Every-day Heroes

Tonight Joe and I sat down with the most random group of people: from Police Officers, Hostage Negotiator, Banker, Immigration's Lawyer, to students-all with one thing in common, stop human trafficking. Yes, it's a problem in Texas, USA-biggest one being lack of awareness-and this is our first hurdle and reason for coming together from all kinds of backgrounds. "Evil flourishes because good men do nothing", and there's a LOT to be done! I was happy to be one of the "nobodies" in the room, just taking it all in and letting the big names talk (my voice is half-gone right now and I almost didn't go to the meeting). Then one of the spokeswomen of the group turns to me and asks if I can be the spokesperson for her, poor thing lost her voice COMPLETELY attending conferences all yesterday long...kinda put things in perspective. Christina Goode, your a soldier, sweetie. An ordinary mom with a tireless, fearless strength, despite personal set-backs and every-day difficulties. You're one of my heroes!

Joe and I with some of the board of Texas Anti-Trafficking In Persons and Child Sexual Exploitation Coalitions

Baby Joy!

For those who don't already know, we are happily expecting our new little boy April 15th, 2010 (Names still pending...). I'm so overwhelmed and oblivious all at the same time. No matter if I've gone through every PG trademark, or the fact that little junior has crazy kick-boxing skills, it won't REALLY hit me until he's in my arms:)

16 weeks

6 months

9 MONTHS!

Yes, of MARRIAGE! Crazy fast and Loving it! And, yes, we already posted a similar picture, but Joe's sleeping (ah-hah) and I love this one because of the "right now the world needs a hero" sign behind us-Joe is definitely the hero in my world:) Love you, baby!

Camping in Cali!

Just about 45 min into the mountains, somewhere in between San Jose and Santa Barbara, Joe, John, Koari, Rosie, and I got to spend 2 days in a little hide-a-way by the beautiful coast! Though the water was FREEZING, beer, beer brats, A-MAZ-ING local burgers, hikes along the beach, quests for more campfire, and did I mention un-limited marshmallow roasting, was more than a very happy birthday kick-back for me and my man! Can't wait to go back next year!

NY!

Thank you Santi and Karen! We had an AWESOME time! We love you guys! see you soon!

Little Joe

We landed in Houston, and got to spend a couple days there visiting with family and friends. BIG THANK YOU to Jer for picking us up at the airport! It was nice to get to see Mila and the kids (they're getting so big) and be able to visit with little Joe, Ambie, and Jude!  Little Joe had a great time getting to play with his little cuz, Connor (also just 1), Uncle Jason, Auntie Lori, and Auntie Rosie. We took about a million pictures of all the fun, so instead of posting the "top 20", just made a slide-show. ENJOY!!

Sonia and Jamie's Wedding

We were happily able to attend the union of Joe's good friend, Sonia, with long-time novio, Jamie. Though just "la firma" part of the ceremony, there was nothing mundane about this gathering; elegant and extravagant, is more what comes to mind. Starting with entree's and pisco sours, guests enjoyed the live entertainment from Marinera dancers and caballo's del paso (dancing horses). After the speeches, ceremony, and toasts, we were all surprised with the bride's personal performance of the traditional Trullian dance, Marinera, and went on to feast on some of Peru's best dishes-THANK YOU Aunt Mary and crew! The servers started making whisky rounds, and then, it was all madness! It's fun watching EVERYONE pile onto the dance floor, tables shift, friends catch up and make some new ones, before finally calling it a night. Felicitaciones Sonia and Jamie!