My Very Own Christmas Angel

Early in December, I had a surprise visit from my very own Christmas angel. Olivia is the daughter of my friend Beth and they raised money and walked with me on the "Race for the Cure", in October. Her mom called early one morning and said Olivia had a special surprise for me and asked if they could stop by. A little while later, Olivia showed up with an adorable pink bear that she had saved her money to buy for Miss Susie! Olivia made the bear at Build a Bear in the mall, filled her with love, and even dressed her in a pink outfit. Olivia named her Passion because she remembered the name of my team was Pink Ribbon Passion and she has a pink ribbon on the bottom of her foot in support of BC! Olivia was full of smiles and giggles when she gave me the bear and was sure to tell me she put a special heart inside of Passion for me! We exchanged lots of hugs that morning! Thank you Olivia, you're one special little girl!

Thankful

I am thankful for...

life...each day is a precious gift
Jesus, my Savior
my faith & hope
my devoted husband, a man of integrity
sensitive and loving daughters
a compassionate son in law
three adorable and silly grandsons
the support of my parents
my extended family
friends, both old and new
the sound of laughter
the power of prayer
God's healing touch
opportunities to share God's love
worship through music
challenges that test my faith
blessings that renew my hope
God's Word to encourage my heart

I am so blessed and I pray that God will allow me to be a blessing to others!

Happy Thanksgiving!

MRI

Why is it that you don't have to do something until you know you can't? If you've ever had the pleasure of having an MRI, you understand to what I'm referring? On the way to the room, the tech asked if I needed to use the bathroom to which I responded, no I'm fine, thanks. So, we proceed to the room and I'm positioned on the table. I'm given some headphones so the sound of the machine is muffled. She cranks up some music...certainly not my choice but I try and relax. My eyes must remain shut and as if she doesn't trust me to do this, she places a wash cloth over my eyes. I wonder if they use a clean wash cloth for each patient? Hmmm. I'm handed a panic button and my hands are clasped on it...just in case I need to get out NOW! I'm rolled into the machine and I'm told not to move...just try to relax. The music is annoying and interrupted by her voice at the beginning of each cycle of the machine. I'm relieved to know, I haven't been sent in to bake and then forgotten! I wonder the "what ifs"...what if I have some metal in my body, you know something left over from a surgery. I recently watched ER where they rolled the patient in on the wrong gurney (metal of course) and the patient was smashed between the machine and the gurney. Why do I watch these shows? I try to relax and start praying, not because I'm scared...just taking advantage of the "quiet time". Now that I can't move, I become very aware of an itch on my face and want to reach up and scratch. I tell my self to ignore it. I continue to pray. Suddenly, I have a tickle in my throat and I'm telling myself...don't cough, don't cough, while I try to swallow to sooth the irritation and focus on praying! Then, I start feeling the need to use the bathroom but I know I must be about done. Just then, her voice breaks through the music and clacking of the machine to tell me I'm half way done. Great...my bladder is going to bust! I'm comforted just to know I have the panic button, should I need it. Pray! I start to chuckle, thinking of my dilemma. I'm reminded of my grandsons who are more enticed to do something when they are told it's off limits and I can relate more than ever. I continue to pray for my family and friends, for the outcome of the procedure. Before long, the clunking and whirling sound of the machine stops and the tech breaks through to tell me it's over! Thank you, Lord! I find Art in the waiting room and gracefully make a bee line to the little girls room! Whew...glad that's done!

PVC Picnic

In Loving Memory...

One year ago today, my friend Peggie entered heavens gates after a seven year battle with breast cancer. Peggie was special to me for many different reasons. Most importantly, she is the mother of my son-in-law, Jeff and she raised him to be a devoted follower of Christ and a man of integrity! Peggie and I proudly shared the grandma role of our three grandsons from Jeff and Stacey.

My friendship with Peggie goes back many years, long before our children fell in love! We attended church together and about 20 years ago, Art and I worked with Jeff's parents in a camping ministry, just outside of Show Low, for several years. Peggie and I spent summer's together in the camp office, handling registrations, donations and other office related issues, as well as helping in the kitchen, and anywhere else we were needed. During the off season, I worked out of their home office in Phoenix, assisting her with camp related tasks. I learned a great deal from Peggie during those years. She was a very humble servant and a strong woman of faith! She had a deep love for God and a heart for children. I enjoyed sitting in and listening to her tell Bible stories at camp and seeing the faces of the children as she talked about Jesus. We all lovinly referred to her as "Aunt Peggie". I have a lot of fond memories of time spent with Aunt Peggie, especially relating to the ministry of Victory Heights Bible Camp.

She had a huge impact on my daughter's from a very early age! They grew up loving "Aunt Peggie" and little did we know that she would one day be Stacey's mother-in-law.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Peggie was near the end of her battle. We didn't speak too many words about the BC but when I visited her at hospice, a few days before my surgery, she assured me that she was praying for me.

Today, I know she is in heaven with our Savior and I look forward to seeing her again one day!

Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)

Find a Cure...

Exchange

Tuesday I had my exchange surgery and I'm home recovering now. Those of you who are familiar with the process, you'll understand what the exchange surgery involves. For those of you who aren't sure what it is, I'll briefly explain.

First, let me just say that although I am a very private person, I have felt compelled from the beginning of my journey with breast cancer to be transparent and honest about my experience so that others can learn from my story. The current statistics are that one in 8 women will be diagnosed with BC in their lifetime. Now, think about the number of women in your life...who might be touched by this disease? Perhaps, traveling this journey with me, will allow you to be educated and comfortable supporting someone else...until the day we find a cure!

October of 2007, when I was diagnosed, I had a bilateral mastectomy. A few weeks later, the plastic surgeon went back in and inserted expanders in to my chest. I saw the doctor weekly to have saline injected into the expanders to gradually expand my chest and make room for implants. In April, I had to have the expanders replaced because one was defective and I had to start the process again. The exchange surgery is when the doctor removes the expander and replaces it with a breast implant. Although it is impossible to re-create a breast after such radical surgery, the goal is to at least make you feel "a little more normal". Obviously, it will never be the same again!

It's an odd feeling, going to sleep and not knowing what to expect when you wake up. I have to admit, I wasn't overly thrilled with the outcome. However, it has caused me to think about the final exchange that will take place one of these days! I know that someday, I will be given a perfect body, without blimish or scar and I will forever be with my Savior! Until then, the scars are a reminder of what He has done for me and I will share the good news of Christ as long as I have breath!

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ~2 Corinthians 4:18

It was a beautiful day...

Yesterday, 18 of my family and friends joined me for the 5k Race for the Cure! It was beautiful day, in more ways than one! The weather was perfect! The atmosphere was incredible as we were amongst the crowd of 33,000 runners and walkers at the State Capitol District at 17th Avenue and Adams Street. I was overwhelmed by the number of pink shirts, indicating breast cancer survivors, and I was proud to be one of them.

Organizers say the event raised approximately $2 million dollars!! My team, Pink Ribbon Passion, raised $2,475!! Up to 75 percent of the proceeds raised from the event will stay in central and northern Arizona to fund education, screening and treatment projects. Twenty-five percent will go directly to the Komen Research Grants and Awards program for breast cancer research.

Thank you, Pink Ribbon Passion Team!!

My family

Art, Stacey, Sherry & Josh.

My friends

Shawnette, Shannon, Karen, Mackenzie, Savannah, Silvana, Colette,

Beth, Rick, Olivia, Jolene, Kassy, Carmen, & Carlos.

Special thanks to Tim, Justin, & their side kick, Katie,

for doing an awesome job of following along

and capturing the entire event in photos and on video!

Oh, and for those of you who knew I broke my toe about 10 days before the race...thanks for not laughing too hard!! My little piggie is pretty sore today but we managed just fine!

Race for the Cure

Yesterday, Sherry and I went to Paradise Valley and picked up the shirts for the 19 members of Pink Ribbon Passion!! So far, our team has raised a little over $2000 for the cause. I have been asked about the Susan G. Komen organization and some of the things that they stand for, so for the record let me say, as a christian, I do not support all of their ideas or views. However, they have been instrumental in raising the awareness of breast cancer and have done a lot in our community with their efforts. I am one of those fortunate women who found her breast cancer in it's early stage, which may save my life. Honestly, without all of the community awareness and talk about checking yourself, perhaps I would not have found mine when I did. I don't know. In comparison, I don't appreciate all the items my local grocery store sells and supports, however, I do need their services to provide food for my family and I continue to shop there.

I can appreciate the differing views and if you feel strongly about it, then certainly you should not be involved in it and I completely respect your choice. For myself, being dramatically effected by this horrible disease, I will stand behind those who raise awareness regarding breast cancer and support finding a cure. I hope you can respect my position, as well.

One Year Ago Today

It's hard to believe that one year ago today, I was diagnosed with breast cancer! What an incredible year it has been with surgeries, chemo, treatments, etc. Never before have I felt God's presence in my life, experienced the support of family and friends, the way I have during this journey!

Recently, during our women's home team (bible study), I was listening to Beth Moore talk about the presence of God. She referred to the story of Moses and how he was faced with going on with so much but without the presence of God and he refused to move forward unless he knew God's presence would be with him. My eyes filled with tears as I thought to myself, I would rather have cancer and know the presence of God than to have perfect health without His presence. I shared that with my friends that night and I've thought about it nearly every day since that night. It was a powerful moment in my life as I verbalized those feelings. I mean them with all my heart!!

Looking back, there have been some treasured moments in my life during this year. Blessings I may not have known without traveling down this path.

Some of those special blessings were: 1) Being loved and cared for by my family, like never before! 2) Having friends pray over me - women who had never prayed out loud before! 3) Sharing my journey and hope in Christ with so many! 4) Receiving so many hugs, words of encouragement, and tokens of love! 5) Seeing God provide for our every need - more than I could have hoped or imagined!

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. ~Ephesians 3:20

Our Little Musician

Kids are always fascinated with music, aren't they? Well, he's no different! He loves to sneak into the dining room and touch the piano keys. In fact, the risk of pinching his fingers in the cover is worth it to him because he goes back again and again.

When he was able to sit on the bench and play, he thought he was really something special...and he is! He was really getting in the groove this time around! He's even working on his stage presence and establishing eye contact with his audience...not bad for 15 months old!

He's so darn cute!

Smoothie Time

This is one of my favorite kitchen gadgets!! It's like the Magic Bullet but it's the Cook's brand from JC Penney. I got mine on sale for $19 which was quite a bargain!

Seth was at the house this morning and I offered to fix him a smoothie.

Of course, he was excited because he LOVES fruit & yogurt smoothies!

The only problem for him is the sound...he is very sensitive to noise!

He covered his ears but couldn't stop slurping!!

This kid even covers his ears when he flushes the toilet.

If he's able, he'll cover his ears and flush with his elbow!

Pretty funny to see!!

You know kids, they can't leave the straw in the drink.

For some reason it tastes better when you can lick and slurp from the other end of it.

I love enjoying the simple things in life with my grandkids!

Overcome with Emotions

Lately, it seems like I get emotional over the littlest things! Maybe it's the fact that I'm nearing the one year mark since I was diagnosed with BC. I don't know! Maybe it's hormones...I think I still have a few of those running around in my body! Maybe it's the frustration from the nagging headaches I seem to have everyday, lately. Perhaps, it's all the talk and planning for the Race for the Cure, next month. Maybe it's a combination of everything!!

I'm so excited that I have 19 family and friends on my team, Pink Ribbon Passion! So far, we've raised about $1335 in donations!! My 7 year old grandson signed up last night to be a part of the team and he's taking it very seriously. This little guy has had both of his grandmas touched by this horrible disease. His Grandma Peggie was a long time friend of mine and she entered heaven's gates a few short weeks after my diagnosis. So he knows more than most little boys, his age, about the seriousness of breast cancer.

He is one reason why I'm determined to fight this battle...and win!

Time is Running Out

If you're interested in walking with me, my family, and friends for the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure, on Sunday, October 12, you must sign up soon! The deadline to add team members is this Wednesday, September 17 (there is no team registration after the 17th or on race day)! The cost is $25 to register for the walk ($15 for kids 12 and under) and that includes a commemorative t-shirt to wear on race day. You will also have your own webpage where you can receive donations towards our team goal!

Last year, 37,000 participants enjoyed the Phoenix Race and raised over $1.9 million to help us meet our vision of a world without breast cancer. Join me and the thousands of people who will gather in Phoenix in the State Capitol District to take part in this 16th Annual charity event! Go to our team page and click on "join our team".

I signed up to do the 5k walk which is about 3.5 miles. If you are unable to participate, you can show your support by making an online donation at the Race for the Cure site which will help me reach my fundraising goal!

Thank you!

About Komen:
Since 1993, the Affiliate has raised over $13 million to fight breast cancer for research and the local STEP grant program (Screening, Treatment and Education Program). Up to 75% of all monies raised stays within our local community, and 25% funds the Komen Award and Research Grant Program. Read more...

Pink Ribbon Passion ~ Race for the Cure ~ Deadline, September 17th!!

It's hard to believe that next month will mark one year since I was diagnosed with BC!! The past year has been full of challenges and blessings! Not a day goes by that I don't think about having BC and how thankful I am to be here today!

Next month is also National Breast Care Awareness Month and my daughter's and I will be walking in the Komen Race for the Cure, on October 12! I'm currently raising funds towards my personal goal of $500 in donations. If you are interested in supporting this cause, please go to my webpage, where you can make a tax deductible donation of any amount. Remember, no amount is too small and if we all work together, we can make a huge difference!

Did you know that…

• Breast Cancer accounts for more than 1 in 4 cancers diagnosed in women in the U.S.?

• Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women?

• White women will have the highest incidence rates of breast cancer, but African-American women will have the highest mortality rates?

• An estimated 2,800 women in Arizona will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year?

• 600 women in Arizona will die of breast cancer this year?

Last year, I became one of the statistics!
Last year, my son-in-laws mother and my dear friend, lost her battle against BC!

I must do my part to fight this disease and support the efforts to find a cure!

If you are interested in becoming a part of the "Pink Ribbon Passion" team and participating in this event, please visit my team website to sign up. You must register by September 17th if you want to be a part of the team!!

To make a tax deductible donation towards my personal goal, please visit my personal webpage or click on the link in the upper left-hand of this website.

Thank you for your love and support!

California Here We Come

It was a spur of the moment decision at the beginning of the week and now

we are packed up and headed for California!

What a good looking chauffeur we have for our Labor Day (Ford) Expedition!

We're crammed in like sardines..

ready for an adventure...

good thing we like being together!
Stacey woke up with a bad headache and dry heaves...

not a good way to start vacation.
Fortunately, she is feeling better now!!

Buckled up for safety and ready for some fun!

The boys are excited...including Jeff!

California, here we come!

Good Results

I had the ultrasound done yesterday and the radiologist looked at it while I was there. He said he didn't see anything abnormal, although it's a little more difficult with the expanders in there. I will see my doctor next week for a follow-up and she will determine if I need the MRI or not.

The ultrasound was done and I had to lay on the table for about 10 minutes while waiting for the tech to return with the results. It was somewhat of a deja vu experience for me. As I lay there, praying and asking God to have His hand upon me and trusting Him for the results, my eyes started to fill as I blinked back the tears, remembering the diagnosis day! Whew! Memories flooded my mind and for those ten minutes, I re-lived so many experiences of the past year...good and bad! I felt the peace of God sweep across my body, just as I have felt so many times before! I saw the faces of so many family and friends who have been my cheerleaders on this journey! Even now, I am overcome with emotions, just thinking about it all!

None of us know what lies in our future but I do know that God has numbered my days from the moment He gave me life and nothing will change His plan! I'm confident that He will see me through, as I trust Him for each new day!

Thanks for your prayers!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~Psalm 139:13-14

Ultrasound

Today I will have an ultrasound done because of some soreness I've been having in my underarm on the same side as I had the BC. The likely source is from the expander but because of the location, we have to make sure that's all it is. I will see the doctor next week for the results.

Thanks for praying!!

Just wanted to let you know that the New Homeland Security Bill has passed. Things will be different now and Internet surfing as you know it will be tracked by what the FBI calls a 'non intrusive method.' The FBI says you will hardly notice anything different.

For a demonstration, click on the link below:

Homeland Security

Dad Took a Tumble

My dad had been doing remarkably well since we brought him home from the care center about 3 weeks ago. Yesterday, he took a tumble and was taken to the ER via ambulance...again! So far, it doesn't appear that anything is broken (praise God) but he got scrapped up and is really sore in his lower back. As usual, once he's in the hospital, they seem to find other concerns to evaluate while he's there. Due to his liver failure, his stomach bloats out and makes him look nine months pregnant and requires his stomach to be tapped. He just had that done last week but they want to do it again before they release him from the hospital. Also, they are evaluating if he is having some congestive heart failure again. Hopefully today they will drain his stomach, do his dialysis, and then release him.

I'm sure he's going to be sore for several days!

Two Thumbs Up

I've had lots of aches and pains in my joints over the past several weeks which lead to my doctor ordering nerve conduction tests. I've seen a hand specialist twice now and he determined that I have some nerve damage, arthritis, trigger joints, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel. Some of it could be side effects from chemo and my medication, Arimidex, (which I have to take for at least 5 years to reduce the risk of recurrence of the cancer), or at least those two things have caused these other underlying issues to rear their ugly heads with a vengeance!

Last week I had EMG's done on my hands and legs. My joints had progressively gotten worse and by the time I saw the hand specialist again on Monday, my right thumb wouldn't bend and my middle finger on the left hand wouldn't straighten out. He gave me four shots (OUCH!)...one in each wrist and one in the thumb and finger. Now, they are moving much better and I'm sleeping with wrist splints to help with the carpal tunnel. Surgery may be in the future but hopefully not anytime soon.

I've been a little down and discouraged lately because of these annoying and painful issues. I'm happy to be able to give two thumbs up (really) today and rejoicing in the relief from the shots.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever! ~Psalms 73:26

Traveling Pants...

Here is a great opportunity to send your used blue jeans on a traveling adventure of their own!

This Friday and Saturday Mervyns will give you $5 off denim for him & her or $3 off kids' denim when you bring in your gently used, clean jeans. Declare that you're gonna put your blues to good use. Discount excludes Levi's®. All donated jeans will go to The Salvation Army, so use your blues for a great cause.

Contact a Mervyns near you for details. Some restrictions apply.

My Brother Hits The Big 50!!

My brother, Steve, celebrated his 50th birthday this month!

He has played such an important role in my life

and I value my relationship with him.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer

he was one of the first people to call me.

He knows the gut wrenching feeling

of receiving a devastating diagnosis,

as he was diagnosed with Parkinson's about 3 1/2 years ago.

He has the ability of making you laugh in the midst of tears.

The day he called me, he said, "I just have one question...

where was the lifeguard at our gene pool?"

We laughed and cried together that day

and he and my sister-in-law, Cindy,

have been a huge support for me during the past year!

Steve and Cindy with their four beautiful daughters,

Danah, Jennifer, Stephanie & Leslie.

Danah came in from WI to celebrate her dad's big day!

Steve and "kids" from his youth group...back in the day!

They planned and executed a surprise

Luau 50th Birthday Celebration!

They did an incredible job of honoring Steve and showing their

heart-felt appreciation for his sacrifice during their teen years.

He was emotional and speechless!

They're all 30+ now and have families of their own.

Some of them were a "real challenge" during their youth.

It was so awesome to be together with them again

and learn about their families, careers,

and most of all, their spiritual growth!

My sister Karen, her husband John, Art and I were all

involved with Steve during his ministry as Youth Pastor.

Art and I served and taught some of these kids

during their Jr. High years.

One, of them is Jeff, who is now our son-in-law!!

My mom and dad started it all...in many ways!
Dad was the Pastor of the church for 30+ years!
Dad had just come home from the care center a week earlier

and we were thrilled to have him there with us.

He's 7 Years Old

Happy 7th Birthday Buddy!

He's very special to this grandma!! We live in the same neighborhood, attend the same church and he wants to spend the night every weekend! He calls me on the phone to share silly stories or ask questions that he thinks his parents don't have the right answer to. He loves to help me bake brownies or cookies and plans to be a baker one day and own his own shop. If you ask him, he will give you the details and design of his bakery. I love for him to share his big dreams with me!!



Proud parents of this special young man!


He's doing a pretty good job of raising them and teaching them what they need to know about parenting!

Best friends!!

They've been best friends since they were just preschoolers. They went to Kindergarten and 1st grade together but the 2nd graders will attend separate schools this year. They'll be lost without each other!

Can you believe she's about 6 months older than him?









What kid doesn't love to go to Peter Piper Pizza? He's no different. He loves to spend $10 in tokens to earn tickets to buy $2 worth of toys! It's the challenge, I guess!












Here he is with his new guitar and amplifier! He thinks he's a rock star now! He's actually pretty good on it! More than anything...he looks VERY COOL!


I know God has big plans for this young man. He has a tender heart and loves Jesus!

Be My Support, Be My Strength, Be My Bra

I received an email with the following information and I checked it out on snopes.com Although I'm not sure how effective the petition may be, it's worth the effort to try and protect women who are facing breast cancer!

From a nurse...

I'll never forget the look in my patients eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and no breast. I remember begging the Doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies. So there I sat with my patients, giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank You' they muttered.

A mastectomy is when a woman's breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a Mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery. It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important. Please take the time and do it!

If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through' Mastectomy where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached. Lifetime Television has put this bill on their Web page with a petition drive to show support. Last year over half the House signed on.

PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name, state, and zip code.

Be My Support, Be My Strength, Be My Bra!

Boys!

I love every minute with these three guys!
When they are around, you never know what to expect!















They are each so loveable, playful, ornery, and affectionate!
















As they are growing...they are learning that having each other around can be a lot of fun!
Can you imagine when they are teenagers? Oh my goodness!
















They're already learning the advantages of ganging up on each other, too!
Big brother has his hands full!
















At the end of the day...there's always enough love and hugs to go around!

29 Years of Marriage!

THEN...

Monday, Art and I celebrated 29 years of marriage! We met at church when I was in 6th grade and he was in 7th. His sister and I were friends and he told her that he was going to marry me. Of course, when she relayed the message to me I laughed. Little did I know that he would turn out to be my hubby!

We started dating when I was 16 and got engaged at the beginning of my senior year in high school (hard to believe). I turned 18 in May, graduated high school in June and we were married in July of 1979. I was 18, he was 19 and we didn't really have a plan for our future. We just knew that we loved each other and believed that God had a plan for our lives together. It's not necessarily the best way to jump into marriage but that's the honest truth!

I was recalling a funny story recently. We had been married a short time and were having a little disagreement. I was upset and stepped outside the house and was leaning against the wall thinking. Just then, I heard Art call out through the screen door..."if you walk out that door, don't plan on coming back." He had no idea I was already outside the door! Eventually, he came to look for me and found me outside crying. He laughed and said something like "don't be silly, get inside the house". I just remember us laughing our heads off about it later!

It seems like our life has been a roller coaster. Oh, I'm not referring to our marriage, in fact, I'm happy to say that we've only experienced minor rifts in our 29 years together. I'm just referring to the joys and trials that God has allowed in our life. You know when you get on the roller coaster how you're ready for a thrill, a little anxious and maybe slightly nervous. You get on the ride with your companion, buckle up and hold on. The ride starts out slow but quickly you're moving upward anticipating what may come next. You've got your hands in the air, feeling brave, laughing and living it up. You reach the top but then the ride takes a plunge, your heart is pounding and you may have to pull your hands back down to hold on. You're whipped around a corner or two, laughing and screaming, looking forward, enjoying the ride! Things come at you quickly, like an unexpected twist or turn but there are sections of the track that allow you to regain your composer and throw your hands back in the air with confidence. Then, when you least expect it, you're descending at what seems like an incredible speed and you feel like you can't catch your breath. You're thrown into a loop, just holding on, trying to focus, thankful that you're buckled in! It's almost overwhelming and you wonder when the ride will be over. Just then you feel the roller coaster car slowing down and coming to a stop. You look at your companion with relief and then you're faced with a big decision...should we do it again? My answer is YES...with all the ups and downs, twists and turns, I would do it again and I can't imagine ever doing this life without Art, the love of my life and God...who keeps me buckled up and safe for the ride!

NOW!

Happy 4th of July!

I'm Proud To Be An American (watch video here)
Written By Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, '
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to L.A.
, There's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say:

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, '
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A.

Remember when...

I've been reading this book, "I Need Your Strength Lord", by Emilie Barnes. It was a gift from a friend when I learned I had BC and it's full of encouraging words of hope! It's a book about finding God's strength amid distressing circumstances.

I would like to share a little bit of the book with you!

"Remember when...

Children just love to play that game. They love to hear and tell and retell family stories, memorizing the particular set of happenings and experiences that made the family what it is. Children understand instinctively that hope for tomorrow is built on memories of yesterday.

In other words, though hope is a forward-looking quality, it is strengthened by looking backward---especially when we look backward with eyes of faith. The more you look back in gratitude for what God has done for you in the past, and the more you retell the stories of his work in your life, the more easily you'll believe that God will do good things in the future.

Our memories can be so short, sometimes---and I'm not talking about forgetting where we put the car keys! We forget so easily the laws God has given us for our own benefit, the guidelines that are intended to help us live in hope. We forget as well the gifts of grace that shape our lives---the miracles of help and encouragement and redemption that keep us moving around and between and beyond the barriers in our lives. And this forgetfulness is one of the primary reasons we lose hope.

And so it's important to look back and remember. It's important to tell and retell the stories of who we were and what God has done in our lives and what he requires of us. The more care we take in preserving these tales of how God has worked in the past, the more powerful and realistic our hope will be---and the more hope we'll be able to share with others.

It really works. As we tell each other such stories, recounting the times we've seen God work in our lives---our discouragement fades and our hope grows more confident."

YOUR WHOLE LIFE CAN BE A STORY OF HOPE IF YOU LEARN HOW TO HEAR IT AND TELL IT! ~Emilie Barnes

So, my friend, what has God done for you in the past that gives you hope for the future? I would love to hear your stories of hope!

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the people. ~Psalm 77:11-14

Fill 'er Up

Today I went to the plastic surgeon for a "fill up" and then we stopped by the gas station to get another type of fill up. Both were painful!

Can you believe these gas prices? We sure have learned to give more thought to our frequent trips out and about. We opt to stay closer to home and find ourselves asking, "do we really need to go there"? When we do go out, we try to make the most of the trip by taking care of as much business as possible.

This morning we saw gas for $3.99 and we got excited...how pathetic!!

Cruisin' for Breast Cancer on the Cruise

No, I didn't go on a cruise but my good friend Beth did recently!! She was on a cruise with her hubby and daughter and had an opportunity to participate in the On Deck for the Cure walk! She said 100 people walked for the cure and raised $1,000! It was freezing that morning, overcast and windy but she did it for me (and others)! She's the one in the picture with the knee brace on and she's having surgery next week! What a friend!

It was really awesome when she emailed me and said that she had thought about me 22 nautical miles off the coast of Mexico! I guess it was the next best thing to being there, right?

I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends! The gals in this picture are my friends who meet at my home for Bible study! Each one of them have a special place in my heart and they have prayed me through this journey and fight against breast cancer!

I've Been Tagged for the Favorite Four

I've never done one of these before but Sherry tagged me, so here it goes!

Four jobs I've had:
1. Clerical
2. Transcriber (sat with headphones listening to cassette tapes and typing up accident reports for an insurance company...boring! Didn't last long!!)
3. Assistant for special needs preschool class. Preschool teacher one year at a Christian school.
4. Realtor

Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. While You Were Sleeping
2. Speed
3. Miss Congeniality
4. My Girl

Four places I've lived:
1. Hawaii (only first six months of my life)
2. California (9 years)
3. Arizona (37 years)
4. Final destination...heaven

Four TV shows I watch:
1. Law & Order
2. CSI
3. American Gladiators
4. Extreme Makeover

Four places I've been:
1. South Dakota - Mt. Rushmore
2. Kansas
3. Oklahoma
4. Nebraska
(Quite the world traveler, huh?)

Four people who email me regularly:
1. Beth Munoz
2. Karen (my girl brother)
3. Karen Lipps
4. Stacey Thomas

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Mexican (green corn tamales)
2. Italian (eggplant parmesan)
3. Asian (orange chicken)
4. American (chicken fried chicken)

Four places I would love to visit:
1. Hawaii (want to go there with my hubby)
2. Kentucky (to see my friend Melanie)
3. California (love taking the grand kids there!)
4. New York

Four things I'm looking forward to in the coming year:
1. Possible vacation with my family
2. Celebrating 1 year cancer free in October
3. Reconstruction surgery and getting these darn expanders out!
4. Selling houses...what a novel idea!!

Four friends I'm tagging:
1. Shawnette
2. Donna
3. Beth (cuz she's starting her blog soon!)
4. Everyone else has done it!!

Blessings in Ordinary Days!

Recently, I have been blessed by two strangers while out in my community. It just so happens that each of these women were breast cancer survivors!

First, I was shopping in JC Penney's with my sister (or as Seth calls her, my girl brother) where I was checking out the clearance racks in the kids department. Another gal was shopping in the same area but I wasn't really aware of her because I was on a mission...looking for a bargain! Then, the lady excused herself and spoke to me, asking if I was a breast cancer survivor. She explained that she, too was a survivor and for her it had been a couple of years now. Instantly, there's a bond! She went on to tell me that she is planning to participate in the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk and asked if she could put my name on her shirt. Isn't that awesome? We chatted for a short while and she just kept telling me to be strong and fight.

The second encounter was in Walmart. This time, I was focused on finding the right paper towels...you know, there are so many choices these days! You know how you get that feeling that someone is looking at you? So, I turned to see an older woman standing there staring at me with such a friendly smile. She sheepishly asked if I had had breast cancer and was I going through treatment. I explained that I had completed my chemo and she went on to say that she, too, was a survivor of many years. She asked if she could give me a hug. She began fumbling in her purse and asked if I would accept a gift? She presented cross bookmarks that she had made out of plastic canvas and ribbon and asked me to choose one . She asked if Sherry was my sister (gotta love it) so I introduced her as my youngest daughter. She offered one of her cross bookmarks to Sherry, as well. She makes these and then carries them with her so that she can give them to cancer patients that she meets. Isn't that sweet?

I love how God puts wonderful little blessings in the middle of an ordinary day!

Reconstruction is a Pain...Literally!

This may be too personal for some of you, so I apologize in advance and you may want to skip this post.

For those who care to read on...
I am continuing the reconstruction process towards eventually having implants. I'll be honest and say, it's not been an easy process for me. My first frustration came when the first set of expanders were defective and they had to replace them 3 months ago and start the process all over. I seriously considered having them removed and not getting new ones but they say it's better for your back and spine because your body is used to having the weight of breasts and now your body is trying to adjust to having them removed. So, I chose to get the replacements and so far, the new expanders are working well! It requires me to make regular (usually weekly) visits to the plastic surgeon to have the expanders filled with saline in order to stretch and expand the area where the implants will be placed eventually.

Today was my routine visit to get "filled up". Normally, these visits leave me a little uncomfortable for a couple of days but today it left me in pain! So much so that I've had to take pain medicine tonight and I haven't had to take pain medicine since surgery. I feel like I have broken ribs on my left side and it hurts to move. Oh, and sneezing...oh, my goodness!! I'm hoping the pain will be gone when I wake up in the morning or else I may be making a phone call to the doc!

Catching Up

Okay, you know it's been too long when you forget how to sign in on your blog! I've been a bit out of touch but that doesn't mean I haven't had bloggable moments and I promise I will be blogging about some of them soon!

Celebrated my birthday in May, with the family! Yep...47!


Here are some answers to FAQ, to bring you up to date on my life:

1. No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth!

2. No, we didn't go to San Diego.

3. My dad is out of the hospital and has been back at the care center for 3+ weeks now.

4. We babysat my two youngest grandsons (1 and almost 4) for an entire week and we survived...in fact, we had a lot of fun!

5. Yes, my real estate business is s l o w l y picking up but the market is still a big challenge!

6. Yes, Sherry is still walking and we are rejoicing!

7. Yes, I'm moving forward with the reconstruction process but I have a ways to go before my next surgery.

8. I'm feeling good but having a few problems that I will be seeing the doctor about this week.

9. Yes, my hair is growing out. It's only about an inch long and too short to do anything stylish yet!

10. Yes, Art is still working for PVC and no we haven't broke ground yet but God willing, it won't be much longer!

11. Yes, it is HOT here in sunny Arizona, in fact about 120 these days! Ugh! (It's a dry heat, though, right?)

12. No, we don't have a swimming pool...I wish!!

So, that's about it for now! God continues to meet our needs and bless us abundantly. Each day is a gift from His hand and I am so grateful!

Jesus said, "with men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God."

Incredible Blessing

Recently, our pastor asked me if I would share my testimony and the journey that God has taken me on the past few years. God had already placed a desire in my heart to share my story with the hope of encouraging others, so when Pastor Greg asked me, I knew it was a "God thing". My desire is for people to know that with God by their side, they can handle whatever trials life brings their way!

What an honor it was for me to share my story on Mother's Day weekend! You can watch the video here. (click on the video for May 11/12 and my story is near the middle of the video) I pray that God will bless you and give you courage and strength to handle the storms in your life! I can testify to the peace and joy He alone can give! Trust Him with your life today!

Praise be to the God...who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ~2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The church surprised us with a trip for our family to go to San Diego! WOW! Yes, I cried when Pastor Greg told us! We are so blessed to be a part of such a fantastic group of believers at Palm Valley Church!!

I thank my God every time I remember you! ~Philippians 1:3

Reflections of a Mom

Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that these two little girls are grown and I have three grandsons! Where did the years go?

I remember when I was 18 and the doctor told me I would never have children because of the severe endometriosis that started when I was 16. Art and I were married in July of 1979 and by September, the doctor had me scheduled for a hysterectomy. The night before surgery, I called and cancelled the surgery and told the doctor I just couldn't do it...I wanted to be a mom so bad...I needed more time!

With the help of a specialist, I eventually gave birth to each of the girls. Stacey in March 1981 and Sherry in November 1982. Three months after Sherry was born, I hemorrhaged and had no choice but to have a hysterectomy...I was 21 at the time.

I am so thankful that God allowed me to have my two beautiful daughters! What a blessing they have been. I loved the "little girl years" and had a lot of fun with them during their "teenage years"! I've never forgotten the two miracles that God performed in my life when He gave them life!

My first Mother's Day was so special as I celebrated being a new mom. It was an incredible feeling as I held my little baby girl in my arms. Then, what a special time when I had two little girls to hold in my arms on Mother's Day! This year was another memorable Mother's Day as I celebrated with my two daughters by my side...their arms wrapped around me, this time! They have been two of my biggest supporters during my fight against breast cancer. God has truly blessed me!

I love you girls...you're amazing young ladies!

Update on Dad

It appears that he has a staph infection in his blood. They are concerned that the infection may have gone to his heart, as well, and will be doing a scope to decide.

My Dad

Dad was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia on Mother's Day. Yesterday, we also learned that he has an infection in his dialysis port and they think it has spread to his blood. He is in pain and feeling weak. They have him on strong antibiotic IV's while we are waiting on results of his blood work. (sounds too familiar)

Mom told the nurse on Sunday, "well, we spent Valentine's Day and our anniversary here, so we thought we'd come back for Mother's Day". I'm glad she can smile about it all.

I would appreciate your prayers for them.

Happy Mother's Day

(From left to right...my brother, Steve, my sister in law, Cindy, Art, me, my brother in law, John & my sister Karen with my mom and dad this past Christmas.)

My mom is a remarkable woman! I admire her for her strong relationship with the Lord and I cherish my childhood memories of her sitting at the table reading her bible and praying. What an example she was for me growing up.














(Here are my parents with their grandchildren and their spouses, with the exception of my niece Danah and her husband Tom, who live in WI.)

My mom has faithfully prayed for each of her grandchildren from the time they were born. The grandkids had a lot of fun times at grandma's house, playing and swimming in the pool. I love to hear them reminiscing and laughing about those memories, now.















(Here they are with their great grandchildren, Jaden, Evan, Seth, Dalton, Jacob, Josh & Lexie and we still have room for more!)

Great grandma can't get enough lovin' from the great grandkids! She loves to read them books and has even been caught running around chasing them with squirt guns! Can you believe she's 77 years old?

Thank you mom for the legacy you are leaving behind! You are such a blessing in my life!

Milestones

This past weekend, our pastor did a short video and in it showed a pile of river rocks, representing the milestones in our lives. It struck a chord with me and lead me to be creative with my Women's Home Team this week. We took small stones and wrote on them different milestones in our life...blessings and trials.

Here are a few of the milestones in my life:

1971 Salvation
1971 Baptism
1973 Met Art
1977 Female health issues began
1979 Married Art
1981 Stacey was born
1982 Sherry was born
1983 Hysterectomy which lead to depression
1988 Missionary work
1994 - 2000 Youth Ministry
2000 Jeff & Stacey were married
2001 Joined Palm Valley Church
2001, 2004, 2008 Grandsons were born
2002 Became a Realtor
2004 Sherry's Illness (she went missing for 5 months)
2007 Women's Home Team started
2007 Breast Cancer

These stones gradually shaped me and lead me toward the purpose God had planned for me. I was meant to be this person at this time for His plan and purpose!

In trials remember 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!"

In blessings remember Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever!"

We each gathered up our milestones and placed them in a glass jar and set a small candle on top. As a reminder that Jesus is our light and His light should shine through us in blessings and in trials.



Let your light shine!

One Man's Trash...Another Man's Treasure

This past weekend, my girls planned a HUGE yard sale to help with some of my medical expenses. When they first approached me about the idea, I was not in favor of it, at all. I have difficulty receiving help or charity and would much rather be the giver than receiver. However, they are quite persistent (this I've known since their childhood) and they convinced me to give them my blessing.

It was an incredible two days of organized chaos! I couldn't believe the trailer and garage full of donated items to sell! I was a bit overwhelmed with it all and I wasn't even the one doing the work. They had two days of hard work, sweat and flies! However, in their normal fashion, they laughed and had fun doing it together! It was hard to imagine them selling some of this stuff but like they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure!

Each day, there was a steady stream of people coming and going. The girls had posted a sign that stated their cause, "our mom is fighting breast cancer". In addition to all the stuff they sold, many people were handing them change or dollar bills as a donation. They heard many stories of loved ones who had died from cancer or happy stories of cancer survivors. The end result was enough money to make a significant difference on medical bills! Once again, God is taking care of the details of my life!

Thank you girls for your hard work and for giving so much of yourselves to demonstrate your love! You've been a blessing to me from the day you were born and a tremendous source of encouragement these past 7 months! I can't imagine my life without you and I'm so proud to be your mom! I love you more than words can express!