Halloween 2013

We had our first Halloween in our new neighborhood and my expectations were met and then some!  It was so much fun!!  There are even more children in this neighborhood then I thought.  Bent Tree has an annual Halloween potluck get together in the cul-de-sac up the street from our house and the neighborhood gathers there about 6pm for some good food, catching up and a group picture of all the kids.  At 7pm all the children head out for trick-r-treating.  It was a lot of fun as almost every house in the neighborhood participated.  Everyone decorates for Halloween which I thought said a lot about this quaint, quiet little neighborhood...very family oriented.

Cash was a scary zombie "thing" this year.  No more super hero costumes I guess...on to the scary stuff.

Miss Emma was a strawberry.  The cutest little strawberry I have ever seen.  She didn't quite make the trick-r-treating but she was a trooper for the neighborhood get together. 

Here are most of the kids that gathered before heading off to collect all that yummy candy.

As we approached the last few houses Cash had already taken off his boots because his feet were hurting and his bag holding his candy was dragging the ground....1) because it was so full and 2) he was losing steam....he was very tired toward the end...but here is his loot...he made out like a bandit!

I can't wait until Halloween 2014.  There is no telling what costume Cash will want then but whatever it is I am sure it will be scary and my sweet Emma will be 16 months old.  Walking and talking up a storm I am sure.  

Vegas - First trip away

Ben was heading to NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) in Vegas and asked if I wanted to join.  We love Vegas but of course I was torn as I had not been away from Emma overnight.  The "wife" part of me said I needed to go as it would be great for Ben and I to have that time together.  So the planning began....and it truly was an effort to prepare for a only a 3 day trip.  We hired our sweet babysitter Sarah to stay with Cash and Emma so they would be in their own environment while we were gone especially since it was during the week when Cash would be in school.

I typed out this long extensive list of what to do and when to do it...I was literally overwhelmed by all I do in a day just for two kids.  All of which did not include anything I do for Ben, myself or the family as a whole.  So with that in mind I scaled the list back from 3 pages to 2 pages.:)  Ben thought I was crazy for leaving what he called a "novel" but I felt it necessary to make me feel comfortable about leaving.

The most challenging part in all of this was trying to ensure I had enough breast milk for Emma and I did not.  So I had to make the decision to supplement with formula.  Not an easy decision as I stressed and lost sleep over it but it led me to the overall decision to stop nursing.  I learned from my dear friend Megan Brown that making that decision is very personal and a struggle within but its a decision I feel at peace with.  The one thing that solidified that decision was the fact that while I was in Vegas I pumped really with no issue so it showed me that pumping at work was stressful for me and the worry whether or not I am getting enough to feed her the next day at school was just too much. (I also never got enough to feed her the next day for school)

The morning we left I was of course my organized self...sometimes to a fault....but I left feeling that Emma and Cash were in great hands.  I left in tears but none the less they were in good hands.  So good that Ben and I had a great time!!!!!

About the trip......

I absolutely love going to the airport.  I feel like a kid...I love to get snacks for the plane and most of all sit and people watch.  So getting there two hours before my flight is no problem as I am completely entertained.

View from the plane as we approached Nevada.

We arrived in Vegas and the weather was amazing!!!!  Cool but sunny...a nice 75 degrees.

We stayed at Hard Rock which is a small hotel off the strip.  There are pros and cons to that...pro being that it is a small hotel and con that its off the strip.  We stay in their HRH suite tower.  Very nice, modern and quiet.  They have amazing drivers that (if taken care of) will take you wherever and whenever you need them to.  Reliquary Spa at Hard Rock was amazing.  I had two treatments there and enjoyed every second of it.  Hard Rock has some great restaurants...although like most of the Vegas hotels they don't have a buffet.  They have a "diner" which is great and easy to get in and out of.  They have a great Steakhouse which we have eaten at once before but this time we had lunch at a new restaurant there called Culinary Dropout.  I had their fried chicken which was outstanding!

While Ben was at NBAA I got to go to Caesars and walk around BY MYSELF!  Yes I put that in caps as I want to emphasize how great that was.  I did miss my children terribly....and of course wished Ben had gotten to shop with me but it was very nice to just take in some shopping, a glass of wine and some people watching by myself. That evening we went to dinner at Emeril's restaurant at MGM and then headed over to Mandalay Bay for the Michael Jackson 'One' Cirque show...which was phenomenal!

The second day we were there I went to the shops at Pallazo, Venetian and then the Fashion Show mall.  We had dinner with one of the banks Express Jets does business with and we ate at a Bellagio restaurant called Prime.  It was fabulous!  We sat outside and got to enjoy the water show while we dined.

Water show at Bellagio.

After dinner......

The day we left we headed to Caesar's to enjoy their breakfast buffet, Bacchanal, which was out of this world.  There was a station for every kind of food you can think of.  Ben and I joked about staying through lunch.:)  It was terrific....a must when in Vegas.  We relaxed before heading to the airport and I have to say knowing my kiddos were in such good hands I felt so comfortable that I told Ben I could have stayed another day.  Of course he said ok lets do it and of course I chickened out....I missed Cash and Emma so much I was ready to get home and squeeze them. 

When we got back home I squeezed both my kiddos and felt very revived.  Ready to finish out the week and start the next.  We are headed back to Vegas in May for a wedding....staying at Caesar's.   Emma will be 10 months then which is just hard to believe...that time will be here before we know it.

Took this when we got back home. 

The Light the Night Walk - LLS 2013

I decided to do the Light the Night Walk this year with my Carenet family which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  I was 15 years cancer free on October 19th so it was only fitting to celebrate that milestone walking with others that have survived and of course those walking in memory of a loved one.

My mom joined me and the kids and I really thought having her there, though I don't think I told her, was extra special considering she played such a key role during my journey with cancer.  She was my supporter, care taker...really my everything during that time.  Well maybe not just during that time....try..always.  My unconditional.

 

I was 22 when I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and after 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 22 radiation treatments, an amazing physician (Dr. Amy Lang) and tremendous support system I am proud to say I am 15 years cancer free.  Its hard to believe that something that happened 15 years ago is still so vivid as if it happened an hour ago.

The evening was amazing and it was very inspiring to see the light from all the lanterns as far as the eye could see.

Dear Cash - 7

Dear Cash,

As we approach your 7th birthday and the planning begins it has me reflecting on the last 7 years.  It's so hard to believe that you are going to be 7 years old.  Time has flown by so fast with you.  I feel like it was just yesterday that we were headed to the hospital to bring you in to this world.

Right now you are very aware of what others are wearing and what they are in to.  We see that you make friends very quickly and are not shy at all...which is something I admire about you.  As much as I see some insecurities I see just as much confidence.

You love the Disney channel but its no longer Mickey Mouse ..its Austin and Ally, Dog With the Blog and Good Luck Charlie.   You still love music and are now on your 4th guitar.   You have put on 3 "gigs" at the corner in our neighborhood and I am so amazed that you would think to do that.  It's not even about the "tip" money you are making but more about entertaining.  I think its so great that you have no hesitation to do that..which is just like your daddy.  You are still asking me to take you to bed and though I am often occupied with your sister at this stage I love that you still want me to do that.  It shows that you are still a little boy and sometimes we forget that. 

You say you don't like school but you are so great in school!  Another thing I admire about you.  You are now in your 2nd year of Dual Language and its truly inspiring to see how you have adjusted to the Spanish immersion environment.  We look forward to seeing how you continue to learn this new language and apply it as you grow.

You are the best big brother!  I know that its been an adjustment having a new family member as you have been the only one for almost 7 years but we love you so much Cash and you will always be my first born, my baby..my son.  I just know that Emma is going to absolutely think you walk on water.  You are protective of her and I can already see the bond building between the two of you.  Its just what I wanted for you and knowing you prayed to God for her just tells me even more that we are complete.  With that said.....and on a lighter note.... on Saturday mornings when you are trying to sleep in we are sending your baby sister in to your room at her most chattiest of moments. :)  Just because we love you!

Your daddy and I continue to watch you grow in to your own person and are constantly in awe of your independence, quick wit, and tender heart.   I hope you can forgive our lack of patience, and mistakes.  There is no rule book to parenting but the one thing you should know is that we love you with all our hearts.  We look forward to another 7 years....wow...14...

Cash Brown McPeak - 6 years old (notice the fake tattoo)