RUT RO!

This morning as DD2 was sitting on her little potty in front of Diego on Nick, I thought I'd reboot the laundry. Well, I hear a strange voice and to my sheer total dismay, Ki, butt naked at the OPEN front door had been out on the front porch! A passerby (some dude) stopped and ushered her inside. Oh my goodness! Try topping that one!

MFT - Cappuccino Coolers

Today I am going to share with you one of my weaknesses. COFFEE! Hot, iced! No matter!!

On the days it is just waaaay too hot to drink more than one cup of java I reach for my Cappuccino Coolers! I love them! Mix with an ice cold glass of milk and I'm in Heaven for about 20 seconds!

Hazelnut will send me to the hospital so I have never tried that one but the French Vanilla is very good. A bit too sweet for my taste but there just is not much available out there. I tried the liquids that came out not long ago. Y-U-C-K!!!!!! I am a black coffee drinker but still love cold coffee with milk.

If any of you live near Trader Joe's they have the most AMAZING iced coffee mix (or used to when we lived near one).

For more Favorite Things click here.

Hey all you Bloggers! We have a new Photo meme called Exposed here on Saturdays. Come check it out! Guidelines and photos here. AND If you have a favorite quote you'd like to share come participate on Friday's, Quote-Unquote.

101 Things in 1001 days

1. Finally take a honeymoon!!! TO JAMAICA!!!!
2. Finish my cancer treatments. (Done)
   
3. Move into our own home.
4. Decorate the girls room.
5. Decorate the boys room.
6. Decorate the bathroom.
7. Decorate Master Bedroom
8. Buy and Read "Getting Things Done".
9. Apply the "Do it now principle".
10. Finish "My Story". (Done)
    
11. Read at least one book per month.
12. Get my fingernails back to beautiful.
13. Get all my unpaid Child Support???
14. Buy a brand new pair of shoes! Just one pair! NOT from the thrift store. (Done)
    
15. Have a clean front yard.
16. Keep my desk clean. (Done)
    
17. Have 2 mammograms. (Done)
    
18. Lose 25 pounds.
19. Take one bubble bath per month.
20. Make yeast Cinnamon Rolls!
21. Have a date night at least once every other month. (In my dreams!) (Doneish)
    
22. Find a job I love.
23. Get a vehicle large enough for all of us.
24. Take a family vacation.
25. Visit my parents twice a year (over there!). (Done, Live there now)
    
26. Visit Kevin's family.
27. Write a snail mail letter weekly.
28. Meet a blogging buddy in real life.
29. Find a local female friend.
30. Meet my husband for lunch once a month. (Done)
    
31. Buy a new bra every other month. (Done, I'm set)
    
32. Have a successful vegetable garden. (Done)
    
33. Get our electric bill below $250/month regularly. (Don't think it is possible)
    
34. Have a huge Birthday Bash for ALL OF US at one time.
35. Go see a movie in the theater!
36. Carry a $20.00 bill in my purse for a week. (Done)
    
37. Sleep til I want to just once. (Done)
    
38. Go two days without washing a single dish.
39. Have one uninterrupted phone conversation each day.
40. Buy J a Yearbook.
41. Take a family portrait.
42. Get portraits made of each child.
43. Phase out all the VHS tapes.
44. Buy a scanner.
45. Scan in most of the photos. (Done)
    
46. Set up a successful ebay business. (Never Mind)
    
47. Send out Christmas cards.
48. Send Birthday cards to all immediate family. (Changed to calls, Done)
    
49. Acquire a new digital camera somehow. (Done, THANKS!!)
    
50. Buy a half of a cow or pig.
51. Get a pumpkin from a farm.
52. Treat myself to something special.
53. Get my mother's diamond sized and wear it.
54. Draw something.
55. Buy a family dinner.
56. Participate in Toys for Tots.
57. Watch the sunset 30 times. (Done)
    
58. Sit on the porch and drink a cup of coffee before anyone gets up.
59. Go all out on a Thanksgiving Dinner.
60. Keep up and improve my blog.(HAHAHAHAHAHA, Nope, no internet!!)
    
61. Give my husband a massage once a month.
62. Make one of my husbands favorite deserts at least once a month.
63. Learn to pipe icing.
64. Learn to French Braid.
65. Take a walk three times a week.
66. Do my self-exam every month. (Sadly, still working on this)
    
67. Mail A a card or letter every other week.
68. Make a beautiful silk arrangement for the Dining Room table.
69. Take a long, leisure Sunday drive to nowhere.
70. Find a decent church we can belong to.
71. Tell my family "I love you" every day. (Done)
    
72. Get flowers
73. Potty train #6, WOO HOO!!!!! (Done)
    
74. Follow my morning routine 5 out of seven days.
75. Diligently use my calendar.
76. Stash $2,000.00.
77. Pay J's college money back (well at least some of it).
78. Go to two of Josh's shows each year.
79. Get the trumpet re-padded.
80. Get medical insurance. (Never gonna happen)
    
81. Go to the Dentist.
82. Get my vision checked.
83. Go to bed at 10:00 pm 10 times. (Done)
    
84. Finish Decluttering the Laundry Room. (Moved)
    
85. Send my kids to their first day of school in brand new clothes for the first time!!!
86. Call my sister at least once a month.
87. Plan a budget and stick to it.
88. Help as many woman as possible be aware of breast cancer and how to prevent it
89. Plan two camping trips a year.
90. Acquire Photo Shop!
    
91. Get a sitter every 2 months and have a day devoted soley to me and hubby.
92. Host a family board game night once a month.
93. Write a will.
94. Open a separate account for ebay & website.
95. Take the kids to the Naval Air Museum. (Done, moved)
    
96. Spend 15 minutes one on one with each kid at least 5 days a week.
97. Play music for at least 20 minutes a day to get it back in my life.
98. Get rid of 100 things from the house every 100 days.
99. Go through all the kids clothes.
100. Get Kevin to follow through on dancing with me on my birthdays.
101. Donate $5.00 to a local charity for each goal I do not complete in 1001 days.

If you'd like to set your own goals, click here for more information.

That was a difficult list to come up with. It took me a whole entire week. Now the yet even more difficult part starts. My day counter is on my sidebar. Here I go. Wish me luck!!!!

This has been posted at these sites, click on the button to see other great entries!

Quotes

Where there is great love there are miracles.

~Willa Cather

Quote

Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.

-Unknown

MPM

Thanks to Laura at The Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday. Post your own plan and go there to link your plan ( on Monday ) or visit her site for new ideas. I don’t assign nights as I like to have a little freedom to cook what I want or what I have time for.

Spaghetti, Bread sticks, salad
Chicken legs (recipe below), rice, broccoli, corn
Baked Ziti
Lasagna, garlic bread, salad
Ground Beef Stroganoff

Shepherd's Pie

Chicken Legs
Chicken legs
4 Tbs melter butter
Mixed together in a bowl
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 teas paprika
1 teas garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Remove skin from chicken legs, Melt butter/ then dip the chicken legs in the melted butter, roll the legs in the bread crumb mixture, Baked in a greased pan for an hour at 350 degrees

For more Menu Plan Monday visit Org Junkie.

Hey all you Bloggers! We have a new Photo meme called Exposed here on Saturdays. Come check it out! Guidelines and photos here. AND If you have a favorite quote you'd like to share come participate on Friday's, Quote-Unquote.

Photo Hunt #2

From our trip to the river this weekend, It's purdie, aint it?

Yippee, Fall!!!

See more "View" photos at
Hey all you Bloggers! We have a new Photo meme called Exposed here on Saturdays. Come check it out! Guidelines and photos here. AND If you have a favorite quote you'd like to share come participate on Friday's, Quote-Unquote.

Scripture

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed.

~Psalm 71:23

What Your Handbag Says About You

What Your Handbag Says About You

You tend to be relaxed throughout the day. You are naturally at peace. You are a low maintenance person. You can adapt to a variety of situations. You are open and comfortable with who you are. You don't hide anything. You are an organized and together person. You are competent and successful. You are practical and down to earth. You tend to be a rather reserved and quiet person.

What Does Your Handbag Say About You?

Exposed - Third Edition

Welcome to the third Edition of Exposed!
Thank you for stopping in!

For Guidelines and Artwork to participate
in Exposed please click here.

Here is my selection of this week:

I was "exploring" the interestingness category at Flickr. And came across this beauty! Now, honestly, Big Bang?? Please! The intricacy of everything in this world (not to mention the universe) in incomprehensible! This photo is called *Stubborn* and was posted by Imapix here. The colors and intensity are beautiful. Perfection is what is speaks to me. Now, show me what you enjoy!

1. Rachel

2. Tara @ Steffenboys6

3. LaDonna

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Friday Fragments #1

Friday (Sigh!) Jenn over at Mommay's Mayhem discovered this new meme. I thought i might give it a try!

1. I burned myself TWICE this week! My poor left hand! Kinda bad too:( No more frying of ANYTHING for a while!
2. J lost his khaki band pants, again! Spent an hour looking for them. To Do List: MUST get all the boys to organize better, somehow.
3. If you didn't see my post here, I finally found a great prescription savings card this week and got my cancer meds for only $9! WOO HOOO!!!!
4. Ki is getting sooooo big. We were at the grocery store yesterday and she decided she was going to say "Hi!" to EVERYONE!!! and I mean EVERYONE!!!
5. My M is having a "Snack Feast" at school today, she is extremely excited! Woo Hoo!
6. G broke a physical Education record at his school Yesterday. You Go G!!!!!
7. N started ADHD meds this week. He's just soooo sweet just soooo distracted! :( I hope he does okay on them. We shall see.
8. We still haven't gotten to speak with A (moved to Seattle in November) last we knew she still hadn't gotten her bio-mom to go to the PO to pick up her birthday gifts from us! Her Bday was on Sunday. {Prayers please, sooooo unfair!}
9. A drilling buddy of mine had also fought Breast Cancer, but twice, and now they think it's back for the third time. I am very bummed about that! Very!! {prayers for Jo!}
10. I am working on my 101 for 1001 list!
11. Still gearing up for Part two of "My Story", just haven't started it yet, hee hee.
12. Looking forward to a good weekend with all the kids!
13. I started a new meme on quotes called "Quote - Unquote" here TODAY! Yippee!
14. My Exposed (photo meme) is on it's third Edition tomorrow - Come by and Participate!
15. I like this! Get all those stray thoughts down!
    

To see more Friday Fragments, click here or on the button!

Quote - Unquote - Edition #1

"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." - George Moore

If you have a favorite quote you'd like to share or may be interested in participating in a Quote-Unquote meme please leave me a comment below! Thanks all you bloggety bloggers!

Okay, I finally bit the bullet and upgraded my Mr. Linky membership so WOO HOO....We now have Mr. Linky on these posts too! If you would like to participate in "Quote - Unquote" please leave us your link right here!

1. Amber@Come Here Little Bug

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Friday Fill-Ins #1

1. Cool weather, A big harvest moon and NOT my birthday are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.

2. Sometimes I scream and make noise in play, just because.

3. I have SIX children, and that's why there is a saying, "never say never"!

4. When I'm down, I really, really need coffee.

5. At the computer or in the laundry room is where you'll find me most often.

6. A rainy day is good for Nap or Great Book.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to make our own pizzas here at home, tomorrow my plans include going to the Bluffs at the River with the kids and a picnic and Sunday, I want to rest and play!

Hey all you Bloggers! I have a new Photo meme called Exposed here on Saturdays. Come check it out! Guidelines and photos here

For more Friday Fill-Ins click right here!

Scripture

Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

~(1 Corinthians 3:8)

Prescription Savings Miracle

Today I am thankful for and loving the internet and my brand new Prescription Savings Card. I had breast cancer 2.5 years ago and am still on medication therapy for another three years. I have no insurance and the medication is $200.00 a month. Well, Obviously with a family of eight things are a bit tight, especially with me staying home with the baby for now.

I have been researching online getting help with this medication and came across this free prescription savings card at http://www.pscard.com/. Today I wet to Walgreens to pick it up for $51.86. Nope, I said. Then I called Target, an entire months supply of Tamoxifen for a whopping total of $9.00 at the Target pharmacy! How's that for savings!!!!!!????? WOO HOO!

In addition, my prescriptions ran out so I had to go in for an office visit and liver panels but my wonderful, brilliant oncologist simply refilled my prescriptions for me once I explained our financial circumstances to their office. YIPPEE!!!

Oh yeah, I guess I'm also thankful for being a two and a half year cancer kicking mommy of six youngens!!!

Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. ~Phil 4:6

My next feat....I'm a year overdue for a mammogram. I know, that's shameful! But that's my next research project. If anyone out there knows how to apply for the free ones, I'd love some info. (Yeah I know I have the button on my sidebar!)

This post is listed both
AND

Hey all you Bloggers! I have a new Photo meme called Exposed here on Saturdays. Come check it out! Guidelines and photos here.

Quote-Unquote

"Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

You all notice I like quotes! My buddy, Amber, and I were talking about doing a quote meme here on Fridays. There is just something so uplifting about them. I was just checking on the interest out there. If you have a favorite quote you'd like to share and may be interested in participating in a Quote-Unquote meme please leave me a comment below! Thanks all you bloggety bloggers!

TT: Greatest Compliments

Thirteen of the Great Compliments I have received:

1. You children are so well behaved!
2. You're too young to have so many children.
3. How do you keep your house clean with so many people in it?
4. You have beautiful children.
5. Mom you're the bestest cook EVER!
6. Mommy, you're pretty.
7. You have a very positive attitude.
8. You're a very good mother Tammy.
9. You look way younger than that!
10. You are very organized.
11. You're smart.
12. I appreciate you're doing this.
    
13. I LOVE YOU!

For more great Thursday Thirteen Posts click here.

Hey all you Bloggers! I have a new Photo meme called Exposed here on Saturdays. Come check it out! Guidelines and photos here.

You know you have been sick too long when there is a song on a kiddie show about "when you grow up" and you keep hearing "when you throw up"!

WFMW - Coffee filters

Some terrific coffee filter tricks!

1. Cover a bowl of food with a coffee filter to prevent splattering when cooking in the microwave.
2. Coffee filters can shine your mirrors, TV screen and your computer monitor.
3. Prevent rust in your stored iron cookware by placing a coffee filter in it to absorb moisture.
4. Clean your glasses with a coffee filter and they will be lint free.
5. Place a coffee filter over the drain hole in the bottom of a planter so the soil won't leak out.
6. Use a coffee filter line your round cake pans.
   
7. Use filters to serve pretzels, popcorn, cookies and even hot dogs.
   
8. Put baking soda or borax into a coffee filter and insert into shoes or a closet to absorb or prevent odors.
9. After deep fat frying, use coffee filters in a mesh strainer to help catch the small bits of food from the oil.
10. Use coffee filters to separate your china plates and keep them from rattling.
    

For more terrific ideas stop by Rocks In My Dryer.

Hey all you Bloggers! I have a new Photo meme called Exposed here on Saturdays. Come check it out! Guidelines and photos here.

Wednesday's Photo

For more great photos, click here and here.

Hey all you Bloggers! I have a new Photo meme called Exposed here on Saturdays. Come check it out! Guidelines and photos here.

MFT - Recipes Edition

It's Tuesday, and time for My Favorite Things! This week we are sharing a favorite recipe.

Derby Pie

1 stick butter, melted & cooled
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. all purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 c chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
1 unbaked pie crust

Mix sugar, flour, butter & eggs together. Add chocolate chips and vanilla. Pour into pie crust and bake at 350 for about 50 minutes.

You have no idea now good this is. I put it in the fridge and eat it for breakfast!!!

TTT: Spoiled Milk

I'm sure I'm gonna get in trouble for sharing this one eventually, well as soon as he discovers how ridiculous he is!

Thursday morning my oldest was getting ready to go to school early for Band Practice. He, my fifteen year old son, was rifling through the kitchen in search of food. Normal, ordinary!

Here comes the dialogue:
Mom: "Why don't you get a bowl of cereal?"
J: "Cuz! I'll be outside Mom!"
Mom: "Yeah?"
J: "It's hot outside."
Mom: "And?"
J: "The milk will spoil in my stomach and make me sick!"
Mom: "Hee, heee, Ha, HA, Seriously Josh, you have GOT to be kidding me!"
J: "No Mom, every time I go out in the heat after drinking milk I can feel it turn bad in my stomach."

I just could not continue this dialogue, I laughed for about 10 more minutes but dropped it. Uh, FIFTEEN!



Oh, now he says butter spoils in your stomach too!


For more cute stories click here.

Fall Preparations

Fall is a busy time for home maintenance. It is good to prepare your home for the cold months ahead. A little home maintenance now can prevent problems in the future. Check out the following tips to give you a head start on your home maintenance.

• Clean out the gutters and downspouts. Autumn means lots of falling leaves which tend to wind up in those two places. Removing the debris when most of the leaves have fallen will help ensure that your gutters do not get clogged and cause moisture problems.

• Check the roof for any loose or missing shingles. The cold weather can be tough on loose shingles so get them fixed now.

• Hire a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney. If it gets clogged, it can cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home.

• Have your heater serviced. If you ignore this bit of home maintenance, you may be in for some cold nights!

• Replace the filters and have the ducts cleaned while you’re at it. This improves the efficiency of your heater and the air quality, too.

• Check the weather stripping around doors and windows and caulking them if needed. This is an important step in maintaining your home. You don’t want your warm air to leak out and the cold winter air to creep in.

• Change out your summer screens from your windows and replace them with cold weather storm windows. This can help reduce your energy costs for the winter.

• Check your insulation. For this home maintenance, you may want to get a professional to help. Good insulation is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

• Make sure pipes are all well-insulated. You don’t want a pipe to freeze during the winter weather.

• Check the vents in your attic to make sure that your screens are all in place. Your attic will be much warmer than outside. You may have some unwelcome guests using your attic to hibernate unless you prevent them from getting in.

• Clean and put away your yard tools so that they are ready to go in the spring.

A little work now can help ensure that your home is nice and warm and ready to handle the harsh winter weather.

TT/TAT - Clothes Line Madness

This week I decided to remodel the three boys' room!
Isn't it great??????

NOT! Boy I wish!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No Seriously! This week I tried to hang a clothesline! Actually I hung four, twice so far! And I'm about to seriously give up! Trying to hang them high enough so that the six kiddies don't hang on them, yet I can still reach, and the clothes don't drag the ground!

I was trying to do it without having to buy anything other than clothespins and line but it looks like I am gonna have to get a center support. BUMMER!

I hung out my first four loads Friday and it was so humid it never dried. I then woke up Saturday to find ALL of it on the ground (the hook came out of the 4x4). Tightened everything (AGAIN) and then when it was almost dry---IT POURED!!!!! JEEZ!

I would just give up if I hadn't done a little research on Friday and found out that I could save an average of 74 cents per load! With a family of eight I figured that would amount to approximately $92.00 a month!!!!! In a year approximately $1,104.00!!!!!

That little discovery has encouraged me to continue my efforts!!!!!!

This post is listed at Tack it Tuesday, here, and Talk About Tuesday, here!

MPM

Thanks to Laura The Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday. Post your own plan and go there to link your plan ( on Monday ) or visit her site for new ideas. I don’t assign nights as I like to have a little freedom to cook what I want or what I have time for. I only planned 6 meals as I am sure one night at least will be leftovers.

Grandma's Casserole
Baked Ziti
Leftovers
Smothered hamburger Steaks/Rice
Make Your Own Pizza!!!!
BBQ Chicken w/ rice
Ham, Sweet potato casserole!!!

For more menu ideas click here

My Story - Part One

I have been trying to write "My Story", my cancer experience. I have been having a lot of difficulty getting it down so....maybe installments will encourage me to continue writing it. In order to understand fully, I think you need some background information first so:

I was married to a minister for 17 years. We had four children together. Not going into details, we began getting divorced in 2005. He freaked and turned psycho! Stalked me... broke into my house on a daily basis (get this, wearing surgical gloves).... hid a baby monitor under my dresser... violated the restraining order... police officers said they had never, ever seen such psychotic behavior... went to jail... It's all public record! Oh, no stress there! K, enough with that!

I met Kevin at work. We became great friends. With all the goings on with the soon to be ex, if he would ever stop fighting it, hereinafter called "Crazy", Kevin helped me keep my sanity through all of it. He would come over at a moments notice to deal with Crazy at 3 AM. He'd reconnect all the exterior lights on a regular basis. He'd walk through the house to make sure Crazy wasn't hiding in there. Obviously I relied on him a great deal.

I fell in love with him very quickly. I was scared to death because of a failed marriage already! But I loved him in a way I never could imagine loving anyone. Anyhow, Kevin moved in with us and I became pregnant. Ooops. Stress, stress! One stress after another, after another, after another! Okay, enough background on to the story.....

In December of 2006 I was a newly divorced single mother of four and 26 weeks pregnant when my fiancé, Kevin, found a small lump in one of my breasts. I asked my OB/GYN about it immediately. He told me not to worry about it, even though I was a high risk pregnancy, he was certain it was just breast changes from being pregnant. I did remind him that my mother had breast cancer. He responded that my risk factors were very low. Dismissed.

About a week later Kevin and I both agreed that it was larger, almost twice as large. I asked my OB again he said, “We'll just watch it, don’t worry.” Days go by, now it was about four times the size it was when we had discovered it. Asked him AGAIN. Finally, he scheduled me for an ultrasound.

Three days later I'm big, fat, pregnant, single, at the hospital getting an ultrasound. Then they send me to get a Mammogram. They fitted me with a makeshift lead shield with the lead aprons to protect the baby. Then they sent me back to ultrasound again. The radiologist came in and told me “I don’t like the look of it AT ALL. I am extremely suspicious and we will need to do a biopsy as soon as possible. I would like to do it myself. How is Friday for you? It really doesn’t matter you need to be here on Friday.”

That Friday, January 13th!!! I had the biopsy. Oh My, Oh My, Oh My! Not nice! Unfortunately it was a bit deep! And of course I was alone. The poor valet wouldn't let me leave after the procedure. I was so faint. He sat me down...begged me to call someone to come and get me. I refused. Kevin was at work and I knew he wouldn’t be able to leave so I sucked it up. I pulled over a couple of times on the way home but made it safe and sound.

Monday evening I got the call from my OB. "Sorry Tammy, I sure didn't see this one coming! You have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. This is an extremely aggressive type of cancer so we really have to attack head on. You need to get a lumpectomy followed by Chemotherapy and Radiation. I'm going to call a surgeon friend of mine and get you in as soon as possible." Well, more was said but I only caught that first part. (Sigh) So, that was that.

The following week I met with the surgeon. He explained the procedure and the extra factors that had to be put in place due to the pregnancy. Later that week I had the surgery. They removed one-quarter of my breast. The surgeon was confident he had removed it all. Yay, good news! A 5cm x 5cm x 5cm section that he said was encapsulated (sp?). That's good! Pathology report came back with clear margins! YAY!!!!

Had a drain in it for nearly two weeks. Disgusting!!! My surgeon did a very good job! I had to have an axillary lymph node biopsy on the lymph nodes because I was pregnant and couldn’t have the dye required in the less invasive biopsy. He managed to get out 15 lymph nodes through just the one large scar. Brilliant surgeon.

The recovery from the surgery was fair. Lots of pain and some infection but hey the cancer is out! The pathologist confirmed that it was a very aggressive cancer and they did not like the numbers at all but it was at Stage 2 and I only had 8 more weeks to go until Kiera could be delivered full term. I had appointment with the Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist that next week. The OB, Surgeon, Pathologist, Oncologist, and Radiation oncologist all had a meeting to “discuss my case”. WOW…very impressed…indeed I was…and a bit nervous! After lengthy discussion they all came to an agreement that we should wait to begin further treatment until after the baby came. They agreed to four weeks but my oncologist insisted on six, due to all the other risk factors (Asthma, Premature delivery before, I forgot the term but there is one for five of more children, and yes, advanced maternal age, yes I was 38!, Oh but also the new one, BCa- Breast Cancer).

Kiera matured very, very well. Her scheduled due date came and there we were getting induced. Guess she wasn’t quite ready because she sure did fight it for a while. I chose to have an epidural block. It helped with the progression, however, nearly killed me. Apparently he anesthesiologist gave me too much and it flowed up toward my head instead of down. Virtually hibernating my heart and lungs. Oh, so not good! I had made my OB promise when I said it was time HE WOULD BE THERE! Well NOPE! FINALLY, he arrived and immediately there was the newest addition to our family! An absolutely BEAUTIFUL, itty, bitty baby girl.

Okay, that's enough for right now, how am I doing????

Scripture Sunday

Giggles!

This was emailed to me I regret I cannot give the source but it is waaaay too cute to not post!

PH #1 - Road

PhotoHunt: #1 - Road Since I have six children the road in front of our home get a TON of use!

Here is our second son, G, this past summer!

Self Breast Exam Reminder

When you're young, breast cancer is probably the furthest thing from your mind. However, it shouldn’t be. Although breast cancer in young women is significantly less common among those from 20 to 39, it does happen. Don’t believe it won’t happen to you, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38 while pregnant with our sixth child. Finding time to incorporate breast self exam into your monthly schedule is easy when you realize just how important it is. Since my birthday in on the 19th of the month I have chosen to do my exams on the 19th of every month and I will remind my readers to do their exams your's too.

1. Except for certain types of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women of all ages. Although the most confirmed and noteworthy risk factors for developing breast cancer are gender and growing older.

2. Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer often experience a more aggressive cancer and a lower chance of survival. This fact alone is enough to make early detection and breast self exam crucial for younger women.

3. Generally, screening mammograms are recommended at age 40. Sadly, this occasionally results in younger women not being diagnosed with breast cancer until the cancer is in a later stage, and can lower their chance of survival.

4. Because breast tissue isn't as thick when you're younger it can make diagnosis of breast cancer difficult. For this reason young women should begin monthly breast self exam at age 20, so that you can become familiar with how your breasts look and how they feel, thereby making it easier for you to notice any changes in your breasts.

5. Because the lifetime risk of breast cancer is one in seven for American women, establishing good breast health practices while you are still young can reduce your chance of getting breast cancer at a later stage.

Remember, anytime you see or feel any kind of change in your breast(s) you should see your health-care provider. Only a qualified medical professional can definitively diagnose the cause of breast issues. Breast changes don't always mean breast cancer, but they do mean you should see your doctor.

Click HERE for instructions on how to perform a self breast-exam.

More information about breast cancer and young women is available at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation website. Source: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

PSF - #2 Sleeping Beauties

Okay now everyone together----"Awe!!!!!!!!"
Yes the cat was sleeping too!
She fell asleep on the floor right next to her crib.

I have just entered this in the Sleeping Angel Contest at 5MinutesforMom
If my little Ki (number six) here wins the bedroom (answer to prayers for sure I would say) I'm sure she would absolutely adore the Lily Rose Collection.

Attention Bloggers! There is a brand spankin' new photo meme right here every Saturday called Exposed!! Pick a photo from anywhere! Yours, Flickr, anything! Post it and write about why it intrigues you then link to us right here. For more guidelines and buttons click here.

Scripture

Philippians 2:2Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

Quote

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”
—Henry Miller

TT - Doubled Up! Cancer Bites and is a Blessing Too

Today I'm gonna do two versions the first Thirteen Reasons why Cancer Bites!

The second version, Thirteen Reasons Cancer is a blessing.

Cancer Bites........

1. Exhaustion - totally and completely! Unfortunately it seems that it will never, ever go away!
2. Ugliness -Baldness - Brrrr and my some people are surprisingly extremely rude! Completely washed out!
3. Surgeries = Pain (Please don't stick me AGAIN!)
4. Emotional Rollercoaster Ride.
5. Okay already, I know I have six children including the newborn. (I was pregnant when diagnosed.)
6. Poverty Unsurmountable.
7. Instant Menopause = hot flashes, weight gain, insomnia, exhaustion!
8. Oh My! The horrible unforgetable smell of chemotherapy. oh! Nauseating!
9. Nightmares, literally. Well, I believe they are actually called night terrors! Horrible unimaginable ones....I could compete with Steven King very, very well. I think it is the Tamoxifen.
10. No babysitters anywhere and I just can't breathe, think, or feel. I just want to sleep for 30 minutes. Can't stand up long enough to cook! Much less the smell of it!
11. School buses promptly at 6:20 and 6:45 regardless of ability to move a muscle. Gotta get the oldest four up and ready........
12. Okay, this is a HUGE one, "Oh you have cancer? My friend (Dad, Mom, sister, uncle, whatever!) died from cancer." Oh come on, let's think for a moment how could that possibly encourage me. I cannot count the number of times this happened! Seriously!
13. Uninsurable forevermore.

Cancer Was Also a Blessing.....

1. I appreciate life more.
2. I am WAY, WAY more patient with others.
3. The understanding that you have NO IDEA what is going on in other peoples lives and you really cannot judge them in any way shape or form.
4. It gave me the opportunity to bond a little with other survivors.
5. Very quick showers and dressing (no hair = no shampooing, conditioning, brushing, curling and even no shaving!)
6. I have somewhat become an advocate for self-exams.
7. I know how strong I am.
8. I know who I can and cannot count on!
9. I know the Lord isn't quite done with me down here.
10. The birth of our healthy sweet #6 blessing, Kiera, even despite the cancer in my body.
11. hmmm, running a little dry here, but thinking....I have a story to tell now, wish I could be diligent enough to finish getting is down on paper.
12. Hey, I like pink anyhow, you know....the pink ribbons.
13. I will be able to encourage other cancer patients!!!

This took me two weeks to do! LOL!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

TILT - Olay Regenerist

Oil of Olay - Regenerist is absolutely the most amazing moisturizer ever concocted! I am 40 years old, mother of six, been through chemotherapy and radiation and still have super soft skin! I began moisturizing at 20 twice a day religiously! Amazing stuff!!! Well worth the price!!!! PROMISE!!!

For more TILT participant click here

Wordless Wednesday

I know the quality of this picture is horrendous! Sorry! It's all we have though. This is a flashback to March 2006. The day #6 our little Kiera joined us. See the hair on my head?? I lost it all a week later due to the chemotherapy, the doctors gave me six days to recooperate after delivery. Praise the Lord she was brought into our lives and I'm onto the medication part of the cancer therapy. CHECK YOUR TATAS LADIES!!!!!

For more Wordless Wednesday posts click here.

Wordless Wednesday Participants

1. Laura

2. Jyl at MommyGossip

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