OMG! It's been a little bit since I've even logged on to my blog! So what's going on in my life. Well, basically work, work, work, kids, kids, kids! No rest for the weary! My kids are loving school. They're both getting straight A's and perfect attendance. Luke LOVES to read! He loves Magic Treehouse books and read one on Abraham Lincoln. He now loves to learn about ole Abe! So, we went to the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield last weekend. He loved it! He loves history! That's my boy...as I do too! I love that he loves to read! ON the same day we went to Springfield, Dallas and Jack head up to get a side by side. He bought it off of e-bay. So, I suspect we'll have some good times this summer!

What day is it?

After being sick since Thurs afternoon...I'm not sure what day it is. I have missed out on the entire Labor day weekend. Sinus infections..who knew they could be so killer...mine likes to go to my chest and ended up doing quite a few breathing treatments. Thank God for my parents who came to my rescue sat afternoon and came and got the boys so I could rest. Dallas had gone on a big ride and he did offer to stay home..at the time Ifelt ok and he had his heart set on going. About 2 hrs after he left...it quickly became evident that i couldnt. Dad came and got the boys for a few hours. Dallas has been great keeping boys out of my hair the rest of the weekend...he is a good man..love him! Not sure whatI would have done anyway since it rained all weekend..even though we desperately needed it. I felt awful because I didnt make it to my great aunts funeral since I was sick. So back to work tomorrow...right? It will be Tuesday, the day after labor day. Ugghhh! Having said that I really can't stop thinking about a private practice! It will happen..just gonna take some time. Today would have been my buddies birthday! Tammy hope you celebrated big up in heaven. If she were still here on this earth I think I would have taken her out to eat, some shopping and maybe a pedi! So many great memories of her! We became best buds in 5th grade b/c teacher had us sit together..thanks Mrs. Burgener! Love ya buddy!

Wow! It has been a long time! Just wanted to update on my Dad's leukemia, he is doing really well. He's still working and going to his fave...Bluegrass festivals! Maybe I'm really glad he isn't doing the chemo. He goes back to see his dr in September and doc will check his blood of course and see where his numbers are. The boys started back to school on August 13th. Jack started Kindergarten. He acted like it was really no big deal though..after all he did go to 2 years of Pre-K..he big man on campus! He likes it though, however he is so tired in the evenings. Luke is in 2nd grade and of course loves it and his teacher! I think he's going to be my fashionista though..he's so worried about what he wears some days and wanted his hair "spiked" the first few days of school. I had to buy him some hair gel...really..he is 7! But I did...I actually thought it was pretty cute that he wanted it done. The summer flew by so fast. Our vacation consisted of a day to Holiday World. Wish we could have done more, but my work tends to be very busy in the summer and Dallas gets very limited time off. Here's some summer pics:

The boys with the neighbor's baby coon--JC!

Jack being goofy with his swim goggles!

walking around the pond early one morning..it was very serene!

When life throws you lemons....

It seems as if life has thrown a few lemons lately. We're trying to figure out a way to make lemonade out of those lemons, but I'm not sure it's possible. On Friday, April 13th, my Dad was diagnosed with leukemia. Wow...not expecting that! He's doing rather well, despite the diagnosis. It's Chronic Lymphocitic Leukemia. Not as aggressive as acute, but still it's Leukemia. His dr. said it's not cureable, but definitely treatable. Here's where the major lemons come in: Dad does NOT want to do chemo. To say the least I'm angry about that. I'm trying to remain optimistic that he will change his mind, as the dr. said it's a very mild chemo. Dad recently spoke with another patient who has the same diagnosis as he and was a little more optimistic after talking with that patient. Dad just turned 73 on May 2nd. He still works 40+ hours a week at Doll's. He's feeling good, and loves coming the boys' baseball games. I think we, as children of parents who seem like they're made of steel, never think the day will come when the big "C" word arrives or that something will happen to your family. But it does. I've had so many thoughts going through my head, that it feels like it could explode. Family support is great...if you have people who get along that is. It's no secret that me and my younger sister do not get along. (yes, there it is in black and white for all the (blog) world to see)...'m not sugar coat anything. Anyway, that could be a whole other blog story...not gonna go there at the moment. Lost our babysitter a few weeks ago. Long story short..it was a good thing! The boys are happier...I am happier! On top of the above stuff, it's almost end of the fiscal year at work. That means prepping myself for the over $50 million in projected cuts to the Mental Health System. It seems as if the MH system is going to hell in a handbasket..and fast!

Vegas Baby!

Dallas and I took a trip to Las Vegas! It was wonderful! Here's a few pics....

Yes God, I'm listening...

God, he's funny, he works so subtly and sometimes a smack upside the head.....

So today I read an update of a CaringBridge journal that I read as soon as there is an update. Brandy Lewis-Will, who was suffering from lung cancer for over the past year or so passed away today. I did not know her. I only knew of her. I learned that she was such a strong, courageous and optimistic person, even though she probably knew cancer would be her demise. I admired her so much. I doubt I would have even had even close to the amount of courage and optimism she had. She was around the same age as I and had 3 children and a husband. So sad. So sad that she will not get to see her kids grow up, go to Prom, graduate, get married, see her grandchildren. Cancer sucks!!!!!! May she now rest in peace.

Life is too short...I need to really realize that!

It's been a while....

...therefore..here comes a bullet post!

*Another wonderful Christmas has come and gone
*Dallas and I are headed to Las Vegas in February...I can't wait!!!
*The boys are growing like weeds and never cease to amaze me...they are wiz kids on video games..both can play a mean Wii and Nintendo DS game no problem..while mama sits in amazement like wow, wish I could do that! Ha!
*I really think Luke could read War & Peace no problem..LOL! Really, he's an excellent reader! And so far is making straight A's in First Grade!
*Jack is doing better at listening. He's very strong willed and when he gets his mind set on something, it's his way or the highway..but he is getting a little better. He got his own Nintendo DS for Christmas (no more fighting over Luke's) and a pair of boots that he is so proud of!

*November 20-25 I was hospitalized with pneumonia. It was horrible. I'm better now. Thanks to all who helped us out while I was in the hospital...thanks God for my parents!