After 9 years

We've lived quite a long time with MS.  The truth though, is that we have not always acknowledged it's presence in our family.  Not everyday.  Not in all the ways it has affected us, changed us, and hurt us.  That is changing.  Quickly and with force Jim has swept away any reluctance to face this disease head on.  To take charge of MS, to no longer let it take charge of him.  This has meant lots of reading, talking, crying, fear, relief, joy (yes, I said that), and reaching out.  We are reaching out to the MS society for help and support.  The hot-line, the counseling, the advice, the ear and shoulder.
And so, we must support those supporting us, to keep that support coming:

We're walking on Saturday, April 16th in San Luis Obispo.  The whole family plus more family.  And maybe you?  Join us if you can.  Donate if you would like to.  We appreciate all your love and support in all the many forms it takes.  Still. After all these years.

Journaling...

We are trying to do family journaling, (at least once a week, I hope), for connection, laughter, insight, conversation, and a bit of calm:

Things that make you happy:

Maggy:
a zu zu pet
a seahorse
a car
thanks, thanks
dancing
wearing leotards at Junah's house
wearing my new bow shoes

Fletch:
Legos
Bella
Andy
Ezzy

Sara:
sunlight
good music
family
food
reading
laughing
travel
creating
connection
smiles
hugs
water running over rocks
walking
trees
the library
photos
holding hands
kisses
games
big windows
rain on asphalt
dancing
potlucks
disneyland
ice cream

Jim:
harmony
laughter
sunshine
music
Fletcher
Magnolia
Sara
back rubs
beard
not showering
crosswords
tattoos
full belly
energy

First Day

We took a step we never thought we'd take:

 Maggy started preschool last Tuesday.  She will go twice a week, four hours in the mornings.  Oh, and she's in my class.  Yup, she's even calling me Miss Sara - she thinks that is pretty funny.

Junah has been in my class for a year now, she is happy to be showing Mags the ropes.  Now these girls, these shrieking, dancing princesses get to spend two whole days together each week.  They could not be happier:

Jim thought he would miss her too much.  He quickly found that he missed her, but not so much he couldn't enjoy the day.  A bit more quiet, a bit more calm, a bit more peaceful.  A bit easier. 

Fletch is enjoying more of Dad's attention and less of Maggy's.

I am enjoying more time with my girl.  Maggy is loving the activities, the toilet that is, "small for us kids!", all the new friends and being a big girl at school.

Man of Mystery

still amazed....after all these years

Birthday Weekend

Birthday preparations, for the three year old girl

The birthday girl arrives, a princess ready for her special day

decorating wands and crowns

Fletch was provided with something a bit more in line with his interests, he was glad for that.

Kennedy playing in Maggy's kitchen.

present time!  kennedy and aunt amber brought this funny little singing bear, we all enjoyed him.

a puzzle from Fletch.

Aunt Barbara's apron and kitchen mitts...love them.

All three girls loved the felt doll set from Aunt Barbara and Junah.

Pink princess cupcaks, with some blue ones per Fletcher's request, made by Aunt Harvest.

mmmmmm.

very yummy.

pinkalicious, lickalicious.

second helpings.

she reminds me of alice  in wonderland.

running off some sugar

what a group

Happy Birthday Magpie.

It was a fabulous party, the girls were sweet and so fun to watch together, and despite the fact that I imagined Fletcher might feel a bit bummed being the only boy and older kid - he really enjoyed himself and played with the girls very happily.  It was relaxed and full of joy, a princess party for our princess.