Back in Colorado

I arrived back home on Friday evening. For those of you who know me well this will come as no surprise.... I had a ridiculously difficult time saying goodbye and leaving my cousins in Maryland. Casey and Cameron didn't really say goodbye as they hurried out the door and off to school. Connor avoided going to school for as long as he possibly could. Mike and I let him :) I hadn't cried in front of the boys, well except for baby Colton, all week. I suppose I felt like I didn't want to pile my emotions on top of all the emotion that already filled their beautiful home. Friday morning, exhausted and not wanting to leave, it all leaked out.

My cousin Mike has had a special place in my heart since I was 7 years old. He came to my brother's funeral and I don't remember how long he stayed in Colorado or where he stayed. What I do remember is the love and attention he showered me with while he was there. I wish that there would have been a million other ways for me to return the favor than by doing so while his own son was sick. So needless to say, saying goodbye to Mike was difficult for me. He gave me a hug and thanked me for all I had done while I was there and all I could do was cry. I wanted so much to tell him all he has meant to me for all these years but all I could do was cry. I did manage to tell Connor that his Dad came to spend time with me when I was about his age and that meant a lot to me. I think Mike knew what I meant. Anyway I finally managed to say goodbye and throw Connor around in the air a few more times before he headed off to kindergarten...tardy. Did I mention yet that Connor had show and tell at school while I was there? Guess what he wanted to bring.....ME! I am going to miss that boy!
Here is a photo of me, Mike, Connor and my dad from this summer when my dad and I went to an Orioles game with them.


Well, I was able to take baby Colton for one last run that morning, clean up the house, finish some laundry and pack all before 1pm when my ride to the airport arrived. My experience as mom for a week had come to an end. I cried some more while I was at the airport and speaking to Melanie and Mike on the phone.

Once I arrived back in Denver it became quickly evident how quiet my apartment is with just my cat and I. I caught a bit of a 24 hour flu bug or food poisioning...something that was didn't make me feel very well. I didn't sleep well at all and I still can't figure out if it was because I was sick or I was lonely. Here is picture of how most nights ended for me in Maryland...

Connor is much more fun to read to at night than my cat. Someday I think it will be nice to have a houseful of kids. Since it has been almost a week since I have been home, I must say I am grateful that at this time in my life all I have is a cat to take care of. Being back to teaching and coaching leaves little time for me to take care of 5 boys:)

Here is picture of Caleb and I playing Nintendo Wii on the second day I was in Maryland...


Caleb came home from the hospital the day I left Baltimore. That Monday he was taken to the ER when he spiked a fever. He has been in the hospital all week. Tuesday he undergoes another bone marrow test and spinal puncture to see how he has responded to the treatment. Thank you for praying for Caleb and please continue to do so. This disease has impacted Caleb and his family in so many ways. I hope that I will be able to go back out there this summer. I miss those boys already!
My camera battery died while I was uploading pictures so the remainder of pictures from this trip will have to wait for another day, another blog:)

Mike and Melanie have a fabulous network of friends in Maryland. One friend in particular has started a website for Caleb. She posts updates as often as she can.

www.caringbridge.org
Check out that link and type in CalebSchneck without any spaces to view his page.