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