What Would We Do Without Google!

Today, I caught the tail end of a conversation that implied that people without children should take on more of the workload at school because "they don't have anything else to do". While it was said by a very sweet young parent who I KNOW must be overwhelmed by their new balancing act of home vs. teaching, it made me momentarily sad. Well, actually, it stuck with me the rest of the day.

My first reaction is to defend my time as being as valuable as someone who gets to go home and rock babies. But, they don't stay babies for long and they SHOULD be given as much time possible. I envy those baby rocking moments...probably as much as a new mom envies my ability to sit in my quiet house and have a glass of wine when I choose to do so.

Life is all about choices and trade offs. As much as I didn't choose this path completely, I have to recognize the positive and the negative...that's the balance in life. I DO try and take on extra activities with my babies at school because I DO have the time...and I love them! But I also have a family and a life outside of school. I've chosen to make my school babies MY babies. I hope it makes me a better teacher and person.

In my momentary funk, I Googled "family of two" for some inspirational words...and boy, did I get them:

"It's difficult to know why life transpires the way it does, whether we encounter infertility, divorce, job loss, a spouse's death, or any number of other troubles. But as Christians, we know the Lord—the ultimate Parent—has designed a special path for each of us. Some doors we open along that journey might bring joy while others bring disappointment, yet we know "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28, NASB). "

http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2009/september/familyoftwo.html?start=2

Just what I needed today! :)

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A Day in the Life of a Stay At Home Dog Mom

I love "bonus" days! Today was nothing but laundry, little piddly projects, and quality time with my furry babies. Since David had a teacher workday, it was me and the girls. I promptly turned it into pajama project day and did a little "love-ly" decorating:

I also worked on a little baking project, but the frosting process isn't complete so I'll post those pics when it's all done.

I recently turned the built in desk in the kitchen into my baking station--love!

I hope you had a bonus day as "lovely" as mine! :)

 

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Disney Dreaming...

Want to know the best way to get through Janu-dreary? Plan a trip to the happiest place on Earth! Watch out...I'm about to wave my Disney freak flag proudly.

We are Disney. We have eaten the Mickey bars, drank the Kool-Aid, and visited the Mouse almost yearly for 19 years.

Holidays are better at Disney...ANY day is better at Disney! If they would only let us bring the furry, four legged members of our family to stay in the resort with us, we'd stay for weeks at a time. I mean, can YOU imagine being told you weren't allowed to take YOUR kids to YOUR favorite place? Rude! :) But, I digress....

So, we are booked for our home resort (yep, we're DVC members) and will get to see this for 7 glorious days:

Some of our very best Disney friends will be there at the same time, staying just across the water, bringing their sweet little one for his first Mickey experience, well, outside of his Mommy's tummy, that is. And they are bringing his grandmommy, so there will some opportunities for adult date nights, too! Perfect! I LOVE getting to do Disney with kids and will steal him for rides and adventures whenever I possibly can.

There are a lot of days to count down between now and then, but ahhhh...Disney days are ahead! Yay! :)

 

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May Your Days Be Merry and Bright!

Here is my favorite picture from Christmas #2, which is Christmas morning at our house. Our furry babies open their stockings first, then David and I exchange presents and open our presents from Santa. After waffles and bacon, we watch the Disney parade and nap. We go celebrate with my Mimi this afternoon (#3), then David's family tomorrow (#4). Such a joyous time of year!

My sweet Maggie!

Poppy and her Christmas look!

Christmas Eve eve, we have dinner and open presents at my mom and dad's(#1). We have started a new tradition lately of playing LCR. 16 of us played this year, so my nephew went home with $48! He was happy, as you can see:

Goofing around while taking Family pictures...

My big brother Jay, playing....

Me, my dad and mom, brother Jay, sister Judy, and our Mimi

David, me, and Mimi

What a blessed Christmas we are having! Merry Christmas to you and your families!

 

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And Now, On With the Fun!

In the midst of the biopsy craziness, we had Thanksgiving and several birthdays. My sweet husband's 50th was one of them!

To celebrate, we went to dinner downtown and got a window seat for the annual parade of lights. It was so fun! At dinner, I presented him with a book of over 50 notes and memories from many friend, family, and his former and current theatre students. He was so surprised!

Little did he know, the following day a bigger surprise was coming...over 50 of us ambushed his rehearsal at school.

He had students past and present, colleagues, former college professors, and friends there to love on him and wish him another happy 50 + years!

I was so happy that I was able to pull it off. Thank goodness for Facebook and being able to form "secret" groups!!!

I'm in the Clear!

When the nurse called me just a few minutes ago, I really thought she was just checking on how my biopsy was healing. Then she said the magic words, "There is no cancer." I'm not really sure I heard what she said after that....just a bunch of words: "fibroid tumor....more frequent scans....see you in six months...."
Hooray! Thank you (whoever might be reading) for all your positive thoughts and prayers on my behalf.
Once the last twinges of pain subside and the steri strips come off, I can put this in the past and keep on keepin' on. NOW it feels like Christmas is coming!
I may actually become one of those nutty people that hounds others about mammograms now. You know, the kind of people I ignored? Honestly, with what I've got going on upstairs I always assumed I would know if there was any lump of any kind. Just goes to show, you don't know what you don't know.

I've got some fun blogging to catch up on. Like a 50th birthday surprise I threw for my sweet husband and an upcoming girls' weekend shopping trip. Fun times ahead and clear sailing! Whew!!!

And the Waiting Continues...

So, the needle biopsy is done. How was it, you ask? Well, I would say that it was easier than expected...about the same category as having a crown put on your back molar. If you can get past the initial shots and hold still, while keeping your emotions in check, then it's done before you know it. I was told I "sailed through" and I'm just glad it's over. I came home and slept a little. Tylenol is definitely my friend! I'll hear results on Friday. They wanted me to come back in to get results in person, but I can't handle a third doctor's appointment this week. I talked them into calling me with results. I mean, it's either over or they'll refer me on to another doctor, right? I can hear that over the phone. Until then all I have to do is:

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