Fall Wardrobe Wish List

Oh, Emerson Fry, how I adore your designs. This outfit is on my wish list - from the coat to the fabulous shoes. I am so ready for sweater weather! The heat index is going to hover around 100 in these parts today. But, by the weekend, there will be a 30+ drop in temperature. Can't. Wait.

P.S. - Thank you, friends, from the bottom of my heart for all of the wonderful comments you left for me in my last post. I so appreciate your kind words of support!

Image from Emerson Fry, via Facebook

Best. News. Ever.

Hi, friends!

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but you're well aware of what's been going on in my life. So, here's a breakdown of recent events.

I finished chemo July 5. I was so happy to receive word that I was finished with that process. Next step, surgery. So, on Aug. 13, I had a double mastectomy with expanders for reconstruction. Let me tell you, that was a doozy of an operation to undergo. I was in the hospital for two days and then spent some time recovering at my parents.

Then the news yesterday that I've been waiting to hear since my diagnosis: NO MORE CANCER!!! That's right, my pathology report revealed that the cancer is no longer in my body. I can't tell you how blessed I feel. I had my follow-up with my plastic surgeon today and he removed the drains, which meant that I could return to my house and gain a little more independence.

For the next few weeks I'll visit the plastic surgeon for check-ups and the "fill" process. Dr. D. says he's going to make me perky! Seriously, if I have to go to hell and back, I'm going to get a nice set of "girls" out of it! I still have to face radiation, but that's down the road. I have plenty of healing to do from the surgery. It's just nice to have a bit of a break between procedures.

Thanks to all of you who have wished me well, sent prayers and notes of encouragement. It means the world to me.

Happy Wednesday!!

Remember: Good things are to come

Happy Friday, friends!

Thought of the Day...

To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.

~Confucius

Happy 4th of July!

Happy soon-to-be Independence Day, friends! How will you celebrate this festive holiday? A day at the pool and fireworks at dark? A barbecue with family and friends?

Unfortunately, it looks like we're going to have a soggy 4th in these parts, but that won't stop us from eating in traditional 4th of July fashion!

I love this image of Miss E. from a past Fourth of July. Our old neighborhood used to have a bike parade followed by snacks on Fourth of July morning.

Have a safe and fun Independence Day!

Images from Martha Stewart Living and A Place to Dwell blog (property of)

Dare I say it? A mini van?

Remember these guys from the "Swagger Wagon" video? A satiric rap featuring hipster parents trying to make mini vans look cool. Is that possible?

Mmm, not according to this bovine.

As much as I enjoy driving my Audi wagon, it lacks the backseat leg room for growing kids. And, as they get older and want to do more things with friends, we're limited on how many kiddos we can cram fit in the car. So, I'm seriously considering a mini van.

Never had I thought I would utter those words, but when you're a mom of two active - and quickly growing - kids, at some point, it crosses your mind.

So, dear friends, I'm reaching out to you for opinions on mini vans and other SUVs. Did you trade in a less practical car for a mini van? Were you happy with your decision? If not a mini van, did you buy a larger vehicle that can transport four or more passengers in the back seat area? No, I'm not giving birth to more children. But, I recently wanted to take my kids and two of their friends to a movie. Alas, I didn't have enough room because no one was old enough to sit in the front seat, and I couldn't fit all four in the back.

Please share your thoughts on this topic - would love to hear it!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Images from Are You Finished Yet? blog

Summertime at the Pool

In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there."

Have you had time to lounge at the pool this summer? I've only been twice, compared to last summer when we basically lived at the pool; of course, things are very different this year. Because of the chemo medication I'm on, I can't get a lot of sun exposure, although I basked in it this past Saturday. Probably too much, but it was wonderful. We've joined a new pool and the kids are loving it because so many of their friends go there. They're not doing swim team this year (praise be to God), so it's nice to just go to the pool for fun and not have to endure an all-day sweat-fest that is a swim meet.

Happy Monday, friends!

Photo by Perry Guillot, via Tory Burch's blog