The Year was 2008

And boy has it been a long one. The everything in between has made me a stronger, more beautiful person. Cancer almost took my life, but it saved my life as well. I didn't go through it alone and would never have survived without support from people who have become much more than friends. They are my warriors and have fought this with me through constant prayers, hugs, emails and calls. As I've watched others fight this battle, some have not been as fortunate. I don't know why I've been spared the pain and suffering or why I'm still here, but I plan on finding the calling and doing whatever it takes to make the rest of my days worthy.

A good friend and fellow fighter sent me this quote...

"If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell." ~Lance Armstrong

I have hope and the strength to continue to fight like hell!

Exchanging Gifts with Auntie Kim & Uncle Jim

Emily, Auntie Kim, Megan & Me

The best gift of all was the new addition to the Metcalf family...
Welcome Oliver Maestro Metcalf Born November 6, 2008 Wilson, NC Came home to the Metcalfs December 23, 2008

Emily practicing the "sit" command

Steven & Eric could probably come up with a gazillion other things to do at this moment!

The girls aDORE this little puppy!

Christmas Eve

Kidscan Holiday Party @ Kim Ludovici's

A few of us from Kidscan decided to get together over the holidays. Kim was our gracious host. By the time we all took a look at the clock it was close to midnight & we hadn't taken any pics! As you can see, the kids were pretty silly at that point!

The Gift

Knowing the secret. (Not the book) Shortly before a friend of mine passed away, he whispered something profound in my ear. The secret to life is knowing what to do with our gift. I immediately pictured the gift that sits under the tree that no one wants to open. It doesn't have shiny paper or a big red bow. It's ugly...worn-like & 'cold'. Some don't want the gift because once you've been given the gift your life will never be the same. Our gift is cancer. It changes our life in a way that only WE know. Enclosed in the box with cancer are many mini gifts...the gift of strength...the gift of courage...the gifts of wisdom, hope, love & laughter. The gift of new friendships. We enjoy the sunrise like no other because it symbolizes another day that we've been 'gifted'. Additional time that we're given with our friends is a gift. I've never been exposed to a love & bond stronger than that from my husband & children...all because of my gift.

It may not have arrived in shiny paper & a big red bow, but it is truly the most beautiful gift that I have ever received. I am the luckiest girl alive because I know the secret.

What's YOUR favorite gift?

OBX...yes, there's more!

"Almost Home", Rodanthe, NC

When the tide came in, the water came right up to the house!

Kitchen...

Living room...

Making smores.

OBX cont...

"To the third floor, please." Once Toby discovered the elevator, he never used the stairs again. He even took the elvator solo a few times!

We took the girls to one of the only "souvenir" shops we found on Hatteras Island & told them to buy anything they wanted...this is what Emily came up with. A rubber chicken. Yes, that reminds me of the OBX...how about you?

Um, no thanks.

OBX Day Two

It was a little windy in the bed of the truck!

Since we were pretty much the only people on the beach, we decided to teach the girls how to drive. Here's Megan...

Keep your eyes on the road...err...sand!

Then Emily took over the wheel.

"Nights in Rodanthe" house...or as the locals call it: Serendipity

As you can see from the above pic, the foundation has completely lifted. The house is on the verge of being condemned.


I'm pretty sure Richard Gere stood right here. I "felt" his presence!

Thanksgiving OBX

This year, we decided to take the girls to the OBX for Thanksgiving. It was our first time there as a family. We stayed on Hatteras Island in Rodanthe. What's in Rodanthe, you ask? Well, not much besides an old abandoned house that was used to film the outside scenes in Nights In Rodanthe. The nearest grocery store was 20 miles south & most of the local restaurants were closed for the season. It was the PERFECT vacation & we created many memories to last a lifetime!