Fly a Little Higher - The Story of Zach Sobiech

I bought this book as a gift to myself.  So far, I have not been disappointed.  This story covers all emotions and is so powerful.  It is the story of a young boy, 14 years old at the time of his cancer diagnosis, who passed away at the age of 18.  It is NOT just the story of cancer.  It is a story of how Zach lived during his cancer diagnosis.  How his family (mostly the perception of his mom, though) lived through this diagnosis, treatment and now, in missing Zach.

I cannot relate to losing a child.  Yet, there are so many things that are powerful in this book and I am not even done with it yet.  I have laughed and I have cried, though crying is probably winning.  It truly makes you want to live life to the fullest as you never know what life might throw at you.

The song "Clouds," written by Zach was born out of this diagnosis (when they found out his cancer was terminal) - as a way to say goodbye to people that he loved.  The song is so touching.  So heartfelt.  Beautiful.  My dad was still alive when I first heard that song and it really hit me when I first heard it.

First day with babies, & Cooper & Boston! Hanging with the Christians!

Today is my first day with Cooper and the babies, and Boston and our kids! I didn't expect that Jamie would go back to work before New Years, but it worked out okay. Carter was a great help. It definitely was a BUSY day! The babies were really good, but getting them on a bit of a schedule here will be challenging. It is so hard to feed 2 babies at the same time!

Camdyn blowing some bubbles!

Reese is lovin' up the babies! Cooper just wanted to play with Reese and she just wanted to be with the babies!

Carter and Asher!

Cousins! Trying to get them all looking at the camera, geez! Boston did not want to be in the photo, Reese was upset she didn't get to hold a baby and you really can't see Camdyn!

Carter talking a selfie with the kids! Boston was super excited!

The Christians invited us out tonight for New Year's Eve. We have not done anything on New year's in quite some time. The kids we so busy playing. Towards the end of the night, we were all watching Colin sing! Colin's dad works with Trever and Colin was on the news about 6-7 years ago. He just picked up a guitar and starting playing. He is pretty amazing!

Calllie Jo hanging out with Carter! She just wanted to sit on his lap!

Happy 2016!

Bowling with Melissa and Kids!

I bought a Groupon for Blainbrook bowling, so I asked Melissa if she & the kids wanted to go with us! The kids always have fun together!

Kendall, getting her bowl on!

Dawson getting his bowl on!

Greg, Eisla and Isabella

Greg & Carter

Glasses and tears

So, what do glasses and tears have in common?  An 8 year old boy that lives in this house.  First off, he will need glasses and that is why tears were shed today at Target Optical.  It was bad enough that he was nervous to go have his eyes looked at.  And, that on the way out the door (and while we were waiting for the clinic to open the gate) a certain 14 year old brother was telling him that all they do is stick a needle in your ear to get to your eyes.  Even that gal at Target heard this teasing going on!

Dawson wants NOTHING to do with wearing glasses.  I knew that something was "going on" during the exam.  He was having a hard time seeing the letters (though he really was trying) and he was saying that the "t" was an "r," the "L" was an "E" and so on.  Carter & I kept looking at each other like "what is going on?"  He did not want to look at the glasses at all, even though there was a cool black and blue pair (blue being his favorite color) or a camoflauge pair.

I can understand.  I am sure at 8 you just don't want glasses.  I had my 1st pair when I was in college, I believe.  I was up in Moorhead and just felt like I was not seeing the boards in school too well.  But, as an 8 year old.  I even tried to sweet talk him - one of his best friends, Sven, and his brother, Miles, both wear glasses.  Our neighbor Bella wears glasses.  Both Dave and I wear glasses.

We will see.  Daddy was going to go talk with him tonight, at Red Robin over a "beer and a rootbeer!" Maybe a cheeseburger and some fries, too!

Skiing!

Carter is working on his spins on his snowboard. He is getting pretty good at doing them!

Getting some air!

Wipeout!

I love these photos of Dawson getting some air! And, his shadow!

Ms. Kendall!

Kendall getting some air!

It is not too often that I see all 3 on the tow rope together!

Reese was busy working with daddy on skiing! She is doing so good, momma needs to take some lessons from her!

"Wahoo", says Reese!

It was a great day for skiing! 

Amy & Darrell's wedding!

This wedding has been YEARS in the making! I believe that Amy & Darrell have been together for probably 15 years, at least. Darrell's mom was fighting cancer & after she passed away, they got married within a few months! Unfortunately, we were seated WAY in the back, so I didn't get any photos of the wedding. Amy looked wonderful and Darrell was not just the groom, he also participated in the wedding - a few songs and a reading to Amy.

On top of all the tables as part of the centerpieces, were art sculptures that Darrell's mom made. What a wonderful tribute to his mom!

Sisters!

Lissa & Sarah - she looked adorable! Guess she doesn't like her hair done, but she let it be styled for Auntie Amy's wedding! Nana and Kathy - friends for over 40 years!

For a late night snack, someone from the event center ran to White Castle to get a Crave Case of 100 sliders. And, the italian desserts were delish! Oh, canolies, so good and so bad for you! 

Happy wedding day, Amy and Darrell!