December to Remember. Or Not. I Have Not Decided.

So. What in the world happeneded this month??

First, rewind a few months.

I have been "trying to train" for this half marathon that Jennifer Magee and I registered for. I seriously could never go further than 3 miles. Very frustrating because I am not THAT out of shape. In October Jen and I did 8 miles and I seriously thought I would collapse afterward. Not thinking more than "dang girl- lose weight and get in better shape- NOW".

I spent a great week in NY with my mom and dad in October. On Halloween something didn't feel right in my neck. Hard to explain. It just felt tight.

November. As each day passed I would feel that tightness. If I bent over or got up from laying down I felt like my head was going to explode. I woke up with VERY puffy eyes and Bob said that I have snoring like a man. I knew I had to be because I woke up with sore throat and just not feeling rested. Hmmm. SOMEthing is going on.

I also do not have a doctor. I began that search. Never really "feeling it" from suggestions. I went to CentraCare one night saying that I either have a sinus infection or a brain tumor. Both were ruled out. Didn't really get anywhere that visit. Finally went to a practice at the hospital. Didn't love it, but I was there. Doc sent me for some bloodwork and a sonogram of "my enlarged thyroid". When I said, "What about my neck??" She said that after labs and sonogram we will see what was going on. I would have 2 weeks before my next appointment.


December. We had Lina's Annie Jr. perfomance that first weekend. I felt awful that weekend. I had an apt scheduled for 12/9 (Friday) I called 12/1 seeing if I could get in sooner. Nope. Nothing available. I called again on Monday 12/5 complaining that I just can't wait. Something was wrong. They could get me in Thursday. Oh good. I pushed through the day on Monday. Tuesday 12/6 I read to Lydia's Kindergarten class and went grocery shopping. I came home and cried. I KNEW something was wrong with me and now I was scared. On Wednesday 12/7 I called doc office again and asked what do I do and they told me to go to ER. I took girls to school. I called Marilyn to come sit with Lila. Bob was in the shower and I popped my head in and said, "Babe, I am going to ER".

A friend dropped me off at FL Hospital. I was seen within minutes. They ran a CT scan, hooked up an IV, and then I just hung out for observation for a little bit. I was brought into a room and saw my first 12 year old doctor. (Ok, maybe he wasn't 12, but he wasn't mid-40s!!) Bob was able to come to hospital at this point- THANK GOD. The ER doc came in and said, "Mrs. Blackwood we are going to admit you. It seems there is something that is causing blood clots in your neck". WHAAAT??? I was quickly admitted and brought to the "rif-raff" floor- good golly- there was a llittle bit of everything going on on that floor. I had a sweet little creole roommate who was beside herself that I was in there because I was so young. I love being told that!


So. Praise God for great friends that immediately took over with care for the girls. My house was a wreck and really at that point it just didn't matter. I felt horrible. Of course, this is just days before Christmas.

12/8 I had a bunch of CT scans. Saw the little boy doctor again. I broke down and cried asking one of the nurses (who were AWEsome!!) if I could see a "grown up doctor". I did see a grown up doctor- didn't love her either- and she said, "well, there is a mass in your chest that is causing blood clots. We have to biopsy it but typically this presents itself as cancer". Whoa. What? Someone call my husband now.

That afternoon (Thursday) several specialists popped in to add their .02. Gage- an oncology nurse. LOVED her- hated what she was saying. She really was wonderful though. I cried. She hugged. Sandy- the surgeon's nurse. SHE was a breath of "it's going to be ok". I cried. She hugged. She called Bob. Dr. Accola popped in. This man OWNED the room when he walked in and I LOVED THAT. I needed confident and mid- 40s. He said his gut was "lymphoma". Oh. DEAR. He was going to do the biopsy. I cried. He hugged me. He also asked, "why are you on this floor". Well, dude. I just go where I am I told. He picked up the phone and after some commands hung up and said that I would move to a nicer private room hopefully tomorrow. Well, alright. Then I met with oncologist. He talked fast and spoke words I didn't want to hear. He also was confident- and I liked that. I told him I have 3 small children and that I have the fight in me to do whatever I need to do beat this- so GAME ON!

My mom was starting chemo on Friday. I didn't want her to know what was going on because she needed to focus on HER. I briefly told my dad, but no details. Poor guy. His ladies are high maintainence these days.

I had a wonderful visit from Pastor and Millie Fink. Love those two. I had visits from good friends and I could immediately feel the support that we had. My girls were being loved and cared for. Friends dropped their schedules and pitched in. Friends were picking up and dropping off, making food, taking girls for outings....just loving on them.

I was on a heparin drip. I started to feel a little better. I had not showered since Tuesday and felt like a big ball of stink. My dear friend MB came with new jammies, but I felt so nasty to put them on. Well, 3AM SATURDAY MORNING....lights flick on and "Mrs. Blackwood, your room is ready". Really. 3AM. Ok.

Out in the hallway with bright lights shining in my eyes showing my beauty....I was moved. I was moved to the penthouse suite. Not really, but pretty darn close. I was told that a nurse named Ted would be waiting for me. Great. It's 3 AM, I smell, I feel like crap and I am going to habve a boy nurse. Great. Well. I arrived on the 8th floor. I met Ted. He showed me around the room- including my internet TV and said, "when did you shower last"? LOL. I snorted when he said that. Ted then said, "girl, you need a shower and then get all hunkered down for a good sleep". Well, thank you Ted. I will take you up on that. He wrapped up my arm with IV, got some towels, turned on the hot water and left me to ejoy that shower. Something about a shower. It felt so good. I got out, got dressed, and sat on the bed and cried.

After a few minutes Ted came to check on me. He totally read my state of mind.....he started asking about the girls, we swapped kid stories (he has 2 little ones), asked if he could pray, we prayed, we talked about my "chart"....popped a pill and I was OUT LIKE A LIGHT.

I felt so much better. My room was beautiful. The view of the sunrise was a perfect gift of the reminder of GOD'S GOODNESS no matter what nonsense lies ahead. I had a lovely day nurse and just hung around with good friends visiting.....and little did I know there were some special friends flying the friendly skies at that moment.

Ted was on again for the next 3 nights. He basically left me alone to visit with friends and helped with blood draws from my IV because my very naughty veins were tired at that point. Ted was also on my team with keeping away "Doogie". : )

At this point I had called my mom's good friend and co-worker to share what was going on. Barbara is good for my mom and I needed her to be with my mom and dad. I also called our Pastor...whom we have known GASP for 25 years. The plan was to call my folks Saturday night and let them in on what's going down.

Saturday. Debby the fabulous day nurse was on. We were chatting and just getting acquainted and she was just great. Knock on the door. In walked my dear Kelly from MO and Michele from Seattle.....like they lived down the block. I was FLOORED. FLOORED. Speechless. I had just been texting with these gals hours prior. A complete act of love and friendship....their hubbies took over at this crazy time of year and they came to just be with me. ME. We have been talking about a girls' weekend.....FL Hospital was not the destination idea, but it seemed to just work.

We laughed and laughed. They brought me Starbucks. They got to meet my real-life friends. I met K and M online. Yes, online!! We met in 2002 on Hannah's Prayer Ministries- an online message forum for women dealing with infertility and infant loss. We met in person in 2003 in Arkansas. And maybe a handful of times we have met for lunch or Disney meet ups if visiting with their families. We communicate via email and text message at least once a week though. We met at a very dark and angry time in our lives. We have mourned and rejoiced with one another. We have walked through the toughest times together.....we are FRIENDS. Each shift the nurse would bring my "Plan for the Day"...today's said, "just don't wake the neighbors". : )

Saturday night I finally talked with my parents. The timing of this. YUCK. My mom sounded so good from her first round of chemo and was commenting on how I must be so busy right now. A little bit.....I hated telling my mom and dad. I hated that they were going to be upset and would worry. It wasn't terrible though and my heart rate had been up for a couple of days....It came down a bit after I told them. We both promised that we would lean on the support that we both have...in NY and FL and when all is said and done we would celebrate together somewhere!

On Sunday, 12/11 K and M went to grab lunch and do a little Target run. OR so they said. You see, another friend I met through HP was flying from Arkansas. The gals quickly learned that there are TWO Orlando airports and each were at one. So while I thought K and M were shopping and having a ball in Target....they were doing an airport run to pick up Denise. They got me good. M would text that K was having such a good time shopping and that her luggage would be too heavy. They finally made it back to my room and we were talking. Denise called my cell to see how the visit was going and I ever so fresh said, "well, they have been gone allll day" and D responded with if she were here she wouldn't leave my room to go shopping......and in she walked through my door. Like a breath of fresh air. And I cried. We hugged.

Word was out about what was happening and that I would have a biopsy on Tuesday morning. I laughed and enjoyed visits from good friends all day Sunday and Monday. The food at the hospital was HORRIBLE. I mean realllly horrible. Thankfully I have good friends in my life and there are great restaurants nearby...I didn't starve and was thankful that at 9pm a friend was willing to grab me a baked potato one night and a sub another.

To say I was thankful is an understatement of the special people in my life that were taking care of my girls. The girls came to see me one day, but I looked scary and I didn't like the way they looked at me. But on Monday each girl came for a visit by herself and that was special. I just wanted to hug on them.

My biopsy was Tuesday morning- bright an early. I know nothing what happened aside from telling anyone that looked at me in the surgery waiting area that i was wide awake and didn't want to be. They quickly took care of that. : ) Medicine is something.

When I woke up I was in my room surrounded by Bob (who was able to sleep over on Monday night), my friends, my Pastor, Christmas decorations, laughter....peace. I really could have freaked out at that point. K and M were leaving shortly- that was a hard good-bye. Although I was really loopy. Pastor even did a Panera soup run for me (serioulsy, I am a BRAT and so spoiled when it came to food and support here!!)

D was staying till Thursday. So we had Wednesday to just talk, laugh, watch a dumb movie, eat....and do my nails. 'Cause that is important! More friends from neighborhood and church visited. It was a "nice" day that I hated see come to an end. D was there when oncologist came to visit and he shared that this was indeed lymphoma. I asked him, "who is the best lymphoma guy in your practice" and he replied that he was indeed the lymphoma guy. I then put my hand up for a high five and he went along with the high five. We didn't know the type yet- could take 48 hours, but that this was treatable, curable and....."you will see your girls get married". I didn't even ask that. D and I both cried when he left. Doc also said that chemo would be like pouring hot water on ice....the tumor would melt away. Good. BE.GONE.

D and I took a walk around the halls and then cried saying good-bye....till we meet up again.

The next morning I woulld be getting a port put in. A port. A port for chemo. Put in my chest. Same as my mom. Same as my friend, Carmen. My children will see three of their top ladies battle cancer AT. THE. SAME. TIME. My good nurse friend, Ted, was on that night. He was great. He talked me through a lot of my uncertainty. He did go "all Baptist on me" at one point making sure I have accepted Jesus in my heart.....I assured him me and Jesus are so good! ; )

Apparently my port wasn't an easy procedure. I, again, alerted everyone that looked at me that I was awake and didn't want to be. I woke up in the hallway on the way to my room where Bob and I just hung out and waited to hear what was happening. I was discharged late that evening....and came home to my girls playing in the driveway with signs on the door....and my Carmen and Amanda. My MIL was here also making sure we were fed..which we were thanks again to friends!!

So. 8 days in the hospital. I missed class Christmas parties. I "dumped" party/gift responsibilities on other very busy mommas. Trinity accomodating having Lila come to school every morning. 8 days of friends loving on us in different ways. Emails, texts, visits, gifts....PRAYERS. Very overwhelming. We live in a great community and our school is so supportive- SO supportive. We have a website for meals www.takethemameal.com Blackwood 5199 for crying out loud. People are so giving. My girls received American Girls from a friend that has never met my children. A friend did my girls' Christmas stockings.  Girls went to school carnival with a dear teacher friend. The girls made cookies...three times!

I have non-hodgekin large diffused B cell lymphoma. I haven't done any research on this yet. Funny- two months ago I was "mad" at my mom for not asking questions.....HA....humble pie!! Apparently I have the "best kind of lymphoma to have". Whatever. I haven't quite jumped on that party boat quite yet. I will have 4 maybe 6 rounds of chemo. I will be bald for my 40th birthday. BUT through God's healing hand and the many hands and feet of friends and family.....I WILL KICK LYMPHOMA'S ASS...and give God the glory. ; )

Peace that passes all understanding? Yeah, I am living it. I have great cheerleaders....and even prayerful cheerleaders that will swear with me. I am so good with that. I had a very angry day. I went and got my hair cut super short. I was angry and generally pissed at the world. I shared that with a friend. Some time passed and this wise friend said to me, "don't let your joy be robbed' and she reminded me of another time in my life that I was angry.....and that was when we were trying to start a family. Whoooo-eeeee. Was I ever mad then. YIKES. God BLESSED me abundantly in that journey and brought me closer to HIM. Soooo, I can't wait to see what good God brings from this trial. It's a lesson for my girls....people being the hands and feet of Christ, empathy, compassion, prayer, friendship, and God's healing hand.

I did one round of chemo already. Other than fatigue and some realllly bad joint pain it hasn't been horrible. I don't feel like myself. I hate that there is a port in my chest. I hate that this crud in my chest. BUT I am doing ok.

So very thankful for family and friends near and far. The folded hands of many bless me and keep my spirits lifted!

I will keep this blog updated through the journey!



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Full Speed Ahead

Whewww.  We hit the floor running.

School started for Lina and my mom came to visit.  It was a week full of getting up early, some playing, and figuring out our new routine.

Lydia, for whatever reason, has been a real stinker to my mom the last two visits.  It's actually quite awful.  This visit was so nice and Lydia didn't have "stink face" once- other than her normal little quirks here and there.  Grammy came with a suitcase full of crafts and Lydia enjoyed doing most of them.  Thanks for the visit, Mom.  I enjoyed the helping hand and your company.

Lydia started school also.  They call it 4 Day 4s.  She goes M-Th from 9-12.  While Monday was met with tears and no excitment to go, Tuesday was better.  Thursday morning she said, "I have to go AGAIN?"  She was plum tired (to no fault of her if she would just stay in her bed all night and just sleep- this waking up between 2-4AM is wearing her and I OUT).  Friday we went and played at our favorite splash pad....all by ourselves.  Today she slept till  after 9AM and is still in her jammies here at 1:00.

Lydia finding her name.  Her class is dinosaurs.  She is not sold on that yet- kind of hoping for more of a ladybug or something.  : )

Lydia will take dance on Saturday mornings this year.  Her little friend, Leah, will also.  That will be fun.  I am not thrilled with Saturday morning out and about, but it was the only class that worked for our schedule. 

Lina is doing well.  This week they did some fun penguin activities after reading "Three Cheers for Tacky" including a black and white snack day and a mismatched/tacky dress day.  Here is long legged Lina all mismatched.

I have always believed after being a teacher and seeing kids so exhausted from all the activities they were doing that when I had kids and they started activities- it was one activity per season- of course with special circumstances (like a shorter trial season activity or Scouts) we would see how it goes.  Last year we did nothing after school except for piano and choir.  Wellllll this year will be different.  Lina has expressed on more than, oh let's say 100, occasions that she would like to try gymnastics ("because I was born in Russia- I am pretty good at it"- lol).  So we are doing that on Tuesdays with open gym on Friday nights (that we'll do if we have no other pressing plans although after last night I am pretty committed to getting her there- it was impressive and she LOVED it and slept for 13 hours!!!)  Monday and Thursday afternoons  (for :40) through October she'll swim on the "WP Pirates in Training" team.  Her PE teacher is the coach and she is fabulous.  There are only a handful of kids so it's nice swim instruction if anything.  Lina enjoys it.  Wednesday nights we'll be at church.  Lina has choir and then I am leading a Bible study and the girls can go to the kids club where they do a lesson and activity.  Then every other Monday afternoon is Brownies.  I am only helping with the cookie hoopla.

So it's busy, but good.  I just need to be a dinner planner and prepare ahead.  Once 3:00 comes we are out and running.  Sweet Lila is always in the car.  I hate it for her.  But we play all morning and Friday we just chill out.

Last week and this week will be full of some PTA committments I made.  Merchandise has become my "baby".  It just takes time and while people try to help- miscommunication happens and now I get to tell people they can't have a certain shirt, etc.  Oh well. 

Bob is good.  His truck is still hanging on.  He is looking for a "new" Tahoe and has a possible lead so maybe this week.  He is real busy at work which is nice.....money wise, but wearing him out.

School Bells Are Ringing

Lina and I were out the door about 7:55 this AM.  Lina came with me to set up the "Boo-Hoo Breakfast" at school this am before heading to her 2nd grade classroom.

Right to work.  : )

The breakfast went well.  I love being able to tell moms- "I get it" and being able to share with them that it's going to be ok- of course the above being shared while I have tears in my eyes. I am SO SO happy for Lina.  It's going to be a great year!

I suspect early to bed tonight.....I am anyway!

MUST. LEARN. TO. TRUST.

I am knee deep into PTA at BE- and while I enjoy it these past few weeks have been full of planning and DOING. Last night the 6 ladies of the Executive Board (I have signed on for Corresponding Secretary) hosted a social for the faculty and staff. We had over 90 folks come and it was a BLAST!! We presented the folks with new t-shirts and they loved them.

During the event we thought it would be fun to "magnet" the new Principal's truck.  He was a good sport and found it to be in good fun!  He's really a great guy.  I am so excited for the school itself.

At the event the 2nd grade teachers were there.  NONE of them mentioned having Lina.  That surprised me.  I knew Lina wasn't in the class I didn't want her to be in so that was good- but still I was curious.  I wrote a letter requesting two classes in the Spring.  Gave to Him and prayed.  I was doing fine up until last week.  Just so anxious.  I hate the way the school shares the info- putting lists on window as you arrive for Meet the Teacher. 

Last year our prayers were answered by having Ms. H.  Loud and clear AGAIN prayers answered.   Lina is in a 2nd grade class with 2 of the most loving, precious, fun ladies!!  They job share.  One teaches M/T the other Th/F and they alternate W.  They have been doing this for 10 years, a well oiled machine, and apparently everyone loves them.  Mrs. M/M they are referred to as!  Adorable.  Lina was so excited.  And it gets better- there are about 4 of the sweetest girls and friends from last year in this class!!  I have agreed to co-room mom to this class of 15.  It's going to be great.  Aren't they just adorable?

One shot of classroom:

First day of school......Monday.  Baby big girl heading to 2nd grade.  Sigh. 

Summer Sun Winding Down

Dianne and her family drove down from NY this week.  They are staying about 3 hours away.  We made a little beach get-away of it and visited with them this week.  Always good to see them.

We hit the beach at 10:30.  We left the beach at 4:45.  Lina was either under water, riding waves on her boogie board, or getting beat up by waves.  Lydia was either screaming at the waves, screaming about the sand in her bathing suit, or had one of running up to the showers/pool.  Such different ladies they are.  Lila was either playing in the sand, enjoying the water WITH daddy, or taking a snooze.  We all got a little too much sun, but not terrible.

Me and my Best

Get THIS sand out of my suit.

The more sand the better.  Everywhere.

Pretty sure she has gills and IS part dolphin.  Crazy girl.

My precious family!

5 little miracles!

Life Changes

For a few years now we have enjoyed Jeremiah Ice with our dear friends of the Ramiz familia.  We meet there and enjoy the gelatis, tree climbing, bug searching, laughing, memory making.......and we did one last time before those "birdies" all leave the nest. 

Poor Carmen and Tony- it's like ripping off a band aid for them- Amanda is moving to Boca Raton to teach 2nd grade.  I am SO SO proud of her and so excited for her.  Ironically this is the school/church that they moved from and came to Orlando and then Amanda was in MY 4th grade class.  Whooosh.  Time.  Martin just finished 2 years undergrad at a local community college and is now in the Athletic Training program at UCF.  We're so excited for him!  He worked hard for this.  Laura is also going to attend UCF.  She isn't sure what program quite yet- Ithink she is leaning toward Hospitality.  I am so excited for Laura and Martin as they begin their years as Knights and Bob is looking forward to new tailgaters.  ; )

I joke with Carmen that she needs a dog because we are not having anymore children. 

Here are some pics from our "last ice night"

Martin and Lyd

If there is a tree this monkey climbs it.

Christmas card 2010?

Youngest to Oldest

Sweet friends!  We love you!!

Well Hello There!

Well, look at me a post before August.

We hit summer with full force and I haven't looked at this blog ONCE.  : )  Not that we are terribly busy, but I am totally enjoying a non schedule and really, so are the girls.

BUT I will recap for memory sake June and good golly July.

1st grade came to an end and was met with many tears....myself included. 

Here is Lina with our sweet Ms. H and principal Mr. Moore (who is leaving to be a principal in the Grand Cayman Islands).

While Lina was finishing up her last school day- Lydia and I were busy decorating and getting ready for the beginning of summer once we came home with Lina!

Lydia took swimming lessons for 2 weeks and is a complete fish now.  I wanted Lina to join the swim team, but her answer was, "I always lose".  She is good swimmer just not a fast/strong stroke swimmer.  Last year her school had a non competitive swim team and I hope they do again this year.  I'd like her to try it and then next summer do the one for the city.  We'll see.  She does NOT like to lose but when you are the one who observes and THEN gets started on what's in front of you- well you aren't going to be first, Sister.

Lina and Lydia went to an art camp for a week also.  It was with Lyd's 3 year old teacher and we are pleased to know now her 4 year old class teacher.  So that was neat.  Girls came home with some really nice projects.

Other days of June were filled with swimming, playing, and just hanging out.  Lina sleeps till about 9:00 every morning.  I can't wait till she is a teenager.  Silly girl.  She loves her sleep.

We did have a little baking birthday party for Lina at Carmen's house.  (Side note- THIS is what Carmen needs to be doing- she was so great with the girls and the girls enjoyed themselves so much).  They made 4 different batters, swam a bit, decorated cupcakes, ate lunch, and left with all kinds of fun baking treasures.  It was a great birthday party and I am thankful for friends who want to help like that!

July 1 was Lina's 7th birthday and she and I enjoyed a morning at SeaWorld.  We surprised her with a dolphin encounter/tour.  It was pretty cool and has only fueled her passion for these amazing creatures and her desire to be a dolphin trainer one day.

So.  July.  We had the 4th of July was kind of uneventful.  We had dinner down at church with the Poole's and then went to the rooftop to watch the fireworks from Lake Eola.

Here are the little firecrackers

Not as thrilled about the festivities as big sisters.

Bob and I celebrated our 11th anniversary....with Tom and Ginger and their brood.  Bob's mom had quadruple by pass 2 days earlier and Robert moved into an assited living facility.  It was a rough week.  It kind of continues to be rough.  Not easy for anyone.

I started a Bible study this summer on Tuesday nights.  It's Beth Moore's Esther and it's been great.  I really look forward to the discussion, the homework, and video presentation.  I needed to get my rear back in the Word so it has been great for me.  We have 20 ladies that come.  It's great!  We are going to start Moore's Fruits of the Spirit in September.  Good stuff!

Lila was discharged from physcial therapy.  She is still a peanut.  We have had various blood tests done and all comes back negative for anything to be concerned about.  Still wish she had more meat on those bones.

Lydia has inherited the cholesterol gene.  Let's see....me, Bob, her grandparents (maternal and paternal), and great grandmother all had this nonsense......and her level is over 300!!!  Awful.  She is seeing an endocronologist in August and a nutritionist.  She is not a big eater as it is and we don't even eat fried foods.  So big changes heading our whole grain way.  : )

I have started to take losing weight seriously.  I did this Medi weight-loss and dropped 10 lbs the first week.  I am SO tempted to go back, but right now the $$ isn't right and I don't have the time to go to the clinic- I'd rather go to the Y which we have been doing.  I have lost 14 lbs and have hidden the scale for awhile.  I weigh myself like 6 times a day.  Becoming a little obsessive.  Such a pain.  I hate messing with weight loss.    I'd love to lose 50 lbs, but will be pleased as punch to lose 40.  AND I hope to do this by my 20th HS reunion in October : )

I am SOOOO excited about the upcoming school year (except if Lina gets this one teacher- then I will be homeschooling- maybe- just pray that my girl is placed with the right teacher).  We have a new principal is AWESOME.  We made muffins one morning and brought them up to school...with some chocolate milk.  He just talked with her and then finally asked her who I was.  It was so sweet.  He is great and has great plans for our school.  I have also signed on for another year of PTA Exec Board.  It's a great way to know what's going on at school, knowing who I want my kid to play with, knowing the teachers, and just generally being involved with the school.  The Board is great- 6 ladies- 5 of us are real active in our churches and Christian ladies.  I love finding Christ in places outside of church.  I worked with another mom and we designed new school shirts.  I need to get my tough skin on now though because if someone doesn't like them- it will tick me off.  : )

Girls are in VBS this week.  We worked on developing our own and I'd say it's going great.  "Fruits of the Spirit" has been great.  Some great people have really stepped up and made it a great week- efforts certainly have been blessed.

Ok.  All caught up on summer.  And there is a little more than 3 weeks left.  WHA????  3 weeks!!  We are looking forward to a beach getaway (Dianne, Scott and kiddos are coming down and we are going to them) and my mom coming (MOM- did you get your ticket yet???)  School starts on the 23rd for Lina.  Lyd starts the following week.  My baby girls....growing up!