%2BPJs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPhyL0fQofI/AAAAAAAABKs/e4jNQvHTDpA/s320/CGS%2BPJs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546308488500650482" border="0" /></a><br />My dad has been volunteering with a hospice group, and Chloe and I went to visit some of his "old lady friends" while we were in Houston. Chloe was a hit and it was interesting to watch her stare so intently at the grandmothers when they held her. It looked as if she was peering deep into their souls.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPh28i8VuxI/AAAAAAAABLc/rq-FHpOiu-o/s1600/Walker.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPh28i8VuxI/AAAAAAAABLc/rq-FHpOiu-o/s320/Walker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546313723650882322" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPh1Tb4Yo_I/AAAAAAAABLM/RQxlvXd4N6A/s1600/Ms.%2BNelda.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPh1Tb4Yo_I/AAAAAAAABLM/RQxlvXd4N6A/s320/Ms.%2BNelda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546311917868983282" border="0" /></a>Ms. Nelda<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Ms. Nelda's husband was a pilot in the Air Force way back when and it was neat to share Air Force experiences with her. She has been to Osan, Korea and Misawa, Japan (two of the bases where we were stationed) years ago. She has bone cancer and was "not supposed to make it" to Thanksgiving. She has a strong faith in Christ and it was great to be able to discuss "life lessons" with her. She is 100% coherent and very witty and humorous. Chloe sat in her lap for a long time. We waited too long to get the camera out (it was nap time and she was growing impatient quickly at the end of our visit).<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPh1TDyM8dI/AAAAAAAABLE/sbKxudk4qS8/s1600/Ms.%2BDottie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TPh1TDyM8dI/AAAAAAAABLE/sbKxudk4qS8/s320/Ms.%2BDottie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546311911400600018" border="0" /></a>Ms. Dottie<br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JF1oy7dx_iU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JF1oy7dx_iU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Early morning after Thanksgiving<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IuDvHQkVsNg?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IuDvHQkVsNg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />She Walks<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We are looking forward to some downtime over the holidays. Thanks for checking up on us.<br /></div></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-6435635367159285572010-10-31T14:24:00.000-07:002010-10-31T14:31:07.683-07:00Happy Halloween...<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TM3flBj4KAI/AAAAAAAABKU/WRnfN8zbqbc/s1600/Cousins+Pumpkin+Patch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534325344275277826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TM3flBj4KAI/AAAAAAAABKU/WRnfN8zbqbc/s320/Cousins+Pumpkin+Patch.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cousins</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TM3fks8rBTI/AAAAAAAABKM/96L3u6pkG4M/s1600/Piglet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534325338742129970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TM3fks8rBTI/AAAAAAAABKM/96L3u6pkG4M/s320/Piglet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TM3fkribPuI/AAAAAAAABKE/z6wGhd3hzc0/s1600/Pooh+Piglet+Tigger.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534325338363608802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TM3fkribPuI/AAAAAAAABKE/z6wGhd3hzc0/s320/Pooh+Piglet+Tigger.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TM3fkBroOoI/AAAAAAAABJ8/ZmXDkKll6n4/s1600/Pooh+and+Fam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534325327127919234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TM3fkBroOoI/AAAAAAAABJ8/ZmXDkKll6n4/s320/Pooh+and+Fam.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-81640980863478327472010-10-24T18:44:00.000-07:002010-10-26T17:19:02.856-07:00Legacy...A friend of ours recently wrote an article for <a href="http://wivesinbloom.com/2010/10/legacy/">Wives in Bloom </a>about leaving a legacy.<br /><br />Click the link to read her writing.<br /><br />Thank you, Melissa.<br /><br /><a href="http://wivesinbloom.com/2010/10/legacy/">http://wivesinbloom.com/2010/10/legacy/</a>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-42787847004684890272010-10-23T10:14:00.000-07:002010-10-23T13:09:33.572-07:00September/October...<div align="left">Chloe and I spent the last week of September in Florida. We visited some friends from college in Daytona Beach and then ventured to Orlando and spent a day at Disney World.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMYNij8-mI/AAAAAAAABGw/PCUaw7KlYrU/s1600/Airport.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531291388236069474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMYNij8-mI/AAAAAAAABGw/PCUaw7KlYrU/s320/Airport.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a></p><p align="center">At the Airport </p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMYOQO2qsI/AAAAAAAABG4/0xf8t-OsP2k/s1600/CGS+Daytona.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531291400495606466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMYOQO2qsI/AAAAAAAABG4/0xf8t-OsP2k/s320/CGS+Daytona.jpg" border="0" /></a> Daytona Beach</p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531291437192163746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMYQY7_saI/AAAAAAAABHQ/62NEV0Lf6AY/s320/Disney+2.JPG" border="0" />Disney World</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531291426337629154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMYPwgEo-I/AAAAAAAABHI/iVmgL3Q3TCQ/s320/Dad+and+Chloe.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531291410741868290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMYO2ZwNwI/AAAAAAAABHA/RKMuwzQCMvw/s320/chloe+pool.JPG" border="0" />Pool at Disney's Yacht Club</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">The first weekend in October, Team SaraStrong had a strong showing at the Houston Komen Race for the Cure. We had a huge turnout and had a great time.</div><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531301767059795410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMhpqsW7dI/AAAAAAAABHo/DslUTi6rmbQ/s320/ChloeDad.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMiEsgPadI/AAAAAAAABIA/b6uL5-_Ix_c/s1600/SaraStrong+Houston.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531302231402310098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMiEsgPadI/AAAAAAAABIA/b6uL5-_Ix_c/s320/SaraStrong+Houston.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531301773778953890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMhqDuVJqI/AAAAAAAABHw/Nv5mzJlpnGA/s320/Houston+Komen+under+the+bridge.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531302238933025074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMiFIjtATI/AAAAAAAABII/E1LXrdKgkqU/s320/SaraStrong+Shirts.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531301754549370418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMho8Fo_jI/AAAAAAAABHY/ySRjBSFlb70/s320/AngSaraBrentChloe.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMhqxYL39I/AAAAAAAABH4/WX-YYnwvnj0/s1600/Mommy+Shirt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531301786034102226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMhqxYL39I/AAAAAAAABH4/WX-YYnwvnj0/s320/Mommy+Shirt.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMhpY6XJoI/AAAAAAAABHg/deGx3JAENMA/s1600/CGS+Lunch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531301762286691970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 311px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMhpY6XJoI/AAAAAAAABHg/deGx3JAENMA/s320/CGS+Lunch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">The next weekend (Oct 10), Team SaraStrong made an appearance at the Phoenix, AZ race (we did not make it to Arizona). Luke Air Force Base is the training base for F-16s, so lots of our friends from Korea and Japan are stationed there. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531304370991162130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMkBPF-YxI/AAAAAAAABIo/OTEEO-l7zDM/s320/SaraStrong+Phoenix.jpg" border="0" /><br />Team SaraStrong - Phoenix<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The third weekend of October, we were in Dallas for another Komen race. The Fox 4 news station wanted to do a one year follow up on Chloe, so we talked to them after the race.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531331270542335186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMM8e_uvnNI/AAAAAAAABJQ/L6VNT03hRpI/s320/Dallas+SaraStrong.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMM3rY6EK1I/AAAAAAAABJI/lKuJekU17Lo/s1600/Fox+Interview+DFW.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531325985900997458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMM3rY6EK1I/AAAAAAAABJI/lKuJekU17Lo/s320/Fox+Interview+DFW.jpg" border="0" /></a> Before we left Dallas, we stopped by the Dallas Arboretum for some pics at their pumpkin patch.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMnGc3Y3-I/AAAAAAAABIw/32Nmi8qULmk/s1600/Chloe+Pumpkin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531307759122309090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMnGc3Y3-I/AAAAAAAABIw/32Nmi8qULmk/s320/Chloe+Pumpkin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This past weekend, Team SaraStrong was in Misawa, Japan for a Breast Cancer Awareness Run (Chloe and I didn't make it to that one either).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531303897230678466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMjlqMrGcI/AAAAAAAABIg/REHWf2kyrN4/s320/SaraStrong+Misawa.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Team SaraStrong - Misawa<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I have stayed busy with work, but Chloe has been enjoying her time with "T" (her Nanny Tracy). Here is a cute pic from one of their recent shopping trips.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531303892673009634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TMMjlZOCl-I/AAAAAAAABIY/f-lTvaoVQhw/s320/Chloe+at+Gap.jpg" border="0" />At the Gap<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Chloe and I are doing well. Though September brought many memories from the past, we made it through and are looking to the future. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Look for another update in November.</div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-41900113589866203712010-09-24T21:05:00.000-07:002010-09-28T18:24:07.710-07:00Komen for the Cure...The Dallas Komen team has reached out once again and is spreading "Sara's story." This video will be showing in the DFW area before the race on October 16, 2010.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cUMr6kXwT4Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cUMr6kXwT4Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />If you feel compelled to donate, <a href="http://www.komen-dallas.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1736542&pg=personal&fr_id=1050">click here</a> to go to my Komen fundraising page.<br /><br />We would love to have you join Team SaraStrong. We will be walking in <a href="http://rfch.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?pg=team&fr_id=1080&team_id=42470">Houston </a>and <a href="http://www.komen-dallas.org/site/TR?team_id=41700&fr_id=1050&pg=team">Dallas</a>. If you would like to walk with us, click the city name to go to the sign-up page.<br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />Chloe hopes to see you on race day.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TJ16b2KkiBI/AAAAAAAABGQ/BR0dvKDydUc/s1600/CGS+teeth.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520703337041004562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TJ16b2KkiBI/AAAAAAAABGQ/BR0dvKDydUc/s320/CGS+teeth.jpeg" border="0" /></a>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-26751045746213692842010-09-08T08:39:00.000-07:002010-09-12T09:16:16.588-07:00Birthday...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0ZN_9pGI/AAAAAAAABFg/aGJojXdiEbE/s1600/chloebday.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0ZN_9pGI/AAAAAAAABFg/aGJojXdiEbE/s320/chloebday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052357713863778" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0pr6iD8I/AAAAAAAABGI/cT0Wu7E8meE/s1600/Pre-cake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0pr6iD8I/AAAAAAAABGI/cT0Wu7E8meE/s320/Pre-cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052640622055362" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0YNTn6vI/AAAAAAAABFI/xPe14dA7KBs/s1600/CGS+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0YNTn6vI/AAAAAAAABFI/xPe14dA7KBs/s320/CGS+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052340348021490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0pB7tGNI/AAAAAAAABGA/msRAcGs9t4s/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0pB7tGNI/AAAAAAAABGA/msRAcGs9t4s/s320/IMG_2714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052629352683730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0o49oPgI/AAAAAAAABF4/cmxv07_bmgY/s1600/IMG_2721.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0o49oPgI/AAAAAAAABF4/cmxv07_bmgY/s320/IMG_2721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052626944835074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0otUZ0TI/AAAAAAAABFw/toWy7dvKOzc/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0otUZ0TI/AAAAAAAABFw/toWy7dvKOzc/s320/IMG_2729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052623819133234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0ZpKSphI/AAAAAAAABFo/rWFY6kTdqSg/s1600/chloeflower.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0ZpKSphI/AAAAAAAABFo/rWFY6kTdqSg/s320/chloeflower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052365004940818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0Y-xs7JI/AAAAAAAABFY/y-hVwEIbCC0/s1600/CGS+Reach.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0Y-xs7JI/AAAAAAAABFY/y-hVwEIbCC0/s320/CGS+Reach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052353627516050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0Ymxr6yI/AAAAAAAABFQ/-DkmaHqD26M/s1600/CGS+Japanese+Outfit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TIz0Ymxr6yI/AAAAAAAABFQ/-DkmaHqD26M/s320/CGS+Japanese+Outfit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516052347184999202" border="0"/> <br /><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="480" height="385"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CfB-wD5novk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-88832546577718807842010-08-08T18:56:00.001-07:002010-08-09T16:27:55.740-07:00Eleven Months Old...Chloe is 11 months old today. I cannot believe how fast she has grown up and changed over the course of the past 11 months. We are having a good time together and she keeps me laughing.<br /><p align="left">Here are a few videos from the past few weeks.<br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cuKgk2LTz2w&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cuKgk2LTz2w&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LVgHzQG_TZo&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LVgHzQG_TZo&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object></p><p></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jSpDGAdD-J8&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jSpDGAdD-J8&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Here are some recent photos we had taken. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.kellyhornberger.com">Kelly Hornberger</a>, a friend from high school, came out to the lake and took some family photos for us over Memorial Day Weekend. </p><p align="left"></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kcotu6nI/AAAAAAAABEI/cIJ1TU5p1Rk/s1600/CB+dock+resized.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227712798386802" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kcotu6nI/AAAAAAAABEI/cIJ1TU5p1Rk/s320/CB+dock+resized.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503230537000450258" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9nBBr-eNI/AAAAAAAABEg/tCqzJ6QE8-g/s320/CB+dock+2+resized.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kV0osWQI/AAAAAAAABEA/0ulOd_q3WQc/s1600/CGS+Shoulders.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227595739388162" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kV0osWQI/AAAAAAAABEA/0ulOd_q3WQc/s320/CGS+Shoulders.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kU7xX4JI/AAAAAAAABD4/RFHczpOfzOg/s1600/Cross+Shirt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227580474974354" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kU7xX4JI/AAAAAAAABD4/RFHczpOfzOg/s320/Cross+Shirt.jpg" border="0" /></a>One of Chloe's aunts (commonly referred to as "Cousin Amy") made her this Rhinestone Cross Outfit. It reminded me of one of Sara's shirts that she wore at her head shaving party a year prior (almost to the date).<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kUl1fheI/AAAAAAAABDw/iNhbvMNATZo/s1600/Cross+Shirt+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227574586672610" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kUl1fheI/AAAAAAAABDw/iNhbvMNATZo/s320/Cross+Shirt+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kUVMRpxI/AAAAAAAABDo/seJQJcvEoXc/s1600/Cross+Shirt+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227570118829842" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kUVMRpxI/AAAAAAAABDo/seJQJcvEoXc/s320/Cross+Shirt+3.jpg" border="0" /></a> May 30, 2010</div><div align="center"><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kT0M4YmI/AAAAAAAABDg/hWc37U6R95Q/s1600/Sara+Cross+Shirt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503227561262998114" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TF9kT0M4YmI/AAAAAAAABDg/hWc37U6R95Q/s320/Sara+Cross+Shirt.jpg" border="0" /></a> June 6, 2009</div></div></div></div></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-43006638298446281822010-07-19T18:42:00.000-07:002010-07-19T18:50:03.303-07:00Crawling Videos...<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I recommend turning your speakers down. Chloe and I were jamming to some loud music. Also, with the speakers down, you won't hear the high pitch daddy voice (which is a bit embarrassing).<br /></div><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/72i0quluSMU&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/72i0quluSMU&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/10DbbnSuSWE&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/10DbbnSuSWE&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-29582501631669919422010-07-13T18:48:00.000-07:002010-08-10T18:11:22.139-07:00Team SaraStrong...Team SaraStrong will be participating in the Susan G. Komen races again this year. We would be honored to have a large group walk with our family in Houston and Dallas this October.<br /><br />Click on the links below to go to the Team SaraStrong pages to join our team.<br /><a href="http://rfch.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?pg=team&fr_id=1080&team_id=42470"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rfch.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?pg=team&fr_id=1080&team_id=42470">HOUSTON - Komen Race for the Cure</a><br />October 2, 2010<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.komen-dallas.org/site/TR?team_id=41700&fr_id=1050&pg=team">DALLAS - Komen Race for the Cure </a><br />October 16, 2010<br /></div><br />To order a SaraStrong T-shirt ($10), send your requested shirt size to:<br /><br />HOUSTON Race - Angie (Sara's sister) at agorman99@hotmail.com<br /><br />DALLAS Race - Therese (Sara's sister-in-law) at tsullivan@sjm.com<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">2009 Komen Race Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wv9SBUaI/AAAAAAAABDY/zmtoV-S2loQ/s1600/SaraSTRONG.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wvZnKlII/AAAAAAAABDQ/RHt4z2GrTK4/s1600/Race.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wvZnKlII/AAAAAAAABDQ/RHt4z2GrTK4/s320/Race.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493600711349015682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0woyZzkhI/AAAAAAAABDI/Da_GkVb6ipo/s1600/SaraSTRONG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0woyZzkhI/AAAAAAAABDI/Da_GkVb6ipo/s320/SaraSTRONG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493600597744783890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wonvb88I/AAAAAAAABDA/ISJgcVkYzJk/s1600/Banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wonvb88I/AAAAAAAABDA/ISJgcVkYzJk/s320/Banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493600594882720706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wobVktRI/AAAAAAAABC4/JeVOxUvVrhM/s1600/Ansley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wobVktRI/AAAAAAAABC4/JeVOxUvVrhM/s320/Ansley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493600591553017106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wnoP15hI/AAAAAAAABCo/HrzpPw-LPmU/s1600/Chloe+SaraSTRONG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wnoP15hI/AAAAAAAABCo/HrzpPw-LPmU/s320/Chloe+SaraSTRONG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493600577838769682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wnxHzC2I/AAAAAAAABCw/DYm7wUYLiXQ/s1600/Chloe+Back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TD0wnxHzC2I/AAAAAAAABCw/DYm7wUYLiXQ/s320/Chloe+Back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493600580220947298" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!<br /></div></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-55347118786024229222010-07-11T10:31:00.000-07:002010-07-11T18:46:20.746-07:00June/July Pics<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It is hard to believe that Chloe turned 10 months old this past week. We are doing well. She is on the verge of crawling, loves to stand up while holding my fingers, and has her first tooth. I will write more later, but following are some pics from the past month. <br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAhFvYdfI/AAAAAAAABBg/XFigu-uSoQs/s1600/Chloe+Shoulders.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAhFvYdfI/AAAAAAAABBg/XFigu-uSoQs/s320/Chloe+Shoulders.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492703264008336882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAgtUC93I/AAAAAAAABBY/Kt_TBRQLUg4/s1600/CGS+Lake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAgtUC93I/AAAAAAAABBY/Kt_TBRQLUg4/s320/CGS+Lake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492703257451231090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAgA11jZI/AAAAAAAABBQ/lHw9RqAqQy0/s1600/CB+Lake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAgA11jZI/AAAAAAAABBQ/lHw9RqAqQy0/s320/CB+Lake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492703245513362834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot8rZeD0I/AAAAAAAABCI/T8KyKMMAtyw/s1600/Pool+time.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot8rZeD0I/AAAAAAAABCI/T8KyKMMAtyw/s320/Pool+time.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492753215996694338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot8gS8EcI/AAAAAAAABCA/vRFdv5bW-cs/s1600/CGS+Shoulders.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot8gS8EcI/AAAAAAAABCA/vRFdv5bW-cs/s320/CGS+Shoulders.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492753213016510914" border="0" /></a>Memorial Day Weekend<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDovI46Hp9I/AAAAAAAABCg/OjHaP7IraFw/s1600/Girls.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDovI46Hp9I/AAAAAAAABCg/OjHaP7IraFw/s320/Girls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492754525293357010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot8dRNKWI/AAAAAAAABB4/HTjynOUKdfE/s1600/186+-+resized.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot8dRNKWI/AAAAAAAABB4/HTjynOUKdfE/s320/186+-+resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492753212203936098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot75m1wKI/AAAAAAAABBw/tNVn2kcBvW4/s1600/118+-+resized.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot75m1wKI/AAAAAAAABBw/tNVn2kcBvW4/s320/118+-+resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492753202631000226" border="0" /></a>Father's Day Weekend<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot9I8ZJII/AAAAAAAABCQ/jaBQhUhDXiQ/s1600/Looking+too+old.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDot9I8ZJII/AAAAAAAABCQ/jaBQhUhDXiQ/s320/Looking+too+old.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492753223927800962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAhUzlI-I/AAAAAAAABBo/L_wuY48n8pY/s1600/4+generations.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAhUzlI-I/AAAAAAAABBo/L_wuY48n8pY/s320/4+generations.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492703268052476898" border="0" /></a>Four Generations<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAfsgHQHI/AAAAAAAABBI/_Q-4dSvOE2I/s1600/CGS+blue.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TDoAfsgHQHI/AAAAAAAABBI/_Q-4dSvOE2I/s320/CGS+blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492703240053538930" border="0" /></a>4th of July<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-osdQRXl40E&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-osdQRXl40E&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />Peek-a-boo<br /><br /><br /></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-22747793599525805212010-06-02T07:14:00.000-07:002010-06-06T13:13:26.128-07:00What's in a name...<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;color:transparent;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Here is a letter Chloe received soon after Sara passed away...</span><br /><br />Hi, </span><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;">My name is </span><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;">Chloe</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. My dad was stationed with Mr. Brady and Ms. Sara while they were in Misawa, Japan. We still live here, and they are remembered often among the entire community. I was told this was the address where I could send a letter to little </span><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;">Chloe</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. I would greatly appreciate it if it found its way into her book. :)</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thank you</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;">Chloe</span><span style="font-size:100%;">,<br /><br /></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;">For a while now I've been struggling with what to say to you about your mom. I don't know how old you'll be when you read this or if we'll have met already. Nothing I could say about her will be something you haven't heard already, how wonderful she was and how she radiated with love, and her trademark smile....<br /><br /></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;">The only difference between me and everyone else who's written to you is, well...my name is </span><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;">Chloe</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, too. And I'm only 15, just a kid.<br /><br /></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Your mom surprised me with how warm she was with me, when I first met her. She was an adult, and I expected her to be somewhat distant, like how other adults treated me. But I was wrong. She was so loving! Every time she'd see me she'd give me a hug, and she'd ask how I was, and I felt like she truly cared about my well being, as though we were good friends.<br /><br /></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now that she's gone, I realize I took that for granted. She was someone I deeply respected and admired and aspired to, and I wish I'd let her know that before she left earth.</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />But I'm letting you know that now, her daughter. The fact that you and I share the same name, and your mother knew me before and during the time she was pregnant with you, makes me want to live up to the name, "</span><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;">Chloe</span><span style="font-size:100%;">." Do you know what I mean? </span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />What if I had made her <i>not </i>want to name you </span><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;">Chloe</span><span style="font-size:100%;">? What if she had seen how I behaved and disapproved of it so much that she thought, "My daughter can not possibly share the same name as THAT girl!" </span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />I'm glad that's not what happened though.</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />The fact that I share the same name as the daughter of <i>Sara Sullivan</i> makes me want to live up to it! That's something I can be doing the rest of my life. I want to meet you someday, and when I do I don't want you to be ashamed of me; <i>our</i> name. A name means a lot, even if it seems so little.</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />I'm truly blessed to have known your mom for as little of time as I did, and I'm sorry you couldn't. But know that she LOVES you! My goodness does she love you, from where she is up in heaven! We'll all be able to see her again someday, and all this sadness experienced on earth will not matter anymore.</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Live in a way that will make her proud.</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Your sister in Christ,</span></div> <div><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><br />Chloe<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">I still get choked up every time I read that letter.<br /><br /></span> </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Last year when Sara was undergoing chemotherapy, we had some house guests staying with us. Meet Matt and Kristi...</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TApsvvc0GkI/AAAAAAAAA_o/7OSoLxILHSk/s1600/Matt+and+Kristi.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TApsvvc0GkI/AAAAAAAAA_o/7OSoLxILHSk/s320/Matt+and+Kristi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479311464096602690" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;color:transparent;" ><span class="il"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Matt and Kristi<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TApswT-WM6I/AAAAAAAAA_4/1HKuHJhtJns/s1600/Matt+and+Sara.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TApswT-WM6I/AAAAAAAAA_4/1HKuHJhtJns/s320/Matt+and+Sara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479311473900925858" border="0" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Matt and Sara</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><br />Matt and I went to college together in Florida and have kept in touch ever since. Matt graduated college and became an Air Traffic Controller, but really wanted to fly. After numerous discussions with Matt about life in the Air Force, he weighed the decisions and signed the dotted line to join the military. After a year of pilot training, Matt was selected to become an instructor pilot and his training for that assignment took place in San Antonio. Thus, the reason they were living with us for a few months.<br /><br />Kristi visited a few times for 2-week stints. The final time that she visited, Sara was already on bed-rest at the hospital.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TApswDDI8zI/AAAAAAAAA_w/SOcxqDC1CDA/s1600/Kristi+and+Sara.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TApswDDI8zI/AAAAAAAAA_w/SOcxqDC1CDA/s320/Kristi+and+Sara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479311469357626162" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" >Kristi and Sara</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span></div><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">After my long days at work and the hospital, it was so nice to come home to a home-cooked meal. Matt and Kristi thought that we were doing them a favor by letting them stay at our house, but in reality they were a HUGE BLESSING to us.<br /><br />Why am I telling you about Matt and Kristi? Well, as Chloe's letter above says, "A name means a lot, even if it seems so little."<br /><br />This past Christmas Eve, I got a phone call from Matt. He was calling to inform me that he and Kristi had just found out that they were pregnant with a baby girl...and they wanted to name her Sara.<br /><br />Baby Sara was recently born and I am looking forward to watching her grow up. I have lots to share with her about her namesake.</span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;color:transparent;" ><span class="il"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:transparent;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TApsvfCLD3I/AAAAAAAAA_g/y7hmSHv34n4/s1600/Baby+Sara.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/TApsvfCLD3I/AAAAAAAAA_g/y7hmSHv34n4/s320/Baby+Sara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479311459689893746" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;color:transparent;" ><span class="il"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Baby Sara</span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span class="il" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><br />There is a song by Sidewalk Prophets called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thLdWPr32yY">These are the Words I Would Say.</a> Soon after Sara died, a friend emailed and said she felt like these are the words that Sara would say to Chloe. Now, I feel like Sara would also want Baby Sara to hear them...</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >And I started writing,<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >Just what I'd say,<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >If we were face to face, </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />I'd tell you just what you mean to me,<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >I'd tell you these simple truths,<br /><br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >Be strong in the LORD and, </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />Never give up hope,<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >You're going to do great things,<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >I already know, </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />God's got His hand on you so, </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />Don't live life in fear, </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />Forgive and forget, </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />But don't forget why you're here, </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />Take your time and pray, </span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br />These are the words I would say</span> </div><span class="il"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Matt and Kristi...Thank you for honoring my wife by naming your daughter after her. Welcome to the journey of parenthood.<br /><br />Behold, children are a gift from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward. --Psalm 127:3 (NAS)</span><br /></span></span></div></span>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-81922555745572427742010-05-26T18:07:00.000-07:002010-05-26T19:21:24.841-07:00Home Sweet Home...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3VmuScEbI/AAAAAAAAA-g/-rldxLlsDiU/s1600/Chloe+Floppy+Hat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3VmuScEbI/AAAAAAAAA-g/-rldxLlsDiU/s320/Chloe+Floppy+Hat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475767583189504434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3HfqxXPXI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/lLDkuwzYmXs/s1600/Chloe+2.jpg"><br /></a>Chloe and I are thrilled to be back at home. Alabama was good, but there is something to be said about being HOME! I picked up Chloe in Houston on the way back to San Antonio. Here are a few pics from our time in Houston.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3VmhcJY6I/AAAAAAAAA-o/Faj349x-cWQ/s1600/Chloe+and+Dad+in+Houston.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3VmhcJY6I/AAAAAAAAA-o/Faj349x-cWQ/s320/Chloe+and+Dad+in+Houston.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475767579740562338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3Vnl7p5iI/AAAAAAAAA_A/_SEVcA_OI1E/s1600/DSC_1520+resized.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3Vnl7p5iI/AAAAAAAAA_A/_SEVcA_OI1E/s320/DSC_1520+resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475767598126327330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3Vm2vwSYI/AAAAAAAAA-w/8rP5GYmKBms/s1600/DSC_1492+resized.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3Vm2vwSYI/AAAAAAAAA-w/8rP5GYmKBms/s320/DSC_1492+resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475767585459947906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3VnDLHeHI/AAAAAAAAA-4/DSXIWMM2K9M/s1600/DSC_1499+resized.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3VnDLHeHI/AAAAAAAAA-4/DSXIWMM2K9M/s320/DSC_1499+resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475767588795938930" border="0" /></a><br />I had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_surgery">Mohs surgery</a> on my face last Tuesday. The procedure was much more involved than I was expecting. I thought I would be in and out in about an hour, but I ended up being at the hospital all day and left with a lot of stitches in my cheek. The doc cut out the cancer spot and then sent it to the lab to check the margins. He had to go back in one more time and cut out a little more tissue. I will spare you the graphic "mid-surgery" snapshot, but here are the results.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3Gx0dPATI/AAAAAAAAA-A/HHKnQ3ueWlE/s1600/Scar+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3Gx0dPATI/AAAAAAAAA-A/HHKnQ3ueWlE/s320/Scar+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475751281149542706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3HfWfYNrI/AAAAAAAAA-I/RJrFD19o1DY/s1600/Scar+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3HfWfYNrI/AAAAAAAAA-I/RJrFD19o1DY/s320/Scar+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475752063379453618" border="0" /></a>Surgery Results - 18 May 2010<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I got the stitches out this week and am healing up well. The doctor who did the procedure specialized in "facial reconstruction." I never intended on having plastic surgery, but...I also did not intend on getting cancer on my face. Looking back, I am a little frustrated with myself that I waited so long to get this spot checked out. It started out like a pimple a few years ago and after numerous attempts to pop it, it scabbed over and eventually turned into a "mole." It was gradually growing during that period, but I did not realize how big it had gotten.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3R1BiIdgI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/rGJoBh3FBos/s1600/Basal+Cell.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3R1BiIdgI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/rGJoBh3FBos/s320/Basal+Cell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475763430827259394" border="0" /></a>Basal Cell Carcinoma (Dec 2009)<br /><br /></div>If you want some advice...WEAR SUNSCREEN and get "growths" checked out! Enough about cancer...<br /></div></div><br />After dinner, Chloe and I usually spend a few minutes just hanging out making faces at each other and talking. Here is a cute video of her during one of our post-dinner hangouts...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3oPDMK2nYmQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3oPDMK2nYmQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /></div><br />I hope her "crazy leg" kicking does not develop into a Restless Leg Syndrome diagnosis. Ha!<br /><br />Until next time...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3GxnKbr9I/AAAAAAAAA94/TxAXvMnq7gs/s1600/Chloe+Waving.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S_3GxnKbr9I/AAAAAAAAA94/TxAXvMnq7gs/s320/Chloe+Waving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475751277581021138" border="0" /></a>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-53451145398082659052010-05-12T19:34:00.000-07:002010-05-12T19:42:35.798-07:00It must be genetic...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-tlargSWDI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/_m2owEskOmM/s1600/Chloe+cockpit+2+%28resized%29.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-tlargSWDI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/_m2owEskOmM/s320/Chloe+cockpit+2+%28resized%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470577681400748082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-tlaZLlTDI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/t2akZFTcs7s/s1600/Chloe+cockpit+%28resized%29.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-tlaZLlTDI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/t2akZFTcs7s/s320/Chloe+cockpit+%28resized%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470577676482071602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-tlbCKIFWI/AAAAAAAAA9g/mxF3ojonOGQ/s1600/Southwest+BHM-HOU+%28resized%29.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-tlbCKIFWI/AAAAAAAAA9g/mxF3ojonOGQ/s320/Southwest+BHM-HOU+%28resized%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470577687481816418" border="0" /></a><br />...this girl loves airplanes too.<br /></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-22581324405132735752010-05-11T16:37:00.001-07:002010-05-11T17:33:32.977-07:00May 2010...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nr7WbP29I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/SSUvGwUGwOw/s1600/Brown+Dress.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nr7WbP29I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/SSUvGwUGwOw/s320/Brown+Dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470162627282852818" border="0" /></a>Chloe and I have been in Montgomery, Alabama for the past five weeks. I have been attending Squadron Officer School (an Air Force Leadership School) at Maxwell Air Force Base. Chloe has been a trooper as we have had to adapt to and overcome the obstacles that go along with living in a hotel room...for over a month. This has been my first experience trying to balance the requirements of school work with taking care of a baby. Chloe made it relatively clear that she did not like me doing homework when she wanted to play!<br /><br />Some of our best friends from Japan are here and watched Chloe during the day when I was at class. I am thankful that I was able to have her here with me.<br /><br />We visited some friends down in Florida for two of the weekends that we were here. Chloe's first trip to the beach was on a day when there were tornado warnings and gale force winds, so we did not get to play in the water. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nr7pCrN9I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/X2GTjKTm1Ew/s1600/First+Beach+Trip.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nr7pCrN9I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/X2GTjKTm1Ew/s320/First+Beach+Trip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470162632280061906" border="0" /></a>Destin, FL<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nr7FD8tAI/AAAAAAAAA8I/N6OSpKjXTQQ/s1600/First+Boat+Trip+-+Panama+City.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nr7FD8tAI/AAAAAAAAA8I/N6OSpKjXTQQ/s320/First+Boat+Trip+-+Panama+City.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470162622621725698" border="0" /></a>Panama City, FL<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsVuAjxAI/AAAAAAAAA9I/7TZ0UTPwl0Q/s1600/Destin.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsVuAjxAI/AAAAAAAAA9I/7TZ0UTPwl0Q/s320/Destin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470163080289960962" border="0" /></a>Destin, FL<br />(second attempt at the beach)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Sara's sister flew out to Alabama this morning and picked up Chloe. She is going to spend the next few days in Houston as I finish up class. I will leave here on Friday and pick up Chloe on my way back to San Antonio.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, I got a call from the dermatologist about my cheek growth. The results came back and it turns out that I have Basal Cell Carcinoma. The doctor told me that this is the most common type of skin cancer and is the "best type of cancer to have" because it does not spread. I am scheduled for a minor procedure next week where they will cut out the entire area. I am pretty young to have developed this type of cancer, but after the surgery, there is no further treatment required (besides sunscreen application each day). I was pretty surprised to learn that it was cancerous, but not overly concerned.<br /><br />Here are some recent pics of the little lady...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsU5EdwaI/AAAAAAAAA84/QimUl-fLwfA/s1600/swing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsU5EdwaI/AAAAAAAAA84/QimUl-fLwfA/s320/swing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470163066079265186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsVSA-AQI/AAAAAAAAA9A/ef-eVXbgIjg/s1600/Swinging.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsVSA-AQI/AAAAAAAAA9A/ef-eVXbgIjg/s320/Swinging.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470163072775487746" border="0" /></a>Swinging at Maxwell AFB<br /> <br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsU3tBm7I/AAAAAAAAA8w/eIWDPnFuXHk/s1600/sitting.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsU3tBm7I/AAAAAAAAA8w/eIWDPnFuXHk/s320/sitting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470163065712516018" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsUZ5SyEI/AAAAAAAAA8o/CbgRAi4ndN4/s1600/Pretty+Eyes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nsUZ5SyEI/AAAAAAAAA8o/CbgRAi4ndN4/s320/Pretty+Eyes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470163057710909506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nr76YvToI/AAAAAAAAA8g/aFhGGLgmuOA/s1600/Hi+Chair.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S-nr76YvToI/AAAAAAAAA8g/aFhGGLgmuOA/s320/Hi+Chair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470162636936007298" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks for checking up on us.<br /></div></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-73989188474856607762010-04-01T11:04:00.000-07:002010-04-05T20:42:11.081-07:00April 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkTtIV96I/AAAAAAAAA7E/TtLUXMz_3hw/s1600/Happy+CGS.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkTtIV96I/AAAAAAAAA7E/TtLUXMz_3hw/s320/Happy+CGS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854556951836578" border="0" /></a><br />One year ago, this week, began Sara and my transition back to life in the US. We left Tokyo on the night of April 1, 2009. We arrived in Honolulu on the morning of April 1 (crossing the International Date Line still confuses me).<br /><br />On April 6, 2009, Sara and I were at Tripler Army Medical Center at 5:00am for her pre-op appointment. Hours later, she was being wheeled out of recovery with the cancerous tumor and lymph nodes removed from her body.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qmvqOvPyI/AAAAAAAAA7c/5k5-n2Lz48Y/s1600/Apr+6+2009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qmvqOvPyI/AAAAAAAAA7c/5k5-n2Lz48Y/s320/Apr+6+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456857236232945442" border="0" /></a>April 6, 2009<br /></div><br />On April 1, 2010, on my way to work I heard the song "Lucky" by Jason Mraz. After Sara died, one of our friends from Korea sent me a note and a Jason Mraz CD. She said that the song "Lucky" reminded her of Sara and my relationship. I got pretty choked up.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yI2_k-StRYo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_detailpage&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yI2_k-StRYo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_detailpage&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />April 1st is also my birthday, and I am happy to say that I made it through another "first" without Sara. Some friends organized a birthday dinner and even made my favorite cake that Sara used to make for me.<br /><br />That afternoon, I had an appointment at Wilford Hall (the hospital where Sara did all her cancer treatment, spent 40+ days on bed rest, delivered Chloe, and passed away). Needless to say, there are LOTS of emotions that come to mind when I think about Wilford Hall.<br /><br />At my annual flight physical last week, the doctor wanted me to see a dermatologist about a "growth" on my left cheek. He told me not to worry because, I was "...probably too young for it to be cancer." I wanted to say, "Really...too young for cancer...let me tell you a story..." I elected to keep my mouth shut.<br /><br />I had the "growth" biopsied and will find out more next week. The dermatologist was not concerned, and neither am I.<br /><br />As I was walking up to the main entrance of the hospital, I felt an emotional wave building. Approaching the main doors, I looked up at the 5th floor window, the 4th one from the left. That was the room where Sara was "locked up" on bed rest for over 40 days. Each day, as I was arriving at the hospital, I would call and let her know that I was there, and as I walked up the the entrance, she would be waving to me from that window. This time, the window was empty.<br /><br />Following are a few writings that have "hit home" with me this past week. They come from "Streams in the Desert" by L.B. Cowman.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">MARCH 29</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">See how the lilies of the fields grow. --Matthew 6:28</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Many years ago there was a monk who needed olive oil, so he planted an olive tree sapling. After he finished planting it, he prayed, "Lord, my tree needs rain so its tender roots may drink and grow. Send gentle showers." And the Lord sent gentle showers. The monk prayed, "Lord, my tree needs sun. Please send it sun." And the sun shone, gilding the once dripping clouds. "Now send frost, dear Lord, to strengthen its branches," cried the monk. And soon the little tree was covered in sparkling frost, but by evening it had died.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Then the monk sought out a brother monk in his cell and told him of his strange experience. After hearing the story, the other monk said, "I also have planted a little tree. See how it is thriving! But I entrust my tree to its God. He who made it knows better that a man like me what it needs. I gave God no constraints or conditions, except to pray, 'Lord, send what it needs--whether that be a storm or sunshine, wind, rain, or frost. You made it, and you know best what it needs.'"</span><br /><br />One year ago, I did not envision raising Chloe as a single dad. However, I am not in charge and apparently, in God's plan, this is how is was supposed to be. When people tell me, "...it was not meant to be this way," I have started responding, "Yes it was!"<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">APRIL 1</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. --Job 13:15</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Because I know who I have believed. --2 Timothy 1:12</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">An old seaman once said, "In fierce storms we must do one thing, for there is only one way to survive: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there." And this, dear Christian, is what you must do.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Sometimes, like Paul, you cannot see the sun or the stars to help you navigate when the storm is bearing down on you. This is when you can do only one thing, for there is only one way. Reason cannot help you, past experiences will shed no light, and even prayer will bring no consolation. Only one course remains: you must put your soul in one position and keep it there.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">You must anchor yourself steadfastly upon the Lord. And then, come what may--whether wind, waves, rough seas, thunder, lightning, jagged rocks, or roaring breakers--you must lash yourself to the helm, firmly holding your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus. --Richard Fuller</span><br /><br />Chloe continues to thrive and is changing so quickly. Following are some recent pics.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qk1vx4lEI/AAAAAAAAA7M/rgL0mb1pGQA/s1600/Easter+2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qk1vx4lEI/AAAAAAAAA7M/rgL0mb1pGQA/s320/Easter+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456855141778494530" border="0" /></a>Easter 2010<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkSaU_UjI/AAAAAAAAA6s/621jL4qaFOA/s1600/Best+Buds.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkSaU_UjI/AAAAAAAAA6s/621jL4qaFOA/s320/Best+Buds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854534724735538" border="0" /></a>"Best Buds"<br />Ethan Ertmer and Chloe<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkTc6fM8I/AAAAAAAAA68/_jvcUOHEmcA/s1600/CGS+bluebonnets.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkTc6fM8I/AAAAAAAAA68/_jvcUOHEmcA/s320/CGS+bluebonnets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854552598754242" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkSfYw_1I/AAAAAAAAA6k/k4gSBLcLQJc/s1600/Bathing+Suit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkSfYw_1I/AAAAAAAAA6k/k4gSBLcLQJc/s320/Bathing+Suit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854536082751314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qk2L0q38I/AAAAAAAAA7U/uYvsmBgcZBU/s1600/Nap+by+Guadalupe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qk2L0q38I/AAAAAAAAA7U/uYvsmBgcZBU/s320/Nap+by+Guadalupe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456855149306372034" border="0" /></a>"Rough day on the Guadalupe River"<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spring Branch, TX<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkS1TxqvI/AAAAAAAAA60/RJf7lGsr658/s1600/CGS.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S7qkS1TxqvI/AAAAAAAAA60/RJf7lGsr658/s320/CGS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854541967403762" border="0" /></a>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-51347565124555897752010-03-06T07:48:00.001-08:002010-03-07T18:48:55.596-08:00Videos...<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rgbE2RrrEPY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rgbE2RrrEPY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2383i124Fuw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2383i124Fuw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IEGDLJinzDE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IEGDLJinzDE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. --1 Samuel 1:27The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-33697351395312144462010-02-26T21:54:00.001-08:002010-03-01T19:57:35.450-08:00Update...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4x_kWIZrYI/AAAAAAAAA30/cJZ5jaVCciM/s1600-h/CGS+saucer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4x_kWIZrYI/AAAAAAAAA30/cJZ5jaVCciM/s320/CGS+saucer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443866311976922498" border="0" /></a><br />Last week, Chloe traveled to Houston with Sara's family, and I went to Colorado on a ski trip with my family. During the ski trip planning, I had decided that I was not going to go because I did not want to take Chloe to Colorado in February. A few weeks before the ski trip, Angie (Sara's sister) called and asked if she could take Chloe to Houston for a family wedding. She thought it would be a good time for Sara's extended family to see and spend time with "Lil' Chlo-Chlo." Mom told me that she thought it was a "sign" that I should go on the ski trip. I bought a ticket and it ended up being a great time. Sara's family got to spend a week of quality time with Chloe and I got to "shed responsibility" for a week. It was good for everyone involved.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4qI3W7_PoI/AAAAAAAAA3U/8OtSJmkg6j0/s1600-h/Chloe+Houston.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443313584262037122" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4qI3W7_PoI/AAAAAAAAA3U/8OtSJmkg6j0/s320/Chloe+Houston.jpg" border="0" /></a>Chloe in Houston<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4yGQHMA40I/AAAAAAAAA4U/W07bjPmH4Dc/s1600-h/Cousins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4yGQHMA40I/AAAAAAAAA4U/W07bjPmH4Dc/s320/Cousins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443873660949553986" border="0" /></a>Cousins<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4yGP37R6HI/AAAAAAAAA4M/7g1dnwDASaQ/s1600-h/Angie+and+Chloe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4yGP37R6HI/AAAAAAAAA4M/7g1dnwDASaQ/s320/Angie+and+Chloe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443873656852834418" border="0" /></a>Angie and Chloe<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4mej1RFCsI/AAAAAAAAA28/54IdN0-7vjE/s1600-h/skiing+group.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 215px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443055963085277890" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4mej1RFCsI/AAAAAAAAA28/54IdN0-7vjE/s320/skiing+group.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4x7zNClb4I/AAAAAAAAA3c/qpb9_4DmfgA/s1600-h/Jay+Brady+Powderhorn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4x7zNClb4I/AAAAAAAAA3c/qpb9_4DmfgA/s320/Jay+Brady+Powderhorn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443862169188134786" border="0" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Powderhorn, Colorado<br /></div><br /><div>While in Colorado, the 1 year anniversary of Sara's mammogram occurred (the day we found out she had cancer). Once again, I was shocked at all that had transpired in 12 months. The following day was the 5 month anniversary of Sara's death. It was not until that point that I realized that Sara died only 7 months after she was diagnosed! A few times each week, I still shake my head and cannot believe that she is gone.<br /></div><br /><div>On the long President's Day weekend, Chloe and I stayed home in San Antonio. It was a weekend of reflection for me. Since Sara died, I tend to eat my meals standing at the kitchen counter. Setting the table for one was always too visible of a reminder of my current situation. On Friday night, I grilled a steak, baked a potato and made a salad. I set the table and realized that I was okay with my "new normal" and the single place setting at the table. Chloe was in her swing next to me and we enjoyed a nice meal. In a previous post, I referenced the verse Phillipians 4:11 - "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." I think I was forcing myself to be content, but now, I can truly say that I AM content with my current circumstances.<br /></div><br /><div>When Sara's fam was visiting, back in November, I thought I was ready to go through some of Sara's stuff. We got all her shoes and set them out in the garage and started to sort through them. I wanted to keep some for Chloe, wanted Angie to have some of them, and wanted to give some of them away. As I stood in my garage looking at all her shoes, I had to consciously fight back tears as I decided what to do with each pair. Each pair of shoes went with an outfit that Sara wore when we _______.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4x_joWj3gI/AAAAAAAAA3k/2oUSE5YGGw0/s1600-h/Sorting+Shoes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4x_joWj3gI/AAAAAAAAA3k/2oUSE5YGGw0/s320/Sorting+Shoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443866299688279554" border="0" /></a>"Sorting Shoes"<br /><br /></div>Seeing her hiking boots, with dirt still on them from our hike to the top of Mt. Fuji, brought on a wave of emotion. Seeing the shoes that she wore at our wedding brought on a wave of emotion. Seeing her tennis shoes that she taught aerobics in brought on a wave of emotion. Needless to say, I was not ready to go through her stuff. I put most of her shoes back in the box and put them back in the closet.</div><div></div><br /><div>On Saturday morning, I woke up and felt ready to go through her closet. A few months ago, I bought some big Rubbermaid tubs to store her things until I figured out what I wanted to do with them. I know that I am saving all of the clothes that Sara wore when she held Chloe. As I was folding her clothes, a rerun of Extreme Makeover - Home Edition came on the TV. The story was about a young couple with 3 young boys. The mom was 28 when she found out that she had cancer. She died 6 months later and was buried on her 29th birthday. Sound familiar? As they were walking through the finished house, they showed a big picture of the mother on the wall of the house. The story was too similar...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4yCzsQnw1I/AAAAAAAAA38/ioFZWRnfcMA/s1600-h/Mantle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4yCzsQnw1I/AAAAAAAAA38/ioFZWRnfcMA/s320/Mantle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443869874149901138" border="0" /></a>As I was folding Sara's clothes, with our baby on the bed next to me, tears started streaming down my face. </div><div></div><br /><div>Through this "journey of grief," I have never tried to push certain feelings away. As the different emotions arise, I just "roll with them." Of course, there have been tears, but that was my first time since we were in the hospital on Sara's final day, that tears have flowed like that. I had been waiting on an emotional outpouring...and it happened.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>This past week, Chloe received a package in the mail. It was sent from Sara's cheerleading coaches from high school. Sara was the head cheerleader at Deer Park High School 11 years ago and absolutely loved being a cheerleader. After we were married, it was not uncommon for Sara to get excited and spout off a cheer from her high school days. I would look at her, shake my head and just laugh. If she got really excited, she would start to do those "cheerleader jumps." She was so full of life!<br /><br />Sara's coaches had a Build-A-Bear made wearing a DPHS cheerleader outfit. They also sent Sara's old cheer outfit for Chloe to have.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4x_kC5mErI/AAAAAAAAA3s/u_ZdEl1zWqU/s1600-h/DPHS+Cheer+Bear.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4x_kC5mErI/AAAAAAAAA3s/u_ZdEl1zWqU/s320/DPHS+Cheer+Bear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443866306814546610" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the an excerpt from the letter they sent to Chloe...</div><div style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><br />Dear Chloe,<br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">We wanted you to know a little bit more about your very special mother. She was a cheerleader here at Deer Park High School for four years, and she became a special part of our lives.</span><br /><br /><div style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">She was proud to represent her school, and she was committed to the success of her teammates. She always came into practice with the goal of helping everyone have a good day, and she wrote us a letter once telling us that one of her favorite things to do was to make us smile. We kept that letter and treasure it today.<br /></div><br /><div style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">We hope this bear will help you know the "spirit" your mother added to the lives of many students and teachers here at Deer Park.<br /></div><br /><div style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Our blessings to you as you grow,<br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">DPHS Cheer Sponsors</span><br /><br /></div>Here are a few more recent pics of the little lady.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4p5H5KeMTI/AAAAAAAAA3M/21hKNMxozZM/s1600-h/Chloe+5+months+1"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 302px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443296276141453618" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4p5H5KeMTI/AAAAAAAAA3M/21hKNMxozZM/s320/Chloe+5+months+1" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4p5HsH1P-I/AAAAAAAAA3E/IFV7NZlEMLY/s1600-h/Chloe+5+months"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 288px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443296272640720866" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4p5HsH1P-I/AAAAAAAAA3E/IFV7NZlEMLY/s320/Chloe+5+months" border="0" /></a><div></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4yETVMaGnI/AAAAAAAAA4E/DL82OgcHEZs/s1600-h/tummy+time+1.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S4yETVMaGnI/AAAAAAAAA4E/DL82OgcHEZs/s320/tummy+time+1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443871517225654898" border="0" /></a>This past week I heard a new song by Mark Shultz, called "Love Has Come."<object width="560" height="340"> It is one of my new favorites.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EIIAf2lS_Us&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-1702283662127730352010-01-29T20:40:00.000-08:002010-02-10T19:18:07.207-08:00The Darker the Night...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S3Nf5SlkULI/AAAAAAAAA1s/HgATBh5-Xew/s1600-h/CSC_0165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S3Nf5SlkULI/AAAAAAAAA1s/HgATBh5-Xew/s320/CSC_0165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436794613012910258" border="0" /></a><br />When Sara and I first met, back in June of 1998, we were camping at Garner State Park in West Texas. I asked her to dance, and that was the beginning of our journey together. After the dance that night, we spent some time together looking up at the stars in the night sky of West Texas. Fast forward to April 2003...after a 3 year "hiatus" in our relationship (i.e. Sara dumped me after I went to college in Florida), our lives reconnected and we were once again looking at the stars in the night sky outside of Austin, TX. We enjoyed looking at stars together over the course of our relationship.<br /><br />After Chloe goes to sleep, I enjoy some quiet time sitting on my back porch...thinking about life and looking up at the night sky. Tonight, I was on the porch and was amazed at how bright the full moon was. The moon was so bright, that it was casting shadows. As I looked up, longing to see the millions of stars (that I once looked at with my wife), I realized that I could only see a few because of the "light pollution" from the moon. The moon has an irradiance of zero, meaning that it does not give off any of it's own light. However tonight, the moon was lighting up the earth, from it's reflection of the sun.<br /><br />The thought occurred to me that "the darker the night sky, the more stars I can see...or...the darker it is, the more fully I can see God's glory."<br /><br />The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands. --Psalms 19:1<br /><br />The weeks following Sara's death and the journey of grief that has followed, have been some of the "darker times" in my life. However, along this journey, I have truly seen God's work and glory.<br /><br />As I came inside to put the latest "epiphany" on on paper, the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLSKSlJ0-2s&feature=related">"Cry Out to Jesus" by Third Day</a> was on the radio. Here are some of the lyrics...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">To everyone who's lost someone they love<br />Long before it was their time<br />You feel like the days you had were not enough<br />When you said goodbye<br /><br />And to all of the people with burdens and pains<br />Keeping you back from your life<br />You believe that there's nothing and there is no one<br />Who can make it right<br /><br />There is hope for the helpless<br />Rest for the weary<br />Love for the broken heart<br />There is grace and forgiveness<br />Mercy and healing<br />He'll meet you wherever you are<br />Cry out to Jesus<br />Cry out to Jesus<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">"I believe in Christ like I believe in the sun, not because I can look directly at it, but by it I can see everything else." -Author Unknown</span><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S3Nf57CfQrI/AAAAAAAAA10/vwkHp181LQ4/s1600-h/tummy+time.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S3Nf57CfQrI/AAAAAAAAA10/vwkHp181LQ4/s320/tummy+time.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436794623871632050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S3Nf5K1MNTI/AAAAAAAAA1k/NaC2DmrrXVQ/s1600-h/CSC_0162.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S3Nf5K1MNTI/AAAAAAAAA1k/NaC2DmrrXVQ/s320/CSC_0162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436794610930955570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S3Nf4_2KQ3I/AAAAAAAAA1c/uREC83LTnj8/s1600-h/CSC_0144.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S3Nf4_2KQ3I/AAAAAAAAA1c/uREC83LTnj8/s320/CSC_0144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436794607982232434" border="0" /></a></div></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-70827615792363460712010-01-28T05:46:00.000-08:002010-01-28T20:25:27.710-08:00Praying...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9pWNtxFI/AAAAAAAAA1U/nc5aVxvzLh0/s1600-h/Willow+Tree+-+The+Sullivans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9pWNtxFI/AAAAAAAAA1U/nc5aVxvzLh0/s320/Willow+Tree+-+The+Sullivans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431971881109275730" border="0" /></a>"The Sullivans"<br />by the Willow Tree Collection</div><br />Over the past month or so, I have been debating with myself about prayer. Let me start off by telling you that my faith has not been shaken by Sara's death, but made stronger. I feel like I have a better understanding of who God is, after going through this trial. However, as the human mind often does, I want to be able to understand and comprehend what is going on and why. This is a fruitless task, because God's word tells us that...<br /><br />"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts that your thoughts." --Isaiah 55:8-9<br /><br />Here are some of my thoughts on prayer...<br /><br />Why do we pray? If God is separated from time and knows what is going to happen in the future, what do our prayers accomplish?<br /><br />Do we pray to change God's mind or to change our hearts (to put them more in line with God's will)?<br /><br />Do we, as God's children, truly have free-will or are we predestined to follow the path that God has laid for us? Do our actions here have an effect on the future? If we have free-will, God knows all and is "separated from time" so, He knows what is going to happen in the future, so is it really free-will?!?<br /><br />Some of my conclusions...<br /><br />I pray because God tells me to. "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name..." --Matthew 6:9<br /><br />I pray because that is how I communicate with God. Relationships cannot exist without communication.<br /><br />God's mind has been changed in the past by the peoples prayers and God tells us "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." --Hebrews 13:8.<br /><br />So, if His mind has been changed in the past, the prayers of the people can change His mind today.<br /><br />I know that 1000s of people were praying for Sara, but God did not answer our prayers for earthly healing. I have often thought, "What if more people had prayed for her...would it have made a difference?" I do not think it would have.<br /><br />If I found out that my prayers would never change God's mind would I continue to pray? ABSOLUTELY! God's word tells us to "Be joyful always, PRAY CONTINUALLY; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." --1 Thessalonians 5:17<br /><br />Lastly, I do not think I will ever be able to know the answer to the free-will/predestination debate on this side of Heaven.<br /><br />The following passage is what I read last night in STREAMS IN THE DESERT.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Before we can establish a new and deeper relationship with Christ, we must first acquire enough intellectual light to satisfy our mind that we have been given the right to stand in this new relationship. Even the shadow of a doubt here will destroy our new confidence. Then, having seen the light, we must advance. We must make our choice, commit to it, and take our rightful place as confidently as a tree is planted in the ground. As a bride entrusts herself to the groom at the marriage altar, our commitment to Christ must be once and for all, without reservation or reversal.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Then there follows a time of establishing and testing, during which we must stand still until the new relationship becomes so ingrained in us that it becomes a permanent habit. It is comparable to a surgeon setting a broken arm by splinting it to keep it from moving. God too has His spiritual splints He wants to put on His children to keep them still until they pass the first stage of faith. Sometimes the trial will be difficult, but "the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10). - A.B. Simpson</span><br /><br />Now, for what most of you have been waiting for...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8_HQwyPIGljHHII2dM2GOvZ_8wBS_-QHvTM8wBTxbysIAAQrwUgNIUwnv5uHtzBvjLVsoA6TrqUlreKIywA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />"Chloe discusses her dreams with Nannie (my mom)."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9ZptjaCI/AAAAAAAAA1E/4lQLQj9mxCs/s1600-h/CIMG5333resized.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9ZptjaCI/AAAAAAAAA1E/4lQLQj9mxCs/s320/CIMG5333resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431971611465181218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9ZZHPWLI/AAAAAAAAA08/oN6en5QLKsM/s1600-h/Chloe+White+Hat+-+resized.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9ZZHPWLI/AAAAAAAAA08/oN6en5QLKsM/s320/Chloe+White+Hat+-+resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431971607009515698" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9ZI1Fh5I/AAAAAAAAA00/DBe7itlV-Ss/s1600-h/Chloe+Smile.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9ZI1Fh5I/AAAAAAAAA00/DBe7itlV-Ss/s320/Chloe+Smile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431971602638407570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9Y-hQHVI/AAAAAAAAA0s/lHg7yl4_F2U/s1600-h/CGS+Thinking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9Y-hQHVI/AAAAAAAAA0s/lHg7yl4_F2U/s320/CGS+Thinking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431971599870860626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9YjSUYCI/AAAAAAAAA0k/LSpAfn_gF4E/s1600-h/CGS+Pink+Ribbon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9YjSUYCI/AAAAAAAAA0k/LSpAfn_gF4E/s320/CGS+Pink+Ribbon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431971592560468002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Update on the Ertmers - Brad, Holly, and Ethan are doing great. Holly had a checkup with the neurologist this week, and he said things look good. The tumor was benign, but Holly will continue to visit with the neurologist twice a year for the foreseeable future.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9pOvicoI/AAAAAAAAA1M/fC0GNFTtmPc/s1600-h/Uncle+Brady+and+Ethan.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S2I9pOvicoI/AAAAAAAAA1M/fC0GNFTtmPc/s320/Uncle+Brady+and+Ethan.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431971879103656578" border="0" /></a>Uncle Brady and Ethan<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you for your prayers for them. They TRULY appreciate them, as well. Thanks for checking up on us.<br /></div></div></div></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3135545705452613286.post-24312078999316250732010-01-10T18:58:00.000-08:002010-01-14T18:31:29.008-08:00Save A Place For Me...As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2010, I felt a physical weight lifted from my shoulders. A fresh start to a new year. I am choosing to move forward with life. I almost feel guilty saying that, because it sounds like I am choosing to forget about Sara. That is NOT the case. I am the person that I am because of the couple that we were. At my grandpa's funeral last week, the pastor said, "...memories are God's gifts to us." The memories of Sara and I continue to mold me into who I am.<br /><br />When Sara and I moved to San Antonio, we quickly became friends with the Ertmers. Holly was pregnant with their first child and when Sara was on bed rest (at home), Holly would drive her to the bi-weekly fetal testings at Wilford Hall. When Sara had her seizure at the house, I called the Ertmers after calling 911. They were at our house within minutes of the ambulance arriving, and I left Chloe with them and went in the ambulance with Sara. They were the first people that we ever left Chloe with. Since Sara's death, they have become like family. Holly always said that when we talked about Sara, Ethan (their baby) would kick like mad.<br /><br />This past week, Holly started having headaches. The headaches worsened and on Wednesday morning, her vision started to blur and her left arm started to go numb. They went to the OB and he ordered a MRI. Hours later, Brad and Holly listened to the doctor tell them that their was a tumor on Holly's pituitary gland in her brain...and it was bleeding. They soon found out that a C-section was scheduled for the following morning and brain surgery would occur within a few days. As I was driving to the hospital to visit them on Wednesday night, I thought "could this really be happening?!?" Needless to say, Holly was scared.<br /><br />On Thursday morning, I got a phone call before going to work. It was Holly and she wanted to tell me that she was not scared anymore. Her new nurse came in and introduced herself...her name was Sara.<br /><br />Thursday afternoon, Holly had a C-section and Ethan Michael was welcomed to the world as healthy as can be.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S0_OH2soOPI/AAAAAAAAAzc/J_csMGSP8e4/s1600-h/The+Ertmers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S0_OH2soOPI/AAAAAAAAAzc/J_csMGSP8e4/s320/The+Ertmers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426782710341843186" border="0" /></a>The Ertmers<br /><br /></div>Friday morning, Holly was wheeled back into the operating room for brain surgery. I'm not very well versed in brain surgery, but after a procedure which went up her right nostril, drilled through her sinus cavity and lanced the tumor with a razor wire, the problem was solved. Hours later, she was in recovery and after one night in the Neuro ICU, the Ertmers were back together.<br /><br />Sunday evening, the Ertmers arrived at home as a family of 3.<br /><br />Please add the Ertmers to your prayers, as they have some more follow up appointments with the neurologists in the near future.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S0_OIK_-EzI/AAAAAAAAAzk/ArZDVvFP6Qg/s1600-h/DSC_0344.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pAQrxtwufM4/S0_OIK_-EzI/AAAAAAAAAzk/ArZDVvFP6Qg/s320/DSC_0344.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426782715791676210" border="0" /></a>Chloe Grace - 4 months<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is a new song that I really like. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUjL6bVD2vw">"Save A Place For Me"</a> by Matthew West. Click the title to hear the song.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. --Phillipians 4:11</div></div>The Sullivanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12834090602133429932noreply@blogger.com52