Another Goodbye

I am not sure if I will ever get used to the Wilmot's visiting and having to go back to Indonesia without me crying.

They arrived on Father's Day and left this evening. I guess there is never enough time with cherished friends. The "Bonnie" wine is gone, so I guess I should have known they would be heading back. The girls are "maturing" faster than we want to admit. Maia is not far behind. I look back at photos and see the "children" they were to the young adults they have become, Bonnie & John should be proud.

They are heading back to an unknown diplomacy of a third world country, Papau. I have more admiration for them than anyone I have ever known. It takes a certain person to move a family from "normalicy" to "WTF", is the only way to put it. The outlook on life of their children is completely unmeasured by any child raised here in the USA.

Break out the sarongs and koteka's....I love you!

Roots of Friendship

A few months ago I wrote about a woman I met in the doctors office. She was just about to undergo a mastectomy. I can remember the fear in her eyes, as I once to had the same blank stare.

I received a telephone call from her after I met her. She just had her surgery and was full of questions. Jenny and I talked for quite awhile. While we chatted about cancer related topics, issues, etc, it seemed as if we had known each other forever. It was a comfort you find in lifelong friends. I have often thought maybe life works backwards. You meet people at their worst phases in life to have things only get better. I am looking forward to many shared times with Jenny and Mike. They are a remarkable couple! We thank the both of them for a wonderful time at the Keith Urban Concert.

July Birthday's

Since Shelby turned a year on July 1st and Rich's birthday is the 3rd, we had one celebration. Shelby enjoyed her cupcake and Rich's face enjoyed the birthday cake. The kids get a blast out of squishing Rich's face in his birthday cake. They look forward to it every year.

We were delighted to have Bonnie, Kate and Sydney be there as well. They arrived back in the states on Father's Day. Thank goodness for skype or I would have forced her to take a weekend away to catch up.

Fundraising

Since Rich and I signed to walk the 3 Day, fundraising has begun. I have been lucky enough to reach my goal. Anthem Mobil 1 has once again stepped forward to do car shows, Save the Boobs was a hit and we are also collecting in front of Walmart at Happy Valley and Anthem over the summer months. The economy has hit everyone hard, but cancer has no economy. We thank each of you for all the support you have given us. The next large fundraiser will be October 3, 2009 at Ironwood Golf Course in Anthem. Hope to see you all there!

Dad & Karla's Visit

School is out and the grandparents came to visit. The kids enjoyed time with Nana & Pop-pop. Chase, Rich and Dad took a few hours at the gun range to test out a few guns. Nana took time to read and play games with the girls.

We sat poolside and watched the kids try to drown Pop-pop...always good for a few laughs! It was even funnier trying to watch Dad attempt to get on an innertube...love you Dad!

Dad and Karla treated us to a spectacular dinner at Roy's. The food, drinks and desserts were scrumptious(not that I am partial). After dinner we wandered around the resort to burn off calories!

All I feel we do is eat on vacations...isn't that what they are for? Jeremy and Jill cooked up a killer dinner on Sunday night. Filets are best done by Jer! Yummy!

Celebrity Fight Night

I rarely get the chance for many once in a lifetime experiences. Rich and I had our moment the end of March. I attended Celebrity Fight Night at the Marriott. John Bon Jovi was the headlining act, but the other musician were just as remarkable. All the proceeds from the even go toward the Mohamad Ali Parkinson's foundation. Reba was the MC for the evening. David Foster, Kurt Warner, Jordan Sparks, Forest Whittaker are just to name a few of the participants.

Afer the show was over, we headed back to Roy's for a post party. There is were I experienced my husband speechless and drooling for the first time. His dream came true to meet Reba. Christopher Rich, Melissa Peterman and Josh Groban were also there to socialize. I can't even put into words the evening we had, but we will cherish it forever. Thank you Bob!!

Mother's Day

Looking back at last Mother's Day, I was laying in bed wishing for death. This year I enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Tea at the school with Maia. She made an adorable bonnet and served great desserts. The children then did a skit about Mom's and sang a few cute songs. I was glad to be able to enjoy such an wonderful day.

I spent the rest of Mother's Day with my mother, Jill and Sue. We spent the day doing facials, pedicures and manicures. We made face masks out of yogurt, cucumber & mint. Soaked our footsies in buttermilk, lavender and grape seed oil. And then soaked in lavender infused Epsom salts....can you say no stress! The men cooked us a fabulous fillet mignon dinner and dessert. A great ending to a Spabulous day!

7 Year's

Maia turned the big 7 on April 21st! Rich and I took Maia and Olivia to Sweet& Sassy to celebrate. They received the full pampering. Pedicures, foot rubs, sparkles. They felt like queens. We then went to Sauce for a yummy dinner and ended the night with the request of Dip-N-Dots. They are growing to fast!

Birthday in PA

Yep, March 16th...I made it to 37!

Maia and I headed back to PA to visit my Dad and many missed friends. Gina, Terri, Chris, Liz Kathy and I enjoyed our garlic fest at Paolo's in Northampton. God I miss good Italian food!! What I really miss is the camaraderie. Stuffed and smelling like garlic, we headed to the Legion where time stood still. Conversations carried on as if I left PA last week. Bridgett and Butch are still heartwarming as ever. We reminisced about the old days and the craziest of times. Jimmy and Greg bicker like they were brothers...nothing a few shots won't cure! I wish I could transport them all to Arizona.

Terri and I took a drive to Schaeffer's Harley Davidson to say hello to Sven. He had no idea I was stopping by, so he was really surprised. Terri and I then decided to indulge ourselves with a cheesesteak at the Port Clinton Hotel. It was the biggest steak sandwich I have ever seen! Washed it down with a cold Yuengling...ahhhhh.

The following day I drove to New Jersey to see the Reidinger clan. The Reidinger children have grown! The last time I saw them they were all babies. They have all turned out to be beautiful young tweens. This was the first time Maia was able to meet the entire family. It was a great time for all of us. Cousin Richard and Aunt Stephanie even drove in for a visit. I must say...it was great to indulge in great Italian food...thank you Lisa and Scott for your hospitality. I wish we could all be closer, but we cherish the time we spent.

Sunday I spent time at the Adam's house. I really enjoyed just hanging with friends, laughing and catching up. Especially after a long year prior. Gina outdid her self with a great chicken dish...still waiting for the recipe!!! Maia and Maddy played until they dropped.

Not that I can ever get enough Italian food....Dad and Karla took us for dinner at their favorite restaurant. Maia had the experience to see REAL pizza being made. I had the indulgence of garlic once again......no vampires on this trip!

We spent the remaining days just hanging out with Dad and Karla. Maia climbed trees, not cacti. Nana let her drive the tractor and feed the fish. Fresh air will make you sleep like a baby before heading home.

Did someone mention Italian food?