Strength

I have a list

25 does not sound appealing. Not right now anyway.
I don't feel ready. Good thing I have a year.
But a year will go by FAST.

There are things you are "supposed" to do by the time you are 25.
I haven't done them.

Yes, I have "done" things, but I haven't accomplished much. Not the things that are important.
I don't have complete control.
I don't like that.
So I made a list.

A list of things that I want to complete by 25.
You might say some things on this list are "not important" but they are things I feel are necessary.

What's on this list?
Well, you will have to wait until I report on each of the items as they are completed.

Wish me luck!

Infinite Power of Hope

Miss Livi is here!

a week late but...


Miss Olivia Jane was born on August 30, 2009 at 2:42 AM
Weighing in at only 8 lbs. 1 oz.
(pretty average size but tiny when you are expecting a good 9 or 10 pounder)
and 21 inches long.

Her parents couldn't be more blessed.
She couldn't be more beautiful.
She couldn't be any more perfect.

We couldn't be any more excited!
This little girl couldn't be any more loved!

This man...

brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. He has been on my mind a lot lately. He is struggling and he is in pain. I hate the thought of what he is going through. I hate the C word and I hate that it keeps coming back to torture our family. It is ugly. It is mean. It is not fair.

This man is a fighter and I hope he will keep fighting. He is an important piece to our family puzzle. He makes time spent together that much better. His love for life and adventure is infectious. He has been counting down the days for Leslie to be better so he can go on another cruise. I hope that it does not have to be postponed for long.

This man is the most gentle, hard working, simple, and loving man I have ever known. He defines the phrase Hark worker, it shows on his strong and gentle hands. He delights in many small things that often would go unnoticed. He could stand outside for hours just looking at his beautiful garden, watch as the water is pumped onto his green grass, or enjoying every bite of his cinnamon roll.

I love this man and I am so grateful for the ways I have seen him grow and open up as our grandpa. I love sitting next to him holding his hand as we watch all that is going on around us. And I always look forward to hugging him and hearing him say the words "I love you Hay bug".

I love you Gramps and we are all fighting with you and for you! See you soon!

If...

You break a mirror into a million tiny little pieces
and manage to piece it all back together
will it ever be the same?

Team 50

There was no better way to celebrate Lester's 50th Birthday
to celebrate her strength, courage, and hope than at the Relay for Life.

There was so much excitement in the 3 weeks of preparation for this party.
And with the help of many of her closest family and friends it was a HUGE success.
There were times that we were certain she knew that something was going on...

But as she rounded the corner and saw over 100 black t-shirts waiting to wish her a happy birthday it was clear that it was indeed a surprise.

Grandpa met Leslie with open arms and together they finished the Survivor lap.

at 11:45 PM Team 50 got on our party hats and walked the Birthday Lap.

I had never participated in Relay for Life and it exceeded all expectations.
It was one of the best experiences I have ever had.
It was happy, peaceful, exciting, you could feel the strength from all the people there showing love and support for their loved ones in the battle. It was devastating to see how many lives in one small community are effected by this ugly thing. It was great to see everyone come together.

Leslie deserved to have a great day and I think that is what she got.
She needed to see just how many people are fighting with her, who love her and believe in her.
No one is more loved or more deserving.