Thank You Kindly...

Remember when I posted about my cousin Denise being diagnosed with Breast Cancer back in January? You can read about it here.   She is doing GREAT!!  She has done so well with her chemo treatments and has adjusted to life without hair and WITH wig!  In fact, the last time I asked her how she was handling the wig situation she said, "I Love it, I don't have to mess with my hair and I just throw on the wig and we go".  How's that for a great attitude?  Her attitude has been amazing throughout this whole process and she has inspired me in so many ways.

This post is to Thank YOU, my blog friends!  Even when I posted so infrequently this winter, many of you emailed me or posted comments to tell me that you still had Denise in your prayers, on prayer lists with your churches or that she was still in your thoughts. 

Your prayers have been felt and have uplifted Denise and everyone who has been going through this with her.  

This community of bloggers is amazing!  Most of you I found through other blogs, blog lists, blog communities and even Google searches.  I love taking a peek into your lives through your blogs (even when I don't comment as often as I should) and I'm honored when you take the time to peek into my life through my blog.

So, I'm coming to you asking for prayer again.  This week Denise will have her last treatment in this round.  In 3 weeks she will begin weekly treatments that will last for 12 weeks.  The effects of weekly treatments are unknown at this time.  

And on another note...Isn't that the cutest cupcake ever?  I found it on flickr.com

Thank you so much!

Jackie

Contemplating Change...

In a few months I will begin a new phase in my life.  My youngest will start kindergarten this fall.  The thought of this makes my sad, happy, excited and mournful all rolled into one big emotion.  Kyler is ready for kindergarten and I know he will do great.  He'll be at the same school with his big brother and he'll no longer have to go to his baby school (as he calls it).

It's sad to think that my baby will be in school full-time.  I know how fast the years fly by once the kids start school.  However, it feels a little free-ing to me in some ways.  I won't be paying several hundred dollars each month for preschool tuition, he'll be in school every day (all day) and my work options open up a bit because of this.  I've been contemplating a change.  Rolling it around.  Journaling.  Talking to people.  I don't know what the future holds, but it's exciting to think about doing something new...different.

One of my professional consultations happened in the car on the way to school the other day.  I mentioned that I might be looking to do some different work next year and asked Kobe what he thought I should do.  Immediately, he said I should be a Game Designer (this is what he wants to do).  I responded that I didn't think that would work out too well since I can barely keep Mario on the road when we're playing Mario Kart Wii.  "Any other suggestions", I asked?  Kobe said, "I think you should work in the library in my school, you would really like that".  My oldest son knows me well...this would definitely be something I'd be interested in.

Then, I turned it over to Kyler, "What kind of job do you think Mom should have"?  Kyler thought for a moment and then said, "I just want you to be a Mom".  "And...a Mom who doesn't go anywhere to work...I want you to be a full-time Mom".  Kobe piped up and said, "Kyler, she is a full-time Mom...she has a double hard job and being a full-time Mom and going to work full-time too."


Have I told you lately how much I love these boys?

Change...it's a comin'....maybe!

What Are You Having For Dinner? And Other Overheard Boys Conversations...

As I sit to write this long overdue blog post, I'm interrupted by the doorbell, yet again, on this warm Monday afternoon.  At the door is a neighbor boy here to play with my boys.  He is the 3rd boy to ring the bell since we arrived home from school and work today.  It's not unusual...especially as the weather becomes warmer and the days are longer.  Our doors, front and back, become revolving doors of boys going in and out continuously.  At times, it's exasperating.  Other times, I know we're immensely blessed to have a neighborhood full of kids.

 As this boy runs into the house, the others shout greetings to him and they all congregate in our family room downstairs.  I can hear their conversations while I'm cooking dinner tonight...they are loud...as always.  What catches my attention is their talk about what they are having for dinner at their houses tonight.  You see, every one of the boys downstairs is from a different culture.  One is Russian.  His parents speak very little English in their home.  The other is Korean.  His mother is from Korea and his father met her when he was stationed there. We also shared a duplex wall with this couple almost 20 years ago before any of us had kids.  The 3rd boy is from a home where both parents are deaf...another culture altogether.  The all have much different experiences in their home than we do.  Yet.  These boys have so much in common and love spending time together.  Their differences don't matter to them and at most...they each think the differences in food, religions, and clothing are interesting...but not that much.

Soon, Kobe shouts up the stairs, "Mom, what are we having for dinner tonight"?  I shout back, "Chili 5 Way and Cauliflower Salad."  Hoops, Hollers and "YES, my favorite" is what I hear Kobe say.  I hear the other boys asking..."what is that...Chili 5 way?"

They learn from each other, share experiences with each other and generally just have a good time together.  So, yes...the blessings abound.  Living in a culturally diverse small city in the middle of Missouri is truly a blessing to all of us.

Thanks For Stopping By!

Jackie