Happy Harvest



Ashley - the popstar, but she didn't want to put on any make-up. Mia the cheerleader, what can I say? A girl just like her mom. Madison refused any sort of costume...she wanted regular clothes...but I did manage to put together a little 50's soc hop girl...with a pink poodle purse! And Alyssa the hippie...why is that just so fitting for her?!

A little pose before it got dark out...



Mia's 37th transfusion


What a day...after waking up early - 6:00 am ( do I look tired or what?!), stopping by Starbucks (our tradition on 'hospital' days), and an IV start, we were off to a good start. We did not 'type and cross' the day before, so the unit of blood had not been ordered yet. What do you do when you have to wait for a long time? Crafts and a movie!



After painting her little craft (which she said looked like her cousin who had stitches!) breakfast was delivered. Dad brought Madison at about 8:30 am...and where there's food - Madison isn't far behind! Yep, she took over the bed, sorry Mia, Madison polished off the breakfast tray.


Mia was visited by Parker - who cheers people up in the hospital. He is SO gentle and sweet, and brings lots of smiles to everyone who see's him. Of course Mia asked, 'when can I get a dog like that?!'


Mia had to wear her cheerleader costume...looking good! We did watch High School Musical once in honor of her outfit...



The day got worse as Madison got tired. She would not sit with me, wouldn't let me help her in any way...cried for at least an hour. The nurses, bless their hearts, are so helpful! They were trying everything to help calm her down. Really, she was so over-tired, she just needed to sleep.

Miss Denise offered to get a hospital crib and let Madison sleep in that. After what seemed forever, she cried herself to sleep.



Finally!






At 2:30 pm when all the McPoland girls were still taking a nap at the hospital, me included, we got ourselves together and made it home. To add to the not so pleasent day, Madison (of course) pulled a chair up to the counter and pulled over our favorite blue bowl, that I know was a gift from someone, and it shattered all over the kitchen tile. Like I said, what a day!



Urban Tea Loft



On Sunday afternoon I met some friends at the Urban Tea Loft in downtown Chandler as part of a belated birthday party for Melana, and a going away party. The atmosphere was great...but I enjoyed the company the most.

You put the tea pot on top of your cup and it releases the steeped tea for you. However we all agreed that we needed some milk to go with it. What a different and fun way to 'tea.'

Melana opening her gifts...we sure are going to miss you. What a blessing you have been in my life, but I know we will keep in touch.



BBQ at the Hegarty's


Playing with new toys is so much fun!
Anna going down the slide...
Mia strikes a pose wherever she is.
Christine and Andrew - expecting a baby boy soon!
Hegarty VS. McPoland


An interesting way to play goalie...team McPoland lost the first game, so after dinner they wanted a rematch. Night soccer is always fun, as long as no one gets hurt.

Go Millay!

The girls take a break from all the playing...with Grace!

Alyssa's 8th Birthday




Bounce Jungle - Happy Birthday Alyssa!

Alyssa was very blessed to have her 8th birthday party at 'Bounce Jungle!' - Special thanks to Grannie! What fun it was to watch all the kids bounce to their hearts content. It sure is a great way to release some energy (while getting kids tired in the process!) Whoever thought of this is a genius...it was great for me because I didn't have to entertain or do any of the work. It was so nice for Alyssa to have her good friends there to celebrate with her.

What is that over there...?

It's Mia dragging Madison down the slide!

The three sisters...where's Ashley?!





Alyssa enjoying some cake with Katherine...




This was so cute...my mom took this picture when she came to pick up Mia and Madison to bring them to Alyssa's party...they loaded up in Grannie's car right when the sun was setting. Madison is getting so big!









Mia's Medical Morning


Finger poke...it was easy with dad there. Her last transfusion was Oct. 3rd, and since her hgb was 10.2 today, she won't have to go back until next week. Finally some good news! After that appointment, we hoped on the elevator to the third floor for an x-ray of her collar bone to see if it's healing nicely. - I knew it was since she has been waving her arm around like nothing had ever happened.


See what looks like a ball on her shoulder...that's where the break was, and those are the cells fusing together to heal the break. It will flatten out in about 6-9 months and be 'normal' then. It truly is amazing how the body repairs itself...another testament to how amazing God's creation is.

A time to remember...


Today would have been my dad's 75th birthday. I still can't believe he is gone, it seems just yesterday we were all over there having dinner together. It will be three months this week that he went to be with the Lord. There truly is no better place to be. I made this memory box for my mom (special thanks to Ingrid who helped me!). We miss you Papa...


Sunday Sunset Walk



We went for a walk after a yummy dinner down the Paseo trail which is right in between our house and the golf course next to the canal. The sunsets are beautiful...and it's finally getting darker earlier with each day. Hints of fall even though it will be in the 90's all week!

Saturday happenings...

Soccer, soccer, & more soccer...that is what our Saturday's are filled with. I know the date says October, but believe me when I say it is NOT fall yet. At least not in Arizona. Playing soccer in 98 degree heat is no fun...especially when it's supposed to be fall. Will fall ever come?!

Alyssa dribbling the ball...good job!

Throw in...down the line! They won this game 2-1...way to play tough Blue Angels!

Alyssa and her friend Katherine -

Mia strikes a pose at the park...during Ashley's (afternoon in the heat) soccer game. We had to stay in the shade for a little while.

I don't think I can go down the slide...I'll lose my treat!

Mia! Help me cross the bridge...

What am I supposed to do here?!
Ashley celebrates a goal by Shane with her arms in the air - I know, I was really far away, you can hardly see her!

No, you don't need to blink twice,
what can I say? He needed to shade his head.