Words to Ponder

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.

Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC), The Confucian Analects

Enough Already

This was a bad day. One of my students came back today. She was gone yesterday because her father passed away. I found out yesterday and just knowing that was horrible. She came back today and was so red eyed and sad that I had a hard time keeping it together. I called her over and told her that we were going to do everything we could to keep her smiling today, even if it was just for a little while. She threw her arms around me and squeezed me so tightly I was a bit surprised. My own children haven't even hugged me that hard in a long time.

I am done with March. My best friend has her birthday tomorrow. That is such a good thing. Scott's son's birthday is Sunday and that is such a good thing. His sister's birthday is Saturday, again, such a good thing. Also his nephew, again, obviously a good thing. Happy birthday everyone.

I hate that I seem to always be reminded of why I am so afraid of this month. My ex husband gave me a file today of things to get rid of if I wanted. Among them was the calendar from when Connor was first diagnosed. The Calendars were of March, April, May, and June. They were his med calendars to tell us what to give when; there was A LOT to do and give. One day that stuck out though was March 27th. This was the day we found out he was NOT in remission and would be put on the harder protocol. He was no longer standard ALL. He was a high risk. He wouldn't be in remission for another 14 days.

I am ready for March to be over.

Not so cheerful today.
A

OH WOW! What a Weekend!

Had a fabulous time with TJ and Eric and their combined 6 kids and me and my 3 yesterday. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we had so much fun riding all of the "toys" that Eric has. Well, the kids had fun riding them. Of course that is until Connor's ride on the 4 wheeler ended up in the barbed wire fence. His left forearm looks like he was in a fight with a VERY mean cat. He is fine though.

It sure is amazing how whole day outside can wear the kiddos out. Last night they all went to bed so quickly and fell asleep so easily. I was actually able to enjoy my evening. Took my shower, did the nightly load of laundry, sat on my bed and read my book, watched some tv, and successfully procrastinated doing homework for class on Tuesday. Apparently I was tired too though because I woke up at 12:30 and the TV was still on.

We had a birthday party at the roller rink in Kahoka, MO this afternoon. Cameron gave it a go and did well but, unlike him, he didn't attack it like he does most new ventures. Kyla also tried it out and LOVED it. They have the little skates that go on over shoes for little ones and so she put them on and scooted off. She even started going backwards and played limbo. Thankfully even though music was playing she did keep her clothes on, unlike her.

I am slowly clearing out stuff from my house. I have recently come across some things that don't belong to me and am trying to figure out how to get them where they need to be. I have found that this isn't as easy as it should be, unfortunately.

So another week starting. Can't wait for the weekend already. Seeing Scott, Chris, Mark, Donna, Michelle, and more. Gonna' be fun!

Cheers from Oak Dr.
A

Busy Busy Fun Fun

I have the kiddos this weekend, YAY!!! We just got done running around the neighborhood collecting cans for cub scouts. Now we are are getting ready to go spend the day with a friend and her boyfriend and their respective kids for a cook out. This will be loads of fun. These kids get along so well. We have a birthday party tomorrow at the skating rink. So fun filled for sure.

Next weekend I am heading back up the St. Chuck way to spend some time with my marine and my former Sycamore teaching crew. And probably do some shopping for spring/summer clothes for the kids and hopefully get a couple of runs in along the Fox River. I really miss riding and running along that path. Quite frankly I miss EVERYTHING about that area.

The sun has been shining, I have been getting my 6 miles in, spring is officially here, and the end of the school year is finally in sight. Good Stuff!

Cheers!
A

Marching on Through

Halfway through it. March got off to a rocky start, as it always does I guess. I am hopeful that the worst is over and the rest of the month will be FABULOUS!!! I have no idea what will make it fabulous but you never know I guess.
Back to running outside and it is WONDERFUL!!!! The weather has been soooo beautiful these last few days which is great for the mood for sure. I love running with the sun beating down on my face. I actually had a bit of a sunburn on Saturday. It is gone of course but it was nice while it lasted. 70s today. I think I am going to try to find a regular sitter to come in every day or every other day minus my class days so I can fit my runs in. Now that it is staying lighter longer it seems reasonable.

Let's see. I guess that's about it. Kids are healthy again and we are going to PLAY outside today after school.
So until next time-- GO GREEN!!!

Kiss me- I'm part Irish- does that count?
Scott- have fun tomorrow but you know what you need to keep in mind ;)

Cheers!
A

Getting Through It

Well I got through yesterday pretty well. It was a very busy day so that helped. Every now and again I would stop and think, "Wow, 7 years ago today I was in the hospital with my son wondering how on Earth I/we were going to get through the next 3 1/2 years of our lives". Look at us now. A lot has changed that is for sure. Personally while it has been hard on all of us I still feel like everything has been for the better. Connor looks great, you'd never know he spent 40 months fighting for his life. I also think we are on the right track to getting him on a successful track in school. It will probably never be "easy" for him but I think he can be successful. Today is a better day. I still would prefer to skip March altogether though.

Cameron got VERY sick last week. Truthfully I have never seen him so sick except when he had his reaction to Penicillin. He lost a little weight and it has taken him a little time to recover but he is doing much better. He missed 3 days of school which ruined his perfect attendance record but there are worse things I guess.

Kyla is still Kyla(Chatty Kathy as I am starting to call her) thank goodness. She is a treat. Most days.

I would love to give a shout out to my old high school friend Julie. She was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and just started treatment. She has an amazing attitude and coupled with her good prognosis I know she is going to kick this monster right where it hurts. You Go Girl!! I will expect to be running a Team In Training Marathon with you in a year or so.

I had to go to court on Monday and it had nothing to do with my ex husband so that was good. Let's just say I am now able to move ahead with my life like I want to and hopefully the drama will be dramatically reduced.

Today I am hopeful.

Cheers!
A

For the Last Week(and possibly the next too)

Tough times don't last but tough people do. - A.C. Green

Oops

I mean that 7 years have gone by.
Sorry. Hasn't been the best of days lately.

A

In Like a Lion

Truer words have never been spoken. Uggh.


I had fabulous last day of February though. I went up to St. Charles/Geneva for the weekend and on Saturday went into the city. We had a great time. We went to Ralph Lauren for a glass of wine and good conversation. Then we had dinner at Le Colonial. Fabulous dinner with an even more fabulous dessert- Banana Wonton with dark chocolate sauce. OMG AMAZING! After that we went to Hugo Frog's to listen to the piano man. For some reason he wouldn't play Piano Man- go figure. After that we got in line behind the velvet rope for La Passage, a dance club. We got let in and had to go through the velvet rope through a little tent, down the alley then through a door to an underground dance club. It was pretty cool. I would like to go back sometime and stay a little longer. We didn't stay terribly long because we decided to catch an earlier train back out to Geneva. When we got back we met up with some other friends in Geneva for a bit.
It was a great time and I really needed the stress relief. Sunday on my way home I went out to Hinckly and met Scott and Greg at Oyster Sunday. It was fun and the oysters were very good.

Hopefully this week will be good because next Monday and Tuesday are not going to be fun days. 6 years have gone by. Why does it feel like yesterday?

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Cheers!
A