Here We Go!

I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. And by that I mean that I am a true blue, always have been, never picked another team, 100% fan. I am just as much a fan today as I was in the 1980’s in what I call the ‘dry’ years. It is funny to think about now, but for most of my life it wasn’t ‘cool’ to be a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. I remember the years that my family would stop at the JC Penney’s store in little Washington on the way to my aunt’s house to buy Steeler gear because you couldn’t find their shirts anywhere. I remember the kids in school making fun of the Steelers as most of them were Redskins fans. I remember when it wouldn’t even occur to us that the Steelers would even make it to the Super Bowl. In college, my friend Maria and I would watch the games together and, when they made the playoffs we were so excited!

I have lots of Steeler memories and dug out a few pictures! In 1977, my mom and I posed for a picture with legendary Steeler, Franco Harris in Hawaii. I was so excited when the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2006 (the 2005 season), that I talked my dad and into taking Trent and I to Pittsburgh for the victory parade. We met up with my Aunt Pat and joined thousands of other true blue fans in the freezing February weather to cheer for the team! Brad had never watched an entire football game until we got married. Not only does he have a Steelers jersey now, but he has also been to Heinz Field for two games. The picture above is from our first trip to Heinz field in 2008.

There is just something about watching a Steeler game. For three hours I cheer, I yell, and I act like a total fool. For three hours I don’t think about housework, to-do lists, doctors’ appointments, or cancer. Brad laughs at me, the dogs scatter, and the kids choose to play with their toys in the basement. This Sunday evening you will find me in the recliner, wearing my jersey and my lucky Steeler socks, texting my dad and my brother. I can’t believe they are in the Super Bowl! Go Steelers!!!!!!

Ian Turns Four

It is so hard for me to believe that Ian is turning four! Four years ago I came home from work, got dinner and then my water broke. Labor was an all night affair and at 4am, Ian joined our family; two and half weeks before his due date on a frigid January morning. Brad and I knew that we wanted to have more than one child and we had a very small window of opportunity to have another baby when I went off of my cancer medication. We were thrilled when we found out he was on his way! I knew he was the completion of our family and, when he arrived a healthy 8 pounder, I was thrilled.

Although he is pretty strong willed, Ian adds a sense of humor to our family. He has filled our lives with Ian 'isms' and there is something about humor that he just 'gets.' For example, he recently sampled Egg Nogg for the first time and, after taking a sip he looked at us and said, "you have got to be kidding me, this stuff is terrible." Just the other day he answered the phone and I heard him tell my dad, "I'm working. Doing laundry and cleaning my room. Mom's just relaxing." The other day when I tried to sneak a pair of jeans in with the white load of laundry he told me (with hands on hips), "you can't put them in with the whites or the clothes will have spots."

I feel like I have watched him grow up before my eyes in the past couple of months and I am starting to realize that he is no longer a little baby, rather a little boy learning and growing with each passing day. Four is one of my favorite ages and I am so thankful to be celebrating this birthday with him! Happy Birthday Ian!

Birthdays!

Today is my 36th birthday! It seems like, as adults, we all have a different take on birthdays. Some people really dread the turning of another year and some people celebrate for days! I remember being a kid and so looking forward to my birthday each year, then in college it became another reason to have a party, and somewhere after 21 it began to lose its appeal. Once I had the boys, celebrating their birthdays became my milestones. Watching them blow out the candles each year makes me so happy to know that I have shared another year with them! Although I don't go all out with a celebration for my birthday, Brad's mom always makes sure we get together for dinner and we have a cake and sing! I do have to admit that the last few years have made me appreciate getting another year older.

This is an especially special birthday for me because this morning I woke up, got showered and dressed, got the boys up and ready, had breakfast with them, got in the car and drove Trent to school! When we got home Ian and I undecorated the tree, did a load of laundry, worked on his birthday invitations, made a grocery list, and I got our lunch. These seem like simple tasks but just a month ago I would not have been able to do them. Sure, I still can't walk very far, I can't bend or twist, I get tired and need to nap in the afternoon and I have to be in bed by 9pm. I am not 100 percent, but I am getting there! Tomorrow I am going to return to work! I realize that I may have to ease into it, but I will be there as long as I can! This birthday marks me taking a step out of the world of cancer and back into the regular world and I am so excited!

It's my 36th birthday! And for the record....I'm still looking for gray hairs!

Happy New Year!

This year has started off great! It all began yesterday when my brother Don and his family came into town from Philadelphia! We all got together at our house for presents, food and time hanging out together. The kids had a good time playing and we all got to visit. Trent got to challenge everyone at Wii bowling. Don and Scott got to rewind 25 years ago and show us all their talent for Super Mario Brothers! I love it when we all get together and I'm glad that my brothers' and their families all make time for us to see each other.

This morning my Aunt Carol and Uncle Bob drove in from Waynesburg, PA and joined us at my dad's house. More food, more presents, and more great visiting with family. It is wonderful to be part of a family who all just like being together! It was so good to see everyone and start the year out right! Happy New Year!