Livin the Dream

Little Frankie

2006-11-03T06:58:00.000-05:00

This Halloween was great! It was Aidan's first yr going door to door. He thought it was great! By the end of the night there was chocolate all over his face and very sticky hands, and it was all we could do to make sure he didn't pass out from exhaustion.

My Little Guy is going to be 3!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIDAN!!

2006-10-18T14:39:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post this while I had the time. Our little A-man is going to be THREE tomorrow! I can't believe it! But he is growing up so much. It makes me really proud. I will probably be elbow deep in mini cupcakes tonight for his class tomorrow, so just wanted to drop a little note.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIDAN!!

My Little Guy is in SCHOOL!

2006-09-12T21:54:00.000-04:00

Wow How time FLIES! But is makes me so proud. Aidan has started Preschool. He loves it! Everyday he looks forward to going, it makes him light right up. He is learning to listen to instructions. He is already changing so much from it.

CT scan results!

2006-09-01T21:10:00.000-04:00

Woohoo!! So far Jim is winning! We knew it was good when his dr walked into the room and said to him " you have got to be one of the luckiest bastards I've met!" LOLOL...he has a great sense of humor.
Jim's tumors are shrinking and the marker test they do has gone way down. This is great news! It gives us sooooo much hope!

Trip to the ER

2006-08-29T12:38:00.000-04:00

This morning was very eventful to say the least. Aidan was fast asleep in our bed with Jim, and must have rolled over and fell right out of bed. As a result, he split his chin open. Bad enough that we had to go to the ER. The poor little guy had to get 3 stitches. But he is doing great now!

CT Scan today!

2006-08-25T08:52:00.000-04:00

Today Jim is getting another CT Scan to see where he is in this battle. We won't know the results until next friday. Besides the side effects of the chemo though, Jim is feeling good. He is getting a go get'um attitude. It is great! I am proud of everything he is doing and the fight he is putting up.
Aidan is starting preschool on the 6th! We are so excited for him. It will be so good for him to be around kids his age.

A vacation is never just a vacation

2006-07-30T11:38:00.000-04:00

This week was very UP and very DOWN. We were able to get away and do some camping. DJ and I did some fishing, hung out by the lake...For the most part is was kind of relaxing.
We came back a day early for Jim's chemo appt. On Thursday, I found out that I was being offered a job I applied for. Which is great! A lot less stress.
On Friday, though, we found out that one of our very good friends had past away. It is very sad and upsetting. This was someone that was a very big part of our lives for a while. We have a lot of memories with this person. Pictures will be hard to look at for a while.
This week coming up will also be a 1yr anniversary of another good friend who past away.
This year is to much like last year.

It's a Great Weekend.

2006-06-03T11:11:00.000-04:00

Even though it is raining outside, this weekend is a great weekend. Today is Our 6th Wedding Anniversary. Nothing really special planned, just happy we made it to the 6th. My sister got ENGAGED yesterday!! SO SO SO HAPPY FOR HER!! We love those guys so much and are just so happy for them.
And our Nephew DJ is up to visit for the weekend. We love spending time with him.
And Jim doesn't have treatment this weekend, so things couldn't be better!

Life is getting Crazy again.

2006-05-02T08:49:00.000-04:00

Too many things going on lately. I know I haven't posted in a while...sometimes it's an avoidance. Probably not a good Idea to avoid thinking about everything. Or maybe I am thinking too much and don't want to focus enough to organize my thoughts.
This year will be another uphill battle. Hopefully we will be able to get through it again.

Potty Training

2006-03-08T22:55:00.000-05:00

Today has been our most successful day yet! We have been giving Aidan Stars for every time he goes on the Potty. As you can see from our picture, He did GREAT today! Hooray for Big Boy Aidan!!

We are Home now.

2006-02-27T15:52:00.000-05:00

This is a print that Jim and I have wanted since we bought our first house. When we decided to move we made sure that no matter what we did, we would have this picture hanging on our wall.
Such a small thing, but it was part of our dream, and makes our house feel like home.

Power OUT!

2006-02-20T06:20:00.000-05:00

This weekend started off with a crazy storm that was mainly wind. The wind got up to 67mph up here in Saratoga. Trees where down and power was out all over town. Our power went out at about 12pm on Friday. We did not get it back until Saturday afternoon! But it gave me a reason to go pick thru the clearance racks at JCPenney. And Boy did I get some great deals! Jim was able to get a leather jacket originally $240 for $60 ....It was crazy how much we were able to get. This weekend we also tried out our Fireplace. I have to say...I wasn't too sure if I was going to like it...but It was sooo nice to have burning and just hearing the crackling was relaxing. We were also able to get some good clearance deals for fireplace tools at Lowe's ...SO even though the power was out this weekend it wasn't too bad........Thanks so much MOM for letting us crash at your place!

A Delivery from my Sweetheart!

2006-02-14T14:58:00.000-05:00

What a surprise I received today! I heard my doorbell ring but because I am here by myself I do not answer the door. I get a call from Jim telling me to answer the door....And there is a older gentleman standing there with a bouquet of flowers for me! HOW SWEET!! Thank you very much Valentine!

First Snowman!

2006-01-23T17:21:00.000-05:00

Here is Aidan's First Snowman! Well really I built it while Aidan threw snow at the dog...LOL! He was laughing so hard...but the stick on the top of his head is from Aidan. He had a ball in the snow. It was a Great Day for it!

Looking Forward to a New Year!

2006-01-01T10:40:00.000-05:00

Year 2005 have brought us many trails....Things that have tested and made us stronger.
We are very thankful that we have all made it though..and can look to the new year together.
We are finding a new comfort in a new place this year.
Hopefully this new year we will all be happy and healthy and our relationships we become stronger.
Good bye 2005....we anxiously welcome 2006!

A HAPPY HAPPY DAY!

2005-12-06T14:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was probably one of the happiest days I've had in a while. Aidan just melted my heart.
We were rocking in the rocking chair looking at each other...I looked at him and said I love you...he looked right back at me and said Love you Mommy. I didn't even have to ask him to say it! He just did it!
It made me so proud and happy!

Where does the Time GO!

2005-11-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

I don't think life can get more hectic than this.
We successfully pulled off having a team for the PanCan Walk, with shirts and everything! Thank you everyone who participated and donated!! The walk raised $17,000 for research, That is GREAT!
We have a buyer for the house, which is great! All the inspections are going on right now, hope everything goes alright. We would like to be moved before X-mas if possible.
Work is Crazy...I get pulled in a different direction everyday...I think I actually forgot what my actual job was..LOL.
This week my car was also hit. An added expense I really didn't need right now.
There are some pix of the last couple of weeks on my Flickr link http://www.flickr.com/photos/92119958@N00/

Aidan's Last Day of Being 1! :~(

2005-10-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Aidan's last day of being One! It is so sad...He is growing up quick! But everyday is an adventure w/him..And I love Every Minute of it!!

Back to a little bit of normalcy

2005-09-20T08:40:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day that Jim does not have radiation therapy and goes back to work! I am very proud of him. He has made it through so much in such a short period of time. There is still a little more for him to go through w/chemo but I know that will go by fast and then we can finally turn this page.

A Day of Apple Pickin'!

2005-09-10T17:48:00.000-04:00

Today was a beautiful day. The sun was out...It wasn't too hot...Perfect day for apple pickin'. This was the first time we brought Aidan apple pickin'. He thought it was great! We also picked some raspberries, saw some sheep, pet a horse, had some lunch and picked up some Cider Donuts. It was Great! Now I can start making some pies and applesauce.

1 more week of radiation therapy for Jim. That is great for him. And he will be able to go back to work soon too.

be back soon!

Lawn Mowin Men!

2005-09-02T07:59:00.000-04:00

These are my guys keepin busy mowin the lawn! So Cute!

Busy...Busy WEEK

2005-08-27T21:00:00.000-04:00

This week has been really busy...busy looking at houses...busy getting our house together. Our house went up on the Market on Friday! YIPPEE!! We will be looking at a few houses in Saratoga Springs tomorrow...which we are really excited about! This will be really good for us!
So today my mom was great and brought Aidan to the Great Escape!..he learned how to eat a ice cream cone on his own...What a mess...I'm glad I didn't have to pick it up!HAHAHAHA!! They had a blast!
So Far so good w/the new job...It is alot to remember, but i'm sure it will be like second nature soon....hopefully..lolol.
well...be back soon!

Starting a New Job

2005-08-15T06:47:00.000-04:00

I'm Starting a new job today. It's within the same company, but it is a step up. I am a little nervous...I really hope I like it! I was starting to get way too comfortable in my old position and needed something new. Wish Me Luck!!

Life is too Short.

2005-08-08T18:11:00.000-04:00

I have gotten this lesson beaten into my head this year. Early this morning the news came to me that a friend of mine and also a co-worker, Annette Balistreri, was killed in a car accident. She was the nicest, kindest, funniest and most giving person I have ever come across. I and a few people from work had just gotten together a couple of weeks ago for dinner, I am thankful for that time, Annette was there, we hadn't seen each other in quite some time.
I am thankful that our paths crossed in this lifetime, because I learned alot from her. The last little lesson she taught me was to just learn how to play the game.
She will be greatly missed!

Vacation coming to an END!! aaahhhh...

2005-07-29T15:28:00.000-04:00

This week I was on vacation from work. We went on a 5 day camping trip at Cranberry Lake. I was a nice trip. We did some boating and hiked up Bear Mountain....It probably wouldn't have seemed so bad if I didn't have Aidan strapped to my back, but Jim and I took turns. Next week we return to our hectic lives. Jim starts radiation therapy next week. So he will be making trips back and forth to Albany Med Center 5 days a week for 6 weeks. AAAHHHHH !!! oh well....vacation when by too fast.

The week has gone by sooo FAST!

2005-07-07T22:50:00.000-04:00

Thursday already! This week went by too fast...but most of them seem to do that lately. When it seems like you are on a constant schedule with no down time....things don't slow down.
Great words came from Jim's dr's mouth this week... he said to him "you don't have cancer". It is wierd because we know that the tumor was taken out ..we know it's not there anymore...but we never stop to think that he doesn't have cancer because he is still going through treatments....I guess it's hard to explain, but it was sooo nice to just hear those words because we hadn't heard them from anyone yet.
My cousin, Ashley, graduated from Nursing school tonight. We are all really proud of her. I hope she does great things with this...I know she can if she keeps herself focused.
And Aidan is a nut as always....new words come out of his mouth everyday. He is just so smart it amazes me.

This one is for G-ma and Rebecca!

2005-07-02T15:20:00.000-04:00

This one is for G-ma and Rebecca!
Originally uploaded by Heather63.

You 2 know why...

Kiss Me Baby!

2005-07-02T15:18:00.000-04:00

Kiss Me Baby!
Originally uploaded by Heather63.

Aidan's give me a kiss face! HAHAHAHA!

And the Skipper

2005-06-30T22:02:00.001-04:00

Captain and the Skipper
Originally uploaded by Heather63.

Captain

2005-06-30T22:02:00.000-04:00

Captain and the Skipper
Originally uploaded by Heather63.

Cool Dude!

2005-06-24T22:47:00.000-04:00

Cool Dude!
Originally uploaded by Heather63.

Here is the 2 seconds that we were actually able to get Aidan to keep his sunglasses on!

May the Force be with you! HAHAHA!

2005-06-14T06:37:00.000-04:00

Friday Jim and I went to go see STAR WARS III. It was really good! If you were at all into star wars this one is worth going to see. Thanks Bec for watching Aidan so we could go.
For some reason this year I have developed allergies...my sinus' are taking a beating.
Tomorrow Jim goes for his 3rd Chemo treatment. His treatments are going pretty well. He only gets about a day of feeling very tired. I'm so glad he hasn't been nausous. And he is putting some weight back on. I know this is making him very happy.
We have starting taking Aidan on bike rides. He LOVES it! His little helmet has bugs that light up on it!
Between biking, taking walks and getting some time in to use our Bowflex...we are turning into a regular fitness team! HAHAHA!

New Hair Do!

2005-06-11T21:16:00.000-04:00

Today was a nice day away from the house. I went with Becky to get my hair cut and highlighted. Becky's good friend Barb is in beauty school so we decide to go and give her some practice. Well let me just say that I think this was one of the best hair cuts I have ever had. She did a great job and I am so glad I went. I later got to go to a bridal shower of one of my old friends. I am sooo happy for her. She seems so happy and really deserves to be! By the end of the day I was really missing Aidan but it was nice to get a way for a little bit.

Interesting Healthy Reading!!

2005-06-02T20:51:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone...There is a new book that I have picked up that I am finding very interesting and informative. I recommend anyone who is interested in how the body works and how to keep it healthier and younger. It is called..."YOU The owner's manual" An insider's guide to the body that will make you healthier and younger.
I hope this can be good reading to anyone who is interested.

Thank You!

2005-05-13T21:22:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to leave a comment for all you ladies who have been leaving me the most positive comments. Mom, Rebecca, Ashley, Nicole, and Diane....Thank you all very much!! All your positive thoughts mean a lot to me! I appreciate them very much!

A minute to myself....

2005-05-05T11:40:00.000-04:00

Both of my guys are napping and I have a minute to myself. Being able to sit and reflect on what has already happened this week puts a lump in my throat. Jim being home is great, but it is also going to be hard. He is very limited. I have to keep his spirits up though because I don't want him to mentally go backwards. He is now discovering how much the morphine really helped him while he was in the hospital. Along with adjusting to this, I am trying to mentally keep myself together because my grandmother is also in the hospital. It's amazing how much a person can really take without totally losing it....at least I'm trying really hard not to.

Fog lifting

2005-05-02T07:40:00.000-04:00

On my end of things the fog is starting to lift a little. I'm getting a little more rest and having an actual schedule for going to the hospital is helping. Things are looking positive, but you try to not lose sense of reality on why we are going thru all of this.
My husband amazes me with his determination, we are going to make it thru this just like we have everything else.

Choo-Choo Cheese.

2005-04-24T14:10:00.000-04:00

Ok...Yesterday I gave Aidan a normal slice of cheese to eat, and went about my business cooking dinner. All of the sudden I heard him saying "Choo-Choo, Choo-Choo"....I look over and wouldn't you know, he had noticed that his piece of cheese now was shaped like a train! How's that for creative!!

It's been a long time...Dream altered.

2005-04-21T06:10:00.000-04:00

I'm back to blogging here...This will be a good outlet for me with out bringing down the family blog.
Our Dream we have been living has be altered. But I know we will get through this...at least that is what I'm hoping. I am going to have to find more strength than I have ever needed before, but I guess you do what ever it is you have to do.
It's wierd you always think that cancer happens to other people...never thought it would invade our lives. I mean I've always been one to think that anything can happen to anyone, but way way back in your mind you like to think that you will be the fortunate one that nothing happens to. Somedays feeling numb and not thinking about it at all gets me threw...it has to at least until tuesday when jim has to fight this head on. I am trying to get my strength from him...I have to be strong so i don't fall apart...and so he doesn't worry as much.

Checkin in..

2005-02-20T07:04:00.000-05:00

Things here have been a little busy...hence no posts lately.
Bowling is our new favorite weekend activity. Aidan loves sitting there and doodling and watching us...He is our little cheer section! It's always good to have a cheer section even when your not doing so good...positive reenforcment! HAHA!
In the last few years, Jim and I have really found our enjoyment for the water when buying our jetski. Well this year because now the little man is here, we have decided to buy a boat! We both think this will be a great family thing for us to do together, and Aidan will grow up w/boating knowledge. Something Jim and I did not have. Aidan will definitely have a different quailty of life than Jim and I grew up with. We are very excited about it all!

Last night we also went to meet a new little member of our family. Aidan now has a little cousin named, Jonathan. He is a little cutie who looks ALOT like his older brother!

I'll be back soon!

2005-02-10T19:14:00.000-05:00

Thank Goodness for WASHABLE markers! Such an Artist!

2005-02-10T19:13:00.000-05:00

My new purchase for this week! Boy did we need a toaster! Jim kept setting our Toaster Oven on fire! LOL

Finally finished!

2005-02-10T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today I finally finished the book I was reading! What a great feeling! Only took me about a month and a half! On to the next one!
Jim comes back home tomorrow...Yippee!...Can't wait!...Both Aidan and I miss him!

Jiggly...Jiggly.....LOLOL

2005-02-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

As I am jogging on my treadmill, I feel my ass jiggling....LOL..(yeah that's right I said it!)
Hoping all the jiggling is helping it all melt away!!!!

Hope this makes you all smile! : )

Clearing my mind of the Garbage....

2005-02-08T19:57:00.000-05:00

I came to the realization a few months back, to have a healthier mental outlook I needed to clear my mind. I needed to make it a point that happenings beyond my own life, were not holding me back. I have to say that changing that aspect of my thinking, has really helped. I am finally doing things for me once in a while. I am focused on my health, which in turn keeps me focused on the everyday routine that I have here with working full time at home and taking care of my son full time. I also think, that it has really helped communication between Jim and I. Not that we had bad communication before, but I have noticed it is a little different now. For the better.

I have learned that when we get caught up with everything that is going on around us, sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves.

2005-02-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

Maybe Aidan will become a Tatoo artist!

2005-02-08T09:11:00.000-05:00

Our 4-wheeler...Go Aidan!!

Start: 3 days off of work

2005-02-08T08:34:00.000-05:00

So it's just Aidan and I this week. Not sure yet what we will be doing, but I think we are going to venture out somewhere. Lately, Aidan is in this mode that he is happiest when he has a piece of paper and a pen to write with. I think it's great! Aidan just got 2 new teeth. He has not had a fun time w/these two. Trying to get a picture of them is no easy task either! LOL.
I recently got my hair cut, but now think that maybe it is too short. But that's ok, it will grow back. Started going to a quilting class. I have yet to see if I will really enjoy it, but it seems really interesting. I am excited about it. I have to get familiar with a sewing machine again, it's a sad day when your husband knows more about sewing than you do! But thank goodness that he does, He has been a big help!!
So today I am going to try to make some pillows. We'll see how that goes....lol

Saturday Jim and Aidan enjoyed some time outside with the nice weather we had, testing out Aidan's 4-wheeler outside.

Tuesday February 1, 2005

2005-02-01T21:54:00.000-05:00

This is my blog, by sister talked me into doing...lolol... Guess I have to get with it at some point.
Today went very smoothly, not that most my days don't. Got my taxes done, worked 10 hrs, and worked out on my treadmill for a half hour. Aidan was very good today, and is getting smarter by the day. Everyday he amazes me. He is doing excellent w/learning the alphabet and the sounds that the letters make! Right now, he is in a phase of wanting to eat muffins all the time. Not sure what to do w/that..lol but it's cute!