The Texan & The Canadian » Uncategorized

80 years!

Melissa — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:48:11 +0000

On September 2nd my Pawpaw turned 80 years old. I wanted to have fireworks and a huge party but alas it was not within my grasps to make happen. Instead he drove to Austin for the weekend. We had several family members here to celebrate and we cooked up a storm. Sean made one of the largest briskets I’ve ever seen! It turned out amazing!!! He also made smoked sausage on his grill. He’s turning into a truly gifted grill master. I made coleslaw and baked beans and I made two different pineapple upside down cakes, Pawpaw’s favorite. A new one for me, but I was told that the traditional one I made turned out quite well.

We had several family members make the trip. My great aunt Jean and great uncle James, my aunt Barbara and uncle Mickey, and my cousin Thomas and his girlfriend Vanessa. They also brought their dog Bruce. Our puppies had a good time getting to know Bruce, though I think Bruce was a little unsure about the whole situation.

After lunch we headed to the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, TX to see a baseball game. Thankfully the weather was wonderful and the Round Rock Express team won!

(Left, me and Sean. Right, me and the birthday boy.)

All in all it was a great day and good weekend. Pawpaw asked what we would do for his 85th. I’m just glad to know he’s here and healthy, and we can actually look forward to an 85th birthday.

Happy Birthday Pawpaw!

She’s Here

Melissa — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:00:32 +0000

Bella, that is! Jason and Ying had baby number two today. She is a beautiful bouncing baby girl and we can’t wait to meet here. For now you can all stare at the cute photo. Congratulations to Jason, Ying, and big brother Aiden!

Sometimes it is best not to ask what the week will bring.

Melissa — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:09:47 +0000

So at the beginning of this week I thought to my self, “week what do you have in store for me.” Soon after that thought I found out that I didn’t get the job I was hoping for. I didn’t worry too much about it, as the truth is getting interviews is a step in the right direction. Then Tuesday afternoon I received a phone call, my Dad went into the hospital. He had gone in to septic shock. He had apparently had sepsis for several days. Once in the ER they started intravenous antibiotics, by Thursday morning he was showing good signs of recovery. Dad acts like this was just life, but the truth is we came very close to losing him this week.

It is one of those moments you never want to think about, and it kind of knocks the wind out of you when you do. My Dad and I may not always see eye to eye, but I am who I am because he was part of the team that raised me. I want my kids to know my father in order to know me best. I think knowing both my parents explains a lot of who I am and the way I am (I say that with love and a bit of frustration ). As for the moment, he has returned home and will be taking antibiotics via a picc line for the next six weeks. Once they have run their course the decision about amputating part of his foot will come into play. This is not the first time my father has had sepsis, as he has open wounds in his feet (caused from diabetes). These open wounds are a great source of infection. The doctors were unsure as to the outcome, but the next six weeks are critical. He has to stay off his feet, receive antibiotics for two hours a day, and rest a lot.

I’m glad he pulled through, and although I’m scared and frustrated at the situation I am glad to know he is still with us. I appreciate all the support we received from friends during this time. Without the village of amazing people around us here in Austin I don’t know where we’d be. I am also grateful for the amazing family we have, Sean and I are truly blessed by the family we have been given.

As for next week, I’ll just wait for it. No questions here.

We’ve adopted

Melissa — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:04:57 +0000

Well I know that’s a bit of a surprise, since I haven’t posted in a while, but we’ve been very busy and quite overwhelmed. So about a week ago we decided our lives were missing something and while we were in San Antonio we stopped in to the San Antonio Great Dane Rescue. Yes I’m talking dogs not kids, what are you people crazy. Anyway we fell in love and the rest is history. They are doing really well and we can’t wait for friends and family to meet them. I will catch up with posting soon enough but for now meet our new additions, Duke and Daisy:

Homegrown Evolution

Melissa — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:53:41 +0000

This website is about sustainability, gardening and so much more. Erik Knutzen and Kelly Coyne write Homegrown Evolution, a blog that explores a fast-growing new movement: urbanites are becoming gardeners and farmers. Kelly and Erik are the authors of The Urban Homestead. They have researched and experimented with small scale urban agriculture since moving to their tiny bungalow in Los Angeles ten years ago. Check them out!

Oh Joy Eats!

Melissa — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:50:38 +0000

“Follow the adventures of a designer & foodie as she dreams of cupcakes, explores bánh mì shops, search’s for the best of the best, and then schemes what she”ll eat next.” There isn’t a lot of cooking on this website, but there is a lot of neat food and good eats as Joy takes you through the art that is food. Check it out!

Chic Steals

Melissa — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:04:05 +0000

“Luxury is a construct. Price is something determined not by quality of materials, difficulty of creation, or hand-craftsmanship; 80% of it is brand cache. Value becomes inherent when your own blood, sweat, and tears have created something. Steal that style by DIY! ” That is Carly J. Cais moto! Check her out at her website Chic Steals!

Centsational Girl

Melissa — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:34:41 +0000

Meet Kate from California. She runs a great website that has information on bargain hunter, design lover, and incurable DIYer. Check her website out!

Happy Sunflowers

Melissa — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:13:47 +0000

I just thought I’d share the beautiful sunflowers that have popped open in our garden. They are almost eight feet tall and are so beautiful in the evening and morning sun. I have to admit that gardening is one of my most favorite things about owning a home.

(Little hidden baby sunflowers, above. Big mammoth sunflowers, below)

Anna Maria Horner

Melissa — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:18:40 +0000

Do you love quilts, babies and fabric you will love Anna Maria Honer. She designs fabric, writes awesome practical books, and is just all around interesting. Check her out on her blog!