What I want to talk about is what to DO with all those school supplies. There are such great deals available; if you can, buy extra.

The minivan gets some major love via social media. Maybe all those love stories built my expectations up too high. Letdown was inevitable. Don’t get me wrong, I fully recognize the practicality of the van.

I’m telling you, if something has the power to make you appreciate everything around you, make you have more empathy and compassion and generosity towards others, and also grow your faith and positive attitude – everyone should have it. That’s why I agree with the patient that everyone should have cancer for a day.

Lily was diagnosed at age 4. You’ve read our story through diagnosis. Fast forward over the next few years, and we find Lily in 3rd grade.

When I left you last, Lily had just begun methotrexate and was having a rough time. Luckily for us, she was one of the fortunate ones who was able to somewhat adapt to the meds.

If you are like me, then you genuinely like spending summertime with your kids. Most of the time. Just not all of the time. But there’s still a lot of daylight between now and that first school bell, moms. So here are some tips to keep your cool during the stresses of summer:

My son, like most young kids, is focused on a very specific interest. For some kids, it’s dinosaurs, dolls, or sports, but for my oldest, it is construction. Trucks – everything trucks. It is an obsession.

So even though my 5-year-old can’t read on his own yet, he is ready for lengthier picture books and beginning chapter books. I’ll start with some picture book suggestions and then break up chapter books into a couple of categories.

So I challenge you this summer to set some goals. And to make it more fun, I’m framing them into something I’m calling the 1000 – 100 – 10 challenge!

Let's start having fun by adventuring this year! Taking adventures can pull us out of our comfort zones and stretch our learning.