Our birthday boy

Gracious I forgot to post the pictures of the birthday boy so here we go ...

... chocolate satin birthday pie ...

... and new defense lacrosse stick with Mt. Carmel's red color ...

It's quite hard to believe it's the end of January as we are having such Spring-like weather.  I even laid by the pool for a bit this afternoon and enjoyed every minute soaking up the sun and beautiful day.  To say I desperately needed a bit of solitude and tranquility is an understatement.  The last week has been very busy as I adjust to our new routine and my lack of freedom!  On an amusing note, the kids now have their cell phones back as a couple times of inconvenience for Mark and suddenly they could have them again should they need to reach us. 

Thursday night we were surprised to go to our family support group and see Ryan.  The last Thursday of the month a group of guys from the recovery house come down to interact with the kids and families and show there is recovery happening among the young people.  Ironically it was his 8 month mark of the day he was taken up there.  The families who have known us these last two years were amazed at the change in him and the level of confidence and maturity he's achieved over these last 8 months.  It is always sad to say goodbye but especially emotional to do when they are on "home" turf.  Connor was quite upset and cried as we walked to the car. 

Mark continues to do his workshops and meetings for his lacrosse referreeing.  Today he had a four hour clinic which he said was very good.  Hopefully he'll like it after all this studying and effort.  He told me it was very hard to squeeze in his car and dentist appts with all his Mr. Mom duties tho!  The kids are both off today doing things with friends. 

Have a great week! 

Happy news!

Just a quick note to report that my biopsy report came back benign with "fibrous changes" noted.  Hopefully this won't become an annual event but I'm quite happy and relieved.   I'll post pictures of the birthday boy tomorrow!

Life on Shoal Summit

The weeks just seem to rush by and things are busier than ever.  I started my new job on the 12th and am very much enjoying it.  It's both challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding.  The individuals I work with are great and have made me feel very welcome from my first day.  It's all still a bit surreal as I get up and ready each morning but we're all getting more into the routine.  Mark has handled the ortho appointments, teacher meetings, taxi service, and Costco runs (which he likes a little tooooo much).  He continues to sub when called, studies for his referree clinics, and to work with an executive search firm.

My biopsies went well but I am very, very happy to have that behind me.  While the procedure itself wasn't something I'll jump at doing again, it was more the length of time (3 hours) that it took than the pain level.  The radiologist has sent the report to the doctor however, despite my calls, they haven't had the courtesy of telling me what they are.  Monday I intend to bring that to an end.  My shingles are gone with only a tinge now and then of back pain. 

Tomorrow is Connor's 15th birthday which he's been planning on for the last three months!  Truly no child gets more excited over a birthday than him!  He already got his lacrosse stick so hope it's not a disappointing day for him.  His birthday pie is ordered and he hasn't decided where he'd like to celebrate dinner.  Stay tuned for pictures of the big event!

Catching up

Before too much more of 2012 goes by, I thought I would take a few minutes and catch up on what's new with us.  We were fortunate to be able to have Ryan home for the evening prior and Christmas Eve day.  We celebrated our Christmas then and Sunday simply attended church and enjoyed a turkey dinner.  He continues to do well and the kids had a great time being together again.  Santa was good to them as always.  My sister and nephews spent the weekend with my parents so we were able to Skype which the kids loved.

Ry with his new shirt and Prada cologne ...

Connor got his gold Cal jersey and iPod ...

Kelleigh got a Kindle and Wii game (plus clothes) ...

Enjoying the warm morning outside with Grandma ...

Mark got his Cal Memorial Stadium picture wiith a piece of the bench from the stadium that is currently being renovated (and the Samsung tablet he'd opened weeks earlier!) ...

With Ryan ...

Crystol with Josh and Jake ...

and my parents ...

Before the holidays began I had interviewed for a position at Francis Parker School assisting the Director of Extended and Student Services as well as the Director of Fundraising.  It was a perfect fit from the corporate and school positions I've held over the years.  While I wasn't seeking to return to work, it's an opportunity hard to pass up although I admit to struggling with the idea of giving up my freedom!  I am to be formally offered the job this week so Mark will soon be assuming the role of Mr. Mom.

After the holidays I began having terrible back pain and thought I had a pinched nerve.  When nothing would cease the pain, I went to Urgent Care and was given muscle relaxers.  When they did nothing, I got a doctor's appt as I suspected I had shingles.  They confirmed that was so and the back pain was where the virus had settled causing the rash and pain throughout the nerve path around my hip and down my leg.  The meds have helped tremendously and each day the pain is less and less.  As if that isn't enough fun, I had a second mammogram and ultrasound when the first one came back indicating further evaluation was needed.  The follow-up results showed two masses in my left breast.  On the 17th I will have a stereotactic biopsy procedure done to see what they are.  I pray they are just calcifications although I can't say I'm looking forward to this procefure (YouTube has a great video on the procedure should you care to look!)

Connor and Mark attended his football banguet yesterday.  He enjoyed it and each player received a booklet with pictures of them from the season as well as their League Champions t-shirts.  Afterwards they went and bought his new lacrosse stick and head.  He's very excited to pick that up today.

Mark has been busy getting websites created for different things and attending seminars at the executive search firm that was one of his severance package benefits.  He also has decided to referee lacrosse so will be attending their certification classes soon.  He's developing quite a diversified resume these days!

I think that brings me up to date!  More as life unfolds ...