It's been too long...

Wow, it has honestly been 5 months since I've blogged. Blame it on returning to full-time, Facebooking, life, whatever, but it's high time I posted the latest news. Before I make a post about our life, however, I need to post my love and support to everyone in the Bowler family.

My best friend since high school, Kathie has been a rock through some of the most difficult times in my life. We were inseparable, and her mother took me in as one of the kids. I don't know where I would be in life if it weren't for them. Ruth, her amazing mother, was diagnosed with mesothelioma over a year ago and lost her battle with the cancer last Monday. As was stated at the beautiful funeral on Thursday, Ruthie was an angel. I've never met anyone with such an ability to unconditionally love EVERYONE. She was the most selfless, generous and spiritual person I've ever known. Her amazing example lives on in all of her children, grandchildren and in all who's lives she touched, including mine. We love you, Ruth.

Pretty little princess!

Noelle hamming it up in her sweet Sunday dress. It's amazing to me that the best pictures were when she was goofing off. That's her, though, she is the funniest little thing.

Mom of the year

Ummm, so yes, LOTS has happened in the last few months, but I am TERRIBLE for not posting any birthday party pics for Noelle's 3rd b-day. So here they are...months late...but here nonetheless. She had the BEST time and we were so happy tons of her friends and cousins came. The mini-bowling was SO much fun, and I am so sad we don't have pictures of it. It was hysterical to watch them throw a fist-sized ball to knock down pins with puppet strings.

More Disneyland fun!

Noelle showing Sleeping Beauty that she is 3 years old. Adorable!




Again, one of her favorite characters. It was so sweet to see how much she loved them!






Probably her favorite ride in the park, which is ironic because you can go ANYWHERE and ride a Merry-go-round. She DID love the Dumbo and Peter Pan rides. She even rode the really high, super fast rocket ride at the entrance to Tomorrowland. But Sleeping Beauty's Castle struck terror deep into the hearts of Noelle and her girl cousins. Go figure.

A crowning moment was seeing Tinkerbell. Most of you know that Noelle is all things Tink right now, so she was pretty ecstatic to meet her.

Jodi, this one's for you!

WOW, has it really been two months since I've blogged?!?! I saw my good friend Jodi at her son's basketball game, and she asked me when the heavens would part and I would actually update my blog. So, for all you wonderful bloggers who are more on the ball than I ever will be, here's an UPDATE!!!

These are some ADORABLE pictures from our trip to Disneyland! We went to AZ to visit fam and friends after Christmas, then drove to CA from there. It was a FANTASTIC trip! We arrived on a Wednesday and got to ride pretty much EVERYTHING with no wait. Noelle was ecstatic!!! She met Pluto and a few others that first day, which I think was more exciting to her than the rides!

I will post more pictures later, but (as usual) I am running late. :P

And the heavens parted...

Well, after nearly three days of trial and tribulation, Noelle is finally acting like herself again!
The surgery went very well, and Noelle was SO brave. She never really cried, only whimpered and pouted, even when the anesthesiologist took her out of my arms. You'd all be so proud: I never let her see me cry. The people in the waiting room probably thought my poor kid was going in for open-heart surgery, but at least she never saw. :D All went well and the Dr. confirmed that they were huge and we'll definitely see a big difference in her eating, sleeping, etc.
The recovery, however, has been bad from the get-go. She threw up 3 times in the car on the way home (sound familiar, Rachel?) but thankfully slept a lot when we got there. Her throat hurt so bad yesterday and today that she didn't even want to swallow her saliva. Getting medicine and antibiotics into her literally took restraining straps (aka Mom's arms AND legs). No matter how much I begged, bribed or threatened, she would not drink or eat just about anything. It's been three solid days of crying and sulking (for both of us). Then, mysteriously, magically, marvelously, at 5:00 tonight she asked for juice and mashed potatoes. She colored pictures, drank Pedialite and was HAPPY again for the first time in days. Hallelujah! I think I was being reminded not to complain about my wonderful, cheerful daughter. I missed her SO much!
Thank you SOOOO much, ladies, for all your sweet and thoughtful comments. I appreciate and love each of you. No one could ask for a better support group!

Long overdue update

Hello all! Sorry, no cute pictures (although they are coming) and no really cute Noelle stories (like you haven't heard a bazillion), just updates on the fam.

Biggest news is that Noelle will be getting her tonsils out on Monday. :( She's pretty young to get them out, but they are causing her LOTS of trouble (not sleeping, stopping breathing in her sleep sometimes, snoring, gagging, shall I continue?) We just keep repeating our mantra: This will be good for her. Anyway, prayers and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated. We KNOW they really work! :)

I got my blood tested yesterday and should find out next week what my thyroid and cancer levels are, but I'm feeling good and have managed to lose a LITTLE weight, even with my holiday binging (as I sip my peppermint cocoa).

Steve got back a few weeks ago from a trip to BOSTON! He had a great time and walked to lots of neat, historical places. He didn't get any pictures, of course, so I'm hoping some of the other English teachers will send some to me. We'll see how that goes...

OK, time for bed. Look forward to lots of posts and pics next week as I stay home with Noey during her recovery! :D