It's only 10 days

till my birthday, or so the counter on the side says. you know, so much has been going on, that I didn't even realize it. It feels like it is eons away. Let me bring you all up to speed...
first, Dad. Dad is doing great! He is continuing to respond to chemo, and we had a wonderful Easter with him and mom and the rest of the family. Here's the thing. (and with me, there's usually a thing) I have since my brother was killed, hated Easter. Loathed it. I would have been happy if I could have stayed in bed with the covers over my head. Seems like a completely irrational hatred for a seemingly harmless holiday. I can't exactly recall why I loathe it so much. Maybe it was because Scott used to help hide the eggs, and eat all the chocolate. (except mine, because I don't like regular chocolate, I like white. In fact, if chocolate were to disappear off the face of the earth, I would be totally fine with it.) But this year, Easter took on a whole new meaning. It was time to spend with my family, relishing in their company and chatter. Look forward to the pictures, the loudness that IS my family, and just being together in the comfortable solace of the dining room at mom's. That's where we all converge, once we have left the kitchen.
this Easter, the atmosphere was so much lighter, so much happier. (Much better than Christmas time, dad was not in the hosp. for one) I will post pictures because they came out so nice! :)
second, our loan is FINALLY closed. We have been trying to secure a loan to go up a story on our home, since December of 2010. YUP. 2010. After so many exusting factors we signed the papers last Friday and the construction is due to start May 7. (Happy late b day to me). So now all the "fun" starts- cleaning out closets, cleaning out everything in order to make way for the stairs, and then the roof coming off and all... Pray to all the rain Gods that they hold off for a while. It can pour all it wants after I am boxed in. The contractor says it should be finished by August. :) We were pickign out tubs and showers and vanities the other day. Man, that is tedious work. (Even more so with 3 kids in tow, who don't really care if the toilet is white vs bisque, if it is 14.5 inches or 16inches off the floor... egads. Who knew?? before and after pics will come along for that too... :) What fun!

And finally I will share with you why the significance in the turn of events here. last year, I applied for a teaching job (Which I didn't get) dad got sick and our loan got turned down. Well right now, the loan is closed, dad is responding to treatment and well, I still need a job, but I feel like this will be my year! Crossing my fingers! My turn is coming, right?