Z's Graduation...

Well, we survived kindergarten. The graduation was darling. I have video, lots of pictures and I only cried a little bit. When they handed the kids their "diplomas" they also announced their future aspirations. We had several ice-cream truck drives, a ton of police and fire-fighters, one future president and one future princess. Plus two cowboys because that is what Z and Red have decided to be when they grow up. The good news is that the Stallion and I won't have to pay for Z to attend college in another country. The bad news is that we may have to pay for horseback riding lessons...

Dear Internet Explorer...

You sucked. I updated you. Now you suck more. I am switching to Firefox. I'm sure you won't miss me. The feeling is mutual. Sincerely, Me.

Isaiah 45:2-3...

"I will go before you... (I will be in that chemo room before you even arrive at the clinic.)

...and will level the mountains... (I will bring to mind scripture that reminds you of My strength and My protection and bring you to the minds of other Christians so you will be covered in prayer.)

I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron... (I will provide medication for your healing, friends to care for your children and a husband who will willingly take on the tasks you normally do.)

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places... (You will discover how sinful and weak you are and I will use that to build you up and mold you into the woman you were meant to be.)

...so that you may know that I am the LORD, the GOD of Israel who summons you by name"... (I created you and I love you. You are never out of my sight or beyond the reach of My arms. You are so precious to Me, Joanna, and daily I am blessing you through this experience.)

Z's "Lifelong Friend"...

Z refers to Red as his "lifelong friend", mostly because he doesn't remember a time when they weren't best friends. Today M had a pool party to attend along with Red's sister, so I picked up Red and the three of us went to the splash park and out for ice-cream. I think I had as much fun as they did. I don't get to watch my children interact with their friends as much as I used to. My mommy heart was overflowing as I watched them laughing and splashing. On the way back to Red's house I overheard them talking about their future...

Red: When we grow up we should live together.

Z: Ya. When we go to college.

Red: What's college?

Z: Its grown-up work. You have to use a laptop.

Red: Okay! I want to go to college.

Z: Great, but we'll have to stay in this country. I hear its expensive to go to college in other countries.

For the record, we haven't actually talked to Z about his future plans, so I have no idea how he found out the cost of a college education in a foreign country. After we dropped Red off he talked a bit more about their future...

"Me and Red are unique because we don't have all the same favorites, but we are still best friends. We are always going to be best friends even when we are grown-ups. In fact, when I get married I am going to tell my wife, 'I'm only marrying you because Red is a boy and its not okay for boys to marry other boys.'"

Hmmm...okay then. I pray every night for Red and his friendship with Z. It is as unique as they are.

AJ vs. Doggie Door...

Seriously...this was designed for a 11 pound dog, not a 25 pound toddler!

Stupid Cancer...

Z's All About My Mom Worksheet...

My Mom's name is: Jowana

She is: 36 ? years old.

Her favorite food is: noodls!

but she doesn't like: meat!

She spends most of her time: sleeping!

If my mom could have one wish come true, she would wish for: to feel better.

The thing my mom likes to do for fun is: sleep.

I love my mom because: she is cute.

My mom loves me because: I am cool.

My favorite thing she cooks is: noodls!

He also drew a picture of me with a bow in my hair. "I drew you with your beautiful hair back on." Stupid, stupid cancer. I'm saving this worksheet not in his box, but in my cancer box and someday we will look back on it and smile, I hope. Someday, but not today. Today cancer just sucks.

Z's Faith...

Z: Mom, Mrs. H. is going to move to 1st grade next year so I can stay in her class!!!

Me: Where did you hear that?

Z: I prayed and asked God for it and He totally has my back on this one!

Oh, dear...

I Watched Apollo 13...

...but it doesn't mean I get to take credit for saving the astronauts.