This past summer I pretty much put my camera on rest mode and blogging became sporadic. I was starting to feel like every time we headed out for some family time out came my camera...I realized I was missing out on all the fun and the girls were growing before my eyes. Although I love love love photography and have no plans to stop, my girls would much rather have me present then behind the lens. Of course I will continue to photograph my kids but no longer will I let it interfere with family fun!! I have seen how quickly my boys have grown and I want to savor every moment while the girls are young...the best snapshots will be forever placed in my heart.
I brought along my iphone and a point n' shoot to Livi's party. I took very few pictures but instead spent lot's of time playing games and laughing. Yeah I know, the pictures suck but we made some fun memories and I don't think I had ever laughed so much at Chuck E. Cheese.
Chris was the King of guitar hero with quite a fan club surrounding him...Justin figured out how to out smart one of the token games and land 20 tickets every time (all that money spent on college finally paid off). Kenny enjoyed a few of the kiddie rides. Amanda and Ashley seemed to like the shooting games.... Livi ended up with thousands and thousands of tickets (thanks to her brothers) and brought home lot's of Chuck E. Cheese junk....and I learned that my husband is a proud member of the Chuck E. Cheese fan club..yep, who knew we were VIP's!!! Guess where Chris will be having his rehearsal dinner...come on, my husband has coupons!!!!!
Livi wanted a spider-man cake this year...with some hot pink icing and some sparkle. You can't see it but we added a little sparkle to the sky and the edging is hot pink (even though it looks red in the pictures). I do love Livi's "beat to her own drum" personality.
Justin and Ashley's wedding is 1 1/2 weeks away. Everything is falling in to place nicely. Dresses fit(no double spanx needed), shoes bought, jewelry bought and hair,toe,nail appointments all made. We are ready to roll!!!!
Justin got promoted to Senior and we learned today that he has passed the last part of his CPA exam!!! Things are looking up for the happy couple.
Our home is filled with lot's of happiness but also much sadness. My mom wanted so badly to see her grandson's walk down the aisle. It breaks my heart that she will not be able to attend the wedding. My dad is truly incredible. He is coming to the wedding but will leave right after and not attend the reception..he does not want to leave my mom for very long. I grew up knowing that my parents loved each other but it has not been until lately that I realized exactly how much...my dad never leaves my mom's side.
A few weeks ago my dad had hernia surgery. It was outpatient. My son Kenny came home to help care (do the lifting) for Grandma. My dad was not home more then an hour when he blacked out..he was not able to keep anything down, he blacked out a few more times and we finally called 911. Before the Paramedics entered my parents room, Ken warned them of the situation they were heading in to. There in the bed was my dad, so pale and sick...lying next to a woman weighing only 54 lbs, on oxygen and no clue as to what was going on around her...unable to move any limb on her body and so stiff and in pain...my father refusing to leave his dying wife because he needed to stay home to care for her. The paramedics had tears in their eyes as they tried to convince my dad that he really needed to go to the hospital. Finally my dad said "OK". My dad ended up staying the night in the hospital.
I look at my parents and think "what an amazing love story".
Yesterday the nurse from Hospice informed us that my Mom is in what they call the"actively dying" stage. I have never gone through anything like this before so I was not sure what the nurse meant by that...I had to get out of the house...I just couldn't listen to any more. I am trying to be strong but some days, it's not so easy.
I know this is one long post and if you read all of it...wow!!! Life is crazy and no time to blog any more...school, homework, dance is now 4 times a week and then add in weekend craziness!! People popping in and out all weekend...We have the football package on the dish so Sunday becomes a day of lot's of food, football and a few arguments (my husband, father and boys all like different teams) but I wouldn't have it any other way!!!! That's why we're referred to as "The Nuthouse".
2 comments:
Oh Colleen...such a bittersweet time in your lives right now. You are always in my thoughts as I know exactly where you are walking right now on this path with your mom. I love the love your parents have for eachother...such inspiration! You're all in my prayers.
I love reading about your family and the fun you have..We have not been in CC in such a long time. I do miss my kids being little and going there.
I think of you and your mom a lot. It was 4 years last week since my mom passed away from cancer and it honestly is just as hard today as it was 4 years ago. Hugs Hugs Hugs!!
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