It was a pink Thanksgiving this year.

In my family, we do Thanksgiving dinner on the Sunday before that way people dont have to rush around to inlaws and what not. This year we decided to do a suprise party for my mom. The theme was "Thankful chemo is done". My sister and I have been planning this for months. We asked everyone to come wearing pink and we got mom out of the house to decorate. She was very suprised!! It was a good time and its something I am glad we were able to do for her.

Decorating ahead of time:

Drew and Heather:

Drew loves this indian so he had to decorate him too:

Suprise!!!

Mom and Ty looking at the scrapbook I made:

PSS- The Good and the Bad

Heidi asked "What three things do you consider yourself to be very good at... and what three things you consider yourself to be very bad at?"

I am good at:
Making cards/scrapbooking
Keeping my friends secrets
Drinking beer.

I am not so good at:
Being patient
Math homework
Mixing Jager with my beer.

LOL- this was hard for me to answer; so that's why you got the smartie-pants answer. I'll think about it some more and change it if I can think of something better!

Shootin' Hoops!

Ty loves basketball. The last couple of games haven't gone so well, but she is learning alot and enjoying it. She is all smiles running up and down the court. Here are some pictures from her last game.

It's not just about livestock...

The kids signed up for the 4-H club at church. When we heard about it we weren't sure, but shortly after realized is 4-H is alot more than livestock! They are going to be doing robotics, gardening and cake decorating. They worked on a service project for the nursing home across the street from church and made wreaths for the residents doors. In a couple of weeks we are all going to go to the Christmas lights downtown and Christmas caroling over at the nursing home. The kids are having alot of fun :)

Breast Cancer Update 11/20/08

Couple of updates:
Found on last night that mom's going to do radiation. She goes in next Wednesday to find out when her port-a-cath will be removed (small surgery). Her blood work is looking better but once it evens out she will start radiation.

What she explained to me is that when they were removing the tumor there is a chance that cancer cells trailed behind, that often they get into the incision site. I asked her what is the point of chemo if they were gonna have to blast her scar with a lazer anyhow. She said she asked the same question to the dr, but was told its just how they do it.

So even though she is all positive about it all... just happy to be done with the chemo, Im still bummed. When she told me, I burst into tears. I just want this all to be done. She is going to have 30 radiation treatments, will find out next week when they will start.

I went to Huntsman Cancer Institute today to meet with a genetic counselor. She reviewed my case with a group there and they determined that I am high risk for breast cancer. Between 35-50% life time risk. (average girl with no family history is 12%) Although my risk increases with age, she is happy that I am being so proactive. We determined that there is a mutuation in my family, however is one they wont be able to detect or feel its worth searching for right now as it wont make an immediate difference. I am going to have appointments for clinical breast exams, MRI's, or Mammograms every 3 months as well as research the drug Tamoxifen. She feels I would benefit from being on it for 5 yrs as it will cut my risk by 50% as well as lessen the density of my breasts which will make feeling for lumps and mammograms easier. She said to keep a prophylatic mastectomy in the back of my head but not something I will need to think about until I am atleast 35-40.

I feel good about my appointment. I now feel like I have done everything in my power and am leaving the rest to God. What happens will be part of His plan and nothing I can change. Thanks again for all the prayers... and keep them coming!

I said... Drew said

I am- Drew
I know-how to turn on the lights
I want- legos
I have-toys
I dislike-when Tyler gets in my room
I miss- mommy when you went to a party
I feel-happy
I hear-someone on a scooter
I smell-steak (really? Im not cooking any!)
I crave-pigs
I cry-when mommy is gone
I search-for toothpaste
I wonder-if Bryan can flip me on the bed
I regret- what does that mean??? (Oh then I'm sorry for eating apples upstairs)
I love- mommy!
I Care- about my room
I worry-I have no idea
I remember-when seeing birds last week (on field trip to Petco)
I believe-that bigfoot is alive
I dance-with my mommy
I argue-about my toys
I write-about action figures
I win-a race
I lose-when we race boats (????)
I wish-that fairies were real and I was rich
I listen- to my mommy
I am Scared-when I see the smoke detector lights that look like eyes
I need-to play football
I forget-to take out the garbage can
I am Happy- when I get more toys

Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Giveaway

I found this really cool site that I wanted to share with everyone...being that I am the newest to this, you all probably already know about it though! Seems cool, I cant wait to read more!

http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/

PSS: Kisses

It was my turn to ask a question this week so I asked about everyone's first kiss.

My first kiss is when I was in 5th grade. We were living in South Bend on the coolest street in the city, Sunnymede. I had friends all around me and we would often play night games like Jail Break and Capture the Flag in the "backtracks". I was friends with Molly, who lived across the street. Molly had an older brother named Andy. I remember we were playing Hide and Seek in the Dark and he was on my team. We went to hide in his garage behind his house. I don't quite remember if anything was said or what happened exactly, but I do recall him grabbing my face and kissing me. Tongue and all.

My first kiss was a french kiss by and 8th grader!!!

I remember some of my friends being jealous... some thinking it was gross. I was pretty excited about it. He and I "went out" for like a whole 6 days, I was sure he was the boy I was going to marry. Awww... to be in grade school again. LOL

I am a Marilyn

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.


How to Get Along with Me
* Be direct and clear
* Listen to me carefully
* Don't judge me for my anxiety
* Work things through with me
* Reassure me that everything is OK between us
* Laugh and make jokes with me
* Gently push me toward new experiences
* Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn
* being committed and faithful to family and friends
* being responsible and hardworking
* being compassionate toward others
* having intellect and wit
* being a nonconformist
* confronting danger bravely
* being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn
* the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
* procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
* fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
* exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
* wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
* being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often
* are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
* are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
* form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
* look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
* are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents
* are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
* are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
* worry more than most that their children will get hurt
* sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

I met Monica!

I was at my daughter's basketball game this morning and around the corner came Marcus. Its been along time since I have seen him. He walked right up and said hello . He was doing the Farr West Bball photos today. He asked"Have you ever met my wife?". At the moment I said "No, but I blog with her!"... and now that I've thought I about it I think I have met Monica before at maybe a birthday party, or scrapbooking, or something...

Anyhoo- Hi Monica, it was nice to see you today!

Beer and Laptops

I just realized that my HP laptop doesn't care much for Bud Light...

As I was trying to show Bryan my blog, I turned the laptop towards him which resulted in knocking over my beer and it landed right on my keyboard. Near panic; I am turning it upside down, shaking it, blowing in the keys... a few weird screens popped up but I think it survived. Ugh! My heart is racing. I cant be without my computer.

Lesson learned: finish your damn beer before you blog.

Kid-free Weekend

Every once in a while... like once a month (instead of every other weekend and one night a week, but we won't get into that right now) it ends up that we don't have any kids. This phenomenon has happened maybe 3x in the time Bryan and I have been together.

The last two times this has happened, we both took Friday off to just hang out together and have a long weekend. Today we got hair cuts, went to lunch with some of my family, and tonight we are going to go to Wise Guys Comedy Club. Tomorrow maybe a movie and sushi. We don't even have to do anything for me to be happy, I just love being with my husband... even if this gives him even more time to pick on me!

Its nice to have a break. Not have to worry about feeding the kids at a certain time, or breaking up fights, or worry about running anyone anywhere. I feel that the adult time helps us to both relax and makes us better parents.

The funny thing is, as much as I live for my kid-free time, I still look around the house for the kids or think of things I need to remember to tell them. Having them more than 95% of the time makes it odd when they aren't here.

I love my little ones and just hope they are enjoying their time with their dad. It's been a struggle lately and I just want everyone to value the time they have together and never take anything for granted.

Prayer Shawl

Yesterday was a tough day. I spoke to my mom on the car ride to work and she didn't sound so good. She has been sick, she's got sores in her mouth and is crazy nauseous. As soon as I got off the phone I started bawling. I prayed to God to help her through this tough time. She just sounds worn out. I prayed that I have strength and comfort as well b/c I will be no good to her if I am a mess.

I believe he heard my prayers b/c around lunch yesterday I had a special visitor who brought us some amazing gifts. They are called Prayer Shawls. They are shawls someone from her church made and a group of ladies prayed for us while holding them and the little note talks about how to wrap up in them and feel comfort and love. That gift could not have come at a better time. It was exactly what we both needed.

We went to my mom's for dinner last night and I gave her the one that was made for her and she just sat there holding it saying what a special gift it was.

Seeing her in person helped me after that phone call... she was tired, but didn't sound as bad as she had on the phone. I think the sores in her mouth from the chemo made it hard for her to talk and she sounded congested. She did have problems opening her mouth to talk, but seeing that verses hearing that was ok. She still was smiley and full of hugs.

Thanks again to the special friend and her ministry at church. You have us both something we will always treasure.

Cowboy Butts Drive Me Nuts!

Bryan and I went to the Matt Stillwell concert. I am not into country that much and didn't know who he was, but I got some free tickets and figured we needed a night out so Blake watched the kids and we went.

I looked him up online (http://www.mattstillwell.net/) and decided to download his album to my IPod this weekend so I would atleast have a clue what I was getting into. To my suprise, he was pretty good and I've had his songs stuck in my head all weekend...



We got to the Depot in SLC earlier than we thought, as my email said 7pm but the show didnt start until 8pm. I havent ever been there before and it was cool. We got on the email distro list, I would like to go see other concerts there.



It was a very down to earth concert, small venue, and Matt would talk to everyone through out the show. You had your country dancing, your sing-a-longs (Johnny Cash anyone?), and some drinking games. Hollar and Swallar! LOL





After the concert we got a chance to meet him and I got my picture taken.

My aunt put me on "Cowboy Butt Patrol" a few years back, after the first time we went to the rodeo together, so I knew I wouldnt be doing my job if I didnt take some pictures of his rear.

PSS: You had me at Hello!

It's Monika's turn..."Tell us about the very FIRST time you saw and/or talked to your current significant other."

I can think of both… it was the night of Dec 28th and a friend of mine sent me a text saying “Are you seeing anyone?”… Which led to “I work with this guy who would be great for you. He is fun, nice, has a son-who is a priority to him, cute, etc. Can I give him your number?”
Sure, what the hell? So later that night I got a text from Bryan… just general stuff, how I knew Mary, what I did, did I have kids, etc. I only had Mary’s description and a blurry MySpace picture to go on, but he seemed cute.

The texting went on for about a week before we decided to meet for dinner. We had planned to go to Iggy’s in Layton for dinner because I already ready plans with my girlfriends for later to go dancing. I pulled up in the parking lot and had butterflies. I hadn’t even talked to him on the phone… this was all through text and email… so I didn’t even know what his voice sounded like. I saw him park his car and walk up towards the door… I don’t even recall what we said at first, I just kept staring at him. We sat in a booth off to the side of the restaurant and we talked and talked and talked. Everything from kids, to beer, to basketball. We were there for a good two hours just talking. He seemed like a genuinely sweet guy. You could tell how much he loves his son by the way he spoke of him. That meant a lot to hear. When it got close to the time I was to meet my friends, we got up and he walked me towards my car. I remember standing on my tippy-toes to give him a hug goodbye and told him I hope to see him again soon….

(and soon ended up being about 2 hrs later at Port O’Call when my friends told me to call him and ask him to meet us there to go dancing. The rest is history!)

Random Updates!

Mom had her last chemo treatment on Thursday… she is having side-effects and was told the chemo can stay in her body up to a month after her last treatment. She is going to keep the port in her chest for a couple of months incase she needs an IV for dehydration or medications. She will continue to have to be on blood thinners so prevent blood clots. She has another week worth of injections to keep her blood count up. She will be evaluated for radiation when her body heals a bit.

I go to the Huntsman Cancer Institute next week to be evaluated to see if genetic counseling would be valuable. I had to get a full medical history and I’ve got a lot of breast cancer and colon cancer in the family, with some sarcoma and brain tumors thrown in… it I am happy to be proactive to see if there is anything I can do to prevent being affected.

I won tickets to the Matt Stillwell concert tonight at The Depot. I haven’t heard of him before and am not a huge fan of country, but Bryan likes country and I saw how HOT this guy is, so that talked me into it! LOL

Ty loves playing basketball. They lost their game on Saturday, but won the 2 games before that. More than wins and losses, she is having so much fun. She is doing a good job too. She is all smiles. I will try to remember to take pictures this week to post them.

Parent Teacher Conferences are this week… other than that, I think that’s all the updates I have!!

Happy Birthday Sis!

My darling little sister, Heather, just turned 24 this week. Last weekend we took her City Club to dinner, then to Brewski’s and Teaser’s. Everyone must have been recovering from Halloween b/c the bars were dead, but we still had a great time and hung out with good friends and family. Here are some of the pictures from Saturday night:


Heather acting all innocent with a "Blow Job"


"No, Heather! That's not how you do it", says cousin Kelli


Kelli shows her how to get it done!

My Island Hell Continues...

I got an email from UDOT yesterday...
"Dear Lisa

Thank you for your inquiry to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).

As you have indicated, a new development was constructed at the southeast corner of 2300 North and Washington Boulevard, featuring business offices, retail space and a bank. To protect the operational integrity of the intersection and ensure public safety, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) required that access to this development must be restricted to right-turns-in and right-turns-out only. To do otherwise would create the potential for vehicles attempting to turn left on to Washington Boulevard from this development to turn directly in front of, or into vehicles turning left (southbound) at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and 2300 North.

As you are now aware, a raised median has been installed beginning at 2300 North and extending south for 350 feet to enforce these turning maneuvers. A letter (draft copy attached) was sent by the developer, dated June 16, 2008, to all business and residential owners directly impacted by construction of the median, informing them of its impending construction. Between the mailing of that letter until today, only two comments were received.

UDOT is aware of the inconvenience created by this change in traffic movements. But we also have a responsibility to ensure that the safety of the motoring public is safeguarded. This median was constructed with that in mind, and will be monitored and evaluated periodically to ensure it is meeting that goal. We hope that as people become accustomed to this change, they will better understand the reasons behind its installation.

I hope this information is helpful."

Basically all I got from what was BLAH BLAH BLAH, WE DONT GIVE A DAMN. Did anyone else interpret that any differently?

PSS: Sins and Virtues

Amy asked "Out of the seven sins (Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride) which one is your favorite and which one (if different) are you most guilty of? Same question with the seven virtues (Prudence, Justice, Restraint, Courage, Faith, Hope, Love)."

Hmmm… good question. I don’t know that I have ever really thought of this before. Not sure I have a favorite sin, but here we go...

I don’t Lust over anyone (other than my darling husband).
I am not overweight so Gluttony doesn’t count (although I need to lay off the brownies from Adventurous as my rear end is getting bigger than it normally is).
I am not a Greedy person- I share and give to those who need.
I don’t have enough anger and I am not the type of person to get revenge so there goes Wrath.
I have everything I need, so Envy doesn’t work either.
Maybe Pride? I am proud of my accomplishments and family, but I don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing.
Maybe Sloth? I am definitely lazier than I should be. I need to get up and start exercising more… then I could eat those brownies and not worry about the junk in my trunk. JUST KIDDING!

Now on to Virtues…
Prudence- I think things through and use good judgment. I am not one to do something without thinking of the implications.
Justice- I feel I treat people fairly
Restraint- as much as I want to just go off on my ex-husband, I show restraint… that’s gotta count for something!!
Courage- I am not a courageous person. I am very scared about losing my mom and the thought brings me to tears and hyperventilation.
Hope- on the flip side of my courage statement, I have a lot of hope that she will be ok and that God will watch over her.
Love- I lost my ability to love for a while… but thankfully, it has returned and it’s better than something I have ever had in the past.

Boy that was a tough question… Gonna have to finish my coffee next time before answering! LOL

Having Mom Get Candy with Us was Definately a Treat!

It's been a family tradition to go to my parents' house for dinner on Halloween to eat chili then go trick or treating. Thursday was mom's big round of chemo so we weren't sure how'd she'd be so we thought we may just eat really fast and go on our way to not disturb her... yeah, not so much.

She was doing great yesterday (again, her dr is amazed at how well she is going)... she stayed home from work to rest so she could be with the kids. We all ate dinner, got the kids ready,and went out. Drew says "Nanna, I am 6 so can you go to 6 houses with us before you go back home to rest?" She said she'd she what she can do... Go ahead and times that by 6n or more because she ended up going 3 blocks with us, all the way down to the street I used to live on. I kept asking if she wanted to turn around and she said she was good. My old neighbor was out on her 4 wheeler with a trailer on it for the little kids and they asked 2x if she needed a ride back and she declined and walked home with us. My dad and Bryan were at home handing out the candy and I guess my dad was getting nervous and was just about to jump on the motorcycle to go looking for her. LOL

I am so glad she was feeling good enough to do that with us. The kids had a great time and I know it was important to her to be there too.