Back again

It has been awhile since I wrote anything here, so let’s give a quick wrap up as to what has been happening.

I have left my part-time job and am working more from home.  It has been nice being able to develop websites, and it has been fun.  My main site ejcross.com has been doing really well, so I wanted to branch off and created another site for niche marketing for beginners at blogexplosion.net.

I also have several other sites that I am working on, but one that is doing really good also is BestiPodStuff.com so if you are looking for anything related to iPods, better head on over and check it out too.

Work at the firehouse has been busy lately, but in the cold weather, it figures that we would be out a lot.  Last year we had almost 8,000 calls for service.  BUSY!

The family is doing really well and we are planning out our 2008 schedules in order to keep our business down some.  Tricia is doing really well with Usborne Books as an independent rep, so if you are looking for some great kids books, you need to check out her page at UsborneBookbag.com .

Well, I think that is the most info for now, so I  will try to get back here and keep posting a little more personal stuff every now and then.

Been awhile…

Ok, so it’s been a little ( a month) while since I have posted. I guess this is good news, as life has been back to somewhat of a normal pace. Tricia has been recovering really well, and is getting ready to get back to full normal life since surgery. Life around the house has returned to mostly normal, as in hectic and sometimes chaotic schedules, potty training, and errands, etc.

Natalie is doing really well, and is now on her break between first grade and summer school. She is doing really well and has enjoyed being out of school, but I think she is ready to get into summer school with her friends.

Phoebe is doing well, and it is amazing about how each day she seems to learn new words, talking better, and getting more “toddlerish” in her attitude. Is toddlerish a word? Well, if you have a toddler, I guess you can relate to what I am talking about. You know, the “come here now!” and you get the famous blank stare or the “no!” answer. It’s great!

A new adventure has also kept us busy as I have ventured into the world of web design now for good. I have started into my own business venture. You can find the home of “Red Truck Web Designs, LLC” now based at ejcross.com so stop by and check it out sometime.

Thanks to everyone also that supported us during our tough times by offering prayers, food, cutting the yard, running errands, and helping at the house. It means a lot to us knowing that when it gets really tough, there are people that are willing to step up and help out. We couldn’t have made it without you all!

My umbrella company.

Well, you have heard the expression, “When it rains, it pours”. So is the case right now.

As I am writing this, my wife Tricia is in the hospital, and I am in the hospital with Natalie. Tricia’s Crohn’s disease decided to rear its ugly head on Saturday night to the point that she couldn’t take it anymore. So, after she got admitted to deal with that, I guess Natalie got jealous and decided to have a pancreatitis attack.

Life just isn’t fair! Why can’t I win the lottery, and move my family (in good health of course) to a nice island where our servants can take care of every need?! I guess for beginners, I would have to play the lottery to stand a chance of hitting it big, right? And as for life being fair, that’s a no brainer. Life isn’t about being fair. It’s not about getting everything handed to you with a silver spoon. Life is life, and it’s how you deal with it that counts.

He’s Stuck!

Well, the other night as we were enjoying some family time, we settled in and were watching the Red’s game on the television.  Sounds innocent enough, right? 

Funny part is that we were trying to teach Phoebe how to say, “Swing, batter batter batter” like you would at the games.  She was doing pretty good with it, at least as good as a two year old can do.  We were trying to get her to watch for the ball, help them catch it, and were talking about going and seeing a local team play sometime.

Well, they were showing a replay, and Phoebe was fascinated with watching them swing at the ball, getting her saying down a little more, when the t.v. froze during the replay.  You know, the modern marvels of someone forgot to push the button in the control room at the station to play the ‘film’ over again?

“He’s stuck!”

Not sure what she meant until we looked and saw the picture of the player just standing there, mid-point in swing at the ball.  We just laughed ourselves silly…only from the mouths of babes!

My wonderful wife

Let me tell you about the most wonderful wife a man could ask for.

When I first met Tricia, I had no idea that life would lead us together. We enjoyed fun times, and eventually, I “popped” the question. Since that day, I couldn’t imagine life without her. We have been through some really tough times together, things like when Natalie became sick and suffered her brain injury. Now, we are going down the road with Crohn’s disease.

I don’t know how she does it each day, but she is a blessing and an amazing woman. She inspires me, gives me hope and strength, and the courage to be a better man. She has an uncanny ability to read people, which has helped us out a lot. Her desire to be a better wife and follower of Christ is a driving force behind my desire to be a better husband. Her desire to be a better mom, more patient and loving, is stretched thin at times, but she always keeps going each day.

Tricia, I love you and thank you for each day we have together. Thank you for putting up with me, and for being there for me at all times. I only hope that I can be as strong for you as you are for me.