I've been on a blogging hiatus. Unintentional of course. And no, I haven't converted to the dark side of face book, totally, that is. Looks fun but there's only so much time in a day and I'm just trying to get used to life without the constant worry of Peter's health.
These past few weeks have been hectic. It's hard getting back into the swing of things, real life. I've actually caught myself thinking that life was simpler when I had only Peter & cancer to deal with and not, book fair, stake young women's calling, field trips, play dates, L & G club, science fair project, musical festivals for two, violin practices, school concerts, preschool, new puppy, and spring fever. I could go on and on.
I'll spare you the details of these past few weeks. I think you get the jest of it. Instead, here's what we did on Saturday. It was a special day...
Don't you just despise long post?
Andrew & John off to t-ball practice. This is Andrew's first year at organized sports. After the first practice a few weeks ago, he said that he had fun and didn't need to do that for another year. It was a hot day and the children were finished learning the game. Most of them were playing in the dirt. Then the ice cream cart came around and the coach knew he had lost them so he treated them to an ice cream break. This is the only time I saw Andrew run. Now I know what motivates him. Ice cream. I'm sure he doesn't get that from me.
Peter & I were off to Relay for Life, down the street at the high school track. Sweet Isabella, one of the young women from the ward, invited me & Peter to walk the survivor lap at the cancer benefit.
It turned out to be an amazing experience for me. We were given purple t-shirts that said survivor on the back. They didn't have a t-shirt small enough for Peter. I think Peter was the only child cancer survivor there. There was a short ceremony with very inspiring words said. Then all the survivors were asked to start off the 24hour walk fundraiser by doing the first lap around the track. The circumference of the track was lined with people, much of which were high school students, that cheered us on. Applauding us for fighting and beating cancer. I held Peter's hand with his shirt draped over his shoulder. I'll always remember the scene of 30 people or so in purple shirts walking in front of me and seeing the backs of their shirts that read survivor. I wish I had a picture of that.
It was one of the only times I didn't feel ashamed that we had cancer. Instead, I felt proud that we survived it. The kindness of strangers! I also felt encouraged and inspired. I need to get involved. I'll be back there next year with a team. Maybe we'll call it Peter's Peeps. John's idea.
The picture of the black skirt??? I promised, {bribed} Addie with a new black skirt if she stuck out three long weeks of difficult violin lessons, weekly 4 hour practices, and daily practices. She was invited to be in the All county honors orchestra. Proud parent moment. {please excuse the round about bragging} She did it. And we never had a chance to go shopping for that black skirt, besides, we're trying to save our money for an all girls trip to SLC, for young women's conference in a couple of weeks.
I had a flash of genius {or a desperate moment} and found an old t-shirt type dress in my closet and sewed all afternoon and made Addie this cute little nothing black skirt. At this time in my life, I guess that I have more time than money. How refreshing to sew again. But I'm sure Addie would've preferred a store bought skirt but she seemed grateful. Sweet daughter.
Peter found the bottle of lotion, again.
Addie performed at the amazing University of Redlands Chapel in the All County Elementary Honor Orchestra. She played second violin. Four songs in all. Beautiful! What a great night. I feel so blessed to have children who enjoy playing music. I'm a lucky mother. Great job Addie.
And then there's Meagan...This is actually a picture from today, Sunday. Yesterday, she held down the fort for us and she kept the couch warm. She was suffering from spring fever. Overwhelmed with the sheer joy of no school for the next two weeks. She was in a state of temporary coma.
The biggest accomplishment achieved on Saturday was awarded to John for running eight miles and then planting part of the garden. He's the MAN!
