Happy Halloween!

Hunter (conducting) with his Marching Band and Choir friends.

I'm so appreciative of our wonderful neighbors who are so great about making sure to pop in so I can say hi and see the fun costumes. It's too difficult for me to be at the door to hand out treats, so many of the neighbors come in for a visit. I LOVE it! 

One of my most favorite neighbors, Hunter (Alexandra's brother), always goes trick or treating with a group of kids from marching band and choir. Dressed as carolers, they sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Feliz Navidad". And boy, are they ever good!

When Hunter introduces me to his friends (one of whom is the current president of marching band, one of whom is the current drum major, one of whom I used to babysit for, and one of whom has a deceased uncle who was my classmate) he says: "This is Emily. She was president of marching band too!" It's so sweet! I love all of the small town connections. 

When so many neighbors make the extra effort to bring their kids inside for a visit or Hunter and his friends make a special effort to stop at our house to sing, it is a reminder of how such simple and kind gestures can make such a big difference.

Most of the other kids were in and out too quickly for a photo shoot (gotta get to the next candy stop!), and Miss Alexandra (despite efforts on her part) wasn't able to come while I was awake tonight. Kaylee didn't hesitate to pop into my bedroom to show off her costume, as I was still in bed resting when she got here.

Since returning home from our trip last week, I've mostly been stuck in bed feeling very sick, watching brainless TV, and trying to get some rest (which is difficult with a pissed of ANS). So, I haven't been able to tackle photos, blogging, email or FB (although I hope to log on and check out the Halloween costumes!). The good news is 1. I'm all caught up on Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars, and other important shows, 2. I was able to be awake for our Halloween visitors, and 3. I managed to upload the photos and get online to write this post. The bad news is how crummy I feel.

If you need a post-sugar-high-smile, I've posted a short video below of Hunter and friends singing Feliz Navidad. They rock! (You may need to scroll down to the bottom of my blog to PAUSE the playlist so you can hear the video.)

I will try to blog as soon as I am able.

Blessings and many thanks to our wonderful neighbors!

Emily

Packing

Asher 'helping' us pack.

While Mom was helping me set out clothes for our vacation, Asher jumped up on the bed and curled up on top of everything! I wonder if he thought perhaps, if he just kept nice and still, we would pack him up in the suitcase and take him along too? I mean, he could pass for a cute stuffed animal, right?

When this post arrives in your inbox it means we are on our way home from our trip to Chincoteague, VA and an overnight stop on the way home for a visit with Dr. Complex. (Since I am a bit uncomfortable posting when we will be out of town on FB and my blog, I was intentionally vague in previous post about our exact travel dates). After almost two weeks away from Facebook, email, blogging, and telephone I will be re-entering the digital world. Hopefully I will be able to upload my photos and blog about our trip after I take some time to recuperate from the travel.

Blessings,

Emily

Birthday Weekend: Part II

'Birthday Cupcake' Bouquet from a Friend. Makes me smile so much!

After our lunch with Dad and Abbie I spent the weekend taking a time out from to-do lists and using all of my energy points to enjoy time with loved ones--meals together, phone calls, reading cards, and opening gifts. I wasn't exactly looking forward to my birthday, but thanks to all of YOU it turned out to be a weekend filled with so many life-affirming gifts. 

Mom and Jeannine. Thank you Lanadoodles for the flowers!

We topped off my birthday weekend by having dinner Monday night with Jeannine. We were all pooped, but it was great to be together.

On Sunday afternoon we were able to sit out on our new patio and visit with a neighbor, talk to a couple of relatives on the phone, and open gifts. On Monday afternoon I was able to take one phone call from a college friend who I talk to once a year on our birthdays (which are only a day apart) before pooping out! I also received a SOLO birthday serenade from Dad. 

My ANS is still SCREAMING at me for all that I did over the weekend. 

Bestest Friends. Two pooped out peeps.

Jeannine's gift to me was many small items she had collected over time that she hoped would bring me more joy, such as a super fun nail art kit! Her other wishes for me this year were for forward motion in my health and a sense of peace. One of my closest friends knitted me a sweater called the Shalom sweater. 

I couldn't think of three things I desire and wish for more in the coming year: more joy, more peace, and improved health. 

Sweet birthday flowers Mom got me at the Farmer's Market

Thank you to all of you--my dear friends and family--who made me feel so incredibly loved and blessed. You spoiled me with your cards, emails, singing voice mail messages, FB messages, texts, phone calls, flower and package deliveries. I'm having a difficult time expressing how much you lifted me up with your kindnesses and I have no idea how I can ever thank those of you who support me enough.

THANK YOU!

Blessings,

Emily

Birthday Weekend: Part I

Gluten-free, Dairy-free cupcakes. Thanks Marla for the mix! Yellow cake, chocolate frosting, pink sprinkles (of course).

After the cousins were here on Friday, we spend the rest of the weekend celebrating my birthday. I tried to spread out the celebrating so that I could enjoy it as much as possible without getting too sick or too overtired!

 It is rare to get Abbie to cooperate for photos, so I was super excited about this shot!

On Saturday afternoon, Mom made lunch for all of us (Dad, Abbie, Mom, me). We had a great visit and a great kick-off to the weekend. 

Asher loved opening presents too!

Mom and me.

Being serenaded by Dad and Abbie. Look we're even color-coodinated.

After Asher helped me open my presents, Dad and Abbie serenaded me with their version of Happy Birthday. Every year it's a different mix of 'harmonies' on Dad's part while Abbie keeps the melody going.

Make a Wish!

Thanks to Mom for making lunch for all of us so that we could have a low-key celebration at home. We're very fortunate that we all get along and have made this 'new family' work. 

Blessings,

Emily

Five Cousins

Todd, Rob, Ryan, and Doug

On Friday afternoon, four of my cousins (and serious Iowa fans) visited Dad and Abbie's house for lunch, good stories, and lots of laughs. The four guys met up to attend an Iowa-Penn State football game and were able to make a stop at Dad and Abbie's as part of their weekend away. Can you tell  which ones are siblings? 

Five Cousins
Back Row: Rob, Ryan
Front Row: Todd, Emily, Doug

I really love this photo of me surrounded by four of my handsome cousins! Looks like I needed to be wearing some Iowa gear!

Todd and Rob stuffing their faces!

I am one of 42 grandchildren on my dad's side of the family, ranging in age from 27-51. The last time I saw any of my cousins was in May of 1998 when traveled to Iowa to attend Rob's wedding. It was incredible to see some of my cousins for the first time in 13 1/2 years. Fortunately, I have not gone all this time without seeing any Iowa family, as some of my aunts and uncles have been here for visits. 

Doug: Master Planner and Mega Iowa Fan

Doug was the one responsible for planning the big trip East and organizing a get together at Dad and Abbie's. 

Ryan: Telling a Good Story

As you can probably tell by the photos, Ryan and Todd are brothers and Rob and Doug are brothers. The five of us range in age from 27-37. I think the last time I saw everyone, Todd still thought girls had cooties! 

Muscles

After not having seen any of my cousins for so long, I had no idea what it would be like to be together again. It was absolutely wonderful. I got big bear hugs from each of the guys. Most of the cousins my age are guys, so I had spent a lot of time with them on trips to Iowa growing up.


We all used to gather at Grandma's house in the evenings. When family was in town, her house would be teeming with her children and grandchildren. I remember listening to the hearty laughs and storytelling. With Rob, Doug, Ryan and Todd, I saw how the next generation has carried on this tradition of sharing stories and laughter.  


I deeply miss Iowa and my family there.

Dad with his nephews and daughter. :)

Doug, Rob, Todd and Ryan: Thank you for the laughter, the stories and the fantastic Iowa hugs, dear cousins! Thank you for bringing the warmth and love of Iowa all the way to Pennsylvania. I'm sorry you traveled all this way only to have to watch Iowa lose the game! :)

Y'all come back now, ya hear? 

Blessings,

Emily

Ang!

Me and Ang

Angela was in town for whirlwind visit to her parents last weekend, so she swung by for a quick Sunday afternoon visit. I had intended to deflect the conversation back to her, but it turns out I needed to talk to her big time. I'm so deep in the forest right now medically that I can't see out, so it helped to have Angela's knowledge, intelligence, compassion, perspective and understanding.


I think I did all of the talking this visit! Thankfully, we have a quarter of a century of friendship under our belts now. We've learned how to give and take and that sometimes one person needs to talk more than the other. It all evens out in the end with friends like Ang.


Blessings,
Emily