Arrrrrrgh!

On Sunday we took Christian on a Pirate Adventure and he had a blast. It's located in Annapolis, MD so it's not too far away. It was most definitely worth the trip. The kid's get to dress up in pirate gear and go for a ride on a "pirate ship" on the Chesapeake Bay in search of sunken treasure. Here are some of the pictures.

Summertime and The Living is Easy!

A 10 ft. inflatable pool with filter - $45.99

Chemicals to keep the water clean all summer - $28.79
Miscellanious pool supplies including skimmer and vacuum - $69.99

And grass seed to use in the fall to re-grow the grass in the dead patch where the pool was - $19.95

Watching Christian cannonball and play in it all summer - Priceless!!!!

We bought this pool the second week of June because Christian was going to be off school for a week and I was going to be home with him. The weather report for the week was calling for extremely hot (90 degrees +) and humid conditions. I knew I'd go crazy being cooped up in the house with him all week and I also knew I'd be miserable if we had to be outside in that nasty heat all day long so Shane and I thought it would be worth the investment to get this little pool. We figured that even if we only used it that one week it would be worth it! Well, we used it that week and we've been using it consistently ever since. Shane and I even get in it! It's actually fairly easy to maintain and keep clean and the filter does a pretty good job although it's pretty slow. But, if we know we're going to use it in the evening when we get home we just turn it on in the morning before we leave and it is ready to go when we get home. Christian has even had a few pool playdates and everyone seems to have a blast. Cowabunga Dude!

My Dad

Well, another Father's Day has come and gone. As many of you who have lost a parent or close family member know, the grief over this loss is something that you just simply learn to live with. The saddness subsides and you put it away in place where it can be managed and you go on. Well, many of you also know that no matter how much time has passed or how far away you've managed to push that saddness that sometimes it just surfaces for some reason. It could be almost anything that triggers it; a news story on T.V., a song you hear on the radio, a found photo you've not seen in a long time or a special date or occasion. And even though I've successfully navigated the previous seven Father's Days, this most recent Father's Day was a trigger for me. And while I can usually shake these bouts off in a few hours or at most, a day, I just can't seem to put it away this time. Since Sunday my mind has been racing with thoughts of my Dad. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a blubbering mess of grief and saddness unable to function. I'm just acutely aware of how very much I miss him and all the little things I loved so very much about him.

So, I thought maybe if I blogged about it a bit and got some of it out, I'd be able to put it back in it's rightful place and carry on. So, here goes...

My Dad never set any world records, made millions of dollars, traveled the globe, made any great discovery or even graduated from college. He was a small town guy who never had a desire to be anything more than he was. And, it wasn't that he didn't set his goals high, in fact it was quite the opposite. The goals he set for himself were quite high and he met and exceeded every single one of them. At the ripe old age of 19 when he found out he was going to have a child he decided he was going to be a faithful husband and a father who would provide for and love this baby. And he did. He was a faithful and loving husband to my Mom until the day he died. And not only did he love and provide for that first baby, he did the same for the next five that followed. Pretty awesome goals for a nineteen year old kid!

He had a strong work ethic and was a loyal employee. He showed up for work every day, worked hard and did his job because he knew that people were counting on him. In fact, it was from work that the ambulance picked him up and took him to the emergency room on the day he died. Although, he had been having smaller heart attacks throughout the two days preceeding his death, he managed to wash, shave and dress in his uniform and go to work that day. Pretty determined man I'd say. Another goal achieved.

He treated my Mom with respect and kindness and told her every day that loved her before he kissed her good-bye on his way to work. They took care of each other and worked as a team. And after 20+ years of raising kids and being busy with so many things other than than themselves realized that even after all those years had passed and all six of us left our home that they actually still loved each other and had fun together. He knew he needed her and decided early on that he would foster their relationship and that regardless of the problems and mistakes that come about in every relationship that his love for her would be stronger than any of those silly things. His promise from the very beginning was to make this woman happy. Check off another one of those goals as achieved.

He had six separate goals for each one of his children. He understood that we were all different people and knew we'd all make different choices. Some of which he didn't always agree with but supported us anyway. One of the truly wonderful things about my Dad was that although we knew he always had an opinion he never gave it unless we asked for it. He was not judgemental. He taught us right from wrong and on those occasions when we did go wrong, to accept and take responsiblity. To learn from the mistakes, don't make them again and move on. He knew he had six little ones to guide into being decent, hardworking, compassionate people. My siblings and I all have our own different lives, we know how to love and we're all good people and most remarkable is we all like and care for each other. He, along with my Mom taught us how important we were to each other. They taught us the importance of family. Goal achieved x6!

My Dad wasn't perfect. I'm sure he drank way too much beer and smoked way too many cigarettes. He never went to church, he swore too much (even made up his own swear words), he drove way too slow and he'd never take my Mom on a vacation. He didn't see any reason to be anywhere other than home. But he loved me. He was always the first one to say "I love you babe" when we'd talk on the phone after I moved to Virginia. When I'd come home to visit he'd hug me so hard I thought I'd break in two and then he'd get so emotional he'd have to go hang out in his garage/workshop until he'd composed himself. Whenever I'd have a relationship end and be nursing a broken heart, I knew I could always call him for a healthy dose of "he was no good anyway", or "you deserve a much better guy than that goofball". No matter what went wrong, it was always their fault. And, let's face it, every girl needs at least one man in her life who thinks she is perfect just the way she is, that she is always right, and that she is the smartest most beautiful girl in the whole world. Thanks Dad!

You know I'm in no hurry to get to heaven. I've got way too much to still do in this life. But when it is my time I know I won't be afraid. It will be so nice to see your smiling face there to greet me and to give me one of those big hugs I miss so much. I love you Daddy and I miss you very much. Happy Father's Day!


When the Thought of You Catches Up With Me

It can happen any moment
Without reason or rhyme
It might be right around the corner
Or it'll come up from behind
A picture that I thought would fade
That I still clearly see
When the thought of you catches up with me
It can happen on a Sunday drive
The sky above a shade of blue
Headin' down some lonesome highway
Then you come into view
Mile after mile goes by
But you're all I see
When the thought of you catches up with me
When the thought of you comes to mind
It'll carry me away to a better place in time
It can happen in the dead of night
Or any day of the week
Sometimes you'll come find me
When I'm in bed asleep
And I'll have that dream about you
And I sure love what I see
When the thought of you catches up with me
When the thought of you catches up with me
When the thought of you catches up with me
*Lyrics by David Ball

Weekend Playdate!

Christian had a playdate with his "girlfriend" Megan on Sunday and they had such a blast that I had to blog about it. But first, a bit of history on this duo. Christian and Megan have been going to preschool together for the last two years and have been an "item" since very early on. Within the first few weeks of starting school together Christian has referred to Megan as his girlfriend and told us on several occasions that he is going to marry her. His devotion has never wavered.

The afternoon started with a game of dress-up. You know it's serious when he lets her wear his all time favorite Knight's costume!

Next on the afternoon's agenda was a trip to Lake Accotink park. We'd hoped to take them on a canoe ride but they were having a boat regatta and not doing any boat rentals on Sunday. The place was packed though and they had a bunch of other fun stuff to do. The favorite activity for these two was the water shower archway. I didn't think we'd ever get them out of it.

But the playground eventually sounded fun so off we went...

and would you believe it, there were two swings open at the same time so we commenced to swinging. For any of you who know Christian well, you know that he will swing until the cows come home as long as someone pushes him. Megan seemed to be loving it too.

Eventually they got hungry so we headed home where they dined in the front yard and then ran through the sprinkler for a while.

The rest of the afternoon was spent cruising the neighborhood in Christian's Jeep. I think it was Megan's first "car date" and was definitely the highlight. Christian even let her drive a few times.

Springtime!

Our weather is finally getting nice after an unusually cold springtime around here. So, the last few weekends we've been getting out and taking Christian "exploring". We're very fortunate to live very close (withing walking distance) to an awesome park in Fairfax county called Lake Accotink. In addition to a playground, mini-golf and an old time carousel it has some great hiking trails that go all around the lake. You can also rent three different kinds of boats; row boats, canoes and pedal boats. One weekend we spent a Saturday afternoon just hiking along the trails. We brought a snack and stopped along the way and took a break.

Christian, like most boys is very fond of sticks and rocks and...

bugs!!!! He was facinated by these piles of caterpillars climbing on the trees so I let him take a few pictures.


We also met a very interesting older woman hiking who stopped to talk to Christian about the caterpillars. She asked him if he like turtles and when he told her he did, she told him he should go down near the water's edge and look for them on the fallen logs in the water. She said there are usually lots of them sunning themselves in the afternoon. We ventured down near the water in a few different spots but no turtles to be found.

This past weekend we headed back to the lake and this time we rented a row boat and went for an adventure on the water.

We saw some geese. This one in particular seemed to be following us wherever we would row. I told Christian he was probably hoping we'd toss him some food.

We also saw this awesome crane. We tried to get as close as we could but this is as far as we got before he flew away.

We also finally saw some of those turtles that lady told us about and there were a bunch of them. They're pretty far away in this picture but there are seven of them here.

Christian loved being out in the boat. We weren't too sure if it would freak him out or not but he thought it was great. Next time he says he wants to get one of the pedal boats so he can sit in the middle and steer. Maybe this weekend if the weather is good.

Mission Complete & Five Things I'm Thankful For

We did it!!! I have to say it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. We completed the entire walk -- 26.2 miles the first day and 13.1 the second. Saturday morning started early. We arrived at our starting point at about 6:00 a.m., dropped off our gear and had something to eat.

The sun just coming up on Saturday morning

We met up with Cyndi shortly before the opening ceremony. We milled around a bit taking it all in. There were so many people! The number of walkers, we were told, was 3,500! Amazing!!!

Melissa, Cyndi and me just before the opening ceremony

The route officially opened at 7:30 and we were off and walking. The weather was turning out to be perfect. The sun was out and there was a nice cool breeze and not a rain cloud in sight. We were very happy about that.

All 3,500 of us just getting started

Feeling good at mile 1!

We kept moving along mile after mile taking it all in. Staying inspired by reading messages other walkers were wearing on their shirts about friends and loved ones struggling with this disease and those who have already been taken by it. We talked to one man who we saw walking alone with an 8x10 photo strapped to his back of lovely young blonde woman. As we walked up next to him Cyndi asked him who he was walking for. He told us he was walking for his fiance who had been diagnosed last July and lost her fight within 2 months. I asked what her name was and he told us her name was Karen. We assured him that we would be thinking about Karen as we walked too and he thanked us. A bit further along Melissa noticed a picture with a note worn by another walker. Her note read "Mom, I'd walk 1,000 miles if it meant I could spend just one more day with you". We saw many other pictures and notes like this throughout the walk and it helped us to realize how important what we were doing was. It really helped to keep us going.

Another thing that helped keep us going were the people along the route cheering us on, the cars riding by honking their horns and calling out to us with encouraging words. Several times throughout the route Cyndi's husband Dan, Melissa's fiance Ben, her sister Alli and Alli's boyfriend Gerome met up with us to cheer us on, bring us goodies and just talk to us for a short while. These visits were so awesome and they helped keep us going too when we knew they were going to be waiting for us at the next stop. I actually had some surprise visitors at mile 21 coming into Glen Echo Park. When we came around the corner just as we were entering the park there was my husband Shane and my son Christian. I had no idea they were going to be there and it was such a wonderful surprise.

Mommy and her little cheerleader!

Seeing them put a little spring in my step and helped to keep me going for the next 5 miles -- most of which was uphill. Although we were exhausted and sore we made it through the first day and arrived at the Wellness Village at around 7:00 p.m. Dan, Ben and Alli were there to welcome us and to take this picture of us.

The end of day 1 -- we finally made it!

We pitched our tent, had some dinner, showered and hit the sack. I never thought sleeping on the ground would feel so good but it was just nice to be off my feet. The next morning came bright and early at 6:00. We got dressed in our Day 2 walking clothes and then headed off to eat breakfast. It was fantastic -- scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, oatmeal, bagels... I definitely had a full belly. After we took down our tent and got our gear loaded back on the trucks we hit the road again. And, although we were heading back to where we started this was going to be a much shorter route thank goodness! For the next 13 miles we talked and laughed and encouraged each other to keep on going. And the encouragement of the crew was simply amazing. They kept our spirits high, our water bottles full and made us laugh along the way. Another thing I need to mention is the people who lived in the houses all along our route. So many of them came out to sit on their porches with their morning coffee to wave and clap and tell us thank you. Others set up tables or sat in chairs on the sidewalks handing out bottles of water, cookies, bagles, candy, popsicles, many of them with their children helping as well. I was overwhelmed by their kindness.

We finally got to the 12 mile mark -- only one more mile to go and we knew we were going to make it. I cannot tell you how good it felt. And then we saw the finish line and the crowds of people cheering and high fiving us and then seeing our friends and family at the end really was emotional for all of us. So emotional in fact that I didn't take one single picture of finish line moment!!!!! I know that others did, so when I get one I'll post it so you all can see how wrecked we looked! This was truly one of the best things I've ever done. The DC Walk alone raised 8.1 million dollars and I'm so glad I was a part of it. This money is going to help so many people and even save lives and that my friends is a "good thing"!

And, finally, I'll close this very long post with a list of the 5 Things I'm Thankful For:

5. The Port-O-Potty - when you're walking for miles and trying to stay hydrated, seeing a long row of these beauties off in the distance is like seeing an oasis off in the distance -- can you say ahhhhhhhhh!

4. Hand Sanitizer - see #5, enough said.

3. The Peanut Butter & Jelly graham cracker sandwich - I had never heard of them before this walk and I've got to say they are a little piece of heaven. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person in history to have walked almost 40 miles in two days and still gained weight!

4. Gatorade - dehydration is not your friend!

1. And, the #1 thing I'm grateful for is Body Glide - an anti friction and chafing balm because blisters are not your friend either! I came away from this experience completely blister free because I used this.

To all those who contributed, thank you, thank you, thank you. Because of your generosity so many people will be helped, newly diagnosed, survivors, and their friends and family. You have done a wonderful thing and for that I'm am truly grateful. You were all with me every single mile of the way!

Update on the Avon Walk Training & Preparation

Well, the Walk is less than a week away now and I'm feeling a bit nervous and anxious. My walking partner Melissa and I did a final endurance walk on Friday -- 22 miles in about eight hours! I have to admit we were feeling a bit beat up by the end of it but after a hot shower and a good nights rest we both bounced back pretty well by Saturday.

Thanks to many of you, I've exceeded my fundraising goal so a big "thank you" to all. Below is a picture of some the words of encouragement that a few of you sent along with your contributions -- thank you for those also.

If you'd still like to make a contribution, it is certainly not too late. Just click on the link below to go directly to my "personal page" to contribute.

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/WashingtonDC?px=3855872&pg=personal&fr_id=1430




This week I'll spend some time packing my gear -- hoping not to forget anything but I'm feeling pretty well-prepared. Not much left to do but hope for good weather. It would really stink to have to walk 40 miles in the rain! I'll do an "after the Walk" post as soon as I get a chance. Stay tuned.