Just put on a little lipstick...

Our 26 th anniversary is on Tuesday, but we celebrated early with dinner last night. Molanari's is our favorite mom an pop Italian restaurant so we decided to go there. Bryan and I had a great dinner, and then went to the bookstore to find some reading material. I know most dates are dinner and a movie, but we rarely agree on movies - a bookstore was a much safer bet.

To those of us who grew up in the 70's - Farrah Fawcett was a part of our childhood. Charlie's Angels came on Wednesday nights and it was rarely missed in our household. Most of my friends and I grew up dreaming of going to work for Charlie. I was thinking today - we had quite a few strong female role models on those 5 channels we got - Jill, Kelly, Sabrina , Wonder Woman, Isis and Jamie/ Bionic Woman. I watched "Farrah's story" and it was heartbreaking and very hard to watch at times. I admire her for staying positive and fighting her battle with cancer on her own terms. Everyone's journey with cancer is different and she explored every option she could find. Her death this week wasn't unexpected, but still very sad.

Last night Bryan and I took our friends Catherine and Scott to Waverly for the big Spears Firework show. Every year Mike puts on a fireworks show for the Humphries County Nursing Home. The residents sit in the parking lot in chairs, wheelchairs, and some are even rolled out in their beds. Their families come as well and it is a fun night for everyone. After the finale this year, we heard one man say "Well there ain't nothin' not to like about that" - and that pretty much summed up the evening. Good times!

Jenni leaves tomorrow for a month long European Adventure. She will be spending two weeks in Amsterdam and two weeks in Germany with her friends Lauren and Erin. I think they plan to visit as many cities as possible. Jenni moved back home when I started my chemo treatments last year and she has been a tremendous help and support to me the past twelve months. I am so glad she is getting this opportunity to travel and have some fun with her friends. She will be celebrating her 21st birthday while she is away. I really think these girls have been planning this trip since they were 16 years old - they are so excited. I am sure they will have a great time. Please keep their safe travels in your prayers.

I grew up with an amazing father. He always made sure we had everything we needed, and most of what we wanted as well. He instilled in us the love of exploring, learning and trying new things. He made sure we grew up in a loving, safe environment and taught us to love God and others. He is the kindest most even tempered person I know, and that is a good thing - living in a house full of dramatic women. My earliest memories are of him reading us Grimm's Fairy Tales at bedtime when I was about 2. I was thinking of funny Dad stories, and this was the first to come to mind: When I was about 16, I came home from school with a car full of friends and my Mom was hosing off the trunk of the car. About the time I pulled into the driveway, she opened the trunk and my Dad climbed out holding a flashlight. He was evidently looking for the leak. As you can imagine..my friends had fun with that one! I am proud to be your daughter Daddy and I love you!

I took the day off, no special reason I just needed a day of downtime. It's 10:00 and I'm still in my pajamas. I love pajamas! I think I will have lunch with friends and maybe shop a little. Then I am going to take a fun class on healthy foods at Gilda's Club. 

My brother in law Dan, arrived in Iraq last Thursday for his tour of duty. Please keep him, Deanna, Lauren and Logan in your thoughts and prayers. We are all so proud of him, and all the other service men and women who are proudly serving our country.

It's very hard to get everyone together for a meal, but last night we came close. We hosted 15 of the Hall/Thomas family members to celebrate Mother's Day, Father's Day and and an early birthday dinner for Jenni.  Jenni will be leaving for Europe, for a month, on the 24th and this was probably our only chance to have her a family birthday dinner before she leaves. I can't believe my baby girl will be 21!  

I guess if I had to title the past 12 months of my life it would be "Survive", my plan for the next 12 months is going to be "Thrive". I have made it through diagnosis, surgery, treatment and recovery. Now it's time to focus on staying healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually. Coincidentally they are offering a nutrition/exercise pilot at work called "Helping people Thrive" (so I can't take credit for the phrase) and I signed up to be a part. I found out on Thursday that I was chosen for the 12 week pilot program beginning in August. As part of this pilot I will have a dietitian and trainer to work with over the 12 week period to tailor a meal plan and exercise routine specifically for me. I'm really looking forward to this. I think it is just the jump start I need.

We should all follow the airlines instructions- "Wear your seat belt, don't smoke, and always put on your own oxygen mask first, before helping others." I really did nothing in particular today, and enjoyed every minute of it. I dug in the dirt some, shopped some, cooked a little and had a very good and peaceful day. Sometimes I feel guilty when I just have "me" time. I think once you become a Mom, you sometimes forget that it's important to take care of yourself as well as everyone else.

We had a great dinner last night at Carrabbas for Lori's birthday. She has been a fabulous friend and a huge blessing in my life. Happy Birthday Lori!

I had surgery 1 year ago today. Since they were able to remove all the cancer during that surgery, today is my official 1 year survivor anniversary! Thank you God! .

A little over a year ago, I heard 4 words that women hope to never hear - "you have breast cancer". Those are words that will definitely stop you in your tracks. A lot has happened since then, and my family and friends have supported me through the whole thing. I've been wracking my brain on what I could do to pay everyone back and show my appreciation. So far nothing I can think of seems adequate. To each of you who prayed for me, cooked me a meal, brought me a snack, cleaned my house, washed my hair, made over my deck, helped me dress, kept me company during chemo, shopped for hats with me, went with me to the doctor and the million other things you have all done - I will be forever grateful and I love you all! Laura