Don't Let LIFE Pass You By

Yes, it has been a while since I have last updated my blog. So much has happened in the last month.

I first want to take the time to mention how precious life is and how I am really striving to live life to its fullest and appreciate each and everyday. I find it too easy to get caught up in life's daily activities and complain about the "small" stuff. But lately I have been reminded that life is definitely a gift that should not be taken advantage of.

My uncle Jim Cheatham passed away suddenly on March 11, 2009 from a massive heart attack. He was an amazing father, grandpa and helicopter pilot. I will alway remember his full beard, his deep voice and the image of him sitting in his chair in the corner at family holidays!! We are keeping his spirit alive daily as Carson plays with toy helicopters, Carson claims that "Uncle Jim" is flying them. I am sad that my cousins are having to go through the pain of losing their father but hope that time will heal them.

And just this Friday, March 27, 2009, my friend, Shawna Kilbert lost her valiant fight to cervical cancer. She was a young mother of two boys, Preston (6) and Logan (3), a wife and a wonderful friend to many. She fought long and hard and is now finally at peace. I plan to write letters to the boys to let them know what an amazing person their mother was and the impact she had on so many lives.

It frustrates me to see her life be taken so early as this is the second young mother that I have unfortunately had to say goodbye to. This is when life just seems so unfair but yet makes me be so thankful for having the opportunity to call these people friends. I am truly a better person for having known them.

I urge you to take this moment right now.... to appreciate that you are ALIVE!..... Now take another moment, to acknowledge the things you are thankful for.................................

I am most thankful for my amazing husband, precious Carson, loving parents, wonderful family, and fantastic friends. I am going to appreciate everyday that I get to stay home and spend time with Carson. I look forward to bringing Brady Stephen Schmidt into this world.

I am also thankful for the many recent opportunities we have had to experience.

March started off with a visit from Gabriel, our foreign exchange student. He had been in Florida on a work program since November and before returning to Brazil, he hopped a flight to visit us here in Fresno, California. It was soooo great to see him. He and Carson took a liking to each other that was extremely heartfelt. I balled my eyes out when we dropped him off at the airport. I hope to someday travel to Brazil to visit him.

On March 14th, Steve swam in his first Masters Swim Meet and did exceptionally well. He swam five events and placed one 1st, two 2nd's, one 3rd and one 4th in the respective events in his age group. I was (and am) a very proud wife.

Our most recent excursion was to southern California. We utilized our Marriott timeshare in Newport Beach. Aram and Suzanne came to visit for the first couple days. Then we took Carson to the San Diego Zoo. That was a great adventure. Carson still talks about seeing the giraffes and the buses. And against our better judgement, we decided to go to Disneyland. Long story short, don't bother taking a 2 year old to Disneyland. We had a great time but it was A LOT of WORK!!

My goal: To more consistently update my blog!! I'm going to try! Wish me luck.