Tomorrow is our 17th Anniversary! It's the first prime number anniversary we've had since 2005. Woohoo, that's got to count for something!

There are no "traditional" anniversary gifts between 15 and 20 years. I guess after 15 years of wedded bliss we're supposed to stop getting excited each year, and start just living in 5 year blocks? Not that we've ever paid attention to the suggested gift ideas, I still feel entitled to them and it's like we've been robbed.

Thankfully, there are still "modern" and "travel" anniversary gifts for this year that we can ignore. (They are "furniture" and "North Carolina" respectively.)

Anyway, as always, I'm glad and grateful to be married to Davin. He's a wonderful man, an amazing dad and my best friend in the whole world. I love you, Davin!

Labels: family, holiday

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  Sorry I haven't blogged in a little bit, I ran out of town last week on the train (awesome way to travel!) and I've been in Iowa helping my sister through some bad stuff. Not the least of which was a surgery to remove her gall bladder yesterday.

The surgery went well, but they were having a hard time getting her pain under control afterward. She's on some pretty serious painkillers every day after a series of botched surgeries in the military, so the stuff they were giving her just wasn't helping. And they were insisting that nothing else could be done, and that Julie just needed to relax. I'm a big believer in relaxing and breathing and all that, but there's a point where that's just not going to help, and Julie was long past it.

I turned into the Nurse's Nightmare, and pretty soon they had a cocktail that knocked the pain down a little, and allowed her to sleep. Then I just needed to make sure they were getting them on board on time all day, but they were really good about that. I wasn't quite as bad as this scene, but I was ready to go here if needed. (That part of the movie always makes me cry.)

Then, in the midst of dealing with all this, we got word back from Sage's biopsy. Her growth was the kind of birthmark I'd suspected, and he recommends surgery. The good thing is that there's no cancer in it right now, thank God! So, I'm at the hospital dealing with two sets of surgeons all day...

To add to all that, Davin called to tell me that the reason the dog keeps throwing up is that there's something metal obstructing her intestines and she needs immediate...wait for it... yep, surgery! It turns out she'd eaten a jingle bell AND a magnet and not only was her intestine obstructed, it was perforated. They expect her to be OK, it looks like we caught it right in time.

So, I need to set a surgery on the calendar today for Sage, and go get Julie from the hospital. And, Davin's picking up Kaywinnet from the vet.

So, it's all good, but it's all overwhelming, too. I need a minute to have a nervous breakdown, then I'll get back on track!

Labels: family, medical, pets, travel

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  "Your mama don't dance, and your daddy don't rock n' roll."

How can they know that? Do they see me?

:-/

Labels: family, music

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  I'm not dead!

You know you've been neglecting your blog when your dad calls to check if you're still alive. At least he didn't call the local police and send them out for a welfare check, although that would have been blogworthy!

I've been busy here and there. My big news today is that I've walked 100 miles in training for my MS Challenge Walk in October. Go donate money if you want to help out :-)

Of course, 100 miles doesn't seem like a lot when I think of all the miles my brother probably RAN in boot camp, but I'm still excited.

Speaking of, he graduated! He's a full-fledged U.S. Marine. Isn't he handsome?



And here is a photo of the homeschool project I was talking about earlier. The kids all dressed up and gave speeches as if they were famous people from history. Of course, they played a little fast and loose with it here and there, as you can tell from Blackbeard's light saber.



From left to right, and in order of time period: Cleopatra, Boudicca, Queen Zenobia, Mulan, Joan of Arc, Blackbeard, Susan B. Anthony, Juliette Low, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Frederick Libbey, Christopher Robin Milne and Andy Warhol. (Mine were Cleopatra (Maya), Joan of Arc (Sage) and Susan B. Anthony (Anya).

Afterwards, Anya (Susan B. Anthony) asked if she could be someone with a weapon next time, because her "Votes for Women" picket sign was of little use against Blackbeard and Joan of Arc when the speeches were over and the kids went out to goof off.

Finally, she and her special friend Sam (ie Andy Warhol) reverted to being zombies in an attempt to thwart their armed colleagues.



Yep, homeschooling at its best.

Labels: family, homeschooling, military, MS Walk

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  is reporting to Parris Island today for boot camp. He will be a Marine, like my dad.

We won't know until near the end of his training what he will be doing, or whether he will go straight off to Iraq or Afghanistan. Since he's my brother, I obviously want him out of harm's way! But, he's a tough, smart kid, and I think he'll do well where ever he ends up.

I am very proud of him, and I can't wait to see photos! When I do, I'll share them.

Labels: beloved corps, family

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  Yep, Wednesday is our 15th anniversary. It's hard to believe! I've actually known Davin for more than half my life.

We got married when I was 21 and he was 22. Now that seems so young, like we really were just kids. But, obviously we had enough on the ball to pick each other and get settled down. :-)

We're going away for the weekend, I'll tell you all about it when we get back. That is, unless we're all sick. If you're the type to pray, would you pray that we'll stay healthy? I'd appreciate it!

Labels: family, holiday

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