I've written many times in the past year, but for some reason or other I haven't posted any of them.  Today I've committed to finally post!  I'm going to do it!

The first news I have to share is that I went to the doctor this last week and she says I'm doing really well and it looks like I'll be celebrating 3 years of remission this November!!!  I'm really happy with this news.  I felt really anxious about this doctor appointment so it feels good to hear that I'm okay.  I usually feel a little nervous before these types of appointments, but this time I felt even more stressed out.  I feel such relief.  It feels so good to say that I'm in remission!

I started another school year and I'm working on my third week of school.  I'm very lucky to have such a great job.  My class is such a blessing and they are so adorable.  I know a lot of people who are going back to school to finish their educations, juggling family, work and school life.  I don't know how they balance so many difficult jobs.  I'm so appreciative that I have my education.  It's given me a great career and I've been able to meet so many wonderful people in the process.  My education has opened so many doors of opportunity.  I remember the jobs I had prior to graduation.  I always had to work odd hours, holidays, and weekends.  Now I never have to work Saturdays, unless I want to, and I always have the holidays off.  And the best parts are that I have health insurance and I have a job I LOVE!  I'm so thankful that I have 25 new friends that love me every year too.  I meet so many wonderful parents.  I'm sure they think I'm crazy when I tell them how wonderful they are, but they really are special.  I've been blessed to meet such amazing good people.

I also feel blessed in my home life.  I have the most amazing support system at home.  My dad always has a big grin on his face when I come home from work.  He's happy to see me and I'm happy to see him too.  When I was a little girl, I'd look up a hill for him to come home and holler, "Daddy's home!"  I'd run and give him a hug and ask him if I could carry his briefcase.  It was too heavy for me, but I always wanted to try it out, to see if I could carry it.  Now my dad's the one that says to my mom that I'm home and he's happy to see me.  In so many small ways, he tells me that he loves and appreciates me.  I sure do love him.   My parents are a big part of my life.  I love and appreciate them more and more every year.  My mom walks a little slower, but she still has so much pep in her step, and wisdom to impart.  When she gives me advice, I just do whatever she says because I've learned that she's always right, but not in a bossy annoying way, just right because she really knows what I should do.  It's like having my own Yoda around.  She's so knowledgeable and wise.  I'm so blessed to have such a sweet mom. 

We've had many ups and downs in the past year, but our summation feelings, in all of our conversations, always end with how we are so blessed.  I love how mom always ends things with a positive comment.  She could be hurting like crazy, but she'll still find something to be thankful for in every situation.  I sure do love my home life.  So another year has passed, and many good times have been had, and I'm really looking forward to another great year.     

I love summer!  Every summer when I have the whole season off I'm reminded of why I love teaching so much.  I definitely don't envy kids and teachers that are on the year round schedule.  I just love, love, love my big, long, blissfully peaceful vacation!  So far I've been working on a lot of projects.  I usually work on school projects, which is funny since it's my time off, and this summer is no different than those of the past.  I love that I can get creative and plan my little tail off for the next school year.  Anyways, I'm having fun working on school projects.

I'm also having fun playing with my cat and working out in the yard.  Well, I'm working out in the yard, but that part isn't that fun actually.  My allergies are horrible this year.  Is it just me, or is this an especially hard year for everyone with allergies?  I've discovered peppermint helps.  Someone mentioned it once and I tried it and it helped.  Go figure!  I never would have thought of it.  I'm hoping that whatever is triggering my allergies will calm down soon.  It makes me feel like I have a bad cold all day and it's awful. 

I had many goals this summer and two of them are accomplished already.  I am so excited!  It's a good feeling to get things done.  I love having goals and I really love reaching them.  Now, I have two more goals and then my summer will be complete.  Well, maybe three actually.  :)  So, summer is project and goal reaching time and I'm loving it.

Father's Day was great and I just have to say that I'm so thankful that I got to spend another holiday with my dad.  He's very imperfect, as we all are, but I am SO thankful for him.  He's never given up on me and he treats me like he is sincerely thankful for me.  I wouldn't trade the opportunity to be with him and my mom for anything.  I'm so glad I get to spend this time of our lives together.  Dad teaches me a lot, and he could easily give up as he faces his challenges, but he never does.  He's a fighter and it's evident that he wants to live, so he works really hard to improve and do the things that are hard.  I also love how much he loves my mom.  Every night he gives her a kiss and tells her he loves her.  I just love that old guy!  I hope we'll get to spend many more holidays together in the future.

I can't believe it has been over a year since I had my last chemotherapy treatment.  It feels very fresh and new still, like it happened yesterday.  I still visit the doctor regularly to get my port flushed and to get my follow-up exams.  I feel so thankful for the wonderful people who work there.  Even after all this time, they still remember me by name, and they sincerely care about how I am doing.  It's good for me to go in as often as I do.  I actually go into the same room where I received my chemotherapy treatments.  When I'm in that room I remember what I've been through and my blessings seem so much greater than they usually do.  As I sit in that room looking at patients receiving their treatments I'm reminded of how much I need to appreciate every day of my life.  It really is a blessing to be alive.

Well, I'm off to water my tomato plants.  Poor things are probably very thirsty at this late hour.  Adios!