The Summer of Accomplishments

My sweet husband has dubbed this summer "the summer of accomplishments." He was mainly referring to Big B and his new-found ability to swim and ride a bike this summer. Let's say he has 'perfected' both skills in the last month. He was somewhat able to swim and ride before, but had no confidence and didn't want to unless he was forced! Now he is truly enjoying our family bike rides and pool days and is begging to do both whenever we can.

Baby G is also accomplishing a lot, but I guess it goes a little less noticed. Climbing on everything in site, entertaining himself for longer periods of time, attempting a few more words, trying to feed himself with utensils, putting himself to sleep (this is a HUGE one for him!), and just growing in every sense of the word. His accomplishments are a little less obvious because he is such an independent little guy and its all or nothing with him- I almost expect him to do things before he does! But- some days we watch him and think.... he wasn't doing that a few days ago!

Last, but not least, the other big accomplishment for the summer is buying a new (to us) house. Its been in the works for a little bit, but you never know with these things so we've just been in waiting mode for confirmation. But- its all but a done deal now and we are so excited. It will be a huge change for us and the boys, but a great one I'm sure. New neighborhood, new schools, new sports teams, etc. I'm not a huge fan of all that new stuff and its easier for me to just stay in my comfort zone but I know this will be wonderful if I allow it to be. God is placing all the pieces together and for that we are thankful.

So- here's to the summer of accomplishments and a life time of many more!!!

Me and my boys

Just a few pictures for you to enjoy.
Will put some words on here soon!

Thank you Lord for July 1st!

Six years ago today my beautiful 3-year-old baby was diagnosed with cancer. I thought that July 1st was just about the worst day ever imaginable. I knew of only one day that could be worse and I prayed and prayed I would never have to find out. Every year after that when this day appeared on the calendar the sting from B's diagnosis day would creep up and haunt me. I didn't much like to remember the day that turned our world upside down and changed our lives forever. I didn't like to remember the day my son began fighting for his life, lost his innocence and a small chunk of his childhood. But, with each successive year the sting is so much less and we have begun to use this day to celebrate and honor the trials B went through and the amazing life he lives. If I remember correctly I almost forgot about this day last year which was something to celebrate all on its own! Oddly enough this year I have even looked forward to this day. Its like a milestone that we get to say Big B has achieved. Even more so I look forward to August 28th (his end of treatment date) when we will celebrate B being 3 years cancer free. 5 will be even better!

Today, on July 1, 2010, my worries are no longer that of a 'cancer mom.' We have moved on. Moved on to 4-wheeler accidents, learning to swim, strange rashes caused by his own sweat, wondering whether he's using soap in the shower, avoiding summer boredom, wasp stings, and the occasional need for an attitude adjustment. These are the things I used to hope I could worry about one day. And I am.

Though I never thought I would say it...  Thank you Lord for July 1st! I love celebrating this day! Today we will remember our struggle to get here and honor my sweet boy. He has come so far and will continue to amaze us I'm sure. Today we will spend time together as a family and enjoy each other because we know time is never something that is guaranteed. I hope you have a great day today!