Monday, July 4, 2022

Monday, July 4, 2022

Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2005. That year we took Mattie to the Outer Banks and celebrated July 4th on the beach. It was a special point in time, in which I thought we would have many more July 4ths together. I am thankful that we always made the time for Mattie and took him on many adventures. 

Quote of the day: Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. ~ Ashley Smith

We had our friends over today to celebrate the fourth. Ironically our neighbor was having a LARGE party! Or I should say, one of their college kids had a big backyard party, with music blaring and they were playing drinking games. Fortunately I happened to like their music. Though I wouldn't have had music blaring, hearing it reminded me of our college days. 

My friend Ann loves to swim. I love looking at the water. So while she was swimming, my mom and I put our feet in the water. It was a hot day and the water felt wonderful. 

Given my intense caregiving schedule, I rarely get outside. It takes friends visiting for me to get outside and appreciate the nature that is all around me. 

Ann in the pool. For those of you who have been reading this blog since I started it, know that Ann was our Team Mattie coordinator. We met in Mattie's preschool, as Ann's daughter and Mattie went to the same preschool and elementary school. What are the chances that Mattie would be diagnosed with bone cancer and that Ann's husband would become Mattie's surgeon?

My mom sitting by the pool. 

My buffet. I made:

• cucumbers with dill
• shrimp kabobs
• flank steak
• corn and tomato salad
• German potato salad
• heirloom tomato and watermelon salad