so what's new with you?

Hi all.  It's been awhile since I've updated the ole' blog.  Let's see...what's new?

Well, we went to a tiny, little, obscure place called HAWAII!  Oh my gosh.  What a blessing of a trip it was.  It was actually Cole's Make-A-Wish.  He wished us all to beautiful Oahu, and presto, M-A-W made it happen.  Check out a few pics of the awesomeness...

rough surfing conditions that day - north shore

 

helicopter tour of the island

diggin' for treasure

sunset - night of the luau

what lovely children

i'm so brave

 parasailing - holding on for dear life

hang ten, my friends

It was truly a trip of a lifetime. 

Perhaps you noticed that GK was missing from all HI pics.  Well, that's because she wasn't invited!  Ouch, that sounded mean.  What I meant to say was that we didn't want to interrupt her schedule with an 8 hour plane ride and the 5 hour time change and crazy fun activities that she couldn't participate in (did you see my parasailing face? - GK would not have survived HI.)

  We had her best interests in mind. 

Promise.

Let's see, what else is new? 

Sydney is dancing in the Nutcracker this weekend, with the Moscow Ballet!  Like, the Russia Moscow.  She's an angel (so perfectly casted, in my most humble opinion).  We are excited to check it out! 

Cole is feeling wonderful - still in remission.  He's as fiesty as ever.  He goes in for more scans in early December.  Hoping, of course, for the very best news.  He just finished up a successful season of tackle football and fall baseball.  Now it's onto his winter sport de'jour - wrestling.  I'm telling you, this boy never slows down.

GK is soooo 3 and a half.  She is talking a mile a minute, singing Christmas carols, writing her name and anxiously awaiting her 4th birthday.  I don't have the heart to tell her it's 4 long months away.  I think she thinks it's tomorrow.  She loves all things princess, pink and purple.  She makes us laugh everyday.  She told Chris this morning that she is "talented."  Modest much?

I am so thankful that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  This tired mama is ready to slow down, reflect on our many blessings, and spend some quality time with the fam.  Hope you all have a very blessed holiday. 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

-Colosians 3:17

I'm feeling thankful today

Things I'm thankful for today...

1. My kiddos.  They make me crazy, fer sure, but all-in-all, they are pretty awesome. Loving, patient, always evolving, never ceasing to amaze me. 
2. My marriage.  Chris, you are wonderful.  Together for 24 years (SERIOUSLY???) and I still can't think of anyone - ANYONE - I'd rather hang out with.  Thank you for making me laugh.  Everyday.  Thank you for keeping my sometimes raging emotions in check.  Thank you for loving me despite all my many flaws. 
3. A God who is merciful and mighty. What a relief to know that He loves me despite all my many flaws. What a comfort to experience His grace. Everyday. Me - so undeserving - so humble - so completely overwhelmed at the many things I still don't understand about my faith. 
4. My job. I love our new school. Syd and Cole love our new school. How fortunate that I get to hang out with 8 year olds everyday. No, really. I'm not lyin'.
5. Good health.  I took it for granted for too long.  Needless to say, I don't anymore. 

As autumn approaches, my heart is filled with thankfulness.  I have been blessed.  Truly blessed. 

May you count your sweet blessings too. 

Books on my "nightstand"

Well, they aren't technically on my nightstand, but I have gone so far as to request them from our lovely, local library.  Here's the list...let me know if you are  #1. familiar and  #2. would recommend. 

1. An American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin

2. Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

3. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

4. Looking for Alaska by John Green

5. Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

6. A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

There you have it.  Currently I'm struggling loving 1776 by David McCullough.  It is my assigned summer reading for my J.O.B.  I'm one-third through with 3 weeks to go.  Wish me luck.  And brain power.  And divine intervention. 

What's on your "nightstand"?

Summer List 2011

I had the kiddos write their summer lists the other day (I know, we're already halfway through summer.  Sigh.  Long sigh.  Boo - hoo).  Anywho...here's our "I'm not making any promises, but I'll do the very best I can to help you check things off your list" list. 

COLE (almost 11 year old - happy almost birthday btw!)

1. a trip to six flags (maybe dad can help you check that one off your list, son.  it's darn hot out there!)
2. water balloon fight (CHECK!)
3. putt-putt golf (once again, TX + summer + crazy sweaty crowds = dad's job)
4. try something new (hmmmm...interesting)
5. be cancer free (so far, so good! tentative CHECK)
6. have new head of hair (he's gettin' there)
7. get back in shape (this SHOULD be on my summer list - he's making me look bad)
8. read bible
9. start walking/running program with mom (really?)
10. earn money for itouch (great, motivation to do chores)
11. hawaiian falls (CHECK - next week, thanks sophia!)
12. earn hunter's safety card (oooooohh, daaaaadddd)
13. HAVE FUN!!!

SYDNEY (12 year old girly-girl)

1. weekly trips to the library (CHECK!)
2. putt-putt (what is it with my kids and outdoor activities?  did i mention we live in TEXAS??)
3. go to a texas rangers game with daddy (CHECK!)
4. bowling (ahhh, air conditioning - i'll take this one)
5. movies (see #4 comment - ditto)
6. big neighborhood bbq
7. watergun fight (CHECK)
8. cool thursdays at the arboretum (outdoor concert venue - byob - fun!)
9. walking/running program with mommy (ok, so both kids want me off the couch)
10. solo trip to conroe, tx (chris's aunt and uncle have a super cool house there with super cool pool)
11. throw a "cole is cancer free" party with lots and lots of friends (brilliant!)
12. invite friends to KC pool
13. visit Ronald McDonald house  (donate supplies, volunteer)
14. see play or musical
15. bible study/book club
16. go rolling (hope you aren't on our list - we've been stockpiling our tp)

So, there you go.  We've actually checked a few items off, and we have a good month left to accomplish some more.  Wish us luck!

Cancer

I can't think of many other words that strike such intense fear in the heart of a parent as "cancer."  It is a word one never, ever wants to hear about any loved one, especially one's own child.  Over the past few months our family has become very familiar with the word, cancer.  Our 10 year old son, Cole was diagnosed with Burkitt's non-hodgkins lymphoma on April 1st (and no, it wasn't a bad April fool's joke, I asked). 

Upon hearing our seemingly healthy child had cancer, we were completely devastated and heartbroken.  Why Cole?  Why now?  Why ever?  Why oh why?  I, of course, lamented and wrestled over these very selfish questions for weeks.  Cole was able to wrap his brain around and accept his diagnosis in less than 12 hours. Did I mention how incredible this kid is?

So how does this work?  Chris and I have jobs.  And 2 other children.  And no other family around.  And a child that will now be spending lots of time in the hospital.  And, how does this work? 

OK, let's try and move the focus from me to my sick child.  Let's not worry about how my laundry will get done, or getting Sydney to dance on time, or making sure my plants are watered.  There's nothing like an illness to put things in perspective for you.  (I wasn't really worried about my plants, by the way)

It was only because so many people rallied around us that we made it through that really dark period.  I didn't need to worry about my laundry, or getting Sydney to dance on time or my plants because it was all being taken care of by others.  So many others.  Some I have thanked, many I have not.  Chris and I were and still are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness and love.  And prayer.  Oh the prayers.  Can I just tell you how powerful prayer is???

Well, it's been almost 2 months since D-Day (diagnosis day).  Cole is doing incredibly well.  He's had 4 barium enemas (yikes), 1 colonoscopy, 2 surgeries, several weeks in the hospital, 2 rounds of chemo (yuck, by the way) and too many needle pokes to count, thus far.  We are awaiting a body scan (June 7th) which will tell us whether or not he will need more treatment.  We are hopeful, as is our doctor that his body will be clear of any cancer cells. Until then, we anxiously await our summer break to officially begin.  Cole hopes to play a little baseball, enjoy a few Sonic happy hours and just try "normal" for a change.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

(Isaiah 41:10)

Books

I was once, in my former life, a book club member.  I loved book club.  Once a month, I got together with a group of highly intelligent, and somewhat intimidating women for fun, fellowship and fabulous food.  It may come as a surprise, but our book club actually had wonderful discussions about the books we read - we weren't posers using "book club" as a cover for a night away, like so many book clubs out there.  The discussions, quite honestly, were my favorite part of the evening. 

Well, 3 babies later and a traveling husband seemed to be the demise of my book clubbing.  My life became increasingly crazy and I. Simply. Stopped.  Reading.  I was just keeping my head above water, reading seemed a superfluous luxury to me.  I barely had time to shower, let alone read a lengthy book, without illustrations, I might add.  Books became a distant memory, 

and I sadly said, "Goodbye," to my beloved book club.

One of the things I loved, loved, loved about book club was that it exposed me to many books I would've probably never picked up otherwise.  It's always fun to walk through a book store and be able to point at a few books that I have read - such a feeling of accomplishment. 

As my life has settled down a bit, and my coping skills increased, so has my ability to read again.  I have been able to sneak a book in occasionally, and it makes me so happy.  My love for reading began at a young age and I hope to instill this same passion in my 3 little ones.

I was posed with a question a few weeks ago.  What are your top 10 books of all time???  Wow.  What a complex and thought provoking inquiry.  One that has made me stop and really think.  I have done my best at compiling a list of 10 of my favorites.  I thought I'd share them with you.  They are in no significant order (that was too difficult of a task).  Just 10 books that I have loved and have recommended to many.

Hope you enjoy...

 

 

Well, there you have it.  I had such a tough time choosing just 10.  I have many more that I have loved and promise to share with you another time.  Thanks book club.  I owe you more than you'll ever know.

Spring Break - Day 1

Nothing like a week off from work to inspire a spring cleaning at my house.  

Look at what I did today.

Our Utility Room, or A.K.A. 

The Pit That We Have To Walk Through Every Time 

We Come Home From A Long Day...

(Utility Room has a better ring to it)

overflowing hooks and recycling 

scarves, scarves and more scarves hanging on the right

how many scarves does a family of 5 really need anyway???

catch all rack - everything from pine sol to our trusty margarita machine

just plain sad

oh, cool,  i spy an empty sack of dog treats - why doesn't anyone throw empties away at my house? 

do you have this problem too? 

it's the same person who doesn't replace the empty toilet paper roll

curses...

a picture is worth a thousand words

this one makes me want to cry-

you too?

i have no idea what the white tubs hold-

and do you think i have enough target and tom thumb bags?  

way to clean up the planet, katey

so embarrassing to let you see this mess

my pride just packed a suitcase and left

my poor boy, sick on the couch today

missed out on the cleaning session

ok, enough of the befores, let's get to the good stuff...

i don't think the after pics do the room justice

trust me, the room is simply breath taking - ok - that might be overselling it a bit

it does look mucho better though

HAPPY SPRING CLEANING!  

next stop, my closet

wish me luck

The Library

In every house we've owned it seems like there was a special little something that sold the house for me.  In this house, it was... a closet.  Not just any closet, though.  A magical, transformable, full of potential space for me to tackle and change to meet the needs of our ever-growing family.  I had a vision for this closet.  Instead of using it to store overflow Christmas and Halloween decor, bicycles, board games, small pets and pantry items, I decided to use this space as a library for the kiddos.  A coat of paint and a few decorative items later, this space went from storage to a truly usable room.  Here are a few pictures, what do you think???

Well, that's that.  This room gets used everyday.  I'm so glad to share our little space.  I wonder what that special little something will be in our next home?  It doesn't take much to spark my interest - i.e. a dark, dingy little closet???  Really?  Really.

Paying Homage to the PW

I have decided to turn to my good friend, Ree Drummond of Pioneer Woman blog fame for this week's menu inspiration. 
This is what I've come up with...

MONDAY:  MM Sandwiches (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/01/the-mm-sandwich-pw-style/)

doesn't this look deeee-lish?

TUESDAY: Chicken Parmigiana (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/chicken-parmigiana/)

 

bon appetit!  oh wait, that's french.

WEDNESDAY:  Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/01/beef-stew-with-beer-and-paprika/)

comfort food to the max.

THURSDAY:  Chicken Spaghetti (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/chicken_spaghet/)

 low cal?  i think not.

FRIDAY:  Big Steak Salad (http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/big-steak-salad/)

detox?  i think not.

Anyway, I'm super excited about dinner this week.  I love that I have a plan and I love that it all looks so incredible.  I hope I can pull it off and be the hero of the kitchen.  Happy cooking!

my new bestie

Do you have one of these???  It is my new favorite thing.  Santa graciously gave it to me.  

It is constantly playing sweet, sweet music all day long in my kitchen.  I can tune into any radio station in the world, that's right people, the entire world! 

I can log into my Pandora account and let those tunes play too.  

The musical world at my fingertips.  

 This new love makes doing dishes so much more tolerable. I find myself making excuses to spend more time in my kitchen.  Those of you who have seen my kitchen know how truly remarkable this is.

If you don't have one, run, don't walk, or you can walk, whatever floats you boat.  

Anyway, my point is...

YOU MUST GET ONE OF THESE WONDERFUL INVENTIONS!  

Enjoy!

Christmas 2010 part 1 and part 2

Santa must really like the Arnett's.  He faithfully visits our undeserving family twice, twice I tell you, every year.  He completely understands our travel schedule and accommodates.  So here are a few pictures from Santa's first visit to our home in Dallas, followed by a few pictures from his visit to our Colorado Christmas.  Enjoy!

 

GK proudly showing off her new PINK kitchen.  

Cole received a shotgun this year.  Watch out cute little furry wildlife!

Crazy ipad LOVE!

Bedazzled GK among all the Christmas carnage.

Christmas part 2 - Colorado

Say cheese, please just cooperate people.  This won't take long.  Don't close your eyes, smile for goodness sake!  C'mon now, act like you all like each other.  Whew, this is the best we can do!

Cole got to hit the slopes for a day.  

Looking good, GK!

Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters.  Does anyone else know this song???

FINALLY...SNOW!!!  The day before we left, it decided to really snow!  These Texans have only seen snow a handful of times.  

Well, a good time was had by all.  So glad that Santa loves us all so much. 

Here's to a wonderful 2011