Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are many ways to get involved. I am once again participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk here in Maine. The purpose of this walk is to promote awareness and early detection of breast cancer while raising funds for breast cancer research, education, advocacy and patient support programs. In 2007 over 3,500 Maine residents participated, raising more than $475,000! A wonderful client of mine is a survivor and runs the walk in Damariscotta, Maine. So even though there is a walk in my town of Brunswick- we head up to Damariscotta (about 20minutes away) to walk in her 3 mile walk. If you would like to support me in this walk please go to my homepage http://main.acsevents.org/site/TRC/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY09NewEngland?pg=peditor&fr_id=11715&px=1551356 to make a donation. Wishes and prayers for nice weather are also appreciated.

My friend Jennifer over at ListPlanIt.com has a couple of items specific for this month of Breast Cancer awareness. One is a Brest self exam worksheet and another is a Buddy Check Contract so you and a friend or family member can be accountable to each other for monthly exams.

Melissa Frances (www.melissafrances.com), a breast cancer survivor herself, is hosting an Altered Bra contest this month in honor of National Breast Cancer Month. The details are at her site.

PageMaps is hosting a "Pink Sketch Challenge" on the PM Blog starting October 9th, with an awesome pink prize package up for grabs.

Please remember that early detection is the best defense against breast cancer

Way too busy

Well as you can see I have been way too busy to be on here updating. Wow I can't believe I slacked off for 20 days- bad Erica! Well I haven't actually been slacking, the blog was just not priority one. So, sorry to keep you out of the loop for so long- now to catch you all up.

So Hannah is into her 4 the week of school and it is going well- she has the routine down and we are getting into it as well. She is also doing gymnastics with 2 classmates and church choir. I have a parent/teacher conference tomorrow (that kind of makes me feel old) and Hannah has school photos on Friday. She has weekly show and tell with the letter of the week, as well as computer, art, PE and a trip to the library once a week (oh yeah and mas every Friday morning). One Friday a month we can join her for a spaghetti lunch which is nice.

Owen has started his preschool program and is doing very well with writing his letters and numbers and is learning some site words already too! He will soon start Gymbus (a converted bus that goes to the school so the kids can do some gymnastics- it has rings, trampoline and matts) and he also has been singing in the church choir!

Charlie, Hannah and Owen enjoyed the last Brunswick Naval Airbase Air Show the first weekends in September. We visited my sister the second weekend and saw the cutie Harrison. He's a bit gassy (and stinky) but adorable. It was a bit crazy to see Izzy and Alexa together. Alexa is 1yr and 1 month older than Izzy yet only about 1/2 inch taller and if I'm correct weighs less. Alexa would sit on the ride on car and Izzy would push her!

I have been working a lot. The doctor that left for a family emergency is not returning anytime soon (if at all), so I have been needed to do many extra shifts. I have been doing 4-5 hour days (with most of those days being 11 hour days by the time everything work related is done). The little bit of extra cash is handy since Charlie's last day was this past Monday, but it is very tiring and stressful. I have managed to schedule a small 4 day mid week vacation at the end of October.

We have also been sick- started with Izzy last week- congested- she was diagnosed with bronchitis and is on antibiotics and doing much better. Hannah picked it up mid week and I did too one day later. We are all improved with just the runny noses lingering. Amazingly Owen has not caught it yet- maybe our croup days are over (knock on wood).

We are in the midst of planning Owen's birthday. We had a small shindig at my sister's house complete with cake and gifts (too many gifts- Grandy!). We will have cake on his actual day and give him a few presents from us and then the Saturday after his "real" birthday he is having some classmates over for a Spiderman party. We will play pin the spider on the web and I'm going to make targets for them to spray silly string at. Wish us nice weather!

Well that is about it- I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but believe me we have been straight out.

First week of school

Hard to believe my oldest is ready to start kindergarten, but she is and she did! She was so excited too- up early and pestering me for 1/2 hour that it was "time to go", didn't want "to be late", "is it time to go yet?". "when can we go?". I'm glad she is so excited for school- I think she may get that from me- I have been called a "gunner" by some (who shall remain nameless). Hannah is extremely smart and that is not just proud Momma talk- she really is. She can read very well, can spell many words, can add and subtract and is working on multiplication. She also has an amazing memory (like I used to- 3 babies later has really taken it's toll). So off we went with her in her uniform (she is so stinkin' cute!) and her Hello Kitty backpack with Barbie lunch box (she's my girly girl don't forget). She walked right into her class and then told me I could leave- "you can go" she said and waved me away. I was proud of myself- no tears! Ok well a bit teary eyed but no active crying. I had work to get to so couldn't be a blubbering mess.

Owen is actually doing well at preschool without Hannah. He also gets to stay home with Izzy and me on Wednesdays and besides constantly asking when we were picking Hannah up, I think he is enjoying some alone time. We are working on writing his letters and his speech. Also gearing up for his 4th birthday party- Spiderman of course!

Izzy is walking more- but still prefers a hand or something to hold on to. Although she has no problems crawling up the stairs- boy is she fast and she figured out the gate too ( I think I have another trouble maker on my hands). Thankfully she knows to go down on her belly feet first. She is starting to talk more as well and has a great sense of humor- she cracks us up. She loves to play hide and seek and chase and loves any attention form her sister and brother.

With the school year, comes all the other activities as well. Hannah will be signing in the church choir again this year and is excited to do so. We will see if Owen wants to join or not. Charlie will be starting back up again as well- he took last year off to help me with the children- so this Sunday will be interesting to see me arriving/juggling them at church. My guess is I'll be spending a lot of time in the nursery getting Izzy adjusted. Hannah did not want to do soccer this year- so maybe ice skating this winter and T- ball in the spring? I'm content with only 1 extra-curricular activity thus far.

Another busy month. I have 3 extra shifts this month and then hopefully the other doctor will be back. We have the Air Show this weekend- the last one here as the base is closing. The planes and jets have been practicing all week- causing Charlie to rush outside every time he hears one go by (I like to laugh at him). I work this weekend so I'm hoping the air show keeps everyone busy and I can get some administrative stuff done. Then next weekend we travel to NH to visit my family and see our new nephew- Harrison, another cutie. I also have a continuing education meeting later this month- so every weekend is booked with work or activities. I'll get some fun though too- a book club meeting and a night of Bunco with some great groups of friends.

I think that covers everything for now. Hope you all are well and catch ya later!

Almost forgot...

Can't forget to mention that this past Saturday August 23rd (you know the one where we stayed home because we all were, or had been, sick) was our 11th wedding anniversary!!! We have known each other for 17 years! We met the very first week of our first year of college- pretty sweet huh? 11 Years sounds like a long time- but it sure doesn't feel that way! I can still remember our wedding day- it was a nice sunny day, DJ my nephew and ring bearer was adorable, my flowers were beautiful as was my dress,I got a bit teary prior to walking down the aisle, Charlie looked super handsome, we had a great time dancing, and were surrounded by loving friends and family. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I probably don't tell him often enough- but I REALLY LOVE THIS GUY!

Last Week of August

Ok I'm still in shock that August is almost over- I need to get over it! To catch you all up from last post- I added a few new photos to my slide show- so make sure you take a gander at it. There are 2 new photos of me! Gasp- I know I hate photos of me- do I really look that bad? - it has to be the camera, right?

Love this photo of Owen "reading" and thought my layout of it was appropraite for school starting.

StoryLand was a blast- although busier than when we went last year. My advice to anyone going is to go after Labor Day. It is open on the weekends only after Labor Day from 9-5. The lines weren't horrible this time- but were longer than last year. We packed a picnic lunch and just splurged on cotton candy and some lemonades. We didn't hit all the rides but made sure to hit the favorites. For Hannah that is the flume ride and the roller coaster (she takes after me with thrill rides) and for Owen it was the train and the drive your own cars (tractors really). We saw one of the shows which was a "circus". Not a real circus as some of you know I am against animal circuses due to their animal cruelty- ok I'm off my soapbox now. Anyways they had 2 quick change artists- I have no idea how they change their outfits so darn fast- it was pretty amazing. A women who could handle 25 hula hoops (I can't even do 1), a "clown" on a trampoline, some trained cats- no inhumane training here, and a daredevil in a wheel on a revolving arm. We spent about 6 hours there and then headed on home- stopping at McDonalds for dinner (it was not the most nutritious day).

Saturday we did not make it to our friends party, which was a bit depressing, but the cold that had hit Hannah, Izzy and Charlie, finally hit Owen and I. And poor Owen gets croup with every head cold. So we bowed out instead of infecting everyone. We still had some fun around the house and the kids even swam in their kiddie pool.

Monday after work I took Hannah to an ice cream social at Hannah's school. She seemed to have a good time and I'm very happy to see that she knows a lot of other children. There will be 3 other kids from her daycare in her class- as well as a girl on our street, plus she knows 2 in the PreK program, 2 in 1st grade, 1 in 2nd and 1 in 3rd. She should be all set- now it's just me I have to worry about. I promise not to cry on her first day until after I have dropped her off. Her last day at BB is tomorrow and kindergarten starts Tuesday!

I'm more worried about Owen. He will be going to BB by himself this year. He is so used
having Hannah there with him. Even though they were in different classes they saw each other a lot and were able to play outside together. Izzy was going to go- but now that Charlie will be out of work for a bit (hopefully not too long), she will stay home. Owen will be participating in the preschool program which is why we will still send him.

Izzy is doing well- although still not walking more than 3 steps on her own without holding onto something and only says about 5 words. I'm really not comparing - oh ok I am a bit, it's super hard not to compare siblings- but I'm trying not to stress about it. She can still get into tons of mischief- especially with stairs, the bathroom and the dog bowls (thankfully we have wonderful dogs and cats that put up with her torture).

My extra night hours are over- I did pretty well and made a bit if extra cash for us. We had one of our doctors leave unexpectedly for family matters- not sure when (or if) she will be back- so I get to do a few extra days as well. Will be doing 3- which means I will be doing 4 days a week and one 5 day week. May get some in October too- we'll see. We are still planning on purchasing a new (larger) car (most likely minivan)- just don;t know when. Also still planning a Disney trip for October 2009 (yes I will be taking the kids out of school for a bit- they are only young once).

I think this is enough to bore you all with now- take care!

Where did the summer go?

Ok I'm in a bit of shock to realize that summer is almost over! What happened and where did it go? It does not help that I think we have had only 1-2 days of 80+ degree weather thus far in August. Last night was down right cool and you could almost smell fall! We actually needed our comforters. I guess we can take the AC unit out- huh?

Today is August 20th and while technically there is still another whole month until summer is truly over- we all recognize back to school as the end of summer. For us back to school is Sept 2nd. Hannah will be starting kindergarten and Owen will officially be in preschool. Hannah was supposed to start Thursday the 28th but they are doing work on the heating system and won't be finished until after Labor Day- so her first day got pushed back. So we get an extra few days of summer. I did organize their closets and they look all set with clothing for this fall- it helps that Hannah has a uniform.

This past week has been the same old same old- work, school, couple of play-dates. Had a doctor's meeting today and got the bills paid. Friday we are heading to StoryLand (http://www.storylandnh.com/index-flash.html) for a fun filled day of rides and fun. Guess this means I should scrap the photos from last years outing to StoryLand. Saturday is a multifamily party at our friends house- no camping out this time- but lots of fun, games, food and swimming. (Let's hope it warms up here quickly!)

Hannah had a bit of a head cold over the weekend, that we though was allergies- but seeing as Izzy has it now- I guess it was a cold. As long as O-dog doesn't get it- as his usually lead to croup. Izzy is also getting her lower 1st molars- boy she is not a good teether. She has still yet to take more than 2 steps on her own without holding onto something- but she can make it all around and get into some serious messes (mainly the dog's water bowl and the recycling).

Charlie has work until September 21st- we'll see if he gets another extension or not. Also waiting to hear from a few other places he has applied. I will be doing 4 days a week with every third Saturday as one of our doctors had to take some unexpected leave for family matters.

Still awaiting the birth of my new nephew (Baby Owen as my Owen as designated). Have plans to visit them in September to get my baby fill and hopefully not feel the need to have another myself.

That is all from here for now- hope you all are enjoying the end of your summer and are all done with back to school shopping. Catch ya later!

Oops I did it again!!!!

Maybe it's not a good thing to quote Brittany Spears what with her track record recently- but I let more than 2 weeks go by again!! Good thing I can't be fired from my own blog- or can I? Hmm. Ok I don't even know where to begin- hopefully I do not leave anything, or anyone, out as I catch you all up on the last few weeks.

Some good news- Charlie has received yet another extension for work and is now employed until September 21st. I'm happy with extensions but I hate the indecision. Plus it pushes the 6 months back to March. I have been doing ok with the extra shifts and may continue to do some in September- we'll see, I need to keep the appointments full to be able to do them. I also miss my "me" time- selfish I know, but I do like time to do things sans kids, or just veg out and relax.

My sister's new puppy- Luke- is adorable and we all survived fostering him the 3 nights he was with us. Our youngest dog (Lily) is 5 years old, so it was a bit tough dealing with house breaking again, but we just needed a routine. He got along great with the big dogs- except for Benjamin who was feeling a little put out. And he LOVED Izzy. I think he thought she was one of his littermates- he followed her all around and loved to tackle her. It was pretty funny to watch. Hannah and Owen were sad to see him go- but we'll get to play with Luke whenever we go to Grampy and Grandy's house.

We have been gearing up for Hannah to start kindergarten in 2 1/2 weeks! She is excited! Thankfully she wears a uniform so clothes shopping is done- now it's just picking up supplies for the room (paper, tissues, glue, ect). There is an ice cream social the Monday before school to drop off supplies and meet people. Plus she goes in the day before to meet classmates and see the class. I will be dropping her off in the morning (get ready for tears- from me!- that first day) and Charlie or a neighbor will pick her up. Owen will still go to Building Blocks but will be in the preschool program (he will attend kindergarten next fall) and until we know what Charlie is doing Izzy will be staying home with him.

There is a ton of milkweed pod plants at the end of our street and we were able to find (with my sister's keen eyes) a monarch butterfly caterpillar. So we are now watcing it eat lots of milkweed leaves and will await it's transformation. Hannah and Owen love to set the butterfly free and watch it fly away. We have had a host of summertime pets this summer- thanks to Owen. Many toads, newts or skinks, slugs, snails, even a tomato horn worm. Thankfully the snakes are too quick, especially sine many times the bug catcher makes it's way into the house! Oh and he loves to take the "pets" out and they sometimes get away!

We are still awaiting the arrival of my sister's new son. Due date is August 28th but she has been saying she's ready to go since July! She is at least moved into the new home (relatively speaking anyways). Talk about stress- she started a new job, moved to a new state and is in her third trimester all in the past few months. Will keep you posted!