School Days.......

The kids and I all started school today. Although I it was bittersweet that I didn't get to see them get on the bus, husband did a great job picture taking! My day went well, Wednesdays are the worst, I have two classes and am in a class (lectures) for a total of 4 hrs and 20 minutes. Fortunately, we can have snacks and beverages at our desks. Also, the subject matter is interesting so it is fun!

We had to make our first speeches in my public speaking class. Not too bad, but there was a catch. We had to partner up with a classmate and speak about the other person. We needed to have one commonality, one unusual feature etc. I felt bad once my partner went up. I had told her about Vanessa and I told her she could share that with the class. She started speaking, mentioned my name, my age, etc and I saw that it was difficult for her to talk about Vanessa. But she did, and it was hard to listen but easier than for me having to share it directly with the class. I try not to discuss certain things, not to hide them, but because I want to be treated fairly. It's great if others are inspired but we certainly don't want pity. However, if it means that a few more good people are praying tonight, then it's a successful thing.

Vanessa did great at achool and loved the school lunch. Too bad I didn't have the menu yesterday BEFORE I bought the cold cuts. No harm done, we have sandwiches as afterschool snacks!

Brandon also did great and I can't wait to spend his birthday with him. He is anxiously waiting for a hard to find pokemon video game, I found it and it should arrive by Saturday. He wants to go to hibachi for dinner, I can't wait! We always have an awesome time.

My birthday is next week Friday. I wouldn't mind going to Perkins or Applebees, would love to try out Melting Pot but don't think it's very child friendly. Where ever I go, it will be a late evening event if it happens at all since I signed up for a Substitute Teacher Course for that weekend. Most importantly, where ever it is, restaurant or at home, all I want is my kids and husband with me. Perhaps some munchies and a great family movie may be my final decision, but it will be time well spent and very special.

And then there were three....

The Fall is a busy season in our household. There's back to school, Brandon's birthday and my birthday in September; followed by Vanessa's birthday and Halloween in October; November is Al's Birthday and Thanksgiving and then there's December! We also have lots of yearly events and traditions during these wonderful months.

So in anticipation of Halloween, Brandon has picked out his costume. He just knew, hasn't considered others; he wants to be a Transformer. Vanessa, on the other hand, is contemplating. It was always Hannah Montana, then a few days ago it was Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). She found the perfect Disney "exclusive" dress, wand, crown and light-up shoes. Today, she showed me the perfect costume, she wants this one so bad she even circled the catalog with a pen! She "currently" wants to be Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. She claims it's more her style; especially once it is complete with the sparkly red shoes and Toto in a cute, yet comfortable basket. I love traditions and holidays, I treasure these moments.

Brandon will be 9 years old on Sunday. Where does the time go? Every moment has been a blessing. It hasn't been easy, but it has certainly been an inspirational journey. I am grateful to be a Spouse and Friend but more than anything else, I am blessed to be a Mom to two amazing children!

Hmm, maybe I should pick out a costume......

Sorrow....

Today, I feel sorrow.......that another child has passed away, that two more have heard bad news. I'm so grateful for my daughter and all that she is and fights but this stuff is tough; even for the happy, positive person that I tend to be 90% of the time. I know life is unfair, but children dying just sucks really bad. I hope I am in better spirits tomorrow as my children need me.

Quotes.....

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Corrie Ten Boom


"Hope is the thing with feathers- That perches in the soul- And sings the tunes without the words- And never stops- at all- .” Emily Dickinson


“He who does not hope to win has already lost.” Jose Joaquin Olmedo

Quiet and Productive!

I'm having a quiet and productive weekend! I finally decided on a university. I will be transferring to Kean University in the Spring. Since chaos will soon flourish in our household, I figured this would be a great weekend to tackle some things on my "to do list". Have a great weekend!

Camp Sunshine is a Ray of Hope!

Earlier this month, our family went to Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine. We had a wonderful time and hope to keep in touch with some of the volunteers and other families we met. Camp Sunshine provides a year-round camp adventure for children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families. Activities included swimming, arts and crafts, fishing, kayaking, etc. A volunteer photographer attended and took over 900 pictures. Here's Vanessa working on her coffee filter flower in the arts and crafts room!

The adults were separated and teamed up. That's me with masking tape on my nose. The object was to rub noses with our team members until one person had all the tape. I was the winner of my team, thus all the tape! Unfortunately, my winning streak was short lived. I went against the other teams' winners and lost. I guess my nose just wasn't strong enough for the competition.

Al's team "Monkey's" won the competition and a "love cup" trophy. Here's Al (front) on one of the competitions.

Vanessa entered the Talent Show and was the best Hula Hooper of the night! We are so proud of her, it is almost impossible to tell that she was taking daily chemotherapy and that she has a leg imbalance (walks on her tip toe). I cried my eyes out that night, I was so proud and so thankful to be in a room with families who understood the ache in my heart.

The kids' favorite activity was the fishing trip with the bass fishermen. We have polaroid pictures of the kids with their fish. NOTE: No animals were harmed, the fish were placed back in the lake. Here's Brandon with a volunteer trying out archery.

Although it rained almost every day that we were at Camp, we were still able to enjoy many activities. The children created "wish boats" that were supposed to be launched into the lake. However, due to the rain, the wish boats were launched and lit in the auditorium. We all took a few moments to reflect and make wishes. Again, I cried...alot! I made two wishes. I wished for a cure, so that no more children succumb to cancer; and I wished for the opportunity to return to Camp Sunshine with my healthy, happy daughter Vanessa. The candles were blown out and we have Brandon and Vanessa's wishboats saved not too far from the Love Cup trophy!

Hot, Hot, Hot!

I did it! I created my very own blog. Sure I'll share details on my family, but this blog is focused on me. Finally, a place to rant about the blessings and the obstacles in my life. Enjoy....with a cup of coffee of course!