The Polar Express Train Ride ~ 2012

This is our second year riding the Polar Express to the North Pole. It was every bit as exciting as the first trip. The conductor made us feel right at home. Santa gave each of us a magic bell. Each time we saw the Hobo, we would ring it like crazy. Then up the conductor would get to grab him hoping to put him off the train. He never really accomplished that fete. We enjoyed our hot chocolate and cookies served by the pretty elves while The Polar Express book was read to us.

As you can see, Emily and Alex enjoyed their ride to the fullest. Don't worry, Santa, we will be back next year!!
Hugs and kisses,

Kristen and her Awesome Team

Every parent knows their children are special. And all children are. When Kristen, our child, was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt our world more vulnerable than I could ever have imagined. I had all I could do to keep my emotions in control. I had to stay positive; Kristen expected this of everyone around her. And as I watched her friends and family stand together to help our daughter and her family in every way they could, I was so proud to know so many others saw Kristen as the special person she is. They jumped on board to lighten the weight on Kristen and Corey's shoulders.

Eighty people gathered to walk for Team Kristy on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in October. Everyone smiled, laughed, showed nothing but positive feelings. Our friends prayed for Kristen, many in prayer groups. We all kept our God and His saints very busy listening to our plea. It is my belief that satan walks the earth bringing bad things to good people. It is also my belief the strength and love of  Team Kristy and so many others overtook satan. We are too strong for him. And he fled.

On Wednesday, December 12th (12/12/12), Kristen was told she is cancer free!
Hugs and kisses,

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer ~ Team Kristy

October 21st was our first "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk. It was held in Washington Park in Albany, NY. Eighty some, mainly comprised of friends of Kristen, Corey, Kara and Emily, walked for Team Kristy.
Hugs and kisses,

Thanksgiving Day ~ 2012

Our Thanksgiving Day was wonderful, but challenging this year. Shelley found a great way for us to recall things we are thankful for in our lives. We each took two leaves, wrote something we were thankful for on each and hung them on a typically fall tree, naked of its own leaves. If  I could relive Thanksgiving, I would write on one leaf, "I am thankful for chemotheraphy."
Hugs and kisses,

Our Special Day ~ Emily and Me

Emily and I decided to have our special day on Monday, November 12th, which was Veteran's Day. Our day started with Papa chauffeuring us to Crossgate Mall where we "put together" our bride bunny whose name is Brownie. Emily got to put Brownie's heart in her chest just before the last seam was sewn. Then we giggled the entire time we dressed Brownie.

Our next stop was at Chicago Uno for lunch. Em had macaroni and cheese she said tasted just like Aunt Shell's. Can't beat that. I had a salad filled with yummy grapes, dried cranberries and sesame seeds. Of course, Em had to help me eat it. Next we stopped at the candy store. We paid $15.00 for what would have cost me $.30 in the olden days; meaning when I was Em's age.

Our last stop was at Bath and Body Works. We got all kinds of foamy soap to wash our hands with. Of course, we had to stock up on the fruit scents of their pocket anti-bacterial hand gel.

We had a great day. We did fun things; we laughed a lot; but the best part was spending the whole day together. Can't wait to do it again.
Hugs and kisses,

Halloween ~ 2012

How your Halloween costumes have changed over the years. There was Tigger, various princesses and now I'm not sure who you are supposed to be! I know we all still have a great time eating homemade chili (thanks, Aunt Shell) and laughing a lot. What I find funniest is you now Trick or Treat in Springbrook development where Nana and Papa or Shelley and Don lived when you all came home to us. Now it is our turn to tantalize the infamous Mr. Rogers! What goes around, comes around.
Hugs and kisses,

Miss Kara's First Blue Ribbon

A blue ribbon winner sketched by Kara! I am still in awe of the beauty of this creation. The depth of the grave marker, the illusion of the hand reaching out from the grave. The illumination of the moon has been captured so realistically, with its rays falling to the ground. Kara sketched this at the age of eleven. I can only imagine her creations in the years to come. She has been given a gift to develop and share.

This sketch was on exhibit at the Schaighticoke Fair this year and won the First Prize Blue Ribbon in its category. I am so thrilled and excited for Miss Kara. She loves her art and her literary ability writing wonderful stories, some biographic, some fictional. I am confident she will develop both and many people will enjoy exposure to her creativity.
Hugs and kisses,