Swimming Sundays

Just a Daddy, his sparkles, sunshine and pool shenanigans

This Cabana Momma couldn't have thought of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

S'mores

Nothing says summer like campfire s'mores

Just a Typical Evening

Madison is at Band Practice

Lillian enjoys snuggles with Momma (while watching Wheel of Fortune)

 Cooper enjoys time with Daddy (while watching him play Clash of Clans)

My Rock

God is my Rock, My Fortress and my deliverer. In whom who I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold-- Psalm 18:2

This is the reminder a dear friend gave me at the end of my chemo infusions. A jar with rocks.

My jar came with a note...
Let's fill the jar with ROCKS as a reminder of no more chemo, as a reminder of the joys provided, and a reminder that God is the my Rock.

Will you join my in my collection... find a rock and help to fill the jar as a reminder of the role and blessing you played in my journey.

This was the beginning... just a couple and now my jar is a 3rd full demonstrating the progress and blessings of a continued journey.

First Day of School

Another school year is upon us...

Madison is a sophomore

Lillian is in 4th grade and Cooper is in 1st grade

Its going to be a great year :)

Eviction Day

Its finally here... port eviction day.

A day that felt like it was so far off
A day full of apprehension and anticipation
A day to Hope

Overall the procedure went as expected. Mild sedation is definitely just as it sounds... mild but I was more prepared this time and was blessed with a fabulous team (of fellow band parents) and in the end my requests were honored and I soon on the road for healing.

My beloved jalopy.... you served me well.

 Eviction complete now its time to eat... a celebration lunch and a very long nap

Meanwhile, the Sparkles were enjoying adventures of their own with their beloved cowboys.

Practicing their ninja skills on the cowboy warped wall.

 Swimming in the pond

 Sand building

 and boat rowing

Thanks cowboys (and their parents) for blessing the Sparkles with a fabulous distraction and wonderful memories.

Belated Birthday Celebration

Cooper selected a visit to the "zoo-seum" for his birthday celebration.

This is the only picture Cooper would agree to to document his celebration...

When they were finished, it was time for lunch of Cooper's choice... one guess what he picked????

'Donalds!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love my boys 😘

Remission

Remission is hard.
There are moments of normal and moments of fatigue that knock me down and out for hours or days

Remission is slow.
Healing from 6 months of toxins takes time and patience. It will not happen in a blink of an eye.

Remission does not mean the immediate return of normal (though I am beginning to wonder if there is such a thing as normal).
Although I am blessed with glimpses of normal and the return of privileges- like pedicures (which are always better with a starbucks in hand)

Remission doesn't mean the relief of ALL symptoms or the subtraction of medicines

Remission does take away fear or anxiety or the memories of the months of treatment.

BUT
Remission does gives reasons to hope.
Remission does promise that healing is coming
Remission does provides ample opportunities for find and seek Joy.

So my journey continues. one step at a time with my eyes focused forward and my heart seeking and choosing Joy

I needed this

I received this email from a dear friend recently...

Cos you're not a miracle worker and it's OK to have a post good news dip . . . 

Remember, you're only a rung or two down. And we've not all gone away just because treatment has finished.

It was just the image and reminder I needed. 

The High of Good news has slowly receded and the reality of the truth of my on going journey has returned.

The next step of the journey.... Monday July 24th port eviction. 

Another milestone and another step toward healing 

It happened...

Jose the Llama is finally home :) 

What a wonderful celebration gift from a dear friend to mark the momentous occasion of the pronouncement of Remission.

And for those that are wondering... yes it brings me as much joy seeing it daily in my home (currently proudly displayed in my master bedroom) as it did in my trips to Target :)

This is Summer

Fireworks and bounce houses

 Flashcard practice

 Movies and Snuggles

 Adventures at Band Camp

 Monopoly Marathons

 Selfies and more Snuggles

I can't believe its almost over but it has been the best. Thankful for the time with my Sparkles, for the smiling faces and for the memories.

Birthday Legos

Cooper's two favorite things... Star Wars and Legos (and a bonus- time with Daddy).

Cooper Turns 6

It's hard to believe that the youngest Sparkle is 6 years old.

We enjoyed a quiet family birthday celebration and all of Cooper's favorite things.
Orange Leaf Frozen yogurt, Cheese Pizza (Papa Johns) and for his birthday dessert Rice Crispys (which he calls Ricy Crispy)

He received all of his gift requests.... Star Wars, Legos and a yellow 'mote control car from Omi

It was a great celebration of an Amazing boy.