Thursday (Derby Week)

I am so thankful for getting off early today due to Derby festivities. I usually don't do much for the Derby, although last year, I won the money pot at Bridgette and Chucks Derby Party! I LOVED WINNING! Today is the Derby parade and although the kids would love it, I just hate driving to Mt. Washington and then turning around and driving back to downtown.

I am still asking that all of my wonderful friends keep 5 month old baby Sam in your thoughts and prayers, this was his first week of chemo. His family has been strong for so many others and it is amazing to watch them deal with the issues with such grace.

Have a great day!

Monday

It is a typical Monday, I was on the phone and chat with Verizon and Palm over my new phone for what seemed like an eternity, however, I know with other friends problems, I should be thankful for dealing with Verizon/Palm for that long!

On another note, Little Sam will be starting Chemo today, please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. They need all the support they can get right now. They are a faithful family and know that God has a plan for Sams' life, but I know as a parent, I could not imagine going through what they are going through.

I am looking forward to permenant warm, sunny weather!

It is FRIDAY!

I have learned a lot this week. I have dealt with some personal issues as I will call them and I have found that some people are just unreasonable and negative. I have watched friends be dealt difficult days with the death of one's father and the sad news of one childs' condition. Both of these families have been humble and faithful even though the shoes they were given to wear, were not shoes I am envious of. It is amazing how family and friends can pull together to get through each other through trying times, while other families like to tear each other down. It is amazing to watch people be thankful for their last 7 weeks they are given with their parent or thankful to be able to hold their baby as long as God allows and not be as bitter as people who have great lives with many blessings and few problems. It is amazing how supportive your true friends are! I have always been someone that just "deals" with negative people, but this morning I have officially decided to rid myself of people who are like that. I refuse to allow negative people to affect/influence my moods and my behaviors. I have a lot to be thankful for and I am going to live the best I can. I hope everyone can relate and make the right decisions for them-selves. I know I making the right ones for my family and I.

Thursday FINALLY!

This week has been a little crazy, but I always have to remember that everyone is facing their own issues! I am glad it is finally Thursday and I start my weekend very soon! For all of those that have said so many kind hearted things about my friend Cassies' baby (Sam), I wanted to let you all know that his cancer (Neuroblastoma) is considered HIGH risk, which is not what his mom and dad wanted to hear. I could not imagine having a baby that seems so healthy and being dealt this illness. So, with that in mind, PLEASE continue keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. We also have some dear friends Lea & Bryan and Bryan has lost his father this week, so keep them in your thoughts and prayers as well.

Friends baby Sam

Last week we had a friend who's 4 month old baby was diagnosed with neuroblastoma (A form of cancer). He is so cute and so "normal" in appearance. It sometimes makes you question God, although I know he has a plan, it is still difficult to understand. I know I am not supposed to question, so it really is hard. I know if I struggle with it this much, what his mom and dad are going through. I can not imagine going through everything that his family is going through right now. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!

Weekend

This weekend was a great preview to upcoming summer! We were outside most of the weekend, Mark mowed our lawn, our neighbors (She had a brain annurism and has a tough time) and cleaned up limbs out of Yvonnes. He tilled our garden and we planted onion sets, radishes, and lettuce. The girls had a great time "helping".

The girlscouts had a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning and it was great! Both troops made quite bit of money and the girls had fun taking orders from friends and family.

I also took the girls to see a movie on Thursday, since it was Spring Break and I took a day off to spend with the kiddos. Ashley had Carly over Wednesday night and Thursday and then on Friday, both girls had friends over (Bailey and Julia).

It was certainly busy days, but we had great times! Looking forward to opening the pool in about a month!

Sara, Tommy, Joshua & Annie

Well, Sara, Tommy, Annie and Joshua leave today. We are all sad to see them go, but really glad they took the time to come and visit! Ashley and Emily have got to play with their cousins a lot during this spring break and I am sure it is memories that will last a lifetime. I think little Annie MUST get her red hair from the MOATS side of the family (HAHAHA!). I will be taking tomorrow off from work so I will have a 5 day weekend!!!! WOOHOOO!!! Still promising to download some pics soon!

Emily

You know the conversation is not going to go well when your seven year old says "I know this isn't nice and I never thought I would say it but"........ Sometimes we have to work on empathy and taking the high road. I will leave it at that.

Monday

Today, Sara is coming to Kentucky and bringing Little Tommy, Annie and Joshua. Ashley and Emily are on spring break and I wish I was too! This morning Em asked me when I would be home and I told her as soon as I can be, she said "No, I don't want you to", which is much different than what I normally here, and then I realized, she doesn't want me to come home, because she wants to visit with Sara and the kiddos longer! Smart thinking on her part, but I must admit, it caught me a little off guard this morning.

I will post some Easter pics as soon as I take the time to download the camera. Yesterday, we had a great day. The only bad part was Ash and Em didn't get to play with Kaylie and DJ because we had to leave as they were getting there. Mark would say the only bad part was he had to mow! We then went to dad and Joan's and then Mark and I went to the hospital to visit a very dear friend. It was a full day, but the weather was beautiful and warm.

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter to all! We will be going to Yvonne's for dinner and dad & Joans for an Easter egg hunt later. The girls were so excited after dying eggs last night. I love spending time with family, I wish I could see ALL of my family (hint to those of you in Ohio, West Virginia and Peru!!)! I will try to add some pics on here later if I get home in time to download the camera. The girls have started Spring Break, wish I had too!

Saturday

The girls just dyed Easter eggs. Tomorrow we will be enjoying the day with family. My great brother in law came and helped Mark get part of the roof stuff on the carport we are building (It was very helpful, Mark does not like heights without much support)! Now Mark is mowing while I blog, I mean while I do laundry! The weather has been beautiful and I hope it stays that way!

Yesterday was a beautiful day and we are expecting great weather again today! My wonderful brother in law came to help Mark with our carport building, (THANK YOU!!). The afternoon wasn't what we expected and we have some dear friends that need all the thoughts and prayers that can be sent their way.

A lot went on yesterday with some very dear friends, it was a tough afternoon. When you think you can't handle anything more, know that God will not give you more than you can handle (even when it seems like you are at a breaking point). Know that there are friends that will listen for as long as you need and know there are people there that love you, even when you don't think anyone does. Know that when people make threats, they need your help and threats aren't always empty. If I am your friend, know that I don't care who else is or isn't, how rich or how poor you are, what you have or don't have. I am your friend because I care about YOU directly.

Well Hi all! I typed a long "blog" the other day and then had a server error so it didn't post. This week has been different but in a nice way. Mark has been on the early shift all week due to training, so yesterday, he picked up the kiddos and I went home and started dinner. Usually I have to do both, so a nice little break. Tomorrow is supposed to be near 80 and I just can't wait! It is hard to beleive another month has already passed this year, but that means summer is getting closer! I can't wait for days to get home and let the girls go swimming. They just love that!