Each member of the Harris family has been grieving in their own way about Romie's death; and we're all doing much better (Daisy even started eating again).  We borrowed a book called DogHeaven from the library off of a recomendation from a friend; I think this has been quite helpful as well.  Up to now Mo has been pretty oblivious, today she asked where Romie lives (I just about cried) so I explained that Romie lives in Heaven with God and we read the book and talked about how happy Romie is there; she seemed to be ok with that.  Papa just had to put his dog down as well; not a good week in the family for dogs.  We have lots of other dogs in the family and the kids are really enjoying spending time with those dogs.  Aunt Carol is getting a new puppy this week for Raven to play with (they had to put down their other dog Spicolli a few months ago) so we can't wait to go see the new puppy.  In the mean time the three dogs are up in heaven playing together with Mom's old dog Sheba and hanging out with Nana and God.

We just finished the first session of swim lessons.  Mo has a few things to still work on in Level 1 and Brady has a few things to work on in Level 2.  I fully expect them to be in these levels for at least the whole summer; they are pretty young to be at these levels (at the "Gym" they both would have to be in a "parent and tot" class)!   It was pretty cold in the mornings these past two weeks; I'm impressed they got in and did so well; they both love to swim!  Brady can jump off the board and swim to the wall.  Mo is just tall enough to walk around the shallow end, she can dunk her own head under water, and all sorts of other "beginning skills".  The big thing they both need to work on is "their back" which understandable; that is the part where you feel like you have less "control" so it's scarier.

Life for me is about the same; constant tests and treatments.  Good days and bad.  In between all that I'm chasing the kids and enjoying when they're cute and trying to play referee when they're at each other's throats.  I hired the neighbor girl who babysits them and her sister to be my Mother's helper a few hours a day twice a week!  It has me spoiled; I could actually clean and have some time to myself without the kids climbing all over me or trying to kill each other; I had much more patience with the kids and got to enjoy our time together more!  I got much more done around the house; better quality time with the kids; and some rest!  Too bad I can't afford a full-time nanny/housekeeper/personal assistant; although I think everyone needs one of those not just "poor ol' me".

Brady finished soccer, has started T-ball.  One of three practices was canceled due to rain and Opening Day was canceled due to rain.  They are going to try to reschedule this week since there aren't any games scheduled and most people will be around during the week.

We were contemplating going up north for the week, now we're on a "wait and see" basis for the weekend.  Kevin has had to cancel enough outings due to my "bad days" that he doesn't want to commit to anything; can't say that I blame him.  So I do hope that we go up north for the holiday; although it seems like most of the family is up there this weekend and not next weekend.  If we don't go our neighbor puts on a nice fireworks display and we watched the Detroit/Canada fireworks last week.  Our neighborhood association also throws a big party at the clubhouse.  We lucked out for Memorial Weekend, we got back from our weekend up north in time to go to the association party (we did miss the parade though).

Mom is home from the hospital and doing better; although she wasn't home more than two days when she started getting new symptoms!  I made her an appointment at Integrative Medicine at the Cancer Center (for cancer patients/survivors and their families) for massage and accupuncture.  She is also seeing a specialist next week and her doctor has decided this is beyond his capabilities.  Heather and I took her to her pool (across the street) the other day so she could get in the water and let the cool water help her body feel better.  The kids also had a great time playing; and Heather did most of the Mo watch so I got to sun myself a bit!  The boards are much higher there than our pool; so Brady needed some help but he did a really good job!  Max gave Brady his old flippers, they had a blast swimming around with them on till the lifeguards took them away (rules rules rules, always changing...)

The four of us went to a Tiger's game a few weeks ago; we bumped into Uncle Dean there as well.  Mo claimed she had to poop or pee about every 10 minutes so she could get up and walk around; I have no interest in taking her to any more Tiger games for quite a while.  She did enjoy the carosel though.       www.tigers.com/fanfoto         6/14/08 Gallery 29 (DSC-0354) and Gallery 36 (DSC-0040, DSC-0041)

As always, lots of family parties as we celebrate everyone's birthday in my Mom's family; and with 5 kids, 3 step kids and hubby there are a lot of celebrations on top of all the other holidays!

I missed Race for the Cure this year as Mo was up all night sick the night before (Brady the previous day); but I raised over $1,000 so that is very cool!

Kevin is off golfing today; went out with Papa Friday night; and I took the kids out to see Aunt Heather a few nights ago so he got a night alone a few days ago!  He so needs some "him" time; he had to cancel his guys weekend 'cause of me and another guy's outing 'casuse of me.  So I'm glad he's getting out, he not only needs it but deserves it!  We're going to go visit Papa tonight if he's up to it.

Hugs

Jessi