Benjamin's 5th Birthday Party

Last night we celebrated Benjamin's fifth birthday...
and we had a lot of fun!


To read all about, visit our WordPress blog here.

November 2004

If you'd like to see what happened to me, five years ago today...click here.

Santas & Snowmen

When my grandmother was robbed by two women she unwittingly invited into her home, we realized she needed to move into an assisted living facility. Although we hoped we’d never have to make such a decision…we did. She enjoyed it, though. She liked having people around her all the time and she especially enjoyed the extras like musical performances, visits from churches and scouting groups and…handmade goodies & gifts.

My grandma passed away in 2003 and in 2004 Benjamin was born. When Benjamin was old enough (age 2) we began making crafts for the current residents of the nursing home–in memory of my grandmother.

Now, for the past three years my mom has had an uncanny ability to seek out fully intact craft kits in thrift shops–the same ones found at Oriental Trading Company!! This year she found a kit for a snowman ornament and a Santa, too! So, today we went to Maw Maw’s house and–aside from watching the Rankin/Bass productions of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman–we made goodies for the residents of Twin Oaks!

After a few hours of gluing…I’m proud to show off the final product! I’m sure they’ll result in some smiles…

Quiz: Did you notice anything about the Santas? Like…the fact that one looks like some sort of drunkard?

Red nose. Rosy cheeks.

Believe it or not, this Santa was not hittin’ the bottle…we simply ran across a craft kit that lacked a pom-pom nose. As much as we tried, we could not find a flesh-colored, teeny tiny pom pom (imagine that?). So…Santa got a dark red wooden bead nose!

Do you think the residents will like their ornaments?

Medieval Times: Herbs

We've been plugging away, trying to finish up our unit on medieval times. A few weeks we purchased some fresh herb plants and we planted a windowsill herb garden.

A few days later Benjamin cut out and colored some lovely herb illustrations we discovered at ClipArt ETC. (Thank you, Lisa!) and we began a lapbook. Today, we finally completed the lesson!

Benjamin traced some herb names, using a worksheet I customized at ABC Teach. And, he completed a Circle & Spell exercise I designed there, too! We added them to the lapbook and then, read about the culinary and magical uses of herbs...Benjamin tasted every single one of the herbs (even when I suggested some might not be so tasty outside of a sauce or dressing!). Even the cat got involved--Ben tried to feed him a chive, but Peanut wasn't havin' any of it!


Our herbs are thriving on the windowsill...all except, the basil (which oddly enough, we successfully raised outside all summer long in our garden?!?!) No worries! In fact, the herbs are thriving so much I believe they could use a pinch here and there!

Handmade Holiday: Lavender Ink

Click on the image above to read more!!!

Handmade Holiday: Lamb's Ear Bows

While my lavender ink is simmering (thank you Lisa for the neat idea!), I'll tell you about another nature-inspired holiday gift I made today. Oh, and I'll post photos from the lavender ink-making in a bit. Stay tuned. In the meantime...let's talk about lamb's ear. I love lamb's ear, don't you?

I read about these wonderful little holiday bows in the book, Herbal Treasures by Phyllis V. Shaudys. And, this is how you make them...click here to read more at Wordpress.

While you are there, check out the recipe for Honey Lip Balm and also, view pictures from this week's Sunday Stroll.

And remember...the post on our lavender ink will be coming up soon!

Benjamin's 5th Birthday Party

Since Benjamin was born, we've been known to throw some rather labor-intensive parties. No, no...not the kind of party to which we invite every child Ben ever passed on the street. Not the kind of party where we rent a Moon Bounce and hire the Clydesdale team.

Not that kind of labor-intensive. Those parties are for the parents who like to let their wallets do all the labor! We like to create an atmosphere.

Benjamin's first birthday was Bert-themed. Yep! Bert, from Sesame Street. You see, he was more interested in Ernie's ol' buddy Bert than that irritatingly adorable Elmo. That was fine, except...where do you find Bert-themed party goods?!?! You make them, of course! So, Michael and I set about making a Bert-themed birthday party...and it was a blast! Michael carved a pineapple into Bert's head...I made tiny Bert-shaped sandwich skewers and we even created Bert-themed napkin/utensil packs! Keep in mind, back in 2005 we didn't have a good digital camera (so the photos are a bit blurry, but go ahead and click on it to enlarge it anyway--it's pretty fun!)


The following year we had a construction-themed party. Two-year-old Benjamin and I visited the local construction rentals store and we bought a large orange cone and a flashing barricade. Yea, I said bought. We now own the things burly men place along the perimeter of a construction site. You may have seen one or the other of these items in some of my photos here on the blog--Benjamin plays with them almost daily in the summertime.

That year, in addition to having real construction stuff at the party, Michael built a full-sized "Lunch Wagon" facade to hang over the door that leads from our dining room into the kitchen. Guests could line up and place their orders as if they were on their lunch break, on the job site!


The following year, we celebrated with a Handy Manny party...but at that time, Disney had not yet fully launched their Handy Manny brand. So...we couldn't find anything with Manny on it! We decorated using an authentic pinata, lots of bright colors and...Michael built a replica of Manny's red toolbox to use as a centerpiece! Admittedly, it was one of our weaker parties.

In 2008, it was all about fire trucks! We decorated by building a floor-to-ceiling fire pole, complete with a "hole" on our living room ceiling. You can read about it and see the photos at our old blog, A Classroom of One's Own.

So...here we are. Benjamin will be turning five years old in exactly one week. One week! And, this year, since he is older and he has his own opinions, we asked him what he would like his brithday-party them to be this year. I imagined he'd choose either pirates or maybe Curious George. Nope. He didn't. In fact, the theme he chose shouldn't have surprised me at all, really.

Have you ever visited his art blog? Did you notice one particular subject he absolutely loves to draw and paint? Yes. Bigfoot. Benjamin has asked for a Bigfoot-themed birthday party this year. He loves Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, the Yeti, the Yowie, Hibagon, Yerin and Almas. You see, when we drive through the woods...we look for Bigfoot. We like to think there might be an elusive creature out there...pulling the wool over everyone's eyes. In fact, local media even gave this year's birthday party a boost when they reported a recent sighting of Bigfoot on the Appalachian Trail! Perhaps he's hoping to make an appearance at this year's birthday party!

Oh, and get this...our birthday invitations have a large footprint on the front and the phrase: "Make Tracks to Benjamin's 5th Birthday Party" on the inside! Cute, eh? I've been hard at work collecting goodies for decorations and I'm making a loot bag for Benjamin that includes an adorable handmade finger puppet of Bigfoot (inspired by a fellow Etsian, whose shop I will gladly advertise when I post photos of my version of her design).

So, there you have it...this year's theme: Bigfoot! Grrr! Keep your eyes open-he's out there!!

Handmade Holiday: Felt Finger Puppets

Although this finger puppet is not for Christmas, but instead, to be tucked into a goody bag for Benjamin's birthday party...I thought the general idea is still simple enough to be included under the Handmade Holiday label. Now that I've made this guy, I can imagine some other puppets I'd like to make.

First, let me say I got the idea for this guy from a wonderful Etsy shop, Cheryl A Smith. I discovered her Bigfoot finger puppet months ago but just couldn't bring myself to pay $ 7.00 for something I could make myself. Since I made only one--and I'm not selling it anywhere--I'm hoping Ms. Smith understands! Although, I suggest anyone looking for party favors for a large group of kids visit her site--there are hundreds of adorable puppets available!!!

This afternoon I sat down to make Benjamin a Bigfoot finger puppet. I used dark brown wool felt because I want him to be sturdy...and, I made his eyes a little closer because I thought it gave him that sort of goofy, knuckle-headed look that the Bumble in Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed Reindeer has--HA HA! The tan felt is simply acrylic.

What do you think? Do you think Benjamin will like him...

[Bigfoot, peeking out from the windowsill thyme & marjoram.]



[Bigfoot, standing tall!]

Obsession: Richard Scarry's Busytown

Believe it or not, I was never really a fan of Richard Scarry. I didn't dislike him, I just didn't love his work like so many children (and parents) do! A few years ago my in-laws gave Benjamin his Daddy's childhood copy of Richard Scarry's The Best Word Book Ever--at the time, Ben was too young to truly enjoy a word book all on his own.

But one day, a year ago, he discovered it on his bookshelf...and he has been in love ever since!

We have since purchased Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy Town at a used book sale. We also picked up two First Little Learner titles, This is My House and From 1 to 10. We have dozens of Little Golden Book titles--the non-Busytown titles, such as, Rabbit and His Friends, Christmas Mice, and The Bunny Book. Personally, those illustrations I remember loving as a child...I just love his little woodland creatures!


Recently we discovered the 1990s Nick Jr. Series, The Busy World of Richard Scarry. At first we found it on YouTube, but I abhor wading through all the badly, illegally videotaped "crap
on YouTube...so, I decided to check my local library. It turns out they have dozens and dozens of videos!!! We've reserved every title they offer (and even some badly produced 1980s Little Golden Book videos). Benjamin is wild about Busytown!

So, for Christmas we found this great new board game. It's kind of difficult to find, so we had to order it online through Toys R Us. Richard Scarry's Busytown Eye Found It Game received the Parents Choice Award in 2009. Although we have not opened it (as it is a Christmas gift) it looks delightful!! The board measures over 6 feet long! And, it is filled with hundreds of teeny, tiny illustrations from Benjamin's favorite town!!

For Christmas (from Amazon.com) we also picked up Richard Scarry's Cars, Trucks and Things the Go! And, for use in our homeschooling curriculum, I found the adorable, Get Ready for School Workbook.

Now, if I could only get working on some needle felting...I'd love to make Benjamin a Lowly Worm (his favorite character).

[Illustration above is taken from our personal copy of The Animals' Merry Christmas (1950) Written by Kathryn B. Jackson, Illustrated by Richard Scarry]

Handmade Holiday: Icing Lid Magnets

This year our budget is really tight--besides Michael's hours being cut at work, we have a lot of cancer-related expenses that have left us rather stretched. As a result I am trying to think of as many handmade gifts as possible. I would love to be able to do more needle felting but I am supposed to avoid doing anything that could prick or pierce me (as I prone to bleed more during chemotherapy treatment and bleeding will lower my platelets). Nonetheless, I came up with this idea the other day while enjoying some Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls...

Here is what you will need: the little silver disc that serves as a lid for the orange icing inside the package of Pillsbury Sweet Rolls, scissors or a Fiskars circle-cutting tool, magnets, glue, photographs.


To begin, choose the photographs (or other embellishment). If you are using photos and you have a Fiskars circle-cutting tool, set it to 1-7/8th" to cut a circle that will neatly fit inside the tin lid. Cut your photo to size...


and spread a thin coating of glue on the tin lid (inside the ridge).


Carefully place your photo on top of the glue, centering it within the ridge. Now, you've got a lovely little framed photo...


Now, turn them over & add a magnet and you're finished!!!


Consider making magnets like these, too:

• Days of the Week or Workbox Assignments
  
• Clean/Dirty (for on your dishwasher)
• Menu Magnets (Do you plan your menu? Take photos of each meal-use the magnets to let the family know what's for dinner on each night).
• Make a tic-tac-toe game!
• Make the whole alphabet!

Do you have more ideas...let me know in the comments area!!

Best Cyber-Buddy Blogger 2009: I'm Nominated!!

I returned home from chemo today to discover I've been nominated for the Homeschool Blog Awards in the Best Cyber-Buddy Blogger 2009 category. I am so excited!!! After reading the description of this award I am truly honored to be nominated:

Best Cyber-Buddy Blogger 2009

A blogger that you haven’t met, but you think you would enjoy meeting and hanging out with. She/he is a person that you would love to co-op with or live next door to.
Who knows, maybe one day we will get together somewhere at a blog conference!?

I'm not very good at public relations and self-promotion...but, please vote for me!
I'd be so excited to win a Homeschool Blog Award!!!

And, to whomever nominated me...THANK YOU SO MUCH! I really appreciate the recognition!

Chemo Infusion 10.10.09

Today was my first day of the second half of my infusions--it's a new drug, called Taxol. Taxol is supposedly a lot easier on the system than the Adriamycin and Cytoxan...and my doctor expects I'll do well on it. It causes a lot of aches & pains, and tingling in the hands and feet...but, supposedly the really yucky side effects aren't there like they were with the A/C combination.


Wondering why I'm in a bed? Well, the downside of Taxol is the fact it takes four hours to infuse me!!! First, I get a Benadryl drip (to cut out any possible allergic reaction to the drug). After the Benadryl, I get the main drip. Then...a Pepcid drip (to cut out the heartburn the drug causes).

Today was a fun day because my friend, Kristy, had her last infusion today!! She also has breast cancer...and she's close to my age.


Another exciting part of the Final Day of Chemo is the fact that you get to ring a bell while everyone shouts, hoots, and claps. It's really quite festive! I'm glad I was able to be there when she rang her bell...


Now, we'll see if everyone's advice about the Taxol is true. I hope so...I'd love to feel well again!!!
I can't wait for my own Last Day of Chemo bell-ringing!!

Friends: Ben's Penpal in Tennessee!

Benjamin was excited to find a package from his pen pal yesterday...he carefully examined each & every item enclosed. The package included brochures & maps from attractions in Nashville--he asked me to read each one to him! He was thrilled!!


See the pomegranate fruit strip? Originally, there were two...he ate the other one almost immediately upon its arrival. HA HA! Oh...and methinks perhaps those pretty pink, breast cancer awareness Sharpies are meant to be shared with me!

Thank you to our wonderful friends in Tennessee! We wish you closer!!!

Raking Leaves with Dad

Last Sunday (when I was unfortunately asleep the entire day), Benjamin helped dad rake leaves. Apparently he believed there was some sort of danger involved, as evidenced by his hardhat! I just got the photos downloaded into the computer this evening, and I thought I'd share.

Thanks to Dad for taking the photos!

Meet the Poodunks

If you are familiar with our blog, you might know the Poodunks. If not, stop on over at their blog...it seems they recently faced a rather frightening situation at their home (which, by the way, is located in Benjamin's bedroom)...

Meet the Poodunks

The Poodunks were found under our Christmas tree in, hmmm, I think 2006 or 2007. A couple of years ago they launched their own blog. As they are only a few inches tall they tend to blog a lot less than me, but their adventures are always worthy of note.

Sunday Stroll: 11.08.09

Click on the photo below to visit our Sunday Stroll over at Wordpress.


And, if you're wondering what that is in the photo above...you'll find out!

Input, please?

I have been working on a new blog, specifically for moms diagnosed with breast cancer & their kids. It is geared toward children ages preschool through upper elementary--for them to read along with their moms (or by themselves).

Mom Has Breast Cancer

At this time the links aren't "live," nor is there a glossary. Eventually all terms will be defined in a separate glossary and the bold-faced terms will link to it. Also, I have not yet written the chemo, radiation or surgery portions as I haven't yet experienced all that each will entail.

In the meantime, stop over and take a look...let me know what you think. You can comment back here or over there. Thanks!!

What We've Been Doing...

I had chemo last Tuesday. Although I felt well enough to go trick-or-treating at Maw Maw's house, I crashed on Sunday. In fact, I slept ALL DAY. Monday I felt a little bit better. Tuesday, a little bit better than Monday. On Tuesday I had a two hour appointment with a genetic counselor--I had genetic testing to determine if I have a breast cancer-causing genetic mutation. Apparently it is routine to offer such testing when someone is diagnosed under the age of forty.

Today I finally felt like myself again--I spent the entire day at home, alone with Benjamin. Neither one of us talked about cancer, thought about cancer or worried about cancer. It was nice. We began the day by cleaning--Benjamin loves to clean the front door window with his vinegar/water mixture. So, while he cleaned the front door, I gathered together all of our Halloween decorations (to be packed away). Benjamin moved on to dusting--and eventually, to cleaning the TV screen, too. Isn't it amazing how much dust a TV screen attracts?

After lunch we both took a nap. I've noticed when I take a nap I am much more vibrant in the afternoon/evening...so, I've given in to naps whenever possible. When Benjamin woke up we decided to watch The Dance. Benjamin just received a secondhand First Act guitar and he loves it! I'd like to get him this Learn and Play Guitar Book and CD, but until then...he watched Lindsey Buckingham and emulated his playing style. I rocked the tambourine a la Stevie Nicks.

When Dad came home we had spinach pizza for dinner and watched Lindsey Buckingham Live (The Under the Skin tour). Finally, Dad read some more of N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims and I neared the end of the horribly edited dollar store Illustrated Classics: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. [Note to self: Do not buy classic literature at the dollar store.]

Oh! I also want to mention a great FREE download I just began using...Homeschool Tracker. I first discovered Homeschool Tracker a few years ago but saw no real purpose for it at the time. As I've recently decided to pursue traditional homeschooling versus cyberschool I decided to look into it further. Well, the Basic Edition of Homeschool Tracker is FREE and includes a ton of great organizational resources--assignment tracking, grading options, resource lists, etc. The software allows me to make assignments, keep track of every type of resource (from books to CDs to manipulatives) and even...take attendance. I've decided to use the software in a sort of backward way--instead of making assignments, I record things we've done as assignments. For example, I added Benjamin's completed lapbooks as assignments. I made each lapbook worth 100 points and then recorded them as completed. Basically, the software keeps track of everything and if you upgrade to the Plus edition, it offers even more! I think it will really come in handy when we begin homeschooling Kindergarten next year--plus, it allows me flexibility while providing me with documentation (not that our school district has the legal right to request any documentation under the PA Private Tutor Law, but...just in case, I'm covered!)

Happy Halloween!

We went trick-or-treating at Maw Maw's house tonight. Michael and I decided just this morning that we, too wanted to dress up...so, we went with what we had on hand. I dressed as a witch--a scary bald witch! Michael channeled Vincent Van Gogh! Benjamin wore his candy corn costume--of which I'm rather proud--and Nappy Bear dressed as a "Tootsie Roll!" Good times!

For more and larger photographs, visit our Wordpress blog!

Trick-or-Treat (From Blankie)

We're still putting the finishing touches on our costumes...but, we've gotten Blankie dressed for tonight's trick-or-treat festivities.

Since we only visit Maw Maw's house, Blankie wanted to get in on the fun!!

Do you think Maw Maw will recognize him?

From the Archives: Pretzel Rod Witch & Friend

We made these pretzel rod witches & Frankenstein's monsters last year with Maw Maw!
Aren't they cute?
We simply tinted white melting chips and used tinted coconut (for witch hair).
The Frankstein's monster's bolts are made from licorice shoelace stings.
Oh...and of course, the witches hat is a Hershey's Kiss!

Love This Record-Keeping Idea...

Although I tend to be moving toward a less-structured, eclectic homeschooling method,
I don't feel comfortable calling myself an "unschooler."

Maybe it's because I am a certified public school teacher or maybe it's because as a parent I believe in a lot of organization and structure. But...since being diagnosed with cancer I have decided I do not want Benjamin to ever find himself trapped in anyone else's structured curriculum. Although we planned to use an online curriculum, via a public charter school...I am now leaning toward traditional homeschooling instead. I want Benjamin to follow his interests. Sure, he must learn to read and write and he must learn basic math skills...but, overall, I want him to follow his desires. Public-school education (of any kind) tends to pigeon-hole students.

But, how does one organize an unstructured, follow-your-desires curriculum? As the so-called educator, I have some sort of accountability...and at any time my school district may require me to prove I am educating Benjamin satisfactorily.

In fact, according to PA Code, if someone would complain to the district about my homeschooling methods (for example, a concerned citizen or neighbor) "the [school district] superintendent may request evidence of student academic progress and documentation that instruction is provided for the required number of days and hours."

Although at any time I could probably use this blog to prove I'm homeschooling...I would like another method of record-keeping. In addition, I don't want it to simply list the traditional subjects such as, English, Social Studies, Science etc. I want it to cover the outside-the-box kind of stuff. Guess what...I discovered a wonderful "Unschooler's Recordkeeping" list at The New Unschooler. Stop over and check it out. It's not your usual state-standards sort of organization of lessons because it uses categories such as Reading, Doing, Creating, Writing, Watching, Listening, Talking, Visiting & Thinking.

And aren't those all things we do naturally...which lead to learning?

Sunday Stroll: 10.26.09 (Yes, I Know I'm Late)

Benjamin & I spent the afternoon in the backyard...so, I made up for forgetting to do the Sunday Stroll...

Aren't the autumn colors pretty?

It's That Time Again...

Every year, since he was only a year old, Benjamin has trick-or-treated in support of UNICEF! If you so desire, please stop by his page & donate today! Thank you!

Click on the image above, or here...to donate today!

Is it Benjamin's Mom...or Nosferatu?

Are you familiar with silent film vampire Nosferatu?


Well, just in time for Halloween...


It's a great time to be bald!!!

Friends: Kristin

My bestie stopped by the other day--and she brought me a bag of goodies. Inside I found a lovely autumn pendent from The Gilded Lady, a super cute coffee-themed scarf from English Traditions and a Hello Kitty washcloth (to match my toothbrush!!).

Thank you, Kristin...I love you!

Out & About: Lancaster Galleries

Michael is currently part of a works on paper show at Lancaster Galleries. However, since we are avoiding any and all germs, we did not attend the opening reception. We planned to visit the gallery the next weekend but it was ArtWalk (another germy affair)...so, we stopped by an hour before closing yesterday--and got to see Dad's work on the wall.


Yep, that's a large drawing of me...waving out our backdoor. Oh, how I do miss my hair! Oh well...it will grow back soon. And, below you'll see one of me on the computer (go figure?).

[Left to Right: Email, 2009 and At the Door, 2009]

[Above: Streetlights, 2009]

These are just a few of the pieces in the show--others were in awkward places, unable to be photographed. It was nice to see everything on the wall--and without people around!

Heifer International

Have you heard of Heifer International?
Did you know you can give a water buffalo this holiday season?

Benjamin and I were paging through Heifer International's 2009 Gift Catalog while eating lunch yesterday. And, we've decided on a pig. Well, actually...a share of a pig. For $10 we can help purchase a full-sized pig...to be sent to a needy family in another country. That family will not only receive a full-sized pig to raise and care for, but they will also receive the training to do so! They will be able to raise more pigs and sell them for profit. They will be able to use the pig's waste as fertilizer for their crops. So much good coming from just one pig!?!?

If we don't purchase a pig, perhaps we'll buy a share of a water buffalo. A water buffalo will give a family manure to use as fertilizer. It will provide strength to haul farm equipment. It will even provide milk (to drink & sell). All for only a few dollars!

It's true, we haven't quite decided which animal we'd like to send...but we'll send something. This organization is amazing. There are a lot of worthy causes but this one touches so many people in so many ways. Heifer International teaches skills. The organization gives families the opportunity to help themselves. And, in doing so, they give those families self-esteem.

Every year Benjamin and I sit down together and we look at the catalog. We discuss each animal and how it provides something to its family. We talk about the countries in need. We talk about the benefits of learning the skills necessary to raise the animals, keep the bees or plant the trees.

So many lessons...from just one catalog!

To learn more about this organization and to discover a myriad of educational resources to use in your homeschool classroom, visit Heifer International now!

Out & About: Fort Indiantown Gap

While undergoing chemotherapy I have a compromised immune system. Needless to say, I'm afraid of everyone. Every time I step outside my door I feel like someone is sneezing or coughing or hacking in my direction. I have even canceled Christmas Eve at my in-laws' house because my oncologist has told me to avoid people, especially travelers and small children. It's really, really difficult to avoid people--Every adult I know either works in a large office building or a school or in a factory-type setting. All the kids I know are either in daycare or they're in public school. Germs are everywhere!

So, what do I do for fun? Museums are out. Shopping malls are out. Library Story Time=Nope.

We've been taking a lot of long drives. Remember the Chik-fil-a children's meal science experiment? We drove over an hour to Reading, PA just to enjoy the scenery (and pick up some Chik-fil-a).

On Tuesday we took a drive out to Fort Indiantown Gap. And, on the way...we found a woolly bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella). Paw Paw jumped out of the minivan and snagged him, so that Benjamin could see him up close. The woolly bear crawled on my hand until we reached our destination and then we released him.



After we released our little woolly bear, Paw Paw and Benjamin explored the EC-130 Commando Solo I.


Afterward, we checked out the helicopters on display (sorry, I didn't catch the names of the crafts). This is the one that was most exciting, of course:

Then, we walked across the street and explored the airport firetrucks--we've never seen those up-close! Although they are very old, it was still neat to see them so close...


And, the brush rig, too...

We had a lot of fun--and there wasn't another person in sight!
No germs, no cooties!!

Friends: Jo & The Breast Cancer Site

This last chemo (#3) was much better than the last one, but Monday was still pretty rough. I was exhausted. It's the first day I really woke up and thought, I wish I could stay in bed ALL DAY.

So, when I found this care package in my mailbox, it was quite a surprise...


My wonderful friend Jo, who I met when I worked for Corporate America, sent me this wonderful care package from The Breast Cancer Site. Isn't it great? And, just so you can really enjoy my favorite part of the package...here is a close-up:


Isn't she dear? I named her Olivia. She was handmade in Bolivia...so she's Olivia from Bolivia!