Memories made

Alright, so I am still on my “what-am-I-thankful-for” kick, and I have a few more entries I would like to share. I wrote about “making memories,” and now I want to share about “memories made.”


Two very “memorable” events happened in our family’s life last March (Alexa’s 3rd birthday & our NYC anniversary trip). Unfortunately, they never made the blog. You see, three days after our return from NYC, our life changed in a very different way. . . we discovered something was very wrong with my forearm. Needless to say, our happy little world came to a screeching halt and thus began our unexpected journey with much less exciting posts (at least in my opinion) and a much more unpredictable future.

I’ve never gotten around to posting these very special occasions, but I’m making time to do it now (whether it’s eight months late or not). Since I have yet to make a traditional scrapbook for Alexa Hope – this digital account may be the only proof she has that we actually did celebrate three beautiful years of her life (along with her “halfsie” birthday celebration in September, also included below).


The next two posts are what I love to share. These images bring me great joy because they remind me of a time we were still naïve about my condition. Life was sweet – I was scar-less, chemo-less, radiation-less, I had eyelashes, and our insurance didn’t know me by name. Ah yes, I truly didn’t embrace how beautiful that life was until I look back and just smile (with a few tears too). I want to rewind and live it all over again. I believe I’ve always been good about savoring moments but if I could re-live it again, I’d super-savor them. I’m so thankful we made some precious memories before an ugly diagnosis forever changed (and dictated) our lives. Indeed, I am deeply grateful for “memories made” and the precious ones with whom I made them.

**If you don’t like photos or a post reminiscent of a Griswald family vacation slideshow, I would encourage you to skip the next two entries. Unless, you need to smile, and then I’d encourage you to continue. A cancer update post with prayer requests will come soon enough . . . just not today.

THE DETAILS
We did a pink Minnie Mouse party because our little girl is all about Mickey and Minnie. When I was working on invitations, Alexa informed me that Minnie’s dress was pink not red. So, I quickly changed my plans to accommodate the modern Minnie Mouse and her attire (although deep down, Mommy wanted a red party).








THE FAMILY
Because I’m still not brave enough to have a “kiddo” birthday party. Here’s the mousekateer crew – ears and all.




THE BIRTHDAY GIRL & HER CAKE
There is no denying the fact our girl delights in birthdays and birthday cake (especially when it is her own). Enjoy the video of A singing “Happy Birthday.”






OPENING GIFTS










ALEXA’S HALFSIE BIRTHDAY
Fast forward six months later and we celebrated A’s halfsie birthday (September 13) – a tradition we borrowed from one of my sister-in-law’s friends. Thanks again Joanna. We wear the same birthday shirt and sing the same birthday song (plus it’s an excuse for empty calories). It’s super fun for Alexa and a great reminder for Mommy that time flies so cherish it! This year included a puddle adventure and a trip to Houston (yuck) . . . at least we had a cupcake! She didn’t seem to mind the 6 1/2 hr drive to celebrate.









We love you, Sweetie, and every day’s a celebration when you’re a part of it!!