It has been a while.....

[Mom23boys]

but hopefully I am back to stay for a little longer. We have had so much going on that we haven't had time to sit down and breathe.

To start with, my step-dad is still battling cancer. He finished the radiation on the spinal (bone) cancer and it did shrink the cancer. He was able to walk again without pain, but then they started the chemo for the liver and lung cancer. They had a CT scan and an MRI done last week. The scans showed that the chemo did not even attempt to kill the liver cancer. Plus, it has spread to the bones in his hips and legs. My mom thought that something else was going on because he had started complaining about the pain again. So, the doctors have stopped the chemo and are working on coming up with a new plan. They told my mom that she needs to make sure she has someone to help her because this will be the longest and hardest road she has ever been on. The doctors do not think they can cure the liver cancer, but are going to try radiation once again. This time they are going to focus on zapping the liver. If this doesn't work, they said he may have 6 months to live. I, of course, will be on and off here because I plan to travel to see them on the weekends. I know I am off work for summer vacation, but I can't leave because of other committments.

Second, we have been busy getting everything ready for DS#2's high school graduation and project graduation. There are so many functions that we attended for his senior events besides the regional track meet. I do not remember having to take so many days off in May before. I am sure I did with DS#1 too. We had senior luncheons, senior awards day, project graduation events and meetings. I am glad to say that May is over! During the project graduation, DS#2 ended up with enough points to bid on and win a new laptop (very nice), a $100 gc to Hollisters, a $50 gc to Target, and a bedding set for a dorm room (which he took back to Target and got something else that he needed). They also gave every students a $35 gc to WM. I thought he did really good, but that is because we busted our butts all year accumulating points for him. We had to work many various events throughout the year. Some were very tough, but we got the whole family involved and racked up points for him.

Third, I was finishing up my Associate of Arts degree. I FINALLY graduated with my degree! WHEW! It sure took long enough. I have transferred to TWU to finish up my bachelors degree. They have an online classes, so there is no need for me to travel there. I am taking the summer off because I think I need a break. I have already signed up for 4 classes in the Fall. I am hoping that it will not take more than 1-1/2 to 2 years to finish this up if I take 4 classes a semester. It just gets really chaotic at times trying to juggle it all.

Finally, I have been busy trying to get all DH's paper work together because he finally decided he wants to get his degree too. So, this summer I will be trying to finish up all the admission work for DH, DS#2, and myself (since I transferred to a univeristy). We will have three orientations to attend....one for each of us, thus is part of the reason why I took a break. Thank goodness for summer vacations! I am so glad that I work for the school district and get these long breaks to accomplish tasks and to visit with old friends!

Whew! That was long. I surely hope that I can stop in everyday now...at least during the summer. I can't wait to catch up with all of you.

[Radish4ever]

Busy, busy, busy!!!!!!1

So sorry about your stepdad That is so frustrating and sad
The graduation stuff sounds great - especially all that great stuff your DS was able to bid on! It sounds like all that hard extra work paid off big time!
Good for you on getting your AA! GL with your classes at TWU Online classes are great! and GL to your DH getting started!

[hollyhill]

Oh my Michelle... that is an awful lot for one person to deal with.
So sorry about your dad...
But how are managing to go to school and your husband as well AND raise your children?
I couldn't fathom going to university just now it was hard enough in my 20's!!!
Glad to see you back, though!!

[Mom23boys]

Oh my Michelle... that is an awful lot for one person to deal with.
So sorry about your dad...
But how are managing to go to school and your husband as well AND raise your children?
I couldn't fathom going to university just now it was hard enough in my 20's!!!
Glad to see you back, though!!

It takes a lot of time management to handle everything. Some days I feel like screaming, but I know this craziness will not last forever. I am glad DH decided to go back too! We now have 2 (children) graduated and 1 to go. DS#3 will be entering high school this year, so that should be fun. He is also involved in sports, UIL, student council, and the BETA (honors) club. WHEW! I will not know how to act when they are all graduated and on their own and I am done with school. It might be boring. :ANYWORD: DS#2 is still going to live at home while going to technical school. It should take 2 years for him to get his degree....unless he opts for a certificate, then it will be one year.

I wish I would have went to school in my 20's, but I have to do things backwards!

[KKCondrey]

Hi Michelle. Great seeing you again. Good luck with getting everyone ready for school and I'll be keeping your step dad in my thoughts.

[Michelle68]

Glad to see you around again, Michelle. I'm so sorry about your step-dad. It's good that you can be there even just on the weekends for them. I'm sure they really appreciate it.
Congrats to your DS on his graduation and good luck to all you college students in the household. It'll be busy , but so worth it in the end.

[wwe11]

Wow, you sure have been busy. And I am so sorry about your step-dad.

[larabelle]

I am so sorry about your step dad.
WOW you have alot going on!! Just reading all of this made me tired.
Take care of yourself and have a quieter summer.

[Debbie-cat]

I am so sorry to hear about your step-dad. Cancer is one of the most difficult things to handle..both for the patient and the family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Congrats on your degree! It is very satifying to complete something you have worked so hard for. I am sure you will do just as well getting your bachelor's.

You have been really busy but seem to be handling things well. Enjoy your summer, get rejuvenated, and be ready for fall when it hits! It sounds like you will have a busy winter as well.

[Gibs]

Sorry to hear about your step dad. Hugs

Busy busy busy on all the other stuff. Congrats on the degree!