30+ Hours of Snow

These pictures were taken mid-afternoon
today. We measured 16" of snow at that point.
By time we came in from shoveling and
blowing snow off the driveway it had dumped
another 3-4" and was still falling.


Madelyn was making snow angels to
watch over Andy.

It's starting to look like Christmas...

We spent the first weekend in December decorating
for the holidays. We put up our traditional Christmas
tree and then decided to decorate a smaller 4' tree
with our White House ornaments. The early snow
and decorations put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Thanksgiving in Wichita

The stepping stone and plaque were placed
in the new shade garden. I cannot wait to
see the beauty of this garden in the spring.

More Thanks....

Thankful for beautiful days to spend outside...
Thankful for God's healing...
Thankful for friends that last a lifetime...

Ryan is thankful for cheerleaders...
Madelyn is thankful for having a great daddy...

November...Thanksgiving...Giving Thanks...

Thankful for the time we had with Pop. My dearest friend Sue lost her mom yesterday less than two weeks after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Thankful for my beautiful children....
Thankful for the doctors and nurses at John Hopkins...
Thankful for a donor willing to give life...
Thankful for a sister always willing to listen...
Thankful for a wonderful, loving husband...
Just the beginning of a month of Thanksgiving.

Where has October gone?

What a busy day...two soccer games, soccer skills clinic, a school project.....our October has been much of the same. Most days we aren't sure if we are coming or going. We load up early in the morning and head out only to return late in the day. Our soccer players have us on the go and we are thankful for the friends that keep us company in between. We have caught up with several friends we haven't seen in awhile and it has been a lot of fun.

Madelyn proclaimed this was a 'mixed up' Halloween. I know she was refering to the kid's costumes which they decided on months ago but some things don't change. The Kerrigan's were over again this year. After a quick dinner and costume changes Ken and Kurt (prepared with flashlights, overflow candy bag and a backpack of beer) took the kids trick or treating. Lots of fun was had by all before the rain moved in. Trick or treating ended a bit early but everyone was tired from soccer so there were no complaints. We decided to skip the block party in the rain and instead watched football/baseball on the big screen while the kids played until bedtime. The evening was very enjoyable being low key and spent with good friends.

LIVESTRONG!

When Andy was first diagnosed with leukemia we all asked what we could do to help. Wendy deligated details while she concentrated on Andy's medical care.

I was given several tasks. I turned to Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Foundation for certain information and financial resources for Andy. I know Andy, as well as our entire family, is extreamly grateful to this organization and I would like to take a moment to recognize the fantastic work this foundation does for cancer awareness, research, support of those undergoing treatment, survivors and in memory of those with cancer. Today is LIVESTRONG Day and globally there are activities planned to raise awareness about the fight against cancer. Don't just sit there, take action!

Tired, but well worth it

Last October Ryan ran his first 5K race. It was a great experience for him...A Goal, Training, Achievement. About a month ago a friend of mine told me about the Couch Potato to 5K running plan. I haven't run since my mid 20's except to keep up with kids. I looked it up and decided to start with the goal of someday (maybe next spring) of running a 5K. Two weeks ago I read in the paper that there was a 5K to support cancer awareness and research. I asked Ryan if he wanted to run (at my speed, not his).

So we got up early today and off we went. It was cool and misting but that didn't bother us. What amazed me most was a few comments Ryan made along the way. He told me he has a "cool mom" that he can do things with and at one point when I was getting tired he said "just think of how tough Andy is and you can keep going". He is right.

Andy, as I already told you...this one was for you! It wasn't the endurance runs you are used to participating in but it was my first run in 10+ years. You're positive attitude, strong faith and determination will get you through these tough months ahead. And Ryan and I will keep running (up hill to the finish line) or doing whatever it takes to raise money for research, support medical trials, make people aware and give you the support you need until a cure for cancer is found.

Our afternoon was busy with a trip to the nursery, planting a new tree and watching Ryan's soccer game in the pouring down rain. Ryan had 3 fantastic saves in goal and 3 shots on goal. His team won 4-0. Madelyn's team tied 2-2 this morning. Thanks Ms. Sue for coming and watching Madelyn's game while mom and Ryan were running!

Soccer, Football

Ryan scored his first goal of the season and won his game 9-0! He played goalie the first half of the game and never had a shot taken on him. Kurt and I both thought this soccer game was one of the best we ever watched Ryan play in. Hopefully this week was the beginning of an exciting season.

Madelyn asked to play soccer this season so here she is in her first soccer game. Mom, dad and Ryan cheered loudly for Madelyn. She did a great job chasing the ball down, taking kick off and goal kicks and playing her position. We are so proud of her for taking a chance and playing a new sport. She had a great time and we loved watching her.

Later on in the afternoon the kids and I went to Wild Buffalo Wings to meet Sue to watch the VA Tech vs Nebraska football game. WOW! What a close game. Sorry Sue, VA Tech pulled it out with :21 seconds to go. Kurt was home rolling out our new sod. Still working in the new garden area and will be going to the nursery today for a few more trees, shrubs and fall plants.

The Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round

The rain stopped just in time for me to snap a few photos before Ryan and Madelyn headed off to their first day of school. They were very excited after meeting their teachers a few days earlier. There were smiles and giggles and butterflies in their tummies. Everyone was looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Here are a few pictures as they head off the the bus stop.

Girl Friends, Good Times

Labor Day 2009....

Madelyn, Jennifer and Kinsley enjoyed some fresh air sharing secrets while coloring and playing with bendables. There is nothing like best friends no matter what your age. This outing ended when the rain caught us off guard and we had to pack up and run into the garage. Everyone was wet and couldn't stop laughing. They just relocated to the playroom and the fun continued.

Let's Get Organized

We are getting ready for school to start. Organizing, purging, cleaning out rooms. We have hauled one load to the consignment store and the garage is full of bags for donation. The kids and I went through their clothes to see what still fits. Not much. They are growing so fast. I love watching them grow up...learning new things, exploring new ideas and developing their personalities. God blessed our lives with the most beautiful children.

Roethlisberger meets Cooley

Madelyn greeted Ryan with "Ha-ha, the Redskins beat the Steelers".

Ryan fired back with, "Yeah, the Redskins beat the Steelers third string team".

And then Roethlisberger and Cooley played together for the rest of the day with no additional teasing.

Fall Football

Ryan is our Pittsburg Steelers fan.

Madelyn is our Washington Redskins fan.

Makes for fun, playful trash-talking at our house when they play each other.

Ryan is off to the game today (thanks to Mr. Roy and Ms. Annette for the tickets) and Madelyn is hosting a Redskins party for a few friends.

Mom and Dad are staying out of this one and not taking sides.

Sunscreen, Sand, Sensational!

Dear Everyone,

We enjoyed sports/summer camp while mom met her quarterly deadlines and dad got acquainted with his new job in July. We were all excited to head to the beach and looked forward to a week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with our friends, The Kerrigans.

Mom and dad were the early risers most morning and went for walks/runs on the beach together. They liked watching the sunrise and dolphins jumping. They seldom get alone time. These walks were great! We all loved the sunshine, soft white sand and boogie boarding on the waves. (Thanks Aunt Connie and Aunt Diane for giving us your boogie boards.) Jet skiing was a blast! Evening dinners, playing Mexican Train Dominos and card games and sitting in the hot tub were also part of what made the week a fun trip.

Love, Ryan and Madelyn

Simply Ryan