Another Month has Rolled By

We dropped the kids off for a week at King's Kamp 2013 in Idyllwild, CA 

Ahhhh, the joys of attempting to sharpen the young ones’ brains after a week of youth camp fun in the mountains . . . We started our academics with a little language arts exercise on tenses.  I am not one to defeat myself and start off in the rafters of deep thought, so, I did not assume anything much remained solidified in the brain after academically checking out for a week.  The first question shows the slow pace at which I intended to reintroduce the kids to the school setting, “Do you know what tense is?”  to which Kevin answered, “Yes, more than one tent.”  I laugh. Moving right along Acacia gives her attempt at clarification, “Is tense like right now?” I answer, “Yes, what else can it be?”  to which she replied, “Stress,”  which I'm sure was a revelation of what she was feeling at that moment sitting in class as compared to playing at camp!

They had a great time and made a lot of new friends!

The theme of King's Kamp this year was the "Heart of a Hero" They enjoyed the classes and lessons AND the silly camp songs, which we are still hearing sung daily even two weeks after their return!!!!

We managed to pull ourselves up to full academic speed just about the time Geoff, tired of being stuck in the house during the last round of chemo and recovery, announced an impromptu trek to the beach.  I whined and moaned and then thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of sitting in the sunshine on the Pacific Coast at a moment’s notice. The kids ran around flying a kite, chasing the waves and building sand structures. yum.

flying kites and goofing around in Seal Beach

It has been a busy month!!! I actually struggle to believe that it has been almost a full month since we wrote a blog! Geoff expounded last time and this turn has fallen to me. yay.

I usually enjoy writing, but we’ve been so busy lately that I’ve found it difficult to formulate a complete thought. From Geoff’s oncologist appointments to my own and Toby’s “maintenance visits”.  An extended furlough is a good time to complete all those check-ups we’ve been neglecting the past few years. The eye exams for the kids and you know the type to which I am referring for myself? Treading on TMI ground here . . . all the intricate checking of the delicate parts. It’s been so fun, truly.  “Happy 50th Birthday, enjoy a colonoscopy.” Tremendous. I survived. But, the uncomfortable mammogram experience sequel happens this Monday because last week’s extravaganza yielded fuzzy results. So much fun.

Geoff got disconnected from his final bags of chemo on August 9th!!

No more of these things!!!

We have another 1 1/2 months here. The beginning of the end--I can’t believe how fast time is whizzing by. This happens at the end of every furlough, extended or not. The time crunch creeps up on us and pounces in the form of overload--appointments, visits, purchasing, organizing, packing and, unfortunately, the reality of NOT being able to see people we want to see!  I hate that part of our lives. So many goodbyes and sometimes not even a moment to say hello in the first place!

Today, however, was a celebration. We went to my Dad’s grave and I was thankful. Thankful for God’s choice for me in my Father. Thankful for the life I have and the blessing of my Dad during the years he was alive and now in my memories. And, following the cemetery, we met with one of my favorite people in the world, my friend from High School, Dianne. She and I don’t get to see each other very much, but I love it when we do. She is an inspiration to my family having survived three bouts with cancer. Her attitude is positive and based on trust in God. Her husband, Chuck is a delight--a man who exhibits true love and support to his wife. I am thankful for days like today.

Dianne, Geoff and Bela!  Three cancer survivors!!

Tomorrow we will attend the Los Altos church and spend the afternoon “playing” with some friends with whom our kids built a go-cart over the past few weeks. The test drive is tomorrow and we’re all looking forward to the culmination of this creative project! Of course, pictures will follow!

Blessings to you!