God is GREAT!

A few weeks ago as many of you know I posted many times for prayers for my dad. In 2001 he was diagnosed with Cancer. (to protect his privacy specific type will be left unsaid) Through the course of surgery and removal of a pelvic lymphnode it was determined that he was cacner free. I believe for 2 years after he had cat scans to keep and eye on things. They said he was in complete remission, would always need some antibiotic meds and sent him on his way.

Drastic measures were taken by my dad and he made decisions to alter his body in a way that would forever change him. I remember asking him why and how he decided to do what he did...He said, "well, Bubba (his term of endearment for me) I've had my fun I've had my children. I still feel there is a lot I'd like to live for. I would love to see you graduate school, get married, and meet my grandchildren. I remember thinking wow he lived more for ME than for himself at that moment. I did go on to graduate, marry and have children obviously....

In the middle of the summer my dad began having some problems and I could see in his eyes he believed his cancer must be back. After fighting and being basically forced he saw a few doctors here in Youngstown. Late Septemeber his urologist did a Cat scan and read the results and met with my dad again, and told him he would need to be seen in Cleveland ASAP. the week crreped by and my dad never opened the manilla envelope from the doctor here to the doctor in Cleveland. I have since read the report which stated. Massive Metastatic Mass in Inguinal and pelvic region. Metastatic masses noted in thoracic region. ****NOTE THIS SCAN IS GROSSLY ABNORMAL*** The Doctor in Cleveland revealed these things to my dad on a Friday. He was rescanned in Cleveland and would receive results the following Monday with a course of action. The doctor told my dad that there was probably no course of action though if there were indeed such large tumors in his chest area.

I asked for more prayers and even stated I believe in miracles. I wanted nothing more than to have the scans be clear and to not worry about losing my dad. It hurt to try and not act scared and to even be strong for my children. Lil Gary told me one day Papa's sick mama!?!? I had to answer him yes, and he said will he die like Uncle Rocky did. I told him to pray and pray and pray and ask Jesus to let him stay here and be healthy with us for a lot longer time. He said ok.
SO I asked for lots of prayers and everyone must have really been on those prayers for me. That same weekend Big Gary and I had a just husband and wife trip to Cedar Point scheduled. My parents said to still go, and we decided just in case things may get crazy in the upcoming weeks we'd take one more moment to reconnect. Sleep was minimal all days, and I went to pick up the children from my parents Monday morning. I dropped Lil Gary at school and went back to wait with my dad for the doctor's call. The call finally came around 130pm I believe and the doctor said "he thinks the machine in Cleveland must be way better because there was no sign of new masses or growths on the scan. The scan was the same as when he was cleared of cancer in 2001-2002. TOTAL Relief. The course of action to just scan and monitor every 3 months.
At 3:30pm Monday I went to pick up Lil Gary from school. I put him in his car seat walked around and to my seat. As I was pulling out of his school parking lot he began this conversation.
Lil Gary: "Mama?"Me: "Yes, Baby!"Lil Gary: "Mama, who was in that Jesus Costume?"Me: "Gary, hunny what do you mean?"Lil Gary: "In that Jesus Costume I saw someone I saw their eyes!"Me: "When did you see someone in this Jesus Costume?"Lil Gary: "Yestermorning" (his way of saying yesterday)

"Yesterday" had been Sunday the day he was at my parents while we were at Cedar Point. The day before the results were given. I do trully believe and know in my heart the Lord must have healed my dad that weekend. I can never thank him enough for this wonderful miracle. I am always working and striving to continue to be the person he wants me to be and strive to always live to glorify him. Praise the Lord though because he is GREAT!

I believe.....

I definitely believe in miracles, and I know for a fact I have been given two from the Lord that are asleep in their beds as I type this. I have been crazy busy with my life, however, I will get you all up to date soon. One GREAT Fantastic story I have involves my Dad and a HUGE MIRACLE from God. Stay Tuned!

Day 2 of Regular Season play....

Parents: 2 Children: 0. We walked down the steps at 8:10pm this evening. Noone has cried or ventured down the stairs. Another victory. Wouldn't you like to know what we were doing with our free time together.

Opening Day!

Well if you didn't know I am a server, and have been for almost two years now. Such a great accomplishment from a College Grad! Yes, I am being sarcastic, but honestly the money is good and the hours minimal. I also have began my own business. Yes, in the middle of a recession I became MY OWN BOSS! I want to make money! If you'd like to know more ask me. HINT: I promise you one day I'm driving a Pink Car! Back to my story....

In the beginning Lil Gary went to bed at 8-830p.m. every night. He was bathed massaged and rocked to sleep. I would do his laundry fold, roll and color organize every thing. I was Miss Perfect. Then one day I got pregnant and gave birth to baby number 2. Boy I thought my life was crazy before. I never knew what was in store for me until I was graced with the beautiful presence of Miss Cara Joan. Being Gary went to bed early he was always up no later than 6am. Which back in the day was a really good thing I was after all finishing College. I was up by 530am myself getting ready and organizing things to be gone for the day learning all the necessary things to one day be that wonderful Seafood Expert at Red Lobster. (Still being sarcastic) So a week before graduation I get offered a job at Red Lobster. Not knowing what was in store I said sure. I took the job and began working the evening dinner shifts. Lil Gary was still going to bed at 8 or 830 Mommy was getting home most nights 1030-1230 depending on the night. By the time one unwinds from being on their feet running around it can be near 2am. Do you see where we may have an issue with this yet?

Yes DING DING DING! I just told you Gary would be waking up at 6am! A few weeks of not enough sleep and you begin to go nuts. I started asking Big Gary to push Lil Gary's bed time to a later time, so he would sleep a little bit more in the morning. This was a success and we had a boy going to bed at 10:30-12am. It worked well! I got sleep, he slept no harm, no foul. Fast Forward 19 months!

Being Gary is now in Preschool, and ABSOLUTELY does not nap during the day he is very tired come night fall! For three weeks now we have gradually practiced getting the children to bed earlier and earlier and in their beds. No they didn't co sleep with us but Gary would fall asleep on a couch or floor and we'd carry him to his bed. Really not an acceptable method for sleeping. After the past three weeks of spring training games we have finally reached Opening Day in the Castor house. The plan this evening eat dinner, family time, baths, and then children in their beds at 8:30. Parents were to be hanging out together on the couch after.

Around 7:30 I headed for upstairs, put some of my inventory away and got things in order for bath time. Everyone joined me upstairs and Daddy retreated to the couch for some much needed rest. I bathed both children. While nursing Cara, Gary had his play time in the tub alone. He then got himself out (he insisted there was a bug in the tub with him. NO bug was ever found!) Gary kissed his sister good night and she was laid down and asleep in 1 minute. Through quivering lip and slight panic I convince Lil Gary he indeed was big enough to sleep in his room alone with a movie on! He was comforted by Daddy tucking him and affirming he didn't NEED to lay on the couch. Kisses and hugs good night and parents walked down the steps to the living room. Time on the cable box saying 8:03. Yes you heard that right! We'll call it the 10 run mercy rule. The division record so far Parents 1 Children 0! Woot! Woot!

On a side note though at 8:37 pm on the cable box I hear the gruffle and snorting of my sweet Big Daddy's snore. I am still claiming this as a success!

Ok Bye!

Gary turned 3 on February 24th, and now yesterday he started his first day of preschool. I will blog more later, but I took him and he takes his coat off places it in the cubby and takes off into his new class. I had to say Gary I am leaving and he yells back ok BYE! More about his day later. Have to put on my face for a job interview today! Woohooo!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU MY SON!

Well, the day is here! It has come faster than I ever imagined! Today my sweet little baby boy is 3 years old! I swear it was just yesterday I was telling his daddy to follow him to the nursery after they took him out of my room at the hospital. I didn't want to have him out of my sight. The years have really flown by. He dresses himself, goes on the potty and is already a big protective brother. Today is even more special to me than Mother's Day! It's because of this sweet little miracle that I AM a mother. He has really been the greastest and yet the most stubborn at the same time I woudn't trade him for the world!

I hope today is super great for you my son. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thank you for making me a mommy!

Because my Dad has asked...

Here is an entry for you! I don't really have all that fun loving stuff going on right now. I am working on saving as much money around our house as possible. Big Gary switched jobs after being laid off and at times depending on the job is not bringing in the $$ like we are used to! I have been scanning the net and finding all sorts of useful tips from "Cents"ible Swayer blogger mom. She rocks. Just to give you an idea Yesterday I spent 30$ at CVS but with coupons save 6.75 and then got 9.99 Extra Care bucks to spend at CVS later. I will use those on more needed items. All I purchased were essentials toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes. Big Gary is so impressed with me. I am coupon clipping queen!

In one short week my little boy will be 3 years old. It feels like just yesterday I was pregnant with him and counting down the days till I could hold him close. Now he will be 3, and he has a sister who is rounding 1 faster than I can blink. It makes me sad and yet happy at the same time. Gary was always my cuddle bug. Slept on my chest best from day one and napped there quite often. Every now and then we steal a few moments like that. I love when he comes in my bed after Big Daddy has left for the day, we just cuddle and fall off to dream land together. I want those moment to last forever! In just two and half short years he will be walking through the kindergarten doors and probably wiping off my kisses.

We are having a small family get together for his birthday and every day he changes his mind on what kind of cake he really wants! I think I am just getting the Thomas the train cake! I will definitely have a post for that day! So until then....

Ok So I am a little late! Sue me!

Well, I am back with another great one or you! Yes, the long awaited Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill story!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving my playgroup had an event scheduled for us to attend! It was the Olde Fashioned Christmas at Lanterman's Mill. Lanterman's Mill, is a mill in Mill Mreek Park her in Youngstown, Ohio. The event was starting at 11am. however, many of our members decided to just join the festivities when convenient to them! We woke up that morning and knowing I had to be at work by 5, Gary and I both decided maybe we just wouldn't go! We had a long night and were just tired. I didn't want to be anymore tired for work as it was. Well, as time passed through the morning, we became bored and at 10:30 am decided we would go ahead and venture to the event! We got everyone ready and left the house about 11:45am not that late! We arrive and it was a mad house! Hardly any parking and after trying to figure where to park we chose a space on the road through the park about 1/4 mile away from the mill. It was cold this is Ohio it had already snowed and melted some and refroze! I had Cara's carrier and said we didn't need the stroller as we probably couldn't take it in! Then halfway to the mill I saw a family getting back into their car and they were putting a stroller away. I looked at Big Gary and said well OK go get it! He walks back to the truck gets our stroller and we carry on our way. We go down 4 flights of steps ith the stroller only to not be able to take it in the building.

We saw some nice crafts at the mill, Lil Gary got a hot dog, bought a few things but it was so busy we didn't see any of our playgroup friends. We decided it was time to go so I could come home and get ready for work. On the way in there is two ways to get to the mill a small path from a parking lot which takes you under the bridge or you can walk the side walk to the main road cross it and go down to the mill. we crossed the main road going in but decide instead of carrying the stroller up 4 flights of steps it would be easier to just take the path on our way back to the truck. we did just that, however at some got messed up and went the wrong way or missed a turn off and ended up in the icy snowy hiking trail with two kids and a stroller. It had to be a good mile hike of up and down man made paths with some flights of stairs even. The stairs rocks and even flat ground was icy slippery from half melted snow. The whole time we started on this journey people passed us. You would think one of them knew we made a mistake and help steer us in the right direction. NOPE! NO ONE! After what seemed to be forever we made it safely to a hill where we team worked to climb with Cara in the carrier on me and Gary in the stroller hanging on for dear life. We walked another 1/4 mile to the truck and headed for home! Another adventure...more to come!

Hello! Hello is this thing on? Hello!!!!!

Why yes it is on however, I have been so crazy busy I have entries that need written from November! In fact the next entry will be the one about what happened the Saturday after Thanksgiving when we went to Olde Fashioned Christmas at Lanterman's Mill! What an adventure this turned in to be I don't even know if I told my playgroup about this absolutely crazy thing! Life is just really busy for me lately! Between getting ready for the holidays going on vacation coming home and enjoying all the holiday festivities plus busy time at the restaurant! Please stay posted! I hope to have the next entry up within 24 hours.