Kiki's First Fish

While camping, Kiki decided she wanted to fish. Problem: no poles. Did she care? Nope. She grabbed a string, a hook, and a leftover piece of sausage—and two minutes later, she caught a fish!

Yep. Christmas wish? A real fishing pole, of course.

Kiera is Engaged

Kiki told me a story tonight: When she was on the school bus today a boy asked her "Will you marry me?" Kiki being in kindergarten told the boy, "no". She then told me, "But mommy, he is handsome." (Mommy and Miranda both say awe..... Now your turn.)

My Five Year Old Daughter and Her Children are Moving In

We’re heading to Dollar Tree tonight after picking up all the big kids from track and drama practice. Kiki is fully prepared, armed with her life savings—$2.60—collected from random house discoveries and her first visit from the Tooth Fairy.

On the drive to the junior high:

Kiki: Maybe I should save all this money so I can buy a house.
Me: Houses cost a lot of money, honey. More than you can even count.
Kiki: Oh.

Later…

Kiki: Mommy, when I’m a mom, I’m going to live with you.
Me: Why? So I can help with the kids?
Kiki: No.
Me: Because you love me so much?
Kiki: No.
Me: Then why, Kiki?
Kiki: Because I don’t have enough money to buy a house.

Love her.

Paper golf phase 2

Nathan expanded his paper golf course!

Paper Golf Anyone?

Nathan, my little brilliant 12 year old, apparently was bored after he completed the mock testing at school yesterday. He created this elaborate paper ball golf course. The double with the ramp and chute certainly would be a challenge.

Should I Read my Oncology Report?

Today marks six years since I had my breast cancer surgery while I was 29 weeks pregnant with Kiera. My journey has shaped who I am, but I’ll be honest—I’m tired of it. I am deeply grateful to be a survivor; many men and women don’t get the same outcome. I started this blog hoping to encourage others facing the same fight, to show that a positive outcome is possible. But honestly… sometimes I just want a break from thinking about cancer.

Last week at work, I had a long conversation with a customer who had the exact same diagnosis I did. I really enjoyed that connection—it’s comforting to know you’re not alone.

I also talked with friends on Facebook about my lingering urge to read my oncology reports—ones I’ve never been able to get through. The last time I tried, I got three paragraphs in and read, “extremely high chance of disease recurrence,” and I cried for days. I wondered if I should finally read them all—maybe the doctor had changed his mind.

That’s when my friends reminded me what matters:

• “Maybe GOD changed his mind! You’re here, you’re healthy! Why dwell on what someone said six years ago?”

• “Will reading this enrich your life? Is it really worth it?”

• “Make yourself a cake and celebrate!”

• “Live life to the fullest!”

Don’t I have marvelous friends? I do. I know I do. No looking back—just moving forward and enjoying life to the fullest. After all, I’ve heard that 90% of what we worry about never even happens!

PS… I love you ladies!

Six Year Cancerversary

Today is Friday the 13th—January 13, 2012. Six years ago today, on Friday the 13th of January 2006, I was five months pregnant with my fifth child, getting a biopsy on my breast. As you know if you’re reading this blog, the results came back Monday: Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. That led to surgery, an induced childbirth, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Honestly, these past six years have sometimes felt like fifteen. It’s been a challenge, but I am so grateful to continue being a part of my children’s lives every day.

Here’s to another forty years cancer-free!