Real Life: Live & Unscripted

Kayla update...

Hey guys thank you so much for all your kind words. Y'all really rock.

Kayla is doing so well. Her surgery was a complete success. They removed everything and expect her to be 110%.

She is home and sleeping like a baby, not in any pain at all.

She is excited because she can smell lol. When she was in recovery the first thing she said was I can smell the oil in your hair lol.

Thank you guys for everything. Hopefully life will be back to normal soon lol.

 

Kayla is having surgery today. Keep her in your prayers.

Y'all know if I ever just kinda vanish, something is going on.

By the time you guys read this Kayla will be well into her surgery.

Earlier this year Kayla KEPT getting sick. I thought she kept catching a cold. Just treated her at home. Nothing out of the ordinary. No red flags.

A month or so passed and she was still all congested. Ok. I took her to the dr and they said she had a sinus infection and gave her antiobiotics. Cool. Again, NO RED FLAGS.

Another month or so went by and she was STILL stuffy and congested. Took her BACK to the dr and they put her on steroids, they said something and I honestly can't remember what it was, but she took the medicine as directed. Again. No red flags.

Well a few weeks later after she finished all her meds, she was STILL stuffy and congested. I told Tony maybe she has some kind of allergies. So we took her to have an allergy test done. That test showed something (I can't really remember, we have seen so many doctors that a LOT of it just runs together) and this dr sent us to an ENT. Ok cool.

The ENT couldn't see the way he needed to so he sent us to have a MRI/CAT scan done.

That brings us to today.

The black part that you see is air. It's supposed to be air (black) on both sides. The white that you see is a mass/blockage that is pressing against her eye, optic nerve and the top part of her brain. They have to go in and take all of that white part out. If you look at some of her pictures you can see her right eye kinda protrudes out more than her left. All of this is on the right side of her face.

A few things to note:

• She isn't in ANY pain.
• She can't smell unless its something REALLY, REALLY strong and I mean REALLY strong.
• She does have frequent headaches.
• Her vision is fine. EVERY NOW AND THEN things get a LITTLE blurry but nothing to be concerned about.
• She is STILL getting on my nerves and being a typical teenager sooooo, yeah she straight lol

When the dr first showed me the scans I was floored. I think I kinda blacked out because I wasn't expecting that. At all. I don't know what I was expecting, but this certainly wasn't it.

I instantly did what I know to do. Pray. Then I called Tony and told him what was going on. We left and had lunch at Chick fila.

A couple days later I had a total melt down. When I say total, I mean TOTAL. It's the momma in me. My child isn't 100% and that caused me GREAT concern. I was actually afraid.

I called up my prayer peeps, we prayed and I meannnnnnnnnnnnnnnn we prayeddddddddddddddddd. When we went to see the specalist, it felt like God had wrapped me in his arms. I had peace, Kayla was being goofy and the dr's explained EVERYTHING to me. He was wonderful. He explained it to me where it made sense. He remembered I'm just a mom who wants her kid healthy. I loved that.

I think I was more afraid of the unknown. Once I talked to the dr and actually understood the process of what was going to happen, the risks, the success rate and how to take care of her after the surgery I was GOOD...We left and had lunch at Chick Fila lol

So we are expecting the surgery to go well and as planned and for Kayla to have a full and speedy recovery and to start 2014 Healthy and Happy.

A LOT of you have been reading my blog since I started WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY back in 2005. You all have watched my children grow up. Y'all have watched my family go through some good and some not so good times. I wanted to let you all know what was going on with this middle child of mine :)

I'll leave you with one of my favorite recent pictures of her :)

It shows all her personality lol. I will update you guys after the surgery :)

 

Sooo let's talk about juicing...

I picked this book up from the library (along with SEVERAL others, but this one is my favorite) so I could figure out WHAT to put together with my juice.

I decided to start off VERY simple.

I'm ready to ROLL.

This is from ONE cucumber!!!!! I was like WHOA!

Added my carrots...

Spinach and some celery I think lol

That's everything. Now one thing I immediately did NOT like.

It was NOT cold enough. My fruits and veggies were in the fridge but I need this stuff to be COLD.

I covered it and sat it in the fridge for a few minutes but it started to separate (yuck) so I stirred it up and threw it back.

It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I will add some mint to it next time.

Do you juice? What's your favorite combo?

I'm ready to go back to the farmers market and get some more fruit & veggies! lol

September Weight Loss Challenge

Single Ma over at Fabulous Financials is having a weight loss challenge.

I have not been consistant with working out since BEFORE my cruise! Y'all know that was in April right? lol I've worked out here or there but NOTHING like I was before.

Finding out about this challenge was the motivation I needed to get it in gear.  Some of y'all might be good at working out on your own, but I'll admit that I've gotten lazy.

I NEED to get this extra weight off me and I need to keep it off.

My goal for the month is 10lbs. That is SO doable.

My eating goals are to watch my portion sizes (since Tony is diabetic, I'm doing this now anyway-everyone is eating better) and eat healthy snacks. I don't give up foods. I say everything in moderation is key. NO WAY I'm giving up cake or cookies or anything like that. I'll just watch what I'm eating.

My exercise goals are to walk/run 3 miles 3 days a week and do my wii fit workout two days a week. That will have me moving and grooving 5 days a week. I WANT to do a low key day of yoga. I've never done it before so this will be intersting! LOL

That's about it. I'm excited AND motivated!

An update on Tony

Tony had a condition called Ketoacidosis. We had NO idea he was even diabetic until last Thursday, the 19th. He got sick at work, and they called me out there. LONGEST DRIVE EVER, because I had NO clue what was going on.

They said he was type 2 diabetic and sent him home with a pill, instead of insulin.

Pill did NOT work and he developed a horrible rash.

We made it through the weekend (LITERALLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD).

He went to his Dr. on Monday morning, and they were just going to admit him. WRONG.

The "hospitialist"<---- (I love that word lol) came in and saw him and proceeded to scare the crap out of me.

She was in a frenzy to get him to ICU.

When I finally talked to her, she said she's never seen a patient come in, in his condition still alive.

According to his blood work, he wasn't even supposed to be ALIVE.

Tony is now out of ICU and doing very well. I hope to have him home soon.

God is GOOD and I KNOW prayer changes things!!!!!!

(He looks SO much better than this tonight)

I can't even beging t tell y'all how thankful I am for all of the prayers, well wishes, kind thoughts, emails, texts, everything. It truly made the difference. I appreciate yall so much. Your kindness will NEVER EVER be forgotten.

 

Sick....

Had to take a trip to the ER Thursday.

Back was killing me. Like stopping me in my tracks, can't walk/talk killing me.

I have a kidney infection.

I've had one before about 5 or 6 years ago and that trip to the ER landed me in the hospital for Christmas lol.

NOT FUN.

Y'all already know all I drink for real is water. So don't even ask that lol.

Anyway. I feel "OK" right now and I've been taking it EASY AKA, I've been IN the bed because too much of anything hurts. 

I'm NOT used to being down like this but I KNOW I will be ok and SOON...because I have to be lol.

This is just a quick little update. I hope to get caught up on my email soon. HOPE lol.

Alright guys, have a great Monday!

Toodles!

GTFOOH Episode 6

You KNOW yo pants TOO tight when they are SHEER ACROSS YO AZZ!!!

She looks a HOT ASS MESS!!! And trust to be in Vicky Secrets...

HUMPH.

GTFOOH!

Throwback Friday, What not to wear, health and some ramblings lol

How about a little throw back??? Remember this one?!?!?

How about a little "What Not To Wear"?

LOL Enter in Vogue 1056...

While this is an EXTREMELY beautiful dress....it does NOT look good on me. SERIOUSLY. When I put it on for Tony he told me to take that shit off lol. I look like I was going to play football lol. NOT A GOOD LOOK. This type sleeve and neckline does NOTHING for me. 

Will I put it on for you guys? HELL NO lol. I look a hot mess...TRUST ME ON THAT ONE LOL.

You can read a full review HERE.

I have not liked my last few sewing projects. AT ALL.  Do you guys go through that too? I mean I hardly ever read of something not working out for folks, so I guess they are just perfect sewers lol. Everything they make WORKS lol. That ain't me lol.

I started on my jacket M 5193 and it is going BEAUTIFULLY!!!  So I am hoping the bad sewing ju-ju is gone lol. I have to add the lining and I will be done. I did some topstitching and made it a LITTLE different from the pattern but I LOVE the changes I made!!!  I hope to review it on Monday.

Counting down the days until the kids get out of my house go to school. We are ALL very excited and VERY ready!!!

OH, look what I finally got in the mail. Thank goodness for kind, kind, friends that live on the other side of the water! Thank you so much Tany!!! I'm loving it!

I have still been going to the Dr's every couple of weeks, and when I went the other day, my iron was SOOOOO low. They gave me a new iron tablet and ummm it has made me break out so bad. UGH. Hate it, but I have to take them so oh well.

My first 5k is in a few short weeks and I'm so excited about it!! I was going through my mail yesterday and saw this:

I am SO signing up!! I never knew how much I would actually love running!!!  Tony said he will come with me to this one and bring the kids since it's also a fun run!!  So yay!!!!

Ummm what else? I guess that is it! LOL Hope you all have a super fabulous weekend!! I know I plan on it! Last wedding until September 20th!

Toodles!!

Another day, another day lol

Ok, so I have a few things to share....first up, another review:

New Look 6729 You can read a full review HERE.I love this top. Seriously....

Ok, so many of you know, that I went through radiation treatments for a few months and I was on quite a few different meds. Well, that medicine put a GOOD chunk of weight on me. I started back working out once I was released from the doctors care, and it started to come off. Well. I could NOT get those LAST 8lbs off...well guess what? They are off now:

I bought these jeans from GAP when I first started gaining weight. They were TIGHT y'all.  Look at all that room! GO ME! YES, I am patting myself on the back because I'm VERY proud of me! I have too many clothes to gain weight!!! LOL Now, to tone up and keep it maintained!

On a side note, I don't care HOW much weight I loose...my face will remain the same..my cheeks ain't going NOWHERE! LOL

Another side note, those are my around the house, going to play with the dogs jeans lol, they get worn NO WHERE!!! lol

This is making me happy right now...

Yes, this is just part of my cards that I will give out in Nashville. Last year I had to come home and make more...this year I won't be able to do that! LOL. It is going to be a LONG night. My new best investment for scrapping is my Silhouette. If you don't have one, you are missing out. I LOVE that thing!!! Especially tonight! LOL

Ok, that is IT for me!!! I will see y'all on the flip side!!

Kim if you are reading, my flight arrives at 9:10!!!!

Toodles!!!!!

Stay Informed Part 2

Hello you all! I want to keep doing these posts about Cervical Cancer and Prevention and Treatment.

I have so much information that I want to share with you all. As far as my health is concerned, I am still having  bloodwork done, and FREQUENTLY. Normally every two weeks. I am on a couple meds and some really good vitamins. If I do not take them... I FEEL IT!!!  My doctors are really keeping a close eye on me. It's a wonderful thing!! I am so glad to have good doctors. You guys have no idea. With all that being said, here is a little more info for you to read!!

HPV Vaccine Plus Screening:
What Women Should Know
Provided by http://www.theHPVtest.com

THE FUTURE OF CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION
With the introduction of the first HPV vaccine, the dream of eliminating cervical cancer is increasingly within reach. Cervical cancer is the only type of cancer for which there is one, specific cause – certain, “high-risk” types of HPV, or human papillomavirus. HPV is a very common, sexually transmitted virus that normally doesn’t cause any problems. But in some women, the infection stays active long enough to cause abnormal cells to form, which can then develop into cervical cancer. With the HPV test, women at high risk can be identified and monitored carefully. And now, the new vaccine (called Gardasil®) allows many HPV infections to be prevented from occurring in the first place. 

However, even with the vaccine, women still need a regular Pap and – depending on their age – the HPV test.  That’s because:

o    The vaccine cannot protect everyone. To be fully effective, the vaccine should be given before a woman’s first sexual experience – in other words, before she may be exposed to HPV. Thus, the ideal time to get the vaccine is during adolescence. That means that for the vast majority of women today, and for many in the future, regular screening is their first and primary weapon against cervical cancer. 

o    The protection offered by the vaccine is incomplete. There are roughly 13 types of the HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is designed to target just two “high-risk” types of the virus, which are responsible for 70 percent of all cervical cancers. However, that means it cannot protect women against the remaining 30 percent of cervical cancers that are caused by other “high-risk” types of HPV.

o    There are a lot of unknowns. For example, it is not known whether a “booster” vaccine shot will be needed later in life to ensure continued protection.

Thus, both vaccination and HPV screening test are essential tools in the fight against cervical cancer. These general recommendations are emerging from the experts: 

CERVICAL

* Developed from the 2006 “Educate the Educators” slide set on “HPV and the HPV Vaccines Program,” produced by the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP).

Gardasil® is a trademark of Merck & Co.

Toodles!!! I hope you all are having a great Saturday!!

NO CANCER FOUND!

I don't think I need to say ANYTHING else!!!!!!
Word's can't describe what I feel right now!!!! Thank you all for everything!!!
We will talk about this more later...gotta go process it all now lol.

Toodles!

Stay Informed Part 1

Thank you guys for all the well wishes yesterday!!!  It was a pretty good day. I just jump everytime the phone rings lol. A blog reader sent me some info and I wanted to pass this along to you guys...I will break it up into different sections, so you can digest it all.

Still no sewing! Tune in tomorrow for the first Conversations with Adrienne Podcast of the new year!!!! LOL OH and I have  bunch of posts ready to go out lol....GOTTA LOVE TYPEPAD!!!! LOL but not more than one per day lol...don't go getting all excited lol

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Patient Empowerment: The Role of Women during the Annual Doctor Visit

By Marie Savard, MD

The average woman pays more attention to her children’s medical history or pet’s vet schedule than her own health.  Though research has shown that the more involved and informed patients are in managing their own health, the better their outcome, many don’t recognize the importance of taking charge of their health until it’s too late.

Today’s patients are deluged with information and misinformation. For example, one of the biggest misconceptions that women have is that they are “safe” from cervical cancer as long as they have their annual Pap smear. While it is true that regular use of the Pap test has led to a significant reduction in the number of Americans who die from cervical cancer, it is not foolproof.  In fact, when used alone, it is only 50 to 85 percent effective in identifying women with precancerous or cancerous cells.

However, there is a new test available that increases the ability to identify women at risk of cervical cancer to nearly 100 percent, when performed with the Pap. It’s a test for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer. Although the FDA has approved the HPV test for routine screening in women 30 and older, many women aren’t aware that it exists and that many doctors don’t yet offer it unless asked (It’s important to distinguish between doing an HPV test only when a Pap result is unclear, and ordering an HPV test upfront – no matter what the Pap result. The first is now routine, the second is an emerging standard of care and must often be requested). 

Doctors have less time than ever to talk with their patients about conditions and treatment options.  In fact, the average gynecologic visit is 22 minutes long, which may account for the fact that only 43 percent of female patients say they’ve shared their health concerns with their doctors, according to researchers at Purdue University.

Therefore, women need to educate themselves with the most up-to-date medical information, which they can do by interviewing different doctors and exchanging information with family and friends.

It is equally important to be prepared. Here are some vital steps women should take before their next gynecologic visit:

•    Develop a list of questions to discuss with your doctor. If you have a lot of questions,   mention this to the office staff when making your appointment. 
•    Be familiar with which tests to get. A good source for this information is: http://www.mercksource.com/ppdocs/us/cns/content/savard/forms/adult_personal_screening_18_64.pdf
•    Follow up on test results. No news is not necessarily good news! It’s a good idea to give your doctor’s office a self-addressed stamped envelope so the results can be mailed to you.
•    Set goals with the doctor for your next visit.

For more information about HPV, the HPV test and cervical cancer prevention, visit http://www.theHPVtest.com.

Marie Savard, MD, is a nationally recognized internist, expert on patient empowerment and author of The Body Shape Solution to Weight Loss and Wellness: The Apples & Pears Approach to
Losing Weight, Living Longer, and Feeling Healthier.   

TODAY IS THE DAY

• Today I have my biopsy done.
• I am VERY nervous.
• I have thought of every possible thing that could go wrong.
• I have cried.
• I have had panic attacks.
• I have had VERY bad dreams.
• Then I talked to my husband, prayed and let it go.

I am still nervous but I think that is just human nature. Ok....so say some prayers, send some good wishes...sprinkle some fairy dust...lol  you know lol...THANKS

MOVING ON! LOL

So my sewing machine came back and you know what I did?

• Went to the movies.
• Took the kids shopping.
• Ate a WHOLE bunch of junk.
• Helped my mom clean up.
• Cleaned up my house.
• Went grocery shopping
• Cooked a fabulous meal.
• Got a wonderful massage!!!

And that's about it! LOL So NO sewing! HA! But that figures right? LOL I was so excited, now I'm too tired to do anything. When I start sewing , I probably won't stop! LOL.

In scrapping news, I have been working on a mini album of all my sewing/knitted items from last year. Well, when my PC crashed I lost it all (because it was saved on my desktop and NOT my external hard drive *sigh*) and I am ALMOST finished with it...AGAIN lol, but I like it. It's REALLY simple but it works for me. When I completely finish it up, of course I will post it.

Umm, I have not knit ANYTHING but I will post pics of my Mini Cardi from fitted knits this week. I will try and take a pic in it tomorrow, or sometime lol.

I was featured on the REV IT UP BLOG, go check it out! Thanks again Maria! It was fun!

Vee, Stacey, Lisa T-O lol, I did NOT get to the post office Saturday but your packages will go out this week. Vee, Imma have to hook you up, because I was supposed to send yours WHEN? LOL....yeah...I'm sorry!!! LOL. But I'll get it out this week, and I will let you know when I send it! LOL

Ok, I think that is all.

Have a GREAT day!

Merry Christmas Eve! And some other stuff...

Hey Y'all!!  LONG post, so let's get started!! :-)

I finished my treatments on Friday! YAY. I was sick as a damn dog this week. I have not been on the computer too much, and sleeping a WHOLE lot!!! I feel really good today (Sunday afternoon) and I am making the most of it!! I am not "technically" out of the woods yet, but things really look good. I go back for another biopsy on either the 31st or the 1st. I can't remember. Then we wait. Thank you all for all your support, prayers, kind words, gifts, phone calls, emails, e-cards...EVERYTHING. It has meant a great deal to me. I am finally about to start catching up on emails, so I will get to those today.

Check out a new flickr group called PIECES OF ME started by none other than PHOTODEE. I can't wait to start on this!!! I think this will be fun.

CAN ANYONE WITH A KODAK EASY SHARE SV811 PHOTO FRAME PLEASE EMAIL ME!??!!?

MY BIG HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
I am now a Design Team Member for: Noel Mignon she has aaaaaaaaaaawwwwweeeeeesome kit's that you can see HERE . I am SO excited and can not WAIT to get started!!! My mojo is super flowing right now!! A clean "area" will do that to you EVERY time! I can't WAIT to show y'all how organized everything is. May not be much to you, but I sure love it!!!!

I made the CUTEST little "gift" for my mom. Here is a little peek.

I will post more pics once she has seen it. Y'all already know she reads over here lol.

I finished my Mini Cardi from Fitted Knits. It seriously took like 8 hours total to finish. I had a LOT of bed time, so when I wasn't sleeping I knit! I will comb my hair and take a pic soon. Right now, that just ain't gone happen lol. But it's really cute and I just love it! I needed a quick knit!

My sewing machine STILL isn't back yet. Hopefully it will be back soon. UGH.

Christmas Dinner Menu:

Roasted Turkey
Glazed Spiral Cut Ham
Cornbread Dressing
Turnip Greens
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Candied Yams
VERY small dish of Sweet Potato Cassarole (I really want some, so I'm making some for me lol no one else likes it)
Potato Salad

For Dessert??
Red Velvet Cake
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Martha Stewart Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet Potato Pie

Don't forget I didn't cook for Thanksgiving lol....Yeah we are all going to eat VERY well! LOL.

Here is a pic of the Cream Cheese Pound Cake. MAN, this thing is SO moist. Let's thank Kayla for a great job putting the powder sugar on top lol:

Here are some of the cookies. I still need to make the Martha Stewart Cookies:

The kids FINALLY did their ginger bread house. Tony bought them a kit...I cheated lol. NO baking ginger bread for me! LOL

They put more candy in their mouth, than they did on the house lol. Stacey, I finally got Jaelyn to take a pic lol. See, I really DO have three kids lol.

I "THINK" that is all!!!

I wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Before I go, I will leave you with this picture.....

I took my picture so my mom could see it, and umm, now it is hanging on "HER" wall lol. You can expect to see a LOT more of these in 2008! LOL It is SO addictive!!!! LOL

Toodles!

*SILENT NIGHT - TEMPTATIONS*

La la la la la la...(Think Smurfs)

**LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE SONG YOU HEAR....ABOUT 10 OR SO YEARS AGO, MY PARENTS HAD THE FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY AT MY MOMS THEIR HOUSE, WELL WE ALL HAD TO SING TO GET OUR GIFT....YEAH..FUN...AND WHEN THIS SONG CAME ON MY MOM AND HER SISTERS WERE FIGHTING OVER THE MIC...LIKE LITERALLY TRYING TO TAKE THE MIC FROM EACH OTHER, LAYING ON THE BOTTOM PART OF THE FIREPLACE...STILL SINGING, TRYING TO GET THE MIC. I heard it the other day and was just tickled lol**

Happy Monday guys!! It was a pretty quiet weekend around here. I wasn't feeling my best, so I pretty much stayed in, with the exception of going to Aj's game Saturday morning. They won 40 to 20. YAY!  I did have a hot minute on Saturday where I thought I was going to sew, but after doing my girls hair....ummm, not so much lol. So maybe next time. BTW, I still don't have my machine back, but I was going to pull out my VERY old Brother! LOL.

Aj lost his first tooth yesterday. Awwww, it's the LAST first lost tooth in my house. Too bad he is not completely snag! LOL. For some reason, my kids teeth never come out until the new teeth are coming in. There is still hope for the top teeth! LOL

And the tooth....awwww *sniff, sniff*. I pulled out my 50mm for this one lol. It has been a SERIOUSLY long time since I shot with it. My 17-40L has been hogging the camera....LOVE my 50mm!!!

Saturday, Asia was at the door, and here comes the cat from across the street. Now we got her from across the street and the kids seem to think this is her brother...hmmmm. Well after they sniffed the door for a while.....

HE DECIDED TO STAY FOR A WHILE. HA! He left eventually but I'm not sure when lol.

I started on the Bold and Bulky Mini Cardigan from Fitted Knits....

This top picture was taken about 5 or 6 rows after cast on......

This picture was taken ummm, around 17 or so rows?? I just put the sleeves on scrap yarn, so I'll try it on shortly...

I FINALLY got my hands on some of the MM NOTEWORTHY. I was SERIOUSLY trying to hold out on buying this. BUT OMG. I can't wait until I get some energy to scrapbook!!!!

And I scrapped a little bit...I think I started this one day last week lol, but I finished it Friday. I told y'all I loved these pics from my trip to Tennessee with Jaelyn (Sorry Stacey, no pics this weekend lol)

I love the way this came out...

Products: Crate Paper and Bazzill lol.

Some close ups...

I used the lovely creative memories wavy paper cutter on this. OMG. I am SO IN LOVE WITH THIS THING!!! Thanks Shakhan!!!!!!!!

I used my Silhouette to cut out my letters and the swirley things. I LOVE MY SILHOUETTE!!!!!!!!!!

The font I used was Cream Puff. Aj helped me put them on lol. One thing I will say, I used the QuickStripz made for the Silhouette by Bazzill. I do NOT like them. They do NOT have enough adhesive on the back and THAT is frustrating. So....well enough about that lol. I will have to show you guys how freaking easy this thing is to use. A video tutorial is near! LOL

SOME GREAT LINKAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stacey  had a WONDERFUL post yesterday on Sojourner Truth. Please go check it out. I was SO unaware of what I found out!!! VERY INFORMATIVE POST!!!!

There are some great scrapbook inspiration blogs around...This is a new one called "OUTTA THIS FUNK"

I hope you guys like it too! Not sure how many of you know about it, but it looks really neat!

Ok, I've been emailing back and forth with a few of you about my organizing process. This all started when I found out I still had cancer. Well....I thought I wasn't going to make it for a BRIEF moment and started to get things, "TOGETHER" lol. Well, I know I will be fine, and I have always been organized but I am just taking it to another level!!! So here are some of the blogs that I frequent. They have REALLY good tips, and some have PDF's that you can download. Really good information...Some of you may not need a blog or any tips to help you get and stay organized, but if you do, here ya go...

GET ORGANIZED

Jeri's Organizing & Decluttering News

Organising Queen

Organized with Style

Your Life Organized

Ok, that is it. See you guys later. Keep me in your thoughts, this is my LAST WEEK OF TREATMENT!!!! The doctors have told me this will be my worse week, but I don't want to claim that. LOL.

**THE CHRISTMAS SONG**

No Title Thursday.......

Hello internet land! LOL. How are you all doing? I am GOOD. I found out Tuesday that my iron was VERY, VERY , VERY low, but now I have some nice red pills that make me feel better lol, and some spinach, and some beets lol. EEWWW lol. But I'm good today. I am taking all of this ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!! I realize there will be good days and not so good days. And I plan to keep a record of it all.

Ok, how about a WTF moment. Ummmm WHY did I get a BOX of baby formula in the mail??? WTF?!?! I do NOT need this nor do I want it. I have no idea why it came. Tony asked me if I had something to tell him.  Ummm HELL NO.

Ok, my SIL told me about this stuff and OMG. It is SO good. I have to HIDE it to keep my kids out of it lol. They love it too. OMG. Be warned, if you try it, it is VERY addictive. Soooooo good. Did I mention that it is good??? LOL

This book, The Knitter's Book of Yarn, is AMAZING. It's broken down soooo good. The first section is on Fiber Foundations. It talks about EVERYTHING!!! The next section talks about Making yarn. Now the third section, Ply Me A River...OMG. it breaks down all the different ply's, then goes into different yarn types (LOVE THIS SECTION) It also has patterns in it that are SORTED by the different plys/types of yarn. OMG. Did I say I love it!?!?! Now, I don't care for ALL the patterns, but there are a couple I could really see myself making.

GREAT BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have not been sewing, but I have been reading and this book, Fabric Sewing Guide Is a MUST. It is WONDERFUL. It is full of SOOOOOOOO much information!!!!! I LOVE the way it's broken down. I mean, I have a LOT of sewing books. A LOT, but this one is sooooo good. I mean, if you want to learn about fabric, and it's contents, what's man made...omg. I could go ON and ON. This book is fantastic. 

While on the subject of sewing...... lol, I have made up in my mind, that I will stop saying, I wish I could do this, or I wish I could sew like that. I am just going to DO IT!! It's only fabric. If I mess up, it's only fabric. I have SO many books, and read SO many wonderful sewing blogs, it's time to apply what I am learning and stop WISHING. I CAN do this stuff. I think I am pretty good with my sewing machine, but there is so much  I can learn and WILL learn. SO IF I MAKE SOMETHING AND Y'ALL KNOW IT'S JACKED UP....be a friend and tell me! LOL IF IT'S TOO TIGHT.....TELL ME...LOL, ok enough of that.

 

I have finally gotten my fabric together for my first quilt. I wanted to do it this year, but ummm, that ain't gonna happen. I LOVE quilts. I don't like all the old timey type ones (I do have one that my great, great grandma made that is SO old it can not be washed. How old is it?? She used flour sacks for the backing. I will try and get a pic of it and post it) but I love the more modern quilts. Well I figured this would be a great place to start. Like all the pretty fabrics????

Don't get all excited. I picked up this "kit" from Joann's lol. Next time I make one I will get more creative! LOL. I also loved the container! LOL

Ok, that's enough for now. Y'all have a great day!

Toodles!

Weekend update! LOL

Trying to get into the Christmas "spirit". I mean, it just doesn't FEEL like Christmas to me. I don't know lol. The tree is up (picture coming, the kids did it ALL BY THEMSELVES) ummm yeah lol.So enjoy the music lol.

This weekend was a really rough one. First time that I've been physically sick. My parents came and got the kids so that my house could be quiet. Hubby took good care of me. I still feel icky today(NOT NEARLY AS BAD) but it's to be expected. I know it's real, just kinda made me realize it EVEN more. But all will be well soon. I am on my second week of treatments.

Ok, how about some pics. First, here is Tree Jacket. I finished this during the Thanksgiving Holiday so here is a pic: *disclaimer, I did NOT feel good when I took this lol*

Details:
Start Date: October 22, 2008
End Date:  November 22, 2008
*It really didn't take a month, I just wasn't dedicated to it after the first frogging lol*
Yarn: BSCF in Harvest
Needles: Denise size 9
Notes: I really enjoyed knitting this! It was fun, and I was successful! The fit is PERFECT!!!! LOL I kinda ALMOST want one in black....Hmmmmm

Have you guys seen THIS LINK YET?!?! HMMMMMMM, there are a couple things I really like. Gonna have to get this issue!!!

NEXT:

Kayla marched in her first Christmas Parade.

Here is a pic of Aj waiting on it to start lol:

Yep, that's a LO waiting to happen. I've already printed the picture lol. (That's for you girlie lol)

And here are a couple of Miss Kayla:

You guys should have seen me running trying to get in front of her group to take pics...well maybe you shouldn't have lol. She did such a good job. She walked nearly 2 miles. The child was TIRED when it was over lol.

A couple more parade pics:

This was Aj's favorite part lol. He was UPSET because he couldn't tell Spider Man hello lol. Sorry bud!

This was my favorite lol. H&R block came through and the front of this little boys box said "child care" then on the back said "I'm a tax deduction" I thought that was too funny lol.

Then there were some horses:

There were a lot more but these were my favorite horses lol.

Then there was Aj's first basketball game which they won...ummm 31 to 20 I think.

Lookie at my baby...he is #12

Here he is making a free throw (they let all the kids make free throws after the game, but the points still count toward the score)

And YES It went in. NOTHING BUT NET!!! *SWISH*

And the coach giving them the you did great, congrats on winning the game pep talk:

Awwww, that's my baby! LOL

Ok, that is it you guys!!! Look for a great interview tomorrow (written this time). You'll love it!!!!

Toodles!

***THIS CHRISTMAS***

The post I didn't want to write.....(health update)

*sigh*
Well, I got all my test results back from my doctor and the cancer is still there. We thought that after the first surgery I had, everything would be gone. Umm, not so much.

I have very good doctors. I mean REALLY GOOD DOCTORS. As in, here is my cell phone and home number if you have any questions call me good. That is almost unheard of.

My doctor gave me a few options as far as treatment goes, and after much prayer and talking with my husband and my mom and dad, I opted to go with External Radiation.

It was suggested because the cells have not spread beyond my cervix, and it's early stage cervical cancer so it's used as an alternative to surgery.

External radiation is given by machine, kinda like an x-ray machine. It DOES NOT HURT. At all.

Initially, they suggested that I go to have treatment three times a week for three weeks, then twice a week for four weeks. When I got there yesterday, since the cancer DOES NOT SEEM TO BE SPREADING, they want me to go everyday for THREE WEEKS!!

The reasons I opted for this treatment:

1. I can still do the things I normally do.
2. It is just as effective as having surgery.
3. I am honestly just scared to have surgery. (long story lol)

So there you have it. I had my first treatment yesterday and I was fine. I was a little tired and had no desire to eat anything, but that was it, but I think that was mainly due to my nerves.

I had a mild panic attack Saturday night/ Sunday morning, but after I talked to my good friend, she helped me understand that it was normal to be scared. MORTIFIED was more like it lol.

I am trying to keep a positive outlook on everything, because it could ALWAYS be so much worse.

I can't begin to tell you guys how thankful I am for you all, and my family.

Ok, so that is it lol.  I'll have a super long update Wednesday, there will be another interview (audio this time) ,I've been scrapping, making cards with my "scraps" organizing and purging like crazy (that was Saturday and Sunday) lol, I honestly thought that once I started the treatments, I  was not going to make it, so I had to have everything in order. I had already willed away my fabric. LOL. SERIOUSLY. When I say I had panic attacks, I REALLY mean that. But that is just being real lol. I was SCARED. I'm still scared, but I know I'll be okay...does that make sense? LOL

Thanks again for EVERYTHING!

Toodles!

Happy Birthday AJ and a health update....

Happy Birthday to my baby!!! My  baby is SIX!!! It seems as if this was just yesterday:

He is NO longer a baby...but very much a big boy!!

I remember his first hair cut....

*sigh* lol

All this sweetness:

Just VANISHES....and then he is:

LOL, one of my all time favorite LO's of Aj! This is my baby ALL the time! Just off the chains! LOL

And one of his most recent pictures, from one day....lol not long ago lol

See, off the chains. More on this day later. lol....

Now for the HEALTH UPDATE.

I'm going to try and condense this lol.

I have been going to the doctor every three months for almost two years now. My last appointment was
in August and everything was fine. It's very common for women to have abnormal pap smears. I was one of those women. They would always come back crazy, so I had to go get checked every three months. NOT FUN. I hated going YEARLY....so..umm yeah! LOL. Anyway, They did my pap smear, sent it off, I went home. They called me on Nov 2 (my 30th bday) and told me it came back crazy and I
needed to go back on the following Monday (Nov 5) to have a biopsy done. They called me once again on the 7th and told me I needed to meet with the oncologist. ONCOLOGIST = CANCER

That was so not what I wanted to hear. They did diagnose me with Cervical Cancer, and said it would be in my best interest to go ahead and have surgery to remove the cells. We did that on Friday. Right now I feel really good. They DID remove all the cells. I go back next week for another checkup, then every three weeks to get checked. In the event that it does return, then I will have to have a full hysto. I SO do not want that, but if I have to, then so be it. We did not tell the kids. No need to worry them right now. So you may be asking, why in the world are you putting your business out there like that? 

WELL BECAUSE I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO BRUSH OFF YOUR ANNUAL APPOINTMENT. KEEP IT!!!!!!!

What if I had put mine off? What if I had to wait an entire year? Keep your appointments guys.

So that is it guys. I will try and get caught up on my emails today.Thanks for everything! See ya'll later!

OH, to add a little laughter, how about a picture of me a few years ago, after I had my wisdom teeth pulled...HA! LOL

TOODLES!!!!