Juliet Raffray

Lordy, Lordy, OMG, I'm 40!

2016-06-29T21:42:00.001-05:00

Is June really almost over?! Has it been six months since my last blog post? Goodness. I have much to share.

Today is my 40th BIRTHDAY! That's right...I'm 40! Yikes! The age I thought was old not too many years ago. The "over the hill" age. The "I'm never going to be THAT old" age. LOL! Well, it's here and I made it...but I still feel as young in heart as I did in my 20s. Sure, some of my body parts ache a bit and are not quite as 20-ish as I remember, my eyesight is not as sharp as it once was, and my energy has turned down a tad, but I'm healthier and happier than I've been in years.

How's your 2016 going? I hope it's been a great year so far. After the tough challenges of 2014 and 2015 with my daughter's cancer fight, the loss of my grandmother, and two job disappointments, I promised myself I would make 2016 a better year. A reboot if you will. This year is a milestone year for me and I wanted to make a positive change both mentally and physically for the BIG 4-0. Moving forward, I'm focused on less stress and more meaningful time for my faith, family, and myself, I set some real goals and my life is on a much better path. Prayers and patience (even for me) have been the key.

Here are just a few of my top #2016goals:

Morning Prayer Time

The first thing I needed to reboot was my prayer time. I felt I neglected the importance and necessity of my relationship with God last year. So, I made myself get up at 5-5:30 am, before the day really began, to spend quiet time in prayer. It was a tough adjustment but this simple change in sitting with the Good Lord has enhanced my life in amazing ways. Along with my daily readings and reflections, I'm faithfully keeping a prayer journal. And, after a 10 year hiatus, I joined my church community for our annual Good Friday Walk. I was asked to give a witness of my faith journey especially during Lily's cancer treatment. It was a beautiful day spent with friends, family, and God. This was Luke's first year to participate in the Walk and I was proud of his reverent attitude for the day.

Better Planning

I'm typically organized and orderly but wasn't feeling as if I was accomplishing much over the past few years using my iPad calendar and task list. So, I decided to go back to a paper planner. After some searching, I bought one from A Faithful Mom planner. There's something fulfilling about writing down and checking off a to-do list or writing out a calendar. I've completed more tasks with my paper planner in the past six months than my Outlook task list I used for the last 5 years!

#fitforfourty

I felt like I've let myself go over the years...not exercising or eating well, hair's too grey, unnecessary stress, self disappointments, etc. With this year being my 40th, I really wanted to feel better about myself. So after my prayer time, I added exercise as part of my morning routine. I wrote out a workout plan in my planner for 5 days/week. The cool thing about my planner is a checklist for daily scripture, prayer, and exercise, plus a section to keep track of daily items (i.e workout and heart rate monitoring). I rotated PiYO, walking, and a Couch to 5K app. I've stuck to my plan well, incorporating running after I finished the C25K app. My diet still needs improvements but I'm finally seeing physical results from my workouts. Yay! #littlewins

Running Events

While in Memphis for Lily's second year scans, we saw tons banners and felt the hype for the St. Jude Marathon. I decided I wanted to participate in some of these running events...which also helped inspire me to start exercising. I thought a 5K would be the easiest to accomplish first, hence I downloaded the C25K app.

The kids and I walked our first 5K in the new OLOL Children's Hospital Amazing Half Marathon in March. They ran in the kids' races and love getting the shinny metals. It was such a fun day!

I also joined the Hogwarts Running Club and ran The Umbridge Run in April :)

Our family is registered for this year's St. Jude Walk.Run to End Childhood Cancer in September. It's "team Lily Raffray's" third year to participate. I registered for the new 5K chipped race! Our goal is to raise $10,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and we are halfway to reaching our goal thanks to the success of the 2nd Annual Lily's Tea Party.

I also want to be a St. Jude Hero and participate in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend in December. I registered "team Lily Raffray" for the half marathon and joined a few other St. Jude heros to train. [Go "Team Trevor!"] My dear friend, Jenny, is joining me, too. We are so excited to work together to support St. Jude! Our fundraising goal is $1,000+!

As a birthday present to me, please support our fundraising efforts for "team Lily Raffray" at the Memphis Marathon Weekend and/or the Baton Rouge St. Jude Walk.Run. (The links are directly to our team fundraising page for each event.) Thank you!!

Create new invitation designs

After putting my invitation design business on the back burner during my teaching training/experience, it was time to get back to my much needed creative outlet! Here are just a few samples of my new designs:

Become a Disney Vacation Planner

Hello, my name is Juliet and I'm a Disney Addict. I have a Disney-themed office, watch Disney movies and listen to Disney soundtracks, had a Disney-themed classroom, wrote a few blog posts about my Disney obsession, etc. etc. So it's no surprise I had interest in becoming a Disney vacation planner. After years of thinking and scratching the surface, I finally took the plunged and dug deeper in researching and talking to different agencies and found a fit with Mouse Tales Travel. I'm a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge and a Universal Orlando Parks and Resort Specialist. I'm so excited to finally make this happen and can't wait to see where this adventure with Disney takes me!!
Shameless plug...please consider booking through me for your Disney (and/or Universal) vacation: www.facebook.com/JulietRaffrayMTT or juliet.raffray@mousetalestravel.com

Take a family beach vacation

Our family was long overdue for a vacation and the kids are always asking to go to the beach. Keeping with this year's family focus, we booked a quick vaca to Sandpiper Beacon Resort in Panama City. The weather and beach scenery were beautiful and we had a great time! The kids loved the resort with the indoor pool, slides, lazy river, and mini-golf...and the beach, of course! I haven't been in the Gulf water in years (I'm partial to pools with a lane lines). I enjoyed floating on the water with the kids and listening to their belly laughs as we were tumbled over from the waves. I loved watching my husband play in the sand with the kids. We needed this carefree time. This was our first vacation without Brendon since living on his own...plus, he went on a cruise the month before. LOL!

Gotta get my Disney fix...and secretly try to spend my birthday at WDW

With my new Disney travel endeavor, I just had to go back to Walt Disney World, of course. Thanks to Lily's Girl Scouts troop, we were able to go last week....just close enough to celebrate my 40th birthday at Disney :) With funds earned from cookie sales and various fundraisers, the troop was able to participated in two Disney Youth Education Programs at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Lily and I took this opportunity to have a "Mommy and Me trip." I don't think I've been to Disney World before with so many new attractions to see - Frozen Ever After, Soarin’ Around the World, Disney Springs, and the Star Wars Nighttime Spectacular - all fantastic!! It was by far my favorite Disney trip (next to our Disney Cruise). We enjoyed walking around the parks, taking in the magical ambiance, not rushing to attractions or standing in long lines, and no family fights - something I haven't done since my College Program days. Lily was an excellent Disney companion and I'm so glad we were able to spend this special time together. Best Disney Birthday!

So I guess you can say, 2016 is turning out to be an excellent year (Thank you, Lord) and turning 40 is not so bad. I've had a wonderful birthday month and a lazy birthday day with my kids. I pray for a long life with continued health and happiness. Now off to watch something Marvel with my wonderful husband :)

xxoo,
Juliet

Reflecting on 2015

2016-01-04T00:48:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year!

I thought it would be a fun idea to look back and compile some picture of what we did last year. It wasn't until I was almost done with this post that I realized we had a pretty eventful year. When you reflect and look back you can see God's hand in guiding your journey as well as his multitude of blessings.

After 2014 was such a terrible year -- working through the disappointments of my job, pushing past Lily's cancer scare, and coping with my grandmother's sudden death -- I was ready for a new year! It was a great relief as 2015 started out on a fun note. Although we were beginning to struggle financially with one income, I was happy being home for my family. Getting the kids on/off the bus. Keeping a clean house. Order and control...just what someone like me needed.

We kicked off the new year in January with Luke's science-themed birthday party. It was such a fun party for him since he loves anything and everything with science. He had discovered Bill Nye the Science Guy so his party was loosely based on that theme. He helped plan his party from the invitation design to making the cake to setting out the decorations. Little plug, you can check out the science party invitation on my Etsy shop here. So cute!

After our Disney and Universal Studios vacation last December, Luke showed lots of interest in Harry Potter and decided to read the books. I could not have been more excited to share my obsession with him. He read all seven books in three months! We surprised him with his very own wand for such an accomplishment! He enjoyed the books and movies so much that he dressed as Harry Potter for a 'dress like your favorite book character day' at school. He wore my scarf, Prefect pen, Harry Potter 3-D glasses, and carried my Golden Snitch.

Everyone knows I love Disney, so I was surprised to be selected by Disney Parks and MomSelect to host a Disney Side @ Home Celebration. I received free products to host a Disney themed party just for fun! I hosted my party in February. You can read about how I was DisneySide-ing before #DisneySide was Cool and my DisneySide @Home Celebration. Here the goodies I received in my package!

In March, we watched the popular St. Patrick's Day Parade. This was the first time I had ever been. It was like Mardi Gras but green. Ha!

Lily had a colorful balloon themed birthday party with a special appearance by some members of the Gatorette dance team. They taught her their popular game cadence dances.

Lily's hair was really growing back after she lost it from chemo. It was growing a little "out of wack" so she had her "first" hair cut in April. As with tradition, I had my Aunt Tonie do the honors.

April is always a busy month. My mom, sister, the kids and I participated in the Color Run again this year. Thanks to their glitter theme, I had silver and gold glitter in my van for months!

We celebrated Eater.

We attended our first Dreams Come True event - Car Show and Crawfish Boil Fundraiser - and had the opportunity to meet other DCT families. DCT is a wonderful organization that grants dreams to kids with life-threatening illnesses. DCT presented Lily with our dream trip to Disney (Dec 2014). Learn more about their organization here.

Lily also had her first Kindergarten field trip to the Audubon Zoo. I was so happy to be able to attend it with her. Luke forbid me to attend such functions with him. LOL!

May was also jammed packed! We had a fun time at the Dream Day Foundation's Fishin' Galore event for St. Jude families. It was a beautiful day filled with tons of things to do -- fishing, petting zoo, motorcycle and helicopter rides, arts and crafts, horse/buggy rides, face painting, photo booth, music, food, etc.! I took lots of pictures and had all intentions to write a post about the event but never had the chance to put it together :(

That same afternoon, we also showed our support for our local Relay For Life event.

I registered Lily to participate in the Jambalaya Pageant. Last year, she received 2nd Alternative and Most Photogenic. She didn't place this year but she's always be my beautiful princess!

The most exciting family milestone this month, and year for that matter, was Brendon's high school graduation day!! We were so happy and proud of him. You can read the post I shared here.

The next day, this mama needed a much needed girls' night -- a New Kids on the Block concert! I've been a NKOTB fan since day one and really enjoyed their concert!

June was yet another eventful and fun month. I had been accepted in the Teach Ascension Academy and began training to work on my teaching certification.

We celebrated one of my sweet cousin's wedding to his beautiful bride at Ormond Plantation in Destrehan. They asked me to do their invitations, RSVP card, and specialty drink sign. It was truly such a beautiful wedding and everyone had a grand time!

We hosted our first fundraiser for St. Jude, Lily's Tea Party. Thanks to my awesome mom who did 90% of the work to put this successful tea together! We were blown away by the attendance (close to 150) and the outpouring of support for our event. We raised over $4,000 towards "Team Lily Raffray's" goal for the St. Jude Walk/Run. We will soon be diving into planning this year's tea party! Check out Lily's Tea Party on Facebook.

The kids participated in many summer clinics including Astronomy camp, cheer and dance clinics, art camp, basketball camp, and Minion camp.

Finally, we were asked to participate in the St. Jude Dream Home Give-a-Way our local news station. The kids love being on the set!

[As I'm putting this post together and looking back at the pictures from this past year, I never realized how many St. Jude or Dream Come True family events we had the privilege to attend. We have met so many sweet families :)]

July seemed to be a little calmer...I guess, in hindsight, it was the calm before the storm. I was intensely studying to pass my necessary Praxis exams and the kids were still involved in summer camps. One of our DCT moms asked if Lily and I wanted to go to the Miss USA Pageant (preliminary night). Of course! We sat right in the front. The girls had the opportunity to meet the Miss Teen USA contestants and Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014.

Lily had her 9 month follow up appointment. She had all good labs just like her past two appointments. Praise God. We celebrated Ole Paw's 85th birthday and enjoyed a lazy 4th of July.

We also added a new member to our family, Cuddles the cat. Spoiled.

In August, football season was in full swing! The kids started a new school year and I was going crazy trying to figure out how to teach Kindergarten. My life became tiring and stressful beyond belief as I devoted countless hours to schoolwork, prepare lessons, etc....now, it seems like a blur.
Roger started his new job and Brendon started his first real-life job working 40 hours a week.

Luke attended his first Saints game at the Superdome. He was so excited because they were playing his favorite team, New England Patriots. He's sporting both team colors! LOL!

September rolled through and we celebrated Brendon's birthday with an Italian dinner and beignets for breakfast.

Since living through cancer, we now do our part to spread awareness for childhood cancer. This year, the St. Jude Walk.Run was moved to September during childhood cancer awareness month. We were out early to support our "Team Lily Raffray" and pay honor to survivors and angels.

I took Lily to her first Broadway show, The Little Mermaid, at the Saenger Theater. The theater had suffered terrible damage from Hurricane Katrina but has since been beautifully remolded.

October is usually another crazy-busy month for our family, mainly due to football season, however we were able to squeeze in some extra activities. Lily, mom, and I were invited to a Tri-Delta soiree fundraiser for St. Jude to give a testimony about our St. Jude story. Lily was crowned Homecoming queen for her cheer team, escorted by Luke. The kids enjoyed trick-or-treating for Halloween - Luke was a football coach and Lily was Batgirl. And, we watched another Broadway show at the Saenger Theater, Cinderella.

October was an emotionally tough month for me -- not only with the stresses of my job, but also because Brendon, now working full time, had decided to move out a little earlier than expected. Even though he lives right behind us, it was still difficult for me as a mom to realize our babies do grow up and move on.

November brought on another life adjustment since I had decided to resign from teaching. I talk about my struggles with that decision in my last post, I tried.

Our family was invited to attend another St. Jude fundraising event with the Gulf Coast Police Motorcycle Skills Championship at Houmas House Plantation. The kids enjoyed touring the beautiful grounds. I worked there in high school and the home went through a massive transformation since then.

On November 16, the kids and I visited my grandmother's grave on the anniversary of her death. It's so hard to believe she's been gone for a year...
Lily was asked to be a flower girl in another family wedding and we watched her dance her little heart away at her 4th dance recital.

We spent Thanksgiving week in Memphis since we had to bring Lily for her annual appointment. Well needed time to get away and be with the kids after feeling like I neglected them so much to focus on my teacher duties. Lily had all good scans and blood work so she's now 1 YEAR CANCER FREE! Praise God! This was Luke's first trip with us to St. Jude. He enjoyed touring the hospital and campus and took tons of selfies. Ha! We went to the top of the Bass Pro pyramid, visited the zoo to see the lights, ice skated, watched the march of the Peabody Ducks, and even left our mark at Graceland. We also chowed down on ribs and brisket at Rendezvous.

December, the Christmas season! I kicked off the season with another Broadway show, Newsies! I loved the show just as much, if not more, than the movie! Bravo! I had waited a long time for this show to finally come to New Orleans. Unfortunately, it was the same day as the kids' football/cheer banquet -but they understood. Luke earned his 5-year letterman's jacket!

I've never been to New Orleans as many times as I have been this year. So not two weeks after the Newsies, we were back in NOLA for the Teddy Bear Tea at the Roosevelt Hotel. Mom had treated us girls. It was such an adorable tea with yummy treats and drinks.

I had enrolled Lily in Girl Scouts this fall with some of her little friends. Since joining, she's had an outing to the zoo, sung Christmas carols, and gone to the movies with her troop. Look out, we'll be selling cookies starting January 15th!

For the first time in a long time, Roger and I were able to go to a work Christmas party. A date night for us! I even bought a new dress.

Christmas was really nice this year. I made matching skirts for Lily and Kora -- my Ole Maw used to sew matching outfits for the first cousin girls years ago. I may try for matching dresses next year. Every year, my cousins, aunts, mom, and sister make delicious pralines using my grandmother's recipe. We had a small crew this year and made six batches. Keeping with tradition, on Christmas Eve my cousin and I baked Ole Maw's carrot and orange cakes. Christmas night, Santa brought just the right gifts for the kids and they were very happy. It really was a nice Christmas...

It's taken me quite a few days to put this post together but I have enjoyed looking back over the past year. Even though I feel a few months of this year were the most stressful in my entire life, it's amazing to realize God's blessings to us throughout the year. I am so grateful to the Good Lord for carrying us through these times. As always I appreciate your continued concern, love, and support for our family. I'm looking forward to 2016 and praying for another hidden gem year! God Bless.

xxoo,
Juliet

I Tried

2015-11-09T20:27:00.003-06:00

It's Monday and a month since my dreary post. Sorry about that :/

Things are slowly moving in a better direction. I'm adjusting to our oldest son being out of the house and learning to let go of that "parental control." I'm working hard to step back and let him learn to live (mistakes and all) while figuring out the best way to help guide him when needed without seeming like I'm fussing. Tough balance.

In my last post, I also shared that I was teaching and the difficult time I was having adjusting to the job. Everything I'm experiencing, feeling, and thinking is completely normal for a first year teacher, I get that. However, after lots of weighed thoughts, prayers, and discussions, I decided to resign from teaching and the certification program because my family comes first and being a teacher just wasn't a fit for me.

I spent most of my day typing a detailed post sharing my thoughts, feelings, challenges of the work load, my lack of patience, things I've learned, classroom management stress, my work ethics, comparing my past experiences, etc...but teachers are the only ones who can really understand and appreciate most of those details. Plus, since my last post was a downer, I really don't want to sound negative again.

The past two years have been emotionally tough with living through Lily's cancer journey and my grandmother's sudden death last year, and the challenges of my job the year before. I just can't go on a third (or more) overly stressful year if I can help it. My confidence in my abilities took a bit hit, too. I have pushed my family to the side over these past few months for a career advancement and was always in a horrible mood. That's not fair to them, nor me, and I don't want to do that any more.

I'm not discouraging anyone from education and never will. I'm happy to see new teachers grow with true passion for education -- but for me, it's just not a fit, and that's ok. I'm really hard on myself so it's taking a lot of self-assurance not to consider this a failure or that I gave up too soon. I've been told by some that it takes a lot of courage to know when to walk away. I guess. I gave teaching a shot. I tried.

The program training gave me a good overview, understanding, and guidance for starting in the classroom and I probably would have been an effective teacher but the demands of the education profession is more than what I'd ever expected -- especially for me starting older and with a different background experience. I can say all the "I wish this..." and "If things were different (grade/school)" as I want but it doesn't matter all that much because I didn't feel successful or good at what I was doing.

I did enjoy working with my grade level team and getting to know the students, as well as learning more about the education profession. I enjoyed making items for my Disney-themed classroom. I am proud of our school district successes. This experience has only deepened my appreciation and admiration for teachers. Seriously, love your teachers - until you've walked in their shoes, you have NO idea what teachers do for our children's success.

So now what? I wish I could say that I have a fabulous new job that's totally suited for my personality, but I don't. I have to pick myself up like I've done in the past and move forward. I believe there is a reason why God leads us down certain paths. I'm desperately trying to figure out what he was trying to show me over these past six months but I'm sure that will come in time.

In the meantime, like the saying goes, "it's back to the drawing board." I'm brushing off the dust that collected on my Etsy shop: www.julietraffray.com and ready to work on new party designs :) I have my resume updated and out. I'm also considering again the option of becoming a Disney travel agent since anyone and everyone who knows me, knows I'm passionate for anything and everything Disney. For now, I'm looking forward to take some time to get my home and life back in order! Until next time...

xxoo,
Juliet

Moving Out, Moving On and More Life Changes

2015-10-10T19:41:00.002-05:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted. I had great posts planned over the past few months but never had the time to sit and finish them. I'm making time today but unfortunately this isn't a happy post....it's a vent or a pity party -- call it what you want. I have to get some of these things out of my head before I explode.

I've been busy. Incredibly busy. Ridiculously busy. Back in May, I decided to make a complete career change and apply for a new alternate teacher certification program with our school district. Out of over 100 applications, I was chosen to participate along with 15 others. We had four rigorous weeks of training which included teaching summer school. During this time, I also crashed studied to take multiple Praxis test (including 4 extra times for to pass math), leaving very little time for my family. After the training. I accepted the only position I could find, a kindergarten teaching position at a high-poverty area school.

At the beginning of the school year, I was excited, nervous, and overwhelmed -- nothing out of the ordinary for a new teacher. My husband was supportive and really stepped up to help with the kids. Now, eight weeks later, I'm drained and living in survival mode. I'm not going to write much about my classroom experience but it has been difficult for me to handle. The children are very sweet. They have a special place in my heart and as tired, overwhelmed, and stressed as I am, I get up every day to do what I can to teach them. I have learned a great deal about myself and the world of education over these past few weeks. Never had I thought education would encompass so much strategy, data tracking, planning, resources, tools, etc. I can't even begin to explain the amount of work a teacher has to do - I would say even more so in kindergarten. Believe me when I say, if you complain to me about your child's teacher, I will most likely not speak to you. You have no idea what they go through! God bless teachers and please do not discourage those who have a deep passion to teach.

This is by far the biggest challenge I've ever faced and for once in my life, I don't think I can make it to the end. Along with the amount of time and work that I've put into this career change, I have been under extreme stress and my family is really suffering. I'm constantly in a bad mood and becoming more and more angry about I don't know what. I thought I had what it takes to be a good teacher but now I'm not so sure. Maybe I'm too just old or set in my ways for this drastic of a change?

On top of all this stress and work, on Sunday, my oldest son moved out. He's 19. I know it's time since most kids his age move out to go to college. I was there once. It was a part of our plan for him but the problem is that he decided to move out without telling me. Long story short, I came home from working at a teacher's house to learn from my husband that he had moved out. They had a been working over the last few months to fix my mother-in-law's old trailer for him to move into sometime after graduation. We had a plan with a loose timeframe. He broke that plan. So, as you can imagine I was confused and heartbroken.

Even though the trailer is practically in our backyard, there is something about your first child moving out that is special. I'm working through he biggest range of emotions this week with this move that I can't even pin one down. To understand where I'm coming from, you have to know our journey and relationship. Him moving out, without anyone telling me, has made me feel more like an unimportant step-mom than ever. Along with how our relationship has deteriorated over the last few months, I feel like everything I've done for him didn't matter nor did I deserve the respect for even a text or call.

It just hurts because last year, we had a great year. We had grown really close in our "mom/son" relationship. We had defeated all of the issues we had before. Then graduation happened and a new job for him, this new teaching adventure happened for me, and our relationship gravely suffered. We sort of quit talking to each other. What hurts my heart too is his sweet girlfriend does even know the real me. I'm always in front of a desk or with classroom stuff since they started dating. I'm always barking or snapping at everything. So, she only knows me as this bitch :(

My week seems to continue to fall apart as tonight is Homecoming. Since his girlfriend is still in high school, they are going to do the Homecoming thing...but they did not come by so I could see how nice they looked. I saw them via Facebook. It's not his homecoming but still, it's something they are doing together, they are going to look great, and I won't get to be a part of it like I was able to in the past years. Last year, we went shopping together, had a good lunch. It was a nice day. This year, I didn't even know it was homecoming week. I know this sounds petty and jealous but every mom loves these things.

Another thing that has me seriously upset has to do with his birth mom and plans she has with him for tomorrow, which I will not discuss here out of respect for him. She has had very little to do with him for most of his life until recently (when all of the hard parenting work is done of course) and still randomly when it's convenient for her. I don't know why I let these things with my oldest son get to me so much...I guess just because I've been there for him for so many years and I care.

On top of all these new school expectations I don't know how to handle, I also don't know how to handle this change in life, especially with him. I've been having a difficult time letting him become a more independent young adult and now moving out and moving on. I know I'm technically his step-mom but I've been his mom for 14 years. He's called me mom for 14 years. I've raise and cared for him...I've seen him through school and sports...I've laughed and cried with him...I've been mom. Why do I feel like I'm being shut out? Why now? We have always been a close nit family and for many years it was The Three Amigos - Roger, Juliet, Brendon. But now, he's distanced himself from our family in general. He's gone every night and weekend, either at school or with his girlfriend and her family, and not attending his little brother and sister's events. Very rarely do they spend time at our home and if they do, they go straight to his room to watch a movie. I know it's because he's 19 but I can't help but feel it's all to avoid me. I'm desperately recalling my memories and old feelings from when I was 19 to help calm my nerves and go with it.

This post is all over the board. I'm sorry. Like I mentioned, I'm dealing with a range of emotions I can't seem to work through. There are worst things in life, but I've had a difficult past two years and now going on a third. Each year had chipped away at my self-esteem and I don't know how much more I can take.

With all of this, I'm reconsidering my role in this teaching career. Is it just me or should a first year teacher really be stressing this much??? For some of those going through this program, they are doing very well and I am happy for them. But for me, I just don't see it. I handle change ok but I'm dealing with too much change in my life right now. As a controlling person, I'm completely out of control. I'm very hard on myself but I just feel like my world and my family is falling apart. I blame it my big change. I'm stressed, I cry all the time. I barely do anything with my kids. My marriage seems rocky. My house is just not kept. My head hurts and I have had a hoarse voice for 8 WEEKS! I can't put off the school work because I'll fall behind and my students will suffer.

Why am I blogging about this? Honestly, I have no idea. It's not anyone's business what's going on in my home or work life. I know I sound whiny, childish, jealous, and bitter, but writing can be therapeutic - so there you go. Events this week have just sent me over the edge. I'm in a hole that I hope I can get out of very soon. I desperately want to quite feeling this way but I don't know how. I dealt with my daughter going through cancer better than I'm handling things now.

I started rebuilding my relationship with God last year and I was happy. We had no money but I was home with my kids and my life was good. Now, I have no desire to pray. I have no desire to do anything for that matter. So, I'm asking for continued prayers. Prayers that I can get out of this slump and get my life back. I'm only holding myself together for my family.

I hope in my next post you will find me in a much better place.

xxoo,
Juliet

While finishing up this blog post, my husband just got home from running errands and handed me a box of chocolate cover cherries. My favorite. No matter how tough things are, I do love this man. Baby steps.

It's Graduation Day!

2015-05-14T09:38:00.004-05:00

Pre-K Graduation, 2001

High School Graduation Day.

It's finally here!

Fourteen years ago, right about this time of year, a precious little blue-eyed boy walked into my life. A spitting image of his father, and just as sweet, Brendon become a permanent part of my life.

Some of the first pictures I have of Brendon start from his pre-school graduation.

In the beginning, I often refereed to our family as "instant family, just add water" and Brendon as my "labor-less child." I still call him that :) We were the Three Amigos -- at least until Luke and Lily came along.

Milestone events, such as graduation, stir up lots of reflections and sometimes even regrets. Being a "step-mom" its tough. Our journey has been the hardest, funnest, wildest, and even at times the most uncomfortable roller coaster ride I have ever been on. I enjoy coasters but there were many times when I wanted to get off the ride and would have jumped from the highest spot. However, I've never been a quitter. Our family was always much more important to me than taking that easy way out and our relationships have grown stronger by working through the rough times. This is love. Besides, I always felt Brendon deserved to see and understand how mothers are suppose to support, love, and stand by their children through the most vulnerable, impressionable, and precious years of their lives since his birth mom had taken that easy road (and that's all I'm going to say about that).

God knows what he's doing. I know that He put me in Brendon's life, alongside his dad, to guide him and give him the family life and support he deserves. We've given it our best shot. But God also put him in my life and I can't image it without him. I can honestly say, not only is he my son but also one of my best friends. We certainly did not get to this point overnight. We've fought, yelled, laughed, cried, joked, hugged, etc...sometimes all in one day...but we've grown to have an special understanding about each other and a wonderful bond, plus tons of funny inside jokes.

Ring Day, 2014

So here we are finally at the big day! We made it. I say "we" because it has certainly been a family and teacher joint effort. When I say I'm proud of Brendon, I say it with such a full and truthful heart. School was never easy for him. Roger and I stood by him through late night, last minute homework and project assignments (with lots of frustration and tears), conduct marks, parent/teacher conferences, band performances, 4-H projects, Cub Scouts, etc. I always stayed in touch with teachers and checked grades and missed assignments online. I cannot thank the teachers enough who helped encourage and challenge Brendon to get to this day.

Funny thing and in typical Brendon fashion, we are beyond late on taking Senior pictures. So, I'll have to add his picture after today because the only picture I care to share is the one in his cap/gown holding that prize diploma!

With all my love and happiness, Congratulations and enjoy your day, son!

xxoo,
Juliet

Update:

He got it.

Not Worring...but Now What?

2015-03-08T23:33:00.002-05:00

I am going on 6 months of "not working." Yes, I put not working in quotes because I do work -- at home. I resigned from my job not long after Lily started treatment to be home for my family. During these months of being a stay-at-home mom, I've settled into my own daily routine. I'm so thankful to be home just to see the kids get on and off the bus since it was one of my worries this school year.

Once the kids are off in the morning, I drink my coffee, read my Bible and meditations from The Word Among Us, and talk to Alex the Cat who sits at the window seal. It's quite and peaceful. Whether the birds chirp or the rain pours, it's so refreshing. I'm happy to have gotten back into my morning prayer time, too. I feel like I've found an old friend again.

Mondays have become my laundry day and every other week, I do my big house cleaning. Family budget reconciling is daily and I have switch the majority of my shopping online thanks to Amazon Prime and my Melaleuca membership. I can't tell you how much this has cut down impulse buying and provided healthier lifestyle options for our family, so much so that I've become a rep for the company. I'd love to share more about Melaleuca's products. If you are curious, send me a message via my contact form on the side bar. I also spend a portion of my daytime working to build my invitation and party printables design business by filling orders on my Etsy shop and other special projects.

I've enjoyed being home -- it's the least I've been stressed in years, despite so many life-changing challenges. I know this was all part of God's plan to see me through Lily's cancer journey and my grandmother's untimely death. I was where I needed to be for my family.

We were blessed to receive such unexpected, generous support and loving understanding from family and friends during this time. But, I pinned the month of March as my red flag month. The month where, OMG how are we going to pay for this and that? would start. Worry, stress, and anxiety were creeping their ugly faces out on Tuesday night when I was crunching our family budget and the reality of it hit. Once again, God listened and spoke to me the next morning when both of my daily meditations were about "not worrying." As I've surprisingly handled everything this past year, I took it in, relaxed, and assured myself that things will work out as it has been.

Although life is back to normal and I stay busy with mom-work and my growing little side jobs, I know it's time to get back into the "real working world" because it's just not enough to contribute to our family needs at this time. Besides, being creative is a passion I enjoy too much - which usually means lots of extra uncompensated hours ;)

I admit, I've been picky about where I'm submitting my resume. I know, it's not the best way to go about finding a job. I guess I feel as I'm pushing closer to 40 years old, I understand my qualifications, know what I do and don't like to do, what is and what isn't a priority, etc. One thing I know for certain is that I really want to work closer to home to continue to be available as needed for the kids. In the past, I've made some career changes in hopes of development and advancement. Some of these choices have been great and some...lets just say I've learned the grass is not greener on the other side. However, job searching at my age is a double-edge sword. I look at this time as a chance to start over or even try something new, but on other side I feel like I'm a new college grad again having to prove myself... sigh...

So, recently I've made the decision to try my luck at substitute teaching, at least until something permanent and more closely related to my experience comes along. My mom was a teacher, my cousin is a master teacher and my grandmother was a substitute teacher...so I figure I have some natural ability, right? LOL!

I know I won't be as cool as this...

I pray I won't be like this...

I hope I'm exactly like this....

Did you watch this clip until the end? It's so great! LOL!!!

Feel free to comment and share any substitute teaching or career advice below - I'll take it all :)

Whatever new career path I take, I want it to be one that I enjoy, where I can pave the road nicer than it was before, and where I can grow both personally and professionally on that journey.

xxoo,
Juliet

My DisneySide @Home Celebration

2015-03-01T00:12:00.000-06:00

In my last post, I shared some background on how I was DisneySide-ing before #DisneySide was Cool :) This past Sunday I was able to share all of my favorite sides of Disney at my @Home Celebration! I had received a sweet package of free products from Disney Parksand MomSelect in order to host my Disney Side @Home Celebration and the opinions I share in my posts are my own.

We had a small gathering due to some of my invited guests having scheduling conflicts. Those who attend had a fun time and loved the decorations! I didn't really have a theme per se but more showcasing the sides of Disney that I like. I kept the party fairly simple and tried to use all of the provided products.We are a coffee drinking family so my party was centered around "coffee time" with a yummy Mickey cake and Mickey cookies.

A Duff Goldman tie-dyed cake mix was provided in the package. This was a fun cake to make! The colors were so vibrant after the cake baked.

How about here?

Lily loves to help bake.

Do you see the hidden Mickey?

Here's our finished Mickey Mouse cake!

The first batch of my Mickey Mouse cookies were an epic fail but the rest turned out just great and yummy!

For the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration favor boxes, I added the perfect shiny treat --Hersey's Kisses, or as we call them, Silver Bells.

I try to make environmentally conscious decisions in my daily lifestyle choices, so a #DisneySide that I give two thumbs up for is their commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation. I recycled some of my old gift bags for goodie bags and filled each with the products -- complimentary luggage tags, a pack of HP CMYK paper, tattoos, and a Diamond Celebration favor box. I also pulled a few interesting facts from The Walt Disney Company website for a "Did You Know?" info sheet. Here are some of the bullet points I included:

Disney reduces environmental impact through innovations, such as the trains at Disneyland Resort which run on biodiesel made with cooking oil from the resort’s restaurants and hotels.
Recycling at our parks is an important part of our approach to Disney's long-term goal of zero waste.
In 2009, Disneyland Resort was recognized with California’s highest and most prestigious environmental honor for water conservation efforts used in the World of Color attraction.

Another #DisneySide fan favorite I represented was fireworks! We had a few color sparklers left from New Years so we let the kids light them up.

Since my party was centered around coffee time, I asked each guest to bring their favorite Disney coffee cup. If they forgot, I had set out all of my past vacation resort mugs...for some reason I did not take a picture of them :(

I designated another area to show my #DisneySide love for animation. I displayed some of my Disney animation books, snow globes, and artwork.

Shared #DisneySide scrapbook memories.

Some of our Disney friends also showed up :)

Even our youngest guest was sporting her #DisneySide!

Shared my D23 Magazines.

Games and prizes table.

The kids enjoyed Disney Bingo and Pin the Smile on Mickey. I think some of the kids were a little "Goofy."

And for some, just a little time to relax and watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was just as fun.

Thank you Disney Parks, Maria Bailey, and the MomSelect team for selecting me to host a Disney Side @Home Celebration and providing me with the free products to share with my Disney friends.

We had quite a few items left from out party. I'm planning to save the Disney Princesses nail polish, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse pencils, card games, Crayola colors, and leftover goodie bag items for a St. Jude fundraiser tea party my family is hosting this June - stay tuned! I'd also like to donate the ALL detergent and Snuggle and Wisk samples to our church food pantry. Finally, we'll put all these fun Disney party decorations and games to good use again for my nephew's (pictured above) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse birthday party!

Feel free to share my post and leave a comment, maybe even your favorite #DisneySide story.

Sincere thanks again!!

xxoo,

Juliet

DisneySide-ing before #DisneySide was Cool

2015-02-19T23:02:00.000-06:00

Yes, I totally hear the Barbara Mandrell song in my head while reading that title. LOL!

In preparation for my Disney Side @ Home Celebration this weekend, I thought this post was fitting... especially on "Throwback Thursday."
I received free products from Disney Parks and MomSelect in order to host a Disney Side @ Home Celebration. The opinions expressed here are my own.

It's no secret I'm a huge Disney fan! My fanfare started at a very young age.

My cute little sister at 5 mos old.

One of my earliest memories of my love for Disney was in 1983 when I was 7 years old and I learned we were getting The Disney Channel. I can still remember my excitement - I think I may have even cried! LOL! When my dad signed us up for The Disney Channel with Cablevision, they had given him Mickey Mouse ears as part of the promotion for the channel.

However, thanks to my memory-keeping mother, she shared these pictures from my 6th birthday party in 1982 with these ...umm... interesting Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck characters. LOL! I have no idea who the dog is suppose to be in the bottom picture, maybe Pluto??

You can always count on a little brother to be silly.

With The Disney Channel, we woke up to do morning exercises with Mousercise and before bedtime we watched cartoons on Mouseterpiece Theater. As a young teen, I wanted nothing more than to be a star on Kids Incorporated or The All-New Mickey Mouse Club. And, on Sunday nights we'd watch The Magical World of Disney as a family. It's funny as I was doing a little nostalgia searching on YouTube for this post, I can still recite the opening songs to all these programs and more.

My deepest passion has always been for Disney's animation. As a young girl all the way through probably my sophomore year of college, I wanted to be a Disney Animator. I drew Disney characters all the time! With the rebirth of Disney's animation in the early 90s from The Little Mermaid ('89), Beauty and the Beast ('91), Aladdin ('92), I was inspired to write a high school term paper called "Music in Disney's Animation"...it was perfect! I also corresponded with the Disney Animation Dept. to find out which colleges Disney animators attended. But in the end, I followed my mother's footsteps and became a LSU Tiger {Geaux Tigers!}.

Some of my old sketches:

"Be Our Guest!"

"Combination hookah and coffee maker.."

I also started pin collecting at an early age. I bought my first pin from the Animation Courtyard on a Disney vacation in 1993. My mom used to buy me pins, too. I think the pin trading started in 2000 because for some reason, I have a quite a few from that year. I'm not a huge fan of pin trading because I like the pins I bought or received. LOL! I buy pins on vacations and have started my kids with their own collections as well.

Disney's College Program

The summer after my freshman year at LSU, I was accepted to attend Disney's College Program. I was going to work for Disney!!! I truly believe The Disney Company laid the foundation for my work ethics that has carried on to today. I'm not going to say it was always magical - it was my first big job and my first time away from home - so needless to say, I was miserable half of the time. But, the memories of walking down Main Street at night with all the lights and no crowds were worth every tear. This summer will be 20 years since I participated in College Program - wow, I'm feeling old but I still have my Ducktorate Degree!

After all this, I graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. Call it cold feet or just the changes in life, but I will never understand why I did not pursue my animation dream. I guess that's why I enjoy designing party invitations so much because it's like capturing my own an animation still. Anyway....

DisneySide-ing Over The Years

Fast-forwarding a bit...I've showing my #DisneySide at my wedding with our napkins, for Halloweens, and in my kids' rooms.

Halloween 2004

My sister and I painted the Toy Story mural.

I also believe I was a member of any official Disney fan club (Ha!), including now, D23. The quarterly publication alone is worth the membership fee. It's beautifully put together with lots of interesting photos and articles full of insight and details on what's going on with the company! Before then, I had a subscription to the Disney Magazine. Remember that?

DisneySide-ing With My Kids

When the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse debuted in the summer of 2006, my son was 6 months old. I was so excited that a new generation of kids would grow up to learn and love the Disney Fab 5. It's been a great entertaining and educational program for the kids. My 5 year old still watches it, especially I {Heart} Minnie Mouse and Minnierella. And...sometimes...from behind a book, I'll see my 9 year old sneak a peek :)

I've had such fun planning birthday parties with the Disney themes my kids loved. As my kids have gotten older, they like to help with the party plans, decorations, and baking the cake. I've cherished each party.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Birthday:

AristoCats Birthday:

She loves pink, flowers, and cats!

My sweet little invitation.

Cinderella Birthday:

Another pretty invitation I designed.

And of course, Frozen Birthday:

My Frozen-themed invite...

printables on Etsy ;)

...with matching party...

DisneySide @ Home Celebration

I was shocked and excited to be selected by Disney Parks and MomSelect to host a DisneySide @ Home Celebration. I've seen so many cute ideas on social media from other celebrations and I have a few interesting takes on ways I'll show our DisneySide for our party. I received the free products below in the celebration kit - which included party decorations and games. All opinions expressed are my own and I can't wait to share my photos from our celebration! So stay tuned!

Our package reveal:

It's apparent that I can go on and on about how much of a role the World of Disney has played in my life - and now in the lives of my children. To me, Disney is so much more than theme parks, movies, and money (as some always think) but inspiration for imagination, getting goose bumps to musical scores, where no detail is too small, always involving the family, and to knowing that...
"All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney.

xxoo,
Juliet

World Cancer Day 2015

2015-02-04T14:04:00.000-06:00

I knew something was special about today...it's World Cancer Day and St. Jude's 53rd Anniversary thanks to founder, Danny Thomas!

It seems like over the last few weeks, I've read more Facebook posts about friends battling cancer themselves or with a loved one..or whose lost loved ones to cancer. My thoughts and prayers have been with them. We understand just how much cancer sucks.

I also realize that I did not post about our second trip to St. Jude at the end of October when we learned that Lily's treatment was a success (no radiation needed). As I'm looking through some pictures to share, it's still so odd for me to think that my daughter fought off cancer.

Here's a few pictures from that trip.

Mask up for port access.

Weight is better.

Did chemo make me taller?

Lily likes to help with her blood work.

After her Assessment appointment,
we saw this special artwork!
Cheering for Breanna

Radioactive tracer for a PET/CT scan is
carried in a tungsten - heavier than lead.

Movies on the ceiling - only at St. Jude!
My little trooper never moved.

After reviewing the results of her scans, blood work, and physical exams, it was the consensus of the medical team that Lily showed no signs of cancer activity and now in remission. We were given the all clear to remove her port! Yay!

Hug from Mrs. Jessica, CLS, after surgery.

Adventure is Out There

During the week, we were able to go on a few adventures. We visited the Memphis Children's Museum, Zoo, and Graceland. Lily kept asking to ride the horse and carriage on Beale Street so we took her one evening. Admission and the carriage ride were free of charge to St. Jude patients. The community support for St. Jude families is astounding! Even some of the restaurants offered discounts.

They could not get enough Memphis ribs.

Ribs every day - this little girl could eat!

Since we were at St. Jude the last week of October, we were able to attend the Halloween festivities. The nurses, doctors, staff, and volunteers really go all out with decorations, costumes, candy and goodies to provide a fun day for the kids at St. Jude. Lily wore her Elsa costume that Grammy made - she was so pretty! My favorite table was a dedication to Robin Williams., which included a few of his iconic characters :)

Early Detection is the Key

I cannot express the importance of early detection! You know your body. Parents, you know your children's body. If something doesn't look right, get it checked out. I believe having that enlarged lymph node examined so soon after first noticing it on Lily's neck, we were able to catch and treat the cancer at such an early stage.

It's amazing how our lives have changed in the past 6 months...

As always, we thank God, the medical staff at St. Jude and the Baton Rouge Affiliate Clinic, and your thoughts and prayers for helping to heal Lily. She's a tough little girl and I look forward to seeing what God has planned for her.

xxoo,

Juliet

Dreams Come True & Give Kids the World

2015-01-24T00:18:00.001-06:00

Happy 2015!

It's been quite a while since my last blog post. Now that life is back to normal after the Christmas season, I wanted to share some of our pictures from our recent trip to Orlando. It's a lengthy post but I share lots of pictures :)

Dreams Come True (DCT)

In December, Dreams Come True of Louisiana presented Lily with a Disney vacation so she could meet Mickey Mouse, Olaf, and feed a dolphin (which were her "dreams" she told "Auntie Pam" a Dream-mom during her initial interview). Pam's son Trevor, a former "Dream" child, presented the Disney packet on a pillow with a crown and single red rose to Lily - her personal Prince Charming! Lily had no idea she was going to receive this dream trip so she was a little confused and shy, but Luke was excited enough for the both at the announcement.

Two weeks later we were off to Disney!

Our trip was planned for the week before Christmas (yea, Disney at Christmastime!). But, as our luck would have it, Lily had a mild case of the flu a week before we were to leave. We were all given Tamiflu and soon on our way.

This trip would also be the first time the kids ever flew! My husband and I are not a fan of flying so we were all a little nervous at first. The kids had so much fun viewing the world from above the clouds.

On our way to the airport.

My plane ride face.

Waiting to board our plane.

"There's...someone on the
wing...some...thing."

"It's GOOD."

Enjoying peanuts and Sprite.

We are forever grateful to DCT for accepting Lily as a Dream Child. Please visit the DCT website to learn more about this great organization and how you can help them continue providing a variety of dreams to other children with life-threatening illnesses.

Give Kids the World Village (GKTW)

DCT sends their families to stay at Give Kids the World Village. From the moment we stepped off the plane, Lily was treated like a rock star!

Simply put, GKTW Village is wonderful! We could have spent all week just at the Village enjoying the activities for the kids. The two phrases we heard the entire week were "Welcome Home" and "Eat ice cream for breakfast!" Both, so true. I have never been to a place that is almost entirely run by volunteers from all over the world, who greet you every day with a genuine smile from ear to ear, happy to help, and thanked us for letting them help. We never carried a tray of food to our table. Ice cream scoops were piled to the sky, layered with sprinkles and chocolate syrup. Little gifts were left for the kids by a 'gift fairy' every day. And, the environment was safe, clean, and just adorable.

After a tour of the venues, lunch, and all the ice cream we could eat (yep, they even had lactose-free ice cream for my husband), we were escorted to our villa - our home for the week. Seriously, it was like a little house - 2 BR/2 BA, kitchen, living area, carport, Christmas tree and outdoor Christmas lights. Precious! Every time we drove to our Villa, I was tickled how the Village was setup like a subdivision.

Please visit their website to learn more about the GKTW Village, for a virtual tour, and/or how you can help this truly remarkable place:) My bucket list now has a new entry: to volunteer at GKTW!

Lily's Star

GKTW gives a small gold star to every Wish Child who has stayed at the Village. Each child writes their name (or a little drawing) on the star and at night "The Star Fairy" magically places the star on the ceiling of the Castle of Miracles. The next day, the kids are invited back to find where their star was placed. There are literally thousands of stars in the castle - it's really quite beautiful.

Lily wrote her name and drew a flower on her star. The Star Fairy placed her star in one of the circle "galaxies" of the castle tower.

Lily's star is next to her new star-friends.

"Galaxies" of stars in the castle tower (it is very tall).

Thousands of stars on the ceiling and this is just one side of the castle!
Stars flow down columns and wooden flags that hang from the ceiling.

Other activities at GKTW

The kids enjoyed the many activities offered at GKTW - a little spa treatment to get fingernails painted and airbrushed tattoos, nighttime celebrations, horseback riding, carousel rides, video games, train rides, personal visits from the Disney characters, and so much more!

I just love this picture!

Our Vacation Outside GKTW

Our vacation package graciously included 3-Day WDW Park Hopper pass, 2-Day Universal pass, and a Sea World pass. Needless to say, we were busy and I took a thousand pictures. Here's a few...

Our first day was spent at the Magic Kingdom -- where I believe every Disney vacation should begin! In total Disney-style, we received some extra Magic from a special friend with VIP seating for two parades, a private meet-n-greet with a few of the kids favorite characters, and Lily received TLC at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

We loved our Fairy Godmother in Training.

Time to add some pixie dust!

Even The Queen was sprinkled with pixie dust!

My beautiful princess!

Another unexpected treat we received as part of the GKTW vacation package was a "Genie Wish" pass which basically granted us fast pass access to every ride and character meeting!

I had plans to make this our Christmas card :)

We did go to EPCOT but that was the "family fight" day -- oh you know, the day when no one can agree on anything and kids are tired because of all the excitement from the first day -- every family has one of those on vacation. LOL! We survived.

The next day we decided to go to the Kennedy Space Center since free admission was given to GKTW families. My son, Luke, is really into space and science so we could not pass up this opportunity for him. As much as I love theme parks, I have to say this day was my favorite. I was so impressed by the history of the center. I honestly could not get enough pictures to show the enormity of the exhibits. It really is a must see!

Mission Control simulation.

This exhibit was ginormous!

What's a vacation without some silly family fun!

We decided to be a brave and daring family and tackle 3 parks in one day - first off Animal Kingdom, then Hollywood Studios, and finally Magic Kingdom to do some things we didn't get to do on the first day. The kids really enjoyed the Animal Kingdom and finding all of the Wilderness Explorers badges. I wish we would have stayed longer knowing that was such a popular activity.

Next, we were off to park #2 of the day - Hollywood Studios.

Love.

It's the little details that make
me love Disney so much!

Rooaarrr!

We have a special place in our hearts for Frozone ;)

Seems to be real snow! Ice cold!

Olaf is home :)

We found my cousin who joined us for the rest of the night.

After the viewing The Osborn Family lights (which were relocated since I last saw them 12 years ago), we moved on to park #3 of the day - Magic Kingdom. Once we visited the talking Mickey and Tinkerbell, Lily didn't last much longer...she was out.

Tinkerbell is too cute.

So pretty!

We spent our last full day at Universal Studios and of course it was the only day it rained. The entire week was gorgeous!

Minions, Bumblebee, and Spongbob - oh my!

Brendon loves his classic cars!

"Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads."

Personally, I was excited to see the new Harry Potter section at Universal. Luke really enjoyed it and I think it spearheaded him to start reading the books now. I'm one proud mama, but that's another post for another day. As far as the new area, well done, again. This is my favorite picture - so awesome.

How do I get to Platform 9 3/4?

Finally, we spent a few hours at Sea World before flying home. Lily got to feed the dolphins! This was a unique experience and the dolphins were so darn cute. We were able to catch a dolphin show and Shamu show where the boys wanted to sit in the "splash zone"...naturally, they got soaked!

Flying home.

I know that we have been extremely blessed to have such a short run with cancer. I truly thank God every day for this when I look at my beautiful daughter. My prayers are even stronger for families with children who are dealing with tougher battles. Through our journey, I've run out of words to express my gratitude for the overwhelming generosity and support we have received. My life has certainly been changed for the better because of this experience.

I have always had a fairly positive attitude towards the heart of humanity in general, but I wish our world can one day be like what we've experienced from St. Jude, Dreams Come True, and Give Kids the World. I think their philosophies of faith, love, and a little pixie dust is the real key to peace.

Again, our heartfelt thanks to DCT and GKTW for giving us these lasting memories - not only granting Lily her dreams but allowing our entire family to share them with her.

xxoo,
Juliet

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The Peer Pressure of the Elf

2014-12-02T10:58:00.001-06:00

Well, it was bound to happen...my first vent-type post. However, I bet there are a lot of parents who share my sentiments. This post is not meant to bash specific people or to be ugly - just my random thoughts and observations.

Our elf just sits on a shelf...and watches.

This morning, my children woke up all excited to look for "Magic" our elf on a shelf only to be disappointed that our elf didn't do anything "funny" like such-n-such's elf who does this-n-that. Hearing their "aughhs" of a let-down after sighting him upset me and got me thinking about how disheartening it is that we live in a what seems to be an ever growing "one-up" society.

I chuckle at the pictures I see on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest of other's elves and always impressed with such cute and creative ideas. I also try to shake it up every now and then with a little glitz and magic with our elf. {I think "Magic" is fancy to Lily's Tinkerbell tree topper. Ha!} But really when it comes to it, I'm lucky if I can remember to move the damn thing...like this morning :/

It seems this simple and sweet story, meant to encourage children to be on their best behavior, has gotten out of control with whose elf can out-antic an antic.

Personally, I don't have the time nor do I feel like making the mess as pictures show for an elf that my children see a few minutes in the morning and a few hours at night. They know the point of his presence and when they are misbehaving, I point to "Magic" or say he's watching y'all and they quickly straighten up.

This type of out-doing does't just lie with the elf, consider these:

Look at how teens are now asking dates to Homecoming or Prom -- by way of a production with posters, yard signs, lights, and the entire family involved. I ask, why? If teens are dating, isn't it just a given they would go to these events together? What happen to "hey, we're going to the Prom, right?" or "Lets start making plans for the Prom. Yay." If asking someone for the first time, how about simply asking face to face, "Would you like to go to the Prom with me?"

Or, when did Easter become a second Christmas? I was raised with the Easter Bunny who just left colored eggs and chocolate candy, maybe a little summer item or two as we got older. That same ole Easter Bunny visits my kids, too.

Kids under 10 with smart phones. Again, I ask why? Who do they have to call or text or why are they on social media?! It's such a scary thought to me. My 18-year old drives me nuts with his phone. I can't image giving that type of power to such young children. I know there are lots of parental controls, privacy settings, rules you can set, etc. (I believe I've invented a few) but I have seen first hand they know how to get around it...scary.

Ok, now this is a tricky one because I love party decorations and ideas...but let's be honest, some birthday parties I see are just way over the top. Search any party idea on Pinterest. I certainly don't have a strong opinion with decorating for special occasions. I design party invitations and decor printables for goodness sake. In reality, decorating for a party is time consuming and can be expensive. I just think, how much time, how much money, and did the kids have fun? I try to keep my kids's parties simple and inexpensive but still filled with fun decorations and the basic cake and ice cream, of course.

So, what are we teaching our children, or some adults for that matter? When did everything that was once so simple become something that now has to be a spectacle? No wonder people are never satisfied. I'm sorry but I just don't believe bigger is better. Why the unnecessary pressure to "keep up with the Jones?"

Here is a definition of peer pressure -- social pressure by members of one's peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted. Something to think about...

To those reading this and may feel offended, my apologies. To those who think: well, just don't do what others do. Guess what? I really don't. I do find it more and more difficult to stay confident in sticking to what I consider my values and minimalist ideals. It takes soul searching, prayers, and reality checks to stop feeling bad for not doing what other's do. Call me old fashion or maybe boring but I feel that my little family is doing just fine with keeping it simple.

So why do I stay on Facebook and other social media if what I'm seeing makes me feel this way at times? The same reason everyone else does, to see what's going on. It's a double-edge sword. LOL!!

Well, I hope I don't lose many readers because of my thoughts...but it is my blog ;)

Santa may reassign "Magic" to a more clever home next Christmas.

xxoo,
Juliet

A Time of Thanks

2014-11-27T01:21:00.001-06:00

2014 has been one out of control roller coaster ride for me and my family...difficult, sad, and challenging - yet filled with an abundance of blessings, love, and generosity from our community, friends, family, and strangers. We persevered. We grew. Truly God's hand at work.

So it's seems fitting that I share a few of the wonderful moments in Lily's cancer journey that we are so thankful for on her road to remission.

I give thanks for fairy godmothers, unicorns, and a ray of sunshine

When the nurses asked Lily what type of party she wanted for her last day of chemo, she said a princess party and to ride a unicorn. The nurses and I exchanged looks and I said "oookkaayy, anything else maybe?" LOL! But, clearly St. Jude nurses are Fairy Godmothers because her nurse said, "I can actually make that happen." And the rest, as they say, is history. Here are just a few of the links of stations that picked up her story:
Baton Rouge, LA
Johnson City, TN
Myrtle Beach, SC

Pollok, TX
Moselle, MS
Shreveport, LA
Columbus, OH
Hawaii
New York Daily News

Post by ABC World News Tonight with David Muir

Post by ABC News
Post by Good Morning America - GMA, what?! We are still in shock over this coverage.
Post by Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital - to see more pictures of Lily's party

Along with the St. Jude Baton Rouge Affiliate nurses, doctors, and staff, we would like to THANK the following companies and organizations for their generous offerings. Please check out their services!!

Wildwood Farm Pony Parties - for sharing Willow with Lily!
Amy Martin Photography - for capturing this day so beautifully! Click here to see more of Amy's pictures from Lily's special day!
Healing Place Church Hospital Ministries - for Lily's gifts and weekly snacks!
The Crafty Shack - for the adorable dress! Thanks, Megan!!

Here are a few more pictures from the party. This was truly one of the happiest days in my life that I will never forget. For a moment in time, my beautiful ray of sunshine brought a smile to thousands of people as her "unicorn story" ran nationwide.

Princess party decorations

Princess celebration cake

"Surprise!"

"This is all for you, Lily."

"We are celebrating your Last Day of Chemo."

Nurses & staff sing a "No Mo Chemo" farewell song.

CONFETTI!

Crown of flowers

Thanks State Troopers

ELSA Hat!

Photo credit: Amy Martin Photography

Lily meets Willow the Unicorn

The Raffrays (Photo credit: Amy Martin Photography)

Photo credit: Amy Martin Photography

I give thanks to 3 words

Two weeks later we headed back to St. Jude for post-treatment tests...never did 3 words (or is it 4) provide so much relief and prayers of Thanksgiving!

We are so blessed to have such a strong community of support. Your prayers, words of encouragement, texts, calls, emails, Facebook messages, gifts, etc. meant so much to us. We truly cannot thank you enough...

We were at St. Jude for Halloween - amazing! They hold back no expense to give these children a wonderful trick-or-treating experience. I have tons of pictures to share from this trip so I'll save those for another post.

I give thanks for walking

On Saturday November 22, we participated in the St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk. What an inspiring day to honor those survivors and angels who battle such terrible diseases!

It was announced that Baton Rouge had the largest participation out of the 66 communities across the nation and raised close to $450,000! WOW!! Read more from The Baton Rouge Advocate's article.

"Team Lily R" raised close to $5,000!! Every dollar donated goes towards patients' medical expenses so families going through treatment, like ours, never receives a bill. What a Heavenly concept. It's never too late to donate to St. Jude. Your heart will fill with joy each time.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED, WALKED, PRAYED, AND/OR SHARED POSTS!!

"team Lily R" - minus a few.

I give thanks to Ole Maw

Finally, I give thanks to the Lord that this beautiful woman was in my life for over 38 years.

After the past few months of pushing forward to get Lily better, I received the hardest punch in the gut when my grandmother, Mary Templet, died suddenly on Sunday, November 16th.

Her obituary.

My heart aches for you and my mind still can't believe that you are gone. Your support over my lifetime is so dear to me as well as the love you've given to my children. Thank you for always calling me on my birthday. Thank you for giving me my incredible mother and along side her teaching me so many life lessons that has made me the woman I am today. Thank you for joining in on Lily's tea parties and checking in on us through her journey. I wish we could have had one more coffee pot, one more visit. I wish you could have celebrated Lily's remission with us. I love you.

I wish you all a bless Thanksgiving day with family and friends.

xxoo,
Juliet

Staying Strong - Chemotherapy Recap, part 2

2014-11-13T13:35:00.000-06:00

Sharing this post is long overdue! I started writing the recap of Lily's last month of treatment before her No Mo Chemo party. Here it is, almost a month later, after a trip back to St. Jude and receiving the great news she's in remission, I finally finished this entry...well, better late than never, I guess.

During the past few months, I was often asked "How are you?" Honestly, I was fine, we were fine. Without a doubt, we were shocked when we first heard that Lily had cancer and apprehensive about what her treatment plan would entail. But, we just adjusted our lives and moved forward to do what we needed to do for her. In my last post, I finished talking about Chemo Week #4 where Lily had been really sick, not wanting to eat, having joint/muscle pains, and I resigned from my job.

Moving forward...

Second (and last month) of treatment.

Chemo Week #5 - Much Better

Lily was beginning to feel much better after the rough week before. We had her on track with medications, she was eating again, and went back at school. I spent that week fall cleaning my house - you know...vacuuming baseboards, wiping down fans, super dusting, de-cluttering, leaving windows open, etc.

At this week's appointment, we were greeted by some special furry volunteers from Therapy Pets: Tiger H.A.T.S. and Pet Partners. Lily loves animals but not a fan of dogs. These dogs were so sweet but it took a lot of convincing for her to pet them. Seriously, that black dog is ginormous! I think his name was Zeus or Maximus or Rex, or something completely opposite, like Tiny.

Anxiety also started to build - saying she wanted to go home, she would "come back tomorrow." She fought to put the numbing cream on her port so it pushed back the time for the nurses to access it. They were so much more patient than mommy... Other than this struggle, this chemo week was rather smooth.

We also had a nice weekend and the weather was beautiful! On Saturday, Lily cheered for the Wildcats again. My aunt treated Luke and Roger to the LSU football game that night. I was so happy for Luke. He has been such a great sport and has shown very little sibling jealously about Lily's extra attention and gifts during this time. He's only asked on a few occasions why he didn't get anything (specifically a video game, if you know my son, ha!) since he broke his arm. We used this opportunity to explain their differences, generosity of others, and humility.

On Sunday, we saw Mary Poppins performed at the Baton Rouge Little Theater. Great cast, great show! I was so touched that "Mrs. Banks" gave Lily her gift of a beautiful bouquet of red roses!

My pal Zachary Denham as "Bert" and Melanie Couvillon as "Mary Poppins."

Richard Williams - "Robertson"

Celeste Veillon - "Mrs. Banks"

Albert Nolan - "Mr. Banks"

Mrs. Markay - "Bert's" mom

Molly Blanchard - "Jane"

Dana Lux - "Miss Andrew" or
as we said, "Evil Mary Poppins"

Chemo Week #6 - Lily's Over Chemo

Although she looked content in this week's picture, her anxiety really grew over these last two appointments. All morning she fought me and cried not to go to chemo. At the clinic, she fought the nurses and cried some more. She was over chemo. It took a very long time to access her port, to the point where we just had to hold her down and stick it. With the help of two other nurses, we held her arms and legs while she sat in my lap. That was tough...

She wanted to sit in my lap the entire time. Not long after we finally started her drip, I read about Breanna Bercegeay's {Cheering for Breanna} passing from her 16 month battle with AML. My heart sank for this hometown family I never met and a girl whose story I began to follow not long after we found out about Lily's cancer. I just kissed and cuddled my bald-headed beauty tight. I began thinking about all of the 'what ifs' with our journey and I prayed for this family whom I could empathize with for a brief moment.

Tutti Frutti makes it all better!

Wearing our prayer shawls.

Almost over; all smiles now.

Another smooth week of chemo done with no sickness, no pains, all smiles.

Chemo Week #7 - What is a "Trooper?"

I understanding why people call Lily a "trooper" or "hero." Despite her mood swings, which she couldn't always help due to steroids, and the building anxiety over chemo, she's a tough girl. She kept going to school, cheering, dancing, playing, running, laughing, and even fighting with her brother. I'm really proud of her willingness to go with what needed to be done. She always said she "knows" what to do and wanted to do many things herself (i.e. removing band-aids, taking medicine, cleaning her port area). She liked to watch and help the nurses when she could. She never really complained about anything hurting just for the sake of whining. Even losing her hair never phased her.

This week's chemo went fairly the same. A sweet volunteer made bling bracelets with Lily and we watched a movie. After every treatment, she always slept for a few hours at home but this week she crashed right after leaving the clinic.

That Saturday, she had a bad morning. We headed out for football games and she kept telling us her tummy hurt. She didn't want to eat either. Luke's game was at 8 am game and she cheered at 12:30 pm - so it was going to be a long, hot day. Not long after his game ended, she began vomiting. All the way home. I sat in the back seat with her, garbage bag in hand. She slept most of the rest of the day. After looking back over the medications she received this week, I realized it was the same cocktail from week 4 that knocked her down :( A bad combo of chemo and Louisiana heat.

My poor baby.

Chemo Week #8 - We made it!

Every cancer diagnosis and treatment plan can be so different. We were blessed Lily's was caught early, treatment was short, and we had a positive prognosis. But, cancer is cancer and you never know if it will affect you or your loved one and what may come from it...which will now forever be my worry for Lily. I know there are so many more seriously ill children fighting tougher battles, so I'm a little beside myself by all of these stories and the out-pour of love and support from our family and community.

Her last day of treatment will always be one of the most memorable days in my life. It's hard to describe how I felt, other than that feeling of "it's over." There is no doubt that every mother thinks their daughter is beautiful but Lily looked radiant this day. It's like her body knew the day was a celebration and she glowed. I can only assume this was a glimpse of how I will feel on her wedding day.

We took Luke with us so he could see her chemo day process. Of course, being my little science man, he had to be front and center watching every thing they did on Lily, asking questions, playing with the instruments, until he spotted...you guess it...video games! That little stinker was crazy over the fact that she had an Xbox to play the whole time she was there. LOL! So during the drip time, she painted and he played football video games. Ahh, my kids :)

Lily's signing her name on our Thank You sign.

Trusty "Cupcake," the Unicorn.

We are so grateful to the care Lily received at the St. Jude Baton Rouge Affiliate Clinic!

After her treatment, we celebrated her No More Chemo party with family, nurses and staff - and what a festivity! I'll share all the fun details and pictures in my next post ;)

xxoo,
Juliet

I Finally Understand "Cancer Sucks" - Chemotherapy Recap, part 1

2014-10-10T19:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends! We have one more week of chemo! I thought I'd recap the first month of her treatment.

Chemo week #1

Her first treatment was at St. Jude in Memphis. I would say the biggest challenge after this treatment was the struggle to remove her bandage so we could clean her port/incision area. She fought, yelled, and cried to the point of exhaustion...us, too. We would try to remove it while she slept at night and she would slap our hand, fuss, or curl up into an unbreakable ball. We finally gave up. I was so frustrated because we were told to clean that area a couple of times a day, so as a mom, I just wanted to clean that area. One of my brother's nurses offered to help. She was able to work her "nurse-magic" to remove the bandage and clean the area. Unfortunately, Lily had completely exhausted herself from fighting and anxiety to the point of being nauseated - bad score for mom :(

Sunday we attended mass. Bishop Munch was presiding for the installation of our new priest. After mass, we introduced Lily to the Bishop and asked for his blessing. He prayed over her asking for complete healing. It was very touching.

Besides the bandage ordeal and tiredness, she felt fine on Monday so we sent her to school. Her class was so excited to have her back! I talked to them about safety around her port area, how she would receive her medication, how she may feel, and how she may soon lose her hair. Kindergartners have very interesting questions, to say the least. LOL!

I cannot express our gratitude enough to Lily's teacher, Mrs. Melissa, for her constant care and concern. Along with her classmates and teachers, so many of the faculty and staff at school have shown such love and support -- we are so blessed to be a part of this wonderful community!

Chemo week #2 - Back in BR

This was her first treatment back home at the Baton Rouge St. Jude Affiliate Clinic and the first time having her port accessed. Child Life Specialist, Mrs. Morgan, used her special doll, Sam, to show Lily how the nurses would access her port. As in Memphis, it was a complete hands-on tool for Lily to play with all of the materials similar to the ones they would use on her. Their #1 rule: be still.

Due to the direct line to her heart, there is a certain process the nurses must take to access the port. They wear very sterile "Cinderella" gloves to scrub clean the access area. Once cleaned, they ask the child to sit very still and count to three to stick the "butterfly needle" directly into the port. Lily doesn't like to count, she just says stick it. Once it's accessed, they pad the needle with special gauze and bandages, or giving the butterfly its pillow and blanket, so it does not move and stays protected. The line is then flushed and then pulled for blood return to insure the flow is good. She did great and they all called her a little Rock Star.

Every visit, blood work is drawn and counted. For the type of medications she received during this visit, we had to wait on her blood counts to make sure it was ok for chemo. She occupied her time by eating (snacks, mac-n-cheese, sushi), watching the Fox and the Hound 2, coloring, playing card games, etc. Blood counts came back great and she received her treatment as scheduled. Like after her first treatment, she became very tired and slept the rest of the evening.

We also received the schedule for her post-treatment visit back at St. Jude in Memphis -- which will be the last week of October (Halloween week). The nurses said this is the such a fun time at St. Jude because they really go all out with decorations and festivities! One the flip side, however, due to the upcoming days we would need to take off from work for her chemo treatments and week back at Memphis, we decided it was best to cancel our Disney vacation we had booked earlier this year for Thanksgiving week :( One day soon, Disney °o°

Chemo week #3 - I hate you, steroids.

This week is when the "Cancer Sucks" motto clicked for me.

As part of her treatment plan, Lily must take additional medications at home - one being a steroid. Physically, she had been doing great but with two weeks of steroids in her system, her mood was drastically affected.

This is basically how I feel about steroids and how it has affected my daughter --

When we try to get Lily to take her medicine or a bath or eat or dress or anything.

Steroids + Frustration = Zits

Steroids may be a great drug needed for her treatment, but the side effects are horrible. It's like she's not even my little girl these days. Take your typical five year old struggles and tantrums, then multiply them by ten, and that's what we've been dealing with over these last few weeks. Sometimes she can be very aggressive, feisty, sassy, and downright mean. Every now and then my real baby peeks out with hugs, kisses, and snuggles.

Communicating is now yelling and grunting at us or covering her ears when she doesn't want to hear anything we have to say. She constantly screams at us "I KNOW!" or "NO!" or my favorites:

Yes, Lily does have a whole bag of "sh!" with our names on it
and when I find that bag, I'm going to burn it!

She's also extremely difficult to wake up. She likes her sleep and has always been a little tough to get out of bed, but now it takes us up to an hour just to get her out of bed, then the fight continues to get her to eat breakfast, get dressed, etc. ...oh, the frustration!

I hate that she has to go through this and I know she doesn't realize how challenging it is for us. I tell Roger this is a preview of her upcoming teenage years. LOL! I do appreciate comforting thoughts like "poor baby/darling...she can't help it...glad she's feels ok though...it's only short-term..."-- but keeping that in mind is sometimes impossible when the bus is around the corner or it's way past bed time or we're late for work every day. Her mood swings does not help someone like myself who has very little patience to begin with and I feel like all I do is scream and fuss right back. However, I'm slowly learning to just walk away and let my husband, who has the patience of Job, deal with her when I no longer can...but even he is starting to wear down. I hate you, steroids - I want my sweet girl back.

Spoonful of Sugar...or something similar.

Another constant battle with Lily has been to get her to take her medication. On certain days, there is the possibility she could take up to seven medications depending on how she feels. For the most part, however, she rotates a combination of at least three at one time: Zantax (to protect tummy), Prednisolone (steroid), and Septra (antibotic). Getting her to take them has been a trial/error process.

We've tried bribery (i.e. Tutti Fruitti, money, smiley faces, stickers), putting it in chocolate milk and juices, and "calling" St. Jude to talk to the doctors. Even Dr. Moore and the nurses have talked to her on the importance of taking her medicine. It has been extremely frustrating and has taken almost these entire six weeks to finally manage this struggle. After the first month, a friend offered samples of a hydration drink with electrolytes, vitamins, and other good stuff from Melaleuca. We added her medication in that drink and she has been taking it much better ever since! We also threw in our own version of a spoonful of sugar by giving her a Tootsie Roll or Pez before and after she takes her medication. We are finally managing this with her much better now - thank God!

As far as her actual chemo day, everything was smooth sailing.

Rounding off the week

Finally, to top off that week, Luke had injured his arm in the third play of his football game. X-rays showed he had a buckle fracture and will be in a short arm cast for 6 weeks. His cast will come off right around the time Lily completes her chemo. Luke is not an affectionate child but he did let Lily be the first to sign his cast. We all signed it but underneath the cast so his friends could sign on the top. LOL! My poor babies...our "Chemo and Cast Countdown" has commenced!

Luckily, we've been blessed that Brendon is enjoying a safe and fun Senior year! (Hurry, please find some wood and knock!)

1st Day of School

Celebrating the BIG 18!

Ready or not, it's Senior Year!

Chemo week #4 - Facing Fears.

Lily started feeling bad that Monday after school. She didn't want to eat supper and started complaining that her legs hurt (which leg pain is one of the side effects from last week's treatment). Through the night and into the next day, the pain continued in her legs as well as her arms and tummy. She slept off/on throughout the day. She would wake up whimpering about her leg or stomach hurting, then fall back asleep. I gave her nausea and pain medication as directed but she still didn't want to eat or drink. It was all heart-wrenching.

I had kept her home from school the rest of the week as Roger and I alternated days to stay home with her. Roger was better at getting her to eat a little more than I was able to do. I believe the entire week she ate 1/2 PB&J sandwich, a few bites of a banana, few bites of egg, a little cereal and drank a little of a smoothie and chocolate milk. We were worried and contacted the on-call doctor at St. Jude in BR Wednesday night to see if we should bring her to the ER. He advised us on medication and how that would help throughout the night. The next day was chemo day and we would be able to follow up with Dr. Moore.

I Get the "Bad Mom" Award

On chemo days, she starts with getting her vitals taken, then we meet with the doctor for a physical exam and discuss how she's feeling, medication updates, and any other consultation needed - then chemo. Lily had lost 5 lbs. that week and for an already skinny minnie, that was a lot. We explained our tough week to Dr. Moore and during our conversation, we realized that we weren't giving her Zantax to help protect her tummy. I cannot explain how terrible I felt knowing that my oversight contributed to her pain. With her little lips being so dry and chapped, and her saliva stringy (signs of dehydration), she received a bag of fluids with her chemo. I felt like the worst mom ever.

Lily has 10,000 stuff animals and has brought a different 'friend' to love and hug at each appointments. So as the bad mom week continues, we realize that I left her snuggie in the van at this appointment. But before I could get up to go back to the van, Mrs. Morgan, our awesome Child Life Specialist, was able to produce a large stuffed bear for Lily to love. The CLS are such a blessing for these kids!

From Iron Man to Tinkerbell

This week, she also began loosing her hair. I had noticed some strains were falling out at mass that Sunday. By mid-week, it was clunks. We would sit in bed and I'd just brush and gather the hair. We'd laugh about how thick the stack was getting as I brushed. By Friday, her hair was so knotted that I could not even brush it so I asked my aunt to cut it to a super short Pixie-cut. It was precious!

Besides her mood swings, she's had a good disposition towards the hair loss. Most likely this is because she's too young to let self-image play it's role for the hair loss to really bother her, or maybe she's just that comfortable with herself. I hope the latter. Regardless, it was good to watch her giggle about all the hair (or as Luke called it, a huge cat hairball)...but I was also sad for her as I realized the cancer/chemo was really real.

So with a fresh Tinkerbell haircut and on track with Zantax, she was slowly getting a little energy back, enough to go to a cousin's birthday party that evening. I was so happy to see her playing and laughing with the other kids, even if it was just for a bit. She also ate a bite or two of pizza and some ice cream (of course!)...but it still wasn't enough.

It was scary to see how frail she looked in just a few days. Never having dealt with cancer or chemo before, I didn't know if this was how the rest of her treatment weeks would be like and I became very fearful, almost panicky. This was such an emotionally draining week. I had slept with her every night, so by Friday, I had all I could handle. I couldn't sleep. I just cried, stroked her head, and chanted in prayer "please let her eat."

God Hears

Saturday morning, she woke with her cute little smile and asked for just a little breakfast and some drink. She did ok taking her medicine, played a little, and even wanted to go cheer. I knew my prayers were going to be answered.

Along with school, the kids' football organization has been incredible with our family this season. Although we were late for the game, the cheer team was excited to see Lily. She wasn't able to cheer the entire game but some was better than none.

My cousin was able to get her to eat a popsicle since her lips were still so chapped. She asked for a second - sure! Then she wanted a nacho chip from her cousin - yes indeed! Then, she wanted her own nachos - yes ma'am. Anything else?! I was thrilled to see her appetite growing. Thank you, God!

Lily and Luke are not in the same age group due to their age difference, so we attend two games per game day. During the week, he still attended practices after he got his cast. He wanted to keep up with the team's plays, drills, and all that other football stuff so he doesn't miss out. The coach put him as team captain for the game. He walked up and down the side of the field with his team, content being a "benchwarmer" to still cheer on his team. I love his team spirit and drive!

After the games, Lily wanted to eat fish. We enjoyed a late lunch at Dempsy's where she not only ate fish but shrimp, french fries, and green bean. It was a beautiful day!

Go Wildcats!

My Sweet Pea.

Team Captains.

We are pigging out at Dempsy's!

Roger and I are very thankful to our employers for being understanding and accommodating during this time. However, after the scare from week 4, we thought it would be best I resign from my job for the remainder of her treatment dates, unforeseen sick days, and upcoming travel dates to St. Jude. So for the past few weeks, I've been a stay-at-home mom.

Thanks for bearing with this long entry. I'll post "part 2" shortly. We are forever grateful for your constant prayers, thoughts, messages, and special gifts to Lily.

xxoo-
Juliet

St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk.

2014-09-30T15:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Family & Friends,

Even though today is the last day of September's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the awareness campaign should never end because the statement, I never thought it could happen to us, is true. Lily has had her ups/downs during this treatment time and we're now on the home stretch.

Our little cheerleader :)

We have received such sweet gifts for Lily and so many of you have asked how can you help. Well then, I'd like to share this opportunity with you to help us give back to St. Jude so they can continue their mission and assistance with families and, yes, one day find a cure to end cancer. Everyday we are still amazed that this medical facility, the research and the level of care it provides really exists.

My family is participating in the St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk. spearheaded by my wonderful mom, Vanessa, who is truly our "team captain." We invite you to join our team to participate in the walk; I'm sure it will be a day filled with tons of fun! But, if walking is not your thing, please consider donating to "team LilyR" to support our efforts to give back to St. Jude and reach our goal of $1500. I believe we are half way to our total goal :) Yay, mom! Each participant has their own page and individual goals that you can view as well. We are looking forward to spending the day with other families who have also been touched by St. Jude.

Click here to support "team LilyR" :)

St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk.

Saturday, November 22

Click here for more info on the walk.

We're kicking off the Walk in our own special way with a "No Mo Chemo" party for Lily on the Friday evening before at our family's traditional Friday Coffee Pot Time. What's coffee pot time, you ask? For many years now, most of my family has coffee with my grandparents on Friday evenings. I love this tradition and my kids look forward to these visits, too. But this time the whole world is invited...well not really because although my grandfather stocks coffee like he's preparing for the Apocalypse, if 7 billion people showed up at his house he may not have enough cups. LOL!

No worries. I'll share lots of pictures ;)

As always, we thank you for your prayers and generosity.

xxoo,
Juliet

Our Visit to St. Jude

2014-09-21T00:43:00.002-05:00

Thank You

Roger and I would like to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your prayers, thoughts, calls, texts, cards, and gifts for Lily. We are in awe from the outpouring of love and support. Once again, my entire family has been touched by the wonderful compassion of people, both friends and strangers alike. We cannot give thanks enough to God that we caught this cancer so early and that her treatment is very short.

From The Raffray Family, we thank you.

So, our story continues...

My intention was to update this blog once a week, but that hasn't gone according to plan. So, here's a quick recap of our stay at St. Jude.

I ended my first post with Lily getting a PET scan, X-ray, and blood work to stage the cancer. A few days later we reviewed the results with Dr. Moore which confirmed Stage 1-A -- this means the tumor was only located on the side of her neck and she only had one symptom (enlarged lymph node). We prepared to leave for Memphis the next day.

Traveling with one child was easy -- no fighting, fussing, nagging, "don't touch me," "that's mine," or "leave me alone." Don't get me wrong, I love going on trips with my family, but this drive was quick, quiet, and yes, peaceful. LOL. Lily colored and watched movies while Roger and I had nice conversations. We made a few stops along the way. And, we're not quite sure why, but when we stopped at a rest station, Lily had to sit for a just a moment on the park benches. Silly girl. We arrived at St. Jude that evening for registration and assessment, then off to bed.

Experiencing a Hospital Like Other

St. Jude is truly a hospital like no other I've every visited. The best way I can think I can describe St. Jude is like being on a cruise. You get your itinerary in the morning for the day's main events but you are free to discover the ship and excursions along the way. It doesn't matter how you look in a swimsuit because everyone else looks just about the same way. Everyone is enjoying their time, relaxing, or sleeping. No one is sad or crying. Over the course of the week, Lily's schedule included lab work, X-rays, EKG, pulmonary tests, radiation consultation, chemo consultation, etc. - as well as eating ice cream, coloring, playing, and pulling surprises from the treasure chest.

Snapshots of St. Jude:

Kids' transportation - the only way to travel.

Always coloring.

Ready for chest and dental x-rays.

Every hallway had beautiful, detailed, and cheerful murals:

Walls full of imagination and happy thoughts!

I wish every hospital would get rid of the neutral walls and add more color!

Lily just being silly before her EKG and Pulmonary tests.

Images of children, various races and physical states, also line the wall.
Here is a lighted mural leading to the cafeteria.

Other images of the hospital and campus:

Waiting rooms were themed and filled with
toys, video games, and arts/craft.

St. Jude guards the main entrance.

I know it's wrong but this made me giggle.

More waiting areas, more fun stuff.

Ice cream scoop fun wall.

Maze walkway

Lily found a new friend at the gift shop.

Hopscotch anyone?

Love.

We even had an excursion to the Memphis Botanical Gardens one evening:

The Treatment Plan

Hodgkin lymphoma, cancer of the lymph system, is one of the most treatable and curable childhood cancers. The treatment plan proposed for Lily, called "Stanford V," is based on a research study in which the drug combination is given over a shorter amount of time (8 weeks) and with lower total doses than the standard chemotherapy commonly given for Hodgkin lymphoma. She would be able to receive treatments at the BR St. Jude Affiliate hospital and after the 8-weeks, we would return to St. Jude for a full reevaluation and round of tests. If the disease completely goes away after treatment, she will be finished and no radiation. If radiation therapy is needed, it will be a lower dose and directed only to the tumor area to minimize exposure to normal tissue. Along with the chemo drugs, Lily would also have 8 weeks of steroids and other meds to help prevent infections and to manage the typical immediate side effects of nausea, vomiting, and pain.

My Daughter Becomes Iron Man - kind of.

For chemo injections, fluids, and/or any blood work needed, Lily had a port line - or as I called it, her "Iron Man" - surgically installed under her skin. [Seriously folks, the port looks like a mini-me Iron Man thing - unfortunately she doesn't have super powers and can't blast anything. Bummer.] The line leads directly to her heart, lessening the need for arm sticks or "ouchies."

The Smart Port
or Lily's "Iron Man"

Ready for surgery.

"This is how the port works"

A Child Life Specialist is always on hand to provide education, comfort, and lots of fun distractions for the children to help ease their little nerves. They are gifted at what they do and are always happy, always smiling. She showed Lily a special doll that had a port line for her to learn hands-on how the port was installed, how it works, as well as explaining all the details of the surgery.

The nurses and doctors are so gentle and kind at easing our nerves and answering our questions about the possible complications of putting the line into her veins and heart. As anyone can image.

One parent was allowed to go with the child for anesthesia and the other could wait at the door. Lily wanted her daddy to be with her and I was ok with that - whatever made her feel comfortable. I took a deep breath and realized to keep my daughter well, this was the no turning back point. I watched at the door and in 5 seconds she was out.

She did very well during surgery.

Chemotherapy Begins

The next day, she had a pulmonary function study and an Echo/EKG done - all a part of their requirements before they can begin chemo. Lily checked out perfect for both tests.

Many thoughts, worries, and questions swirled in my mind. It's a surreal feeling to sit and watch these drugs drip into your baby and understand what short-term and long-term side effects may come, wondering if it will work, wondering if there was another option - maybe acupuncture or herbal remedies - but then I came back to reality and gave into trust.

Again, she did great, never complained or felt sick.

That evening, right as she was finishing chemo, my aunt and uncle stopped to visit while driving on their way home from vacation. We gave them a tour of the hospital and had a very nice visit in the memorial garden.

Lily did fine during the night until the next morning...

Coming Home

The next morning, we had one final assessment check to clear us to go home. Tiredness and tummy aches were setting in and this is more or less where we've been thus far.

Thank goodness for the wagon's fold down seats.

I love this picture.
She wanted me to hold her hand.

Gosh, I've rambled again but I had so much to share. Thank you for taking time to read our story and for your prayers. I will share more soon.

xxoo-
Juliet

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - how fitting.

2014-09-01T17:27:00.000-05:00

For those who know me, Hi! For those who don't, Hi, I'm Juliet! -- busy mom of three kids and wife to a God-sent husband, living life in South Louisiana.

I have always wanted to write a blog "for no particular reason" - thank you Forrest Gump - but just a place to share my rambles on life, to geek out on my favorite things (most likely Disney or movie related) and to showcase my custom invitations like so many of the other party planners/bloggers I follow.

Why begin my blog now? Well, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we just recently found our lives effected by childhood cancer. I'm hoping this blog will be a quick way to update family, friends and those interested, a neat way to document our journey, and even therapeutic for me.

My disclaimer: I'm new to blogging so you'll probably notice multiple layout changes. Also, being born and raised in South Louisiana, I ramble, talk fast, and write pretty much how I speak, so I'm asking for pardon ahead of time :)
I still intend to use this site to share posts of my custom invitation, party printables, and party ideas. Hopefully, I'll figure our how to separate the two.

So our story begins...

Lily, 2009

On April 3, 2009, Lily Kate Raffray was born. Wait...that's a little too far back.
Fast-forward five years to around April/May 2014 when we noticed Lily's right side of her neck a little swollen; then what seemed like overnight, there was a defined enlarge lymph node. On June 10th, we took her to the pediatrician who suspected it may be Cat Scratch. She had a blood test done and was put on a 5-day antibiotic. The pieces fit -- we had just found a stray kitten about two weeks before we noticed the enlarged node; however, the blood work came back negative and we were referred to an ENT.

The Plethora of Doctors' Appointments

Small white dot outside of the skull
pinpoints the enlarged lymph node.

At this visit and exam on June 17th, the ENT advised that the only way to see what's going on was to have a CT scan done first and either have the node removed for a biopsy or we could try another round of antibiotics (2) with a steroid and wait. We chose the latter. Lily had a CT scan that day and did GREAT through the process!

I'd like to just note that a friend, who is a pediatrician, advised me to discuss the meds with Lily's pediatrician because two antibiotics and the steroid was a bit much/overkill and not a good idea -- which Lily's doctor confirmed -- therefore, only one antibiotic was needed. I am so happy we took the suggestion especially since later on we found out that steroids can muddle the scans. So, thank you!

Fourteen days, three times a day for an antibiotic (Clindamycin) is quite a pain to remember and proved to be no luck with decreasing the size of the node. Back to the pediatrician (June 15th) who advised we have it removed for biopsy.
Through all of these visits we were told it didn't "feel" like cancer because the node was movable and mushy.

Our little selfie taken a few days before her surgery.
You can clearly see how large the lymph node had grown.

On August 7th, my baby had her first surgery to remove the lymph node. Again, she did great! No complaining or hurting and back to her normal giggly, wild self within just a few hours.

All done - just 1 band-aid!

Lily and "Cupcake"

Right before "surdery."

Umm, isn't that Cancer?

Over the next few days, life was normal as we continued on with work, football, cheer, dance, birthday parties, etc. Lily's older brothers, Luke and Brendon, had started school and she would be starting Kindergarten in just a few days.

On Tuesday, August 12th, while driving home from work, I received a phone call from the ENT saying he was coming out of surgeries and received Lily's pathology report with results of Hodgkin's Lymphoma (as known as Hodgkin's Disease) and wanted to refer her to St. Jude. The only real question I asked was "Umm, isn't that cancer?" - based on the fact that one of my dear friends has had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. And, the words "St. Jude" means serious to me. He gave an explanation about white bloods cells, this disease being treatable and curable (blah blah blah, is what I remember), but really I just wanted to say "Dude, it's ok to say it's cancer" as my heart sunk to my stomach and then my feet.

I finally made it to my mom's house who was keeping Lily for the week. Of course, as fun as irony can be, the evening news was on with a segment about Robin Williams's work with St. Jude (he, of course, died just the day before and my heart ached from his loss). I gave Lily a long, tight hug and shared the news with my mom and brother. Now just to note, my family is NO stranger to tragic news. In July 2006, my brother broke his neck in a diving accident while vacationing in Cancun which left him paralyzed from his mid-chest down (quadriplegic). That story may be another entry for another day.

I shared the phone conversation with my husband and then began my research. I had my first and only real breakdown thus far.

The Staging Process

Lily started Kindergarten that next day and the day after we had another ENT follow-up appointment to have the stitches removed, discuss the pathology results and the next steps.

Waiting for the "radioactive
sugar" to settle.
Mom's wondering if she'll
get super powers!

The following week, we meet with Dr. Shelia Moore and her kind staff at St. Jude's Baton Rouge Affiliate. There was no waiting around in the waiting room or in the patient room - they get down to business and first things first, they need to stage the cancer. We discussed family history, her symptoms, and the process with St. Jude. Dr. Moore talked with Lily about what's going on in her body. Lily had more blood work pulled, a chest x-ray done, and we schedule a PET scan.

The PET scan wouldn't have been so bad if they were able to stick the vein the first time. She had been a great trooper during all the previous vein sticks. No crying or yanking the arm; she just likes to watch everything. This time, however, he had to dig around for the vein after he stuck her arm and all hell broke loose. An hour later and four sticks to the arm, we finally got a working vein. She feel asleep during the actual scan and we were exhausted, too.

So, that was Friday and we meet with Dr. Moore on Monday morning for results. The PET scan showed that the cancer was contained in the right side of her neck and with the combination of the other tests and symptoms, she felt confident diagnosing Stage 1.

Off to St. Jude

Dr. Moore had arranged for us to meet with the doctor and team at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital that will handle Lily's case and treatment plan on Wednesday, August 27th . So we were off to Memphis!

I believe I've exhausted my new blog for one day :) I'll highlight our trip to this remarkable hospital and her chemo treatment in the next post(s) but to quickly summarize, she will need 8 weeks of chemotherapy, which will be administered at the BR Affiliate - so we are home. We are all good and just doing what we need to do. I give praise and thanks to the Good Lord for this diagnosis and our strength.

No words can express how much we thank our family and friends for their love, support, and prayers - especially for helping out with the boys last week when we left on such a short notice. WE LOVE YOU! We are also grateful to her school, teacher, and classmates for being so understanding over the last two weeks. Lily misses her friends! Hopefully, our experience with childhood cancer will be short and our Lily-pad will be cancer-free very soon.

Love,
Juliet and the Raffray clan (Roger, Lily, Luke & Brendon)

Okay, one final note:
September is not only Childhood Cancer Awareness month (gold) but also Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Month (violet/purple). My life has been surrounded by the purple and gold colors of LSU (also my Alma Mater) but this is getting ridiculous! LOL!!!