Anniversary

Yesterday was our 17th wedding anniversary. We went out Friday evening (leaving the kids with grandparents) and then spent some time with family on Saturday. We took a fall picture that I will attempt to post at some time. We had a memorable week-end.
I caught myself thinking about last year. At that point I wasn't sure if it would be the last time we would be able to celebrate together. I'm glad we've had another year. It's been a crazy one. I truly think we are closer as a couple for struggling through a few things as a team.
Here's to another year...crossing my fingers for the opportunity to celebrate together next year.

Celebrations

I mentioned that we celebrated when Layne finished 12 chemo treatments. Our family also celebrated last month when we finished the Book of Mormon (again...we really should keep track).
This month we have marked in simple ways Groundhogs Day and Chinese New Year. We are having some serious discussions about how to celebrate Valentine's Day. Well, at least the kids and I have done so...I'm not sure what Layne and I will be doing. (It depends on how 'romantic' he's feeling. I might just have to talk him into something...something simple I'm sure.) We still have President's Day and a child's birthday to celebrate later in the month.
We celebrated the 100th Day of School last month too. The kids were excited about making progress!
Layne heads to Houston again in another week or so - we'll see if there's anything to celebrate on that front after he's done with his appointments there.
P.S. A day later...I forgot to mention Mardi Gras...which is today! Layne and I will be going to the temple on Thursday and possibly out to lunch. (It's great that he has a 'flexible' schedule these days.)

Baker's Dozen

On Friday we will go in for Layne's 13th infusion. When we first started, we were told they would try twelve and then go from there. I just heard the 'twelve treatments' part. So, after this last one we had to celebrate...at least a little bit. We didn't do too much. Somehow it was still important to me to mark a milestone. I needed to acknowledge that we had accomplished something. Layne thought I was a bit silly because there will be more treatments. I realize we're far from done. But, at the same time it seems there has to be some sort of recognition along the way. It's too long of a tiring uphill hike to not take a moment to note the ever expanding view.

Trucks, and Tables, and Chair, Oh My

We participated in a festive flag raising, parade, and breakfast this morning. Layne helped with the extra tables and chairs that were brought into the park to accommodate all of those in attendance. He went home to get his truck in order to return said tables and chairs to the church building they had been borrowed from earlier. When the event was over...he commented about how he was a bit sore around the surgery site. Yikes. I thought about that as I saw him start hefting things, but thought he could monitor himself on this one. He's fine...just reminded that he's still healing.
I've talked with people about how he doesn't seem like someone that has stage 4 colon cancer. He's present, alert and energetic. Most people don't notice a difference. I guess that's a good thing...except when he needs someone else to tell him he shouldn't be lifting. It's great that he can still be involved with so many things. It would be a different scenario for us if he was feeling sick and wasn't able to do things he'd like to do. He's got a ways to go before he's back to running. But, at the same time, we're grateful he's able to do most everyday kinds of activities.
The day was great! We did plenty of celebrating. Although, it wasn't quite as festive when we put a new set of drawers together for the boys' room. (Luckily, no lifting was involved.) It was a big project and Layne got a little flustered. The boys also had a friend over and we 'made' him help too.:} It's funny to me how for the most part...friends come to visit and they don't want to leave. Poor guy. Maybe we'll try to have it be more enjoyable another time. Or not...nothing says 'welcome to our home', like making someone join in the work project, right?
The other scheduled event is a BBQ and fireworks with friends. Happy 4th!