FB Quote

Every once in a while, good ol' Facebook Gives me a relevant ad!  I don't remember what made me click on it, but I eventually ended up reading an article that ended like this...

"     Over the years I’ve tried to stop asking God, “Why?” Instead, I strive to ask questions like, “What are you trying to teach me?” or “How can I use this to bring you glory?” 

I may not have all the answers, but I serve a God who does. As I anticipate the trials yet to come, I will remember the words I once heard, “When faced with the unknowns, I look to a God who is known.”     "


How relevant.

Fundraising

Ugh...

That about sums it up..

Ugh.

The end

Maybe I should elaborate?  Mandy was sweet enough to set up a GoFundMe page for our journey over the next few months.  I should mention that I will be out of work for TWELVE weeks, not 4-6.  When they said a "4-6 week recovery, they meant that I can NOT BEND AT THE WAIST for 4-6 weeks!!!!"  

WHAT?!?

Darn CSF fluid and pressure and yadda yadda...

I can not lift anything over 5 lbs for 4-6 weeks.  "You can help in the kitchen, if it's not spaghetti night because you aren't allowed to lift a big pot of spaghetti."  Yowsers.  

Am I so naive that most of what she told me yesterday (pre-op visit with neurosurgery) blew my mind?  

-It could take up to 45 mins just to have my head pinned perfectly into position.  

-The surgery will take 2-3 hours then. 

- I'll go straight to the ICU with A-lines, brain drains, urine catheters, and lots of pain.  

-Because I've had blood clots before, I'll be on Heparin shots and wear special inflatable booties while I'm in the hospital.  I've had to stop a few of my daily meds, as a precaution.  

-I'll have a MRI on day 2 post-op, and again 6 months later. 

-After 3-4 days I should go home, but will sleep most of my days away.  Apparently, the recovery is going to be longer, slower and more tiring that I ever expected. The hearing loss and facial paralysis that is expected, should be short term, once my brain swelling goes down.  The oral steroids should only be for 7-10 days (we all know how nice steroids are... ace, hunger, weight gain, irritability).  

-We will return to Philly to have my sutures removed in 10 days, and again at 4-6 weeks, and for my "clearance" around 12 weeks. 

-This Dr. says that there is a good chance that the tumor will return, but it usually takes 10-20 years until it needs to be "treated" again. I'm not outwardly doubting him, but Dr. Google repeatedly reports  that it is so so rare that it could grow back.  I guess we will have to sit and see.
-I saw the Audiologist and ENT Dr on Monday and passed my hearing test with flying colors!  We now joke that my hearing loss must be "selective".  The Dr, however, was concerned about the size of my goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).  She ordered me an ultrasound to be done today because she's worried that my 3 teeny tiny nodules have gown and need to be biopsied.  IF this is the case, she wants them biopsied asap, before surgery.  If it's not one thing, it's another!

I am so lucky to have parents and in-laws that are so giving of themselves.  I hope they know how much we appreciate them.  Jason's parents will be here for the first three weeks (Apparently, they were more realistic in their expected recovery time.)  They are going to be exhausted!  Taking care of 4 kids tires me out, I can't imagine how wiped they are going to be.    Then my parents will take over, with my sisters out helping out when they can.  

I think as we grow and age, things about us change.  Not only obvious physical things... our opinions and personalities and interests.  One thing that has never changed about me is that I love to be superwoman.  I detest asking for help.  I feel so uncomfortable when people do things for me, that it almost takes away from their help.  I want myself - and others- to know that I CAN DO IT. 

Whatever it is... I CAN do it. 

This will be the 3rd time in my life (all in the past few years) that I need to allow help, even ask for help.  I've had the pleasure of growing a sick baby and having weekly Dr appointments and procedures, I was blessed with blood clots in my last pregnancy that landed me in the ICU for days and then completely complicated his delivery that left me clinging to life with just my finger tips, and now a freaking brain tumor.  Three strikes and I'm out!  I figure this is the end of it all.  I hope so. 

So there is the back story.  I am embarrassed that my sister asked for help for me, when she knew that I would not.  It hits your pride, especially when you're striving to be Superwoman.  I was at first reluctant to accept that the ladies at church have offered to provide some meals.  I have been humbled by the love we have received... kind words, cookies and chocolate, prayers and even a dinner gift card for before surgery.  

I was reluctant to "share" the GoFundMe page.  Mandy quickly told me how silly I was being.  I see her side... people have offered to help, and now it is all in one spot.  Meg's going to link up a meal planner and I'm going to link up my blog for updates.  I don't want to storm FB with things that not everyone is interested in.  I was afraid to actually look at the GoFundMe site since she got it started... in part because it's embarrassing to me.  It's not about the money.  Though we all know it would be idiotic to try to say that it isn't appreciated and I am TRULY appreciative.  It was also that I was terrified that I would look at there would be no traffic... no kind words, no visits, no nothing.  And the thought of that - if I'm being as honest as I can be - is heartbreaking.  

So, 3,000 words later, my message is clear...

THANK YOU to everyone joining us on this ride.  THANK YOU for the prayers.  THANK YOU for the smiles when I'm feeling down.  THANK YOU for the short sweet texts that let me know that I am loved.  THANK YOU for the gifts from your heart.  It is all so so so appreciated.  

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas and Jibber Jabber

"Breath of heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face

If a wiser one one should have had my place

But I offer all I am

For the mercy of your plan

Help me be strong

Help me be

Help me"

Have you ever truly listened to that Christmas song by Amy Grant?  (It's Mary singing to God) It's one of my favorites. What faith! I wish I had faith like that. I like to carry myself as having total faith, but if I did, would I feel so lonely and terrified? Would I spend hours worrying about what could go wrong? Or would I be soaking up every moment of this Christmas season?  

If I had true, total faith, I wouldn’t feel like there’s something missing in my a relationship with God.   It’s totally embarrassing to admit to.  I try to have a real relationship with him.  I pray, I’ve done Bible studies, I even hosted one at my house this Fall.  I go to church and I feel moved by the spirit when I’m there.  And then I come home and fall into our daily routine.  I want more.  Its embarrassing to say, because I sat on the couch with our Women’s Pastor 18 months ago, and said the same exact thing.  And 18 months later, here I am, ver batem.  Is it something  I need to work harder at?  Is it something that I just will never have?  I don’t believe that.  

I want the relationship and the faith of other’s that I’ve seen struggle through periods in their life and they give God all the Glory.  Instead of wallowing in self pity and fear, they hand it right over to the big guy and say “your will be done…”  I have never in my life, not even for a second, doubted God.  I felt closer to him when I was pregnant with Jackson.  I guess, I NEEDED him then,  I NEEDED him to save my baby, I NEEDED the miracles that he allowed to happen,  I just NEEDED him. It's a human trait, I suppose... selfishness.

As the years went by, I drifted a little.  No, I’m not a bad person.  No, I’m not being sentenced to hell.  No, I’m not out being a rebel.  I simply don’t have the closeness that I desire.  It’s a lot like my weight, I suppose. I can admit it’s there and not be happy with it, now it’s up to me to consciously choose to fix it.

Wasn't this post supposed to be about our Christmas????

I kinda got away from my thoughts there for a minute…

************

We've been very busy this December. Actually, less busy than we usually are, but still busy. It has been nice to be home and commitment-free most evenings. I have to have surgery right after Christmas, so I can't coach B-ball this year. Therefore, Jaylee did not want to play in her last Rec season, without me.   Once Jennibelle was cut from the travel team tryouts, she turned her back on basketball... sniff, sniff! I thought I'd miss it more than I do, I truly am enjoying our less-busy life right now.

Jackson started wrestling 2 hours a week. It is FUN. I just love when my kids are trying new activities... LOVE IT. Jason will be helping with practices, as much as he can. I think he really loves seeing his son wrestle!  Jack's in kindergarten, and the league is 1st-3rd grade, but he fits right in. All my prayers for his social-awkwardness have been answered.

Black Friday, I went shopping all night with Mandy and Meg. We were all successful.  Around 4 am I picked up Jaylee and Jennibelle, so that they could technically be a part of Black Friday.  Every year,  I do well sticking to our $1000 Christmas budget... until I shop for Jason. Grown men are NOT cheap to surprise!  But, this year, it will be worth the credit card bill to see his reaction :)  I am weird too... I love being frugal and getting great deals, I love to see how far I can push the budget and spoil the kids.  Though Black Friday deals weren't fantastic, I was able to pick up special necklaces for the girls... I little heart inside of a bigger heart. I was a tad emotional when I gave them the necklaces... they will ALWAYS be in my heart, ALWAYS!! This screen shot is from Jaylee's Instagram page...  sob...

Let's see...   

*we decorated our tree a little before Thanksgiving and Jimmy put on the star this year, because a Jack is suddenly "afraid of heights".  We attended Lititz's annual Christmas Carol and Tree Lighting.  I remember our first year in Lititz- it felt like a Hallmark Movie.  We did NOT attend the shenanigans in Lititz  on Saturday morning, because Jennibelle was the only one that wanted to go. She was heartbroken that the boys were not ecstatic to go see Santa downtown. Literally, in tears.  She is SO MUCH like me!!  

*We decorated our house with our wreaths, and added a Christmas projector light - I hate it!!!  $50 down the drain!!  I bought it because I thought the kids would LOVE it, but the boys have yet to mention it!!! Oh well.  

*We’ve spent every morning opening Advent calendars.  The boys got a Lego calendar  this year.  (Public service announcement- save your moola.) Jennibelle has a Eric Carle calendar that she can use again and again. For Jaylee, I got a $10 pack of 30 earrings and wrapped up 24 of them. I put a date on each one for her to open. 

*We decorated a reconstructed gingerbread house this year.  I will never of back to assembling the ourselves!  

*We have baked dozens of cookies, but we cheated this year.  Sh...   Costco had huge buckets of Nestle chocolate chip cookie dough for 1/2 price!!  So we added M&Ms to them and called it a day.  We baked delicious Betty Crocker Salted Caramel cookies too. Then we made only 3 batches of my Mom's Christmas Candy.  Not enough for all of the neighbors (I figure I have a good excuse this year, lol) but enough for us and Selina. 

*We had a nice cul de sac Christmas get together at Mary’s house, but we had to leave early for Jason's work party.  

*Since my parents did not take all of the kids to NYC this year (Mom’s back is really bothering her), they took the whole family to see Beauty and the Beast at the Fulton Theater.  It was wonderful.  We were up in the Mezzanine, so Jackson’s fear of heights hit in for the first 1/2 hour and he would not move in his seat… literally terrified! The men couldn’t make it because of work.   The show was great, but I’m not sure why they stretch them out to 2 1/2 hours.  It’s just too long. I bought the girls matching elf seaters, that I truly thought were adorable, but they REFUSED to wear them, so I took them back.  Morgan loved hers!

*AND, we did NYC!! We did NYC well!  Mandy and Morgan had to bail on us, so I took my Dad, Jackson and my girls.  We basically just walked around Times Square soaking in all of the sights.  The girls loved taking photos and looking at makeup. I enjoyed watching Jackson... this teeny tiny boy in a city of millions. He was in awe   Of the buildings, lights, traffic, pedestrians, and...

All of the places Buddy the Elf had visited in NYC!!! 

He was awesome, truly enjoying himself. Oblivious to the fact that he cut pedestrians off, oblivious that people don't appreciate every pigeon being chased, oblivious that he should not have been running freely around he Square. To me, this was HIS day and I was not going to bahumbug him.  We walked down to Macy's and waited an hour to see Santa- so worth it!  As we were leaving him, Jack turned back and gave him a hug!!  
(Meg dyed my hair purple with red for me since they'll be shaving my hair off soon... fun!)

We wrote on confetti that will be released on New years Eve!

"There are the doors Buddy went in, Mom!"
(1/2 the NYC buildings have circular doors, lol)

Art Jaylee liked on the streets of NYC.  She is so talented at photography.

The police yelled at Jaylee for climbing out over a little water fountain to snap this quick photo.
My little rebel.

The awe...
I LOVE seeing my dad's smile :)

I have been doing OK emotionally. I read through Jaylee's texts, and apparently I have been short with her, which she assumes is because I'm afraid if having my head cut open. Whoops.  I didn't realize I was taking it out with the kids. I've been trying very hard this week to be patient and less emotional in front of them.  I worked 4 nights this week, which is never good because I have no self control at 3am and I search Google endlessly.  I'm not even sure what it is that Im searching  for.    Last night I learned about how my head will be pinned in place for the surgery, and how I can't dye my hair for months afterwards. I learned I'll be on steroids for a while.  As Jason is shedding weight with his all meat diet, I'll be packing it on, I guess.  Want to hear something dumb?!?    My surgery was originally scheduled for a Tuesday. I told the Dr that I was scheduled to work the following weekend, “should I find coverage?”  He stared at me like I was joking!  Apparently I'll be in bed recovering for 4-6 weeks!!!  Wah!!

I've been having headaches constantly for 2 weeks now.  I’m sure it’s stress, but the ache is real.  My right temple/behind my eye.  It is very sensitive to light too.  It’s not “painful” just very annoying and I’ve needed Motrin a few times, though it really doesn’t do anything for it.

Today at church, I really wanted to ask someone up front to pray over me, but I'm very shy about opening up or asking things from people. I reluctantly left the sanctuary without asking. We exited close to the pastor and I wanted badly to introduce myself and ask him to pray over me. I chickened out, again. Then when we reached the lobby, pastor Tony stopped us from behind, saying that he felt the need to personally introduce himself to us. We told him our names "Stringham? I know that name, let me think... we've been praying for you!  That's how I know that name."  2 years we've been going to LEFC and today, the day I so needed it most, God led the pastor right over to me.  WOW is all I can say. WOW. 

I can't wait until I can get some Christmas pix up here. I haven't even looked through the Nikon pix Jaylee took in NYC. She's super talented! 

I'm tired... this is too many words and not enough pix!!  

Penn Medicine Neurosurgery

Dr John Lee will be removing my tumor on January 10th.  He says we can wait until after Christmas, but then it must be done. I go back next Tuesday, Dec 20 for pre-op evaluations, blood work, and an EKG. I saw my Dr yesterday and got clearance to stop my Aspirin ( so I must stop my Progesterone also).  I see the Audiologist Monday for a pre-op evaluation, since Dr Lee thinks there is a good chance I will lose some of my right side hearing. I have to get the FMLA paperwork from my work because I'll miss "atleast 4-6 weeks of work", depending on my recovery and how long any facial-paralysis issues last. Sounds fun:)

I've also managed to squeez in our dental appointments, cavity filling appointment, ortho consults and kids' dermatology appointments between now and Christmas since I'll be out of commission for so long. This sucks!

Busy busy busy.

*Pennsylvania Hospital had to bump up surgery until Jan 6th... a Friday 😡

Hershey Neurosurgeon Visit 1

Funny, according to everyone else, I got "great news" today.

Yes, I'm not dying.

Yes, my tumor is operable.

Yes, it's pushing on important parts of the brain, but not too badly.

Yes, my tumor is not causing me major symptoms.

But, yes, I still need to have my skull cut open, my brain manipulated to the side and a tumor cut from my brain... all the while not injuring any of the facial/cranial/optic nerves that it is growing around.

Hm...

I'm too exhausted.  Too exhausted. Too exhausted to type.  Maybe too exhausted to realize how good this is?!?  Maybe too exhausted to be utterly thankful that it's not life threatening.  Jason says it's a lot like prepping yourself for a big fight... that just doesn't happen.  Your adrenaline is up and it will take time to level out.  I hope.  

I'll go back to Hershey in February for a hearing test, detailed MRI and re-consultation.  If there is no no growth, I can continue to wait or I can schedule surgery.  If there is any growth, I must schedule surgery.

Is it weird that i just want them to cut it out of me and be done with it?!?  I want it GONE.

But, after a good nights sleep, I may wake saying that I want to sit and watch it for the next 5 years.  That's a benefit to being a girl... I'm allowed to change my mind as much as I want!

I am waiting to hear from the U of Penn to see when my second opinion will be.  I'm praying they give me the same info.  Otherwise, my brain (and tumor) may literally explode!

I'm thankful that it is not emergent.  I'm thankful - so thankful- that it is not cancerous.  I'm thankful that this can be handled at Hershey, and I don't have to drive to a big city.  I'm thankful that I have health insurance.  I'm thankful that I'm not dying - VERY THANKFUL. But I'd be lying if I dod't say that I'm a little bitter, even a little "ungrateful" for the "good" news.

 Who wouldn't be...

                                        right?

Suprapubic Catheter Surgery #2

Jackson has surpassed any expectations that his Urologists have given him, in terms of continence and bladder control.  He's been 18 months-free of UTIs.  His undies are damp most days, but is it because he doesn't want to be inconvenienced?

Dr Shukla planned to give his entire GU system a 2 week " break" by placing a suprapubic catheter in for 2 weeks.  On Nov 9 Jack's Cystoscopy went well and we began our adventure with his "tube".  What an adventure!!!  Half the time he was running around like a crazy person- sneaking off to play tackle football with Cole!!!! The other times were filled with screaming and anxiety and pain.   His urethra burned every time he tried to void.  Days when he played too rough, he peed blood for 24 hours.  2 nights his urine was so pungent that we feared a UTI.  His tube even clogged one night with a white sandy substance... ?

Today (Nov 23) we trekked back to Philly for his follow up tests.  He fought for his life during his lab work.  He tolerated his ultrasound quite well, and the IPod kept him nicely distracted during urodynamics!!  He earned  all 3 of the dollar store prizes I brought a long.  Well, he did not earn one for labs, but I felt terrible that he was so scared.  I could hear him screaming down the hall and around the corner!!

His creatnine actually went UP during this trial.  from 0.6 to 0.7!  It was supposed to go down to a normal 0.4.  We think it's because he had to be forced to drink or eat anything these past two weeks, he's probably a little dehydrated.

His ultrasound still looks very dialated.  The Dr said that it may have improved ever so slightly.  Unless he's having UTI issues again, we are going to let his humongous ureters be!

He did not like the anal prob during the urodynamic study, but really tolerated it quite well.  The worst part was pulling the sensor stickers off of his butt cheeks!  A simple bandaid was placed where his tube had been pulled out.  Amazing!

His bladder held apps 60cc and his diverticulum held apps 65 cc before he had to pee badly.  When he first peed, his bladder emptied nicely but the diverticulum remained.  When we instructed him to pee again, he pushed extra hard and emptied the diverticulum.  The moral of the story?  He must sit to pee.  Void once, sing the ABC song and then void again.    The Dr thinks that he is possibly dribbling after his voids because he is not emptying his diverticulum.

Fun fun fun.  We're home after a 2.5 hour commute and Jackson is playing "Verse Football" with Jimmy (The get to tackle each other).  The squeals are AWESOME!!!!!!!  He started the day in a Superman costume that is for a 3 year old, but he claims it made him more brave!

NOV 9 SURGERY:

We always bribe him for surgery or tests with toys... works pretty well and I am not too proud to admit- or suggest- it!

LEGOS!!

getting a little nervous... Silly Juice has not kicked in yet

Post Op, he did not want to wake up.  

On our way!!!!!  We stopped at a ret stop so he could vomit all over their family bathroom.  You're welcome.  The rest room was cleaner when we left, then when we darted into it.

Jimmy was very curious and Jackson was excited to show/team him about the tube.

Day 1 was  a rough one.  Lots of bladder spasms and pain.  It burnt him to vow, then entire 2 weeks.

Site was healing.  We usually had a dressing with 2x2s and tegaderm on it. 

NOV 23 - TESTS

 We ate at Wahlburgers on the way there!
Jack's face is SO FUNNY.

Not any better than any other burger joint  :(

We took lots of selfies to kill time.

He was TRYING to lick me.

ultrasound

He was proud of himself when he waved at sick kids and made them smile.

Reason #42,691 I love Jason

He can't even fit 1 cheek on the little seat.

The boys in their flannels ready to run away from the hospital when it was all over.

Brain Tumor!!!

Where in the world do I begin?  It's almost a funny story... almost. But, the ending sucks. Like, really, big time sucks!

In October, Mandy (my sister who is 2 years younger than me) had a TERRIBLE headache for more than 10 days, so they sent her for an MRI.  I was worried. I prayed that it would not be a slow bleed or some sort of tumor. We all prayed hard. Our prayers were answered.  There was no tumor... just early onset Alzheimer's.   Whew!!   Wait!!  WHAT?!?   "It's probably genetic" they said.

And with the word genetic,  and our shared failing memories and hearing, I contacted my Dr for an MRI - just in case.   I told no one (except Jason), I didn't want anyone to worry.  I would just let them know when it was over that my MRI showed a clean bill of health.  My plans were made and life was moving on.

Meanwhile, the Neurologist read Mandy's MRI and assured her that she did not have Alzheimer's, just an oddly shaped brain.  Thank you Jesus!!!  That explains a few things too;)  We can laugh about it now.  In fact, I envy the laughter.  I'd give anything for silly laughter.

I have days filled with laughter.  Not the silly kind.  It's a sinister laugh.  It's a wild, chaotic, out of control laugh.  No one knows why I laugh. I sure as heck don't know why I laugh. But, I've done a lot of laughing these past 4 days.  Laughing. Laughing. Laughing.  It usually end in tears.  Occasionally it ends in howls.  The "why me?!?" kind of howls.

"Why do you laugh?" you ask.   Oh, only because I have a BRAIN TUMOR.  A bloody brain tumor.    Right there... in the middle of my brain.  In the right cerebellopontine angle, to be exact. And it's big, according to Google, it should have been removed 2cm ago.  (It's 3.9 x 1.5 x 3.3 cm) Darn you Dr. Google.  It's big enough to push on my medulla oblongata and my pons.  No need to look them up.  According to Dr. Google,

the medulla oblongata is only "the  most important section of brain".  It is responsible for all of the things we don't think about... breathing, swallowing, blinking and so on and so on.  The pons is basically the message  center between the brain and the rest of the body.  And that is your Anatony 101 for the day.  You're welcome.

The initial MRI was read to be a probable epidermoid tumor. Basically, a congenital defect that is so slow growing that it takes 20-40 years before you start exhibiting symptoms.  They account for only 1%  of all brain tumors.  Apparently, I didn't want Jackson to be the only Stringham with a rare disease.  Oh, the things we do for our kids.

So what now?  I don't have a clue.

I spent the weekend researching. I've spent today on the phone with insurance, MRI places and finding the right Neurosurgeon.  Tomorrow I have a repeat MRI, this time with IV contrast to help convince the Drs that it is not cancerous.  Wednesday I'll spend the day at CHOP torturing, I mean testing Jackson's bladder and kidneys and finally getting this gosh-darn catheter tube removed.  Prayers appreciated, by the way... this has been a very anxious 2 weeks for my little man.  The worst part, is that he has no idea what he's in for Weds, he just thinks that his tube is "coming out".  When do you tell him that it will be pulled out after blood work, ultrasounds, uroflows and urodynamics?  I've learned over the past 5 years, that there is no right time!

But, I digress.  That is where we are at.  I'm taking time off of work this weekend, mostly because I can't bear the thought of being  up all night with no one to talk to, other than Google.  Also because I just want to be held.  Held tight, maybe even squeezed.  And told that I am loved.

I'll keep everyone updated as things happen.  I'm thinking of starting some sort of blog or fb page that I can update easily without having to call/text everyone individually.  It's hard to keep responding to texts when all I want to do is sleep, I mean hang out with my kids;)  Also, my parents are in the thick of it.  Telling my mom was the hardest part, I kept imagining someone telling me this about one of my kids.  The thought of that makes me want to vomit.  Projectile vomit.  I'm sure they know that they are loved and thought of and can call any of their family if they need anything.  I guess I'm just asking that you don't bombard them with calls right now.  Besides, my mom is already prepping for Thanksgiving dinner and we would all be sad if she was distracted from her cooking.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  There are so many reasons to be thankful!!  Jaylee making the PA All Star Rugby team, for example.  Even though she's only attended 4 practices and played a total of 5 minuets in the games!  She tried out the past 2 Sunday afternoons.  She's headed to NYC this weekend for a huge tournament. I am so proud of that girl!!

Want to play Spot The Tumor?!!?

From my studies as a Radiologist, over the past few days, I observe that the tumor did NOT glow with the IV contrast (see below picture), therefore I have decided that I do NOT have cancer, just as the Drs predicted. :)  Let's hope that I am right.

The radiologist agreed... no enhancement. There is some compressing on my fourth ventricle.

What would YOU do if you found out you had 1 week to live?  (hypothetically speaking, I'm not being dramatic or thinking I will die this week)  I thought my answer would be to travel and have an awesome adventure.  Turns out I just want to lay in bed and watch TV.  Huh...

Halloween 2016

Everyone wanted to do a Star Wars theme, since the boys are SO IN TO Star Wars for the past 10 months.  Except the girls.. they wanted nothing to do with it.  punks!

Jennibelle and I made her gum ball machine.

Jaylee had the idea for a Woods woman.


SURPRISE... the boys were Star Wars characters (and Jimmy has been "Chewy-bacca" for the past 6 days straight... cha ching!)


Jason's Storm Trooper outfit was a little short in the waist for him, so we were vampires at the last minute.


Our pumpkins all turned out well this year too...

school 2016

Jaylee (13) 8th grade Middle School

Team C

Soccer Goalie, School counsel

Jennibelle (11) 6th grade Bonfield El

Mr Locker

Kindergarten Safety Patrol, chorus, orchestra, bass

Walks her brother to/from school

Jackson (5) Kindergarten  Bonfield El

Mrs Delmotte

1/2 day 

Then on October 6, his dream of staying all day came true...
On October 21, her earned his Top Banana Award for knowing all of his letters.
This kid is so smart!

SVHS 20 years later

We've been out of High School for, literally, 20 years, and there was still drama!!  I was lucky to be unaware of most of it, until I arrived at the reunion.  Apparently, there was an anti-reunion party at another location.  (?!?)  It was in a basement at a popular bar, back in Delco.  Only 20-25 of us students showed up.  Some brought spouses, others came with friends.  Cris Leal came all the way from Brazil!  It was great to catch up with her.  It was nice to have Jason there with me, since I get nervous when I have to talk to people, lol.  It was a bad idea to drink 3 beers in the first hour, though.  I was excited to catch up with a few particular friends from high school, but was a little disappointed.  I guess if we really had a great connection, we'd still be friends.  I was terrified when LeAnn's ex showed up at the reunion, just to start trouble.  That was my cue to exit.  We didn't take nearly as many pix as I expected us to.  Since FB is around, Im surprised that we even had a reunion!  Not sure I'll attend anymore though... 

LeAnn Kuser, me and Cris Leal

Kim Hinkelman, Cris, me & LeAnn

 

I hand't seen Cris since I was pregnant with Jennibelle, my favorite daughter. 

(BTW... Jenni altered my computer so that everything I type her full name, "My favorite daughter" pops up afterwards. I don't know how to fix it...)

Pig Race 2016

THE PIG RACE

It is our welcome to Fall.  It is our children acting like animals out there.  It is determination.  It is Mama getting lost in the moment and cheering and jumping around like a crazy person.  It is mud.  It is tears over NOT catching the pig.  It is FUN.

Jimmy got out there are tried his best.  He didn't need to be with his brother.  He had a blast!  Jackson was so close many times.  He ended his race in tears because he was not victorious.  Jennibelle gave true effort this year... and she was close so many times.  She was sliding and diving and rolling and grabbing and fighting.  Jaylee accidentally went with the younger girls and was not successful, but then she went with the teenagers and fought again... to victory.  A 100 lb pig!!  Everyone had left after her race and then we couldn't find her.  I peaked out at the race going on and caught the end of it.  

This year, some of us ate at El Serrano for my birthday before going to the race...

I hope this isn't a premonition...

Jimmy 3, Cole 6, Jackson 5

Jaylee and Olivia Herr (13)
I didn't get any pix of Jenni and Allison Zimmerman.

Newsboys Concert

What a concert!!

What a show!!

What a message!!

What a life experience!!

So happy I took the girls!!

We danced the nights away - ON the chairs!!

WOW!!

This was the opening artist... Jaylee apparently loves one of his songs.