Basket Case

"L" has quite the little personality!  He has taken to the habit of standing in the middle of the room and "talking" with his pacifier in his mouth.  As if to add emphasis to certain points, he raises his arm to accentuate his "words!"  It is certainly entertaining!

I have decided to respond with words like: "Really?"  or "What do you see?"  or even "Wow!"  He then gets more excited, and starts "talking" more.  I am not certain what we are hearing about, but nonetheless, it is important conversation!  So, our little basket case is on the move -- by two feet now -- instead of all fours!

Last Diaper Call

It is so hard to believe that this wonderful gal is leaving baby "L's" childcare classroom.  She has taken a new position with another early childhood education entity, and her last day came too quickly!!  Not only did she watch the babies, but she helped them achieve milestones!

There are memories of mud play, painting, outside adventures, crawling, chattering, walking, first teeth, ear infections and more.  We are thankful to have shared time with Mrs. "J," and will forever be grateful for her excellent work with the little dudes.  Baby "L" provided her with flowers, in honor of the festive day!

Why I Run

I love to run, and I am feeling like I am missing out at the moment.  I rarely get 20 minutes to myself for a quick 2.5 mile jog.  I would love to have 30 minutes to myself to run as far as I could get in that time frame, but I have little dudes -- and a big dude -- who seem to miss me too much!

I long for the days of running to return!  My plans are to try and sneak in an early morning run (around 5) before the boys wake up and Mr. Fixit has to leave for work at 6:10 a.m.  However, it appears that baby "L" is often not wanting to sleep at that hour!

So, during this running "expectation" time, I will run a 5K here and there, and enjoy an evening jog several times a week!

Cheers for "A!"

My friend "Di" and I joined a group of "A's" family and friends in support of this race.  "Journey for Jo" was a 5K earmarked to raise funds for those suffering from bile duct cancer.  We had gathered and were waiting for the race to begin.  In the meantime, the event photographer found us!

He asked us to jump for this photo!  I thought it turned out quite well.  Camera technology and photographer talent sure create some amazing photos!  So, I titled this post: "Cheers for A!," as we all certainly did cheer for her, and with her, as she walked that day and as she continues to battle cholangiocarcinoma.

Race for Research

My good friend "Di" and I donned running apparel for a very special race -- a race designed to raise money for research on cholangiocarcinoma.  This word means cancer of the bile ducts.  It is a rare and very serious  cancer.  Our good friend and co-worker, "A" is fighting this cancer today.

So, we decided to race for "A!"  I crafted tu-tus for us to wear during the race in her honor.  I also made one for her too.  "A's" favorite colors -- are all bright, of course-- but in particular, she cited orange, purple and green.  So, I thought rainbow tulle was the perfect solution!  This photo was snapped pre-race.  It was an unseasonably chilly, and windy race morning!! 

Holiday

Happy Independence Day to all!  I truly love this holiday!  I love that it is about celebrating as a nation our freedom.  I love that it is about families gathering for picnics and bbq's and catching up.  I love that it is about parades and festivals and watermelon.  MMmmmmmm -- it is about watermelon, right?

Ok, I love that!  So, it is ironic that this year, my family is celebrating with a send off for Sister #2.  She will begin a one year deployment soon, and so we are all gathering to wish her well.  Oh, and to bbq and eat watermelon (I hope) and catch up too!

I wish you all a safe and very happy holiday weekend!  Enjoy this special time with family and friends. As you can see, Baby "L" thinks we all have much to celebrate!

New Beginning

I have completed 15 years in my current career, although, the last 15 months do not really feel as though they count towards my career time.  The role I filled was so very different from my local youth development role.  I simply felt like a fish out of water!  So, you might say I am jumping into a new pool of sorts!

On Monday, I begin my new career journey.  While I am still working for the same university, my hat will change.  I will be assisting students with enrollment, graduation requirements, advising details and academic related circumstances.  I will be part of a team serving 2,000 students for the college!  Our new Dean began on July 1, and the position that I will fill is a new position for the college.  I look forward to these growth opportunities.

I am sad -- yet excited too.  I will develop new relationships, but know that I will miss my network of co-workers (friends) tremendously.  I hope to someday join these ranks again.  In the meantime, I plan to participate as a volunteer for this awesome youth organization.  I look forward to reconnecting with staff, participants and volunteers throughout the year.  In the meantime, I hope that this new "pool" will yield calm waters, lasting friendships and amazing learning opportunities!