I'm back, sorry it's been so long... once again. I just never know what to say. How much to say really. I don't ever want to come across as whining and so I withold some of the truth, and I don't ever want to withold to much from so many people that have been praying so faithfully for me.
Over the course of the last year (yes, it's now been one year, which some of you remembered, thank you for the cards, facebook messages and emails), I've realized that while yes, I have cancer, so many have it so much worse. Cancer is nothing in the big bucket of problems/trials. It's that really little pebble that is hard to find (for me anyway), everyone else seems be carrying a rock, or even boulder.
I will tell you that I have been dealing with a LOT of anxiety. I don't know why, but I know that it feels like I have a brick on my chest at all times. I've tried giving it to God, but obviously there is some part that I can't let go of. I've tried some meds, which work ok, I'm seeing a counselor next week, and hopefully he can adjust my meds so that we have something that works all the time, something that will compliment my faith and time with God. (This is how silly it is... I'm stressing right now because I have a pen and highlighter dedicated to bible study/quiet time. It's the only one I use, I take it with me when I take my book anywhere. (It's a bit obsessive I know), this morning, I find that they are both GONE. Surely by the hands of a little culprit. Surly by the hands of someone who didn't know how important in my mind those two little things were. But, none the less... they are gone. I've prayed, I've used somehting different, but I'm still obsessing, I"m anxious about where those pens are... and by this point your thinking I need to seek more help than I am, I'm sure. I promise, I'm really ok.
While your praying for crazy me, could you please pray for some cancer friends of mine? Some that are facing some big stuff, some that found out "good" news, and some that are hoping to find out good news? I would appreciate it and I know that they would as well!
I finally started dowloading pictures last night, it's been over a month since I have. Soon I will be bombarding you with pictures from a certain little someones birthday! Hint... she's kinda cute, she wears the most adorable pigtails, her belly hangs over her diaper, looks awfully cute in jeggings and has an attitude way bigger than herself!
I intended this to be longer, but my favorite 4 year old just woke up and I think we need to snuggle for a bit before we start our day! So... more later.
April 22, 2011
April 2, 2011
Checking in... sorry for the delay!
All is well, for the most part over here. I should have checked in long ago after telling you that I was having an MRI, sorry! The MRI itself was awful. I never knew that I was clausterphobic. When I had my first MRI (about a year ago) I was laying on my stomach, head to the outside of the machine, so there was no real issues with feeling trapped. This time I was head in, face up. I felt as if I was in a coffin. I kind of freaked out, but eventually let them push me back in, closed my eyes and prayed. For an hour. I was reciting the one verse that would come to my mind, over and over and over. "Peace that surpasses all understanding" While reciting this verse to myself 1000 or more times I realized that I really need to do better at committing more to memory.
Finally it was over! Whew!
I can't remember all of the details, and quite honestly it's all a bit confusing from here. Ultimately, the reason I had the MRI was because of arm pain, there was nothing on the MRI that showed a reason for any pain. Whatever, I've given in to the fact that I will deal with this for the rest of my life. But, they did see something else. Whether that's an edema or inflamed muscle, I'm not sure (and who knows, maybe those are the same things). Currently I think it's an inflamed muscle, I had a port-o-gram (they access the port in my chest, inject dye into it to see if there are any leaks), no problems with the port. So right at this moment, we don't know what is the cause of this issue, or really even what the issue is. I am having another MRI in the near future (not scheduled yet), this time with valium in hand, on my stomach, face out, to rule out any masses.
Honestly, I'm pretty confident there is nothing to worry about, I've had a few traumas (aka surgery etc) to that area, which would be a good explanation. My problem right now is that this is all happening at the same time as I was diagnosed last year. (Yes, it's been a year). I'm not a date person, I don't rely on the fact that my mom passed away on a certain date, I don't get sad on the anniversary of something that has happened, just not how I am, but, it's all just a little to parallel for me right now. Another breast MRI, assuming there will be nothing to find, spring break (although this year were stuck in Michigan instead of sunny Florida)... it's just a little unsettling to me. Don't read into that to much though, I'm not sitting around crying or shaking or anything like that, like I said before, I'm relatively confident that there is NOTHING to worry about. God's just giving me a little reminder that he is still in control and that I need to give it to Him. ("Here God, it's yours") His plan is perfect, no matter what I really want to think of it.
Spring break... we are home. Bummer. But, on the bright side (because there is always a bright side, right?), we aren't going to be stuck in the car for 2 days! I'm hop'p'ing to go see a movie with the kids this week (can you guess which one?). Lila will probably not appreciate it, unless of course she is buckled in a car seat, which is the ONLY time she will watch a movie, so I'll probably leave her somewhere. I hope the rest of you are having a wonderful break (if this applies to you), the weather isn't great, but let's face it, it could be much much worse!
Finally it was over! Whew!
I can't remember all of the details, and quite honestly it's all a bit confusing from here. Ultimately, the reason I had the MRI was because of arm pain, there was nothing on the MRI that showed a reason for any pain. Whatever, I've given in to the fact that I will deal with this for the rest of my life. But, they did see something else. Whether that's an edema or inflamed muscle, I'm not sure (and who knows, maybe those are the same things). Currently I think it's an inflamed muscle, I had a port-o-gram (they access the port in my chest, inject dye into it to see if there are any leaks), no problems with the port. So right at this moment, we don't know what is the cause of this issue, or really even what the issue is. I am having another MRI in the near future (not scheduled yet), this time with valium in hand, on my stomach, face out, to rule out any masses.
Honestly, I'm pretty confident there is nothing to worry about, I've had a few traumas (aka surgery etc) to that area, which would be a good explanation. My problem right now is that this is all happening at the same time as I was diagnosed last year. (Yes, it's been a year). I'm not a date person, I don't rely on the fact that my mom passed away on a certain date, I don't get sad on the anniversary of something that has happened, just not how I am, but, it's all just a little to parallel for me right now. Another breast MRI, assuming there will be nothing to find, spring break (although this year were stuck in Michigan instead of sunny Florida)... it's just a little unsettling to me. Don't read into that to much though, I'm not sitting around crying or shaking or anything like that, like I said before, I'm relatively confident that there is NOTHING to worry about. God's just giving me a little reminder that he is still in control and that I need to give it to Him. ("Here God, it's yours") His plan is perfect, no matter what I really want to think of it.
Spring break... we are home. Bummer. But, on the bright side (because there is always a bright side, right?), we aren't going to be stuck in the car for 2 days! I'm hop'p'ing to go see a movie with the kids this week (can you guess which one?). Lila will probably not appreciate it, unless of course she is buckled in a car seat, which is the ONLY time she will watch a movie, so I'll probably leave her somewhere. I hope the rest of you are having a wonderful break (if this applies to you), the weather isn't great, but let's face it, it could be much much worse!
March 17, 2011
Praying for our kids
I came across this site through Cornerstone Community Church yesterday. There are some great rescources here to tap into. One thing I printed off and was looking through was the "Praying for Childen/Grandchildren" rescource. Amazing. Things we should ALL be praying for our children! I'm pasting it here, but would really encourage you to go to the site and check out the other rescources as well.
Just kidding, I just spent about 10 minutes trying to cut and paste and couldn't figure it out, thinking that that may not be allowed, so instead, I'm going to encourage you to check out the link!
Prayer request: I've been having some pain related to the removal of lymph nodes in my left arem. Basically it hurts from my rib cage, up my arm and down to my thumb. Not always, but much of the time. I also have limited movement of the arm. I can't straighten it out all the way, this too fluctuates, somedays are better than others, and it seems to steadily be getting a bit better. Anyway, I'm having an MRI tomorrow night to check things out a bit and to hopefully figure out what is causing the pain, although it's been said by a doctor that it may just be something I have to deal with for the rest of my life, which would be a pain, but other things would be much worse. So... anyway, please pray that they can figure out what is causing the pain.
Just kidding, I just spent about 10 minutes trying to cut and paste and couldn't figure it out, thinking that that may not be allowed, so instead, I'm going to encourage you to check out the link!
Prayer request: I've been having some pain related to the removal of lymph nodes in my left arem. Basically it hurts from my rib cage, up my arm and down to my thumb. Not always, but much of the time. I also have limited movement of the arm. I can't straighten it out all the way, this too fluctuates, somedays are better than others, and it seems to steadily be getting a bit better. Anyway, I'm having an MRI tomorrow night to check things out a bit and to hopefully figure out what is causing the pain, although it's been said by a doctor that it may just be something I have to deal with for the rest of my life, which would be a pain, but other things would be much worse. So... anyway, please pray that they can figure out what is causing the pain.
February 28, 2011
Could it be?
I haven't been posting updates lately for the simple reason that there isn't much to update really! I don't know if I dare even say that things are a bit boring over here. But they kind of are. Kind of. In actuality, there is never a dull moment in our house. Miss Lila would never allow that! :)
Lila is starting to talk more and more. Were working on keeping her pipe in her crib, instead of always in her mouth. But there are times it suits me more to have it in her mouth. Does that make me a terrible mother? Nah. It seems with all of my kids that as soon as we took the pipe away, they started talking, she is no exception! She still does her share of screaming and crying, but were working on it!
Elliot is Elliot. Not much to update on that boy. He is looking more and more like Landon the older he gets though. I often get a wierd feeling when looking at him that I've gone back in time. And, I definitely can't keep their names straight. I was never going to be THAT mom, but I am. "Landon, I mean Lila, I mean Bailey... ugh, I really mean Elliot". It happens all the time! I'll blame it on the chemo (how long can I use that one???)
Bailey starts girls on the run tomorrow. She is also doing swimming at school right now, so that girl has a LOT of stuff to carry back and forth! But this will be so good for her! My goal would be to be able to run the 5k with her (although she would prefer I run far far behind her) at the end. Probably won't happen, so she won't have much to worry about!
Landon... no sports right now, although baseball starts soon (right after spring break I believe). He's busy with homework every night it seems, and going to the girls basketball games, and the Bridge, and church, and this weekend he get's to go to camp for two nights with church. It looks like he will have a fabulous time!
I am doing a Mom2Mom sale at church on Saturday. If you want any of my kids clothes, be sure to come check it out! I am hoping to get a LOT priced and set out there! Not to mention toys and other miscellaneous stuff. There are 25ish sellers that will be there, so you'll have plenty of options!
And, a post without a picture, just isn't a post! Elliot playing DSI with his friends in the fort that we built. We love to build forts this time of year!
And, a great quote (something to think about) from Forgotten God by Francis Chan...
We overanalyze the things that don't deserve a second thought and we blow right past the clear, obvious, important things in life.
Other books I've been enjoying right now...
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Remembering the Forgotten God (a workbook to go with Forgotten God)
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Jesus Lives by Sarah Young
and this book has been pretty good (ok, really good) as well!
Lila is starting to talk more and more. Were working on keeping her pipe in her crib, instead of always in her mouth. But there are times it suits me more to have it in her mouth. Does that make me a terrible mother? Nah. It seems with all of my kids that as soon as we took the pipe away, they started talking, she is no exception! She still does her share of screaming and crying, but were working on it!
Elliot is Elliot. Not much to update on that boy. He is looking more and more like Landon the older he gets though. I often get a wierd feeling when looking at him that I've gone back in time. And, I definitely can't keep their names straight. I was never going to be THAT mom, but I am. "Landon, I mean Lila, I mean Bailey... ugh, I really mean Elliot". It happens all the time! I'll blame it on the chemo (how long can I use that one???)
Bailey starts girls on the run tomorrow. She is also doing swimming at school right now, so that girl has a LOT of stuff to carry back and forth! But this will be so good for her! My goal would be to be able to run the 5k with her (although she would prefer I run far far behind her) at the end. Probably won't happen, so she won't have much to worry about!
Landon... no sports right now, although baseball starts soon (right after spring break I believe). He's busy with homework every night it seems, and going to the girls basketball games, and the Bridge, and church, and this weekend he get's to go to camp for two nights with church. It looks like he will have a fabulous time!
I am doing a Mom2Mom sale at church on Saturday. If you want any of my kids clothes, be sure to come check it out! I am hoping to get a LOT priced and set out there! Not to mention toys and other miscellaneous stuff. There are 25ish sellers that will be there, so you'll have plenty of options!
And, a post without a picture, just isn't a post! Elliot playing DSI with his friends in the fort that we built. We love to build forts this time of year!
We overanalyze the things that don't deserve a second thought and we blow right past the clear, obvious, important things in life.
Other books I've been enjoying right now...
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Remembering the Forgotten God (a workbook to go with Forgotten God)
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Jesus Lives by Sarah Young
and this book has been pretty good (ok, really good) as well!
February 22, 2011
Various Stuff
Just a couple of sentences from various books that I read this morning...
Pray all the time. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
How would my life change if I thought of each person I come in contact with, as Christ?
It ought to be the business of EVERY day to prepare for our FINAL day!
Have a great Monday!
Pray all the time. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
How would my life change if I thought of each person I come in contact with, as Christ?
It ought to be the business of EVERY day to prepare for our FINAL day!
Have a great Monday!
February 19, 2011
Good reminder from "crazy love"
When we face the holy God, "nice" isn't what we will be concerned with, and it definitely isn't what he will be thinking about. Any compliments you received on earth will be gone; all that will be left for you is truth.
Just read that, among many other things in this book it made me stop and think!
February 16, 2011
You can't exagerate God
I was sitting with God this morning, spending time in His word. I've felt very convicted lately at how little time I do spend with him versus how much time I spend with other things. Things of this world. So, I'm making an effort to spend more time with him. Time in prayer, studying His word, listening (this one is very hard for me) and worshiping.
I had three books open this morning. My bible, a sample of the book Jesus Calling (which I got for free here, I will be buying both the adult version and the kid version of this book soon) and I picked up Crazy Love again. Oh, and my BSF was out as well. All four of these rescources kept pointing me to spending more time with Him. And recognizing what a big God he is. I loved the line in Crazy Love (now highlighted and underlined and starred) that said He is a God that can not be exagerated. WOW. Wow.
My prayer this morning:
God, I want to know you better. I want your love to flow from me. I want to trust you with my life and my kids lives. You are so much bigger than I could ever even imagine. I tend to put you in the little box of my understanding, but you are SO much more than anything I could ever comprehend. You are so much bigger than my time encased, air, food and sleep dependant life. You are set apart and Holy. Perfectly Holy. You are a God, my God, that I couldn't exagerate if I tried. You know me, you know every detail of my life before I do. You know the details that I try to hide from others. You know when I'm hurting, when I'm weary, when I'm angry and happy. God, I was created by you and for you, but I constantly fail to recognize that. I want to believe that you were created for me and my purposes. I am here to bless you by blessing others. I'm here to love you and others through you. Each day I should be asking what I can do for you, but to often I end up telling you what I want you to do for me. God, please help me to change that. Help me to live for you. Help me to see your will and follow it. God, help me to come to you for refreshment instead of turning inward to myself. I want to receive the perfect peace that only you can offer. Help me to focus on you instead of the plans and problems of the day, knowing tha tyou will give me strength if I seek your face always. Help me to follow the command of 1 Corinthians 7:31, to not dwell on things of this world, things that won't matter in eternity, but to focus on you.
Thank you for your grace, your forgiveness and your strength. Without these things I am nothing.
Amen
I had three books open this morning. My bible, a sample of the book Jesus Calling (which I got for free here, I will be buying both the adult version and the kid version of this book soon) and I picked up Crazy Love again. Oh, and my BSF was out as well. All four of these rescources kept pointing me to spending more time with Him. And recognizing what a big God he is. I loved the line in Crazy Love (now highlighted and underlined and starred) that said He is a God that can not be exagerated. WOW. Wow.
My prayer this morning:
God, I want to know you better. I want your love to flow from me. I want to trust you with my life and my kids lives. You are so much bigger than I could ever even imagine. I tend to put you in the little box of my understanding, but you are SO much more than anything I could ever comprehend. You are so much bigger than my time encased, air, food and sleep dependant life. You are set apart and Holy. Perfectly Holy. You are a God, my God, that I couldn't exagerate if I tried. You know me, you know every detail of my life before I do. You know the details that I try to hide from others. You know when I'm hurting, when I'm weary, when I'm angry and happy. God, I was created by you and for you, but I constantly fail to recognize that. I want to believe that you were created for me and my purposes. I am here to bless you by blessing others. I'm here to love you and others through you. Each day I should be asking what I can do for you, but to often I end up telling you what I want you to do for me. God, please help me to change that. Help me to live for you. Help me to see your will and follow it. God, help me to come to you for refreshment instead of turning inward to myself. I want to receive the perfect peace that only you can offer. Help me to focus on you instead of the plans and problems of the day, knowing tha tyou will give me strength if I seek your face always. Help me to follow the command of 1 Corinthians 7:31, to not dwell on things of this world, things that won't matter in eternity, but to focus on you.
Thank you for your grace, your forgiveness and your strength. Without these things I am nothing.
Amen
February 14, 2011
Prayers Please
Please join me in praying for cancer to disappear for my friend Kristi. God hears our prayers!
Kristi is a "member" of our Cancer Club (she's the one next to me), she is super sweet and needs our prayers!
February 12, 2011
Decorating
I'm almost embarresed to say that Lila is going to be 2 in April and I JUST got done decorating her room. For the LONGEST time she had NOTHING on her walls. They were just a pale yellow (which is what we painted it when we thought it would be an office). The other day I told Matt that I wanted to paint her room. He wasn't to happy about that. At all. (Matt is not so fond of painting). So, instead I decided to embrace the color and roll with it.
It started with a good cleaning. (aka get rid of almost everything).
All of her toys went into her closet. She doesn't have that many upstairs, and the ones that she did have, she really doesn't play with, she much prefers to go in her brothers room and play with the ones he doesn't want her to.
Next was finding the fabric to do this project (which I've linked to before, I knew I wanted to try it, just didn't know where). I originally wanted to find a red background with white polkadots. But after walking around the fabric store for a while (being led by a defiant toddler that screeched every time ANYONE came near her), I found this instead, and it was on the clearance rack. $3.47/yard. That's a deal! So I settled. (which I still have mixed feelings about).
I got a picture printed from when we were in Florida last year (12x18), Lila was wearing a red and white striped outfit, and she looked pretty darn cute, hot glued some ribbon to the back and hung it up. So easy!
Next I printed a "Love One Another" sign from Becky Higgins. I printed mine in an 11x14 size, I knew that i already had a frame for that size, so this was perfect! I'm still undecided about the feather, but for now it's pretty securely up there!
(Before starting this redo I hadn't noticed how much yellow and red she already had in ther room... books, frames, letters... all kinds of stuff)
While surfing blogland yesterday I spotted this:
I wanted to do something like that garland hanging on the wall, but I couldn't tell exactly what it was. So I made up my own idea. I had a bunch of random ribbon and a piece of nylon string. Again, got out the trusty hot glue gun and glued away! I ended up with this:
(Don't mind the humidifier, I have kids that get lots of bloody noses, this is supposed to help. That's what they tell me at least)
After hanging it I had Matt come look... he walked in the room and said "What IS that?" OK, so it may not be his favorite part of the room. Whatever!
Years ago I had purchased a BUNCH of cheap white frames from Ikea. I had planned to hang them up long ago, but again, never got around to it. I had pictures in almost all of them, and I got three pictures printed for the ones that didn't have any yet. I turned to my now good friend, hot glue gun, yet again! I had started a "ribbon" theme and wanted to continue it. So, the frames all got ribbon attached to them. This is where Matt's help came in. He's the math guy. He's the perfectionist. If it were up to me, these would have been hung in a more "Good Enough" fashion. But, luckily it wasn't up to me.
He got out his level and his ruler. He then he gasped when he found out that all of the ribbons weren't exactly the same size, they were going to have to be hung at different levels to get the frames to be even. But, humored me and went with it. I have to say, I'm pretty happy with the end results.
And, do you want to know the best part of all of this (in Matt's eyes at least)? If we moved out of this house tomorrow (or redecorated or something insane like that), there wouldn't be one hole in the wall or any additional paint to paint over. Everything is removeable. 3M is going to have to start paying me (although they don't), I promote them so much.
I think this may be my favorite room in the house now, and I think it will grow with her, we will probably put her in a big bed sometime this decade and I'm sure we can find a quilt or comforter to match something in this room!
Lila even likes her new room. She loves to look at the babies on the walls, she loves to sit in her chair (which I realize doesn't match exactly) and read her books, and she loves to go to bed. OK, maybe not that last one. But she does like it!
(For some reason the "yellow" paint is looking all kinds of wonky colors, peach, tan, cream... but I promise, it's pale yellow)
Looking around to see what is next!!!
February 10, 2011
Simple
So, I've said before that my word is "SIMPLE". I have it written above my computer and look at the word often, but I will admit that I'm having trouble embracing it. I have clutter everywhere. We have far to much stuff in our house. To many papers, to many games, to many books, to many doo-dads, to many clothes, to much food, to much laundry (which is in direct relation to to many clothes), to many toys, to many tv's. I want to clear it all out. But, I know that that is not practical either. So, slowly I'm going to start going through things, making things simpler and neater and more appealing, clearing out the clutter. Getting it all ready for our GIGANTIC garage sale this spring.
I love to watch hoarders. The saddest part of that show though is that I understand how people get to be that way. I understand being emotionally connected to things. I have gotten much better with age, but I used to want to hold on to EVERYTHING because it inevitably had some kind of emotion attached to it that I couldn't let go of. Something that my mom had, or made or something that my kids used when they were little. As I've gotten older (and wiser of course) I've been able to realize that they are just things. They have no place in our eternal future, therefore are not necessary in this life either. I think of how little some people have, and how happy little things make them. I think of my kids and how they seem to appreciate nothing. Because they have so much. Were going to make changes here. Were clearing things out. Were not going to make unnecessary purchases. Were going to keep things SIMPLE.
And, with any luck we'll sell enough at the garage sale so that I can get the new lens I've been lusting after for years! Oops, maybe I'm complicating things.
I love to watch hoarders. The saddest part of that show though is that I understand how people get to be that way. I understand being emotionally connected to things. I have gotten much better with age, but I used to want to hold on to EVERYTHING because it inevitably had some kind of emotion attached to it that I couldn't let go of. Something that my mom had, or made or something that my kids used when they were little. As I've gotten older (and wiser of course) I've been able to realize that they are just things. They have no place in our eternal future, therefore are not necessary in this life either. I think of how little some people have, and how happy little things make them. I think of my kids and how they seem to appreciate nothing. Because they have so much. Were going to make changes here. Were clearing things out. Were not going to make unnecessary purchases. Were going to keep things SIMPLE.
And, with any luck we'll sell enough at the garage sale so that I can get the new lens I've been lusting after for years! Oops, maybe I'm complicating things.
February 9, 2011
Permission to...
After doing some blog surfing I always get inspired. Inspired to create something, or inspired to write something or inspired to better myself somehow. Amazing how a blog can do that. Today, I was inspired to give myself permission to do something. Permission to do eleven things to be exact. Eleven things in 2011. (Get it???) The only problem? I don't know what those 11 thing are yet. I've started a short list (on the piece of paper in front of me, which I know, does you no good)... but it's a work in progress. I'm thinking that since it's February and there are 11 months (including this one) left in the year, I'll add one per month??? We'll see how that goes. I think I'll add it on the sidebar, or maybe on the bottom of this blog.
What do you need to give yourself permission to do? Leave me a comment. Inspire me...
What do you need to give yourself permission to do? Leave me a comment. Inspire me...
February 7, 2011
Out East
Most of you know by now that I took a very spur of the moment trip out East a few weeks ago. But, I wanted to share more about my trip... and how it came to be.
My good friend EJ moved to Vermont back in the summer of '09 (or was it '08)????, anyway, it's been a while. I've wanted to go visit her for about that long as well, but the price of a plane ticket just didn't fit into my budget. And, I felt guilty taking a trip without my family, or at least my husband. So, I kept talking about it, but never went. Since EJ has moved she has had two babies (to go along with her other two boys). Each time she has a baby my desire to get out there and see her is even greater. When EJ had her first son I spent a LOT of time with him (and her), and then I had Landon 18 months later. When EJ had her second son I had a baby (Bailey) 13 days later. Our kids were close. We were close. We had gone through a lot together. When EJ had her third son I couldn't be any closer than a phone call. It sucked. And then, only 18ish months later she had her fourth son (yup, four boys... bless her heart) and I still couldn't be there. It sucked again. EJ has been home two times since moving east, but it's never for long enough.
We got stuck behind a school bus that stopped at approximately EVERY house on the main road through "town", which just gave us a chance to really appreciate the landscape. Really really appreciate it! Then we hit Vermont. A few hours into Vermont we finally arrived at EJ's house. Around 5:30pm. Pretty good time, we thought!
It was so good to see her. So good to see where she lives. So good to meet Julian and to see Rowan, Austin and Denver again. We visited, ate dinner, visited some more and then Anna and I crashed.
My good friend EJ moved to Vermont back in the summer of '09 (or was it '08)????, anyway, it's been a while. I've wanted to go visit her for about that long as well, but the price of a plane ticket just didn't fit into my budget. And, I felt guilty taking a trip without my family, or at least my husband. So, I kept talking about it, but never went. Since EJ has moved she has had two babies (to go along with her other two boys). Each time she has a baby my desire to get out there and see her is even greater. When EJ had her first son I spent a LOT of time with him (and her), and then I had Landon 18 months later. When EJ had her second son I had a baby (Bailey) 13 days later. Our kids were close. We were close. We had gone through a lot together. When EJ had her third son I couldn't be any closer than a phone call. It sucked. And then, only 18ish months later she had her fourth son (yup, four boys... bless her heart) and I still couldn't be there. It sucked again. EJ has been home two times since moving east, but it's never for long enough.
Anyway, around November my friend Anna and I had discussed flying, saving money, getting tickets etc. It WAS going to happen, we were determined. Then came the text message.
"Hey, have you talked to our friend out east lately?" she asked.
"What are you doing this weekend?" I asked.
Fast forward a few hours. I call EJ...
"Hey, what are you doing this weekend?" I asked.
"No WAY! Are you coming?" She said.
And two days later we were headed out at 4:30 in the morning. We traveled across Michigan, across the border, to Canada, through Canada, through upstate New York (definintely not to be confused with New York city... there is NO confusion, let's just say that we passed through Carp capitol USA (don't blink or you will miss it) and an indian reservation where apparently everyone smokes. A lot. I would say that tobacco shops outnumbered the houses. A lot. Oh and somewhere in their there was a Bingo hall, just in case you need to stop if your ever in the area... fishing for carp or something).
Friday EJ had to work so Anna and I headed out to Church street. We had directions to Pine street as well, but we never made it there. We shopped for a while and then we headed to a main attraction. Think "Everything but the...", "Chubby Hubby", "Half Baked", "Fossil Fuel", and "Mission to Marzipan". Did you figure it out? No? We headed to Ben & Jerry's for a factory tour.
Friday night we headed out to dinner, just the three of us. We sampled some fine Vermont cheeses, the girls sampled some beer, I enjoyed the water... and most importantly we enjoyed visiting and catching up! Good times! (End of first day)
Saturday we were able to go watch Denver play basketball and score a basket! Good stuff! We did lunch together and then us girls and baby Julian went shopping for a while! We picked up Thai food at night and played some Bananagrams! (End of last day)
Sunday morning we were up bright an early again (ok, so it really wasn't bright, but it sure was EARLY). We headed back out at 5:30am. At one point, the GPS got confused and tried to tell us that this would be a good route to take back home. We disagreed.
After following a few snowplows on the highway in Canada (for about an hour... at 35 mph) we were ready to start moving. We made it home by about 6:30. It was a short trip, but it was a good trip as well, good to spend time with friends, good to laugh, good to shop, good to get away! So glad to have been able to do it and so ready to go again!
February 3, 2011
Singing Valentine
The Cityside Middle School Choirs (Landon is in the choir) have again decided to share their love with the Zeeland Community this Valentine's day. All proceeds will be given directly to Zeeland's City on a Hill. If you would like to send a "Singing Valentine" to a friend or loved one and support this great local cause, please visit the choir's website here before February 9, 2011. All calls will be made on February 14, 2011.
There are 9 different songs to choose from and each call is only $1.00. Seriously, what a sweet valentine and for only ONE dollar. Can't buy flowers or even a card for that!
There are 9 different songs to choose from and each call is only $1.00. Seriously, what a sweet valentine and for only ONE dollar. Can't buy flowers or even a card for that!
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