Quick Update

I have to be quick because I want to get outside and spend some time playing with the kids (& Earl). The weekend flew by, although I'm not sure why I thought it would be any different from any other weekend. I'm so, so, so enjoying my new part time status. I can't say it enough. Cooper and I had so much fun today. I bought him some Lego's with Grammy Musial's birthday gift card. I was hoping for something new that would keep him occupied for a few minutes. He's not really one to play by himself for any length of time but wow did he ever like the Lego's. It's amazing to me how different he is when he is alone here at the house with me. He does routinely ask about the "school bus" and I reassure him each time that we will go get McKenna off the school bus soon. I've also been amazed at how well they have played together once McKenna gets home from school. They've never really fought or anything like that, but now they are really playing together nicely.
McKenna had her first homework assignment tonight. She had to write a few lines of M's. Needless to say, it didn't take very long as that's one letter she's had mastered for awhile. I'm a stickler on handwriting though so I made her erase a few and do them over again. And so it begins, I suppose!
I've continued to enjoy meeting other mom's in my neighborhood at the bus stop. They've all been very nice so far and seem like a good group of ladies. Now if only I could remember everyone's name!
So, not much else is happening with the Mowry's. We're all just continuing to find a new routine. I still am not completely sure the exact time I need to leave for the bus stop in the morning. I thought I had it down until this morning when the bus was almost five whole minutes early. Cooper and I are figuring out things as we go each day that we're home. One thing is for sure....Cooper's nap time 1pm! Earl has started 10 hour shifts this week which has moved our dinner time back considerably. We've gone from an early dinner crowd to a much later table time but we'll figure it out eventually. I head into work on Wednesday which will be McKenna's first day at the new babysitter. I'm sure she'll do fine but the first day is always laced with a little anxiety on everyone's part.
Well, my few minutes are up and my kiddos are outside laughing away without me. Don't want to miss that. Tomorrow I'll try for something a little more interesting and maybe include some pictures.

New Routine

Wow! Day #2 of school is over and it just may have been better than day #1. Cooper was the first one up this morning, apparently having NOT received the memo that it is no longer necessary to get out of bed at 5:30am. I tried desperately to bribe him with cartoons in order to get a few more minutes in bed...but he wasn't into cartoons, he rarely ever is. Instead he wanted a "bagel with butter". Far be it from me to withhold food from a two year old. His bagel kept him occupied long enough for me to sneak in a quick (and I mean quick) shower. Before I knew it, my little school girl was up, dressed, had her shoes on and was downstairs getting her backpack with an entire hour to spare! It broke my heart to have to explain to her that we had an hour to wait before we could leave for the bus stop. The poor thing, she's so used to me ripping her from her bed and throwing her in the car that she doesn't know what to do with all this time in the mornings!

We had a surprise visit from Mimi and Pappy Richard this morning. Mimi even walked along to the bus stop, which was a nice treat for McKenna. We returned home just before Mom Mom and Pappy Landis arrived to babysit Cooper for the day.

I've been slightly spoiled the last two days having Earl home Thursday and my grandparents here today. I got to go to Target by myself (which is slightly dangerous) and to get my haircut today. It's been nice. I know it's not reality though. The thing that I can't get over is just how quickly the day flies by. It's a good thing I was watching the clock this afternoon and was in time to get McKenna off of the bus. Speaking of which, it was pouring down rain this afternoon, meaning that we had to drive to the bus stop. Sitting there in the line of SUV's and Minivans I finally felt like a full fledged MOM! It was kind of funny in a way - there I was with my toddler in the back, having just come home from getting my hair colored (to cover the grey, no less) and I was waiting in my SUV to pick up my "school aged child". I almost had to laugh out loud. It's hard to picture yourself sitting in your car in the pouring down rain at the bus stop until you actually are there doing it!

After picking McKenna up we headed to the library to return some books. We ran into her gymnastics coach who asked how the first day went and more importantly, how I did. It was funny when the librarian answered for me and said, "It's okay until that bus pulls away and you feel like the winds been knocked out of you for a second." I couldn't have described it better. This whole school thing must be like some kind of secret shared between all mothers. Strange.
Anyway, I think that I've been most surprised the past two days by the extra special one on one time I've had with Cooper. I haven't had him to myself since he was just a few weeks old. It's so fun being able to focus just on him. And have I ever mentioned how absolutely funny he is? He will definitely keep me entertained for the next few years.

Tonight we are celebrating the end to an exciting week with our friends/neighbors. We are so lucky to have met them and so fortunate that our daughters ended up in the same kindergarten class and at the same table. As I said before, I'm sure that won't last for long - but we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. I continue to be so happy that we made the choice to move here. It's easy to second guess yourself at times and wonder what might have been different, but ultimately there is a plan superior to our own and as always we just have to trust it.
Thanks to everyone to who sent me comments, text messages and called to see how things went yesterday. It was great to hear from everyone and really nice to know that so many people care about us. For those of you who have yet to experience kindergarten, I wish I could say something to make it less emotional or easier. But it's not something that anyone can prepare you for - you just have to experience it for yourself and trust that you'll have great friends like I do to coach you through it.

Kindergarten or Bust!

The atmosphere at our house this morning was a cross between Christmas morning and leaving for a big vacation. I woke up early so that I would have plenty of time to shower and get ready before everyone else. I was pleased by the fact that I didn't have an immediate feeling of impending doom as soon as my feet hit the floor. In fact, it kind of felt like business as usual, except for that funny feeling in the pit my stomach - kind of excited, kind of nervous.

I woke McKenna around 7am. She is sometimes very funny when she wakes up in the morning. My mom says that McKenna is the only person she knows who can go from completely asleep to talking your ear off in 1.2 seconds. I wanted to capture that on video if I could. But I only got as far as, "Mom, I'm way too tired to be on video this morning." Enough said!

Before I knew it we were all dressed and breezing through breakfast. I only had to ask once for the kids to brush their teeth, too! Maybe those other mom's are onto something when they say they can't wait for the first day of school. We had fifteen minutes to spare before we headed to the bus stop, the perfect opportunity for some pictures.

I was thankful that the morning was not dragging on and soon it was time to start our walk to the bus stop. I will admit that for a second it felt like I was walking the plank, but I was quickly overcome by excitement. It was hard to be anything but excited while in McKenna's presence. We arrived at the bus stop along with what seemed like half of Peachwood. Let's just say that we weren't alone! There was easily a group of 20 plus people waiting at the corner. I was comforted by the fact that there were a few other parents quizzing their kids about room numbers and bus numbers and what they were having for lunch. At least I wasn't the only one who made their kid repeat their phone number, address and teacher's name a million times last night.

It wasn't long before the bus was spotted in the development and the kids began to line up. If McKenna was nervous (which she swears she wasn't) she never, ever showed it. As the bus pulled up she was first in line. As she walked away I said, "Bye, Kenna" and she gave a quick wave over her shoulder. I wonder if I'll ever forget that moment. I doubt it. Before I knew it, the bus was pulling away. I don't know what I was expecting, some kind of count down or warning, or one last wave goodbye. Whatever it was, I didn't get it. That big yellow bus just pulled away. And at that moment, I literally felt what it is like to have a little piece of your heart leave you. The tears welled up in my eyes despite my best attempts not to cry and risk being made fun of by my husband. I looked up to Cooper who was riding on Earl's shoulders hoping that he would make me laugh and I would forget my tears. He was no help as he looked to the bus and said, "Bye, Bye my Kenna." That was it! Thank goodness that Earl and I were leading the pack of parents and no one could see my tear soaked face. And thank goodness that my back was to them so that I could not see theirs.

We returned to the house around 8:20, all dressed up and with no place to go. I knew that if I were going to make it through the day I would have to keep busy. Luckily, Earl and I had not fed ourselves breakfast and we were starving. We headed out for breakfast, minus one child, for the first time in probably 5 years. We enjoyed ourselves and Cooper made us laugh alot. After breakfast I took the boys home and went to do what I do best - shopping! I was back around lunch time, just in time to bake some cookies for McKenna and get some laundry done. Before I knew it the clock read 2:55pm and it was time to head back to the bus stop. Back on the corner there was some talk of how everyone spent their day. We could hear the bus pull into the development before we could actually see it and soon McKenna was headed back down the steps and into our care! As soon as I saw her, my feelings of sadness instantly turned to pride. She was beaming from ear to ear and so excited to tell us about her day. I couldn't have pictured a better afternoon as the four of us walked home together having all made it through the first day!

Full Circle

If you could see the date and time on this picture it would say, 11/1/05 at 7:15am. McKenna's first day of daycare. Prior to this day, McKenna had spent her days with Mimi. By now, Earl was entering into his fourth month of anesthesia school and I was essentially a single, working mom during the week. I agonized for what seemed like months (and probably seemed like years to my mom) over the decision to put McKenna in daycare. After our friends had enrolled their son I decided that I should check it out. I remember 11/1/05 distinctly because of the fact that I had actually taken off of work that day. I wanted to be able to take my time getting McKenna off to "school" for the first time. I rationalized that it would be better for her if I didn't have to literally drop her off and then rush out the door. Really, it was more for me than anything. I probably should have considered that I would have the rest of the day to worry and cry and wonder if my baby was missing me before I decided not to go into work. Instead, I went shopping, because let's face it - a little retail therapy goes a long way.

On Friday, I dropped my "baby" off at daycare for the very last time. I had tried not to think about what it would be like. I kept busy last week with work and work and the kids. Friday morning I HAD to be at work before 7am which meant there wasn't much time in the morning to lament about the last day of daycare. We also had donuts to pick up for McKenna to celebrate her last day with her friends. I ushered the kids in the doors just like I have on hundreds of other mornings with my usual, 'let's hurry up and get them settled attitude.' But as I rounded the corner to the classrooms it hit me like a thousand pounds. I could feel my chest tightening a little, coupled with some sort of feeling of dread as I looked down the hall to McKenna's room. I recovered quickly and got the kids set up with their breakfast. I kissed Cooper goodbye as he dove into his cereal and leaned down to kiss McKenna on her forehead- just like I've done hundreds of other times. In my mind I was envisioning the mornings where she was not so happy to be there and they had to peel her off of me so I could leave; those same mornings when I cursed them for the long hallway that separated the classrooms from the parking lot. If I was going to cry I at least wanted to be able to exit the building first. I pictured her as a toddler, curled up in Ms. Celia's arms in the mornings where they would rock until more kids arrived. I knew she was safe and loved there and that made me feel good. This morning, in some ways felt no different than any other and at the same time could not have been more awkward. I knelt down beside my almost kindergartner and said, "Have fun today-I'll miss you." She said okay in the same way she did every morning - to her things probably didn't seem much different. I wish I could have felt like that. I turned and headed out of the building, still cursing the long hallway and hoping I would not pass any other parents as I sprinted to the safety of my car.

By the end of the day I thought that I was home free. I had made it through the morning and now all I had to do was pick them up and head home. WRONG! I stopped at Cooper's room first. His lunch box and blanky were not in his cubbie which was now labeled with another child's name. I knew that Cooper would soon be moving up to the next class, but I had no idea that it would be on his first solo day at daycare. I was starting to crumble a bit. I gathered Cooper's things and the list of necessities for his new classroom. Which, I might add, does not include two extra sippy cups every day!! Yeah, for that! We headed down the hall to McKenna's room where she sat eating snack with her friends. Since they have been able to talk, the kids have always announced my arrival. "McKenna, your mom is here," they said in unison. I wondered if I would ever here that chorus again.

Cooper helped me to clear out McKenna's cubby one last time which kind of reminded me of cleaning out my locker my senior year. McKenna's teacher hugged my "baby" and soon we were heading out the door. "Mom, is tomorrow school," McKenna asked. "No, McKenna, school doesn't start until Thursday," I said. "I know, but who is going to watch me until school starts?" "Mimi," I replied. And then it struck me just how full circle things come and just how right things are.

McKenna's last day of daycare. 8/21/09

McKenna Monday

Everyone should have a girls day out right? I think so, anyway. And it just so happens that McKenna agrees. Monday we had our first official "McKenna Monday". There were a few simple rules. #1. It was a girls day, which meant that Mimi had to come along. #2. McKenna got to plan the day. #3. Mommy got to interject a few things into the day - like finding McKenna some new shoes, a few outfits for school and getting the kids a haircut. Luckily, McKenna also agreed to the rules.

She had been talking about her special day for a week or longer. Mostly because she had something very special in mind that she wanted to do. We started out our day with a little shopping. We successfully located new sneakers, new dress shoes and a first day of school outfit. After that we were a little hungry. McKenna chose Applebee's for her special lunch. So, we made the walk from the mall through the parking lot to Applebee's. What else can I say except that it was yummy.

After lunch we stopped in for haircuts. You'll notice that Cooper is in some of these pictures. Though it was technically "girls day" we allowed Cooper to tag along since he is a "baby" according to McKenna and he doesn't really count.

Once haircuts were out of the way it was on to the main event....the whole entire reason behind McKenna Monday... McKenna was getting her ears pierced! (I won't go into the whole entire long, drawn out story of who put this whole idea in her head in the first place. I also won't bring up the fact that in the past Daddy had said she wasn't old enough to get her ears pierced.) The truth was that there were many skeptics out there who thought she was too scared or would chicken out. There might have even been a wager going about whether or not she would cry. If she was nervous it never really showed. When her turn came, she jumped right up in the chair with no hesitation. She did insist that I hold her hands, which I was more than happy to do. I'm not clear on who was squeezing harder, McKenna or me. On the count of three it was over and done with. Not a tear, not a whimper, nothing. Oh wait, she said it "kind of tickled a little". Funny, when I was six years old I don't remember it tickling at all.

I can't believe how grown up a little pair of diamond studs can make my little girl look. She was cute without earrings, but she really sparkles with them! The actual earrings are a little hard to see, but I think the smile pretty much says it all.


McKenna, I hope you had a wonderful day. I know that I did. It was so fun to spend time with my big girl. You really are growing up before my eyes. I love you so much and I can't wait to spend more "girls days" with you. ~ Love, Mommy

Camping....Even Better Than We Expected

I'm a little late getting to this post, but for good reasons, I promise. We've been trying to squeeze every last second that's left out of this summer. That has kept us very busy over the past 6 days.

We headed to Mooris on our camping excursion on Friday evening. We made it to the campground around 6:30. We were greeted by my Aunt Carol and Uncle Frank, and my cousin Steve, Krysta, Coy, Cale and Cody. We were just in time to set up our tents and break out the mountain pie makers.

The kids had an absolute blast from the minute they got out of the car. Cooper was in awe of the surroundings. He stared at the creek that ran beside our camp site and watched wide eyed as his cousins ran around. It didn't take long for him to join in their fun. They played in the "sandbox", ate yummy mountain pies and s'mores, rode their bikes, played at the playground...you name it. McKenna was the only girl cousin on the trip but that didn't hold her back one bit. She was right in there with the boys, getting dirty, running around, biking and playing in the creek. We did have some tense moments over a daddy long leg spider. Who knew our McKenna had arachnophobia.

We settled into our tents shortly before 11pm and were able to get a restful night sleep. Thank goodness for the glow sticks that served as our little night light. They were essential to calming everyone's fears.

Saturday morning we were the first ones up. Go figure! Earl and I were able to make a quick trip to the bath house to get showered before the kids got up. It was still early and the campground was really quiet. So, we hopped on the bikes and took the kids for a nice bike ride. It was so relaxing. We were in charge of breakfast on Saturday morning. Let me first say that I've never cooked breakfast at a campground. And let me also say that I've never cooked breakfast for 13 people. Earl was in charge of the three pounds of bacon that needed frying. I took charge of the 30 pancakes and two dozen eggs! I will admit I was a little nervous. My pancakes do not always turn out the best. But, soon everyone was fed and ready to start the day. I was breathing a sigh of relief and thanking my lucky stars that I wasn't in charge of supper!

(Yes, that is Cooper riding a two wheeled bike for the first time. He hopped right on there like he was an old pro.)

We spent most of the late morning and early afternoon in the creek. It was cold when you first got in, but it went a long way in keeping everyone cool that afternoon. The kids (and the grown-ups) worked a little on the small dam and just walked around and splashed one another. Back at the camp site there was more bike riding, a trip to the local produce stand and more time at the playground.

Saturday afternoon my cousin, Amy and her family arrived. This added two more adults and two more boys to the mix. If you're keeping count it looked like this....10 adults and 7 kids ages 6 and under. Oh, and might mention that there were 5 dogs also! We felt a little guilty for leaving Tucker behind and have promised to take him next time.

"The Crew"

Uncle Frank was the brave one in charge of supper that evening. His solution to feeding 17 people...deep fried turkey. It was absolutely delicious. Follow that with some marsh mellows and s'mores and I think you would agree it doesn't get much better. We spent some time around the camp fire that evening as the kids played. I will say it was a bit challenging keeping track of 7 kids. At least one of us was always saying, "Where's so and so?" Everyone would look around and say, "Oh, he's right over there." We kept track of everyone after dark by afixing a glow stick to them somehow. Some kids wore them around their necks. Others, like Cooper had to have one put on his belt loop. Whatever works!

That night after all of the kids had been put to bed the cousins spent some more time around the fire. I can honestly say that I cannot remember the last time I've spent time just sitting and talking with my cousins. It was really great. I remarked to my Uncle Frank that I wished we had done this earlier in the summer so that we could do it a few times. I knew we would have fun, but I never imagined we would have such an awesome time.

Sunday came all too quickly and it was time to get packed up to come home. McKenna was heartbroken and wanted to stay longer with the others. We promised to come back next summer but as you can imagine that did little to dry her tears.

I can't thank Aunt Carol, Uncle Frank, Steve and Krysta enough for having us for the weekend and for helping us out when our lack of camping skill came through. Everyone was so incredibly helpful with all of the kids and that made it so fun for Earl and I. Kyle and Caty were so nice to take the kids on a few bike rides and to help them in the creek or just take someone to the bathroom. It's the little things that go a long way.

Back at home we unpacked the car and the marathon of laundry began. That might be the only downfall with camping. There was lots of laundry. It's all worth it though. I would do it again next weekend if we could.

Monday was filled with so many activities that I can't even begin to tell you about them in this post. I'll have to save that for tomorrow. But you can be sure that we have made the most out of the past six days and made many memories.

A&O x 3 ?

I have to admit that so far I'm loving this part time gig. Everyone told me that I would but I'm one of those people who has to see for myself. There is one thing that's been throwing me off a bit.

If you're a nurse you'll recognize the title or at least understand what it means. The letters in medical jargon mean Alert and Oriented to person, place and time. I'm happy to say that I'm much more alert now that I only have to drag myself and two little people out of the house at the crack of dawn (or before) three days a week. Sleep is a wonderful thing. I worried at first that I would still be up at 5am when Earl was getting ready. However, I have completely slept through his morning routine quite nicely.

My problems now lie with the rest of the mental status assessment...oriented to person, place and time - not so much. Yesterday, you might remember, was the first day that we didn't have to specifically be anywhere. How strange for those of us who are used to having every single minute plotted out. I'll admit to being at a loss when it came a morning routine or even a plan. It didn't take long though until the kids and I were on our way to Michael's to purchase some crafts for rainy days. It hit me that if I was going to be home more I would need something to do. I have never been to Michael's and I'm pretty certain that I'll need to stay far away from there for awhile. Our craft store trip got us all the way to 11am and lunch. That's pretty easy right? And it was. The kids ate a quick lunch as I scurried around gathering swimming suits, floaties, sunscreen, and snacks. By 12:30 we were headed to the pool. It was much less crowded than the last time we were there and we didn't specifically go with any friends. I recognized a few people and there was a girl there from work who I chatted with a bit. But it was another reminder that I need to keep making friends outside of Geisinger and work. I'm still finding my way a bit.

Above all though, time is where I've been completely thrown for a loop. When I was working full time I was glued (more like chained) to my calendar. Every afternoon I would print out the agenda for the next day's meetings, appointments and long list of "to-do's". I was always painfully aware of the date and sometimes every agonizing minute of the day. Not anymore. I have no idea what the date is or what the clock says. You might be thinking, "Well isn't that great Emily, isn't that how you would prefer it?" Ummm...yes, but when you nearly miss your son's well baby check, write the wrong date on a check more than once, or have to have a five year old remind you that there are only 13 days until school starts - not the way I had pictured it.

So I guess alert and oriented x1 would probably lead to a full fledged neurology work up any other time. But I'm just going consider it part of my new learning curve. A curve that might last a little while. So, if you see me wandering around aimlessly please just make sure I have the appropriate number of kids with me and remind me of the date. I should be okay from there.

Monkey In the Middle

Ahh...back to blogging. I've been on the computer a lot lately, ordering backpacks and lunch boxes, a few Gymboree purchases, checking e-mail and facebook, and keeping up with everyone else's blogs. But I promised myself that once today was almost over I would blog. I just can't get past the fact that today is August 12th. The first part of this month has literally blown right by me.

Anyway, the camping preparations continue and I have most things crossed off my list and piled in my dining room of all places. We've got brand spanking new mountain pie makers and marsh mellow forks (thanks to my brother, Kyle) and I can't wait to use them. We also had to make a trip to Wal-Mart to purchase a first aid kit at McKenna's request. Now, those of you who know me well know that prior to having kids Earl and I usually did not have so much as a band aid in the house. I distinctly remember my mom being over one day and asking for a band aid. When I couldn't produce one she said, "How can two nurses live in a house without band aids?" That's a pretty good question. After that people like my mom and my gram actually started buying us band aids for Christmas. Anyway, back to the first aid kit. So, we bought the first aid kit on Sunday and I'm thinking of taking it back. I think it's cursed. I think it's cursed because we have NEEDED to use the first aid kit three times since Sunday. And by NEEDING it I don't mean that the kids just want to wear a band aid around for 5 minutes. We really have NEEDED it. Big, stretchy band aids, gauze, antibacterial wipes to clean out wounds, neosporin. I'm worried that we may need to restock it before going camping.

So in other news, here is a cute picture I took of Cooper last night.

We have an adorable monkey towel that Cooper received as a baby gift. It's a antique of sorts in that it's a old Gymboree bath towel from when they still made awesome bath towels. I think my friend Sherry bought them out a few years ago. Anyway, Cooper looks so cute in his towel. This is the view I get after bath time as he walks to his room, dragging his little monkey tail behind him.

McKenna is continuing to surprise me and just all out make me smile. Last week we went to the library where she received her very first library card. You have to be able to write your name, which she did with no problem. She now has announced (after some input from Uncle Shane) that she wants to get her ears pierced as soon as we return from camping. She also managed to master the art of tying her shoes in two days (she likes to use the bunny ear technique). She's having a bit of trouble adjusting to having very little nap at school but I'm glad that they have taken steps to get the kids into a routine for kindergarten. Hopefully that will make for a smooth transition. And hopefully she'll still take short nap for me on weekends! I love naps! I mean I love when my kids take naps. I can't actually recall the last time I took a nap.

Tomorrow we actually have nothing planned. I use that term loosely to mean that we don't have painters coming at the crack of dawn, we don't have grocery shopping to do or an appointment to attend. The house is relatively clean and I'm working on the laundry as we speak. So, if anyone is around and wants to give us a call we're pretty much open to anything. We did discuss going to the pool in the afternoon if the weather is nice. And we decided that if it's yucky out we'll do crafts. Sounds good to me. I'm just hoping that two little munchkins in my house sleep until at least 7:30 tomorrow. One of my friends said it best on Facebook today when she commented, "I wish kids came with snooze buttons." How great would that be?

To My Girl Friends

Two years ago my friend, Kim and I, were new mothers. She had just had her first baby and I had just had Cooper. We used to walk during our lunch breaks at work. We were working full time, had little kids at home and always talked of how we felt like we were barely keeping it together. Looking back now it almost makes me laugh that we were so naive.

It was around the same time that Kim told me that her uncle had throat cancer. He endured surgery, a tracheotomy tube to breath, a feeding tube for nourishment. He passed away 7 months after his diagnosis. Later, Kim's mom began exhibiting a few symptoms similar to her uncle. I distinctly remember her telling me this last December on our way to State College to get the kids' pictures taken. Surely, we thought, it would turn out to be nothing. We were wrong. Kim's mom was diagnosed with throat cancer almost exactly one year after her Uncle's initial diagnosis. Her mom endured surgery and radiation and is cancer free.

Just a Kim and her family began to breathe a sigh of relief and put the past year behind them it seemed that tragedy had struck again. Kim's father had an appointment with the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. His voice was raspy and their family was obviously concerned. No one ever would have believed that now her father also had a throat cancer diagnosis.

Kim has been her family's rock throughout the past year and a half. She has accompanied them to countless appointments, numerous emergency room visits and has been their cheerleader the entire time. Add this to a husband and toddler, a new job and graduate school and I'm just not sure how she keeps her head together. But it turns out, now is when she needs our prayers. A few months ago Kim was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 32. She has no prior history of cancer, no risk factors and otherwise is completely healthy.

To say that it took my breath away when she told me of her diagnosis is an understatement. To think back two years and remember the little things that we thought were such a big deal kind of makes me sick. When I asked Kim what I could do to help she only had one thing that came to mind. Tell everyone I know to get tested every year. I know many of my friends who do not go every year to get a pap test. Everyone hates it. And while I will agree that it's not the best way to spend a half hour of your time, my friend is proof that it can save your life. Some insurance companies and doctors will tell you that if you've had several negative tests that you don't need to go every year. I would challenge that. If Kim had not had her annual test she would not have a fighting chance against this cancer.

So, I don't want to sound like a typical nurse on a soap box. Get your annual pap test. Get your daughters vaccinated against HPV. I just want to get my friend's story out there. It's the only thing she has asked.

Our National Night Out

My first two days of working part time have flown by and it's back to work tomorrow. Earlier today I was dreading the thought of tomorrow mornings routine and the unknowns I'll face at work. I had decided that their is only one drawback with working part time...I still have to work part time. But as the day comes to a close, I'm feeling a little better about tomorrow, maybe even looking forward to it.

The past four days at home have been fun despite a cranky, sick toddler who is anything but himself. Cooper's been battling a stomach bug but has still managed to play on and off throughout the day. At McKenna's urging, we took a trip to the library yesterday to check out some books and get McKenna her very first library card. Last year they told her that when she was able to write her first and last name she could come back for her own card. She didn't forget about that and has been after me for months to go get her own card.

Today our goal was to stay home and get some rooms put back together since the painters are finished upstairs. We didn't get too far though since Cooper wanted to be held a lot (which was fine with me). Around lunch time we decided we needed to get a few supplies for dinner and just get out of the house for a bit. So we ended up at the park feeding the ducks. The kids had a great time, as always. I'm not sure what it is about feeding ducks that all kids seem to love. Thanks Mimi for the big box of Cheerios. The ducks loved them!

Cooper seemed to perk up a little late this afternoon and so we headed out as a family to National Night Out. On our way there I just kept thinking that the last time we went to National Night Out Cooper was only 5 weeks old. I carried him around in the Baby Bjorn and pushed McKenna in the stroller. I remember being so proud that the evening went off without a hitch and I managed both kids by myself.

We had a repeat performance tonight. The kids had a great time. What an awesome night. I wish they did it a couple times a year. (Megan, don't have a heart attack over that!) It is such a fun night and a great opportunity for the kids and parents. My favorite part is seeing folks that I haven't run into in awhile. So Megan, please tell all of the United Way Volunteers that all their hard work was greatly appreciated. We can't wait until next year!

McKenna always like the pony rides and this year Cooper had his first pony ride too.

After a turn on the bounce around we had a toasted marsh mellow with the Boy Scouts, said hello to the search and rescue dogs, had McKenna's face painted, and took a turn on the mats at the LARA gymnastics spot. McKenna showed off her best forward rolls, using no hands to stand up and even did her cartwheels for everyone. Cooper was again in for a treat tonight. He was allowed to go out on the mat with Mr. John (McKenna's gymnastics teacher) to practice his forward rolls. Poor Cooper has spent the past year watching idly as the kids are out on the mat at gymnastics practice. He was thrilled to finally get his turn!

And last, but not least...our budding fire fighters each had a turn with the fire hose. The object was to use the water to knock a ball off of the orange cone. It was especially fun that they lady helping them is one of my co-workers. Cooper pointed at the fire trucks a couple of times exclaiming, "Pappy fire truck" which kind of confused everyone. But we knew what he meant. In Cooper's eyes all fire trucks belong to Pappy or Uncle Kyle. Too funny.