beautiful boy

I promised myself that I would rarely revisit this moment in our lives. That I would place the pain, carefully, unto a far unreachable shelf. However, my caring and lovable sister called me after the morning news and then sister-in-law, who sent me the link below, brought me back...back to where I am reminded that we brushed death with our oldest, Colin. I am grateful for our son, and I may not tell him this everyday, but I am sure glad to have been able to "keep" him, at least for a little longer.

I am reminded, most especially today, to enjoy him. We are hard on Colin, being the eldest, where I forget that we could have lost him to this rare, terrible, ugly thing called retinoblastoma. We realized, then, that God is in EVERYTHING and felt much like Abraham to Isaak (this is Colin's middle name) knowing that this precious child is not ours to begin with and that he truly belongs, while given to us as a gift, to our Heavenly Father.

One of the nuns at a monastery we love to visit in Ellwood City, PA. once told us "Never feel sorry for your children, love them, correct them in this love. Do not pity or make an easy way out for them. Let God take care of this in their lives."

I have continually reminded myself of this very thing whenever I want to explain my children's short-comings, their in-appropriate behaviors, and whenever I look at Colin and remember the most beautiful feature upon birth: his big blue eyes.

Colin now wears a prosthetic eye, since we had no choice 9 years ago but remove what was all ready lost. The cancer was too large and needed immediate removal. He did not need chemotherapy since the removal was the cure. However, he did need to undergo EUA's (Exams Under Anesthesia) for several years after. The rest of the children needed office exams twice a year till 4 years old. We are past all this protocol and relieved.

Colin Isaak, in spite of monocular vision, hits a ball like no other and nothing stops him from being the typical 11 year old boy...

We love you so much...beautiful boy, Darling Colin!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26437081/?GT=43001

link to a.m. news story

Making the transition...

I know, I know... I need to update our move before I lose the few faithful that visit. Thanks for your patience and prayers.

Well, there are still half opened scattered boxes in each room. The photo above is from moving in day 2 weeks ago. Hey, I never claimed to be the uber-super unpacking mom. It is harder to focus on what and where everything should go now that the kids are back with us. Not that that is a horrible thing; I just simply find it difficult to remain focused on a project. I can't imagine why?

Community living is an adjustment for this "ex-home owner" and I guarantee it will offer many high points, as well as, the moments to keep the apartment door locked with the "Do not Disturb, please" sign dangling from the door knob.

The families and couples (haven't met the single seminarians yet - not here till next week) are encouraging in their frankness of seminary life and graciously offer advice, guidance, rides to IKEA, Target, mapping out Trader Joe's directions, local farmer's market and many play-mates for the children. As a matter of fact, I think one day I had 10 very energetic girls stuffed into Hannah's and MK's room. Luke has a friend that he is obsessed with and literally demands to spend every waking moment with him.

Each Thursday, at least for the summer months, is a shared potluck -- need I say more? Alleluia! One semi-thinking brain cell rescued from oblivion land of "what to make and then clean up" for dinner. The fellowship shared is a wonderful time.

I miss my chute...

The dreaded laundry dilemma, which is probably one of the biggest concerns to many moms, is a shared room, just outside our door. Thank God for small graces. Wait! it gets better -- it is coin operated! Sadly, we figured doing 2 loads a day, like I did in the previous residence, 5 days a week, will more than pay for a "BMW" style washer & dryer in the next 3 years. Me thinks we need to start wearing one outfit per week or none at all. No, that won't go over well. Try telling this to fashion diva, a.k.a. Hannah. Yeah right and Mr. C & Luke will never ever roll, jump, or run in the mud, including MK who delights in her insect finding and dirt baking skills. Her speciality in, but of course, worm-pies.

On a good note: the apartment is nice with a spacious patio overlooking a quaint lake full of ducks, swans, frogs, and peaceful late summer night-time sounds of the crickets. We lived on a busy street in Niagara Falls and this is a bonus to our transition. We no longer hear nor feel the vibration of car stereos...what a relief.

We walk to church, to get the mail, and to throw out the trash (Colin's job). I can even order my groceries on-line -- how cool is that? So, we save on gas and I at least hope that this will contribute to shedding some unwanted pounds, for most of the walking requires one to walk uphill.

May God give me (us) continued strength in transitioning, as we learn, grow, forgive, and love as Christ first loved us.

We made it...

well, we moved in...still have 3 years to go...Glory to God!
Campus is beautiful and the neighborhood is charming. NYC is overwhelming, yet loads of fun! So much to explore and take in.

Each seminarian family to the youngest couple have been a blessing and bring so much diversity and knowledge of the Faith. One would find it impossible to not connect and delve into community living.

I have little time even as I write but wanted to touch base. We are headed "home" this weekend after we pick up Colin and Hannah at the Antiochian Village. We have been so busy settling in that we hardly had time to absorb it all...I feel like I am in a dream. Everything has happened so swiftly. Although, I sobbed the entire way down last week Thursday...it was hard driving away from the house and the memories of friends and family lingering inside.


This is our new home: Lakeside 1 located at the top of the hill in the farthest corner on campus. We have a bottom spacious and private 3 bedroom apartment with a pleasant view of a lake while listening to the crickets, bullfrogs, ducks, swans and visiting bunny rabbits. It really is quit cozy...I have grown fondly accustomed to these sounds in the past week as we make this our new home for the next 3 years.
More photos to come when I have some extra time...please be patient with me and remember us in your God-pleasing prayers. Know that you all remain in ours!