Really? It's been over a month since I updated my blog? How'd that happen. Oh yeah, it's called life and responsibilities..........four kids (and a dog & a cat), a job, house on the market, variety show to plan, chores & errands, and now the computer is in the boys' room...........that's means very little extented computer time for me. HOWEVER, my heart is breaking tonight and I want ya'll out there in cyber-land to know about this amazing little girl Maddie James.
Her story simply touches my heart, WAY TOO CLOSE to home. You see, she has a brain tumor; Amanda even has the same doctors. But Maddie's tumor is inoperable and fatal. She is only given months to live. I am counting my blessings and hugging my kids extra tight (with a super-squeeze for Amanda!) and trying to spread the word. Let's help Maddie's wish come true.

She loves the ocean and even chose Hawaii for her Make-A-Wish trip. Her parents are trying to raise funds for the Dana Point Ocean Institute's new learning center. Maddie wants to 'help them build it!' and that is where you come in. With a donation, we can all help her dream come true. I'm sure any amount will be graciously accepted....$10--that's a couple of fast foods meals; $25--that a few cups of Starbucks....what can you cut out for a few days in order to help this precious little girl. She only has a few days left to enjoy the simple pleasures that we take for granted. You can go to http://www.maddiejamesfoundation.org/ for more information.

I pray for peace for this family. They are living in a place that I thought I might be (for a few days while we waited for pathology results); a place that no parent should ever have to be. I am so sad and hope that we can all make Maddie's dream a reality.

Despite all the parenting books out on the market, there TRULY isn't a parenting manual out there. So much of parenting is about using what works; using common sense; and then hoping for the best. Just like every child is different and unique, parenting is much the same. What works for one child (removal of priveledges) simply doesn't work for another. And even better yet, what a parent deems as appropriate changes over time as well. My mother-in-law has said many times "oh how the mighty crumble" when edicts have been made by parents and they simply change their mind and/or change a rule completely. Many of these rules are set by people BEFORE they even have children......'my children will never be allowed to ________' and my child would never behave that way. Yes, sit on the mighty throne and set all the rules you like because when you actually become a parent you too will crumble.

However, there are certain things I had said before having kids that I have stuck too. For example - 1) I never put fruit punch, soda, or anything of the like in a baby bottle. Eeew, why? Yes, they were allowed the pleasure of a McDonald's orange soda, but they had to do it through a straw. 2) Bedtime has always been important. I love sleep so it was pretty important that my kids get a routine and good sleeping habits. Did that mean I co-slept? Yep    Did that mean we've had bedtime battles occasionally? Yep  Did that mean they are still good sleepers? Yep    and 3) I would not be a short order cook and make multiple meals-in-one to keep everyone happy (and picky).  The kids have evolved over time about expanding what they eat, but I never did play the 'I want this' game for dinner. Does that mean we've never had a appetizer buffet for dinner? Nope  Does that mean I'm a food Nazi? Nope Do I let them help me meal plan? Of course Do I let them eat cereal for dinner? YES; but only when I can have Corn Pops and Apple Jacks right along with them!!!

Like tonight, I'm sick. Collin is working. So by the time, I got kids shuffled to activities and helped with homework I was beyond done. Body Aches. Exhausted. So it was a cereal night. Who wants a germy Mom cooking them food anyway???? It's not like I packed them a Mountain Dew and Oreos for lunch. (Yes, a child at the school I work ate REALLY HAD a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.....6th grader.....true story!)

That right there is one thing I can add to my WILL NEVER HAPPEN list...............number 4) I will never pack my children a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.

Now excuse me while I doze off to Nyquil land when my children are still awake. What was that rule about bedtime again?

I've mentioned before what an amazing person my friend Nicole is. Well, I wanted to give her a little shout-out again because she just celebrated a VERY SPECIAL birthday. (We'll just leave it at that; I'll be nice and not mention any specific numbers because I'm still older than she is.)

She likes to do these little list things on HER blog when birthdays come up in her family and she even stated a few things that she loves about her life in celebration of her own day. I thought I would make a little list of my own to wish her a happy birthday and tell the world what makes her awesome:

1) She was literally my right hand when I lived at the hospital with Amanda.
2) She can bake and she shares all the goodies with me & my family.
3) She remembers the little things that make people unique and special.
4) She is insanely talented with both dancing and singing.
5) She is an amazing mother -- gentle, patient, creative, and loving!
6) She is a master of movie quotes.
7) She loves to laugh. (with me and at me!)
8) last, BUT NOT LEAST, she is a zany sports fan too!

Happy Birthday to Nicole --- Me and all-o'-ya'll-Halls love you very much!

Want a hit for dinner???? Try this---
Tortilla-crusted tilapia (from Costco; my family eats the WHOLE box)--13min. in oven at 425*; wild-rice blend (from Henry's) boil for about 35-40 until done [while you prep the salsa]; MAKE THIS PINEAPPLE SALSA! (I leave out the chili peppers & I used dried parsley instead of cilantro b/c that's what I had on hand).

Let's put it this way...........I'm lucky I have a little bit of rice and some salsa as leftovers for lunch. Happy bellies all around! Although I can't say FULL bellies b/c Sean is already scrounging for some else to eat; he's almost 11 and is a bottomless pit. Heaven help me!

A little glimpse of life, with pictures, woot!..........Last weekend, Collin went on a boys' weekend hunting trip with his friend Dale. He has guns that he had gotten recently from one of his co-workers. So in combination with him prepping for the trip, shopping for camo gear, and going to the shooting range to set the scope (or whatever you call it), the kids have been very interested in what he's doing. Meaning, guns.
I am NOT a gun person. Never have been. But with a husband who grew up hunting and target shooting, who am I to say that we can't have them when they are stored safely. We've had guns in the house forever. We have a gun safe for the guns and the ammunition (if we even have any) is in a separate locked container in a separate location. The kids didn't even know about them until a couple of years ago.

So, with all the trip prep, the kids have had a couple of lessons in gun safety recently. Lots of talk and hands-on about making sure it's unloaded; how you hold it; etc. I observe and never do the hands-on part. ....shudder... It's really interesting to see how interested the boys are; they just are. The girls pay attention but haven't wanted to 'get into' it like the boys. I'm sure it's because it's a 'be-like-Dad' thing but I find it intriguing.

He went on his merry way to freeze his butt off while I stayed home and held down the fort. Regular routine of life and such = work, errands, kid's activities, cleaning, sick-kid care and cooking. Made a nice batch of barbecued shredded pork that the kids adore; chicken stir-fry that was divine; some swiss steak that the kids would likely choose to never eat again. ...shrug....you can't win 'em all!

Collin had lots of COLD quiet time and didn't kill Bambi (thank goodness!) and managed to make the baggage check-in lady at the airport laugh. Imagine the lady's surprise, when she opened his gun case and found Camelia red beans and Community coffee surrounding his guns. Only in New Orleans! He (and all his tasty goodies)  made it home safely with Sean mostly recovered from his flu. Now another one is down for the count, poor little Ian............

Off to catch up on laundry with hopes that little dude with nap.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! 2011; damn, time flies. I'm gettin' old and all that..........
I hate being an absent blogger. I don't mean to be; I have tons of random posts running through my brain but I never get around to putting channeling my thoughts to the computer.

The kids and I had a nice time in Phoenix, AZ for a few days. We visited my friend Sandee and her kids; went on a hike (and got snowed on; haha, my SoCal kids thought it was ash at first!); and just chilled out (literally; it was freezing!). School is back in session and I'm still on my bandwagon of cooking and healthy eating (for the most part). I have shared some yummy tidbits on my Facebook and folks have asked for recipes so I'll try to occasionally create a post for it to share with you all.

First up, Jambalaya -- I must apologize because my quantities aren't exact and it's sorta an eye-ball/consistency thing too; apparently my mother-in-law has taught me well.

Ingredients: one pound of cooked chicken breast (I boiled one bnls/skls. and kept the broth)
                  one pound of smoked sausage (1/4" slices, browned in skillet)
                  one pound of shrimp (I used frozen, pre-cooked [I hope this doesn't make my Louisiana friends   and family dis-own me!])
                  1/4 of an onion (diced)
                  two stalks of celery (diced)
                  some fresh parsley (chopped)
                  two cloves of garlic (minced)
                  bit of olive oil (or better yet, bacon drippings!)
                  14-15oz. can of petite diced tomatoes (all, do not drain)
                  six cups of liquid (water, chicken broth, etc.)
                  1-1/2 cups of uncooked rice
                  seasonings: dash of tabasco, couple of shakes of Tony Chac. cajun seasoning, bit of fresh ground  pepper, sprinkle of salt, shake of cayenne pepper (ya get what I'm sayin')

Procedure:  In a large Dutch oven, saute the onion/celery/parsley/garlic in the olive oil. While that is going, cut and brown the sausage; boil the chicken; etc. Once the saute of onion is done, add the can of tomatoes, and four cups of liquid. Remove chicken once cooked and cut up into small pieces; pour pieces & broth into Dutch oven; remove sausage once browned and dab off the excess grease, pour sausage slices into Ductch oven. Add shrimp and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes or so. After the flavors blend, add the uncooked rice and two cups of water. Simmer 30-40 minutes until rice is cooked. (Stir regularly; keep an eye on the water content b/c the rice will absorb it during cooking; recipe should be be too dry nor too soupy). Voila!! Serve with french bread. So delish :)

I hope that made sense. It really is super easy and SO GOOD. Comfort food. Let me know what you think. Tonight I'm making potato/corn chowder with salad (and rolls; no roll for me though: I'd rather fill up on soup!) I'll let you know how it goes.

So Christmas has officially come and gone. I have pictures, not uploaded just yet, but I'll share soon. We've had a nice time playing games, figuring out all the techy-type gifts and eating fabulous food with delicious snacks BUT
I call this time the post-Christmas fall out. It's just a blah time for me. Ya know, kinda like laundry day after coming home from vacation; the vacation was great but settling back down is a bit of a buzz-kill. I guess it's the lack of insanity with all the hustle, bustle, excitement and the preparations/shopping/wrapping/etc. being done. It's the constant trash pick-up of packaging tidbits; small parts to games; and then the if-I-have-to-sweep-one-more-pine-needle craziness. Although I am looking forward to jumping onto the organization bandwagon and decluttering clothes & toys (again!), I can't wait to get the tree down! Tomorrow (Monday) I am going to work with the kids and get their bedrooms done so we can get the tree down during the Saints game. Does that make me a Scrooge? I just want a sense of peace and when my house is clean and mostly clutter-free I am at peace.

Maybe I should have asked for a cleaning fairy for Christmas???

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; a Southern California Christmas --- beautiful clear skies about 65*, just perfect. Yesterday I was a wrapping fool and I managed to wrap w/o anyone sneaking in for a peek. Still have a few left but nothing that is overwhelming. I just wanted to share some pictures of the what it looks like around here........

 This is only 1/2 the house but it's a sample of the insanely tall tree that Collin decorates. You can't see the other tree; part of the yard; walkway. The rain has put a damper on him finishing the lights; makes for a grumpy Mr. Griswold.

 Grandma Hall's gifts; the kids can hardly keep their hands off even though I told them it was OK to eat the candy canes.

 The stockings are hung..........

 The cookies are made.............

 A Christmas with Scrooge has come to an end (our school 'family of friends' minus Skylar)

 but there remains more cookies to be made-- Chex Muddy Buddies; Chex Chili/Garlic Mix; and FUDGE!!! Ooooops, almost forgot to make the five cups/ambrosia salad for tomorrow. And coke-jello salad.

We'll head to church for Christmas Eve service; have some yummy homemade carnitas for dinner today and spend the evening playing games and watching 'It's A Wonderful Life'; tomorrow is the main event. Collin's prime rib, yorkshire pudding, garlic mashed potatoes, and more....

The only thing missing is extended family and SNOW.

BUT, in the words of Tiny Tim,

GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas to you all

Can you feel the hustle bustle of the city???? Yes, It's Christmas Time (not yet, let's get through Thanksgiving) in Londontown again!!!!

Thanksgiving time means so many things these days. It's truly a hustle and bustle like no other. Maggie and I have Scrooge rehearsals, Sean/Amanda/Ian are playing basketball,  and OF COURSE the turkey is in the fridge thawing while I shop for the ingredients to my favorite meal. We are cooking and my friend Sandee will be joining us since her kids will be with their Dad.

It also means SHOPPING for me. In the past I have prided myself on being finished with Christmas shopping BY Thanksgiving; not giving in to the sales and tempting holiday releases. Times have changed with me working and our finances being stretched. So, besides grabbing a stocking stuffer here and there I haven't really gotten much accomplished. I'm going to make a good effort to peruse the sale papers and make a shopping list, but the thought of getting up at oh-dark-thirty and fighting people who are hyped up on Starbucks isn't exciting. I am a happy shopper who understands that parking will suck, lines will be long, and product is limited SO MERRY CHRISTMAS PEOPLE; be nice and is losing the spirit of Christmas worth a few dollars, I think not.

For Collin, it means his annual transformation into Clark Griswold. He started thinking about lights and strategies for electric cords weeks ago. He even trimmed the tree out front b/c he wanted to make sure the lights would show up nicely. The majestic pine-type tree that he has procariously decorated from our rooftop for years has grown at least 6 ft. this year so I'm not sure how he is going to do it. (at least I don't WANT to know how) I mentioned NOT decorating it this year and he took it as a challenge. Silly, man. Yes, we have insurance. The notes we get from people saying 'you made our Christmas' and 'thank you for bringing some sparkle to our holidays' makes it all worth it. I'll update when it's complete so if you live near by you can drive by and enjoy his masterpiece.

In the meantime, I'm going to practice my lines and make a couple of things for tomorrow. Sandee will make her famous deviled eggs; Collin will do 'most' of the cooking. I'll make cranberry sauce and a pecan pie later today. What is your must-have favorite on Thanksgiving?

However, even with the hustle and bustle, I will NEVER forget where we were last Thanksgiving. I will NEVER forget to be thankful for health; the miracle of medicine; and the many blessings that God has given our family.

And I thought I was doing so well with getting back onto the bloggin' train near the end of September. Then I blinked. And now it's almost mid-November.

Let's see --- Amanda celebrated her 9th birthday; I celebrated a birthday; we had our 15th anniversary; we had Halloween; we did school book reports; we had Scrooge auditions; we had football and we are transitioning to basketball. Our house came off the market. And, I got something called A JOB! And Jerry Brown is governor again (I wish I was kidding about the last part.)

And my world has been rocked.

Yes, I know, women have been working mothers for years. Well, I HAVEN'T. I have been unemployed for 12 years. I was Queen of my Household Kingdom or whatever crap you want to call it. I was just starting to hit a good routine with volunteering, grocery shopping, meal planning, homework help, and all that comes with keeping the house going/ being a wife and mother. And it all came tumbling down.

I LOVE MY JOB. It's the best of the school world w/o the added stress. I get to work with the kids; help the teachers and get paid :) BUT I have quickly figured out that going to sleep 'early' is mandatory to get up at 6:30am. (bye, bye TV time....already deleted Private Practice from the cue; will likely give up on another show soon). Errands and house cleaning take up the bulk of my time when I'm not doing all my other responsiblities. Egads; it's a crazy shuffle. I am SO grateful that I am able to work around my kids' school schedule but we are all adjusting.

So that's where I've been. Online time is RARE, but I do have Facebook on my new Blackberry so I try to read a little here and there when I'm in the carpool pick-up line or find myself with a few minutes at a sports practice.

Already thinking about the yummy food plans for Thanksgiving while I think of quick-and-easy breakfast for my kids on school days; while I think about the healthy snacks I need to bring for grab-and-go at work; while I about what's for dinner the rest of the week; while I think that I should probably make my kids some lunch.  Multi-tasking at it's finest.

I'll send pictures soon, but that requires more time so don't hold your breath.

Question: What is a hot commodity?
Answer: An umbrella in the Hall household (one that isn't broken)

See, in SoCal, umbrellas aren't really used very much. Well - they are if you count their use for sword-fights, battles in the hose and fort building while they play Survivor. Finding one that WORKS properly when it is actually needed is nearly impossible.

Now that means I have to set foot into Target. GAH.......I'm hoping they have a little display right up front b/c my budget does not permit browsing.

So, it's the first day of October.

• Thought I could like of something profound or at least entertaining, but I got nothing. Nothing but strange, red blood shot eyes......they don't hurt, I got good sleep the last few nights, not painful, only slightly itchy. Things that make ya go hmmmmmmmmmm.
• Worked Volunteered in the library for a few hours today. I think that puts me at 10hrs. in there for the week. I find myself wanting to read lots of random kids' chapter books now; I might even try the Kingdom Keepers series.
• Ian is about to lose one of his top middle teeth. Catch-22 for me -- PLEASE lose the tooth b/c it is so gross; please don't lose the tooth b/c it is all big teeth and growing too fast from here on out.
• Amanda's birthday is quickly approaching. She is difficult to shop for.....she IS Punky Brewster. Ugh.
• Sean survived his history test; hopefully he'll have the grade soon.
• Maggie isn't thrilled that after back-to-school night I now have met her teachers and I know how to retrieve assignments and grades. That girl. Ay-yi-yi. (shocker (not!): her music teacher thinks she's going great.)
• We are having the strangest weather...........it was 110 over the weekend; has cooled into the 80s and daily there are random thunderstorms in the area; YET, it hasn't rained at my house. Loving that fact that I actually have to check the weather.

Oh lookie, I just created a blog post, albeit boring. Maybe I need to give you my opinion of Survivor this year. Maybe not.

Let's call this post Fifth Grade, Third Time Around
I remember very little about fifth grade. I remember I had Mrs. Kleppner. I remember that I did my first social studies/fair project on the Pyramids at Giza and the horrible time my Dad had cutting the triangles so they would fit together properly. I remember fifth grade was hard; reading comprehension issues made every subject a challenge from word problems in math to class speed reading with a little machine thingie on the board. I always failed those reading this/answer questions sections b/c I could NEVER keep up much less comprehend what was going on. Somehow I managed b/c my Mom wasn't one to help me with school work. If my brother couldn't help me with math, I was screwed. (THANK YOU Dale for being a good brother!)

The state standards are getting pushed into younger age brackets; they are doing some pre-algebra stuff as far as I'm concerned. Here in CA, 5th grade is hard too. Maggie made it through 5th grade well enough. And here we go again - Sean is in 5th grade. His teacher is awesome and a guru about organization and responsibility. Sean gets the pre-algebra stuff and seems to 'get' math overall. (thank goodness!) BUT (you knew there was a but!) he struggles with reading comprehension as I once did. So I'm delving into US History once again. I'm learning that I certainly didn't truly learn a lot OR I've forgotten a ton (I'll wager a little of both, but I did remember the capital of Kansas!). Sean has his first history chapter test tomorrow. We've been going over his study guides, re-reading the chapter and reviewing vocabulary. He is allowed a notes page so I'm typing it for him. There is such a fine line between feeling like I'm doing too much and letting him handle it on his own. I'm just not one of those sink-or-swim kind of Moms I guess. (I had one of those.) He can sit in the pool and tread water forever but he can't learn to butterfly if he isn't helped along. kwim? I absolutely WILL NOT do the work for my children (book reports, dioramas, science fair projects, etc.) but I feel like it's my job to guide them and help them along. He has studied and written out his notes page but I offered to type it for him so he will have it more clearly written. He told me how he wants it laid-out and how to outline stuff. All I'm doing is typing it b/c he has sports commitments.

So tell me, is typing it for him wrong? It's a notes paper. It's not a state project that he has worked on for six weeks and was expected to type himself. He has studied; he has written notes. I sat with him and went over the chapter/sections to make sure he got the BIG PICTURE. ( he tends to have a hard time analyzing stuff)

Am I fretting over this because my Mom didn't do a thing for me academically? (especially as I struggled to even tread water sometimes) She didn't go to parent teacher conferences, ferpetesake.

I am untying some apron strings with Maggie now in middle school. I'm letting her spread her wings (even if they need to be clipped a little). I want my kids to be confident learners so I will continue to guide them academically.

Just for today, I will be grateful that we have groceries and healthy food to eat; many people go hungry.

Just for today, I will be grateful that I have an education and can help my kids with their homework; no matter how tedious it may be.

Just for today, I will be thankful for my home (that is STILL on the market); some people have no shelter.

Just for today, I will be appreciate my four healthy children; just one year ago, one was VERY UN-HEALTHY.

Just for today, I will enjoy the Monday Night Football game, even though the Saints aren't in it (and they lost yesterday).

Just for today, I will SAVOR and appreciate the fact that I have AIR-CONDITIONING; many folks don't have a/c and today is simply miserable w/o it.

I have a clever football post, but since Blogger is not letting me add the photos once again. I'll wait until I can add them.

For now, I'll post about Maggie. You don't hear about her much so I thought I would share a little about what she's been up to. two words = MIDDLE SCHOOL! She started 7th grade on Sept. 2nd; she walks to school with friends; I have yet to be at the school once (and we are starting week three). It's a whole new time of adjustment for all of us. Not knowing who her teachers are and what she is 'really' doing during the day is weird. I'm at the elementary school so much that I know who is where at any given time; now, she is just out there in some mysterious land called MIDDLE SCHOOL. I'm anxious for back-to-school night so I can meet her teachers/ put a face with a name/ learn about their expectations/ and find out where her locker is. (b/c it's ALL ABOUT THE LOCKER, ya know)

She has re-connected with many friends that she has had from different activities that she didn't attend elementary school with. She has switched from trumpet to french horn in music; and loves it. She just finished participating in Oklahoma at our local community theater. Overall, she is learning to appreciate sleeping in (that's MY girl!), probably watches too much tv, and loves junk food. (sounds pretty typical, huh?) We butt heads a lot but that's probably b/c she is such a carbon copy of me.

And now I would like to formally apologize to my Mother...........Mom, if I was half as difficult as Maggie is to shop with, please accept my apology. Store choices, style choices, color choices, fabric choices, texture choices, $$$ choices - it's enough to make your head spin. And don't forget the game of  'it's too tight; it itches; it feels weird' when Mom suggests something that the daughter hates. I'm so sorry for being a pain.

I think Maggie forgets that I was once 12-1/2 too! Little did I know that I was walking away with a piece of my Mom's heart when I walked off to the bus stop each day.

You know your house is on the market (and you have a showing) if:
1) you can clean for five hours and you still can find little things to nit-pick and never be DONE!

2) you put apples on the table as a decoration when you ALWAYS keep them in the fridge b/c I hate room temp. apples.

3) you consider clearing the kitchen counter a success by dumping the mail and school papers into a plastic grocery bag and stashing it into the pantry (for sorting during Monday night football).

4) you think 'mopping' the kitchen floor with a hot, soapy dishtowel is perfectly acceptable.

and THE BEST ONE YET:

5) you stash the CLEAN dry laundry waiting to be folded INTO THE EMPTY WASHING MACHINE b/c it's out of sight :)

Sssshhhhhhhh.........did you hear that? ....................it's the sound of QUIET. Beautiful, soft silence. No television, no radio, no washer, no dryer, and no bickering children. It's sorta weird, yet peaceful.

School started last Thursday, but today was the first real day with no one getting out early or having to be there for late start. I didn't speak to one person today (I'm not counting Collin on the phone) until I went out to get a key made for Maggie. I'm not really a hobbit or anti-social, but I've really tried to step back on volunteering and the opportunities I have said 'yes' to haven't started yet. Just trying to manage the household; run errands; meal plan; and be less frazzled for the kids in the afternoon.....I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts. I even walked to the dog! I know all of our days won't be like this when assignments and projects hit into high gear.

For now, I'm off to make dinner and pretend I have perfect clothes & hair like June Cleaver. I'm probably more on the level of Debra from Everybody Loves Raymond though. (disclaimer: my mother-in-law is awesome and has actually taught me how to cook!)

There is one thing you should know about me by now; I'm a BIG football fan. Have been for years, but with my boys in the game now too I love it even more. Today was our big day -- certification and the Pep Rally. We do it all: logo stickers, tattoos, hair paint, clothing; I had face paint but ran out of time. Here is Amanda = Super Fan in the stands, ready to cheer on her brothers.

Sean is on Clinic Gold this year -- he's #12 and apparently too cool to give me a real smile. I still got his dimples.

And Ian with his super cool head coach/ aka Dad.

After meeting the teams, the 8th graders saluting their parents, watching the cheerleaders, and listening to Derrick Mayes briefly talk, we watched a short Kenny Chesney video linked with his song, The Boys of Fall. It is excellent (and it's bonus that Sean Payton is in it!)

Saturday's might be filled with blue and gold lightning bolts. BUT make no mistake, Sunday's are all about black and gold and fleur-de-lis -- WHO DAT!

So ----
in case you were wondering:
1) yes, we are moving. The house is on the market. Where we will end up is unknown at this point? For today I am focusing on maintaining the house and just enjoying the rest of the summer.

2) Amanda's MRI is Monday (8/23) with doctor follow-up in the afternoon. THANKS to everyone who has been so supportive over this time.

3) Football is in full swing. It's all football all the time with some travel baseball and Oklahoma theatre stuff thrown in.

4) The Pacific Ocean was 59* yesterday. Cramp-your-feet kind of cold! But the beach was still awesome. Even better that Sean packed the food/drink bag and all the beach stuff while I finished getting the house ready for showing. Planning more beach time next week b/c that's how we roll.

5) Book suggestion --- Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping --- great little math problem solving book while still being about that silly monkey family. Fun read aloud.

6) Another trip to Goodwill today -- that's five in about two weeks. I feel ten pounds lighter. Why is my butt still big?

My darling girlie.......Miss Amanda has come so far. Her independent, fiesty spirit has gotten her through so much over the last year. This time last year she was having lots of headaches and I thought it was because she needed glasses, so I scheduled an eye exam. Oh, how wrong I was. Still don't forgive myself for waiting.

I recently made her a scrapbook detailing her journey. She doesn't remember some of it; it's really interesting to hear her perspective on some things (especially since she couldn't talk for a while). This season on So You Think You Can Dance there was a dance that was choreographed that represented the choreographer's journey with his mother's illness..........it moves me everytime I watch. My heart just melts b/c it brings me back to Amanda's bedside; watching her struggle; and the two-steps-forward-one-step-back that recovery brings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm6MidMyFe8

Soak in the amazing dance that it is and then go hug your loved ones.