Sparkles voyage to the East

While Momma and Daddy are away, the Sparkles will play.

Eastward bound, Nana and Papa drove them away toward fun and adventures

Stopping at fun restaurants

 Sleeping in hotels

 Roller Coaster Rides

 And a stop at their favorite Museum

Everyone is having a good time

Vacation Bound

Let the adventure begin...

First flight, Indianapolis to New York

 Second flight, New York to China

Flying like a princess... everything is better in first class

 Hanging out in China waiting for our last final flight... just a 6 hour wait

 Final flight from China to Vietnam....

Total Travel.... 26 hours + 12 hour time difference.

Summer Reading and Vacation Prep

Anything with the littles is an adventure...

This week we headed to Barnes and Noble to pick out books and activities for the Sparkles upcoming expedition out East.

They were quite pleased with their selection and Momma enjoyed sipping her latte and watching their joyful escapades.

Hula Hoop Champion

This little champion won a Starbucks gift card and bought her Momma a coffee with her winnings :)

Summer Days and Sleepy Nights

Nana and Pa Day Shenangians

Piggy Piles

Cart Races

and Pizza Dinners

Hungry Sparkles

Summer brings out their appetites.

Extra-large slice of Sam's club pizza for Cooper

 Two double hamburgers for Lillian

Waiting to Exhale

It has been 365 days since my last chemo infusion.

What a journey this has been.... filled with more milestones then I expected

• D day (diagnosis day) when our lives were forever changed
• First infusion 
• Then 10 more 
• Last infusion 
• Blood work and Scans 
• Port eviction

And on and on the list can go until finally remission was called. 

As I reflect on these last 365 days I realize how often I have held my breath... waiting to exhale. 

How I have had to remind myself and be reminded by others to Just Breathe. 

Inhale hope and Exhale the anxiety 

Inhale bravery and Exhale the fear

Inhale reality and Exhale the unknown

Inhale the joy and Exhale the loss 

I have learned to Choose Joy, to Live Bravely, and to  Hurt with Hope. 

I am NOT where I used to be and I am NOT where I am gonna be. 

So today I celebrating another ringing of the bell. 

Last year, the bell symbolized completing my infusions and the celebration of beginning the road to healing. 

Today I celebrate the milestones achieved and the hope still to come. 

I see where I was and I smile where I am.

The journey continues and I am blessed for it. 

13 years...

Since our 2nd date....

The laughter and the adventures continue.

One tired Sparkle

Norbert

Our family pet and latest addition to our escapades

Last day of school

Celebratory milkshakes 😊

We officially have a 2nd, 5th, and 11th grader in our house.

Now to enjoy some pool time and summer fun.

Birthday Celebration

To celebrate the momentous birthday Madison requested a day at Kings Island amusement park.

The four of us- Rob, me, Madison and her friend Brianna (who shares the same birthday :)
Enjoyed a fantastic day riding roller coasters and making memories.

Happy Momma's Day

Best gift ever... my favorite meal (Gene and Jude's hotdogs by Rob :) and time with my Sparkles.

16!!!!!!!!!

How can it be that this girl is 16 years old today.

She is Be-YOU-tiful inside and out (even with grape jelly on her shirt).

Enjoying breakfast from her Daddy before heading out to school (yup- she eats just like her momma)

Then home for some cuddles (and a movie)

Before dinner (chicken parm)
Presents

 A game (5 crowns)

and cake (homemade ice cream cake with m&ms)

A great day filled with people and things she loves most :)

These Two

I usually reserve that sentiment for my littles BUT

when you look across the couch and see two of your favorite people with the same look on their face.

All this momma can do is shake her head and smile, These Two :)

House Make-over

Week Day Breakfast

Its fun to give an unexpected yes...




















Like when the littles ask if we can have Donald's before school for breakfast.

Its small moments like these that this Momma cherishes most- moments we didn't always have this past year but will have for the years to come.