10 Years Sobriety

Ten years ago on a Sunday morning in September, Michael woke up with a hangover and he said something that he had said hundreds of times before, "I am never going to do this again!" but this time he really meant it. I really don't know too much about those years when he was an alcoholic but I have heard a few stories. They were not good years for Michael. That summer he decided to start going to church and pay tithing. Two weeks later, he met me! He tells me that he thinks that the Lord was just waiting for him to get his stuff together before He could send him a good woman. People have always thought that is was because of me that Mike straightened up but when we met he was on fire spiritually and I had no idea that he had an alcohol problem. Looking back at it all, I was really quite naive to marry a recovering alcoholic but I know that the Lord had a hand in the whole thing and I really think that he blinded me to Michael's past because he knew Michael's potential and that he would turn out to be an amazing husband, father, and man. Over the years I have watched Michael help others with their addictions. They would tell me, "If Michael Nash can do it then I can too." He is compassionate and people can relate to him because of his experience with addiction. He still struggles with it. He avoids the cooler isles in the grocery stores and convenient stores and we don't sit by the bar in restaurants. Michael's strength amazes me! I am sure that it might shock people to know all of this about him and he isn't proud of it but it has definitely made him the man he is today and I love him that much more for it.
So every year around this time, we celebrate the anniversary of his sobriety. Nothing special just a quiet celebration. Here's to ten years, Michael! I am so very proud of you!

New Arrival!

Congrats to my amazing, strong, and beautiful little sister Royeal for bringing another precious baby into the world!

Little miss Makiah Elaine made her debut four weeks early, weighing six pounds, and with a condition called

Gastroschisis. Basically in the early stages of pregnancy the abdomen encloses while the intestines remain outside of the body. This is Royeal's second child with this condition.

I am amazed at her strength and her incredible attitude! It is hard enough to bring a baby into this world and then add on a struggle like this and anyone would feel tested but Roy handles it all with a such great outlook!

First day in the NICU. The intestines are in a silo to protect it from infection.

Day three.

After surgery.

Although Royeal is home, Makiah will remain at Primary Children's for 6 to 12 more weeks. It is hard for me to be so far away and not be able to visit and help her with her kids and stuff but I call her once in awhile for updates.

Love you like life Roy boy!!!

Thanks for a cute little niece!!!

Dam Good Time!

WARNING: Brief nudity below. Don't say that I didn't warn you!!!

Labor Day means camping out with the Nash family. This year we went up to Little V, at least that is what Mike calls it, up by Bassett Springs. There are a few things you have to expect when you get Mike's family together, discussions on politics, religion, random crazy humor, air soft gun wars, and sibling nit picking, all friendly though of course.

Cami and Kathy washing up!





While cleaning out our Expedition, Mike found a wig Mikie got at the dollar store and he started reliving his glory days of having a mullet. He keeps begging me let him grow another one except that he would call it a skullett because he is bald on top! Either way I say HELL NO (pardon my french)!!!

He thinks he has to beat off all the ladies with a stick!


Madse

Janae, Cami, and Kathy waiting for the DAM tour.


Blurry but oh so adorable!

Little Miss Hallie mimics everything that her big brother and sisters do.

WARNING!!!

It's that nudity I was cautioning you about! Close your eyes and scroll down if you are faint of heart!

Crack kills!!!

We were waiting to take our dam tour and were just wasting time being silly. We sat there and watched people's reactions as they drove past us across the dam! It was great fun! My crack is legitimate but mike's is just a half moon! FURLICIOUS!!!

Here is a picture of cute May May to get the last image out of your mind!

Uncle Matthew and Hallers!

Mikie and Ashley found a dead bird and tried scaring every one with it.

Kathy was not scared!

Randi did a good job pretending to be grossed out!

They gave it a proper burial. I feel bad for the grounds keeper when he finds that!

Ash and her cousin Rylan at the dam tour center.

DAM

The Green River

The dam tour! Looks very interesting huh!

Hallie throwing signs!

Randi girl and Matthew

Looking down at the fish that were as big as her!

Jon and Jeff came up to see us!!!

Somebody is worn out!

Mitch being Mitch!

Mac and Betta warming up by the fire.


It rained all night soaking everybody. Mike was proud that his tarp kept him dryer than any
of the people in the tents. The babies and I were warm and dry in the car thank goodness!

The next morning we, when I say we I mean everybody but me cause I was in the car staying dry with the kids he he, broke camp as soon as we could and headed home.