2011 Relay For Life

My mom and I went to our captain's meeting last night and I left feeling very encouraged. I have felt a little overwhelmed until now. I have never even attended a relay, much less headed up a team, so I don't really know what to expect. Of course, I want to raise as much money as possible, but I also want to be surrounded that night by ALL of your sweet faces. So even if you haven't joined our team, I want to invite you out to be a part of it. I would love nothing more than to meet every person who has said, "You don't know me but..." and also hug those of you who I DO know but haven't seen in ages. Please consider joining us on the night of May 20th. We will be at Hillcrest High School in Springfield and the event starts at 7 pm and lasts until 9 am the following morning.

I am very excited about our on-site fundraiser. One of the main concerns from our littles when Steph passed away was the fact that they wouldn't be able to talk to her anymore. We told them that anytime they would like to send her a message we could write it on a balloon and send it to Heaven. They know that once we aren't able to see the balloon anymore, she got the message. So the night of the relay we will have balloons that can be purchased for $2.00 per balloon and you can send your own message or prayer to Heaven. They can be messages to Steph and/or any of your loved ones that you would like to honor in this way. We are looking into doing a big balloon release during the "Fight Back Ceremony" and I think it will be a very powerful moment that night. (I'm still working out the details on that part) Be sure to come by campsite #435 and purchase your balloon! I will let you know what time the release will be as soon as I find out for sure.

I am planning a team meeting at my house on May 10th at 6 pm. I am extending the invite to anyone who wants to purchase a luminaria that night! Let me know if you would like to come and decorate your own so it can be displayed with all of ours. Our kids are really looking forward to decorating their own in memory of Steph. They are $5.00 and are lit the night of the relay as the torch passes by. I have heard it is a very moving and emotional experience...so I will be sure and have the tissues on hand!!!

If you are a survivor please join us and walk in the survivors lap. YOU are an inspiration and we would love to have each and every one of you there so we can celebrate YOU!!!!

Happy Birthday SuperDad!!!

My post is a day late...shocking I know.

Yesterday was Scot's birthday. I won't reveal how old he is, but let's just say...next year will be HUGE and we are already planning! He started the day with presents and a Superman cake from his boys. Nanny took them and let them pick out something. They each picked a T-shirt (Captain America and Ghost Busters.) Then they insisted on getting him Batman and The Flash undies!!! I think he was surprised even though Drew told him the night before, "Dad! Don't be a snoop!" Levi chimed in and said, "Yeah. Don't snoop under Drew's bed!" Mom and I stopped by to take him some treats at Kickapoo and the ladies in the office had a buffet of food set up for his special day! They are wonderful to him and SO much fun!! We had nachos for dinner at Nanny's house and just sat around and talked.

As the evening came to a close it was decided that since Claire didn't have school, she and Drew were going to spend the night with Nanny. I went to round up Mr. Cohen from the basement and Scot was down there collecting Mr. Levi. As he scooped up Cohen to give him a hug and kiss goodbye, he said, "I love you!" Cohen, of course, expressed his mutual love for SuperDad and my heart was overflowing with love. Steph would be so proud. She would LOVE how Scot has just planted himself right in the middle of our family. She loved our chaos and she would be so proud of him. Just as much as she was like a sister to me, he has become just like a brother. I look back at the battle he fought right along side her, and I am so incredibly proud of him. For three years he was in survival mode. We are all healing and seem to be "coming out on the other side" of the darkness. It's hard to find the words to express how we feel about SuperDad. I feel like he has accepted the hand he has been dealt and is doing it with such strength...such courage. There is no doubt in my mind that he misses her, and if he had the choice, she would be here. But he is finally enjoying a "simple" life. A life that does not revolve around watching his wife suffer. He is making her proud each day by making his boys THE top priority in his world. He LOVED the days this winter when school was canceled and he got to just PLAY with Drew and Levi. He was so sweet and nurturing to Drew as he had surgery to remove his HUGE infected tonsils. He is already planning fun things to do this summer with the boys. He can't wait to take them fishing and has already scoped out a local golf course that has a small course for kids. We are planning swim days at Nanny's as well as at our new pool at the clubhouse. He never complains, unless he is expressing his concern that he doesn't get enough time to just play with the boys. It's never about HIM. If you don't get a chance to be around Scot, just imagine the best possible scenario. These boys are SO lucky to have him. WE are lucky to have him....even if he is REALLY old. Ha! SuperDad, we all love you so much and hope your day was a good one. Thank you for being you!