Last Year and This Year

December has been such a great month for us.  I think a lot about the fact that at this time last year, I was finishing up chemo.  I was tired, bald, scared, and sick.  But things are much different this year.

We set up Christmas trees in the boys' rooms.  I told Jack that I had a surprise for him and brought him in his room.


Last year, I was too tired and scared to get excited with my boys.  This year, I got tears in my eyes when I saw this.

Last year, I barely made it to see Santa with the boys.  I was weak, bald, and plagued with hot flashes.  Last year, I really didn't enjoy the experience.  This year, I happily made it and cried (once again) as they sat on his lap.  Because I felt so good, we stayed and rode the Pink Pig.  It was my first time as well as the boys.

Last year, I really wanted to start the tradition of St. Nick.  Last year, I just couldn't get my act together.  This year, we left out our shoes for St. Nick to fill.  (Jack chose his BIG boots.  Smart boy. And then chose Crocs for his little brother.)  This year, I felt more joy than I could handle seeing my sweet boys' faces when they woke up.

Last year, I was stuck in bed and missed a lot of what my boys were doing.  This year, I went outside and was able to capture this adorable moment.

Last year, I really wanted to bake with Jack.  But last year, the smell of food would often send me running to the bathroom.  This year, I baked with my son.  This year, I started a tradition.  (This year, I had some wild morning hair, but last year, I had none so enjoy the morning do!)

Last year, I would be upstairs in my bed crying because I could hear my boys playing and laughing and I couldn't join in.  Last year, I would be upstairs in my bed upset because I would hear my baby crying and I couldn't comfort him.  This year, Jack got his first bloody lip and I was there to hold him and comfort him and give him a popsicle.  Last year, I got blood on my shirt when my port was accessed and it leaked.  This year, I got blood on my shirt while comforting my son.  This is is so much better.

Last year, I was sick, but grateful to be receiving medicine.  This year, I am not sick and grateful to be alive to spend time with my family laughing, crying, and making memories.

Last year, I wasn't able to wish you a Merry Christmas.  This year, I am.

Merry Christmas, My Friends.

Rock and Roll, Baby!

I was pretty excited when one of the half marathons my friend, Kim, chose just happened to be on my birthday.  I immediately said, "Let's do that one!"  A few days later, I realized that was Easter weekend.  I am hoping that friends fly in for the race (even if they are not participating) so that weekend will not work.  So....

We have chosen the Savannah Rock N Roll Half on Nov. 8.  Here is the link: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah/register?icat=rnr-website_marquee_title&icamp=Register-Now-for-2014

I know that a marathon, or a half marathon, is on a lot of people's Bucket Lists.  Here is your little nudge to think about doing it with us.

My mother is thinking about walking it, some friends of mine, who are novice runners, are thinking about training, and I have friends who said they will not walk or run (hehe), but will come and celebrate with us.

How about you?

Questions Answered

I have had a few questions since my last post.

My father is fine.  He scratched his eczema so bad that he developed an infection that caused his face to swell.  They released him after about 4 hours of an IV, antibiotics, steroids, and some topical cream.

Potty training has been going great.  He has gone number two in the toilet for the past five days.  I hope I am not jinxing myself, but feel we are finally there!  We have been back at work which means being in carpool for 30 minutes, running children to various activities, and no accidents.  We keep joking, though, that we better not get too happy because we have another son we will try this same method on in July.  Anything that was easy with Jack has not been with Charlie.

I am feeling better mentally.  When I wrote my post "Who Are You and What Have You Done With Dawn", I had slowly started feeling better.  Feeling like I was coming out of the fog that is post chemo.  I am not 100%, but not in that bad place.  (Jason may not agree.) :-)

Thank you for your encouragement, sweet comments, hugs, and letting me call you friend.