Wish trip - Days 1 & 2

We headed to the airport early yesterday morning. When our first plane landed, we got to sit in the cockpit and get our picture made. On our next plane, Summer napped and we landed in Orlando around 11 a.m. After getting our rental car, we made our way to Give the Kids the World Village where we are staying. We were greeted and Summer was treated with her 1st Mickey Mouse doll and a Give the Kids the World t-shirt. After a brief orientation, we were escorted to our villa where another goody bag awaited Summer. Spoiled much? :) After we unloaded our luggage, we headed out to explore the village. We went to the ice cream palace which serves ice cream from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. - all you can eat: FREE. Daddy had two ice creams. :) Everything here is free. I don't think we will spend a dime at this place other than the postcard stamps I am going to buy in the morning. Even the postcard are free. I can't say the same for the parks though. We dropped about $90 at Universal today on food and a Barney doll, but thanks to Make-A-Wish it wasn't our money. After the ice cream, we found lots of other fun things to do. An arcade, a carousel, a train, remote controlled boats, swimming pools, a miniature golf course, and a huge playground with a Candy Land theme. There is also a Castle of Miracles with a La Ti Da Spa for nail painting, make-up, face painting and airbrush tattoos. The castle also has lots of games and other cool things. Summer loves it here. I must agree that it is amazing.

Today, after a big breakfast, we headed to Universal Studios so Summer could see Barney. The first ride we rode was Nickelodeon's Jimmy Neutron. Not a good choice. It was a simulation of flying through a cartoon city and was a little jerky. Summer did not enjoy it. However, as soon as we exited, we got to see Spongebob so that made it better. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that we get to skip to the front of the line at all the parks with our special guest assistance pass. SWEET!!! We went to Shrek next and after the intro to the ride, decided to skip it because she was scared. I really do not think theme parks around here were built for kids under 5. Everything besides the kiddie section was too old for her. But, she did enjoy the Barney part and so did I. They had a little show with singing and dancing. It really got me going. LOL We actually came to Universal two years ago about this same time so we had experienced it before, but she doesn't remember it. After we explored Woody Woodpecker Kids zone, Summer was ready to go back to our resort. But, I wanted to get the other Universal park out of the way so we don't have to go back although we do have another day free. We just have so much to do and so little time. The Dr. Suess area was the only place we went to at Islands of Adventure. It was pretty fun, but she was scared and didn't even want to ride the train. I think the roller coaster we went on in the kiddie section at the first Universal park really put the fear of rides in her. I hope we will have better luck getting her to try things tomorrow at the Magic Kingdom. There was a carousel in the Dr. Suess area though and it was a hit. She can never ride those things enough. We rode in some fish that went up in the air and around in circles. We got a little wet which she also did not enjoy.

She passed out on the couch a few minutes ago while waiting for her teddy to dry. He had a "bath" with our clothes this evening. It was a long and exhausting day, but fun, fun fun! I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store for us. Thanks so much Make-A-Wish for making Summer's dreams come true!

P.S. The nail stamps are something we got for Christmas. I forget now what they are called, but I will look on the package when we get home and post the info. You can stamp designs which are on metal plates with special polish onto your nails. I guess it could be called nail art. :) It's pretty neat!

Fun Friday

Checked in for flights? Check.

Packed? Almost.

Ready? Oh, yes!

I really wish we were there already. We do have a play date to help pass the time today. A trip to the I-Max and aquarium. This is Summer's 1st time to the I-Max, and I hope she enjoys it. The movies aren't too long so I think she will be able to last the whole thing. I am really hoping for the African Adventure, but I have a feeling we will be seeing the Ocean one because of the time we will probably end up there. Either way, it should be fun.

I was thinking about taking Summer to get our nails done, but will probably not end up doing that. I should just pull out our stamper kits and get to work myself. Her nails still look decent from the last time I painted them. That is the good thing about the stampers. You don't have polish all over the nail so it doesn't getting chipped up like solid colors over the entire nail. They look good for a lot longer! I still have not perfected the art of using them, but thankfully it doesn't have to be perfect to look decent.

I am hoping the weather down south will be warm and that we won't be too cold in what I have already packed. I thought about redoing it, but ended up just adding a pair of sweats for each of us and hoping they will be enough. Yesterday, my friend who is already down in Florida texted to say it was cold. So, I've been warned. But, I think as long as we have jackets and a few pairs of long pants we will be okay.

Please pray for us to have a safe trip. Also, keep Clint in your prayers as he is having trouble breathing at times. Nothing major, but it is quite uncomfortable to him at times. Hopefully, he won't have to rent a Hoveround to make it through the parks. I may end up the only one walking because it is likely Summer will end up in a stroller before too long. Oh well, I need it the most because I just finished off all the caramels in a box of chocolates we got from Amanda. Yummy. :)

Packing away

I have all of our clothes packed and now am working on random things like chargers and entertainment items. I loved to be prepared for any occasion and hope that I don't end up leaving something I'll actually need. I have been trying to find a sandal type shoe to take for Summer, but haven't yet decided. The girl has soooo many shoes!!! I never did get around to downsizing.

Yesterday, we watched Snow White for the first time. I was going to give it to her for Christmas, but decided to wait until her birthday. However I changed my mind again figuring that now was the perfect time since we could possibly be seeing Snow White herself sometime in the days ahead. We both liked the movie and laughed and laughed at some parts. I think I'll pack it with the DVD's she picked out to take with us which were: Barney Dino Dancin' Tunes, The Cat in the Hat, Mommy & Me playtime, and Alvin & the Chipmunks.

I wanted to share about a giveaway on a fellow blogger's blog. It is for a Diggity Kids Travel Comfort System. I would really love to win one of these myself and wanted to share the opportunity to win with others. Really, I just wanted to get an extra name in the bucket, but join in on the fun if you will. I'm thinking leopard print for my little girl.

Our week in pics

Cruisin around town Our outdoor adventure
at the local nature center
Lexie loves cheese!!!

Lexie found the piano and Summer quickly took over ;)

Couldn't get her to stand still for a pic in her dress for her mommy, but I tried.

Lexie likes the walking dog

Her hair looks darker in pics than in person. It was a turkey day for her....

Two days until Disney :D Peace out!

It's only a matter of days

This week is flying by and our departure for Disney World is quickly approaching. It seems we are never lacking for activities around this place. Today we are going to head to the library to get some books for our trip. We are going to get some recommended by the new workbooks she got at her Make-A-Wish party. She really loves doing those things when she is in the mood, but we haven't gotten into any sort of regular habit doing them yet. All in due time. :) We are also going to go and get some tickets to the circus coming the following week. We have several friends going with us to she "the greatest show on earth." LOL

We got a little t-ball practice in on Monday afternoon. Summer really impressed me with her catching and throwing skills. She still has a ways to go in the catching department, but her arm is pretty good. I may be biased, but I really think she did great. She loves to bat the ball off of the bench and then run the bases. She does not stop if you get the ball and block her way with threats of tagging her out. Nope, she still thinks she has to run all the way around every time. I'm going to go with that for a while because it is good exercise for her to run. Of course, these "bases" are pretty close together since we are in front of our building playing. One of the neighbors watched for a bit while they were walking their dog, and I was so proud of Summer. :) Can't wait to see if she ends up on the same team as her friends. She will be playing in my home town which is a bit of a drive, but it will be nice to be around some people from my younger days. Plus, it will be the perfect location for family spectators that may want to watch her in action.

We are all getting more and more excited as the day we leave approaches. I've started packing, but I'm only done with Clint's so far. I need to go get some blank tapes for the video camera. I really need to borrow a slightly better camera, but I haven't made the effort yet. I hate to buy one on the spur of the moment, but it would probably be worth it to get better pics. I always fear that I won't be happy with it though and will have, yet again, bought another camera I don't really like. Smaller is better in terms of convenience, but not always quality. Any sure picks for camera happiness will be gladly taken in comments! :D

There is a cloud on the horizon. One of Summer's friends from the clinic is losing his battle. The cancer has spread to his brain and it is only a matter of time now. I hurt for the family and their impending loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. The little boy's name is Joshua, but they call him Joshi. I will never understand why so many must die from this awful disease. Will they ever find a cure for cancer?

I'm praising God for my blessings though. I have so much to be thankful for!

Weekend Recap

We had a nice weekend. Summer went to Memaw's house Friday night. When we met up with her on Saturday, she was curious as to why she had to go to Memaws - meaning, what did you and daddy do that I couldn't do? :) I told her we went to the movies. She dropped it at that point. She just wanted to know what she missed. After we met up, we headed to the Nature Center to go on an outdoor adventure. It was neat and I almost wish I would've gotten a membership, but I'm not sure we will go back. We have so much to do downtown. We didn't do the Reflection Riding part cause we were rushed. :( We left after a nice walk and headed to Trenton to sign her up for t-ball. I think that starts in about 3 weeks. I am excited, but nervous that she won't like it. Yesterday, Daddy took her outside and let her practice batting and running the bases. Later that day, I sat in the floor and we worked on using the glove to catch a rolling or bouncing ball. Not sure how much she picked up, but I didn't push her to do more than she wanted. She seemed to enjoy it, but didn't really want to hold the glove how I told her too.

We got Lexie on Saturday night and have been enjoying having her around. Me more than Summer because she has to share me with Lexie. This morning we all colored together, but Lexie wasn't really sure what to do at first with the marker. It was fun watching her figure out how it worked, but she mostly preferred taking the lids off the markers. I am so glad we have those Crayola mess-free markers. They rock!!! No marker on anything but the magic paper. I put her on the potty this morning. At first she was freaked out, but then when I put her diaper and pants back on she wanted to get back up there and look at the book I had for her. I cheered for her even though she didn't do anything, but she almost seemed like she wanted to try when I mentioned it to her when I saw her "grunting" as we colored. :) It's hard to know when they can't talk to you, but I know she understands pretty much all I say. Summer is definitely ready to have me all back to herself, but I'll miss Lexie for sure when we take her back home later. She's such a sweetie!

Summer got a Diego Wii game from one of the kids at church on Sunday. She played it this morning and it is definitely easier than the Enchanted Princess and Chipmunk games that we have. I guess I better get back in there. We are going to play Just Dance now. Hope she lets me pick a song or two.

Make-A-Wish

Summer's wish was granted yesterday by Make-A-Wish. We will be traveling to Orlando in 8 days (yes, we are counting down here!!!) to the wonderful world of Disney. Summer was completely surprised by the party. She thought we were going to Wal-mart and had just stopped somewhere to sign a paper. I got cold chills and almost sprung a few tears walking down the hall of Keller Williams (who raised the money for her wish) to the training room where the party was held. The walls had Disney characters all over them and we even had a red "carpet" leading us to the room. She still had no idea what was going on when we got to the room. I didn't think I was going to be able to pull off the surprise because of all the phone calls I had in the hours before we left, but I did. She picked up Shamu on the way into the room and was a little overwhelmed with all the people there. There were lots of people she didn't know (the agents who helped raise the money and some of the Make-A-Wish staff), but there were also a few of her friends there (Willow, Mason, Harper, Liliana, & Laila). One surprise for me was the framed picture of Summer you see in the background. It has her first autograph on it and I was so happy to get it back since I didn't even think she could write her name at that point.
Her sister, Amanda, and niece also made it which was great. Summer was really happy to see them. We actually followed them into the parking lot, and I had Clint get them in the building before we got out of the car so she really would be surprised. Lexie was her usual adorable self. That girl has stolen part of my heart for sure!

Summer sported her princess crown for a bit, but just long enough for a few pictures. I don't know if it is the lack of hair that makes them bother her head, but she never keeps them on for too long. Usually I end up with it on hoping she'll want it back (or as you'll see below - Minnie Mouse ears). I should learn that trick doesn't work, but maybe I just enjoy being a princess too sometimes. :)

Annie and C'Na were Summer's wish granters and they gave her a big surprise when they told her she was going to Disney. She keeps asking if it is time to go yet. I'm glad she is so excited and I know it will be a world of fun. The weather is supposed to be in the upper 60's which will be perfect. We both can't wait!!! Even Clint is excited to go.

They also surprised her with a few gifts. Here she is explaining that she already has a slap bracelet (although it is not princess). She never lets details slip.... It seems Lexie is finally at the age where she is ready to open presents. She came right up when Summer started and wanted to see what was in the bags. She is just getting so big herself.

They served us pizza, cookies, and cupcakes with pink icing. They had two yummy chocolate peanut butter cakes from Sams, one of which is in my kitchen completely uncut. I am contemplating running it by Children's hospital and giving it to the nurses. Of course, I'll probably just end up slicing into it later and completely blowing any kind of diet I might be on. I did not and will not eat any cookies though which I really look good, but I have given up cookies for lent.

Lexie's favorite food at the party was the Cheetos. But, I gave her a little treat when I let her taste the peanut butter icing on the cake. She really liked it too and forgot about the Cheetos for a few minutes. But, then she was right back to wanting them again. She left the party a happy camper with a Cheeto in her hand and two balloon tied around her leg. Genius idea!!! At least for kids who don't run, then it might be a bit dangerous. Wish I would've gotten a picture of it.

It was a wonderful day, and we are so blessed to have this wish granted for Summer. Everything will be taken care of thanks to Make-A-Wish and Keller Williams. We've even got some money for souvenirs. I see Mickey Mouse ears in our future!!! I want to say "Thank you, thank you, thank you" to everyone who made this trip possible. Eight more days......and a million more "Is it time to go to Disney yet?"

When I grow up....

Last night Summer and I had a conversation about what we thought people would be when they grow up. It started with her asking me what I thought Leah would be. I told her I didn't know. She said she didn't have any idea either. Then I asked her about Jonathon. She said, "Maybe Spiderman." :) I asked her what she thought I would be/was. She answered, "A cooker." :D Love it! I'm a cook. She still insists she wants to be a veterinarian....on stuffed animals. :( I hope she will switch over to the real kind...or pick a new profession. LOL I'm pretty sure she isn't going to be a ball player. She is still saying she doesn't want to play t-ball with her friends. We'll see. I'm guessing we've got a little cheerleader on our hands. At least, that is what she said she wanted to do instead of playing t-ball.

A sledding we will go....

Summer loves sledding, and she is lucky we have had so much snow this year. We usually get squat. We took the opportunity yesterday to go to a friend's house who still had snow. On the way there, I saw basically little or no snow except for the heavily shaded woods. But, I kept the faith that my friend was right and there was indeed still snow at her house. We were not let down and had a terrific time sledding. We even got to build a few snowmen. :) That made me happy because the other snowman I built this year was about 6 inches tall. Fun, fun, fun with friends....that's what it's all about!

Summer & Emmy's snowman We all helped on this one

The girls had a blast I just love the joy that sledding brings to faces!

Bedtime Prayers

Last night at bedtime, we were saying our prayers. We usually just do "Now I lay me....", and then I might say a more focused prayer. I never direct her or tell her what to pray for. Last night, Summer wanted to pray first and these were her prayers:

"Dear God, please help all the kids at the hospital to get better."

"Dear Jesus, I'm sad that Russell got sick and died. Now Betty will be all alone and she won't be able to eat with him."

She never ceases to amaze me.

Lovely times

We had a great Valentines day this year. Summer helped pick out gifts for Clint and myself. She got him flowers (Yes!) and picked out a jewelry set for me (Yes again!). I know he was really surprised to see the flowers, but she looked at ALL the Valentine stuff and that is what she ended up with for him. She almost got some chocolate dipped fortune cookies, but put them back and opted for just flowers. I don't think he would've like the fortune cookies any better than the flowers, but they are pretty. I did make sure he got lots of dark chocolate though. :) Summer was surprised at church by a lady who got her a stuffed giraffe and chocolates. She had eyeballed that same giraffe the day before at Wal-mart, telling me how cute it was. Amazing she ended up getting, isn't it? Someone must be watching out for her. She also got a paint craft from her dad and an "I love you" stamper, stickers and a few treats from me.

By the way, her ECHO came back good. Her heart is in good shape and has improved function since the last ECHO they did in August. God is SO good! She still has to go to the clinic monthly for IV antibiotics, but other than that, she is living the carefree life she deserves.

We were hoping to get snowed in at the lake house yesterday, but no such luck. No snow, just a little ice. I guess we should've opted for Memaw's house because she has tons of snow. Summer and I both could use a few more times to sled this year so maybe we'll head up to a friend's house today after a funeral. Tre's dad (Summer's Nanny) died this weekend which Summer was sad to hear. She had made him a card last week and took it to him when she visited him with Memaw and Nanny. It seems that death is all around us, as this is the second funeral we will have attended in the last two weeks (both due to cancer).

She is in the bed coughing now and I can't believe she hasn't gotten up yet. She must have stayed up a little too late last night. I'm not complaining though. I wish she'd stay in bed until at least 8:00 everyday.

She has started a new kissing thing which is really cute. She'll kiss my lips and cheeks. So sweet! Of course, she has been wiping off kisses too lately which is not so cute, but I told her not to worry, I won't run out. :D

NED -- WOOHOO!!!!

The results are in for the scan and they are great! Praise God for letting my baby be cancer free!!! I still don't know how the ECHO turned out, but it isn't as important to me. Maybe I'll get those results tomorrow. For now, I am celebrating the fact that she is cancer free. Yes, I know I am repeating myself, but I'm happy to say those words over and over and over again. I could never get tired of her being cancer free. What a blessing she is in my life. She makes me want to be a better person, a better mom, everyday I am with her. Even when I am away from her as I am now. My mom said she was a pro at all of her appointments today. She only shed one tear during the port accessing and my mom didn't even have to struggle to get her shirt off. Amazing, because that has never happened with me. Usually when I go to pull the shirt up, the struggle begins. Luckily, the guy who did the CT scan goes to our church, so Summer was familiar with him and I don't even think she had anyone holding her hand (or in the room) during the process. I'll have to verify that with my mom tomorrow. I'm so proud of my baby and missing her sooooooo much right now. What I wouldn't do to have her in my arms right now. She'll be getting lots of hugs and kisses when I get home. I just wish I knew when that would be. Maybe tomorrow because Clint says he's done with the treatments, but maybe he'll change his mind. He's only gotten 5 of the 6 doses offered so far (he chose to skip his 10 p.m. last night). Plus, his bilirubin and creatinine are getting high so they might just cut him off soon anyway. He's almost as yellow as a banana. In his mind, he is. He says the banana just looks more yellow because of the brown spots. :p Despite the agony he goes through a few hours after each dose, we have both managed to have a few smiles and laughs this stay. So, for that I am also thankful.

It's that time again

Today is scan day for my little girl. I will not be able to be there with her as she gets her ECHO and CT scan. I'm sad I won't be the one holding her hand, but that just wasn't possible since I'm with her Daddy at the hospital over 100 miles away. Am I nervous? Yep. It's only 6:20 a.m. here, and I can't sleep anymore. There is nothing I can do but sit here and wait. And, worry. I'm going to try to do as little of the latter as possibly, but she is my one and only. There isn't much to distract me here either. I've got a book which I might get lost in for a few hours, but she'll never be far from my thoughts.

I got to talk to her last night and she is sounding like such a big girl on the phone. Her voice sounds older. Why is it so hard to watch your baby turn into a little big girl? Last year, this is the week my baby started having blood in her urine. She was so innocent then, and now she has seen pain and suffering that a lot of other kids will never have to know (Lord willing). Her puffy baby cheeks are long gone. Her excitement to go to the doctor (yes, she was excited last year when we first went to the doctor to see why she was peeing blood) is definitely gone. Today she is hungry, but unable to eat until after her CT scan is done. I guess I am lucky in that respect that I don't have to listen to her repeat over and over how she wants to eat. Oh, but I do wish I was with her. I miss her so much having not seen her since last Friday.

Yesterday, my aunt Leisa took her to Playgym so she could be part of the Valentines party. I asked her if she had fun and she said, "Oh yeah!" Tonight, Memaw and Nanny are taking her to the church Valentines party. I'm missing so much it seems, but I can't be there every moment of her life. I will be back for the official day though so hopefully we will do something fun to celebrate it together. I really hope Clint is feeling up to celebrating too.

Busy having fun

What a week it has been! I've been doting on Summer as much as any mother could. A week away from her really made me miss her, and I've got one more to go. We've been to the playground, discovery museum, visited Thomas and Paw-Paw, done workbooks, read books, colored, played with playdough, played the Wii, watch cartoons/videos, made cookies....it's been quite enjoyable. I'll be missing her again soon so I have been spending every moment I can with her while I'm here. Today we will probably go to the aquarium to see the octopus again before it moves on to the afterlife. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but one of them laid eggs and once it does, it dies within a few months. Even sadder, the eggs were unfertilized so no babies to see. I thought about taking Summer to a movie, but there isn't really anything I think she would like playing right now. By the way, her new favorite movie is "The Cat in the Hat." Not the cartoon version either (if there is one). I am not too sure if I really like the movie. There are definitely a few parts I would cut out that I don't think are appropriate, but overall it is funny. Luckily, her favorite parts aren't those insane ones I'd cut either. We did get to watch a Mommy & Me video we watched together when she was just a baby. It's rather wholesome and fun so I guess it counteracts the other?? Tag and hide-n-go seek have also been there to occupy our time together. She loves these and they are good for the body. :) I don't want to take any days for granted and therefore I try to fit as much fun as possible into everyone.

She is getting so big that it is difficult for me to carry her anymore. Last night we were stuck in a traffic jam for 2 hours during which she, thankfully, fell asleep. I got her out of her car seat and carried her up to our condo, but when we got off the elevator, I was trying to hold onto her and everything else in my hands when she said, "You don't have to carry me." She is such a sweet girl most of the time. So loving. This morning she came to our bed and I gave her a few kisses and waited for us to drift back off to sleep, then she kissed my lips then each of my cheeks then my lips again. To top it all off, she gave me a big hug. Precious moments.....

Scan week is next week and I must say I am getting a little nervous. I know God is control so I shouldn't worry, but I do love her so and don't want to see her suffer anymore. We also will see how her heart is fairing after having all the chemo pushed through it. Too bad I'll be miles away taking care of Daddy. Can it please be next Friday already?

I got my baby back

Saturday around noon, Clint and I headed to my mom's house to pick up Summer. When we got there, the kids were anxious to go sledding again. We bundled up and headed to what I now know as the sledding hill. As a child, I don't ever remember sledding down this hill in particular. We always went for the steep one at the end of my mom's street. Anyway.....Leah, Summer and myself all loaded up on the sled a few times. One time Scratch went down with us. Then we had a snowball fight. What good packing snow it was this time!!! I got to see the snowman they had built the day before which was awesome. We had some chili for lunch and then headed home because Clint was having a little trouble breathing. On the way home, we decided to head straight to the ER so I called my dad to come get Summer. I was so bummed having to give her up when I had just gotten her back. By the time we got home from the hospital, she was asleep in her bed.

Yesterday, we had a funeral to attend. Summer seemed to handle it pretty well. She wasn't too noisy during the funeral, although she did ask me what all the flowers were for. There weren't as many questions as I thought there would be. We even went to the graveside service which didn't bring on a lot of questions. She had fun stomping the left over snow. Before we left, we made our way over to my Pepaw's grave which wasn't too far away. She wanted to know where he was and I said under you. When we got back in the car, she asked what it was like in heaven. Then she told me she is ready to go there. I am soooo not ready for her to go there, but she is all excited to see what it will be like. So much for playing it up, right?

She got a new porcelain tea party set last week. She is serving me right now. I'm on my second cup. LOL It should be a fun day. I just wish I could shake all these yawns. I think I could sleep for a couple of days right now, but I'm sure I won't get anymore until tonight. Here's hoping a nap is in our future!