Cozy

So you may have heard that the weather here in Denver has been a bit overcast the past couple of days. Well this morning Isabella decided she wanted to feel 'cozy' and insisted on wearing everything. She looked so dang cute - I couldn't find her hat right away so she decided to wear Jeremy's. We had to roll it up a bit. The funny thing is that she wouldn't wear her rain boots - only her sandals.

Samantha was up late last night working on her end of year project for school. She put together a time line of her life so far. She has included all the life changing events of she has experienced so far and then a couple of stories from her grandparents and some poems she wrote. I am excited to read it.

Daniel stayed home this past weekend to work a catering job. He really enjoyed making some money and is super excited about the next one coming up in a couple of weeks.

Both of them are with their dad this week but I usually get to see them after school for a few. Samantha and I also have tickets to see the Broadway play Mamma Mia - you know Samantha and her musicals...

Jeremy took the day off to work on Mike's toilet (fun fun) and to get some physical therapy on his ankle - which by the way is coming along wonderfully.

I just worked, hit my WW meeting and got an allergy shot - so very exciting. But I did get a great recipe from WW for a Warm White Bean Salad. I had some Lupini beans so I sauteed some tomatoes, peppers, onion and garlic. Then firsts I added some sage from my herb garden. It tasted wonderful - I also tried it with some fresh oregano and basil - also very good and good for me - yahoo!

I am going to leave you with a more cute pictures of Isabella. She made her own pizza for dinner tonight.

Night and love to everyone!

Memorial Day Weekend

We spent a wonderful relaxing weekend in Gunnison with friends. They have a 1 and half year old boy and he and Isabella played and played. She isn't used to being the oldest - so it was good for her. She had to work on patience - I think that is the hardest trait sometimes.

Samantha loved being out of town. On the way over we checked out the tipi and decided that it needed some attention so Jeremy and I will be planning another weekend up there to get it into shape. A tree fell over this winter (a big evergreen) and some of the tipi poles need to be turned. It is still pretty cold up there but with some warm clothes I think we can handle an over night trip.

We rented a pontoon boat on Sunday. It was quite the adventure - the engine had trouble starting a couple of times. We turned it off to fish a bit and just drift and enjoy the sun. But as we drifted closer to the rocks the engine got stubborn. We had to use our 1 paddle and one of Samantha's crutches to push away from the big rocks. At one point Jeremy was on shore pulling the boat along the coast line while Bill (our friend) was paddling and I was keeping the boat out of the rocks. Just when we thought the motor was warmed up enough to handle a rest - it would get stubborn again and not start. After about 4 hours we called it a day even though we were fish less. Samantha loved driving the boat, she did a pretty good job and even Isabella took a turn sitting on dad's lap and steering. Isabella and Burk kept trying to convince us they were just fine without the life vest - but that was a no go.

After the boat ride the kids played more at the house and Sam and I took a drive up to Crested Butte. There is still a lot of snow up on the mountain but the little ski town is coming along. Spring is just starting there...

After another 'super sleepover' as Isabella called it - Susan made us some awesome pumpkin waffles for breakfast - yum! Then Samantha got to go for a ride with Bill in his Roadster.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend. Gunnison life is so laid back and simple. It is a really nice change from the big city. Jeremy went to college there and every time we visit he starts planning on a way to get back. You never know - we just might end up there someday - once the big kids are in college..

Tornados...

Well if you haven't heard we have had some severe weather here in Colorado. They hit yesterday a bit north east of us in Windsor and Greeley. I got a call from my mom just after they hit wondering if I was ok - we were. I looked out and only saw sun from my work window.

But I was looking over the pictures from yesterday and was amazed at the damage done in such a short time. It motivated me to back up my pictures and make sure they are all in the basement and safe. Although we are too close to the foothills - tornadoes don't touch down close to us.

All in all the week hasn't been too bad for the kids and myself. Jeremy had a rough one - he is a coach or manager and there were layoffs this week. He is super glad we have a long weekend. We are heading to Gunnison for the weekend to chill with some friends. Not much planned other than visiting and maybe some fishing and a boat ride.

Today was pajama day at Isabella's school today. I wish I would have got a picture but didn't think of it. The mornings are kind of crazy at times. School for Dan and Sam is almost over, I think they have have 7 more days left. A quick reminder for Mom Thomson - Samantha's assignment is due on Tuesday - so don't forget to send your story to her this weekend. Thanks!

Daniel had some friends over - his friend wanted to dye his hair blond. It turned out ok - not super blond but he was happy enough.

We then decorated Samantha's room a bit. She had some pictures she wanted me to hang and the Chinese lamp in the picture. She thinks her room looks so 'zen' now. Samantha loves to decorate her room. The problem is she gets and idea and by the time we get the stuff she wants, she changes her mind and wants something else.

Just before she got sick last year she picked out a comforter and all these colors. Now she is tired and wants to change again. I told her she needs to get a job - mine can't pay for it again so soon. :)

Well it is time to sign off - I am going to go sit in the jacuzzi and hit the sack. I can't believe it is already 10:30 pm. The days just fly.

Love to everyone!

OMG

We are sitting here watching American Idol. Only my daughter battling cancer could have got me to watch this show. I have tried so hard to avoid reality TV but she loves this show along with a couple others -- America's Top Model and Beauty and the Geek...

I was pleasantly surprised - I don't know if it is always like this but there was a couple of bluesy and hippy type singers. Samantha loved Jason - who can blame her with eyes like his...

Anyway she has been pretty excited all day. I think only Samantha could have gotten Jeremy involved as well. He doesn't watch much TV at all much less reality. But Samantha recorded each show and wouldn't watch it until Jeremy was ready.

Daniel is hanging out in his room - he protests against AI - he likes 'indie' music (independent) and creativity and you don't really find that on this show. Oh well enough of that.

Samantha stayed home from school today - her leg has been bothering her - she has been walking a lot and keeping busy. Today was a short day at school so I gave her the ok. She finished reading one book and started another one.

Isabella came home yesterday and was telling us about a little boy in her class - his name is Arnov and he told her that she was the 'beautifulest' and she thought he was a 'very handsome young man as well'. No kidding - her exact words. Arnov is right though - the kid has good taste! I will try to post a close up of her tomorrow - she has some adorable freckles popping up on her cheeks and nose. That is one thing this blog is good at - reminding me to take pictures. Daniel accuses me of being obsessed with this blog - but I just get excited for the opportunity to record our life.

I found these books on sale at the book store - they were for mother's or grandmother's. Kind of like a baby book only for them instead of a new baby. I got kind of excited. My mom and grandmother and Jeremy's mom live far away so they can't share the stories with us as often. I think it is really important to learn what it was like for them - what they thought of and wished for when they started their families .

It is cool to think I can print this out and pass it on - I wonder how weird my grandchildren will think I am...

Alrighty - I am calling a night. It was a good day - got my first strawberry and the spinach and arugula are popping up - my annuals in the front are still there - they just may win the fight against the bugs...

Daniel has a presentation tomorrow and Sam will be heading back to school - they are both almost done.

Love to everyone!

Ice Cubes In My Wine

It is after 10pm and it is still hot hot hot. I know that this isn't anything compared to later this summer, I am wishing that the cool rainy days would have lasted a bit longer. I guess I just have to get used the the warmer weather. On days like today I add ice to my wine. My friend's father is a wine distributor and connoisseur and he just cringes when he sees me do this. But to be honest, I drink wine because I like it - not because of what people think of me. When Jeremy and I were in Italy a couple of years ago, their red wine was cool (as in temperature). I don't feel I am in the wrong at all. I don't have a wine cellar, so my wine is room temperature and when the room is 80 degrees the wine needs a few ice cubes...



The weekend was nice and relaxing. I puttered around mostly. I finished up the planting around the house. Here you see Isabella helping me water the new plants. She just woke up from her nap and was still kind of groggy holding onto her teddy bear. I put together a slide show of my yard. I did it mainly for me ( I love my yard) but I can share... Isabella's friends came over Saturday morning and it was already warm. So we hit the road to pick up a swimming pool. The 3 girls had a blast playing in the pool which was cold and then heading for the warmth of the jacuzzi. The following link includes some of those pictures as well.
http://picasaweb.google.com/layergal/YardWork/photo#s5201906343545335666. Saturday night Jeremy had an old friend over. He had not seen him in 15 years or so - they have been friends since 2nd grade. They stayed up late yapping and having a few beers.

Then on Sunday, I had my normal chores to do - but I also participated in the second Miracle 2008 party planning meeting. I am sure you know about this if you have been keeping up with Kennedy's site at all. I think we are close to having a venue and date. We are hoping for September 13th. Colorado Senator Allard and Senator Hillary Clinton co-sponsored a request to make Sept 13th the first ever Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day. This is pretty big - this is how Breast Cancer awareness started - first a month then a day and then the pink ribbons you see every where. How wonderful would it be to have that same kind of attention on children's cancer. How wonderful would it be to wipe it out forever...

The kids are back home tonight and believe it or not it wasn't as hectic as normal. Daniel had a quick check up for his wisdom teeth - they are looking great. The doctor was very happy. Then I dropped the girls off at home after school to relax while Daniel and I rode our bikes to the grocery store. We loaded up on groceries and came home to pull some dinner together.

Daniel had some homework, Sam had her dramas to catch up on and Isabella played outside. I was telling Jeremy earlier this evening that I thought she was getting more difficult - but after a glass of wine and some quiet time, I think she is just independent. She loves to play with her friends - they are super important to her right now. I think what I see as difficult is actually my problem. I want her to still need me more than she does now. She would rather hang out with the girl across the street instead of me... Isabella hit this stage a bit earlier than Daniel and Samantha. I think they were in kindergarten. Oh well guess it is time for another kid or dog... JUST KIDDING... Jeremy would have a heart attack :)

We are planning to get out of town this weekend and I was hoping Daniel would be able to make it - but he has a job with a caterer and there is a party on Monday. So he opted to stay back and work instead. I knew this day was coming as well - but man is it hard. This weekend isn't anything big - just hanging out with some friends so I couldn't really make him go. He wants to show the boss how committed he is. I can only be proud.

Well it is time for bed. Daniel is complaining that the jacuzzi is only at 102 instead of 104... Time for him to get to bed.

Until tomorrow - Love to everyone!

Mother/Father

A little video of Isabella singing her continents song. She has been quite a character the last few days. She has started calling Jeremy and I father and mother instead of mommy and daddy. She will just talk - she makes up these elaborate stories and there are some nights she has endless energy. The grocery store has miniature grocery baskets and she took one yesterday when we had some shopping to do. She just started shopping - putting things in her basket... The items I picked out, I had to carry. She wouldn't let me use her basket.

Right now she lives for Dora or Diego shows and playing with her friends. She will do anything - including take a nap - if she can invite a friend over. There is a wonderful little girl that lives across the street. She is in kindergarten now - but she and Isabella play great together. She has so much patience with her, I am always impressed.

She still won't ride her bike and she is getting a bit big for the chariot (we pull it behind our bike). I get quite a workout whenever I take her on the trails.

Work is going ok for me personally but the company is doing another round of lay offs. I don't think I am meant for corporate work - their decisions don't make a lot of sense to me. But until Samantha is healthy and the kids are thru college, I just have to bite the bullet. The benefits are actually more valuable than the salary.

I like the weather we have been having lately. It is cool and rainy. Low temperatures are high enough that I can plant. I finished up the herb garden and the vegetable garden last night and I started planting some annuals in the front garden. I will try and post some pictures this weekend. I think it will be cool to see how the gardens change over the summer.

Jeremy and I get a date night tomorrow. Yahoo! I don't know what the plan is yet - Jeremy is working out the details but it will be nice to get out and hang with my husband a bit. Then I am hoping to get a couple bike rides in this weekend. Jeremy says he wants to ride too - his ankle is ok - the bruising is gone but it still aches and by the end of the day he is hobbling. I also will be going to the next Miracle 2008 party planning meeting on Sunday.

Hopefully I can finish up my planting and get my tomato supports done. There is always so much to do.

Well night for now - Love to everyone!

Mother's Night

Every second Tuesday of the month is Mom's night - a support group for mothers of kids with cancer. It can be good thing and a hard thing...

Today started a bit rocky. Work and family were throwing things at me from all angles. Isabella didn't get to school until 10 this morning. But the day settled down, the big kids are with their dad this week and I was looking forward to my Mom's night out. The group meets way south in Denver - it is a 45 minute drive for me but it is nice to talk with other moms about life. There are moms there with children at all the different stages - some in treatment, some who have lost children and some with kids that are in remission. That is the good part - I feel normal there - my worries are normal and my current distraction (for the lack of a better word) is normal.

There was a visitor tonight - a 25 year old cancer survivor joined the group. She had Leukemia when she was 5 and was in treatment for 3 years. When she was in treatment, her family was told that kids survive this - it will be ok. But they never saw any of those survivors. So when she started college she decided to give back by being the face of a survivor. I don't know if there are adequate words to express how wonderful it is to meet people like her. The few long term survivors that we have met - I cling to their stories. I remind myself whenever the doubts pop up that they are out there - we have met them. So it was really nice to hear from this gal. One question popped up - she was asked if there was any long term emotional side effects - we all know the health ones... Anyway she said that she didn't think she had any until she decided to start meeting with families. She said that she has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome. Now the hard part... she is in counselling and is doing fine - still out there helping families like us. But as I was driving home I was thinking about her. I haven't asked 'why my daughter' in a long time. Pretty early on in treatment I just moved into my do what you need to do phase. There were more times than I can count when I was angry that Sam had cancer, that she had to deal with the things she did, that she won't be able to wear heels - I know this one is silly but the point is she doesn't have the choice now. It was decided by cancer. There are days when the scars on her body are positive - they are like trophies to remind her how strong she is - but then there are days where they are just reminders that my daughter can't walk on her own yet - that she had to experience pain and the knowledge that she could die. No child should have to be afraid of those things. The hard part knowing that even after her body is healed and she is walking without her crutches she may still feel alone or different later on in life when she is trying to find her identity.

She doesn't even realize what is ahead of her yet - she is sleeping now - all snuggled up in her pink bed with her Ugly dolls. But I know.

Alright - enough of this mushy stuff. I try not to dwell too often, we will just do what we have to do. I am actually getting used the the fact that nothing is really easy or drama free anymore. It took long enough to sink in... :)

Good night to all - love to everyone!