tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40770751260447412182024-03-12T23:00:45.174-04:00Lost In HollandTravelogue Of An Imperfect Mother of A Child With Special Needs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger611125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-30040436101019393862017-05-16T20:34:00.003-04:002017-05-16T20:45:53.484-04:00Weekend Wrap-Up: Partying Like A Mutha' <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, this Mother's Day weekend, we had our typical full docket with the girls and their sports. But, the POURING rain cancelled all three travel soccer games on Saturday! It was a Mother's Day Miracle! Sunday night swim was cancelled too, because the coaches have a heart for Moms. So what did that mean? All the annoying stuff (<i>a-hem</i>, I didn't say that) was OFF and all the fun stuff was ON like Donkey Kong!</div>
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My Mother's Day gift came early. It was a special night out with the girl who made me a Mom.</div>
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Friday night we had CB's 10th Anniversary Reunion Prom. </div>
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When I got the invitation in the mail several weeks ago, I was so happy that I almost audibly squealed with delight and jumped up and down. At first, I thought maybe she got the invitation by mistake. She did graduate last year, after all. But, after checking with the school, I learned that for this 10th anniversary, all alumni were invited back. </div>
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This invitation made my year. Seriously. I haven't blogged about how difficult things have been since she graduated. Life had been very stressful since she graduated. She was totally out of control for many months and was without any program or supports. Things have improved immensely over the past few months, and this prom was kind of like a little celebration of how far we've come. </div>
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Her prom has always been a really special night for us. It's the ONE night where CB and I can do a mother-daughter thing together without ANY stress. Dr. Fabulous missed her Senior Prom last year, because he unfortunately had to travel for work, so I was stuck with (a-hem, I mean hanging out with) my ex and his girlfriend for her final prom without my man. Mildly awkward, but fine. We're all good, so it's really no big deal. </div>
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While I truly enjoyed having her biological Dad there to share her special night every year, selfishly speaking I really loved having just one prom with just me and Dr. Fabulous. He is such a loving and involved step-dad, but when her bio dad is with her, he really tries to respectfully stay to the side and let them have their time. </div>
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But tonight, they could hang out like usual. </div>
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I cannot explain how excited CB was when she walked into the prom and saw so many familiar faces. She doesn't have the language ability to understand where we were going and who we would see, so it just hit her all at once when we arrived. She started rocking back and forth with vigor, yelling "ELLOH! ELLOH!" which is her version of "Hello" and what she was taught to say during her 18 years of circle time at school.</div>
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She never stopped smiling the entire night. Smiling and squealing and laughing and jumping up and down and swinging herself around like she was being attacked by a swarm of bees (that means she's super excited and happy, by the way). I mean, she was totally freaking out, but the reason I love this night is because no one cares. We're all the same here. Everyone "gets" it. No one is judged. No stares, only smiles. I was seriously laughing so hard all night long. </div>
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Her aides were there. Old teachers were there. Administration was there. Kids she probably recognized were there, but she shows no interest in her peer group. She did, however, react to all the staff who came up and hugged her and talked to her. She made her rounds, visiting multiple tables, plopping herself down and stealing everyone's water. I enjoyed seeing all the staff almost as much as she did. They were part of my family for many, many years. I sincerely missed them. </div>
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I know she did too.</div>
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Saturday we got to lay low due to all the cancelled soccer games. The downpour finally let up in the late afternoon, and I had a fun Girls Night Out with friends, eating Indian food and drinking wine. Although I stayed up a little too late, I got to sleep in, uninterrupted, on Mother's Day. </div>
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I awoke to the smells of breakfast cooking.</div>
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Breakfast was mostly Pink's handy work: a homemade pink fizzy drink, a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich, and loads of fruit. Dr. Fab ran out early that morning to get me my favorite coffee, because breakfast isn't complete without a good cup of Joe.</div>
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And, I got my annual Mother's Day picture. Yay! </div>
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It's a rare occasion when I'm in a photo with all four girls. It's never the best picture of all time, but I'm always grateful if everyone is (sorta) looking at the camera and looks relatively clean. I had to crop out Rella's bare feet in this picture because Baby Girl has something against shoes. </div>
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I also found a four-leaf clover ON Mother's Day. That has to be symbolic of something. Perhaps some extra luck? </div>
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Since CB had a seizure later that night, I'm thinking the luck may not have kicked in immediately. </div>
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Hope all the Mommas out there had a very Happy Mother's Day! </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-71710978051387499712017-05-11T22:35:00.000-04:002017-05-11T22:48:31.303-04:00tHERsDay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aftermath of a late night seizure and a day at her program. Zonked out on the floor 10 minutes after arriving home.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-21444335017444333512017-05-08T10:55:00.000-04:002017-05-11T11:01:57.328-04:00Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, this little girl has been in "Beast Mode" lately. She does not get this competitive streak from me, that's for sure. This is my youngest daughter who did an open water swim competition of 3/4 mile across a lake at the age of 7. SEVEN!! This is the girl that begged me to start running 5K races at age 6, and placed in the last few 5K races she did (local races, so we're in a small pond here). </div>
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So, she just completed this AWESOME program called the Healthy Kids Running Series, which is a national organization that has chapters throughout the country. We are lucky enough to have a chapter in our town, and it's been a great experience for the kids in our community.</div>
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The children, starting at pre-k and going up through middle school, race in age-appropriate distances every Sunday evening for 5-weeks. It's a timed race, so there is a competitive element, but the focus is mostly on fun and fitness. All participants get a shirt and a medal at the end of the series. In addition, the top three boys and top three girls in each age group are awarded with a special trophy. So, of course... Rella being Rella, was gunning for first place. She loves trophies. </div>
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Her race distance was the half-mile.</div>
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She gave it her all every week, and improved her times and her race techniques. She showed great sportsmanship throughout, and learned how to push herself further and faster. One little girl was BIG competition, so Rella had to learn how to dig deep. </div>
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But, she had her goal and she stayed focused. And guess what? That little long-legged silly girl DID it. Four first places and one second place added up to taking the trophy for overall first place girl in her age group. She was SO happy. And what I loved was that she gave a heartfelt congratulations the second and third place girls without being instructed to. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'm not going to lie, it's really exciting to see your kid go out there and "crush it," but I'm very realistic that we're not going to the Olympics or anything here. We're just havin' fun and staying fit! I'm just really proud of her that she is out there doing something, challenging herself to be her own personal best. She had the </span><i style="text-align: center;">will </i><span style="text-align: center;">but she also put in the </span><i style="text-align: center;">work</i><span style="text-align: center;">. She didn't just wish it and want it, she trained for it. No matter what the outcome, </span><i style="text-align: center;">that</i><span style="text-align: center;"> is the most important lesson. Trophy or no trophy, my four girls are all rock stars in my book because they are out there trying, with good attitudes. </span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYcDFpubOA8/WRRy4GlxENI/AAAAAAAAM-c/d2UU-TwI2ps-6cximeOD50jR9fyoDQm8gCLcB/s1600/girlsinthegame.jpeg" />Speaking of Rock Star girls... I'm honored to be a guest poster at the Girls In The Game <a href="https://girlsinthegame.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/when-a-girl-tris-we-all-succeed-by-alicia-difabio/">Get In the Game Blog</a> talking about their amazing Triathlon Team for underprivileged, at-risk girls. This organization was featured in my book, Women Who Tri, and I can't say enough about the incredible things they are doing in the city of Chicago. Please go over and check out this organization!</div>
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span><a href="https://girlsinthegame.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/when-a-girl-tris-we-all-succeed-by-alicia-difabio/"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-40660083032393801002017-05-04T22:47:00.000-04:002017-05-11T22:48:00.469-04:003 Years. Boo-Yah.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May the Fourth be with you. And with me.</div>
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May the Fourth is my anniversary of kicking cancer's a$$!</div>
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Pink did it up Pinterest-style like the little creative, crafty girl she is! She made me the little sign pictured above, made the pink feather crown, a pink drink presented in a pretty glass, and made the picture frame which we used to take some selfies. She's so sweet, that kid! </div>
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I played BUNCO later that evening and my friends surprised me with a cute hoodie that had a breast cancer ribbon on it. The whole day was very nice - aside from accidentally killing a squirrel and not seeing Dr. Fabulous all day. We also killed a squirrel on our wedding anniversary, so clearly anniversaries and squirrels do not mix well for me. I don't even know what that's all about.</div>
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Anyway, happy anniversary to me! Staying Cancer Free!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-17150457948082513762017-04-27T22:32:00.000-04:002017-05-11T22:49:40.572-04:00tHERsDay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My baby will be turning 22 in a matter of WEEKS. </div>
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It's going way too fast. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-58556727861768760692017-04-24T22:29:00.000-04:002017-05-11T22:30:04.149-04:00Dudes, My First Award. Ever. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh, what's that beautiful, inscribed glass vase you ask? That's just my award from Hearts United Against Cancer. You know, my first of... well, my FIRST ever! How cool is that? </div>
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Technically, it's a volunteer award. I was the 2017 Cancer Hero Volunteer, but I REALLY got it for having fun and feeling good and hanging out with some awesome people. Who thought you could be awarded for something so selfish?</div>
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And here we are... the "power couple."</div>
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Hold on. I'm laughing too hard. </div>
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Still laughing. </div>
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Okay. So, anyway, Dr. Fabulous is the one who is usually raking in the awards. I am usually the one clapping while he stands up at the podium. But, tonight our roles were reversed. I've never seen anything cuter than this man gushing over with pride and excitement for me. He was, like, telling everyone about this event in the weeks leading up to it, then singing my praises all night, and video tapping my little speech with a big smile on his face. I got more of a kick out of HIS reaction than anything else!</div>
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I have been active as a volunteer with <a href="http://www.heartsunitedagainstcancer.org/">Hearts United Against Cancer </a>since 2015. I didn't know anything about them until I received a Care & Comfort Bundle right after my breast cancer surgery. A friend of mine, who was also a Board Member of this new non-profit, had requested this Bundle for me, and delivered it to my home. </div>
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The basket was beautiful - filled with so many items personalized just for me. There was a book, a gift card, a cute coffee cup, a journal, a robe, and other little items. There was also a beautiful lap blanket that was hand crocheted by someone who didn't even know me. This basket was more than a "gift," it was filled with love and compassion. It brought me a great deal of cheer during a vulnerable time and made me feel less alone.</div>
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I researched the organization and found that there were so many great ways to volunteer and get involved. So, I vowed to pay the feeling forward. </div>
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That's how I met Beth, the founder of this non-profit, and that's how I became a volunteer. So did my kids, who help decorate cards and go to the big Saturday events. </div>
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My dad and step mom came out to support me, as did my in-laws. My mom and step dad were still in Morocco and couldn't make it. </div>
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The Gala was great, we knew lots of people there and had so much fun. I was so tickled to be recognized like this, but honestly, <i>I</i> am the one who is honored to be part of this amazing group. The only silver lining of getting cancer was that it led me to this amazing group of wonderful women and I wouldn't have changed it for the world.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-40901720176096337762017-04-10T11:33:00.000-04:002017-05-11T11:34:52.814-04:00Weekend Wrap-Up: Hoppin' and Runnin' <br />
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So, it was another jam-packed weekend with a track meet, swim practices, 3 soccer games, a Phillies game for Dr. Fab and a friend's 40th Surprise Bday Party for me, a charity event, Palm Sunday Family Dinner, and two races.<br />
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The Sunday race is part of a kids running series that Rella does. The Saturday race was our local 5K "Hop n' Run" that both Pink and Rella ran in. Pink grabbed a second place win for her age group and Rella came in first place overall. Not first place kid. Not first place girl. Not first place 14-and under. First place as in FIRST PERSON across the finish line - men, women, children... everyone.<br />
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Baby girl is on fire lately. She's all #BeastMode. This is when I question how we are related. Clearly, she has much more of her Dad's genetic material.<br />
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I am so super proud of Pink. She always pushes herself outside of her comfort zone. She wasn't sure she wanted to race today. She actually didn't even sign up until that morning, right there at the registration table. We never "force" our kids to run or play soccer or swim, or do anything. It's only if they want to. Today, I guess she was feelin' it. </div>
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So proud of these cuties!</div>
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The nice thing about these local, "neighborhood" races is that we can ALL go and watch together without there being a major travel and parking hassle. I love it when CB can join our family events and everything runs smoothly!</div>
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We finished the day with soccer games and our respective adult nights out. Sunday we participated in the annual Easter Basket Drive where we helped organize then assemble thousands of Easter Baskets that go to children in homeless/domestic violence shelters and are passed out through various soup kitchens to financially struggling families. </div>
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Then we scooted over to my in-law's house for our Palm Sunday dinner and egg hunt. Always fun catching up and relaxing with family (well, relaxing for ME. Maybe not so much for my mother-in-law who hosts it!)</div>
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Easter is fast approaching. That bunny better get its butt in gear!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-83670618347623897472017-03-24T22:56:00.002-04:002017-03-24T23:15:46.860-04:00The Right Kid<br />
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A few weeks ago, a solar panel sales guy knocked on my door. At some point during his super annoying sales pitch (no offense to sales people, he just wasn't good at it and was overly aggressive in my opinion) CB came bounding up behind me to try and get out the front door. Or say hi to him. Not really sure what her motivation was. After a brief interaction with her and successful redirection, I turned my attention back to the gentleman at the door and gave my one sentence "elevator pitch" explanation about CB... as if he probably couldn't have figured it out already at that point.<br />
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He took this as his potential "in" because, lo-and-behold, years ago HE worked at a group home for young adults with cognitive disabilities. We chatted about it for a few minutes, I asked him where he worked and how he liked it, and all those niceties (of course, still not interested in buying his solar panels, by the way). Then, he tells me that after about a year working there, he was burned out and left. His exact quote: "I couldn't take it anymore."<br />
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<i>"I couldn't take it anymore." </i>He even chuckled after saying it, as if we were compadres, commiserating together. I'm not even going to pontificate on how it must be nice to just decide you're "not going to take it" anymore and walk away when sh*t gets hard, but that's not really the road I want to go down right now.<br />
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It wasn't about his "job," (the administration, the pay, the benefits or lack thereof) it was the CLIENTELE that he couldn't take anymore. He made that pretty clear when he talked about "their" behavior and "their" level of care. I'm not one to be overly politically correct or nit-pick over semantics, but honestly... he could have explained himself in a variety of different ways. He could have said it was a rewarding but very emotionally draining job. He could have said it was tougher than he realized. He could have said it was a challenging population and he learned a lot that year, but realized it wasn't the right job for him. But, instead he chose to say "I couldn't <i>take it</i> anymore."<br />
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I mean, are you <i>that</i> clueless or <i>that </i>insensitive of a human being? Are you <i>seriously </i>going to say that to a mom of an adult daughter with severe disabilities? A daughter you JUST saw come up to the door? Then he added, as if throwing me a bone: "I don't know how people like you do it." Oh, thanks. Was that supposed to be a compliment? Perhaps he was trying some version of compassion. Except it wasn't compassion, it was pity. I'm the pitiful mom who had drawn the short straw. Someone who was blessed in all these ways - big house, great husband, three smart, sweet, kind, beautiful and healthy children... but then there is the "other" one.<br />
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And, while there are moments where I feel like <i>I</i> truly can't take it anymore and there are moments when <i>I</i> sincerely don't know how I do it, that's not the lens through which I see my daughter nor the relationship I am blessed to have with her. That's not the narrative of my life.<br />
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A few days after that jerk knocked on my door, I went to do my volunteer work with a group of women who started out as strangers but whom I now hold near and dear. One of these women, a mother and grandmother, started telling me a story about something she saw on television that had to do with Autism. She began asking me questions about CB, truly caring questions. I could tell she was so genuinely interested in knowing about our relationship, and what it was like to be CB's mom. I love when people really want to get to know me and truly know my family, not just the glossy exterior. No pity. No canonizing me for sainthood for doing nothing more than loving my children. Just seeking knowledge and understanding.<br />
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As our conversation came to a close and we said our goodbyes at the front door, she became momentarily choked up and said warmly: "Your daughter... she got the right mom."<br />
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And I told her, "No, you got it all wrong. I got the right kid."<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-84801489558618220312017-03-15T20:27:00.001-04:002017-03-15T20:27:23.459-04:00Night Storm: Reviving the Long Neglected Blog<br />
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The snow wasn't as bad as they projected yesterday, but the kids still enjoyed a snow day. The winds were gusty, the trees encased in ice. I know it's not safe to have frozen tree branches, but it sure makes the world outside my window glitter quite beautifully. We had a subdued, unstressful, relaxing day. At one point, there were 5 extra friends in the house playing board games and watching movies, but that was the extent of the excitement. I stayed in my pajamas and tried to work but was minimally productive.<br />
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At about 11:00 pm, there was another storm. The kind of sh*t storm that has been occurring once to twice a week for the past several months. The kind of storm that we have been weathering, off and on, CB's entire life.</div>
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As I made my rounds, doing my nightly "peek into the girls's rooms," I heard CB coming out of a grand mal seizure, and transitioning into one of her psychotic post-seizure episodes. I liken the sound of this to a bull getting ready to charge. There is a lot of snorting (literal snorting) and huffing and puffing , body rocking and a growing sense of agitation that fills the air around her until she rises, unsteady, hell bent going SOMEwhere and doing SOMEthing, but I swear she doesn't even know what it is. She is just driven by fear or hallucination or God only knows what. She only knows you are in her way and you are to be taken out by any means possible. Before I can get to her, she's careening out of her bed, whacks her hip into the corner of the dresser and nearly falls on top of me. Still uncoordinated and floppy from the seizure, she is unsteady on her feet but determined to flee from the room.</div>
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I position myself between her and the door and try, knowing already that I will fail, to calm her down. But there is no reasoning with her. There is really no reasoning with her even under the best of circumstances because of her cognitive abilities. But now, she is not herself. It isn't her. It's like the invasion of the body snatchers. I can't see her too well in the dark, but I hear her screaming and crying, and I smell the fear and the aftermath of a seizure. I kid you not, a severe seizure smells like something was burning and you try to forget that that burning was your kid's brain.<br />
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She's still on fire with this post-ictal psychosis. She's wild. She's violent. She's heartbreakingly afraid and while I am filled with compassion for her, she has no compassion for the fact that I have a face and that face can feel pain.<br />
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In a flash, I'm struck hard on the side of my head. I'm okay. Of course, I'm okay. She hits hard, but she's not a prize boxer. It's just the sting of a good smack. Before I can recover there is a sharp burst of pain in the dead center of my face. She's struck me again, as hard as I've ever been hit by her in my life (a tie with getting kicked full force in the nose by her while attempting to get an EEG last summer). I'm hit so hard, I see a burst of light in the dark room, like a momentary flash of a starburst, then feel the crackling pain. I know I'm not hurt, as in 'for real, need medical attention' hurt, but I scream from the surprise of it all and next thing I know Dr. Fabulous is knocking on the closed and barricaded door. She gets in two more whacks to the head before I can let him in.<br />
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Let me say this, before we go any further (because some people want to hear only what they want to hear and want to know what they think they already know): CB is a sweet and loving child. She can sometimes act out, but she is generally well behaved and isn't malicious. I am not afraid of her. It breaks my heart to think that people are afraid of her, and I hope I am not feeding into any of this fear by telling this story. She is not, in general, a violent person, but I cannot lie and say she doesn't have her moments when she gets ticked off and can give you a good smack. Or throw a plate across the room so that it smashes into 10 pieces. These are exceptions, not the norm. I have never, ever been afraid of this girl. I have been afraid FOR her, but never OF her. And I'm not afraid of her this night either, because this is not who she is. She is not herself in these moments.<br />
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So, I want to make it crystal clear before continuing the story that 1. CB poses no risk to me, her family or herself, 2. She doesn't belong anywhere but here so please don't even hint around at any alternative, and 3. I am not trying to evoke any concern over me. She is the only one who deserves concern. Most importantly, 4. I neither want nor need any pity... so save that sh*t for someone or something else, please. Nothing tears down my spirit more than pity. <br />
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Continuing on....<br />
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So, Dr. Fabulous and I take care of the business of stabilizing this child whom we love, who is no longer a child, really, but a young adult. Together we wrestle, <i>physically wrestle </i>with her in the dark, trying not to hurt her or let her hurt herself. The next day, I will wonder if he ever pictured his life as a parent quite like this. I didn't have a choice, but he did. And he's still here, wrestling in the dark with demons, demonstrating a love more ferocious than fear. Love that somehow keeps regret from worming its way into his mind. He's here, for me and for her, as she is screaming like someone is throwing acid on her skin, and kicking and trying to hit us. She might have gotten a few more cracks to my head... I lost count. At some point, I think I hear one of the other girls in the hall during the whirlwind. I pray they aren't hearing this upsetting scene. If they do, I'm pretty certain they won't even tell me. <br />
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Things calm down. We can finally leave the room knowing she's asleep. My face is throbbing, my head hurts, and I'm tired. I could sleep for a thousand years. I know Dr. Fabulous and I could have a mini therapy session and talk about this for 20 minutes, or an entire lifetime, but we don't. Instead, we hug each other until we fall asleep. There's such a sense of peace knowing there is one person in the world who knows <i>everything </i>without you having to say a word. I never need for him to read a Facebook or blog post, or explain my day over a cup of coffee. He gets it. He lives it. And, he hasn't run away yet. Thank God, because I couldn't do this without him.<br />
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When I woke today, the ice had melted from the branches and the world was light. My face and head throbbed, but when I looked in the mirror there was not a trace of bruise or swelling. No evidence of pain for a single soul to see. Already healed, at least on the surface.<br />
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Perhaps that's why I write this blog. Why I share too many awkward stories with friends over lunch. Post with a bit too much detail on Facebook. Without these stories, who would really know me? Know my family? Know how our love for this young lady has changed us into the people we are? All the hurt and pain would be invisible. One could argue that there is an upside to that. But you know what else would be invisible? All the love and devotion and joy we have in this family. You can't know one without knowing the other.<br />
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I'm grateful for this space to write my stories. I hope to revive this blog, and share many more. For those who are still reading, and listening, I thank you.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-7893066086074112142017-02-10T14:15:00.000-05:002017-03-15T14:26:20.327-04:00Cookies for Charity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The girls and I found this AMAZING non-profit in our area that does a ton of great charitable projects. One of many that are very family oriented is their Cookies for Charity program. Once a month, volunteers can come to a local church and spend a few hours mixing the cookie ingredients, baking them, and packaging them up for distribution. Our first month there, we made (as a group) about 800 cookies! We made 500 the next time. It's so fun, and the girls love it. </div>
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The cookies are bagged up and given along with small care packages that include toiletry products. These bags are distributed to women and men who are experiencing homelessness in Camden and/or Philadelphia. I am hoping to take the girls on one of those outings soon. I think they will really get a lot more out of that face-to-face contact and see the impact of what one small act of kindness can do.</div>
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In the meanwhile, we'll be trying to bake as often as we can with this amazing group! Please message me if you are local to South Jersey and would like to learn more about getting involved. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-20166308988139539392016-05-16T11:43:00.000-04:002017-05-15T11:21:39.005-04:00Senior Prom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And, just like that... it's Senior Prom. </div>
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May is her last Prom. It will also be her 21st birthday. </div>
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And in a matter of weeks, she will be a graduate.</div>
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Her school started this prom for students ages 16 through 21. CB was 16 for their inaugural year, so she was there from the beginning. Her first prom was this school's first prom.<br />
And, MY first prom ever too!</div>
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Now we're at the end of an era, so to speak. 'Bittersweet' is the closest I can get to describing the feelings I have. But even bittersweet just falls flat. </div>
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This prom has meant the world to me. Probably more so than it should. For parents in the typical world, prom is a huge, kind of surreal, milestone event. They watch their son or daughter get dressed up, giddy with excitement. They lament on how much they've grown and how they are standing on the cusp of becoming an adult. Perhaps college is on the horizon, or employment, or traveling the world, or the Peace Corps. Senior prom transitions to the next phase of life. </div>
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It is bittersweet; the twinge of sadness that they are so grown and they are pretty much independent and not so "needing" of you. The excitement of them coming into their own lives and minds. Their world is full of possibility. You've done your job. You've given them roots to grow, and wings to fly. </div>
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It's different for me and CB. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">At the close of this school year, she will transition into the next phase of life. She will not be stepping into a greater level of independence, though we are always working towards improving this in a relative sense. I will still be caring for her round-the-clock. The close of this chapter will open up another one, but I'm not sure I'd describe it as one filled with promise and opportunity. </span></div>
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She will be leaving a support system of people who love and care for her. I'm leaving that support system too. The teachers, aides, and administration at her school - a place we've been for for 11 years - has become family. But unlike REAL family, when we leave, there are no ties left to bind us.</div>
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I am braced for it, when I'm not swimming in denial of it coming. It's a really difficult time, emotionally, for me. But, CB? She's happy as a clam. </div>
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I will say that there is <b><i>one </i></b>thing I share in common with the "typical" moms and dads and their "typical" seniors. I am so very proud.<br />
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So, enough with that downer stuff. Now, we PARTY!</div>
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And by party, I mean drinking water out of a red solo cup like we're at a frat house. </div>
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It IS just water, but the picture totally cracks me up! </div>
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Party on, CB. Party on. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-26846688772836156282016-05-12T16:03:00.001-04:002016-05-12T16:03:05.311-04:00tHERsDay: Prepping for Prom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tomorrow will be CB's last prom. </div>
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It will close a week of flying solo on the home front. A busy week filled with work, multiple doctors appointments for me and CB, after school activities, middle school orientation, buying and returning 600 prom dresses that didn't work, and CB's shenanigans like escaping the house in the early morning with no pants on... breaking plates... having seizures... not sleeping through the night...you know. The usual.</div>
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But tomorrow is PROM so none of that matters!!</div>
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It will be bitter sweet.</div>
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Her first prom was MY first prom. When I reminded my husband of that, he looked at me and said "I didn't know you were such a <i>loser</i>!" Of course, he was joking.</div>
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Truth is, I <b><i>was </i></b>a total loser straight through high school. Who cares? It was seven years of my life. Thank goodness no one asks you for your popularity score at a job interview, on a date, or when embarking on a new friendship as a grown-up!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">And, guess what? I have attended six proms since my "loser" days with the best date I could ever ask for. I guess that makes me a winner... in more ways than one. </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-59375312998467965952016-05-09T13:11:00.004-04:002016-05-09T13:11:40.937-04:00Weekend Wrap-Up: Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One more year, one more great Mother's Day. Can you believe I've been a Mom for almost 21 years? That's a lot of Mother's Days under my belt, and I look forward to many more to come.</div>
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After a week's worth of clouds and rain, the skies turned blue and the sun finally came out! The fields were so saturated, however, that our three soccer games on Saturday were cancelled. Due to Mother's Day there was no swim on Sunday. What I'm trying to say is that the weekend was totally chill for once.</div>
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And I got my annual Mother's Day picture. Yay!</div>
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We had our North Jersey contingency down for the whole weekend, which was very nice. My girls went to the Children's Theater with their little cousins, we had dinner together as a great big bunch on Saturday, then reconvened for Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday. It's great to spend that quality time with everyone.</div>
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You know, I've had Mother's Days when kids were sick and puking, Mother's Days where there was a stream of dirty diapers and night wakings. </div>
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I've had Mother's Day in the vineyards with wine, breakfast in bed, and afternoons at the spa. I've spent Mother's Days completely alone with a non-verbal CB, and Mother's Days rubbing my belly waiting to meet the little one inside me. No matter what<span style="text-align: center;"> I do, where I go, what I get... it's all good. </span><br />
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This year, CB got up at 6:45 am, but at least she slept through the night so I was happy.</div>
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And, unlike other random days, I got a few pretty things just for being a Mom...</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRH0A36XLyI/VzC7J_XJzUI/AAAAAAAAMlw/WVa4S8P4cx8Mlkdj6Ro0tkwR3X90NMuKACLcB/s1600/13118969_10209728295149346_5843483445549558557_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRH0A36XLyI/VzC7J_XJzUI/AAAAAAAAMlw/WVa4S8P4cx8Mlkdj6Ro0tkwR3X90NMuKACLcB/s320/13118969_10209728295149346_5843483445549558557_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrxi6tn9bmk/VzC7J2KykiI/AAAAAAAAMls/YjslPxrJqRogaxdYCEiU43-aJ1f6reAHgCLcB/s1600/13124886_10209728295229348_1851191053257623950_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrxi6tn9bmk/VzC7J2KykiI/AAAAAAAAMls/YjslPxrJqRogaxdYCEiU43-aJ1f6reAHgCLcB/s320/13124886_10209728295229348_1851191053257623950_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Of course, I cried reading the cards the girls made me. I got through two before I broke down. Big improvement from years prior. Yes, I AM a total freakin' sap. <br />
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The above silver bracelets were given to me at dinner on Saturday night by my entire family. It was in celebration of my one-year "Cancer Free" anniversary. What a huge surprise, and a very sweet one. Mother's Day will forever come on the heels of this anniversary and I can't think of a better way to remind myself of what I will forever fight for. </div>
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The day came to the perfect end when Dr. Fabulous picked up sushi and some beer. After the kids went to bed, the paaaarty started. And by party, I mean watching the Antique Road Show snuggled on the couch with my man, drinking a few of these. </div>
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That, my friends, is what I call another perfect Mother's Day!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-39575612942604682292016-05-06T21:30:00.005-04:002016-05-06T21:30:52.409-04:00The One Who Made Me A Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I attended a sweet Mother's Day Luncheon at CB's school. Our last school luncheon, as my "senior" is graduating this June! It's a year of "last times," and a year of new adventures. I will miss this stuff.</div>
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How lucky am I that I get to do these things with my 20 year old, though? When my little ones were in preschool, they always had a cute Mother's Day Tea or Luncheon. Once they hit the first grade, that whole scene was pretty much over. But, with CB I got to enjoy these fun times for the good part of her 18 years of school. </div>
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What I'll miss the most is walking into her class and watching her face light up. Today, she practically tackled me with the longest, warmest, most heart felt hug. I could have cried on the spot, but I was too busy laughing!<br />
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I love all my girls, and each have a special place in my heart. With CB, she's the one who made me a Mom. It was just me and CB against the world for nine years before her sister came onto the scene. We have a lot of history between us. </div>
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I'm glad she came first because in all honesty, she has made me a better mother. </div>
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I learned how to give without expecting anything in return. To care for another so completely and intimately. To trust someone loves you even when it's never spoken. To appreciate the little things because they are the big things. To chose happiness even when things suck. </div>
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To accept that things are what they are. </div>
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To accept that people are who they are and not love them in spite of it, but because of it. </div>
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To understand that motherhood isn't about YOU. </div>
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To understand that we can't control anything, really. And that's not only okay but it's good. </div>
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And that sometimes people make you go without sleep for weeks and you still love them anyway. Even more than coffee.</div>
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And for that, and more, I am the luckiest Mom. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-60249730026202886862016-05-04T16:45:00.002-04:002016-05-04T16:45:38.475-04:00Dear Cancer, Bite Me. A 1-Year Anniversary Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, May the Fourth, marks my "One Year Cancer Survivor" anniversary. I don't know how these anniversaries technically work, but this is the day I selected. I didn't want to pick the day I was diagnosed, since that day was a total buzzkill. Not feeling like celebrating THAT bull crap. I could have selected January 20th since that was my surgery day, and the day technically all cancerous tissue was excised from my body. </div>
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But, I always thought the day that most commemorated me kicking Cancer's stupid a** was the final day of my 30-day radiation treatment. The final step in a five month journey. The. End.</div>
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I'm not gonna lie. It was also cool to have it on Star Wars Day. "May the Fourth Be With You." You know I love me some metaphor and serendipity.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The past few weeks, I've been seeing those "Facebook Memories" pop up on my page. You know, where they show you a post or picture from one, three, five years ago and you're all like "Wow, I remember that!" Well, the posts that have been popping up are reminding me that this time last year, I was coming to the end of my 6 weeks of daily radiation treatment. I affectionately refer to it as "Bell Ringing Day." </span></div>
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Yeah, I rang that mo' fo'. </div>
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When I read those old Facebook statuses, what stands out to me is an immense feeling of gratitude, even then. I remember that gratitude with such emotional clarity. In fact, it is still present today. Grateful for amazing friends, for a supportive and compassionate community, and the family that came to support me when I needed it. If I was strong and positive during it all, I deserve little credit. Strong is easy when no one ever lets you fall.<br />
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So, in celebration of the tremendous support I received throughout that five month journey, I volunteered with Hearts United Against Cancer this morning. I remember receiving one of their beautiful Care and Comfort Bundles right after my surgery and how loved I felt. Last May, I began volunteering with the organization so I could be a part of paying that support forward. It's been one of the most rewarding things I have been a part of. </div>
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Dr. Fabulous has to work really late tonight, but I'll be celebrating my "One Year" with these little clowns. </div>
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Grateful. Happy. Strong. And far better now than I ever was before. Because every bump in the road just makes us stronger. And being together makes us the strongest. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-87061109360414268932016-04-16T11:46:00.006-04:002016-04-16T11:46:43.750-04:00Weekend Wrap-Up: Our Last First Holy Communion<br />
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Well, we had our last little girl celebrate her First Holy Communion. It was, like all the "last times," a little bittersweet. But to her? It was all sweet.</div>
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We had a super busy week, stuff after school until about 9:00 pm every night that week... which is basically par for the course in the Fall and Spring. Friday night, Dr. Fabulous and I had another black tie affair, our third hospital gala ('tis the season) which would be all fine and dandy if I didn't have to be out of the house at 8:45 am the following morning with a primped little princess and 30 people coming to my house for lunch afterwards.</div>
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Hectic? I guess. Or, you could say it makes your life feel full and rich and happy. </div>
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So what if you're a little tired? Sleep is overrated. Just ask CB. She has been up all night for the past several weeks!</div>
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So, the morning was very special and the girls and boys looked so cute... not that it's about how you look... but nevertheless, it was an adorable bunch all spit-polished and fancy!<br />
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So, this "time stamp" on my photographs is killing me. I couldn't find my camera charger for my nice 35 mm Canon. Of course, it didn't help that I was looking for it the morning of ... when it was all crazy up in here. So, Pink's like "Mom, you can use my camera," which was a very nice gesture but #1 I don't really know how to use her camera (which is a nice one, by the way) so half the pictures were blurry and garbage and #2, I didn't realize she has this freakin' time stamp feature and it's on every single photo. I tried my best to edit it out of most, but still. So annoying. I shoulda just used my phone camera instead. Whatev.<br />
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It was cold and raining that Saturday morning... then it turned into SNOW. Yes, snow in mid-April. What the heck? It ended up being 1 to 2 inches. It was crazy and nixed the outside pictures...but it looked really pretty.<br />
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Pink was dying to make Rella's cake. I was initially all stressed and grumpy about it as it would surely cause much more work and chaos than just ordering a cake and picking it up. Then, the wise Dr. Fabulous said "Enjoy these moments while we have them." He was right. She did an awesome job, she enjoyed herself, and it turned out absolutely beautiful. And, honestly, other than getting her the supplies? She did every single thing herself. The roses are sculpted out of fondant and the cross freehand cut out of fondant too. Inside was pink velvet and white cake. I was super proud of her.<br />
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And, I was super proud of my baby girl. My baby is 8 and celebrating yet another milestone. Life is going by so fast, but I'm enjoying getting to know my girls and watching them grow into amazing people.<br />
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And I really enjoyed the fact that the snow cancelled all the Fall travel soccer try-outs on Sunday so we had a complete sleep in, stay in pjs, veg-out day. It. Was. Awesome.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-89079600213327187142016-04-07T23:17:00.002-04:002016-04-07T23:17:41.384-04:00tHERsDay: The Devolution of an IEP Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was CB's very last IEP meeting. The last one I will attend EVER. </div>
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I've been going to these suckers since she was three. At least once a year. Every three years, twice. </div>
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So, here's the evolution - or devolution - of me as the IEP meeting Mom. When I first started attending these things, I was a 29 year old overwhelmed mother and full time graduate student. I'd sit with my pens and legal pad, ready to take notes. I'd read everything prior and think of questions to ask. I was on top of my game and ready to take on the world. </div>
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Then, these meetings just became rote. I'd lug my other little ones with me and they'd color while the Child Study Team and I talked. It became a social time, actually. She had the same teacher for many years in a row, the same therapists, the same administration. They all watched my kids grow up. They watched CB grow up. </div>
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I never missed a meeting in 18 years. Until today.</div>
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Her Senior Exit meeting. The final IEP of my life, and I never wrote it on my calendar. I freakin' MISSED IT like a giant idiot.</div>
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So....Yeah. </div>
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It's been that kind of week. Don't even get me started.</div>
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Well, 18 years of IEPs have come to a close. I mark this monumental day by leaving her team sitting and waiting and wondering if I'll ever show up. Like the awesome Mom I am. </div>
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It's kinda funny when I think of how I rolled into this new world and how I'm rolling out. </div>
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Well, CB... I guess we both have a case of Senioritis. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-69640147206599566742016-04-05T11:08:00.000-04:002016-04-18T08:23:30.888-04:00Science Geeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The girls nerded out this year and did their school science fair project together. The best part? They did it TOGETHER which was awesome. Tink is in fourth grade and Pink in sixth, so I was worried they might want to do their own separate thing. But they were excited. Which meant less stress for me!<br />
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Their project, which they did 100% on their own (with the exception of me buying the supplies) was to show how a raw egg can bounce. You can actually do this quite easily at home. Just soak an egg in white vinegar for 1-2 days until the shell is dissolved. Then, run it under water and gently rub off the white part that is under the shell. You will then see this transparent membrane and the yolk inside.<br />
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And, you will be able to BOUNCE the egg with a gentle drop of a few inches. (It's not a super ball and so don't like throw it on the ground expecting it to bounce like that.)<br />
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The "experiment" part was to try different types of vinegar and see what differences there were. They tried Rice Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, Balsamic, and Apple Cider Vinegar. They had some interesting results. Try it!</div>
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It was really neat to see all of the projects and the kids seemed to have a great time. It made a busy week even busier, but it was definitely worth it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-24175601786453141092016-03-11T16:27:00.000-05:002016-04-10T16:30:59.258-04:00tHERsDay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love their bond. </div>
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CB is lucky to have both a step-dad and dad who love her dearly.</div>
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One lucky kid.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-61948258978521359462016-01-04T12:54:00.000-05:002016-04-16T12:54:56.538-04:00Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016!!<br />
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Happy New Year!! </div>
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Wow, another year down. We celebrated by going to a friend's annual family party that starts in the afternoon then by evening, we all head over to the town's First Night. There are great shows and lots of music and people. We saw The Tramps perform (As in "Burn, Baby, Burn, Disco Inferno!) and watched the fireworks at 9:00 pm. The great thing about First Nights are that you can still make it home and be snuggled up on the couch watching the ball drop at midnight without feeling like you "didn't do anything" to celebrate the New Year. Great when you have young kids.</div>
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The New Year weekend, Dr. Fabulous was itching to get outta dodge. He works very very long hours and is always on the go, mentally and physically. Sometimes, he just needs a change of scenery so we'll go somewhere within a 2 hour drive, or even closer, and just stay at a hotel. We've gone to Valley Forge and different small places in PA. We've also headed over the Baltimore, our old stomping grounds. The kids love it and it's so nice and easy.<br />
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We hit the Walter's Art Gallery again. The kids loved it this time as much as last!</div>
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Then, we did the Aquarium after dark. The kids have never been there. I took CB there when she was about 4 years old. It didn't go well. She threw a very nice, expensive necklace I had received for my 30th birthday into the enormous stingray tank. </div>
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No such drama tonight.</div>
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These jellyfish were so cool. I'm sorry, I took a thousand photos of them. While I wouldn't want to run into one at the beach, I could watch them for hours in the aquarium.</div>
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It was a great way to kick off a brand new year. </div>
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I hope 2016 is filled with joy, love, and happiness for you and yours!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-38216582137309357692015-12-31T13:00:00.003-05:002016-01-04T09:19:34.703-05:00Holiday Wrap-Up: The Merriest and Brightest <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christmas was here and gone, like a whirlwind. The wrapping paper remnants and boxes are overfilling the trash bin, tinsel is scattered throughout the house like glittering dust bunnies, brightly colored cookies have turned stale on the counter, and Jingles, our Elf, has left the building.</div>
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And I am exhausted.</div>
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And happy to the core of my being. This Christmas felt like the Merriest and the Brightest ... though each one feels that way. One just keeps topping the next, but I suppose that's what happens when you appreciate your amazing (though far from perfect) life with the people you are blessed to have in it. </div>
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This Christmas was a little different in a few ways. One, it was super warm. Like, record breaking warm. It was rainy too, which made it muggy. We turned on the air conditioning at my brother-in-law's house during our Christmas Eve get together. While many parts of the world celebrate a green Christmas, I haven't seen one this mild in the NorthEast EVer. </div>
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The other difference was that CB was with us for Christmas Eve and Day. We rotate years with her dad so last year, she was in Maryland. This year, CB was here... and Cancer was gone. </div>
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We also had a new little itty bitty baby — my nephew!! YAY! </div>
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I love babies. LOVE THEM!</div>
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Before I end up confessing that I want another one, let's move on. </div>
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Many of my neices and nephews are now teens and young adults. So, Christmas gatherings look less "kiddie" and more "teeny" if that makes sense. I think this photo speaks to this point. </div>
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They are great kids and I love getting to know the people they have become. They are smart, kind, funny, generous, loving and still... kids at heart.</div>
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The old guy included. </div>
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After spending Christmas Eve with Dr. Fab's side of the family, we were still able to make it home to enjoy our family traditions... setting out cookies, hanging our stockings, and reading two vintage Christmas books that my parents read to me and my sisters and brothers when we were small. These books are totally falling apart, but they are awesome. And my kids love them as much as I did.</div>
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This year, Rella asked to read The Night Before Christmas. They're getting so big it makes me tear up. </div>
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Pink started her own new tradition after her Religious Ed teacher (otherwise known among Catholics as CCD) told them about it. She made a box that said "Happy Birthday Jesus" and then filled it with little slips of paper as she wrote down the kind things she did in the days leading up to Christmas. Then, she left it under the tree on the Eve of Jesus's birthday, without fanfare. I thought it was so sweet and a good reminder of what the season is all about.</div>
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As our family attempts to do every year, we looked for ways to give back during December. We donated a Christmas tree with all the lights and trimmings to a family in need who couldn't afford one. We made shoeboxes for <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/?utm_source=OCC-Redirect&utm_medium=direct&utm_content=OCC-Redirect">Operation Christmas Child</a> and we sorted donated toys at our church and at a local non-profit. We made several toy donations to different organizations like hospitals and shelters and sent a Christmas card to a girl named <a href="http://www.parentsociety.com/news-2/current-events/safyre-terry-gets-best-christmas-surprise/">Safyre</a> who was horrifically burned in a fire that took the lives of her entire family. </div>
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These things were very small, but they served as touchstones for the girls as they bounded through a time of year where they are slathered with gifts, food, and love. It's my job to allow them to have an AMAZING Christmas and spoil them a little bit... just let them be happy kids. But, it's also my job to keep them grounded, keep them aware, help them understand that they can do a little something in this world to make a tiny corner of it a better place for someone else. </div>
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I stayed up until after 1:00 am, as usual, and the kids were up at 5:00 am. Or, should I say Rella was up at 5:00. This was a huge improvement to the 3:15 am waking last year. They opened their stockings while we waited for CB to rise. I wasn't going to disturb that poor child so early! It also gave me time to get our big breakfast buffet started. When they all were ready to come downstairs and see what Santa left, it was still dark outside. I love that excitement. LOVE it.</div>
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Santa leaves a little "rope" across the staircase so no little children can sneak down too soon. Then Dr. Fabulous and I count them down and they make a mad dash into the family room!<br />
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I love that Pink stayed with CB to help her down the stairs. This girl is a freakin' angel, I tell you.<br />
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Tink's favorite gifts were her new hot pink glittery guitar...</div>
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Her "Itty Bitty's" which are a thing. They're at Hallmark. They're tiny stuffed animals. I don't get it. Whatev. </div>
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And, of course, every year she asks Santa for Holiday Barbie.</div>
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CB got a stocking full of Cheez-Its and beads, so she was occupied for fifteen minutes until she went upstairs to take a nap. Christmas is exhausting like that.<br />
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Our crafty, creative girl Pink loved her cookbooks and art gifts.<br />
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She received a gummy bear maker which included this giant mold for a collassal gummy bear. It looks black, but it was really a rainbow of colors layered together, with blue on top. It took the whole family three days to eat it.<br />
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Rella's favorite was her long-adored cotton candy machine...<br />
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... and a drum set. She asked Santa for a real one, but us parental units forbade it. Santa in his infinite good humor brought her a tiny one and she thought that was quite clever.<br />
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Later in the day, CB was coerced back to the tree where her sisters helped her unwrap oodles of clothes.<br />
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Then everyone lounged around all low key, playing with stuff and I might have fallen asleep on the couch two or three times.<br />
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We had an improptu neighborhood get together which we picked up again on Sunday and just spent a lot of time hanging out and enjoying the aftermath of the Merriest and Brightest time of year.<br />
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That's a wrap. Or an unwrap. That's what we call an Awesome Christmas 'round here. Hope your holidays were the Merriest and Brightest too.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-55103886444898108702015-12-22T21:20:00.000-05:002015-12-31T11:58:09.918-05:00Weekend Wrap Up: Par-Tay!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it was another full and exciting weekend of partying it up! The weekend before Christmas is chock full of out-of-town family parties and our clan was representing in full holiday spirit!</div>
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Notice Tink's Santa hat. It has not left her head since December 3rd. I'm not kidding. </div>
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I was super excited to get two very rare full family photos this year — one at each party. Of course, I didn't have said photos in enough time to use on a Holiday card. So my card is some crazy a** photo of my four girls making goofy faces and rabbit ears over each other's heads from the Autism Walk two years ago. Yeah, it was that kind of frustrating card year.<br />
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Our card was a horror show, but we coordinated pretty nicely for THIS party!<br />
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The girls are getting so big, but the Christmas magic is mostly still alive over here. Pink is playing it a little "chill" this holiday. Her big wish items ain't happening (an iphone) but I think she will be fine with it.<br />
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Tink is always happy. Always. So, Christmas is no exception. She wants for nothing but these Itty Bitty stuffed animals at the Hallmark store, Shopkins, and World Peace. Those were the three items on her list. The only three.<br />
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Rella, on the other hand, had a list the size of the Empire State Building. She might have asked for the Empire State Building for all I know. She asked for a dog (AGAIN, ain't happening) and a drum set (Hellz No!) and circled literally every thing in the Toys R Us catalog. Every. Thing.<br />
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CB wants for little. She's a low maintenance type girl. My wish list for her, on the other hand, could build a bridge to the moon.<br />
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Santa took time out of his busy schedule to visit at the one party. The three little ones asked him politely for a few things and received a small gift.<br />
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<i>Notice CB sitting in the very back... red sweater. Loved it. </i></div>
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At 20, CB doesn't go up and sit with Santa anymore, but she did when she was younger and Santa certainly remembers her. He was always very patient and kind. Santa is like that, ya know.</div>
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I enjoyed watching her sit on the fringes of the action, stimming away in her own world but present in the mix. </div>
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This December is a particularly memorable time for me as it marks one year since my diagnosis of Breast Cancer. Last <a href="http://welcometomyplanet4.blogspot.com/2015/01/holiday-wrap-up-christmas-cancer-and.html">December 14th</a>, I received the phone call from my doctor telling me the "not so awesome news." It was 11 days before Christmas, and a complete shock. This year, I not only have my treatment behind me, but another fantastic year in front of me. I'll let you know more about what's in store for me in 2016 a little later.</div>
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Anyway, I'm not sure I'm going to post much this week, so I'll just go ahead and say it now:<br />
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!! Enjoy your loved ones, enjoy the season!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-42636035572391147432015-12-17T12:31:00.003-05:002015-12-17T17:17:15.234-05:00tHERsDay<br />
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CB with her babysitter of over 10 years. </div>
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I guess you could say they've become buddies at this point. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-75134792488516881542015-12-16T09:56:00.002-05:002015-12-16T12:52:38.452-05:00Weekend-Wrap Up, Holiday Mash-Up and General Catch-Up<br />
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Well, let me just jump right in there, because that's what old friends do when they haven't seen each other in forever. Just give a big hug and smile and pick up where they left off as if no time went by at all!<br />
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So, since last time we chatted (in those glorious days of summer!) Dr. Fabulous and I travelled to New Orleans for a week, the family went to Williamsburg and the PA mountains, Pink broke her arm... got sick for two weeks... then had an allergic reaction to what we think was the amoxcicillan. Rella turned 8 and did her First Penance at church. CB kept me busy with visits to her specialists, I was awarded Guardianship of her (now that she is an adult), and I celebrated my One Year Anniversary of getting my cancer diagnosis (which was actually a legit celebration because I happened to be at a party with lots of adult beverages). <br />
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So, now we are living the holiday season to the fullest in the final countdown to Christmas. And, we are enjoying the unseasonably warm weather here in Jersey! Last weekend was our only weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas where CB was away visiting her Dad. So we crammed a whole bunch of things in that she would NOT have enjoyed being dragged to.<br />
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Some of the things on the list? Christmas in Philly...<br />
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<i>Notice no one has coats on. And, Pink is in shorts. </i></div>
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<i>Notice, no one has coats on but ME. Along with a sweater and furry boots. Because, even though it was like 67 degrees that day, I'm always cold. </i></div>
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We hit the Holiday show at the Comcast Center, walked around the little Christmas village at Love Park, and went ice skating right there in Center City. It was super fun. </div>
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Tink took the ice like a pro. It looks like I'm holding her hand to help steady her, but it was vice versa. I suck on ice skates.<br />
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Rella improved SO much at skating this year! She was out there "in the middle" which is a big deal for her.<br />
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And, there's Pink - in SHORTS. Okay, I know it's supposed to be a White Christmas and all, but I'm lovin' this warm weather, people!!<br />
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There was also a Santa sighting. They were all a little leery, as usual, but they indulged us a picture. Santa looks a bit psycho here, but he was very nice.<br />
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We also hit Longwood Gardens Friday night, which was amazing. Photos just can't capture the beautiful grounds filled with lights!</div>
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Our weekends have been full of both fancy and casual Holiday Parties...<br />
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... Town Tree Lightings and Choir Concerts...</div>
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Cookie Making, Gingerbread House Building and Tree Trimming...</div>
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I'm not done my gift shopping, haven't started wrapping, just strung lights outside yesterday, and only ordered my Holiday Cards literally three days ago. So, basically I'm pretty much right on top of things. </div>
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Hope you all are faring well with all the Holiday Hub Bub! I have so much more catching up to do, but I'll save it for another post. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4077075126044741218.post-26648795956253015722015-11-09T12:17:00.000-05:002016-04-16T12:20:52.198-04:00Birthday In The Big Easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never been to New Orleans. So, when Dr. Fabulous had a conference there, I had to go with him to check out the food, music, and nightlife. I mean, you just HAVE to, right? Bonus, it was going to be the week of my birthday so it was a perfect way to celebrate.</div>
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Dr. Fabulous had to attend the conference all day for most days. But, we did get the opportunity to walk around. We'd grab lunch together and tried all the signature New Orleans food like Muffalettas and Beignets. I ate lots of seafood, which I really never have the opportunity to do in Jersey, other than sushi. When he was being all professional during the day, I'd go for a run then walk around exploring. By day, I felt very safe. At night? Not so sure I'd be out alone, but I'm a chicken like that.<br />
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We went to Bourbon Street one night with some friends. It. Was. Wild.<br />
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And one day, I enjoyed outdoor music and some beers in the middle of the afternoon, enjoying my own company. When do I ever get to do that? Seriously, never. I think that was one of my favorite days.</div>
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We didn't take the kids and my in-laws were wonderful enough to watch them and get them to school and all their activities. They're the best. On our last night there, it was actually the day BEFORE my birthday, Dr. Fab and I went out to an amazing dinner at The Commander's Palace. I highly recommend if you find yourself in New Orleans.<br />
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So, it's my birthday dinner night and we're out at this incredible, five star restaurant and we get a phone call from my mother-in-law that Pink has injured her arm at soccer practice. The entire dinner we are taking turns on the phone, talking to her, then talking to Pink, then calling our friend who is an orthopedist who graciously sees her at 9:00 pm that night and puts her in a splint. Then talking to her some more. What a relaxing, celebratory, enjoyable dinner!<br />
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And the next morning, my actual birthday, we were flying home. Our plane was super delayed so we were in the airport for hours. My mother-in-law took Pink to the doctor for an X-ray. Turns out, she had a buckle fracture on her growth plate so she was casted for 4 weeks. </div>
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Last year Pink was vomiting in the back seat of the minivan on my birthday when she got sick (the three little ones were all sick, actually). My birthday is apparently bad luck for my children. </div>
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But, despite the long, emotionally exhausting day, it was a good birthday... because I came home to great big love. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0