Patrick is a Tiger Scout

Patrick had his first Cub Scout den meeting this Sunday. We had just gotten back in time from Camp. Patrick seems excited about it and likes his den. Jason was an Eagle Scout, so it was a given that our children will be in scouts, too. We went to the scout store yesterday and purchased his uniform & his Tiger Scout handbook. Patrick is excited about his fundraiser, which is selling popcorn. I am looking forward to the scouting year because he will get to have fun Daddy time & make new friends. His first scout event is this Saturday: a fishing rodeo at Oak Mountain!

Camp Smile A Mile

Abby on the pontoon boat

Sarah with her new friend, Copper the camp dog

I already wrote about our stay at Camp Smile A Mile on Abby's Caringbridge site, but I wanted to write about camp from my perspective. I was blown away by the dedication & thoughtfulness of the staff & volunteers at camp. They are amazing. They do so much to make the trip unforgettable & just perfect. From our welcome there to our special goody bag they sent home, they personalized everything to fit every families needs. Besides tons of Camp SAM stuff like T shirts & car tags for us, they also sent us home with a handmade quilt for Abby & stuffed monkeys for all three kids. (A monkey is Camp SAM's mascot.)

They had activities & crafts arranged for us so that we got to bring home special pieces that we will treasure forever. They had an instructor from Corks & Canvas from Montgomery come & teach a painting class to all the Moms. I brought home my very own still life flower masterpiece! Our big family craft was a bench that we made together & will finish painting here at home.

It was especially touching that nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers & docters from clinic & from 4 Tower volunteer their time & come to serve the families & children. I can't believe how dedicated they are & how much of themselves they give. I don't know if I could do what they do. They absolutely are angels.



Many of the volunteers have been touched by childhood cancer & that is why they have chosen to serve at camp. Trust me, when Abby is off therapy & her disease is inactive, we will definitely be serving at camp. I pray that one day when Patrick, Sarah & Abby are in their teens they will be counselors.



It was great to see Patrick & Sarah getting some TLC from their counselors & making some new friends. I have felt guilt since Abby's diagnosis because so much of my energy & comforting goes to her. I am grateful that they got to feel special this weekend.

Here is a link to more pictures from this magical weekend. http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=39455&l=0d44d&id=605729855

Homeschool Highlights: Week Three Continued

Would you believe they have a baby computer game at the library???

Back to school picnic at Homewood Park: Patrick is in the relay race.

Sarah on our blanket eating our picnic lunch

Abby with her friend, Luke. They are 1 day apart!

Luckily one of our homeschool Dads owns a snowcone machine business!

Homeschool Highlights: Week Three

Cooking class: American Flag Cake

Reading about Betsy Ross with Principal Daddy

Field trip to the library

Kandles for Kids

Tonight we went to Kandles for Kids. This is a celebration honoring children with cancer. September is Children's Cancer Awareness Month. Kandles for Kids is sponsored by several intities like The American Cancer Society, Camp Smile A Mile, and our very own Clinic 8 from Children's.

The event was held at the base of the Statue of Liberty at Liberty Park. Even though it was still warm, the kids had a great time. There was face painting, balloon animals, stomp rockets, bubbles, cupcakes, Mayfield icecream and live music... Good times.

There were also very sobering times. Several speeches were made; by parents, survivors and doctors. Then 48 names were read for the 48 children from Clinic 8 who have passed this year. They released white doves in their honor & we all lit candles. While we stood in a circle they played "Angels Among Us." Those of you who know me well know that I have the ability to cry at anything, but I assure you I was not the only one openly crying during that song.

Every time I feel down or anxious about Abby's disease, all I have to do is think about those parents and families who will never get to hold their babies again this side of heaven. I have said it before and I will say it again, "I look around the clinic waiting room and we are the luckiest family there." Tonight I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Here is a link to more of my pictures from tonight: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38572&l=27386&id=605729855

Homeschool Highlights: Week 2

Making rice krispy treat snakes to go with our Adam & Eve study

Rolling out the "snakes"

Field trip to Hoover Veteran's Park

Daredevil Abby just had to go down the big slide with brother

Sarah's first day of preschool

I can't believe Sarah is old enough to start preschool! She will be going Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-1 at a local church where Patrick went also. She is wearing a dress my Mom made for her. Doesn't she look cute? We are about to go pick her up. I can't wait to hear about her day!