a special month

I can not believe that October is already here! This year has FLOWN by and it's not slowing down either. I have so many happenings this month it may be hard to keep up. Let's start with October in general. October is breast cancer awareness and Down Syndrome awareness month. These two are completely different and both have two huge spaces in my heart. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. I was in the 9th grade. I can remember what exactly what I was doing and where I was when she told me. Everything after that a blur. All I can remember from that day was me and mom hugging. Looking back I don't think I quite understood what cancer was and what it does to your body.   The doctor explained a few different options and my mom chose the best one for her. She kind of kept me out of the loop on the decision making and I am glad she did. She chose the chemo route and so it began. My mom was tough but she knew would need more help than what my grand parents could do. Our cousin, Linda, came to stay with us. I loved Linda, so it was a treat for me. My mom's chemo was pretty intense, as most chemo I am sure. Her rounds of chemo went like this: Day 1. Feeling ok, just kind of cold. Day 2. Extremely tired. Day 3. The bed was her best friend. I knew on the 3rd day I wouldn't be seeing her so it was always kind of sad because I always called my mom and told her how my day was when I would get home from school. After chemo was done and some surgery my mom was on the road to recovery. And as of today, she is 13 years cancer free. I am blessed to say my mom is a survivor.

October is also down syndrome awareness month. Another thing very close to my heart. I actually went to day care with a little boy who had DS and he just always had an impact on me. I also have a family member with DS. Not to mention I work 3 DS kiddos every day. They are awesome. I am in training with another teacher to be a down syndrome specialist for my school, we had our first meeting in September. It was great! I am looking forward to more. 

More October happenings:

One of my best girls is getting married! 20 days and counting!

This weekend is also her bachelorette party! Woo hoo! 

Fall break is next week. I love being a teacher! Who is 27 and still gets fall break, ME!

We also start after school practice for soccer. I am expecting great things out these girls!

Did I mention we have a soccer tournament too?? 

A good friend of mine has her baby's 1 year old birthday party, I can't believe he is one!

It's also a gender reveal party too...YAY!  I can't wait to see what the next baby will be :)

October, please be easy on me. This is going be quite a month. I might get some wedding planning done too.. :)