Little Wonders

"Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."~Ralph Waldo Emerson






Joe seems to be finding his way through this virus/flu, thing.His nose is full.His ears are plugged and his cough sounds beyond gross,however,he is back to his mischievous,which is a kind and extremely understated description,self.Zoey is okay.We did take her in yesterday,just to be safe.Negative on her swabs, however I learned the other day that the swabbing for the flu's are great if they come back positive,as far as treatment goes but a negative can be a false negative upwards of 40% of the times.That's reassuring.Her disposition is better today and really,more then anything she is just a bit tired and not fighting going down for sleep.Hopefully she will just blow through this.As for me,mine has settle in my chest.Really no other symptoms,which is kind of weird.Yesterday I had a killer headache and unlike two of my daughters,headaches are not my norm, so I figure that was just part of the deal.No rest for me though,as Mark got called into work today and in being called in,that set the tempo of my mood for the day.Which in many moments,wasn't very pretty.I don't love Mark's profession but I do love that he of course has a job.Right now,his company is under the gun to finish a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame show and they are coming down to the wire for completion, so they are pulling in all their editors to make sure it gets done in the time line it needs to.Meaning Sunday plans were blown out of the water.Which makes today really feel like a weekday.Same old same old.Laundry,cleaning and such.Next weekend will be a repeat performance with Mark working both Saturday and Sunday.The industry he is in can be extremely difficult on families and sometimes even marriages.I don't mean to sound over dramatic about that but after 22 years of being a spouse to someone who answers to television deadlines, I can more than attest to the truth in that statement.I of course, am so thankful that he has a job.Especially in today's economy.His work is nearly unfazed in many ways to the ongoing struggles that our country seems to be facing across the board.I am of course so thankful that I have always been able to stay home but sometimes,on days like today, I miss the regular 9-5.I suppose I can't say I miss it because I actually never had it.I'll instead rephrase it and say I just dream of the 9-5 husband.Okay,not husband but MY husband working 9-5.Won't ever happen though, so on days like today I just have to suck it up,get over myself and know it is what it is.We didn't find our way to church either today because with Mark gone,no one could be here with Zoey.Besides,our congregation would probably appreciate our absence in light of the germs we seem to be harboring.No real plan for the day.Windy here in Southern California.Sun-shining,a bit cool though but maybe after Zoey's nap, we will go out and do a little something.Maybe.

I continue to head back to last years posts daily.Today,on a day which found me disappointed that Mark was working and that life felt heavy on my shoulders,I could read with crystal clarity how absolutely NOT heavy things are.I read November the 15,2008 and I re-read November the 15,2008, and I was reminded how far we have come and how not so bad this Sunday really is.Although one similarity to last year is that I said I probably wouldn't be winning Mother of the Year for my behavior and lack of patience on that day and the same would hold true for today.Last year we were separated as well but for much different reasons and today on November the 15th 2009,I needed to be reminded of the gratitude that truly should be my guide.

*A few pictures:Miss Zoey sitting on her little stool.We are really working hard to strengthen her core.Which is,according to her new PT,very,very weak.Which,of course, I already knew.In looking back at last years posts I was also able to see,with amazement,that this time last year,Zoey had JUST mastered sitting independently.During chemo.So although her core is weak ... her strong,courageous spirit will more then help her find her way.I have no doubt of that.Zoey seems willing to stay on the stool for prolonged periods of time,as long as there is something to keep her attention and for Zoey,that means Raffi.Raffi was one of my big girls very favorites and I ordered a DVD for Zoey that she cannot get enough of.We have all his CD's as well.Very interactive and speaks to one of Zoey's greatest strengths and interests,which is music.She has learned the words and actions of stomping, stretching,hushing,clapping,brushing her teeth and host of other things from the beloved Raffi.

Brandon was home for a visit from Arizona.Zoey was so excited to see him and was content to be in his arms the majority of the evening.