Can't stop the Signal

Give the Taliban a vote? Really??? Ok, where is the candid camera guy?

2012-01-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

Hello,

It's me again. Hank the cowdog. Head of ranch security.

Sorry to stray of the ranch, but this is important.

Dear pentagon.

Please explain the following quote?

While speaking about the Desecration of dead Taliban fighters bodies,
John Kirby pentagon spokesman said this:
"the enemy gets a vote here too. We have already seen them react with statements about how offended they are by these and how they might lash out as a result. "

Really? I am sooooo sorry they are offended. I am offended by their treatment of women. I am offended by their beheading of anyone that disagrees with them. I am even more offended by the apparent amount of respect you think they deserve.

I am offended by your statement.

Are we to kowtow to the Taliban? Are you afraid they may unfriend you on face book?

This is being posted on the DOD page because the pentagon is under the DOD.

Can't stop the signal

Fireballbrady

2 years and counting

2012-01-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hello,

It's me again.

Hank the cow dog. Head of ranch security.

I wanted to share something that is on my heart.

Today is the two year anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the country Haiti.

It was two years ago today. That morning, my sister called my cell phone.

Her: What are you doing right now?

Me: Driving to my firs job. Who died?

We had not had a very good year and the last few calls that had started that way had been to let me know a Family member had died.

Well, my sister let me know that a major earthquake had hit port au prince.

The next month was quite a whirlwind. Culminating in our children coming out of Haiti.

For that, I am thankful. No matter how hard it has been, I know God has plans.

Please remember those still in haiti. Please support mission work in Haiti.

Can't stop the signal.

Fireballbrady

Body cleanse, soul cleanse. Both were needing some attention.

2011-11-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hello,

It's me again. Hank the cow dog. Head of ranch security.

Things sure move fast here on the ranch. Can't hardly believe that it has been 10 months since my last post.

Life has been pretty busy. We started a remodel back in march. We are almost done. When finished we will have a new dining room, a new library and... Drum roll please.... Our own bedroom. Yes!

In the last two years we have had to move our bedroom from one area of the house to another.

Every single room in our house has been our bedroom at one point of time or another in the last 2 years. Other than the kitchen and bathrooms.

That is all coming to an end!

My wife just sent me a picture of our insulated addition.

This means we will have it sheet-rocked by Thanksgiving (talk about something to praise God about!).

In other news, I am on day 5 of my 2 week juice fast.

The first thing people have been asking me is if this is for weight. Not really. More for a cleanse. Both physically and spiritually.

Not only have I been ignoring my physical needs, I have been ignoring my spiritual ones.

Part of the fast has been a daily dose of the Word. I was given Eph. 6 by a good friend of mine and have made that my daily chapter. Today I also read Phil. 1:1-11. Verse 9 is my favorite.

In the 4 days I have been doing this, I have felt tired, sick, grumpy, edgy (whooo was I ever edgy on day 3).

Today, being day 5, I actually feel... normal. Almost like I wasn't juicing.

My goal, is to finish out my 2 week cleanse, and continue with a vegan diet through March. Ultimately, I would love to be back down to my high-school weight of 185. Speaking of high-school, I have 1 year left until my 20 year reunion. If we have one.

Kind of hard with only 11 people from your graduating class.

On to other news.

The kids are all doing very well. They are my jawas. My tribe. They guys I works with call them the "terrorists". Nice guys.

Speaking of the jawas. Here are some updated pics:

Titus:

Maddie:

Umm... Jem:

Jem and Titus at the Aquarium

Isaiah (Most likely saying "He did it!")

Annabelle and Isaiah and Jem at the Aq!

And Annabelle getting her first pair of Chucks!

Here is my wife and Jem!

And and older pic of all the kids.

Dang, this pic is nearly 1.5 years old.

I love my family.

This is the hardest job I have ever had. It is also the most rewarding.

Concerning regular work (the cash paid variety):

I have been trying really hard to learn stuff for work. IE: SQL, C# and several other variants of coding to be used here. Man, is this stuff boring to learn, but *insert Yoda voice* "Powerful you will become". There is a lot you can do with programming skills.

Well, as I sit in my office, taking a break, listening to Mumford and Sons, I am very content. And thankful.

Hope you are too.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

.

365 days later.... Last week on Lost

2011-01-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hello again.

It's me. Hank the Cowdog.

Head of Ranch Security.

You know it's official. I capatalized the 1st letter of the main words.

Things on the ranch sure are crowded.

I had a long post I was planning to put here. I decided to wait.

I want to make it coherent.

So, here is a great pic of the fam.

Everyone in this picture has the last name of Brady. Officially!

I love you all.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Right Wing Manifesto: We the People.

2010-11-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

HELP Haiti Act (H.R.5283)

2010-11-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

HELP Haiti Act (H.R.5283)

The HELP Haiti Act was introduced by Representative Fortenberry in response to the needs of 1,200 children who entered the U.S. through Humanitarian Parole after the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010.

Using Humanitarian Parole to unite children with their adoptive families was a true act of humanitarianism. Unfortunately, a barrier still exists which causes significant and undue delays in providing American citizenship to these children. This is especially critical for older children who continue to ‘age out'

This bill grants no special considerations to the children but rather places them on the same path to citizenship enjoyed by all other internationally adopted children.

HELP NEEDED: Path to Citizenship for Haitian Adoptees!

2010-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks,

There is currently no path to citizenship for my 3 kids from Haiti (or any other orphans brought home after the earthquake).

Please read the following letter from the Joint Council and please contact your representatives! This is very important!

Please contact your reps. Ask them to leave the Help Haiti Act as is and to vote it into law.

Can't stop the signal,

fireballbrady

Dear Christopher Brady,

The last week has been full of twists and turns for the Help Haiti Act. Monday it was on the Congressional calender for a vote, then removed. Tuesday and Wednesday we discovered that the House Democratic leadership intended to tie a somewhat controversial piece of legislation, the DREAM Act, to the Help Haiti Act (click here for more information). Doing so could mean that the Help Haiti Act might not pass this year and would have a long upward fight in 2011. Today, however, we have seen a little bit of light. Sen. Reid announced that he plans to introduce the DREAM Act into the Senate. Doing so would likely mean the DREAM Act would not be tied to the Help Haiti Act.

Politics can change very quickly here in Washington and everything could change again tomorrow, or later today. Therefore, over 1200 adoptive children from Haiti without a clear path to citizenship need you to continue to to call and email your Representative, asking them to support the Help Haiti Act. Please don't forget to ask your friends and family to do the same. The children need a loud and powerful voice - the voice of thousands of America's granting them the right every U.S. adopted child should have - citizenship. So, please keep the phone calls and emails coming!

How You Can Help

Today, as early as possible, please do the following:

1) Contact via phone and/or email your Representative and respectfully request their support of the Help Haiti Act. For detailed information regarding the legislation, please read below. To find your Representative, please click here.

2) Once you have contacted your Representative, please let us know by e-mailing betheanswer@jointcouncil.org.

3) And the new step...ask your friends and family, post on your facebook page, blog and twitter. Ask them to call their Representative and request their support of the Help Haiti Act and email the support to betheanswer@jointcouncil.org.

4) Follow our blog for updates on the Help Haiti Act until it passes - betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com

As always, we extend our appreciation for your continued partnership with Joint Council and your anticipated participation in supporting the Help Haiti Act.

Thank you for your help,

Rebecca Harris

Director of Programs & Services - Joint Council

September 11th, A Celebration and two sets of twins.. Kinda.

2010-09-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's me again.

Hank the cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

It has been a while since I have updated the security logs so I thought today would be a great day to do that.

Today marks 2 things. 1st, it marks the 9th anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. A day when men became heroes in the face of certain death. Firefighters, Police men and average people came together to try to save those in danger and in the course of those events, sacrificed their own lives for that of complete strangers.

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

I want to thank our men and women in uniform. Military, Fire, Police, EMT... You name it. You put on that uniform everyday. It is your job to help others. Thank you.

To the families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. God Bless you. You are in my prayers. I have several brothers in the military and I can't imagine the pain and loss you have experienced. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Not everything that has happened on 9-11 was bad. 3 years prior to the attacks, my beautiful wife said "I do."

Through thick and thin, she agreed to be my wife. My soulmate. The mother of my children (all 5 of them now).

Man, am I lucky!

WOOT!

Today, we are celebrating our 12th anniversary.   It is always hard to try to go our and "celebrate" on this day. No one seems to want to see people being happy.    I figure this is how people felt back in the 40's if they had their anniversary on December 7th.

On to family business.

We no longer have a set of twins. We have 2 sets of twins.

Let me explain.

Titus and Isaiah have been twins on paperwork since we started this journey.

We have known the twins (on paper for 3 years).

Titus is wicked smart for a 3 year old. Now we know why!

He lost 2 of his bottom teeth. Not un heard of, but rare for a 3 year old.

We took him and Isaiah into the dentist to see if we can get an age approximation and cleaning.

2 dentists looked at the xrays.   Titus is not 3. Not with his 6 year molars coming in.

So, on Titus's birth cert, it shows October 24, 2004. 9 days after Jem's birthday.

On some of the other paperwork we got, it shows Isaiah's birthday as being January 2, 2007.

The dentists said that Isaiah's teeth look like your average 3 to 4 year olds. Titus's teeth are those of a 5 to 8 year old!

Hmmmmm....

How do we go from Twin 3 year olds to something completely different?

We asked Jem how he would feel if he was Titus's twin, instead of Isaiah? He didn't want that.

He said he didn't want brown skin!   We explained that he wouldn't have to look like Titus, but that they would be really close in age. He was excited about that!

So, Titus and Jem are our soon to be 6 year old twins.

Annabelle and Isaiah are only 1 month apart and are now the 3 year old twins.

Maddie wants one now.

Today, all 5 kids are going to my parents house to spend the day and night. 1st time we will get the opportunity to spend a whole day together by ourselves!

And now Annabelle is crying about something... I need to check on her.

And I am back. It was Titus. He got sent to his room for hitting maddie. After 30 minutes we talked about hitting girls and how boys never hit girls. Period. He went and apologized to his Mom and to Maddie. I told him " Your free! Go play!".

He stopped. Looked at me and said "I am not free."

I went over to him and said " What do you mean?"

He then said "I am not free. I am five."

Yes you are my son.

We are off to drop off the munchkins!

I get my wife all to my self for 30 hours!

*INSERT EVIL LAUGHTER HERE*

I am done for now.

can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

p.s. I don't know how my wife still looks like a teenager. Not that I am complaining.
beware the man in the hat....

Who is your Hero or Heroine?

2010-06-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

She works every day. All day long.

She provides a good role model to our kids.

She handles the hard stuff. I get to disapear to work and she never gets to leave it.

She cooks and cleans. She fixes toys and injuries. She never gets a day off.

She spends every waking moment, from 7 am till at least 7pm every day taking care of 5 other people.

She is my counselor in times of pain and suffering.

She is my nurse when I am injured (WHOO HOOO!)

She is married to me.

She is amazing.

She is my wife.

Thank you Beauty,

I love you with all my heart.

love

me

Lost in Translation: Vans for sale by russians.

2010-05-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

It's me again.

Hank the cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

The hunt is on.   With things becoming a little more normal (yeah... right) around here, we are on the look out for a mid 90's full size van.

The house is in constant turmoil.

But 5 kids does that to a house.

Kirsten is supergirl. Yes, she even has the cape and the hot outfit (i wish)

So, the run down:

Maddie: She is an awesome big sister. As bossy as she can be.    Seriously.... she is kind of like a modern day Tom Sawyer... "Oh, Boys!" and they come running. "Can you help me move this wood/dirt/pull weeds..." They always do it.

Jem: Big brother and 2nd in charge of Security here on the ranch. He is my local ninjaneer. Yes.. I did invent a word. Ninjaneer. He is a ninja and a professional lego engineer. Hence... Ninjaneer. His main job is protecting his Mom and siblings while I am at work.   They are always safe when I get home, so I would say that he is very good at his job.

The Twins: WONDER TWIN POWERS ACTIVATE! Man, what a handful. Titus is the evil genius who will take over the world or the next Tony Stark out to save the world.   I am on the fence right now.   Isaiah is a pleaser.... and we are quite sure that he is part pilbury doughboy. No joke. He even has the laugh.

At least neither have found my other motorcycle helmets yet. (A certain twin used one of my older helmets as a latrine.... yes... it was frakkin hillarious... glad you enjoyed it. Be nice or I will post a pic.. Not pretty)

Annabelle. What can I say. It is like living with a free walking muppet.   Jim Henson couldn't think this one up.

With all 5, it makes the sienna a bit small... So a hunting I will go.

That being said, I have to share my favorite craigslist ad for a van I have found:

van 1996 - $2199 (good)

good condition

works and start easy

bye

So, I emailed him:

umm,

1996 what?

How many miles?

What is the seating capacity?

You have to put more into an ad that this.

Seriously. Unless you are a spy and this is secret message....

Hmmm....

Let me know what you are selling.

chris

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/1741722260.html

Here was his reply:

YURI SIDOR

show details 9:10 PM (27 minutes ago)

are you okey? "Seriously. Unless you are a spy and this is secret message...." how would I do that ?

milesge 201k seats are 2 and 2 in back you can add more if you want like in limo in side,, ( i mean there is lights like chrismas only wite and more

i would put more but my lop top is down now

bye thanx for msge

bye

Humor is lost with translation.

Well, on with the hunt. I will post pics of what ever van we find.

If you have a 12 passenger van you want to sell for around 2k, let me know

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Post Surgery Update

2010-03-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

It's me. Hank the Cowdog.
Head of ranch security.

Things sure have changed here on the ranch. New cowhands all over the place.

Things sure do change when you add 3 bodies to this house. Kirsten and the big kids are adapting. Some days are better than others.

Jem seems to be struggling the hardest. We are working to make sure he still feels wanted and needed.

Each day when I leave the house, I make sure that he knows that he is the head of the house when I am gone. He is a real trooper. Right this moment he is trying to teach the newbies the alphabet.

Maddie is doing well. She has taken the roll of big sister to a new art. I am suprised she doesn't have them saluting her yet.

Kirsten just did Annabelles hair and it looks adorable. During the process she ended up with a mohawk. She looked so much like Mr. T.

Titus is a very interesting kid. He seems to need a stronger hand than Isaiah. We are doing well together. He behaves a ton more when I am home than when I am gone. So this time with me at home due to my wisdom teeth out should be beneficial.

Isaiah has realized that when he cries for little or no reason, he doesn't get anywhere. :-) He is a trooper. But he tends to get pushed or to fall down a little more than the other. I have a feeling that he will be the brute force in the house when he hits about 13. Built like a fridge!

My wife, is well, a super hero. She has a cold. She has no voice. She has a sick husband and a household full of little kids. She gets up each day and does what she has to do. She is amazing. And hot too. Don't tell her I said that.

I am doing great. Work is great. Life is great. Not easy. Just great.

the 21st century is when everything changes. You have got to be ready.

Drugs are kicking back in.

time for sleep

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

p.s.

Here are teeth.

Short Post/Update

2010-02-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hello again.

It's me, Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch Security.

Things are sure exciting with a whole sand crawler full of jawas! The kids are all on my bed, jumping right now. Maddie, Jem, Annabelle, Titus and Isaiah. They think it is hillarious.

I wanted to sleep in a bit!

Last night we played with iphoto and photobooth on my mac.

Hilarity ensued.

And then the effects kicked in

And the flashbacks....

We are still waiting on the DSHS office to get back to us about the kids medical, until the adoption is finalized, we can't add them to our insurance.

We had Congressman Rick Larsen stop by for a couple of hours and just hang out with us. He came with Kristen Lemieux and Luke. It was a nice visit. Rick is about the most normal guy I have ever met in politics. Really. His office rocks.

In other news, the kids are all adjusting fairly well. Titus is the only one who is really struggling with having to obey.   As with any 3 - 4 year old. It is a wonderfully bumpy road!

In other news,   we have always had a shared 750 minute plan with our cell phones. Well, as you can imagine, we went a little over this last month, by 2000 minutes! Wow. I never thought I could spend that much time talking to so many people I have never met before.

I contacted tmobile about the $755 and they are looking into it. If they are willing to give us a break, that would rock. I am soooo glad to be home and not having to worry about travel or anything.

Pray for the Thacker family. They are stuck in Haiti trying to get out of the country. Read their blog here.   They need help. If you have any contacts (yes, I am contacting all of my contacts) pass their information along.

I will do a more thorugh post later this week.

Oh yeah,   I was asked to share at a mens retreat being hosted by Calvary Chapel. So, pray for me. Many of you know that I don't speak well in public (hahahahahahahahahahahaha). Ok, I still don't like it, even if I can do it.

I hope it will be a good time held by all and that I can share what needs to be heard.

Ok, now I have to go to work.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Sunday morning Coffee

2010-02-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hello

It's me again. Hank the Cowdog.

Sunday morning! Isn't there a song in that? (Marroon 5, Velvet Underground, No Doubt)

I am listening to Maroon 5 right now. Good happy morning song.

Jem just walked in and wants to watch some Scooby Doo. Nothing better than a hot cup of coffee and the love of a 5 year old.

Jem has been a real trooper through the last 3 weeks. He has really been a man. Some day, some young gal will make a steal of a deal and marry him. I pray everyday for the spouses of my kids.

Isaiah and Titus were up at 6:30 this morning. Man do they love oats! (Thanks Jill for bringing by the oats!)

Annabelle slept all night long! YAY! She is still sleeping.

I spent most of the day on Saturday using a wood chipper. All I could think about was Fargo. My wonderful inlaws (Mick and Jill Neshem) came by and worked out in the yard with me. We got about 1/3 of the wood taken care of! I will spend most of today doing the same thing.

The twins had a slight fever last night, so if the fever is still there this morning, we will be staying home from church. I hate missing church. (UPDATE: Everyone is feeling better, 11am service is a go!)

Well, I hear all the Jawas starting to make lots of noise. I am going to have to wrap this up. I will post a video today and officially introduce all the players.

(This next part is being added at the request of several people)

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

p.s. Post comments and question and I will respond! Also, you can subscribe to my youtube channel by searching for fireballbrady.

back online, back in action

2010-02-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hello,

It's me again, Hank the Cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

Things sure have changed here on the ranch. 3 new little o=nes. Lots to do.

We have to take care of a lot of things here in the short time. We have to get doctors appointments set up. Have the kids checked for parasites and such. Blood tests (can't wait for that :-().

Just trying to get the kids used to us. Annabelle hasn't had this much one on one attention before. I know this will take a lot of time and love.

Annabelle can't sleep at night, in a room, all alone. However, if Isaiah is hollering in her ear, she goes right to sleep! Now, to get them to stay asleep.

Isaiah keeps waking up screaming. No one wakes up with him, except us! He doesn't wake up well, at least not at 3am. Well, at least they are all in a home. With food and running water. Everything else will come in time.

And now, for some various pics.

As you can see, my dad is surrounded by jawas. He keeps a bag of fruit candies in his pocket for emergencies!

Kirsten and I are kind of tired, we couldn't do all of this with out the support of our friends and family. Maddie is being a huge help, as is Jem. In fact, today, I am going to take Jem out for Lunch. He loves sushi.

It is fun to watch the different personalities come out. Annabelle is quiet and distant if approached, but demanding and loud if we let her come to us. Titus is falling into step like a pro. He is very used to playing the protective big brother, and it is obvious that he has sat through many of Isaiah's tantrums. Isaiah is fine, until he doesn't get what he wants. It is kind of funny, he threw a huge fit when he didn't get something yesterday, so we put him in the bedroom for a few minutes, then he came out devoid of clothing. We corrected that and found that time out on the stairs works much better than time out in the bedroom.

Maddie is off to CO-Op today. My Mom is probably coming over to help out.

I am hunting for trikes! I didn't even think about that. Outside toys for 3 year olds! So, I am hunting on craigslist. I think i will post a want ad on craigslist for some of the stuff.

As tired as I am, always remember that you

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Haiti Update 17

2010-01-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

ON my way to Miami.

Train to miami... no, wait that would be plane to miami.

Miami none the less!

WHOOO HOOO!..

I just got a voicemail saying the boys were on the ground in Miami.

Thank God. Seriosly. Lord, I couldn't have done this under my own strength.

Pray for my health. I have a nasty cold starting. I want it to wait until i get the boys home.

I will post more later.

Can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Haiti Update 16

2010-01-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys,

Forgot to post this to the blog.

Enjoy. I am working on another post right now.

cant stop the signal

fireballbrady

Video of Ms Annabelle!!!

2010-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

cant stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 12 *DOWN WITH THE TYRANTS

2010-01-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

Calling all Angels.

Putting it on the line.

See the video.

Help the kids.

Do the right thing.

What part of evil, don't you understand.

There is a travesty happening down at the Sanford International Airport outside of Orlando.

Get the media there. Contact the Governors. I am trying to get in contact with a local affiliate in the Orlando area.

They are refusing to let 29 or so kids go home with their families.

Can't stop the signal.

We surround them.

fireballbrady

Haiti Video Update 11 (WITH VIDEO THIS TIME!)

2010-01-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

already working on the next post.

stay tuned.

Fireballbrady Haiti Update 11?

2010-01-23T19:03:00.000-08:00

Hey all.

At the Sanford airport. Waiting.

I saw the C130 coming in the distance.

I took some awesome pics!

Saw some of the kids being unloaded and saw my daughter.

Amazingly enough, they aren't done with the paperwork yet.

They just came out and said that it will take several more hours.

They haven't released a passenger manifest. We did verify that one of
the children on the plane wasn't supposed to be on the list. Someone
just came out and talked to is and basically talked down to us.

Like we were small children who didn't know what this all entailed.

Really?

Did you just say that we need to calm down and be patient?

REALLY?????

Don't you dare.

Just give me my kid.

The signal is still strong.

Keep prayers coming. We will be staying in Orlando tonight.

I will try to not cause a seen.

I promised my wife that I would try to not get arrested.

Hope I don't have to break that promise.

Can't stop the signal

Fireballbrady

Oh, yeah.....

You just lost the game

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 10

2010-01-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

This is not over.

We are not free from this journey.

The children are not here. Yet.

I need to ask for more prayer. I need to get prayer coverage from across the USA.

News is positive. We are excited.

In fact, we are giddy.

Kirsten needs prayer, she is flying in by herself to Miami.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 9

2010-01-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

CAN'T STOP THE SIGNAL!

love you all.

Pray for my grandfather Larry Reller. He just had eye surgery and he is going to the doctor for an infection he has in his leg.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

In Miami. Waiting on God. And the State Department gets Slapped!

2010-01-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

Hello,

It's me again, Hank the cowdog.

Head of Ranch Security.

You may have noticed a few videos posted by some yahoo calling himself "fireblahbrady".. Blah is right. Who taught him how to edit videos?

Ok, breaks over... Back to work.

We haven't heard anything concrete.

One thing I do know is that the Congress has slapped the State Department pretty hard and as my wife said "The Senate just slapped the State Department and told it to man up!"

See the document here:

http://tinyurl.com/DOSSLAP

I will let you all know if anything changes.

Can't Stop the Signal.

fireballbrady

Guess who caught a ride to LAX!

2010-01-20T23:38:00.000-08:00

Guess who

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 8

2010-01-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

Can't stop the signal
lights are dim, but the fire is still burning.

Latest Update from JCICS

2010-01-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

Below is the latest update.

no i am not taking it well.

UPDATE: Haiti

It is once again my job to be the bearer of bad news. Another day come and gone and no change. Despite extensive Congressional support and all of your calls to your Members of Congress we have hit roadblock after roadblock. At this point we respectfully ask that you stop contacting your Members of Congress requesting their assistance with obtaining security, transportation, and water for the location. The Department of State has not and apparently will not provide the small assistance that we have requested.

Given the current circumstances, at this point we are recommending that someone from each orphanage escort the children who qualify for humanitarian parole or adoption visas to the U.S. Embassy in Port-A-Prince. We recommend that the orphanage staff arrive with the children and any adoption paperwork that has not been destroyed as early as possible in the morning in order to attempt to obtain visas or parole for the children. Please understand that this option may not be considered safe and that the U.S. Embassy did not allow some orphanages onto the premises today. Additionally, please note that it has been reported that there is no food, water or facilities for the children to use while at the Embassy. As noted during our conference call earlier today, these are our recommendations only and should not be used to replace your or your orphanage director's good judgement.

It is our understanding that any children processed by USCIS in Port-A-Prince are leaving on U.S. cargo jets to locations that are not often know until a hour or so before the flight leaves. At times children have left Haiti without the knowledge of their adoptive parents.

This is currently the worst case scenario for the children's well-being and safety but at the moment there are no other options.

As we receive more information we will continue to share it with you. While the situation at the moment is terrible I can only hope that our collective efforts produce some positive news. Despite the roadblocks Joint Council has not given up on the save haven and we continue to advocate for its creation and a more transparent and safe process in uniting these children with their adoptive families.

An open letter to Madam Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

2010-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

Madam Secretary of State,

I am writing to to implore you to take action concerning the reffered orphans in Haiti.

These are the kids who have families waiting for them in Haiti. Like mine. We are adopting 3 children from Haiti. They are all 3 years old. A set of twin boys and a little girl. Titus, Isaiah and Annabelle.

I know that as of right now, the Haitian government has released all of the orphans under humanitarian parole, so they can be brought out of Haiti.

I need you to prove me wrong about politicians. I am afraid that many of these children will die before we can bring them home. I know that as the head of the Department of State, you can push the button.

Please, show me you care more about the kids than everyone seems to think.

Please help us bring our kids home.

I can be in Miami to pick them up within 12 hours of your announcement of their release.

I look forward to your response.

Christopher Brady
425-446-2506

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 7

2010-01-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here is number 7.

Wish I had better news.

I will post more as issues warrant.

Call the State Department.

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 6

2010-01-18T13:31:00.001-08:00

Hank the cowdog here.

To tired to type.

heading for coffee

call me with questions/concerns/prayer/support.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 5

2010-01-17T23:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, Last one for the night.

Please contact me with questions or comments.

God bless

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 4

2010-01-17T23:09:00.000-08:00

it's me again.

hank the cow dog.

i am to tire to say anything.

i will post another video when more info warrant.s

God bless

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 3

2010-01-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks, here is the last update for today.

If we get any more info, I will post it post haste.... hahahaha. I kill me.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 2 Addendum

2010-01-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 2

2010-01-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Elected Officials: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
For His Glory Outreach: http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org/

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady
425-835-3473

Fireballbrady Haiti Update Video 1

2010-01-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Haitian Update: After the 7.0 earthquake... I am updating my blog and my youtube account with any new information I get. WHo am I? Fireballbrady. I am adopting 3 kids from Haiti. If you have any questions, email or call me or read the blog.

Elected Officials: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
For His Glory Outreach: http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org/
Donations: http://tinyurl.com/fhg-donation

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady
425-835-3473

LATEST UPDATE FROM OUR FHG (Annabelle's Orphanage)

2010-01-16T10:03:00.001-08:00

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING WAS SENT TO US BY FHG.

"

URGENT CALL FOR PRAYER
We received word from Pierre this morning that the situation in the orphanage is becoming dire. We would like to ask EVERYONE that receives this to use this information to get on your knees before our Lord and ask Him to provide.
We have one nanny that is deceased and the orphanage needs her body to be removed.
The orphanage has no drinkable water.
In addition they need:

*
formula for babies
*
medicines
*
IV fluids (one child is currently on an IV)
*
charcoal to cook
*
diesel
*
cash to buy supplies if they find them. They are running out of cash and there are no banks open to get cash, so it needs to be delivered by someone already on the ground or by helicopter.

Others are beginning to rob them of what supplies they do have.
There are helicopters flying over the orphanage and they have made a sign on the roof that says they are an orphanage and need help.
The staff is also working to get together all the paperwork for each child that has an adoptive family in a way that it can be attached to their body if there is an opportunity to evacuate.
For His Glory is doing everything we can on this end to contact people who may be able to help. Please pray. Currently, that is the best thing you can do to help. Kim is doing everything she can, and respectfully requests that adoptive families do not call her at this time. We realize this is a very difficult time, however she needs her phone and time available to do everything she can to make contacts to try to help the children and staff at the orphanage. We will give you any updates we have as soon as they are available.
Trusting in Him,
For His Glory"

Please pray for our kids.

can't stop the signal

Learning to whistle and warnings of monsters.

2010-01-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

Well,

My son, Jem, just ran upstairs and was very excited about learning to whistle!

He does this funny little thing where he rubs his hands together and then flicks his palm and then whistles into it.

Seriosuly, cutest dang thing I have seen all day!

fireballbrady

pretty amazing.

21 months in IBESR, another day older and deeper in debt.

2010-01-05T23:10:00.001-08:00

Hello,

It's me again.

Hank the Cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

Things haven't been all that quiet on the ranch these past few weeks.

Things have been right tough all over. We are hitting the 21st month in IBESR. No updates. As previously posted, we found out that we haven't been given "Dispensation". That means that since we are not both 35 (that is what I get for marrying a kid) and we have biological children, our docs need a signature from the President of Haiti, in order for them to be moved into the next phase).

We just hit (or are hitting) the 2 year mark from when we first saw the pictures of our boys (just one year old at the time) and now they are 3.

Oh Lord, please give me strength. No, never mind, I don't want strength, nor do I want patience, God. Please just get our paperwork moving!

It is funny, I have an alarm set to go off every day at noon. This was to remind me to pray for my wife and kids. Thank goodness for technology.

What would be the positive side/outcome to our paperwork being held up? God is good, I have no doubts about that. Everything works to His glory. I just don't like not knowing just a little bit of the plan.

Please pray. Heck, write letters to your senators and congress men/women (congress persons?). I don't know.

I am going to work in putting together an open letter to the President of Haiti and posting it online. I may also send it to the Haitian consulate in Chicago.

Anyone out there know anyone with contacts in Haiti? How difficult can this be? I mean, 20+ months in IBESR? Really? REALLY?

Man, does this put me in a mood.

That is ok, things will happen. At their own pace, according to His will.

Sorry, the rambling is pretty bad. I am pretty upset and anxious.

Also, I haven't slept much in the last few months. Insomnia doesn't come with coherent thought patterns.

Be safe, and remember that no matter how bad it gets, no matter the damage to the soul,

you can't stop the signal.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Adopting Hell and HoneyDo Lists, had a wonderful Weekend!

2009-12-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

It's me. Hank the cowdog. Head of ranch security.

We have had some trouble filling the shoes around the ranch lately. Drover went part time on me. Complaining of his hurt paw. Pansy.

We brought on several other security dogs to try and fill the position and have finally selected a candidate. We offered the job to Sadie. Now, I know what your thinking. Sadie, being a girl and all, wouldn't be up to the job of 3rd in charge of security - part time.

She seems to possess an excellent disposition and her ability to bark at the front door, without even moving off of her bed, is amazing.

That is right, we upgraded the staff on the ranch. And at the moment, sadie is working hard as a foot warmer at the foot (no pun intended) of the bed.

Needless to say, we also had to upgrade to a king size bed to accommodate the new part time security dog.

On to other things. Sorry for the delay in posting. I have been working a lot. I have been taking the OT when offered and also been working when they need someone in the middle of the night to remove dangerous phone wires after an auto accident. (ooooh, dangerous 48 volt wires).

I have been trying to catch up on the things around the house that my bride has been in need of. We remodeled the kitchen a couple of years ago and neglected to put an electrical outlet in the island that was part of the remodel. That problem has been rectified. I spent a good portion of this weekend trying to not electrocute myself. Seriously.

I was able to tap into another outlet, run the electrical wiring under the house, bring it through the island and attach it to a 4 port outlet! WHOOO HOO! All this and the house is still standing and all 4 outlets work!

Come to think of it, I need to go downstairs and turn off the coffee maker. Be right back.

I am back. Yep, I left the coffee maker on.

I have a few other things I need to install/rewire. That can wait.

I am going to open a new website. I am not sure of the name (but will take suggestions).

I am thinking of creating a website that companies can purchase space on (i know, never been done before). You can probably guess where the money will be going. I am really trying to put my best foot forward on the adoption. We are still in need of some serious funds to finish off the amount owed. About 14k.

We are whittling away at that with every paycheck, but I am also trying to create a company to help others with adoption costs. PTCHS.org is it. If you go to the site, forgive me. It is one I built with iweb (which rocks, by the way).

I know how hard it is to adopt. We are only part of the way through it, and it is the most difficult thing I have ever done. I am trying to keep a brave face about it, but I am getting more and more angry as time goes on. How dare anyone keep my children from being safe. How dare anyone put money before the safety of a child.

It sounds like a liberal commercial.... "We are doing it for the children."

I am so, sick and tired of getting the same news from Haiti every month. Of getting the same news from our adoption coordinators every month. Do I think the kids will make it home? Yes I do. Do I know when? No. Do I want to break international and federal law to bring them home? best to not answer that here.

Wow, look at these sites I have found that rent boats out of Miami? http://tinyurl.com/keywestboats

But seriously. What good would it do to go to Haiti, and bring my kids home, only to be arrested by the Coast Guard. That would be a slight damper on the whole experience.

I know that I am far from being alone. My wife is going crazy with the wait. The hardest part is now really knowing why we are being held up?

We have been in the current step of "IBESR" for 18+ months. For a part of that we were waiting for presidential sign off called "Dispensation". We got that back in march of 09. At least that is what we were told. Several times. Now we are told we are still waiting for "dispensation".

I can't even talk about it to anyone. No one seems to understand this. This isn't a bunch of puppies we are adopting. These are our children. We have met them, played with them and love them dearly. We want them home.

Sorry, I went down the dark path there. I want my kids home. I am at the point that I will do nearly anything to accomplish that. I am going to start with a stupid website. I can' afford to go to jail, so for now, the storming of the beaches of Port Au Prince is off.

I hope it doesn't come to that.

Please, pray for us and our children. And those in control of their paperwork.

Need to sleep now. The next posting will be more uplifting and have pics of the new security dog.

can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

Writing a story

2009-11-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

My name is Nicolas Flamel and I was born in 1380.

My wife, Perenel, was kidnapped. After being married for over 600 years, I fear for those who took her.

If she does not kill them, I, most certainly will.

Who ever they are, believe that I am still in posseission of the stone. The one destroyed by a impetious mr. potter, after I agreeed that it would be in better hands and out the reach of an evil wizard who wanted to rule the world... but i digress.

The short of it is that I haven't had the stone in nearly a decade. But at my age, time is fairly relative.

that was when I ruled the world

2009-10-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am tired.

You ever feel like things aren't going your way on purpose.

As i sit here and wonder, of every thought that could have been. Am I doing enough?

How about as a father? A husband?

I don't know.

But i am trying.

It's like a hunger, twisting my stomach into knots.

signed up for dailybooth.

dailybooth.com/fireballbrady

nothing to exciting.

I want my kids home.

Please pray for their paperwork and for the Haitian gov't.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

who am i?

2009-09-03T23:39:00.001-07:00

Hello Again,

It's me. Hank the cowdog. Head of ranch security.

Know, before you go off all half cocked, i know who i am. I know who Drover is. Read this and see if you can guess who this is...

I was born in one country, raised in another. My father was born in another country. I was not his only child.. He fathered several children with numerous women.

· I became very close to my mother, as my father showed no interest in me. My mother died at an early age from cancer.

· Later in life, questions arose over my real name.

· My birth records were sketchy and no one was able to produce a legitimate, reliable birth certificate.

· I grew up practicing one faith but converted to Christianity, as it was widely accepted in my country, but I practiced non-traditional beliefs & didn't follow Christianity, except in the public eye under scrutiny.

· I worked and lived among lower-class people as a young adult, disguising myself as someone who really cared about them..

· That was before I decided it was time to get serious about my life and I embarked on a new career.

· I wrote a book about my struggles growing up. It was clear to those who read my memoirs that I had difficulties accepting that my father abandoned me as a child.

· I became active in local politics in my 30's then with help behind the scenes, I literally burst onto the scene as a candidate for national office in my 40s. They said I had a golden tongue and could talk anyone into anything. That reinforced my conceit.

· I had a virtually non-existent resume, little work history, and no experience in leading a single organization. Yet I was a powerful speaker and citizens were drawn to me as though I were a magnet and they were small roofing tacks.

· I drew incredibly large crowds during my public appearances. This bolstered my ego.

· At first, my political campaign focused on my country's foreign policy. I was very critical of my country in the last war and seized every opportunity to bash my country.

· But what launched my rise to national prominence were my views on the country's economy. I pretended to have a really good plan on how we could do better and every poor person would be fed & housed for free.

· I knew which group was responsible for getting us into this mess. It was the free market, banks & corporations. I decided to start making citizens hate them and if they were envious of others who did well, the plan was clinched tight.

· I called mine "A People's Campaign" and that sounded good to all people.

· I was the surprise candidate because I emerged from outside the traditional path of politics & was able to gain widespread popular support.

· I knew that, if I merely offered the people 'hope' , together we could change our country and the world.

· So, I started to make my speeches sound like they were on behalf of the downtrodden, poor, ignorant to include "persecuted minorities" like the Jews. My true views were not widely known & I needed to keep them unknown, until after I became my nation's leader.

· I had to carefully guard reality, as anybody could have easily found out what I really believed, if they had simply read my writings and examined those people I associated with.

· I'm glad they didn't. Then I became the most powerful man in the world. And the world learned the truth.

*Who am I? *

ADOLF HITLER

WHO WERE YOU THINKING OF?

Suicide and Walking out on your Marriage *Real men don't do either

2009-08-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hello again.

It's me.

Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

Ok, 3rd times a charm. I have deleted my post a few times because it came off as angry venting.

I am going to keep this post short.

1. Suicide is not a victimless crime. Think of your spouse, kids, family and friends. If you are contemplating suicide, please for the love of God ask for help. If you can't find anyone to help, call me! Seriously. (425) 835-3473. If you are thinking you have found yourself in a corner and the only way out is an eternal way, please drop a dime. Call 911. Talk to your pastor. Get your friends involved. If you are feeling like you are in a downward spiral, your not alone. People care. I care. Don't become a statistic, ask for help.

I don't have any training or experience, but I will listen. Nothing is so bad that you have to go this direction. There is help out there.

2. Abandoning you family. Till death do us part. In sickness and in health. For richer or poorer. Any of this ring a bell? Nothing is perfect. Marriage is hard. It is a lot of work. I have been married almost 11 years (September 11th, 1998). We have 5 kids (Maddie 10, Jem 4.75, Isaiah 2.75, Titus 2.75 and Annabelle 2.5) It is not easy. However, no where in the Bible does it say it is going to be easy.

If you are having troubles in your marriage, get help. It takes 2 to tango, but only one to throw in the towel.

I won't beat a dead horse, but you have to understand that we don't have the option to walk out on our families. Our duty is to take care of and to protect our families.
Men don't leave. Just because you have the right plumbing doesn't make you a man.

Don't become a statistic.

Fight for your marriage.

Get help. Ask for help.
DO NOT RELY ON YOURSELF ALONE! You can't win these kind of fights on your own. Lean on God. Lean on your Brothers in the faith. Ask for help and for prayer. Pray for wisdom and for heavens sake, FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE. Do not give up.

Churchill said it best. "Never, Never, Never Give Up"

You think things are tough in your marriage? For Better or Worse... This is the worse part.
You will have to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror and realize that no matter where you run away to, the same person will be looking at you in the mirror. You can't change your spouse, but prayer goes a long way.

Get support. Get help. Sometimes it is better to get a second opinion on matters that will be with you for the rest of your life.

I don't know what else to say on these matters.

God Bless you and keep you.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

you will buy the zombie/ninja/pirate.... you will love the zombie/ninja/pirate...

2009-06-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

It's me again.

Hank the cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

Kirsten finished some of the final versions of the Zombie horde and the Ninja Assassins. She is also working on some deck swabbing pirates.

If you see the ninjas above, they also come with home made ninja throwing stars!

If you are wanting a zombie/ninja/pirate, just click the donate now tab and we will either deliver or mail it to you!

Here are some new pics. Each will be an original and will be made by hand (with love... awwwww....) by my beautiful wife.

Click on this button and you can have a hand made original creation delivered to you for $15.00

This price includes shipping and handling.

Remember, this is a one of a kind (each one is a one of a kind).

Just click on the donate button and donate $15 and I will put the creature of choice into the mail! Or if you are in the area, I will personally deliver the zombie/ninja/pirate.

Also, if you prefer a specific color of ninja/zombie, let me know , we can probably get you what you want! (our daughter has been attacking people with her pink ninja for several days now)

Please email me with any question!

fireballbrady at gmail dot com

remember, this is for our adoption. I promise all proceeds go to the adoption fund. If you don't beleieve me, ask my wife. If I spent this money on anything else, she would kill me.

Thank you for your support!

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

when i was young and my heart was an open book

2009-06-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

i used to say live and live.....

It's me again.

Hank the Cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

I was remembering how nice it was when I was a kid, when I would be able to swing by my Dad's work and visit him.

Heck, to this day, if I am in the neighborhood, I will call him to see if he is in his office.

I always enjoyed being able to stop by and spend time with him and see what he was doing. He was never to busy to say hi. Sometimes that was all he had time for, other times he would stop and have lunch or coffee.

Well, this last week, I was working up by his office and called him to see if he wanted to have lunch. Instead he came to my work. He hung around and visited and watched what i did. It was great. Having my Dad take time out of his day to swing by and say hi. That is what being a Dad is all about.

Maybe it is just me, but I have great parents.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Happiness comes in small acts.

2009-05-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

It's me again.

Hank the Cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

I wanted to reach out and thank some nice folks we met over the week end. My family and I were out garage saling and we came across a sale that had a medium sized suitcase that was filled to the brim with buttons!

OOOOHHHH Buttons....

I know.

Exciting.

Well, Kirsten is building a whole horde of crocheted zombies and other cute creatures. We were looking for buttons for eyes! They nice family donated the buttons to us for our adoption fund raiser!

It was a wonderful gift. I think we will be able to do a lot with the buttons!

Take a look at Kirstens blog: ouringleside.blogspot.com

remember,

you can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

kirsten's creative outlet

2009-05-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

It's me again.

Hank the cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

Kirsten made a new blog. It is part of her creative outlet therapy.

In all seriousness, she has put her heart and soul into making things to sell for the last bit we need for the adoption.

My personal favorites are the zombies.... She didn't include these in her blog.

they rock.

beware the zombie horde!

But, wait! It get's better!

Check out kirstens blog at http://ouringleside.blogspot.com

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Barack the Hall Monitor and a message from Thomas Paine

2009-05-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hello... it's me again. Hank the Cowdog.

head of ranch dressing... i mean security.

I was watching the news today. My wife and I were bantering back and forth. Discussing whatever was being reported on.

Then we watched president Obama explain why he is going to close Gitmo. After he was done speaking, she says "You know what President Obama reminds me of?"

"What?" says I

"A hall monitor" says she.

In what way says I?

"He is very proud to be in charge."

You remember the hall monitors. The ones who beleived that their word was law.

Period.

In other news, I was forwarded this link by my pal Barcus. The man makes a point.

I'd like to meet his taylor.

can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

Clarification

2009-05-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

It's me. Hank the cowdog.

I want to lay something to rest. We are not out of IBESR. Yet.

We just got out of dispensation.

So keep your pants on.

We will keep you all posted.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

And now, for a taste of things to come....

2009-05-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hello again, it's me. Hank the Cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

Things are interesting down on the ranch today.

At 5:04 am I receieved an email from corporate. Introducing me to my new master.

Hellloooo Frontier Communications.

That's right. After all the posturing of plans for growth and for the future. The board of directors announced that they are selling off 14 states. I feel like a piece of property.

We shall see how this works out.

I am wondering how this plays into what Verizon has been touting as its plans. Is it just the copper plant that is being sold? I don't think so.

How can they say something to the effect of "We are going to focus on our core..." Copper is the only reason this company exists. Or at least, the only reason they have existed for the past several years.

Oh well, hopefully the masters that are Frontier are kind ones.

Can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

what can you do other than pray? beg?

2009-05-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

Hello.

It's me again. Hank the cowdog.

We got confirmation that our files are out of dispensation.

What is dispensation??? Seriosuly. Who thinks of these names.

According to the merriam - websters dictionary:

Dispensation: 1 a: a general state or ordering of things ; specifically : a system of revealed commands and promises regulating human affairs b: a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature2 a: an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath b: a formal authorization3 a: the act of dispensing b: something dispensed or distributed

hmmmm..... a general state or ordering of things........

an exeption from a a law or from an impediment.

We were praying to be exempt.

God exempted us.

We are now awaiting on our exit from IBESR!

Thank God.

Watch my blog. I am going to schedule a car wash for our next fund raiser. We only have $12K left!

Dear God. Please bring my other 3 kids home soon.

I know You have everything in control. My life, my job, my relationships, my kids. All of it.

You have it in your hands.

thanks

can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

some sundays stink

2009-05-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

i hate sundays.

not all sundays.

just some sundays.

hmmmmm, at least i get Caesar salad.

had a bad day. and what is with the census/gps taker????

2009-05-06T21:24:00.001-07:00

hello again

it's me

hank the cowdog.

head of ranch security.

today was a rough one. so tough, i can't even use capital letters.

i couldn't fix anything

or so it seems.

oh well. tomorrow is another day.

in other news, we are still waiting for any kind of news on our adoption.

i am beginning to think this is all a cruel joke.

seriously.

just got the new seatbelts in. in case you missed it, our dog (jack-jack) ate 4 of our seatbelts.

he is lucky to be alive.

well, i shopped around and found it would cost around 1500 to get it fixed.

i found a toyota dealer ship that i could get the belts at for cost. so, i get to change them out. but it will only cost me 400 total (includes shipping).

i am looking forward to bringing home my kids. having 2 at home is wonderful, but the house seems kind of empty.

that not withstanding, we are looking at homes in texas.

oh, my, word.

the amount of house you can get for 175k. it is easily the same style that is 1/2 a million here.

on the issue of the census taker that was at my house the other day.

why do they need the gps coordinates of my house?

But at American Daily Review, blogger Douglas Gibbs had more than a few doubts.

"GPS coordinates of your front door will make it easier for the government to monitor you," he said. "The U.S. Census Bureau is simply an excuse – a harmless looking means of obtaining the front door coordinates. The creation of GPS coordinates for front doors has nothing to do with the census, in all honesty, no matter how much the United States government tries to convince you that it does."
He recalled wondering why, just weeks ago, the Obama administration announced its oversight of the census, "literally taking control of the census away from the Commerce Department."

i wonder why they would need my gps coordinates?

hmmmm...

just wait

next

we will get to have a small micro chip placed in our bodies to make sure we are "safe".

you keep letting them take your rights away so you can feel safe.

i will fight to keep my rights and secure my own safety.

death first.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Swine flu..... Tail Wags the Dog

2009-04-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's me again.

Hank the cowdog, head of ranch security.......

Swine Flue.

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

I had a bad flue a month ago. It took me out for 2 weeks.

I had all the same symptoms of the swine flu. I did go to my doctor. He said it was just a bad flu. Take some vitamins and rest.

Reading up on the Swine Flu, it looks and sounds just like the regular flu. People die of the flu on a regular basis.

No, I am not a conspiracy nut. But if I was, I would be watching this thing play out.

People are keeping there kids home from school. Not going to work.
Freaking out.

You wait, there will be some kind of martial law instilled due to this. A curfew or something.

Here are some easy things you can do to keep from getting/passing along the swine flu.

Wash your hands.
Cover your mouth when coughing.
If sick, don't go to work.

Don't blow this into something it is not. The media is talking about this like it is the second coming of the black plague.

Here is a quote from the Everett Herald concerning a local clinic that had one of it's doctors (one of the 2 people in snohomish county to have the swine flu) come down with the infection.

"Security guards are posted inside the clinic this morning, accompanying a doctor who is asking people why they have gone to clinic. Those with respiratory symptoms are given a mask and being told to wait in their car until they are called inside to see a physician.

Patients who have appointments but no respiratory symptoms are being taken inside the clinic."

I am not saying it isn't scary. I am not saying this isn't a government released agent to try to gain control over the population with fear. I am not saying that aliens didn't infect our pigs, thinking they were the dominant species on the planet.

For goodness sake. Take some perspective pills.

Until later

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

I am Calvins dad. Oh, crap.

2009-04-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Again,

It's me. Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

I just read this, for the first time in at least 10 years. I now have a 9 year old daughter, 4 year old son, a set of 2.5 year old twin boys and a 2.5 year old daughter.

I am calvins dad. I never thought I would grow into that. Seriously. I was calvin for years. Now I am his dad.

check out my blog.

fireballbrady.blogspot.com

comments and questions please. I promise to respond.

The good old days are here and now.

2009-04-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

It's me again. Hank the cowdog. Head of ranch security.

It is amazing how much we try to... scratch that. I hate it when people generalize.

Take 2.

It is amazing how much I try to change my wife. I don't mean to, but I realize that as hard as I try to make my wife change, I am destined to fail.

I am not trying to change big things, at least not by my definition. I am trying to nudge her out of her comfort zone. I realize, (i think), that each time I try to nudge her, it forces her further into her box.

Don't try to change your spouse. Pray for your spouse. I am going to try it. I will let you know how it goes. It has to work. She has prayed for me and I have found the need to change. Funny, I didn't know she was praying for certain things (adoption) until after I had a change of heart.

God takes care of things. Just like he always does. God knows what I need. God knows what changes will be made in my heart, my wife's heart, and your spouses heart. Heck, God knows everyone's hearts. Even yours. Yes, you. You don't think that He exists. He does. I pray you will come to know Him, before you have to meet Him.

Try to enjoy every day. Take it. Like a bull by the horns. It could be your last day. Don't go out quietly. Make a noise. Be heard. Have fun. And for heaven's sake, wear sunscreen.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

p.s. Got a topic you want to ask me about? Post a comment and I will answer anything I can.

why i like taking pictures

2009-04-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hello again.

It's me.

Hank the cowdog.

I just got a camera. I like it. I will test it out thoroughly tomorrow. It is an older Canon Rebel dslr.

The main reason why I wanted a nicer camera was to be able to take pics of my wife and kids.

I find it interesting that some people don't like their pictures taken.

When I take a picture, I am trying to capture the moment. A moment I hope to keep and cherish and relive.
I’m seeing them with the right vision. I’m seeing them through the lens of my spirit. I’m seeing them as God sees them, let me tell you, she is breathtaking.

I hope that some of my pictures are good enough to share. I will post a few if they turn out.

I got an email today with new pics of my boys.

http://tinyurl.com/d3me4l

take a look. i hope and pray that they and annabelle can come home soon.

I miss them.

Maddie and jem and Kirsten miss them too.

I can't wait to take pictures of them all.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Tea Party

2009-04-16T21:34:00.001-07:00

Sorry folks, it's been a while.

But... It's me again. Hank the Cowdog.

I am back.

Did anyone make it to a tea party?

I have an honest question for any of my liberal friends.

Has President Obama kept his word on anything yet? I can't find a campaign promise that he has kept. I am not bashing him. I am just curious. \

Don't email me with the faults of the last administration. That is history. Just answer the question.

1. Transparency. He said anything he was going to do would be transparent.

2. No Pork. Ummm... Yeah, about that.

3. No Lobbyists in the Obama Administration. I can't even comment on this.

4. 90% of all the guns used in mexico are from the US. Look it up, it isn't true.

5. Not wanting the gov't to run private industry. (umm, tell that to Rick Wagoner of GM)

Sorry, this didn't mean to turn into an anti-socialist rant, but it did. So, I guess I am not sorry.

We surround them

And they can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

Was it a nice weekend? Really? meh..

2009-04-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

It's me, Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

It was a nice weekend. Weather wise. Sunny most of the time. We tried a new church. Antioch. It was nice. Kind of a long drive.

We spent a lot of the time just getting the house back in order. After our garage sale last week, we only had two big pieces left. The China Hutch and matching table.

A nice couple from Port Orchard drove all the way over to buy them.

We nearly killed ourselves getting that beast loaded.

Spent some time just hanging with the kids and wife. Taught (or am teaching) Maddie to play Cribbage. With my help, she beat me by 3 points.

On to other things.

You ever wonder if this is how it is supposed to be? I mean, all the expectations, the hopes. Sometimes, it just takes 1 person making one statement or having the body language that can only be read one way, to kind of shatter it.

I am beginning to wonder what can I change.

I know that I can't change anything/anyone but myself. So, what can I, should I, will I change?

I refuse to believe that this is as good as it gets.

I don't know what to do. But I am going to do it.

Some things are to important not to try. Some things are, well, complicated. They need to be worked on. Life, the universe, everything.

The answer isn't always 42.

Oh, yeah. My mac is still running, it was an april fools joke. Not a very good one.

I am saving the good ones for another day. Best served cold.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

End of the Mac, the passing of an era.

2009-04-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Again,

It's me. Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

It happened. My mac is dead. I am going back to a vista machine. Windows has actually been a lot easier to use than I remember.

It seems the commercials were right! I am actually enjoying it. Maybe even more than my old macbook.

The macbook didn't actually die, I just got tired of the spinning wheel of death. That and the fact that I had to reinstall the OS 4 times in the last 4 months.

And the support from the "genius bar" has been horrible. Even while I was under my warranty.

I guess I am just not cool enough nor "l33t" enough to use a mac. I can't... No, I won't be pressured into buying something like this again. I am so tired of the elitist attitude.

For those who were taking bets. You win. I lose.

The mac is out.

The good news is that you can always go back to a windows machine.

Things look prettier and I can get 3 of them for the price of 1 mac.

I will miss the white keyboard. I will save a ton of time since I won't have to clean the fingerprints off of it.

Another nice thing is I can start building my own machines again. I can become the mad scientist I used to be. My wife will love all the extra computer parts I will have again.

Well, you know how it goes. Now I can bring out all of my old games again! WHOO HOO STARCRAFT/WARCRAFT/DIABLO/DOOM2/HEXEN/Halloween Harry/Kings Quest 1-9/Ultima Online/Final Fantasy/ETC/ETC/ETC!

I may no longer be a mac user, but I will now be accepted by the rest of the world.

I can handle the BSOD, that is what the reset button is for.

can't stop the signal (unless the mac dies)

fireballbrady

Adoption Fundraiser FINALY!

2009-03-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

God blessed us with a great weekend.

I was sick, but we still had the fundraiser/garage sale! God kept people coming in all day Friday, Saturday and even Sunday.

I especially wanted to thank our friends who stopped by and supported us! I especially want to thank my in laws, The Neshems (thank you so much for dinner, we really needed it!).

We got rid of nearly everything! I don't know if we are planning on doing this again. It was a lot of work. I am still tired.

Our total was just over $1200! I was hoping for $400. How is that for miracles!

Thanks to all who prayed and to all who donated!

I will keep you all updated as to any new developments!

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Garage Sale Day 2~

2009-03-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hello again. It's me.

Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

Our garage sale is going great. We are in the middle of the second full day. Even with the rain, there has been a lot of people come and go. It has been such a blessing. Some people came and didn't purchase but still donated a couple bucks to the cause.

We still have quite a bit of stuff, but I am confident that it will be gone by the end of the day.

We still have the china hutch, 2 remote controlled ceiling fans, a bunch of airsoft guns, a manicure table with all the trimmings, lots of little stuff. LOTS OF TILE!!

Well, thank you for all of your support and prayers.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

p.s. If you see me live on my cam say hi.

Brady Adoption Garage Sale STARTS NOW

2009-03-26T13:45:00.001-07:00

Hello All!

If you don't know me, delete this! I am sending this email to everyone in my contact list.

We are having our garage sale / fundraiser for our adoption.

It starts today and runs until 5pm each day through sunday!

If you are looking for anything at all, swing by!

Again, if your contact was in my book due to some freak of computing, forgive me. If you are on the east coast, sorry!

If you are in the marysville, wa area, swing by!

Chris and Kirsten Brady
8918 45th drive NE
Marysville, WA 98270

The ADOPTION GARAGE SALE COMETH!

2009-03-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Once again my friends

To the show that never ends.

It's me again, Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

I wanted to let everyone know that next weekend Starting on Friday (maybe even Thursday), we will be having a garage sale! It will be huge. We have been collecting stuff for months! If you have anything you want to ad that is in decent shape call me! Please pray for good weather. Please pray for lots of people.

This garage sale is for the adoption. The money goes for kids!

Please, if you read this, try to swing by this next week end.

Seriously, we have a ton of stuff.

I am trying to get a few more boxes of stuff! If you have stuff to donate, let me know!

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

IT HAS BEGUN (insert opening music to mortal kombat)

2009-03-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ready.

Fight!

Ok, Fight Fans, It's me again. Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

We are gearing up for our big adoption garage sale. I have started posting things on ebay and craigslist. If you search ebay for my user (fireballbrady) you can see what I have posted.

If you want something, buy it! I promise to mail it quickly! :-)

In other news, I thought about apologizing for my anti-American statements that I have made at times here in my blog. I speak me mind. That is who I am. Ask any of my liberal friends. Yes, I have friends that are liberals. Not just democrats, but card carrying, marxist loving, republican hating, "Progressive" liberals. And I love them.

Seriously. I do love them. 2 of my favorite libs are like brothers to me. (Side note: Jardin, call me)

We are protected in this country, not only by the men and women in uniform (God bless all of you), but by the letters written down by our forefathers. The Constitution is alive. In my eyes, it is the second greatest document ever written.

I would like to challenge anyone who reads this blog, to get yourself a copy of the constitution. If you have an iphone, you can download it. I did. I carry it with me everywhere. And you won't believe how often I have to pull it out to prove a point to someone. It is the second most misquoted and misused document in history (second to the same document that happens to beat it in the "greatest document ever written" category.

Read about the federal government and the powers that it is supposed to hold. Try to find in the Constitution, where is says that the Government is supposed to be doing 1/2 of what it is trying to do right now.

Ok, now I am starting to sound like an extreme rightwing nutcase.

Just read the freaking Constitution. Read it for your self. Make your own call on it.

DO NOT FOLLOW WHAT THE TALKING HEADS SAY ABOUT IT.

*Steps off of soap box*

Things are nice here... at lake wobegone. Out on the prairie.

I have been sick since last thursday. I got a little better on Saturday and then BAM! I got killed for 6 days straight. I am doing a little better now. Doc has me on an inhaler to help open up my lungs and hopefully get rid of my wheezing cough. It seems to work. Man is it weird to breathe in that stuff. And then hold your breath (at least 10 seconds)

Beauty and the little beasts are wonderful. I go up to get a drink a few minutes a go and my son was sitting in the middle of his room playing with his toy shark and stuffed snake that my bride made him. He looked up at me as natural as can be and said "Dad, I am practicing!". Practicing what, I wonder.

Well, enough for now. The nyQuil is kicking in. Ahhh, green death flavor!

Don't forget to go to EBAY and to come out next weekend for the garage sale!

can't stop the signal.

Fireballbrady

Must not read teleprompter.... Must use brain...

2009-03-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Well, It's me again.

Hank the Cowdog Head of Ranch Security.

I wanted to speak to you kids about a dangerous pastime that is becoming more and more prevalent in today's political society.

The use of the teleprompter.

Ok, back to real life.

My president is such a great speaker.

No, he isn't a great speaker, um.. He is a great reader. I think he would make bank as a person who records books on audio.

Come on. At a recent party with the Irish PM, he ended up reading part of the PM's speech. He ended up thanking himself. No. I am not making this up.

The initial story was reported as though he didn't realize he was reading the wrong speech. Now it is being said he did it as a joke.

Doesn't really matter what caused it, listen to him speak with out a teleprompter. With out the questions handed to his team beforehand and without the answers typed up for him to read.

Don't take this as me bashing on the President, but come on.... Stop with the cult. He isn't the second coming.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Blog Blog Blog, all day long, blog blog blog while i sing this song...

2009-03-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Oh, That is a sad sad title.

Hello again, It's me. Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch Security.

Things have been quiet (*EDITED DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY LOVELY BRIDE POINTED OUT MY MISSPELLING OF THE WORD QUIET--- APPARENTLY, I KEEP TYPING QUITE) on the ranch as of late, I have been out of the rotation with a bad bad cold.

Kirsten is in the process of burning out her sewing machine. She got bit by a creativity bug and is making a ton of stuff to sell at the garage sale we are setting up.

She gets and idea in her head and you had best stay out of the way. The stuff she is making looks great.

Kirsten was surfing craigslist the other day and found an ad that basically read "Help me with my Horses"

A lady who owns a carriage service in Seattle, was looking for someone to learn about horses and give her a hand on her farm a few days a week. Kirsten responded to her and told her about Maddie and asked if she would consider someone of that age. The lady (joanne) responded back with a request to meet and greet with Kirsten and Maddie. It all flowed really well. Maddie is going to Joanne's 3 times a week and helping groom the horses and is getting to learn to ride them also. This is a dream come true for Kirsten. She always wanted to do something like this when she was young. So know she gets to live vicariously through Maddie.

Jem is struggling right now. As the sole 4 year old in the house, he has been really wanting to push the limits.

I understand. Nothing is fair. Ask him. He will tell you. "THAT'S NOT FAIR!".
I think he is just tired. I hope he is. He is napping. Well, he was napping.

He doesn't wake up well.

I get to go back to work tomorrow. I am looking forward to that. I am also looking forward to not coughing up a lung.

Well, I will post the exact time/date of the garage sale. Email me if you have something to donate to the cause! Or come by and buy some stuff!

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Not with a wimper, but with a bang. That is how the world ends.

2009-03-10T20:44:00.001-07:00

Hello again, it's me. Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

Things have been tough on the ranch. New owners have moved in. Really miss the old one.

The new folks like the idea of taking stuff that other folks have worked hard for and giving it to the folks who slacked off.

Kinda get's my hackles up.

Well, i will hand this over to Chris.

Tuesday night. Just sitting and enjoying the evening. Kirsten and I went to a brunch and met Dennis Miller. It was fun. We spent the whole day together without kids. It was a wonderful date. (a special thanks to Mom and to Brittany for watching the midgets)

We did have a wonderful time. Kirsten won a copy of the Condi Rice autobiography.

Work was a fun ordeal today. I was on one job for over 4.5 hours. Yes. That is a very long time to work on one place.

Oh well.

On another note. We are asking (nay, demanding) prayer for the adoption. I know that these things take time, but God says to keep bugging him about stuff that is important to us. He is always listening and any extra prayers flung his way would be greatly appreciated.

Things that God can do are limitless. I just need to remember that he is steering the boat.

Sorry for such a disjointed post.

Just a heads up for those who follow my blog..... fireballbrady, the podcast will be back shortly. (insert ominous music here)

remember,

they can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

From hero to goat in record time. A closet smoker get's caught.

2009-03-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Things have sure been strange on the ranch the past few days.

Let me digress. It's me, hank the cowdog. Head of ranch security.

Things were quite on the ranch for a few days. My humans went on a trip.

Ok, my wife and kids went to visit family out on the peninsula. I worked and had a racquetball tournament to play in.

Kirsten and the kids had a wonderful time playing. Jem and his cousin Sam, decided to play wrestling the whole time apparently.

Well, Kirsten took the dog, jack-jack, with them and at night, she left jack-jack in the van.

Back to that in a second.

So, tonight after I got done playing rball (in tacoma), I get home and find a ford Winstar in our drive way.

At first I thought maybe Sharon and the kids came back with Kirsten for a few days.

But our toyota was no where in sight.

I walked in, saw my wife and said hi. Then I asked (very kindly, mind you) "Ummm, where is our van?"

"Come on up and I will tell you about it".

Long story short, back up to the 1st part, jack-jack decided to chew through, not 1 seatbelt, but 6 out of 7.

Yep. He destroyed 6 sets of seatbelts.

I must be getting old. I didn't initially think of killing the dog.

My wife's eyes were red. She was very upset about this. Before I got home, she had placed a craigslist ad online to get rid of the dog.

She was trying to have him gone by the time I got home.

She explained that the mutt had destroyed all the seat belts and that she knew i would want/demand to get rid of the dog.

Well, i hate the dog, but love that the family loves the dog (secretly, i pet the dog when no one is looking)

I was so relieved to have her tell me the van was running just fine and that it was ok and that she and the kids were ok. I was very thankful.

No, we weren't going to get rid of the dog. Kirsten and the kids absolutely love the mutt. I had her remove the craigslist ad.

Now for the Goat part.

It didn't take long for me to go to sleep. I fell asleep fully clothed on top of the bed, watching red dwarf: Series 2.

My wife got into bed and I woke up and leaned over to kiss her good night.

She asked me if I had been smoking. I had. Not today. But while she was gone I did. You see, I am a closet smoker... Was a closet smoker. I am no longer, you could say that I am out of the closet. I am no longer a smoker. That is part of the reason for posting this.

My wife is very upset at me. And deservedly so. She and I have both had our share of family heart breaks due to smoking.

Cancer is an ugly thing to watch in a family member.

As she so rightly stated, I have a family. I don't have the right to smoke. I am basically just putting a gun to my head and pulling the trigger. Hoping that the chamber is empty.

I can't afford to play Russian roulette with my life. My wife and kids need me. As I will soon have 5 kids, I am needed even more. For me to choose to smoke, regardless of legality and right, is wrong.

I don't need to smoke. I don't want to smoke. I hate how I feel when I do smoke. So why smoke? Good question. It is one that I don't have an answer for.

So, I am giving it up. I am becoming a quitter.

I am posting this on my blog and facebook page to remind me and to let others know that I am quitting. It is really a stupid habit anyways.

And know I am the goat. I didn't see my bride for nearly 3 days and now she is (rightfully) upset with me. I didn't really expect this to all come out tonight. Now the hard part is that she has gone to bed and I can't. I want to wake her up and apologize and let her know how sorry I truly am. I know that she feels hurt/betrayed. I have no excuse. You always hear people say "I wasn't trying to hurt you." Well, through neglect and stupidity, I did hurt her.

I will tell her I am sorry.

I do promise to quite.

Well, this post has gone on long enough. If anyone knows of a place to get replacement seatbelts, let me know. I have to drive back out to Sequim on sunday to get our van.

i hate that dog... but not as much as I hate smoking.

can't stop the signal. but i can stop smoking.

fireballbrady

The fireballbrady channel!! ALL BRADY ALL THE TIME! I LIKE IT!

2009-03-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

I am working on the pile o' stuff we have gathered from craigslist for the adoption garage sale/fund raiser.

don't know if it will work.

we shall see.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Copy and Paste into your folder, folder with your name.

2009-02-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

You know what I like?

My Wife. I know that may sound far fetched! In todays society, to many guys just rag on their wives and wives rag on their husbands. I know that life isn't perfect, but I am sooooo in love with my wife.

What she does that amazes me:

1. Takes care of the kids. Seriosly, we have 2 now and are going to have 5 soon. She handles 90% of the bathing, feeding, schooling etc... It amazes me how much my kids have learned from her.

2. Keeps the home in place. Not that it was trying to leave it's foundation, but she makes sure that everything (almost) is in it's place.

3. Bills. I know that I go to work each day and earn the money, but she manages it. That is such a blessing to me. I don't do really well with numbers in the first place. It is such a weight off of my shoulders knowing that she has it handled.

4. Pro31 v10-31. Need I say more. Well maybe I do. Let me break it down for you.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (New International Version)

¹⁰ ^a]">[a] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
and lacks nothing of value.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I can't be thankful enough for the woman that God handed me. It is like getting the pick 6 in the spousal lottery.

I am blessed with a Pro31 woman. Kirsten is wonderful. You should really get to know her. She is worth every second.

Ok, Enough of that.

Can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

Call me a sell out... I dare you...

2009-02-21T21:05:00.001-08:00

Ok, It's me again... Hank the Cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

Huge KGJr Fan.

Seriously. I stopped watching baseball not long after I got married.

I picked it back up here and there over the years, but mainly followed the Mariners. They were my home team.

See, I was brought up in southern Oregon. The only choices I had was to root for the M's or to back a California team. Sorry Cali, I just can't go there.

So here there I was, a kid from a southern Oregon town of less than a thousand. Rooting for a team whose state I hadn't ever been in.

I did move to Washington when I was 11.

I did watch "the Kid" play for 11 seasons. I did mourn his leaving. I just liked the cut of his jib. I liked the way he played. I liked they way he talked.

Now he is back.

Seriously. I haven't been this excited about a sports figure since Bird retired. (yes I know they are different sports).

I look forward to watching the M's again. I always enjoyed it. But I always enjoyed Steak also. Just now it comes with a fantastic Cab Sav.

Ok, Nothing left.

Going to go watch Taken. 10:15 showing Saturday Night.

can't stop the signal.

And then there was one.

2009-02-20T14:46:00.000-08:00

Hello Again.

It's me, Hank the Cowdog.

Head of Ranch Security.

How goes it my fine friends? Life is good. The wait for the kids hurts. Can't avoid that.

It is funny when you try to forget about something (like, say... 3 of your children are stuck in the poorest nation in the western hemisphere) it keeps coming up in your thoughts.

I have set my phone alarm to go off every day at noon. Our adoption group has set that time aside for prayer for our kids.

Every day, my stupid phone reminds me that 3/5th of my kids aren't home.

Please pray for our paperwork to get out of dispensation. After that, things should be smooth sailing. Or, at least we won't be moving against hurricane force winds.

nuff said for now.

take care
and remember

We surround them... and they can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

Car Accident on I-5 today. Rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated.

2009-02-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Again,

It's me, Hank the Cowdog. Head of ranch security.

Well today was an exciting day! I had a 4 hour meeting planned with my boss! WHOO HOOO!.

I get up extra early and head out to the yard and on my way, minding my own business, driving on I-5 at 60 miles an hour, i get hit.

Seriously, it has been a decade or more since my last accident.

Some college gal was heading to exit 194 for class at EvCC and forgot to look before changing lanes.

Luckily, no one else was involved. It is very disconcerting to find oneself driving sideways at 60 miles an hour. It was funny to watch the faces of the people traveling at me.... at 60 miles an hour.

Luckily, I didn't panic. My soul is prepared, how about yours Dr. Jones?

Gonna need a new bumper, a wheel alignment and a little bit of body work on the rear quarter panel.

It really brings ones mortality to the forefront of one's thoughts.

I just thank God that I am still among the living.

So, once again, the reports of my demise has been greatly exaggerated.

On other news, still no news on the adoption. We got new pics of the boys, I will post them tonight.

Keep praying and remember.

They can't stop the signal.

we surround them.

fireballbrady

p.s. Can't believe that the driver of the other car couldn't see my ugly teal truck...

The 9 Principles.

2009-02-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

These are Glenn Becks words. I agree. My personal take will be in bold/italics. If you want to read more, check it out here. http://tinyurl.com/bt7696

1. America is good. Man is born a sinner, but I believe we live in the greatest country in the world

2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life. Yep...
3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday. Try is the imperative word here. Never stop trying.

4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government. After God, yes, my wife and I are the ultimate authority in our house.

5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it. For everyone.

6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results. Kind of like the warning on every single investment. No guarantees. What I will tell you is that if you work hard, you will go farther than if you wait for a hand out. Those who wait for hand outs usually end up on street corners... still waiting for hand outs.

7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable. I don't care how much you gave to charity. It is none of my business. Consequently, it is none of your business how much I gave. And the government has no business making the decision for me on how much I should.

8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion. This is true, unless your a conservative, or so it seems.

9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me. Nothing left to say on that one.

Remember, we are the people spoken of in the document that we base our government on. "We the People" refers to us.

I don't stand here blindly and say that we should do nothing concerning the current state of the economy, but what I do think is that we need to seriously trim down the stimulus plan. Please take a moment and see what kind of things are in it. And realize how much 837billion dollars is.

1 million dollars spent every day since Christ was born doesn't equal this amount.

Make a stand.

Don't be silent.

They can't stop the signal, we surround them.

fireballbrady

A funny thing happened on the way to the coliseum...

2009-02-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

It's me, Hank the cowdog. Head of ranch security.

Well, we are still in the waiting game. Waiting and waiting.

But there is hope.

I no longer have the right to be upset about the time this adoption has taken.

I can no longer whine about how long IBESR has taken.

My wife and I met a couple who are adopting from Haiti. They started out adopting a newborn girl and a 2 year old boy! They are now adopting a 10 year old boy and an 8 year old girl.

I have no right to complain about time.

Check out http://gracecasechronicles.blogspot.com/ to read about them.

Nice couple. Seriously. There are many more things we have in common aside from the adoption.

Oh well. God has it in His hands.

My prayer right now is for safety and health for our kids and for the speedy finish for the Scheffers adoption.

Right now they are waiting on passports and Visas to be issued then they will be done.

I think they have waited long enough.... Seriously, please pray for Tad and Charity. They need and deserve our special attention in prayer for their kids.

Just so everyone knows, there is an ongoing prayer hour for our Haitian babies. Every day at 12. Where ever you are, please say a prayer for our kids. Specifically for their paperwork to move forward.

Oh yeah, about Tad and Charity's kids in Haiti. They are Isaiah and Annecy. We have Isaiah and Annabelle and Titus.

Thanks for your prayers.

And for the friends I have who don't feel they have someone to pray to (jeremy), know that I am praying for you.

can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

Prayer Request

2009-02-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

It's me again... Hank the Cowdog... Blah blah blah. You know the rest.

Every other monday night we have a chat online with all of the awaiting families in our group.

We all have children that are waiting for us in Haiti.

We were given the news that our wait will most likely be extended.

Right now, I am having to go out on faith. I don't trust myself to not get angry about the time tables. I am asking for prayer. Mainly for my wife. Kirsten is taking this news kind of hard.

We have been on this journey for a long long time. Even though it has only been a year since we got our first pictures of our kids. The time has gone by fast on some days. On the other days, it is like waiting for my dad to get home when I am already in hot water with my mom. It takes forever.

God says to be specific and to pray often.

Please, if you have a moment, pray for us. The hardest thing in the world is to think that we will have to wait until our kids are 6 months older than planned to bring them home.

Thanks

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

getting stuff off my chest.

2009-01-19T21:13:00.001-08:00

You know what... In today's world, most people believe that every relationtship is... how shall I put it... a throw away. Relationships are not something to be cherished. They aren't something to be fought for.

I wish this were not the case with the Christian community, but let's face it. Even that is full of divorce, adultery and abuse. Not to mention many other issues that face both Christian and non christian couples.

Seriously. Most people I know keep something as damaging as divorce in their back pocket arsenal. They keep that as a secret weapon. In case things get to tough. In case she/he didn't become the person of their dreams. In case.... they wake up and realize that marriage takes work. Blood, sweat and tears. Lots of heart ache.

So, you may ask, Why?

I'll tell you.

I don't know.

I do know that marriage was never meant to be a one night stand. It wasn't designed to be something to "try out". You don't get married and then wake up one morning and say... Hmmmmmm.... I don't think I love you anymore.

The best/worst line I have heard was this "I love you, but I am not in love with you any more".

Seriously, my wife and I have fought like cats and dogs. We have had good times and bad. Life is not like Hollywood. It isn't a fairy tale. It is a full time job, plus mandatory OT. If you don't think you are up to some serious work, then don't get married.

Sorry. I had to get that off my chest. It bothers me that we treat marriage as such a joke.

Know. On to my topic. My wife and I have been married just over 10 years. That seems like a long time when you figure 4.95 out of every 1000 people in USA got a divorce last year. (Yay! We're number 1!)

According to divorcerate.com (i think it is sick that there is even a site called this). 50% percent of first marriages, 67% of second and 74% of third marriages end in divorce.

Ouch.

Ok. Back to your regularly scheduled post.

My wife and I are committed to each other. Things are not perfect. Far from it. But I have never had divorce as an option. Neither has she. We made that agreement before we ever got married.

We have great roll models. My parents have been married for 38 years. My in-laws (I hate that term, it seems so.... clinical) have been married more than 30 years (I don't know the exact!). They are two completely different sets of people. They both, however, defied all the odds and stayed married.

Both of these men have had a huge impact on me. I have watched them and how they treat their wives. They have provided me with a basic blue print of how I should treat and love my wife. They base their love of their wives on Christ's love.

Yep. Biblical. It is a great book to live by. And I fail by it on a daily basis. But I try.

Shelly and Jill (mom and mom in law) are 2 of the most different people in the world. The best part is that I can see 2 sides to every coin with them. I can ask them both a question and most likely get different answers that lead to the same place. Like asking for directions. They both have their hearts in the right place, and they will both try to guide me in the best direction, but they get there using different modes of transportation.

Needless to say, both sets of parents in our lives have provided us with a decent starting place.

Even though we don't always get along, agree, like each other, etc... We always love each other.

This post completely went off track.

I am going to end it know.

can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

house fire in a place called simplicity (URGENT)

2009-01-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Again,

It's me, Hank the Cowdog.

Ok, back to reality. It has been a long time since I have posted. If you saw the last post with Satan Claus, and you don't know the whole story, don't worry. It is a family joke.

So, how is everyone? I am working in the outside world now. I have met lots of great people, but some days, I still miss working in the old office. Not really. There is no stress in this new job. Like close to zero. It is wonderful.

Things are moving with the adoption. How fast, we don't know. Last we heard, our paperwork was sitting on the desk of René Garcia Préval. He is the current president of Haiti.

When adopting from Haiti, one of the items in fine print says that if you have biological kids and still want to adopt from Haiti, it must be approved by the President.

Well, our paper work has been on his desk for a couple of weeks. As soon as he signs off on our paperwork, we should get out of IBESR and then we will be (hopefully) only 6 months from bringing the kids home.

We are in the middle of applying for a grant from Shaohannah's hope. If we get the grant it will cover 1/5th of the rest of our debt for this adoption. We are down to the last $15k.

We are looking at ideas for fundraisers. If you have any ideas, let me know.

On a different note, some people we know online (fellow adoptive parents) Linn and Dwight, just had their home burn down. They just brought home 2 kids and another coming from China. Their blog is here: http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/

If you can, please donate! They lost everything.

If you can't, at least pray for them. For those readers of mine who don't believe... think happy thoughts. I will pray for you.

'nuff said.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Satan Claus has Been Tracked Down!

2008-12-25T13:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has been verified.

He has been found

He was spotted down at the local barnes and knoble at a book signing.

Here is a digital version of his book.

Merry Christmas.

If you know who Satan Claus is, you will probably be getting a dvd of this.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Most important thing about Christmas and the economy

2008-12-25T01:13:00.003-08:00

Ptchs.org is up

2008-12-25T01:13:00.001-08:00

Finally figured out how to get the site uploaded.

It is still in beta. Ihave to finish some paperwork for that this week end.

Today is my brothers 38th bday. Happy Birthday Jeramy.

We are 4 years & 1 day apart.

I am heading to seattle to spend the day with mywife.

Check out ptchs.org

Send me feedback.

Can't stop the signal

Fireballbrady

I'm Dreaming of a White, Christmas

2008-12-21T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hello,

It's me again.

Hank the Cow Dog.

Head of ranch security.

We are sitting around the house, enjoying the snow! It is so much more fun from the warmth of the house.

We have been able to go out a few times to make trips to the store.

It is kind of a perfect way to end the year.

I was saving my vacation until the last minute, hopefully to use in conjunction with my trip to Haiti to pick up my kids.

Well, looks like it will be May or June before we get to bring them home.

We are currently trying to figure out how to give our house a little more room. I am going to try to do an add on off the back of our house. That should give us enought room for all the kids.

This could be fun. 5 kids. 1 wife. 2 cats and 1 dog. 1700 square feet. If I do the add on right, it should bump us up to about 2000 square feet.

Should be interesting. But I should be able to do the whole add on for about $5000.

That is not going to be an option. The add on that is. With the size of our family, heading skyward, this house will not work in the long run.

The Brady Household: A home barely to size. Gentlemen, we can rebuild it. We have the technology. We have the capability to build a larger home. The Brady home will be that home. Better than it was before. Better, stronger, larger and with cupholders and french doors.

Can't Stop the Signal

fireballbrady

my daughter is casting spells.

2008-12-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

I know.

It sounds like a weird posting.

Well, my daughter watched part of one of the harry potter movies and then she found a stick outside that looked kind of like a wand.

Sooooo.... Tonight after tucking the kids in bed, there was the regular banter back and forth between the 4 year old and the 9 year old.

Suddenly, I heard what sounded like...

stop

interruption

Jem came downstairs. He needed to tell me something. I asked him what happened if Santa found out that he was disobeying and getting out of bed. He looked me straight in the eye and said "Daddy, your Santa".

Before I could say anything else, he said "because your fat, fat, fat".

ouch.

he is back in bed now.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

When we left Maddie, she was in her room going to sleep... Right.

I kept hearing what sounded like her saying something to or at her brother. Then she would say "Now you twirl around and fall down!"

She kept "cursing" her brother.

I finally yelled "Maddie! Stop putting spells on your brother!"

I kept hearing them play and finally I had to threaten "If you put one more spell on your brother, I am confiscating your wand!"

That almost stopped the fun. I finally had to go and take her "wand"/stick and put it away.

Well. It might not be as funny in print as it was in real life, but it was really funny to think of a parent having to threaten to ground a child if they hexed their sibling one more time.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Prayers for Martha

2008-12-10T17:46:00.001-08:00

Ok Team.

I know that i have a handful of readers out there. Not thousands, probably not even 10's.

Please pray for a little Ugandan girl named Martha.

I don't want to repeat the whole story, so please go to http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2008/12/martha.html

and read about her.

APlaceCalledSimplicity is a blog my wife follows. This family is adopting 2 (i think) kids from Uganda. Linn and Dwight. Read their blog. Please. I rarely suggest reading someone elses blog. This one is important.

I am not asking anyone to send any money to anyone. Just prayer. You have time for that. Heck, you had time to read my stupid blog.

Please join in prayer for this little girl and all the kids in this world who are waiting for their families to find them.

'nuff said

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

California Drivers.... Need I say more?

2008-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

Well,

I am going through my iphoto library to clean it out and work on basic editing. I stumbled upon the following series of photos.

I will give you a little back ground.

It was middle of the summer and we were on the way home from southern Oregon, I noticed a car behind me that was moving at a high rate of speed. I was in the passing/fast lane, cruising at about 70mph. The guy got on my tail and proceeded to tail gate me with in about 3 feet from my bumper.

I waited until I had a safe place to get out of his way (I had to pass a couple of semi's before moving right).

So, I got out of his way and proceeded to watch him tail gate the next 5 people who happened to be in front of him. It would only have taken 1 person to hit their brakes and he would have been toast.

Needless to say, I decided to catch up to him, and take his picture for posterity sake.

If you see him, wave and smile. No matter how upset he looks, remember that you are a lot happier than he is.

Back to work,

can't stop the signal.

fireballbrady

Celebrating post 100

2008-11-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hello Again,

It's me...

You know the rest.

I just watched one of those stupid home remodel shows. You know the one. On ABC. With Ty and the gang. They travel the nation and help people who need massive renovations to their homes. Well, this week the story was around the Frische family from Toledo, Ohio. They are a family of 13. 5 of those are boys they adopted from (can you guess?)Haiti.

Updated: 12/3/2008

We just got an update a few days ago from our adoption coordinator. The new director of IBESR in Haiti wants to get all the waiting families currently in IBESR signed out by the end of the year. Please pray for this. If it happens, we are told we will have a 6 month window until we should be able to bring the kids home.

6 months till I have 5 kids in the house. Wow. I honestly didn't think this would happen. Kind of like waiting for Christmas. So close, yet so far away.

I am in training this week to learn to pole climb. I just passed my last test on the pole. I had to climb up 18 feet, with out a safety harness, and set a "j" hook. Then I had to pull up a grunt bag that weighed about 35 pounds. Then lower the bag, remove the "J" hook and climb down.

It is really no different from climbing rocks, except the gaffs.

My trainer, Jack Westman, did an amazing job. He is a real hands on kind of trainer.

I have been able to see the folks at the FSC and visit everyone. Things are going ok. They all want me back in RMG. Well, that particular part of my life is over!

The outside copper work I get to do now is awesome!

Well, like all things, this post has to come to an end.

It is my 100th post. I am pretty happy about that. At least I have 100 posts under this particular blog.

Take care and remember,

If you are in trouble
If no one else can help
And, if you can find them,

Call the A-team... Wait, I mean call me,
I can help.

Can't Stop The Signal.

FIREBALLBRADY!

p.s. Beware of laser wielding flying monkeys.

This song is amazing. and they are adopting!

2008-11-13T21:55:00.001-08:00

You can never go wrong with a good song.

My wife stumbled on this video on a blog she follows.

http://www.cateandsean.blogspot.com/

This couple is also adopting from Haiti.

This is an amazing video. If the rest of the music runs in this vein, then the band Transient Phase will absolutely sky rocket.

On the subject of our adoption... no news is good news? Or not. People ask me everyday how it is going, or if they haven't seen me in a week, they ask me if we have brought them home yet....

If they are home, everyone will know. Seriously, I will be screaming it our the top of my lungs. I will be on my rooftop yelling it to the world. I promise. Even if it is snowing.

I got to speak to my brother yesterday.. >Dang it< i was supposed to call him today and forgot. SORRY BREW! Nuts, for all the times I was angry that he didn't call me back, and I forget to call him. Bad Tofu... Bad bad bad..

Well, I love you all and ask for your prayers that our paperwork gets out of IBESR soon. It seems like it has been ages since we got in. I will chat more later.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Thank a Vet. They are the reason we can post freely.

2008-11-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Again,

It's me... Hank the Cowdog.

Head of ranch security.

Before I get into my regular post I wanted to send out a thanks to all the Vet's i know.

1. Capt. Jeramy W. Brady. USMC
2. Sgt. Dan Neshem US Army
3. Sgt. Matt Neshem US Army
4. Pvt. Mike Neshem US Army

All 4 of these men are my brothers. God bless you all. Thanks for keeping my family safe from all who would harm us. Protected from those who would see us killed.

Thank you to all the vets. Current, retired and those who are guarding the gates of heaven. Thank you.

And now to your regularly scheduled blog posting, already in progress.

My wife and I are spending the evening reading some other blogs made by other families who are or have been in the process for adoption.

Some of them have brought home some of there kids, some are waiting on the first, some are just basking in the glow...

crazyforkids.blogspot.com

aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com

These are great. Take some time and read them.

We just just some more pics of our kids! The group who went to Haiti earlier this month just sent some pictures of the trip to us.

It is so hard to wait this long for anything. Seriously. I don't do well with delayed gratification.

If i want it, i want it now. If I like it, I want more of it (can you tell I have issues). That is probably why we are adopting 3...

Isaiah and Titus and Annabelle

Seriously... These kids are wonderful. You can't really tell, but Annabelle is a total sweetheart. She just takes a little time to warm up.

If you look closely at the boys, they are looking at pictures of themselves with us!

They are all wondeful. Everyone. I am truly blessed. Not only do I have 3 wondeful children in haiti, God has blessed me with these!!!!

I am truly blessed.

I thank God for my kids and my wife.

Speaking of my wife..... rrrowwwr

Talk about getting the pick six of the spousal lottery!

Ok, I am done for today.

be good
drive safe

and remember...

you can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

New Day, Dark Skies.... I'm Batman... No really, I'm Batman.

2008-11-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

Well,

Today is the 1st really rainy day I have had since I moved to the outside field position.

Not bad. All of the jobs were indoors! YEAH!!!

I am riding with Estaban today. Nice guy. Pretty laid back.

I found a wireless access point at the yard. You can't get it from the inside of the building, but anywhere outside you can find it.

Things are really interesting right now. I will be (hopefully) posting another video with my questions and concerns today.

If you watch it, please post something! or ask a question. I will respond!

We haven't heard anything new about our adoption as of today. Hopefully it will happen soon! We are being told most likely our time is going to be in April.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Voted, aged and got shafted by the bank, in one weekend.

2008-11-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

It's me again.

Sorry for the delay.

Been a long couple of weeks. I am training for a new position at work and trying to get my life in order to add 3 more kids into our house.

We just got a letter from the bank.

You know, when ever you get a letter from the bank, it is never good.

We had been granted a home equity line of credit.

We had planned on using it for the last part of our adoption process.

The letter said that due to our housing market collapsing, that our home equity had dissapeared. So did our ability to draw on that equity!

Oh well. God has his hands in all of it.

I was upset earlier, but I am ok now. He has taken care of my family all this time, I have no right to question Him now.

That being said, if anyone has $20k laying around or burning a hole in your pocket, consider donating to the cause!

Ok, enough money grubbing. Sorry for that, but it really put a bad spin on the day.

On to other things...

Our nation is going to wake up to a new president.

Should be interesting, regardless of who wins.

What I want to know is how the news channels can assign a winner when less than 20% of the ballots have been counted.

I mean, saying that candidate A won in a specific state with more than half of the ballots yet to be counted, means that they could be really really wrong.

I hope they are wrong. Just so I can laugh at them.. I need a good laugh.

be good and remember that you

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Haitian Frustration or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Haitian Time

2008-10-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well,

It is that time of year. Every 4 years, during the 1st week of November, 2 things happen that affect our entire nation.

1. We elect a new president (or the same for another term)

2. I gain another 4 years.

The most redeeming factor to my gaining in age, is that my brother is still 4 years and 1 day older than me.

He held this over me for most of my early days (until the age of 13, when I got taller than him).

Needless to say, at the age of 13, regardless of whether or not I was taller than him, he could still beat me up.

This has been an interesting week. Obviously i haven't posted any new videos. The video posted here was one I forgot about.

It was just me voicing my frustration concerning how things were going in Haiti on one of the days during my last trip.

Don't take the frustration in my voice as anything serious. I made it to the airport (obviously) and I was able to make it home to my bride and kids.

We just got word that the Haitian gov't hired a new director of IBESR. This person is planning (according to our adoption coordinator) to process things as fast as they can.

Please pray for us! (yes papke, you can just sit there and think happy thoughts)

Our last trial was awaiting word on our twins birth parent interview. This is the interview that the parents must do to make sure they want to give their kids up for adoption. It is also the last chance for them to change there mind.

I didn't realize that this far into the ordeal that they could still change there mind. I don't envy their position, but I love them dearly for giving their sons the chance at a new life.

It went off with out a hitch.

We are looking to have all 3 home by April.

I will post more later.

Really

you know why?

because...

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Day after NY

2008-10-22T13:58:00.001-07:00

Hello

I'm hank the cowdog. Head of ranch security.

I went to see Neil Young last night. Opening acts were Everest and Death Cab For Cutie. Dcfc is a local band and I have never been into their music. Until now.

Holy frakk. They were tight.

Neil rocked the house like a madman. It was probably the best show I have been to in years.

I will post some videos if they turned out.

Can't stop the signal

Fireballbrady

I hate missing out on the fun...

2008-10-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well,

I was on in a chat group this evening that has people who are waiting for their kids from Haiti.

Several of them are going to the Haiti in the 1st week of November to see their kids. I am sooo jealous. Seriously. I need to confess.

Even though i didn't get to got see my kids on this last trip, and I know that it would kill me to see them now, knowing that I couldn't take them home, I would go in a heart beat.

Kirsten and I are in the same room on 2 different computers and in the same chat room.

Kind of funny.

We should get some new pics of our daughter in a couple of weeks. A big group is heading to FHG and many have promised to take pictures of our daughter.

Well, I will post more later.

can't stop the signal

fireballbrady

Testing out blogging sw on my iPhone

2008-10-20T18:16:00.001-07:00

Hey all,

I am working outside now! No more cubicles for me.

I don't care about the rain or the weather.

There is a ton of stuff to know. Pretty big learning curve.

ADOPTION News!!!

We just heard that there is a new govt official handling paper work in IBESR and that person is going to process things as fast as possible! After IBESR, we go into Parquet (butter), and then on into MOI.

After that, we only have to deal with the USA and get the kids visas.

We are looking into having an auction/benefit dinner to raise the last $16,000 that we need. It is amazing how God works. He is the only reason we are able to get this done.

It is hard to type on this tiny keyboard!

Gotta get back to work

Can't stop the signal.

Fireballbrady

Haiti Trip Rundown.

2008-10-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm Hank the Cowdog, head of ranch security....

You may not know that the means, but if you have kids who are looking for fun stories to read or to have them read to.... Go to your book store and get some of the hank the cowdog series. Seriosly, go to amazon or borders or (insert local book store here) and get a few of them.

If your kids aren't readers, get some of the books on audio. You can share them with your kids after you have listened to them. They are a lot of fun.

So, I wanted to give you a run down of what happened with my last trip to haiti. I also wanted to share this, not as a complaint, but to make sure you know some of the pitfalls that could happen.

I am going to try to keep this chronological. I have already posted some of this info in past posts.

Made it to Haiti with very little problems. When I was flying over the midwest, I couldn't sleep and watched what must have been the largest thunder and lightning storms ever concieived in the mind of God.

Side note: One time (about 15 years ago) I was flying into Atlanta, GA. I was sitting next to a little Vietnamese lady and her newborn. Yes, I got the lucky seat. Well, the child was cute and slept most of the trip, but the last couple of hours was kind of tiring. Not for me.

God has blessed me with the ability to tune out kids crying. Well, at 1 hour till touchdown, the mother had either had to use the restroom or had had enough the a squirming / screaming baby. The little girl couldn't have been more than 12 months old.

Well, the mom didn't speak any english. She stood up and looked at me as she passed me into the aisle (She had the window and I had the aisle) and stopped for a second, and looked like she was contemplating something.... The next thing I knew was that I had a baby in my lap. Yep, mom had dropped the baby in my lap and walked away. She couldn't walk far, as we were in an airplane and currently traveling around 30,000 feet. Mom stayed away for about 45 minutes. She came back right as we were heading down for the landing. She never said a word. Just trusted that I would take care of her baby for a while.

Fast forward to modern day.

I had made my connecting flight to Port au Prince (flew from Seattle to Miami, then from Miami to Port Au Prince) and sat down next to a little Haitian lady with (you guessed it) a little girl, about 12 months old.

(can you guess what happened in the last 30 minutes of the flight?)

Well, the mom didn't speak any english. She stood up and looked at me as she passed me into the aisle (She had the window and I had the aisle) and stopped for a second, and looked like she was contemplating something.... The next thing I knew was that I had a baby in my lap. Yep, mom had dropped the baby in my lap and walked away. She couldn't walk far, as we were in an airplane and currently traveling around 30,000 feet. Mom stayed away for about 30 minutes. She came back right as we were heading down for the landing. She never said a word. Just trusted that I would take care of her baby for a while.

Yep, 2 times in my past I have had complete strangers consider me worthy of trusting with there most precious items.

Made it to PAP and was amazed at how clean the streets were. This was just after Ike had hit and the clean streets were accompanied with complete and utter destruction of crops and homes.

Well, I made it to my hotel and decided to rest for the afternoon and evening. I enjoyed (kind of) the local beer of choice: Prestige. When it is 95 degrees out and bugs are swarming, any beer that is cold, is the best beer you will ever drink.

The worst part about being back in Haiti was the bugs. With the standing water from the hurricane, the mosquito's were voracious.

While waiting for my ride to the airport, I bought some new minutes for my Hatian cell phone. I called our adoption coordinator and verified all the info for the next days trip to the embassy to file our I-600a. Well, feeling I had things well in hand I relaxed and got prepared for the embassy.

I ended up sharing a room with a nice guy named Mike. He and is wife are adopting a little boy who is in the same orphanage as our twin boys.

Mike and I got up early and had breakfast and waited for our driver and translator. Even though we were going to the US embassy, all of the paper work we were supposed to fill out was basically translating from the Creole paperwork from our kids birth into paperwork that is usefull to the US govt.

We made it to the embassy and they confiscated everything I had. Seriously. Phone, camera, batteries, matchbook (they scanned me and said "do you have matches?". Well, we the people who escorted us to the embassy turned out to not be the translator.

In fact, the nice lady who was with us, didn't speak any english. (well, enough to tell me that she didn't understand anything I said).

After struggling with the paperwork for a couple of hours and having some help from a really nice lady at the embassy, I was able to submit my paperwork and leave. A few things really though me for a loop. Like the birthdate of our twins changed, as did one of there names. This, apparently, is very common in haiti. I have some more back story on this, but will wait until the boys are home to share it.

Needless to say, the next morning, as i got ready to ship our to the USA, my ride doesn't show up.

They are supposed to pick me up at 6am.

6:15

6:30

6:45

6:55.... Forget it.. I happenen to see a group of pilots heading to the air port. The fly for Air Tortuga. If I ever get to fly on that airline, I will tip everyone. The pilots loved the fact that I needed a ride! Especially because they got to give it to me. Most of them were from the Dominican Republic, but one was from Champagne, Il. No idea on what there names were..

I made it to the airport with 1 hour to spare and then had my plane be delayed (again) for about 1/2 hour.

Ok. I want to share more, but it is late and I have to work in the morning. I will post the last bit of my trip tomorrow.

fireballbrady

Good Night and Good Luck: On to bigger and better things

2008-10-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Well,

I am out of one position and starting another.

Thanks for all the love!

I will be attending a party tonight for my going away.

It will be a good time.

5 till whenever! Join us at the Club Something or other in the tulalip casino.

Fireballbrady

Short Timers Syndrome.... Man is this going to be a long couple of weeks

2008-09-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well,

I am back. I have taken an upgrade at work. I have until next thursday until i start my new job.

I am really trying to stay focused.

Check out my hypothetical situation.

Let me know your thoughts. (thanks dawn, for pointing out my inability to type)

What would you do? Speak your mind or keep your mouth shut?

brady

Guess who's back... Back again... Brady's Back... Tell a Friend..

2008-09-28T20:39:00.001-07:00

Yea, It is a bad rap song.

But I am back.

The trip was long for a short trip.

I am back... I will post more later. I just got off work.

Sorry for the short post.

I will put more info as warranted.

fireballbrady

Back from the Embassy... Closing out day 2

2008-09-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Well,

I am back from the embassy. After some slight communication issues, we got things done. I think.

I will leave it at that. If you have to come here, and do paperwork. Make sure you have an interpreter with you. Period.

I will keep this short.

I love you Kirsten! I love you Maddie! I love you Jem!

I will post again later. I need a shower (like you wanted to know that)

chris