Strong

Hi Everyone!

           Meet Toni Denise. She is Chris' sister. She is my sister in law and also my hero. We got to spend some time with her and Uncle Mike a few weeks ago. Grandpa Tony was also in town to visit. I was glad Chris got a chance to catch up with his Dad. Anyway, back to my hero. Toni Denise was diagnosed with Stage 3B Breast Cancer last November. She is in remission and just completed radiation (yay!) She was very upfront with her cancer and I was so glad. I wish her more healing vibes and hope this journey of chemo and radiation is over for her.

Jacob and Toni got to meet each other for the first time on this trip. Grandpa Tony usually comes to visit us, and we decided this year, we wanted to see everyone. We made a promise that we will come back every year for a visit. Toni and I email each other every week. Even when I was having my own issues this Summer, she was there for me - with her pain and tiredness. I appreciate her love SO much. It's nice that I have someone to fall back on :)

School has started! Nicholas was not thrilled about going back, which made me kind of sad. He says he is enjoying first grade. I have eased up on the reading for a little while, until we get out reading log. I might have burned him out on Reading. My Class is OK. I had a little drama this weekend, and my class will be VERY challenging, but I have to keep positive and do what I can in the six hours that I have them. It has also been hot and will continue to be hot. I say when it hits August 5th, Fall weather can start. Seriously, I have been coming home totally drained and not feeling good. Next week, upper 80's. Jacob went to a meet and greet at his preschool. My Mom said he did well. He has his appointment this Thursday. I am little nervous about that.

The boys have their moments. Jacob has hit the 3's in full force! He actually has been worse than Nicholas. Nicholas was doing good for awhile, but the mouth is back. He doesn't like getting into trouble. They may send me to an early grave, but at least they will be good kids when I finish with them.

Well, we need to get ready for a picnic. Have a wonderful week!! Love, Mandy

Memphis Kiddie Park

                                           Getting ready

                                        

                                           The Reaction

                                          Jacob going on his 1st Roller Coaster

                                          This picture makes me smile

                                          After the ride - he loved it!

                                          Nicholas wasn't sure about this ride - b/c it went up

                                          He loved it

                                           My boys!

                                          All three of them

                                          Our new family photo





Hi Everyone,

       I apologize for being a week behind. We got very busy, very fast. I really wanted to do this blog entry too. I was so excited to blog about our trip to Memphis Kiddie Park.

We decided to surprise the boys with a trip to Memphis Kiddie Park. I think we waited a year a too late, but none the less, the boys loved it. It is a little Amusement Park with kiddie rides. We had such a good time. I haven't laughed like that in a long time. The boys were so excited, and that made me so happy. It was a great family day. We will go back - for sure!

Last weekend, we went to a reunion. I wasn't sure if we were going to make it, because Nicholas was acting a little off. He said he felt weak, and had a cold. We didn't go to swim lessons that morning, but I thought he was OK enough to travel to the reunion. It was only an hour away. He did very well at the reunion. Both boys played on the playground, all afternoon. We were five minutes away from home, and Nicholas threw up in the car! What a mess. Nicholas just wanted to go to bed. I gave him a quick bath and he went to bed at 6:45 that night. That same night, I got it! I have broken my record of not throwing up. It was a 12 year record - no joke - I keep track of that stuff :) Last Sunday, was a very quiet day. I felt awful. I had a terrible headache. Nicholas did get sick one more time during the night, and didn't tell me :( He was OK by noon that Sunday though. We don't know what it was. Chris got it too, but not Jacob - thank goodness. Jacob got the cold part. I got the cold and stomach thing. I am still not feeling the greatest. Just very tired, stuffy and have a cough.

Anyway, Chris came home last Monday and said he felt better and asked how everyone else was doing. My stomach was still churning, but I was better. Jacob was still OK. We were supposed to go visit Toni Denise, Mike, and Grandpa Tony in Indiana. We did end up going, but I am saving that trip for another blog.

I went into work last Thursday, and then I had a two day garage sale, No wonder I'm tired! Tonight, I have Bingo, so I have to make sure the house is cleaned, because our new babysitter is coming over. The boys really enjoy her. I am so glad.

There will be a blog next week. I'm not sure about blogging after that. There will be blogs, but not as frequent. Have a great week! Love, Mandy