Time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking...

Let's catch up.

My dad had surgery for his bladder cancer and passed away unexpectedly 5 days post-op in Sept '13.  Total shock.  The hospital was preparing to send him home in the next day or two.  Instead, we sent him to the funeral home.  

6 weeks after dad died, we had to put down our Charlie dog.  

Our baby girl graduated from high school in May 2015.  She did go back to school that Fall as a "Super Senior", focusing more on vocational and life skills and not so much on the academics.  

Now that both kids are no longer "kids", I was having a hard time claiming the whole "stay-at-home-mom" title.  So I got a job last year.  My first job in over 20 years!  Our local historic theater, which I have always LOVED, hired me as a box office employee.  Within a few weeks, I was taking on more projects and bigger projects.  And after a few months, I was moved into event planning. Along with being Box Office Manager, my official title at work is Rental & Event Coordinator.  

 

Spring of 2015 Megan went to Prom with her friend Terrance.  It did my mommy heart so much good to see her partaking in a typical teenage right of passage!  She had talked about going to Prom for a few years, it was a dream of hers, so I'm so glad her dream came true.

After battling for almost 4 years, my Mom passed away from breast cancer July 26, 2015.  Her downhill slide happened quickly, for which I am profoundly thankful.  I'm so thankful she remained "healthy" for so long, and that when it was time, she went quickly.  We buried her with dad (both were cremated). 

Since they went to Prom, they also went to Homecoming in the Fall of 2015.  

And then again to Prom in the Spring of 2016.

While Megan was eligible to remain in the public school system until she turns 21, which is two more years, we've decided that she is done.  Last week was her last day of high school.  Now we are facing the "what's next for Megan?" question from everyone.  Well, she's going to get a job.  We are working with the local agencies trying to find the perfect job for her.  It's a long process.  

Also, since Dave retired from the Marine Corps and we've moved back home, we've been playing in pit orchestras.  And I got a new flute!  Here are some of the shows we've played over the last couple of years.

 

And, my girlfriend wrote a book!!!
(I'm in it!)

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Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy.

Usually given to a woman.

Not a teenager.

Megan will be going in at the end of the month for a hysterectomy.  I'm trying to accept this decision with my heart.  In my head I know it's the right decision, but it's a decision that makes my heart hurt.  I mean, seriously, who wants to give their 17 year old daughter a hysterectomy??  I know she can never have kids, I know this is what is healthiest for her, but it still makes me weepy to think about it.  So, I can't let myself think about it.

Megan was diagnosed about two years ago with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).  She was prescribed Metformin & Ortho-tricyclene to regulate her hormones.  This also regulated her periods.  Managing her periods has just become too much.  Too much pain.  Too much mess.  Too much hassle... it all has just become too much for Meggie.  Could she continue with this monthly hassle?  Yes.  Is it something that she needs to deal with every month?  No.  Having babies is not an option for her, so there is no reason to keep dealing with it.  Let's take the plumbing out, and be done with it.  In the process, we'll also cut down on the chance of cancer in the future.

Medically, it all makes sense.  And all four doctors I've talked with support the decision.  It's not an uncommon procedure for young women with Down syndrome.

But it still hurts my heart.

....sigh




Read more about PCOS here.


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Life Keeps Rolling On

1.  My first born, my baby boy, is now a high school graduate.  I blinked, and he grew up.  The day after graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps.  His tentative ship date is Nov 4th.  I am so, so proud of the young man he has become.  We did something right in 18 years of parenting...  I'm not sure what or how, but we managed to raise a respectful, intelligent, funny, productive, honest, caring young man.

2.  My second born, my baby girl, will be a high school Junior in the fall.  This year she joined Special Olympics and competed in Basket Ball and in Swimming.  She had fun during practices, but would panic and freeze when it came time for competition.  She'd have a rough start each time, but would rally and come back full force during competition.  She enjoyed it and was proud of herself at the end of the day.  As were we.

3.  Megan was also diagnosed with PCOS last fall.  (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)  She was prescribed a couple of meds, and it seems to have corrected the issue.  Now if we can figure out a way to fix her "teenage hormonal" attitude.  *snort*

4.  My mom, who is fighting breast cancer, is doing really well.  For the past 18 months she's been taking one pill a day, and it keeps the tumors from growing.

5.  My dad was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer.  He started chemo last week, and is feeling good so far.  After his chemo, he will have surgery to remove his bladder and prostate, and will learn to live life with a "bag".  It's been a bit overwhelming learning that BOTH parents have cancer at the same time.  I thank God every single day that I'm here and able to support them as they fight their battles.

6.  Megan will be having oral surgery next week to remove two baby teeth that have fused to her jaw and three adult teeth that are impacted and growing in wonky directions.  All five teeth will be removed, and she will then get a partial denture.

7.  Dave and I are looking forward to going out to San Diego for Christopher's Boot Camp Graduation early next year.  Tentatively, it looks like it will be in February.  I think we'll take a few extra days and spend some time in the SoCal area... maybe go to the San Diego Zoo or DisneyLand.

8.  My beloved van died.  ....so sad....  But I downsized to a car, and now have a 5-speed Hyundai Elantra.... and it gets GREAT gas mileage!  What a nice change.  And it's a super fun little car to drive.

Happy Summer!!

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I Did Not Fall Off the Edge of the World

I guess I haven't posted in a while.  Life has kind of gotten away from me.  
Here are some pictures of what we've been doing:

A little yard work:

Dave got a job:  

(My own personal Coke Dealer  *snort*)

We hung out outside:

We danced to live music on the deck at the Tiki Bar:

We made some improvements in the bathroom:

The "Before"

Almost done!

The "After"

New light fixture, new mirror, new sink fixtures, and fresh paint

We hung out at my brother's on the Lake:

Fishing off the dock

Dave & Megan kayaking

Dave contemplating retirement

We went to the MHS Homecoming Football game:

We got a new puppy:

She chewed up two pillows

We installed laminate flooring in kitchen & dining room

We also removed the wall paper and gave it fresh coat of paint.

Abby-dawg tried to help

Finished!

We went to Pleasant Valley Tree Farm 

We picked out pumpkins, walked through the haunted forest, 

made it through the corn maze, and went on a hayride

Christopher got a job at Culver's

I went to Boston to visit a friend:

Old North Church

(One if by land, two if by sea...)

Berklee Music School  :)

We stopped by Cheers for a drink

JFK Presidential Library and Museum

Dave put up a clothesline for me!

I've wanted one for 20 years!!

We painted.
A lot.

The living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, hallway, and two bedrooms:

Megan now has a  PINK  bedroom, which is something she has *always* wanted!

Megan got a haircut:

Something new for her: a shag

We Celebrated Halloween:

Abby puppy also:

Chewed up a cell phone charger, some Barbie shoes, the couch, an extension cord, a couple
pairs of socks, our Green Bay Packer blanket, a computer power cord, one right shoe.
It's a good thing she's cute!

It's been a good summer.  :)

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