It seems years since I have been on here.  Things stay the same even as they change.  Stephi is back in fine form in Stephenville, six periods per day in my classroom — and she eats lunch with me.  My little proletariat has a job now at Comet Cleaners, and she is excited at the prospect of earning some money (as am I for her!!!)  She is doing great.

Rainey sent me a text message today informing me that she saw the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza today “and they were magnificent.”  Her boyfriend’s grandmother bought them tickets to accompany her on a cruise leapfrogging the coast from Houston to Belize, so she took all our Mexican pesos and our best wishes with her last Saturday.  She is slated to return next Sunday.

Lorena is doing well.  Stephie and Rainey have described her new therapy apparatus as similar to a Johnny Jumper (or similar jumper that babies can stand up and jump in.)  They say that she can stiffen her legs so that she can stand with the support of the apparatus.  That alone is wonderful news because it will be working muscles that have been kept limber for the past three years only by the ministrations of Carlos and her other therapists.  She will be slowly strengthening those long- unused muscles, gaining suppleness, and preparing joints and tendons (that have been dormant for far too long) for standing and walking once again.  I believe with all my heart that she will stand and walk again — and I cannot wait for that day.

I have a ton and three quarters of stuff to get on here, but it is late, and I am tired.  Today I had after school tutoring at school, then at a homebound student’s home, then (the absolute highlight of my day!) a 6:30 p.m. meeting to discuss next spring’s prom preparations!!!  I thought I had died and gone to heaven!!!  Shortly after 8:30 p.m. (and FAR too soon, as far as I was concerned!), I (one of only two males awash in a sea of prom-planning-and-decorating-frenzied-estrogen) was dismissed from the meeting and allowed to finally go home and get a bite to eat FINALLY…

It was a good day, though, and I wish with all my heart that Lorena could have been part of it…  Someday she will…  Thank you all..

Hello from Stephenville.  It is late, and I just got home from work.  I just love these 13 hour teaching days.  Yeah!  Right!  Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that we are okay.

Monday was bizarre.  After teaching all day, I raced to DFW (as fast as one can race through bumper-to-bumper multi-lane-parking-lot-on-the-freeway rush hour traffic) where I raced in to find out where Lorraine was since her plane had come in early according to the electronic monitors.  Finally, I found an actual person who I could TALK to — who listened patiently and politely as I frantically (or maybe not) explained that I needed to find my poor little lost darling daughter who was obviously lost in the vast expanses of DFW airport.  After asking me when the plane was to arrive (and having been hysterically [or maybe not]) told), this nice man was able somehow to keep his composure as he told me that the plane would be arriving shortly — since I had arrived an hour early.  [Yes, I had taught all day, and met many appointments — but still I somehow got my time change changed.  I felt very much like Gilda Radner’s old SNL Roseanna Roseanna-Danna (for you old fogeys out there) as I meekly replied, “Oh, never mind…  And thank you.”

A short time later, a radiant Rainey arrived, so we raced to the exit of DFW — where we sat for a few minutes as she searched for the parking stub I had given her for safe keeping.  Finally, she found it where she had stuck it so she wouldn’t lose it so she could find it easily so we could quickly get on the road to Love Field in Dallas.  We laughed “gleefully” (i.e. ruefully) for a moment as I paid, and then raced on into the bumper-to-bumper multi-lane-parking-lot-on-the-freeway rush hour traffic on the way on into Dallas.  Almost to Love Field, the phone rang — with Stephi asking where we were.  She was at the baggage claim READY TO GET ON HOME.  A short time later, we were whooping and hollering together and loading up to go racing back into the bumper-to-bumper multi-lane-parking-lot-on-the-freeway rush hour traffic back to Stephenville.  Spotty rain (with none in Stephenville, of course) made the drive even more exciting, but traffic had cleared out some by the time we reached Weatherford.  The girls were excited and hyperactive at being back in the States.

Lorena is apparently doing great, and we will call her tonight.  I have to go right now to pick up Stephi, and I will try to get back on here some tomorrow.  The world has actually stopped spinning a bit (and that little inner ear experience made the drive even more exciting…)  All is well, though.  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers….

Michael in Stephenville.  I wasn’t feeling well yesterday, so I got talked into going to the doctor’s office.  Found out I have been blessed with bronchitis and inner ear infection.  (I knew something was wrong when I started trying to fall on my face everytime I stood up — and when I lay down, I had to grab hold of the bedstead to keep the room from spinning so fast that it would almost throw me off into the floor…

I was supposed to take a group of kids from school on a canoe trip down the Brazos River this morning, but when I told the doctor, he categorically said I couldn’t go unless I wanted to drown some kids.  He seemed to think that the inner ear is somehow important in paddling a canoe.  When I informed him that Tippecanoe is one of my favorite historical incidents, he was not amused.

Jorgito got married today, and the crew has headed down to the beach at Puerto Vallarta where they will frolic on the beach.  I wish I could be there with them.  Coach, you asked why I didn’t go.  It is simple finances.  It took close to $1000.00 USD to get the girls down there and back, and I need to get all the funds I can to Lorena for her care.  Anyway, I wish them the best, and I hope they have a wonderful time.  The girls then are supposed to fly back Monday.  Unfortunately, they could not get on the same flight, so Stephi will fly to Guadalajara, then to Houston, then to Love Field at Dallas.  Rainey will fly to Mexico City and then to DFW.  Getting them both is going to be bizarre.  NO STRESS!!!  They were to both fly into DFW, but Stephi’s flight was changed.  Yea!!!

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and prayers.  I wish all of you could hear Lorena laugh… 

Today has been a zoo.  Full day at school.  Then tutoring with Clint Warren.  Visiting with Rainey getting ready for her trip to Tepic.  Getting messages posted on here from exigent little girls in Mexico because I don’t have time to read my emails.  Talking to bank officials trying to find the best way to set up an international account for Lorena so that charges don’t eat up even more of our funds for her.  Several people have offered to help pay some of our bills.  I have been extremely touched but reluctant to accept such donations because the bills are my responsibility.  However, several of you make irrefutable arguments in favor of our accepting such help, so I am working with our bank folks to see just how we can do it.  I will let you know, and to those of you who have persevered (and called me an idiot occasionally), “Thank you!!!”

Tomorrow, we will head out to the airport at about 5:00 a.m.  Rainey is taking more of Lorena’s clothes down, including some of her formal wear so she can go to the Jorgito’s wedding.  I wish I could see that.  I wish even more that I could be there with Lorena so I could watch her see that.  Oh, well…

We love you all.  Lorena’s miracle continues.

Stephi, I will be checking the email, and I will be calling you at 10:00 p.m. your time.  I love you.  Give Mom my love.

Please do two things for two very important people:

1. Check the messages on this thing for LindaButterfly.

2. Read you email and reply back to me.

Ok, you have the instructions, Ready??!!….Seeeeeeeet?….GO!

: ) hahaha I´m so cute.

steph

Today’s post features more information from Rainey (that she never dreamed would be posted on here.)  My little darling is beautiful, and she now has a job as a massage therapist at a salon in Dublin (Texas, that is…) 

My Life…….

FOUR THINGS you may not have known about me…..
     1.  I’m not allergic to poison ivy
     2.  I was born in a former Nazi hospital in Germany
     3  .I have a two year old who is openly adopted and very happy!
     4.  I miss my mom every day.

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
    1.   Secretary
    2.   Massage Therapist
    3.   Waitress
    4.   Gift wrapper /cashier

B) Four movies I would watch over and over
    1   Wedding Crashers
    2   Little Giants
    3   Oklahoma
    4   Singing in the rain

C) Four places I have lived
    1   Frankfurt, Germany
    2   Stephenville, Tx
    3   Dublin, Tx
    4   I have only lived 3 places..: )

D) Four TV shows I love to watch:
   1   Will and Grace
   2   The Girls Next Door
   3   Barefoot Contessa
   4   Nip Tuck

E) Four places I have been on vacation:
   1   Tepic, Mx
   2   Cancun, Mx
   3   Destin, Fl
   4   The Ozarks

F) Four web sites I visit daily:  I don’t visit any regularly but these are the ones I check when I do get on.
   1  web site ? Hotmail
   2  web site ? My Space
   3  web site ?Food network
   4  web site ?

G ) Four of my favorite foods:
   1   Asian
   2   Italian
   3   German
   4   Mexican

H) Four places I would rather be right now:  (Actually, I would only rather be here w/ the people I love!)
   1   At the beach
   2   Skiing
   3   In Europe
   4   Singing

I) Four friends I think will respond:
    1   Dad
    2   Lya
    3   Trish
    4

Long day today.  Last night, I had dinner with Grace and Bill Schouten, along with Garrett, Kim, Tyler, and Carly.  Grace and Bill have moved to Mountain Lakes just south of Bluff Dale, and I had an incredible time with them.  The Schoutens are wonderful people and beautiful friends.  Grace, as always, prepared a feast, and the companionship was indescribably comforting.  Before I left, we called Tepic and had a superb conversation with Lorena and Stephanie — with ALL of us talking to the two of them.  Needless to say, there were lots of tears and laughter.

Today, I rode out to Lipan with Danny and Mindy Golightly and little Jenna (?).  [I just realized that I don’t know how they spell her name.  She is just one year old and BEAUTIFUL!!!  For those of you who don’t know, I worked with Danny there at Lipan (and commuted with him) for five years, so this was a very nostalgic trip.  Stacie Garrett Gary and Joe Gary were having an adoption shower for new son Luke (who was born September 29), and it was extremely touching.  This old man made a fool of himself boohooing all over the place.

Stacie was always like a daughter to me AND to Danny, and when she and Joe were unable to have children, she began discussing adoption with us, knowing that some of my siblings were adopted and that Lorraine had adopted Shane to Shelby and Andy.  Stacie met with Rainey and Shelby and Shane here at the house to discuss their adoption experiences.  Danny and Mindy had gone through the adoption process with Jenna, so they mentored Stacie as well.  As a result, our being all together there today was especially wonderful. 

Besides getting to see Stacie,  I was able to visit with Angie, Patty, Mattie, and a ton of other folks that I have not seen for years.  Patty is Kacy’s mother (Kacy is my missionary in Africa), and Angie is Kacy’s sister (and both are cousins to Stacie) — and all are incredible young ladies and favorite ex-students.   I have been so blessed by knowing all the folks I was with today.

Tonight, then, I called Stephanie and Lorena, and we had the singularly best conversation that we have had in ages.  I gave Lorena the greetings that all the different folks had given me to pass on to her, and there was a flood of tears on both ends of the conversation.  Lorena remembers all of you, and we ended up with great laughter…

You need to call either tonight, 6 oclock our time or tomorrow about 6 oclock.But check your email first, there is a change in plans…

thanks

xoxo

steph

Rainey sent me this “survey” she had filled out — and it will make a pretty doggone good post!!!  So, posterity, meet Lorraine Michelle Thomas Aguilar in this snapshot as a 19-year-old:  [the notes will be mine through paternity rights.]

1. FIRST NAME?      Lorraine
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?      My mom, Lorena [and the area of France/Germany]
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?   This weekend.    [???]
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?     Yes, most of the time.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?  Chicken breast sliced so thin it’s falling apart.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?   YES!.I am awesome!
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? yes
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? ….Someone might have to convince me.    [But she will dress out a deer in her formal heels after prom!!!]
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?    Organic Granola…yumm
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I don’t tie my shoes..: )  [This is the flip-flop queen!!!]
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?      Yes, but it really depends on who I am around.
13 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?  Any sorbet or vanilla bean….yes, Audrey, that one of the million things we have in common!
15. FAVORITE COLOR?      Blue or bright pink.    [Rainey is definitely Mexican -- and the love of those "Latino" colors is definitely genetic.  I am an earth-tones type guy...]
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU?  I wish I was a better time manager.  [She got her love of color from her mom, but THIS is what she inherited from me...]
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?     My mommy.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?     Yes.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?     Blue jeans and white and lavender tennis shoes.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE?  A quesadilla with tortillas I made from scratch last night!  [That is my little Mexican!]
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?   The computer buzz.
22 IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? The really pretty bright blue one that is in every basic box of Crayolas!
23. FAVORITE SMELL?     leather, Gucci II, Chrome, and camp fire
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Audreeeee
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?     Their eyes.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I love her love her love her!!!
27. FAVORITE DRINK?     Water,sweet tea, and starbucks passion fruit tea with lemonade melon syrup and light ice!
28. FAVORITE SPORT?     Soccer!
29. EYE COLOR? Hazel
30. HAT SIZE?  eh?
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?    no [nor glasses.  I don't know how she missed out on that!!!]
32. FAVORITE FOOD?  Any type of Oriental food…but who am I kidding I will eat anything.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?   No scary movies for me…Always pick the happy ending!
34.WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? My pink Breckenridge sweatshirt
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer but only if I have really good A/C
36. HUGS OR KISSES? I love them both!
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? hmm good question,Brownies or anything thats not too sweet.
38. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Stephi or Lya  [but Dad is most likely to post it on a blog...]
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Jeremy
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?  Currently none
41. What’s on your Mouse Pad? the American Flag
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?    Project Runway season finale…I’m still mad that Jeffery won : (
43. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SOUND?  The ocean
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?    Beatles all the way!  [Along with Carole King, the Monkees, anything by Gilbert and Sullivan, Rodgers and Hart, Rodgers and Hammerstein, etc., etc., etc.]
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME?     Mexico City [where Dad has been known to sneak up behind her (when he was not supposed to be anywhere in the country) in order to throw his coat over her head and grab her just to listen to her scream and use some Spanish that he did not even know she knew...  *giggle*  (Her subsequent quote was' "I was sure I was being kidnapped!!!"]
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?     Singing.   [GIFTED singing!!!]
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?    Frankfurt, Germany  [with her first international trip taken at two weeks of age to the Netherlands.  She was christened in a German Catholic church, and her godparents were Javier and Socorro Almeria.  (Javier was the Mexican Consul to Germany, and later to Iran.  However, they now live in Tepic just a few blocks from Lorena.)]
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?    Audrey Crutcher

[I love you, Rainey.  I will see you tomorrow at Grace and Bill's place for dinner.  We will call Mom from there.  Stephi, try to be around about 6:00 p.m. your time, or email us if you can't...]

Stephanie posted this today from Tepic.  We had a fantastic conversation last night.  One of her friend’s mother overdosed on prescription medication recently and, ultimately, was declared brain dead — so that her friend had to make the decision of whether or not to pull the plug.  Stephanie, understandably, was really torn up about it.  The friend (who is Steph’s age) was the one who discovered his mother unconscious and struggling desperately to breathe.  She said, “He turned his mother’s head and all this liquid came out.  Hearing that gave me a horrible flashback about Mom.”  My little girl, and far too many other kids, are having to grow up far too fast and deal with things that most adults have never had to deal with.  She is doing great, though.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Now, for something far more enjoyable.  Here is Stephanie’s post about Mexican parties that she finds very apropos…  [The notes will be mine.]

These are 15 ways you can tell if it is a Mexican party:

1. Some of the guests didn’t bring a gift – but they brought extra uninvited guests.

2. The part is separated into women cooking, men drinking, and kids playing.

3. The party is at Chuck E. Cheese, but they brought their own food, cake, and a piñata.

4. It’s a child’s party, but there are more grown ups than children.

5. It’s Mijo’s 1st birthday ,and the party food consists of carne asada [grilled steak], arroz [rice], frijoles [beans], – and 10 cases of beer.

6. For entertainment, instead of playing pin the tail on the donkey, there is usually a televised baseball or futbol [soccer]game, or a live fight.

7. The party was supposed to be over at 5:00 pm, but it’s 7:30pm, and the party is just starting.

8. The host calls someone who’s on their way and tells them to stop and get some tortillas and ice.

9. You hear someone go up to the birthday child and say, “Mira, que lindo. [Look how pretty.]  I’m going to have to get you something next week when I get paid.”

10. The party is Saturday, and you get a call from the hostess Friday night saying,”I’m giving Mijo a birthday party tomorrow at 3:00 pm.”

11. Some guests bring gifts that are still in the Wal-Mart bag.  [That would be ME -- and I am not even Mexican!!!]

12. The cake didn’t come from the store; it came from the mother of the comadre of your best friend’s sister who makes really good cakes.

13. You are told you have to save your plate and the fork you ate your food with — so you can eat your cake.

14. Guests automatically wrap up a plate of food and cake to take home.

15. I t’s Mijo’s birthday, but since his cousin Maria is there and her birthday is in a few days, it becomes Mijo’s and Maria’s party.

[I will even add some more:

16.  Ultimately, a huge crowd of kids are in the patio or the carport, drowning out all conversation, by frantically screaming, loudly singing "Dale, dale, dale" (the piñata song), swatting at a piñata, or scrabbling for candy from the piñata -- as a couple of adults try to keep someone from getting brained by the broom handle being used to break the piñata.

17.  Someone gets bonked by the broom handle amid great crying and gnashing of teeth.

18.  Someone's face will get crammed down into the cake as everyone chants, "Mordita!  Mordita!"  ["Little bite!"]

19.  A mini food fight will result, or someone will get kissed with a face full of cake icing.

: )

so true..  [And memories revived of some wonderful times...]

-stephanie

[Thanks, Darlin'.  I love you.  Give Mom my love...]