florida update

Quick update:

Nick, Tim, Julia and I made it safely to Florida on Thursday night. This was a spur of the minute trip. Steve and Debbie and the kids arrived today, so it was fun watching the cousins playing on the beach together. Tim got a surfing lesson from his cousin Alex. Julia made a "drip castle" with Becca. Tim had fun mastering the skim board. He's getting quite good. Nick "chillaxed" and made us all laugh. Uncle Steve served margaritas on the beach! We miss you, Mike and Kaitlyn! It's more fun when we are all together. The kids are giving Gramma Mary lots of attention and hugs. She is enjoying it very much!

HERE is your next....

AMERICAN IDOLNick in front of Freedom Hall. Notice his wristband and paperwork! I even have a wristband.
So, tomorrow Nick and I are getting up and leaving our house by 2:30am to arrive in Louisville, Kentucky by 5:00am. Yes, that is what time we have to be in line for Nick to audition for American Idol. Yesterday, Nick and I drove to L-ville so he could register. That took way less time than we expected, so we spent the rest of the afternoon reminiscing. We drove by our old house, their former school, the health club that Mike where Mike worked (even saw a man, Chuck, that was friends with us). We ended the day by attending church at Southeast Christian Church. It was a fun day thinking of our time in Louisville. I'll let you know if Nick makes it to the next round. Either way, as Sara says, we are making a memory.

Good Luck, Nick!

Late Edit: Nick and I got back to Cincinnati around 5pm He did not make the first cut, but we had an absolute blast with this experience! We are exhausted, but energized. We met some nice people from around the USA!

Emmalina JoLee

We had an awesome visit from my niece, Emma! Emma just graduated from High School and will be attending Taylor University in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Below are some pictures of her visit. I realized that Mike isn't any of them....probably because he worked too much the week she was here! At the Swim Club.
Nick and Emma!

Emma and Julia.

At Claddagh Irish Pub on Emma's last night.

Tim, Nick and Emma with Cincinnati in background.

Me and Emma!

We love you, Emma! Thanks for visiting!

two years ago

Two years ago today I heard the words "there is some cancerous tissue." WHAT? Cancerous tissue? What does that mean? I always thought that when there was a diagnosis of cancer, they would just tell you "you have cancer." The words "cancerous tissue" seemed to minimize the seriousness of it. Maybe in some way they were trying to protect me. I know that I'm a person who deals with reality. I really don't like things sugar coated. I like to know the facts. I guess no matter what they told me that day, the bottom line was... I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After watching my sister go through chemo, I knew what would be coming next. But her strength helped prepare me emotionally. I knew it would be difficult, but I wanted to take one day at a time. 7-11-06 is a day that I will never forget.

Today I am rejoicing that it is two years later. Today I'm feeling strong. Today I'm down 30+ pounds from that day. Today I thank God that I was able to have breast reconstruction surgery. Today I celebrate! Today I have a hope and future. Thank you, Jesus!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

fourth of july weekend

We had a great weekend. Nick's friend, Tigi, came down from Michigan for a visit. Then, early Friday morning, Tim and Emma arrived via Amtrak. We had a full house and lots of laughs. On Friday, Mike, Nick, Tim, Tigi and Julia were in the Anderson Fourth of July Parade. Emma and I passed since it was raining. We cooked out later in the day...hamburgers and hot dogs, of course.

Tigi and Julia

Emma taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.
Tigi and Nick

Combes Family minus Kaitlyn! We miss you, Kaitlyn!

Mike and Karen with the American Idol

thank you, nick's home, julia's haircut

Aunt Linda and Julia have a very special relationship. It is one that doesn't need words. They work and play together on many levels. Linda came down from Michigan to help while I'm recuperating. One day, Linda took Julia to the zoo. They left around 9am and didn't return until 5pm. They had quite an adventure at the zoo. The next day, Linda and Julia did some planting and gardening. It was a very humid morning, but Linda was very impressed with Julia's work ethic. I was thankful for both of their hard work. Linda made us fabulous dinners, did the laundry and picked up the house. Thank you so much Linda! Thanks to Tom for sharing his wife for the week. We love you guys!
Linda and Julia hugging goodbye.

On Monday, Nick arrived home from Germany. Here are Mike and Julia waiting for him.

Aunt Linda and Julia made this sign for Nick! He really liked it!

Nick had a great time. I am so happy he is home.

I got tired of fighting all Julia's tangles and today "Jeffiner" cut off over 4" of hair.

Isn't it beautiful?

Nick and Juju.