January Full Moon?

Don't know what the deal is this week... is it the full moon or is it just that doctors have finally gotten their heads back on track since the holidays? I can't believe how many people I know who are dealing with cancer diagnoses. Cancer is almost a syndrome because it has so many forms and causes.

I had to pull out my Relay for Life bookmark and remember:

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot take away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot surppress memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot conquer the spirit.
-- author unknown

Many prayers for Amy and Myrna for the foreseeable future. Thank you Lord for new treatments, support groups and families that are built stronger through their journey.

One magical inch

Read back to September's post and Brandon was 5 ft. 3-1/4 inches tall. As of two days ago he has grown one magical inch which makes him taller than Mom. He is happy to remind me of this at least 6 times per day.

We have recently had two cousins born into our families. Mike's niece had a baby boy on Nov. 11th and Seth's cousin had a baby girl on Nov. 23rd. So fun to wander the baby aisles in the stores and see all the fun little clothes, plus all the crazy gadgets. Only 16 years ago I didn't need most of this stuff!

Almost Christmas

Ok, at long last I am actually making a new post. I use my blog to follow lots of other blogs, but rarely think to update mine. Here's to a new year resolution in December.

Family update

We are enjoying the beginning of fall in Illinois. The evenings are definitely cooler and this week's days have been sunny and beautiful. We went to the Apple 'N' Pork Festival in Clinton, IL last weekend. A lot of fun to visit little towns and wander around.

My parents went to visit my brother's family last week (Micah's birthday) and and she sent a few pictures. I always like to point out that David is younger than I but has much more gray hair... a little sister love there... Makes me laugh that the kids are all in jeans when it was about 100 degrees there.

Kendra is 15, Caleb is 13-1/2, and Micah turned 12 this week.

A Thursday Post

Today I just wanted to look at something pretty.

Almost looks like Oregon weather in central Illinois today. Has been really foggy the past 3 mornings and doesn't totally burn off through the day. Definitely has an autumn chill in the air in the evenings.

Headaches & Stomachaches

Between Mike's 4-1/2 day migraine last week, Seth's cold and now Brandon's "I don't feel good" mantra, I feel like "Dr. Mom".

Brandon had a physical yesterday and is perfectly healthy, but he got the bacterial menigitis vaccine and I think that's driving his "I don't feel good", as in he's talking himself into not feeling well. The doctor said Brandon is primed for a big growth spurt "any minute". As of yesterday he was 5 ft. 3-1/4 inches. In Oregon he was later at growing than most of his friends, but here it seems he is right in the middle of the pack, height-wise.

Seth has lost several pounds in the past month. He has a pair of shorts that now just fall off after he fastens them. In addition to PE at school, he is walking on the treadmill for 45-60 minutes almost every day. I think partly it's so he can have some quiet, alone time with his cell phone, texting. I know he's not moving very fast on the treadmill, but he's moving and that's what counts!

The dogs keep doing their doggy things. Buster really likes the toy box for all the balls and stuffed animals. He carefully digs around for each item and spreads them around the house. "Magically" the next day, they are all back in the box and he repeats the game. At least it keeps him busy & away from pestering Buddy for a few minutes.

And yes I did change the format & background. I had to mess around with it for awhile to get rid of the old one completely, but I triumphed in the end and everything was saved.

Monday Madness... never ends

While I wasn't directly affected by some of the chaos in the office today, it swirled around a vortex that was self-sustaining.

The boys have survived 3 full days of school, through today. Here is my text conversation with Brandon this afternoon:

Mom - texted to both boys - home yet? Shouldn't have 2 remind u everyday
Brandon - Yes im home and remind of what
Mom - 2 let me know that u r home
Brandon - Why mom. im capable
Mom - Yes u r capable of getting home BUT i need 2 know u made it alive. common courtesy 2 obey ur mother
Brandon - Ok

Five minutes later Seth replies - Yea we're home