Sunday, November 21

November 21, 2010





Cousins ...cousins and more cousins

So many of my posts from year to year, season to season seem repetitive, I guess that is because they are. Napper and I decided early on in our parenting lives that we wanted to have traditions for the kids. Neither of our families live close by so we wanted to create other special memories for Brian & Bonnie to always hold dear from their childhoods. Many of those traditions have centered around the holidays. Well this year we are shaking things up. We have handed off the turkey roaster to our Colorado family and are heading out there for Thanksgiving. We are looking forward to a rocky mountain holiday. The guys are hoping to do a little snowboarding, and me some cross country skiing. We also look forward to visiting with my parents, the O'Connells and our friends the Driscolls. Sooo grateful.

Our next big adventure will be shaking up our Christmas schedule. Of course we will still make our traditional anise cookies... the kids wouldn't tolerate skipping that for any reason. But we will throw in some extra travel. On Christmas day we are leaving for Tahoe and will be there through New Years Day. When my husband asked what I wanted to do for my 50th birthday, I said "I just want to be in a cabin somewhere with snow." So that is our destination. Bonus for Brian because he has always wanted to ski Heavenly.

I am extremely grateful for these opportunities to be with my family. Watching Brian & Bonnie grow and mature these past five years are prayers answered. It has been such a privilege to be their parents. So many moments, both wonderful and difficult, over these past years where I have thought to my self..." wow, I'm so glad to be here for this.." Having lung cancer has given me a heightened awareness of just how fragile and precious life, and love can be. As much as that vulnerability used to scare me, I now know that with God's love we can endure.

Our past months have been filled with life. It all goes by so quickly, Highlights of the past months have been our vacation to Mishawaka in June, summer visits from Napper's sisters Mary and Colleen with their children and grandchildren, Brian's confirmation into the Catholic church, Brian's soccer season, Marching band, and Bonnie's dance activities. I have added some photos from these life events. Happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Denise

Wednesday, November 3

November 3, 2010


When I started this journey five years ago, the odds were that I would not make it to my 46th birthday, let alone my 50th, but here I am healthy, thriving and hopefully contributing in a positive way. I am extremely grateful to continue my role as a wife and mother, most especially, and all the other hats I wear throughout the day. I have felt a an obligation to evaluate, understand, improve etc. myself over these past years. At first, I focused my efforts on improving my physical health through diet and exercise and though crucial to my well being, are only a part of my mission. The past couple years I have felt a need to reconnect with my past. I have met with people from my childhood, had reunions with family, classmates, and friends. I have consciously put energy into healing pain I had stuffed from years past. Let me tell you, If you have never taken that time for yourself, I highly recommend it. It is very freeing!

Thank you for your support, prayers, encouragement, faith and love over these past five years. I am truly blessed.

Most sincerely,

Denise

P.S. I have posted two pictures from days gone by, my kindergarten photo, and a photo taken (1990) by my grandmother of me and my devoted buddy of 16 years ..Kelly