Finish the Sentence (and Dad update)

Today I'm linking up with Holly and  Jake for finish the sentence.

 

** before I start...for those of you following my Dad's most recent bout with cancer--an update for you.  He met with the Oncologist last friday and is scheduled for a biopsy on his lung today.  I'm not sure what I"m hoping for--short of a miracle.  We will get the results Tuesday and discuss treatment options hopefully soon after.

Ok...here we go...

Unlike my sibling(s) (that I love very much)....  I have a full time job (outside of being a mom).  Not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing, but definitely makes life a little easier to have extra money coming in.

 

My best friend says... we are more like sisters than best friends.  We have lived together twice (during college and after) and have been friends since we were in Brownies together.  Given that we're in our mid 30's now...that's a long time.

 

People call me...  around 4pm when I'm driving home from work because that is my only free time to talk.  And yes...I have a hands free device. 

 

I most often dream...  is that my tooth is falling out.  Crazy...  I wake up feeling my teeth with my tongue for hours after.  It really freaks me out.

 

The best part of my day...  is watching my kids run to me when I pick them up from preschool (before the whining starts).

 

I really don't understand...  some parents.  My 4 1/2 year old's friend's Dad told her yesterday that her and her friend should quit soccer because they aren't good at it.  Needless to say...we are furious.  Not to mention--my kid has scored a goal at every game (and even if she didn't--that's not something you say to a little kid).

 

I get really annoyed... when my kids won't go to bed (and stay in bed at night).  I on the verge of slipping them some benedryl (ok, don't call CPS, i'm not serious-though the thought does cross my mind on occassion).

 

There's nothing like a...  fountain coke to start my morning. 

 

Lately, I can't get enough...  of the Voice!  Besides looking at Adam Levine (Which is reason enough to watch in my opinion), the talent is great.  So much better than American Idol.  And...I'm loving Shakira and Usher as judges!

 

One thing I am NOT is...  a good cook.  My poor husband now cringes when I try a new recipe I found on pinterest

 

 

I spent too much money on...  junk (literally) for my kids.  I"m such a sucker. 

 

I want to learn.... to sew, but I seriously lack the motivation to thread the bobber thingy and learn. 

 

If I ever met Bobby Flay, I would... ramble and mumble like a complete and total idiot.  Oh wait...I did that. 

 

 

I can't stop... this feeling any longer....and yet I'm still afraid to let it flow....what started out as friendship has grown stronger....I only wish I had the strength to let it show...   A little REO Speedwagon this morning for you :)

 

Never have I ever...  been camping.  I don't understand the fun in sleeping on the ground and using public bathrooms. 

 

Reese Witherspoon...  is still a great actress.  I still love her movies.  She just made a mistake...let's all move on.

Wednesday SIsters- Book Review

Amazon's description reads:

Five women, one passion, and the unbreakable bond of friendship

When five young mothers–Frankie, Linda, Kath, Ally, and Brett–first meet in a neighborhood park in the late 1960s, their conversations center on marriage, raising children, and a shared love of books. Then one evening, as they gather to watch the Miss America Pageant, Linda admits that she aspires to write a novel herself, and the Wednesday Sisters Writing Society is born. The five women slowly, and often reluctantly, start filling journals, sliding pages into typewriters, and sharing their work. In the process, they explore the changing world around them: the Vietnam War, the race to the moon, and a women’s movement that challenges everything they believe about themselves. At the same time, the friends carry one another through more personal changes–ones brought about by infidelity, longing, illness, failure, and success. With one another’s support and encouragement, the Wednesday Sisters begin to embrace who they are and what they hope to become, welcoming readers to experience, along with them, the power of dreaming big.

I finally finished this book last night--which was great timing as we are having the first book club meeting at my house tomorrow.  Overall, I really liked it.  It is similar to Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons (which I also liked).  The characters were all very likable.  I related a lot to Ally and her struggles with infertility.  I could also relate to Frankie and her ambition (yet her reluctance) to follow her own dream and write a book.  I found Brett and her white gloves to be totally intriguing.  I was so happy when she finally took them off!  Linda was outspoken and brave.  I couldn't really relate to her as much as she was probably considered a feminist back in those times.  I liked her though.  She was honest and strong, yet you got to see her vulnerability through her fight with breast cancer.  Kath frustrated me.  For someone so smart, I was annoyed that she stayed in her marriage.  I get that times were different back then, but I think she sold herself short and she could have ultimately found someone better.  Ultimately, the thing I liked most about the book was their bond.  I like that their friendship wasn't formed in high school, but in a park.  I love the way they supported one another, specifically their support for Linda on the Johnny Carson show.  To me, that is true friendship and it was so great to read about.

I would definitely recommend this book.  While it took me a couple of weeks to finish (I didn't find myself staying up late to read it), I enjoyed it.  I laughed...sometimes I wanted to cry...and I really connected with all of them.

Do you have any book recommendations?

Trendy Tots...Throwback...Mia Style Spring and Summer

Trendy Tot Tuesday is a chance to talk about kid's style.  I don't know about you, but I LOVE kid's clothes.  I'd love to have my daughter's wardrobe!  Include pictures of your cutie in your favorite outfits or just pictures online of clothes you like for your child.  

This is a hop-style link up - please follow your hosts (Lindsay, Kelly and Megan), and this week's guest host - ME :).  

If you're a tweeter or instagram-er, use #trendytot

This week, I'm showing off some of my favorite summer outfits of the past.  I love summer clothes for little girls!  Here are a few throwbacks of some of my favorites from Mia's closet. 

Gap kids always has some super cute summer clothes

Mia and I both wore chambrey dresses that day.  Ignore the weird face she is making. 

White summer dresses are always adorable!  I loved this while linen dress from Gap

Another favorite from Gap...ignore my big prego belly.  This was taken when I was 36 weeks pregnant with Pax

Love Gymboree's cute sundresses too.

What are your favorites from the past?

This week's TOTW is "Little Lady" from www.lovelaughterandlipstick.com.  Seriously, how cute is this little girl?  I love her hair and those shoes are adorable! 

What do I do?

  I'm linking up with Jenni today from Story of My Life for Blog everyday in May.  The question today is What do you do (for work)? While I think of my main job as being a mom, unfortunately, it doesn't pay the bills so I also work full time in Human Resources.  I am a WorkLife Coordinator and Employee Relations Specialist.  It's kind of an oxymoran as I help employees by managing programs that help them balance their work and home life and I also serve as a representative for management when disciplining employees for performance and/or conduct issues.  As a worklife coordinator, I manage programs such as telework, childcare subsidy, health and wellness, drug free workplace, and leave programs (FMLA, leave bank, and leave transfer programs).  I also plan events and lunch and learns to help employees stay healthy and be successful at work.  My most recent lunch and learn was about eldercare.  I have 2 more coming up this month.  I'm sure that doens't sound super exciting, but it's my job and it pays the bills (mostly).  I am very fortunate to still have a job in this economy. So...what do you do?    

Flashback Friday: College Graduation - My Dad

My Dad has only come back to MD a few times over the years (3 total that I can think of).  Once was in 2000 for my college graduation.  Though it wasn’t that long ago, I only really have one memory from that day (other than being totally bored during the ceremony).  My memory came from my mom. She told me that my Dad paid her the best compliment that day.  He told her that she had done a great job raising me.  That is such a huge compliement to both my mom and to me.  He also gave me an amazing gift that year.  He made me a scrapbook and filled it with pictures of me through the years.  What an amazing, sweet, and thoughtful gift. 

  SSU Graduation, 2000.  Me and my Dad

Dad, Me, and my mom. 

The scrapbook my Dad made me. 

Calling all Cancer Survivors...

I've been thinking for 2 days about what to write today.  I have so much on my mind.  I'm sorry if you are getting sick of my posts about my Dad, but this is my outlet.  This is my therapy.  Today my Dad is meeting with the surgeon.  Tomorrow, he is meeting with the Oncologist.  If you are one of the handful of people who know me IRL and know I have a blog, then you know I don't take anything sitting down.  I fight for what I believe in and what I love most in this world.  When given bad news...I do 2 things.  First--I try to find a solution...a way to fix it and 2- I find a way to make something positive come out of it. 
With that said...I need a "fix".  I've spent 2 days doing research.  In addition to whatever treatments that the Doctor's offer, I want to also try other methods.  In short...I want to exhaust ALL efforts.  I found some information about flaxseed oil and cottage cheese helping with cancer.  I also found cases where garlic has helped to shrink and stop the spread of cancer.  Has anyone had any experience with this?  Do you have any other remedies that you would recommend?  Before you comment, please note...I do not and will not interfere with any treatment offered by his Doctor.  We will run everything I come up with by his physicians first.  We will not do anything without their approval.  I'm just looking for options.
Thank you

Dad meets Mia.  Taken in 2008 after his 1st surgery to remove colon cancer. 

March for Babies 2013

Last weekend, we participated in the March of Dimes, March for Babies for the 5th year.  This cause means so much to our family.  It is one of the ways we choose to remember our son, Parker and a way to show Mia and Paxton how much they are loved.

Before the walk... 

The cape was Pax's idea

2013 family picture MOD

The had lots of games...  Clearly Pax has a good arm!

He's strong too...

Meanwhile, Mia was dancing....

We also made a quilt square

and a t-shirt (or 3)

This year, we walked for a few children!  It was such a great opportunity.  I was so thankful to walk in memory of our son and my friend's daughter Sydney...but also for healthy children (Mia, Paxton, Abby Leach, Smith Lawlor, Abigail Smith, and Zoie and Thomas Cheezum).

During the walk...and just to set the record straight as I know Chris reads this...he pulled the wagon most of the time.

We did it!

Thanks to all who donated and all who have participated in this great cause!