tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53149335304915317382024-03-08T05:08:26.717-05:00Broccoli 4 BreakfastThe Life Of A Not So Normal FamilyAmi Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-46796843993480517222013-09-03T20:36:00.000-04:002013-09-03T20:36:58.619-04:00Can a mom quit?Mom's aren't able to call in sick. They don't get to take vacation days. We can't step into the office at 9 and forget everything at 5. We work non stop and around the clock. We get "called in" at all hours. We just can't say "I quit" and walk out. And frankly it just sucks.<br />
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Yes, I said it. Motherhood sometimes sucks. It's great when the kids are happy. When they are getting along or when they are asleep. The times that they beg me to snuggle in bed with them or when they say things like, "you rock" or "your the best." But that doesn't happen enough. Instead, I spend most of my day arguing. I'm telling you, I could beat the best of lawyers in any court room from the amount of practice I've had recently with my three boys. And with the start of school, you would think it would be better right? Heck, I've got 7 hours to myself. I should be able to enjoy the silence and would be able to handle 5 hours after school. WRONG!<br />
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You see, my boys make up for those 7 hours of quiet within 2 hours of being home. They fight with me about homework. They argue with me over everything. Try sitting 3 boys around a table and working with each of them at the same time. Throw in the fact that one is dyslexic and can't concentrate with any noise. Another one hates to read and will protest doing it and the third just wants to complain about the assignment. Now try to make dinner at the same time. Oh, and forget about the fact that they probably won't eat what you make. You have to have broccoli every night because it's the only green vegetable they will eat and they won't even eat it half the time. The food fights start at breakfast though. One won't eat ANY breakfast foods. Another only wants something with sugar and the third changes his mind daily. If you make muffins, he wanted biscuits. If you make biscuits, he wanted muffins. The only thing he hasn't changed his mind on is lunch. He has taken Frosted Mini Wheats every day for the past 3 years. He won't consider taking anything else and I give up trying to get him to try something. The battle is not worth it. <br />
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Moving past the homework and food battles, and we're on to bedtime. Noah hates to brush his teeth. So much so, that we have considered having him work with a therapist. It takes us 15 minutes of arguing just to accomplish the task. Adam is a night owl who doesn't understand why he needs to go to bed by 9:00. More battling. Thank goodness Joshua usually gives me a break during bedtime.<br />
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Sports nights are even worse. We have to fit homework and showers and bedtime in with practice. They argue over putting on their socks and shin guards. I have to pray that at every practice that Adam doesn't have one of his infamous meltdowns because he's angry that everything isn't "fair." He is very black and white and doesn't understand a world of gray. Just today on day 6 of school, his teacher informed me of a minor meltdown. As she's discussing it with me in the front office at school, Joshua opens the door and yells, "come on mom!" I could have curled up and died. I didn't even get a chance to recover before Noah comes busting in with the same sort of demand. I swear they have been taught better. I just don't know where they're manners have gone.<br />
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Where is my husband during all of these battles? He's at work. He leaves around 8 am and comes home anywhere from 6-8 at night. That leaves me. All alone. Fighting a battle against three very determined boys. And they are winning. I'm working on a battle plan though. I may be down but I'm not out. It's not going to be fun. Taking away the technology has not worked. The yelling or sending them to their rooms has not worked. I'm not sure what's next but it has to work. Or else I'm quitting.<br />
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Oh yeah. I forgot. Mom's can't quit. I guess I'm off to battle then. Wish me luck.Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-71830782281586795182013-08-30T12:02:00.000-04:002013-08-30T12:02:17.696-04:00Czorapinski's Who?Look at me. Sitting down to write on this blog. Bet you don't even remember who we are. We're that weird family that resembles a traveling circus. You know the crazy mom and dad with the three boys who are ALWAYS wrestling, fighting, laughing, touching, complaining... Well here we are and it's been a while so let me get you caught up to date.<br />
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First, the boys have grown. A LOT. Noah is now a big 4th grader. He's as tall as me (I know, not hard) and we wear the same size shoe. He loves to be outside and is playing soccer this fall.<br />
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Adam and Joshua are now 3rd graders. This is the first year that they are in separate classes. I felt like it was time. They, just as any siblings, were spending too much time together. They need a break from each other. We'll see how this goes. They miss each other but I think they like doing their own thing. They are both playing travel soccer and spend time on the field and in goal. They love it but the pressure of being goalie stresses momma out. :-)<br />
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Joshua just passed his 3 years out of chemo mark. That makes it 5 years since he was considered in remission so he got the official "technically cured." We all know that doesn't really mean anything but he is doing great, rotten as ever and loving life. We couldn't ask for more.</div>
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Jeff and I are hanging in there. We're just trying to make it through this parenting thing alive! We were able to celebrate our 10 year anniversary this past fall by taking a our first alone vacation since our honeymoon. Of course, where did we go? Disney World! We enjoyed it so much, that we decided this vacationing without kids thing is fun. We are planning to escape for a few days this October to Key West with some friends. Whoo Hoo!</div>
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So that's us in a nut shell. Life is busy but all is well and we'll take it!</div>
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<br />Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-13153957484176331832012-01-12T15:16:00.000-05:002012-01-12T15:16:48.480-05:00Gotta Get A Life PlanBoy oh boy have we been busy. Between the holidays and just keeping up with three growing boys I'm exhausted. I know now not to promise I will update this blog just like I know not to promise that I'm going to lose weight. It'll happen when it will happen! But, so much has been going on that I thought I would sit down and share.<br />
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First, Adam and Joshua have been losing teeth left and right. That is, left and right both top and bottom. <br />
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Noah is almost as tall as me which isn't hard but come on. The kid is only 8!<br />
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Jeff started with a new company back in December and although he's doing the same exact job at the same exact desk, the move provides better insurance and as you all know, that means a lot to our family. And, I've been trying to keep up with the gang and keep everyone in order. I'm still trying. <br />
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Anyway, I can't not write about a Czorapinski moment so here's on you may enjoy.<br />
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You know when I was a child I wanted to be an astronaut, a music teacher and a lawyer. I thought about getting married and what my kids would be like. Of course, they were all dreams and I never could have predicted how my life has turned out. Joshua on the other hand has a good grasp on life. He's got a "life plan."<br />
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The other night at dinner we were doing our usual how was your day conversation when Joshua tells us he has a life plan. I asked him about it and he went into great detail about taking his wife to the beach and getting down on one knee with a ring (thanks to the Smyth commercials he will have a better background for a proposal than his father did) and make googly eyes at her (that's what I tell the boys they have to do to girls they like). He told us he was going to have either "one, two, three or four kids, maybe five" and that he wanted to be a doctor that helps kids with cancer. He asked me if I thought it was a good life plan. I told him "no Joshua, I think it's a great one!" Thinking that the other two boys may want to tell me about what they want to do when they get older, I look at them and ask if they have a life plan. Noah says "I don't know." Adam on the other hand says, "I think I'll just camp!"<br />
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Guess we'll be working on some of those life plans!<br />
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<br />Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-57593008545980504622011-08-16T21:21:00.000-04:002011-08-16T21:21:43.152-04:00It's All Fun and Games...until someone gets hit in the face with a golf club. And I bet you could never guess who that someone was. Yes, today was the boys first day of golf camp. They were super excited about going to a "real" golf course. When they got there, the instructor asked if anyone wanted to be together as they split up into two groups. Of course Adam and Joshua did their twin thing and with arms wrapped around each others waists, raised their hands. Noah was put into the same group. Anyway, I went off to do my thing for two hours. No, not shopping or relaxing (what's that?). I went back home to grab the dog and take her to the vet for her annual check up. As I returned to pick the boys up, I walk over to see Joshua sitting on a picnic table with a towel of ice to his face. He has blood down his shirt and a black knot on his forehead. Apparently, Adam took a nice swing and Joshua was right behind him. Boys. Especially the littlest one. As if I already didn't have enough gray hairs by the age of 33.<br />
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On a happier note, we're all set to leave for our week long Disney trip on Sunday. The boys still don't have a clue. Jeff and I have been throwing ideas on how and when to tell them around for weeks. We've thought of having Mickey Mouse call the house with a magical wake up or good night call. (Yes, there is a service that will do this.) We've thought of running into their rooms and just yelling "wake up, we're going to Disney World!" We have a lot of ideas but haven't narrowed it down to one yet. I plan to video the whole event and I will post it here when we get back so you can enjoy the surprise too.<br />
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Finally, it was exactly one year ago today that Joshua received his last dose of chemo. What a day to celebrate!Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-11194675488365496422011-08-03T12:08:00.000-04:002011-08-03T12:08:08.002-04:00Honesty is not always the best policy<br />
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So yesterday, the boys are watching shows on the Cartoon Network. I'm in the kitchen cleaning up from lunch when a commercial for the Shake Weight comes on. Now I will start by saying that my kids think they need EVERYTHING they see from the cupcake lollipop maker to the touch and brush. But they didn't think they needed the Shake Weight. No. They thought I did.</div>
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Adam: "Mommy, you should get that."<br />
Me: "Oh I should, should I?"<br />
Adam: "Yes."<br />
Me: "Why do you think I should get that?"<br />
Adam: "Well... Your arms are kinda big. I think your arms are big don't you?"<br />
Me: "Thanks Adam."<br />
Adam: "Well they are. They are like this big." (As he puts his hands together to make a circle.)<br />
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Oh you have to love the honesty in children. Right?Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-77075778987532072092011-07-15T15:51:00.000-04:002011-07-15T15:51:12.279-04:00The Oriole's Newest PitcherHere is a link to all of the pictures from last nights Orioles game. The very first image is the video of Joshua throwing out the first pitch. It's a little shaky as Jeff was very excited.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/jczorapinski/2011CaseyCaresTheOrioles?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWZrcni8bbwvAE#">https://picasaweb.google.com/jczorapinski/2011CaseyCaresTheOrioles?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWZrcni8bbwvAE#</a><br />
<br />Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-81185746184224488742011-07-13T13:10:00.001-04:002011-07-13T13:10:49.091-04:00Miss Us?I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've sat down and written a blog post. I had been thinking about writing again when in the past few weeks I've had a least 3 people tell me that they missed reading about us. Really? You need to read all about the Czorapinski circus? Well who am I to cut off your entertainment. So, we're back. The ups and downs of the Czorapinskis. Now, where to start?<br />
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I guess I should start with the whole reason I started this blog in the first place. Mr. Joshua is now a 6 year old who is about as healthy as any one child who could have gone through 4 and a half years of chemo, a bajillion surgeries, broken bones, and trazillion medications can be. He is rotten as ever and has a smile that can light up a room instantly. Of course, that smile now has one last tooth as he lost his first tooth about 3 weeks ago. He was so excited he couldn't stand it. He made sure to point out to Adam that he had lost one first. Adam though not to be out done, lost one about two weeks later. Joshua's favorite thing to do this summer is, in his words, "chillax." Don't ask me where he comes up with half the things he says. He loved every minute of being in kindergarten except when his teacher made him dance. That child held out the entire year without dancing during circle time. Talk about determination. I just told his teacher that some battles weren't worth it. So, the little man is doing well. We still go to Hopkins every month for blood checks and we just had his 11 month check up on Tuesday. Eleven months out of chemo. Wow!<br />
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Now, for Joshua's BIG news. Yesterday, I got a gall from the <a href="http://www.caseycaresfoundation.org/">Casey Cares Foundation</a>. Casey Cares has provided so many great opportunities for Joshua over the past few years. They have sent us to Disney on Ice and Monster Jam just to name a few. Well, the call yesterday was to offer our family a meeting with the Baltimore Orioles and then Joshua will go onto the field and throw the first pitch at tomorrow nights game. Talk about exciting. He even made Jeff go outside with him last night to practice. And who knows. The way the Orioles have been playing, they may just offer him a contract on the spot!<br />
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Joshua's other half, Adam, is growing like a weed. That child is a perfect combination of both Jeff and I. Watch out world. He inherited our OCD complexes and has an explanation for EVERYTHING! His baseball coach said that whenever the ball came near Adam he was sure that as soon as the play was over, Adam would describe in great detail, what he did, what he was trying to do, and why it happened. Adam is the most inquisitive child and he is reading at such an advanced level. As I mentioned, he has lost one tooth as well, the opposite bottom one than Joshua, and he could not wait for it to come out. Every day, he would ask me to "just give it a little yank." Of course, being the great parent that I am, I totally forgot to put the tooth fairy money under his pillow. He came into our room the next morning with tears in his eyes and his bottom lip pushed out. "She forgot" he told me. Oh crap. Mother of the year here. I ran into his room, stole some money out of his wallet and threw it down beside his bed. I then called him in and told him that he must have slid it out when he moved his pillow. Oh boy. Close one but it worked. And yes, I put replacement money back in his wallet. At least I think I did.<br />
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Now Noah, has changed so much in the past year. He is now almost 8 and no longer that little boy he once was. He's almost as tall as me (I know, not hard to do) and he loves to be with friends. He is still struggling in school but has made great strides with all the extra help he receives. He is attending extended school year this summer and actually likes it. We have weird kids. He taunted his brothers that he got to go to "summer school" and Joshua was completely upset that he didn't get to go. Anyway, Noah loved playing baseball this spring and is planning on playing again in the fall. He can't wait to start second grade and thoroughly enjoys bossing his brothers around. Of course, what are big brothers for.<br />
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And finally, Jeff and I are doing well. I went back to work for a few months this spring. I was teaching a pre-k and a nursery class where the boys went to preschool. I loved working with the kids again and enjoyed being back in a classroom, but my family comes first and both Jeff and I found out that I do a lot in this family and me working out of the house, was just not working for us at this time. So, I finished out the year and will go back to just being Mom. I plan to continue to substitute for the school this fall. They can't get rid of me that easily.<br />
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So that's us in a nut shell. We are loving summer and plan to make one or two more trips to the beach before it's over. We are once again celebrating Joshua's health by taking another trip to Disney World in August. This time, the boys have no idea we're going. We're planning on surprising them so shhhhhhh. <br />
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Finally, let me what you think. I love to know that I'm not just writing to myself here. Send me a message or comment here letting me know what you think or just to say hi. I'm not quite sure where this blog is going but since you asked for it, I'm going to give it to you! Oh, and plenty of pictures to come. Especially pictures of our little pitcher!Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-55420394256919241492010-08-16T13:19:00.003-04:002010-08-16T13:35:30.506-04:00What will you celebrate?<div style="text-align: left;">That's the Disney theme these days. When they asked me if we were celebrating as I was scheduling our Disney trip, I told them we were celebrating Joshua's end of chemo. But really that isn't the whole truth. The truth is, we're celebrating life. We're celebrating the fact that we've made it through this ordeal. We're celebrating the fact that every illness, dose of chemo, surgery, didn't turn into something worse. We're celebrating a little boy who at 5 years old, is just starting to find out that there are so many more simple pleasures in life. We're just celebrating.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So today, as Joshua receives his last dose of chemo, I want you to go out and celebrate. Even if you don't know us very well or if you haven't seen us in a while. I want you to celebrate with us. Go out to dinner, put on the radio and dance, run around with the kids outside, whatever it be, just celebrate the beautiful day that God has granted us. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to admit, I wanted to have a video ready for today. One that had Joshua's journey from 10 months old and diagnosis, to today but with our busy summer and our celebration Disney trip I haven't had a chance to put it together. So here's a picture of our guy. As you can see - Cancer Fears Him!</div><div> </div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/TGl1hW9O93I/AAAAAAAAAb4/HurU63L1G0g/s320/CancerFearsME.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506061235395688306" />Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-60555578585687000542010-07-22T14:47:00.005-04:002011-07-11T11:45:53.828-04:00Last One<div style="text-align: left;">
On Tuesday, Joshua received his last IV chemo. It's the final time that chemo will be pushed into his veins. Now he will complete his 5 days of steroids and 28 days of oral chemo and then he's finished. He is one tough cookie!</div>
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</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-34882778058553000492010-07-07T15:33:00.003-04:002010-07-07T15:52:41.165-04:00It's Out!What a busy summer we are having. I didn't sign the boys up for any camps or events because my plan was to spend the summer enjoying the pool. Seems like as usual, life has different plans <div><br /></div><div>Joshua went in the OR for the last time on the 22nd of June. He got his last does of chemo into his spinal fluid and he also had his infusaport removed. We are near the end! He will now get the last two IV chemo doses through a vein stick. Neither one of us are looking forward to it but having the port out early saves us from an OR visit and another surgery. Of course in true Czorapinski fashion, we just can't escape the hospital or OR. Noah will have surgery on July 24th for his undecended testicle. It should be routine but Noah doesn't do very well with anesthesia so it should be an adventure to say the least. The good news is that after this surgery for Noah, we will be about three weeks out from the end of chemo and our celebration Disney Trip. I'm a little worried about the heat but after the 105 degree temps we've been having here, we're up for anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also wanted to mention that we are looking forward to this upcoming week when the <a href="http://www.believeintomorrow.org/">Believe in Tomorrow Foundation</a> is sending us to Deep Creek Lake for the week. We will relax, fish, hike, and just enjoy some family time at their <a href="http://www.believeintomorrow.org/housing_wisp.html">house on Wisp Mountain</a>. We're hoping that being in the mountains will hopefully let us escape a little of this heat for a while. What a wonderful organization!</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's it. We're busy enjoying summer and loving every minute of ignoring the cancer that has interfered with our lives for the last 4 years. We're starting to move into the next chapter and it is so nice. I am going to try to post some summer fun pictures within the week so check back for them.</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-65751704320477288402010-06-09T16:53:00.003-04:002010-06-09T17:10:35.061-04:00The day is comingI haven't posted much lately. Seems like we're just too busy living life and I like that. We have a ton of plans for the summer which include the beach, the pool, relaxing and a very special vacation. You see, it's time. Joshua is finishing up with treatment. We're ready to put the cancer behind us and move ahead. We're ready to not only start a new chapter in life, but a whole new book. While we'll never be able to forget about the cancer and while Joshua will have to have follow up appointments his whole life, we can put the blood draws, blood counts, spinal taps and chemo behind us. We can let him walk into a store without wearing a mask or take a vacation and not have to worry about how close the hospital is to us. Some of this things will happen right away and some are still down the road, but they are coming. <div><br /></div><div>It all begins two days after the twins 5th birthday, when on June 22nd Joshua will have his last spinal tap. I lost count at some point but this is something like number 25 or so. While in the OR, they will also remove the port from his chest. That is a big deal. Then Joshua will receive his chemo through an IV for the last two months and on August 10th, he will receive his LAST chemo treatment. We mean it this time. His LAST one! And just like any athlete who has completed a marathon of a race, we're going to celebrate. "Joshua, you've just finished 4 and a half years of kicking cancer's butt. How do you want to celebrate?" Well friends. We're going to Disney World!</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-91830501406444078482010-05-26T22:19:00.003-04:002010-05-27T09:43:51.606-04:00A Proud Day<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'm too tired to write a post right now that will come later, but this picture says a lot... <div><br /></div><div>So long pre-school it's been fun. Kindergarten here they come!<div><br /><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S_3XgNnKO0I/AAAAAAAAAbc/sn6PWvZkp4A/s320/IMG_2778.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475769670362086210" /></div></div></div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-56462272779192871832010-05-13T15:45:00.003-04:002010-05-13T15:59:56.231-04:00Boy PartsI was always a modest child. Growing up, there was never any fear of me showing skin as a teenager and I don't even think I used the word penis in public until I had Noah. Boy has that changed since then. First, as you all know Joshua had a testicular relapse 2 years ago. All three of my boys had to have special appointments set up to be circumcised because they were such tiny babies, and then Joshua wouldn't stop bleeding so we had to rush him back to the doctor so that they could put silver nitrate on it to stop the bleeding. OUCH! And now we have more to add to more to our boy part adventures. <div><br /></div><div>If you remember, we had to have a knot removed from Noah's leg last fall. Turned out to be nothing but in the process we found that one of his testicles had retracted and was no longer descended. We were told not to rush but that he would probably need surgery. This past week, Jeff and I took Noah to Hopkins to see the same urologist that did Joshua's biopsy. He confirmed that yes, Noah needs surgery this summer to pull that testicle down. So in case your keeping tabs, that means Joshua will have surgery in June for a spinal tap and hopefully to have his port removed. Noah will have surgery in July for the testicle and then Joshua will finish chemo in August. Busy summer for us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh and just to give you a good laugh at us Czorapinskis, remember how I am always talking about Adam and his allergies. You know. I've written about how I have given him Zyrtec, Singulair AND Nasonex year round for the past 3 years. Well, we had him allergy tested last week and he's allergic to....</div><div><br /></div><div>NOTHING! Can't wait to see what Noah is allergic to in June when we have him tested. I do know that he has to have a tree nut allergy since he breaks out in hives if he's eaten them but we'll see since these kids always keep me on my toes!</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-33420152962772283462010-04-06T09:06:00.004-04:002010-04-06T10:34:12.155-04:00Wow. What a Ride.Spring break is supposed to be full of fun, sun and sand. Ours was planned for the wonderful Outer Banks and some relaxation. We had planned for a few roller coaster just not the roller coaster of life. <div><br /><div>Our spring break has been full of hospitals, of course. I'll start by saying that last Saturday Joshua woke up with a fever. Jeff took him up to Hopkins where his counts were good enough not to be admitted but he needed IV antibiotics for both Saturday and Sunday. That resulted in two trips to Hopkins and ate up the weekend. Joshua was tested while there, and he was positive for a respiratory virus which explained the fever and his nasty cough. And so the fun begins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday was the day that Joshua was scheduled for the OR and a spinal tap. That didn't happen because of the cough so we decided that since his counts were still good, we would go ahead with the chemo and bump the spinal until next month. By Tuesday night, Joshua was still doing well although he started steroids and therefore had an attitude. Jeff called from work to say that he wasn't feeling well and thought he had an ear/sinus infection. He made himself an appointment to see the doctor after work. Well sure enough he did have an infection and the doctor prescribed Augmentin, which Jeff had taken many times before. After getting home and eating dinner, he took the medication. It was about 40 minutes after that when Jeff and I had a conversation that went like this.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeff: I don't feel well.</div><div>Ami: Sorry. Augmentin can make you nauseous. </div><div>Jeff: I feel like I am going to pass out.</div><div>Ami: Really? That bad, huh?</div><div>Jeff: My lips and tongue are tingly.</div><div>Ami: Oh NO!</div><div><br /></div><div>And so after I jumped up to get the phone and call 911, Jeff proceeded to pass out. An ambulance ride and ER visit confirms that Jeff is highly allergic to Augmentin and it dropped his blood pressure to extremely low levels. More fun for us but it doesn't stop there. After getting home by 4:30 am, I had Adam to the doctor by 10:30 am as he had a sinus infection and junky lungs too. More steroids and antibiotics for him. Will we ever catch a break? Maybe on our spring break vacation.</div><div><br /></div><div>We were scheduled to leave on our vacation to the Outer Banks on Thursday evening. To give Jeff some time to recover, we decided to leave on Friday morning. The plan was to head to Williamsburg and visit Busch Gardens on Friday and then get up and leave for the Outer Banks on Saturday morning. True to Czorapinski form, we got off an hour later than we wanted and then got stuck in traffic so we finally arrived at Busch Gardens at 3:30 on Friday afternoon. Joshua wasn't feeling too well from the steroids so we weren't able to do much, but at least we got to go on a few rides. I was looking forward to the steroids wearing off and a nice week at the beach.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday morning came along and we were off again. The drive to Nags Head was thankfully uneventful and we did a little shopping before our 4 pm check in. I have to say that the house on the beach was great but we would soon find out that we weren't meant to be there long. That is because by 5 am on Monday morning Joshua decided to spike a fever. Good thing I researched and we had rented a house right across the highway from the Outer Banks hospital. After getting a chest x-ray and labs run, Johns Hopkins decided it wanted Joshua in their care. Fine. Jeff and I would just put him in the car and make the 6 hour drive. Nope. Seems that since his ANC was a whopping 100, we needed to get a transport. A really cool transport.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopkins sent down it's MedEvac helicopter for Joshua. He and I loaded up and were on our way. As soon as we heard that they were sending the helicopter, Jeff hit the road so he wouldn't be far behind us. We had to leave Adam and Noah with the grandparents and now, we're here. Back in Maryland, back at Hopkins and back to reality. It just plain sucks. But, it's what is best and we know that. We're going to work on getting Joshua's virus gone, counts up and busting out of the hospital. We're also going to work on planning another vacation. Just maybe this one will be a little closer to home!</div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S7tFz9UdGhI/AAAAAAAAAbI/GHx9OnRZ3Hw/s320/Joshua.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457032132425488914" /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S7tF0iDOsyI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/V3ZLVxvMbuw/s320/UpandAway.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457032142285353762" /></div></div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-37892540492597000662010-03-26T10:24:00.003-04:002010-03-26T10:30:59.648-04:00Even the dog!What a week. Seems like the winter isn't quite over at least on the illness front. Joshua has come down with a nasty cough for which he was prescribed steroids. He will finish them today and start them again on Tuesday for his chemo schedule. He also has a nasty ear and sinus infection so he's on an antibiotic for that and needs daily nebs for the cough. Adam is also getting nebs for his cough and therefore is moody as that is an inhaled steroid. And finally, the dog seems to be allergic to something, I think it's her food, and she has scratched spots on her body that required a trip to the vet for you guessed it, steroids!<div><br /></div><div>Calgon, PLEASE take me away!</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-15891609344247684732010-03-09T20:13:00.003-05:002010-03-09T20:25:50.558-05:00Just because it's been so long<div style="text-align: left;">Not only will I give you two posts in one night, I also thought I would post a few pics so everyone could see my handsome little men!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5b0KrP_0eI/AAAAAAAAAa8/SfFW3-e2r8g/s1600-h/IMG_2235.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5b0KrP_0eI/AAAAAAAAAa8/SfFW3-e2r8g/s320/IMG_2235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446809263596884450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5b0KVWL5vI/AAAAAAAAAa0/-8Xr4pximaA/s1600-h/IMG_2182.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5b0KVWL5vI/AAAAAAAAAa0/-8Xr4pximaA/s320/IMG_2182.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446809257717262066" /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5b0Jn9EfbI/AAAAAAAAAas/eVI_622A7jc/s1600-h/IMG_2060.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5b0Jn9EfbI/AAAAAAAAAas/eVI_622A7jc/s320/IMG_2060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446809245532323250" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5b0JPk7XiI/AAAAAAAAAak/VoRcOMaARxI/s1600-h/IMG_2249.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5b0JPk7XiI/AAAAAAAAAak/VoRcOMaARxI/s320/IMG_2249.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446809238988611106" /></a></div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-26054134629778927792010-03-09T19:47:00.002-05:002010-03-09T20:04:29.271-05:00All about Adam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5bv-iicA1I/AAAAAAAAAaY/7zzVxkgG-4E/s1600-h/IMG_2272.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jApriB3LHrg/S5bv-iicA1I/AAAAAAAAAaY/7zzVxkgG-4E/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446804657053369170" /></a><br />I don't usually write much about Adam. He's such an easy going child that there isn't much to say. He's a great kid that is generally healthy and I am so grateful for that. He is smart as a whip, has a very extensive vocabulary of which I never know what new word he may use, and he is so excited about being 5, going to kindergarten, losing his teeth and just being like his big brother. But I just have to tell you all about a few things Adam has said/done over the past few weeks that have given me a little chuckle. I think God gave me Adam just so he could do these things on days that I really need a laugh.<div><br /></div><div>First, a few weeks ago I was taking the little man into school. Joshua had to stay at home since he wasn't feeling too well so I just took Adam. Usually we have a car line drop off but on this particular day I needed to talk to his teachers so I walked him inside. As we were going through the parking lot, Adam looks down at the handicap parking space and tells me, "that's where all the old ladies have to park." I don't know where he came up with that one. I would say that it was the wheelchair that he was associating with being old, but he specified "ladies." </div><div><br /></div><div>Next, I go to pick the twins up at school one day this past week. One of their teachers is outside and tells me she has a story for me. Great. Anytime I hear that from one of my kids teachers, my insides tighten up and I start to feel nauseous. Anyway, she goes on to tell me about how during the day they were playing around and Adam goes up to his other teacher and grabs her boobs. He then yells, "I got your hips!" Oh Adam! Jeff says he's sure that Adam will try that later in life too. I think his teachers need to work more on teaching body parts!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-40852885739245119852010-02-24T15:09:00.004-05:002010-02-26T14:09:02.955-05:00One DayOne day, they tell me, that I will look back at this time and laugh. One day, they tell me, to take at a time. One day, they say, I will miss these days.<div><br /></div><div>Today is not the one day. Today, I wonder if I'll ever make it to that one day so that I can look back and laugh. Today, I think that one day seems so, so far away.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what makes me say all of this? Well, as usual a lot has been going on with the Czorapinski's. First, Noah only spent one day in his new school. Apparently, after reading his educational testing report and listening to all of our concerns, they felt that Noah would do fine. We on the other hand were never informed that he would have to write in cursive. Yes, cursive. In kindergarten. No print. Only cursive. Great. So looking like idiots, we unenrolled him and re enrolled him back in the public school. We asked for a new teacher and it looked as though things were going in the right direction. That is until one day (two days ago) his new teacher calls to tell me that Noah has told a child in the class he would "burn down their house." But, this was after he made another child cry and told her "he would beat up her dad." Parenting. It sucks. So, after taking away some privileges, making Noah write apology notes and talking to him about hurting others, I sent him to school yesterday and prayed for the best. His teacher calls in the afternoon to say that he called another child "the dumbest" and called the same little girl as before, fat. I have no idea where he is hearing this stuff or coming up with it. He just isn't my sweet little Noah. And if one day I'm going to look back on these days and smile, I can't imagine what must be ahead of me! Of course, after talking some more and taking away a few more things that are really important to Noah, he had a great day yesterday and promises me that it won't happen again. We'll see about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for Joshua, he has RSV and therefore we ended up in the Hopkins ER last week. He was able to be discharged but after being up all night, we were all exhausted. His check up on Tuesday reveled that he has a small whole in his ear. Seems that his ears needed to drain themselves and this can sometimes happen. It will heal and not cause any damage but no wonder the child was screaming with his ears last week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Adam is doing well. I feel like I don't write a lot about Adam but to be honest, he's our most "normal" child. He is developing a love of soccer and is always kicking the ball around the house. He's actually pretty good and I'm sure his Uncle Nick will love that he enjoys soccer so much. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jeff and I are surviving. We have been stressed beyond what we ever thought we could handle and yet we are still functioning. We are looking forward to spring and summer and what they will bring. We are planning a family trip to Nags Head and preparing for the twins to turn 5. I can't believe my babies will be starting kindergarten in the fall. That's the "one day" that has really snuck up on me for sure. But, we are mostly preparing for August 11th. Because that's the day. The one day. The day that Joshua WILL receive his last and final dose of chemotherapy. I know we said it before and then there was that whole relapse thing but this time this is it. August 11th. Mark your calendars. That's the day. The one day that I have been waiting for since April 17, 2006 when this whole nightmare began. It is the one day that we will forget all the minor things that are happening in our lives, the years of chemo, the fears, the struggles, the pain. It is the one day that we will start over. It is the one day that will make me forget all the days like today. Okay so maybe not forget them, but at least make look back and say "yeah, but that was just one day......"</div><div><br /></div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-82366517620530123312010-01-27T09:53:00.001-05:002010-01-27T09:54:20.058-05:00Decisions, DecisionsBeing a parent is tough. I mean, you have to make decisions that will impact your children for the rest of their lives. Sometimes parenting just isn't fun!<div><br /><div>Recently, Jeff and I decided to take matters into our own hands with Noah's education. We know that he is struggling in school. I've been working with him on his letters, letter sounds, and sight words. He gets them. He just takes a really long time to do it and it is very hard to help him make sense of it all. Jeff and I have known that he's falling behind in school even with all of our help. His teacher has made no comments to us other than, "please practice." We've tried to make her see that we are concerned parents and we're working with Noah but we know that he's just not keeping up. We have contacted the school guidance counselor numerous times and have not found the answers we were looking for. We are so frustrated with the school, so Jeff and I took it upon ourselves to have Noah educationally tested. Back in December, he met with a psychologist to have psycho-educational testing completed. He asked no questions and did as he was asked. I am so proud of that boy. He really tries hard to please. Sometimes it's just beyond his ability. Anyway, this past week Jeff and I got the answers we were looking for.</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems as though Noah has a "developmental delay." His testing is falling at what the psychologist called a low average level. Basically, he's behind. Not because he doesn't want to do the work. Noah is behind because his ability isn't at the level that it should be for a 6 year old. He's more on the level of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre</span>-k student rather than a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kindergartner</span>. The psychologist said that Noah would need a loving, understanding teacher that would modify directions, understand and work with him at his ability, and provide him ample time to complete and understand his work. She said he would need an Individualized Educational Plan through the school, and possibly speech therapy. There was a lot more to it, but those are some of the basics. He's just a little behind all of his peers. Not a surprise to Jeff and I but the question is, how do we move forward and help him to be successful.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, after debating all the options and evaluating the issues we've already experienced with the public school (and believe me, there are just WAY too many to write about), we've made a tough decision. We've decided to pull Noah from everything that he knows and put him in a small Christian private school. We really feel that with a smaller classroom, more direct contact with the teacher/school, and loving understanding surroundings, Noah will be successful. We ask for prayers that Noah will love his new school and that he will get the attention and understanding that he needs. We ask for prayers that Noah will understand and that he will catch up. God has lead us to this decision and Jeff and I believe that it will all work out in the end. He will start in February and finish out the year in the new school.</div><div><br /></div><div>And speaking of prayers. I recently met a child at Hopkins who happens to be a friend of a friend of a friend. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Caeley</span> is a 4 year old who was recently diagnosed with the same type of leukemia as Joshua. She has 13 month old twin siblings and her parents are struggling to make sense of the cancer world. I feel for them as Jeff and I know what it is like to have small children, twins and a kid with cancer. Please take the time to say a prayer for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Caeley</span> that God sees her through all that she will endure. Also, please pray for her parents, Phil and Michelle, that God gives them the strength to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Caeley</span> through her battle and to help them lead a "normal" life. We greatly appreciate all of these prayers.</div></div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-13328812855666577492010-01-18T19:44:00.004-05:002010-01-18T20:28:20.692-05:00Moving Right Along<div style="text-align: left;">It really has been a while since I last sat down to write. I'm going to try to tell you all about everything that's been going on in the Czorapinski house over the past few months but I just might run out of steam before I finish. One because we've been into so much and two because Jullian Michael just kicked my butt. Anyway, we've been pretty blessed and I'd like to tell you all about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, Christmas was wonderful. They boys were spoiled by Santa as well as their grandparents. They got way too many toys and we're still trying to find homes for all of them. They loved having our Elf on the Shelf Elliott around. Elliott would report back to Santa every night the details of the day. Some nights I swear that Elliott had to have lied because Santa still came. Noah's favorite part of the day was finding Elliott in his hiding spot each morning. Adam would remind everyone that Elliott was watching and Joshua enjoyed having little chats with him. Fun times. The spirit of Santa is alive and well in this house.</div><div><br /></div><div>New Year's came along just the way we like it. Quiet and uneventful. Last year, we celebrated the new year with Jeff and Joshua at Hopkins getting chemo so this year we were thankful to have everyone under one roof. The boys celebrated by having some "bubbly juice" aka sparkling grape juice. Mind you that this was about 8 pm as Mommy and boys were in bed and snoozing by 10 pm! Whoo Hoo. Good times!</div><div><br /></div><div>And now January is here. I just celebrated my, cough cough, 21st birthday and was treated to some new lenses for my camera. Expect some great pics to be posted soon. The boys are all still enjoying school and Joshua is cruising along in the world of chemo. Noah started lacrosse a few weeks ago and loves it. He is also set to play t-ball again this spring and is trying really hard in school. Jeff and I have had a lot of tough decisions to make as far as Noah and school but we're praying hard for the right answers and hopefully we'll make the choices that are best for him. Adam on the other hand has no problems with school. He is making friends, learning lots and is patiently waiting to turn 5 so that his "teeth with be loose" and he "can play soccer on the field." He is such a fun child. And our little man Joshua. Joshua has been in school surrounded by germs and junk since September. He has fought off colds and is taking his chemo and steroids like a champ. His last spinal tap went smoothly and he told all his teachers about how he got a needle in his back and "didn't even feel it because he was asleep."</div><div><br /></div><div>And so this is what us Czorapinski's have been up to these days. We are looking forward to traveling to Nags Head for Easter and having a week to just enjoy some family time. Pray for some warmer weather and healthy kids.</div><div><br /></div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-82378322530609499782009-12-21T13:52:00.002-05:002009-12-21T14:08:09.965-05:00That's What Christmas is All About Charlie BrownAnyone who knows me, and I mean Really knows me, knows that I love me some Peanuts at Christmas. Not the nut kind but the Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus kind. My favorite part in the Charlie Brown Christmas movie is when Linus stands on the stage and tells everyone the true meaning of Christmas. It truly is "what Christmas is all about."<div><br /></div><div>This past week, we were reminded about what is so important in life. Okay, so we were slapped in the face with it but that's besides the point. On Tuesday, I took Joshua to Hopkins for his routine weekly chemo. During the visit, a number of doctors filed into the room to tell me that some "blasts" had shown up in Joshua's blood. Okay. Bad. Leukemia is a result of bad "blasts." Scary time. Anyway, the doctors couldn't tell what type of blasts they were as your body can also spit out blasts when the bone marrow is really reved up fighting a virus or recovering from something such as chemo. This has happened only once before and that was back in October. The doctors wanted to wait on the chemo and run blood labs again on Thursday. Good for them to make sure the blasts go away. Bad for us as it was two days of complete stress. (Bye, bye to a few more years of my life!)</div><div><br /></div><div>So Thursday came along and the moral of the story is that blasts were gone. Chemo was given and life goes back to our version of normal. But, as this scare happened so close to Christmas, it was a reminder that it doesn't matter what's under the tree, what gift you can't find at the store or any thing else. What matters is that you spend time with your family and friends. You enjoy every minute you have with them. You savor the laughs, the smiles, the memories. And remember in the end, that "that's what Christmas is all about!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas everyone. I hope that you enjoy spending time with the ones that you love. And for those of you missing someone in your life, I hope that the memories you have from holiday's past bring you some comfort and smiles this holiday season.</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-25829271159929394282009-12-03T15:17:00.002-05:002009-12-03T15:33:34.755-05:00All I want for Christmas...is time. First, let me apologize for not updating this blog often. I also want to apologize as I don't know if I will ever get to finish telling you all about our wonderful, exhausting, adventurous, amazing Make-A-Wish trip. I just too bloody tired.<div><br /></div><div>These beasts, I mean, these children that I gave birth to are driving me crazy. I don't know what happened but having a 6 and two 4 year old boys who are now all going to school is about to kill me. The fighting, the arguing, the touching, the kicking, the... Well, you get the picture. I spend my days breaking up fights, cleaning up the messes, fixing the drinks, food, broken toys, that by the time the evening rolls around and Jeff comes through the door, I am finished. Not finished for the day as I still have dinner to cook, medicines to dish out, baths to give, teeth to brush and boys to tuck in but, I'm toast. So as for writing, it has to come behind all of that plus the laundry. See, no time. Oh, and I forgot that I am the secretary for the twin's school. Why did I volunteer to do that again? </div><div><br /></div><div>So, when the boys are about 18 and going off to college, I promise to tell you all about the time we went to Disney. When they were 6 and 4. Until then, I've got laundry to do and you'll have to settle for blog posts about that. At least when I find time to write them!</div><div><br /></div><div>(On a side note, I want to ask for prayers for my friend Anissa. I've posted a few times about her as well as her daughter Peyton. Peyton is a leukemia survivor and was diagnosed around the same time that Joshua was diagnosed. Through the power of the internet, Anissa and I built a friendship. About two weeks ago, Anissa suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please pray for her and feel free to keep up on her condition at <a href="http://www.hope4peyton.org">www.hope4peyton.org</a>.)</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-38703627682211749602009-11-23T20:51:00.002-05:002009-11-23T21:15:19.107-05:00Day 1So we arrive at GKTW and are instantly taken to a different world. The volunteers there gave the boys t-shirts as well as their second stuffed animals which were a Mickey for Joshua and mini Shamu's for Adam and Noah. We were given a quick intro to the village and then directed to Katie's Kitchen for lunch. All the food at Katie's Kitchen is donated by Boston Market. Talk about good stuff! After lunch, we were driven to our villa in a golf cart. The boys thought this was cool. The villa was much more than anyone could have asked for. It was a two bedroom, two bath villa with all the amenities of home. The first thing you need to know about GKTW is that no money ever changes hands there. The place is run on about 3 to 5,000 volunteers as well as a few paid employees. The second thing is that everything is there for the kids. The villa's are set up so that the kids bedroom has a HUGE bathroom attached with a whirlpool bathtub and walk in shower. The adult bedroom doesn't have a bathroom. Our bathroom was in the hall and very tiny. Very fitting.<div><br /></div><div>After exploring the villa, it was off to ice cream. Our first of many trips to the Ice Cream Palace during the week. Here we found Friendly's ice cream along with all the fixings and toppings you could dream of. We also found it funny to watch Jeff try and sit at the child sized table and chairs. While the boys finished up their ice cream, I went off to an orientation meeting so that I could pick up all the tickets to the parks as well as learn more details of the events at the village. And boy does the village have events.</div><div><br /></div><div>At my meeting I learned that we had 3 day park hopper tickets to Disney, 2 day park hopper tickets to Universal Studios as well as 1 day at SeaWorld. And if that wasn't enough, they could get us tickets to just about any show, dinner theater or attraction in and around the Orlando area. There would be no waiting in ANY line at ANY of these parks either. We were to just show the guest assistance pass that said we were with GKTW and off we went. Talk about service! I also learned that every day the village had something going on. In the mornings, the characters would come to GKTW for pictures with the kids and there was always something going on in the evening such as on Thursday night when it was Christmas. GKTW holds Christmas every Thursday night. Santa comes and each child gets to go and sit on Santa's lap for a picture. Then, they are able to pick out one gift from Santa's stash. (more on this when I post about Thursday's adventure)</div><div><br /></div><div>After my meeting, I met up with the gang and we headed to Walmart to gather some supplies for the week. The boys had been fishing in the meantime and had already taken a ride on the village choo choo train. Once again, very child sized and funny to see Jeff fit in the car!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, we got back to the villa and were all in bed by 8pm. After starting the day so early, we had to get some rest so we could be ready to go for day 2 and our first day at the parks!</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-72096986933515142342009-11-22T21:28:00.002-05:002009-11-22T21:46:16.687-05:00As PromisedSo I'm finally getting around to posting about our trip. Here it goes...<div><br /></div><div>On Friday night we had the wonderful volunteers from Make a Wish come to our house. They arrived with cookies and ice cream as well as stuffed Disney characters for the boys. I hadn't told them what characters are their favorites so I was amazed when they showed up with a Mickey (Adam's favorite), Goofy (Noah's) and a Pluto (Joshua's). They boys were ecstatic and it was so nice to see how happy those stuffed animals made them. Jeff and I were amazed at how generous the Make-A-Wish organization can be. When we first talked to them about Joshua's wish, we thought that they would send us to Disney and give us a place to stay. That's exactly what they did. And then they did SOOOO much more. Make-A-Wish provided us with spending money, transportation, lodging and a lifetime of memories. They are truly a special organization.</div><div><br /></div><div>So after the Make-A-Wish volunteers left, we got the boys in bed and Jeff and I sat back and reflected on what had just happened. We were already amazed at what an opportunity this was for us and we hadn't even left yet. But, we were in for so much more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday morning came along and at 5:30 am, a 10 passenger limo pulls up to take us to the airport. I'm telling you, Make-A-Wish goes ALL out! The boys thought the car was really cool and Jeff and I were just as impressed. The trip to the airport took no time considering it was early on a Saturday. We got through security at the airport and waited for our plane. Pretty soon, we were on a Southwest airplane and on our way to Orlando.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we arrived in Orlando, we made our way toward baggage claim when we saw a Give Kids the World volunteer holding a sign that said, "Give Kids the World Welcomes Joshua Czorapinski." Talk about cool. The funny thing is that the volunteer was originally from Annapolis, MD. Anyway, she took us to pick up our bags and then guided us to the car rental counter where everything was already taken care of and we just had to pick up the keys to our mini van. The volunteer gave us our directions and we were off to Give Kids the World (aka the most amazing, wonderful, generous place on earth).</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay so that's the beginning of our trip. Check back soon for the continuing story!</div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5314933530491531738.post-37891431147320114222009-11-19T21:26:00.005-05:002009-11-19T22:17:18.477-05:00Make-A-Wish Trip Video!<div>Here is a video I've put together of our trip. I promise I will write about all the details but life has been SUPER busy since we've gotten back. For those of you who know me, I haven't even unpacked yet so that should tell you something!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy and be sure to let me know what you think!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyCZKFfnImrKeBTSGiwW4Y5DaaJKvNXA_mYxL5IIua0CSNSLGwK1mrPpo8T61bywQXUt3We-sGgQ0ZDTLzY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ami Czorapinskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06831925944590733117noreply@blogger.com6