Birthday Madness

So I have to say.....planning Evan's 5Th birthday was bitter sweet. I still can not believe our BABY is 5. It was so much fun watching Evan enjoy every minute of his birthday party. As always Nick and I ran around like chicken with our heads cut off, doing the best we could to also ENJOY the birthday. Evan's cousin Wyatt also turned 5, so it seemed more appropriate to do a COMBO birthday. Combos allow you TO GO BIG......and its go big or go home in my house, so it all worked out. The joy captured on these kids faces are priceless. Truly what its ALL about. Love you Evan.

Growing up....or getting old.

This summer Jake will be turning 7 and Evan will be turning 5. For some reason, the ages 5 and 7 seem old to me. Everyday they are needing me less and less. Okay, I am being dramatic. There really isn't 10 minutes that go by where I don't hear one of them yelling "Mooooommmmm". The point I am trying to make is that they no longer need help eating, going potty and getting dressed to name a few examples. Nope, they are lil big boys. I still watch them sleep at night and take trips down memory lane. In the first few years of their lives things change over night. They truly do grow up way to fast. Nick and I are reminded everyday how blessed we are to have not one but two healthy children. My sweet Jakey Man and my dear Evanator, Mommy will always love you and you two will always be my babies.

Ready...Set....Slide!

Who said water slides are only for adults? These pictures are proof more than only kids can enjoy good old fashion fun. It's amazing how good for the soul it is to just let you hair down a minute and act like a kid again. This weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy a friends pool without an audience. All that meant was, we got our slide on. The funnier the faces the better. I haven't had that much fun with my boys in a while. I think the bit of Vodka helped....I'm just sayin! Well, to all of you who get the opportunity this summer....put your suit on and embrace a water slide, a pool, more importantly your children's laughter! Ps. I have posted zero pictures of my fat a$$ on the slide. You can use you imagination for that one. Just trust me I had the time of my life.

BMT reunion.

The initials BMT may not mean anything to some people. But it does mean Bone Marrow Transplant to millions all over the world. Today the City of Hope hosted their 34th bone marrow transplant reunion. Survivors from all over the world of bone marrow and stem cell transplants attend wearing huge buttons with a number on them representing how many years its been from their second chance on life. There are also many donors who attend. For some donors it's their first time meeting the patient they gave a second lease on life too. It's a very emotional meeting as I am sure you can imagine. It really puts in perspective how fragile life is. I am fortunate enough to have never gone through such a life changing experience but very blessed to have the opportunity to help patients and their families through this difficult time. I have attached a few pictures I took on campus for our employee photography contest. It's difficult to have to work everyday away from home and my babies, but the difference I am making at the City of Hope makes it just a bit easier.

There is no profit in healing the body if in the process we destroy the soul!

The Amini Transfusion Medicine Building.

Home of the Blood Donor Center.

A little of your time can mean a lifetime for another.

Donate Blood and Platelets!

The Uyeno Brothers.

WIN WIN

Post number 1. Where shall I begin. I have always wanted to have a blog. Maybe because I feel like I have so much to say. Does that sound presumptuous? I am not quite sure what direction I want this Blog to take. Honestly, I think maybe I will just let it roll, and whatever direction it goes, I will follow...or lead.

So this morning was great! My boys, Jake and Evan (6 and 4) had a proposal. If they were good listeners, didn't fight, got dressed super fast, would I take them to go get a donut before school. Mind you, I was just getting out of the shower and thought to myself we were already running late. But I decide to roll with it. I wanted to show them that if we worked together anything was possible, and if you want something bad enough with hard work you can get anything your heart desires. So....maybe to them it was just a chocolate donut, but to me....it was a valuable life lesson. One I am sure I will try and teach over and over. Maybe it was more of reminder for myself, either way I was down. I always love a good challenge. So....needless to say....WE MADE IT! We all pulled ourselves together quick enough to not only get a donut, but we were running early and I actually didn't have to speed to make a bus, or sweat that I was getting on the freeway just a little too late. It ended up a win win! Gotta love those mornings!