Tuesday

Boxing

It's a funny thing when you find out you have cancer. I haven't quite figured out how to react. I'm in a holding pattern right now. If I start to think about Ben and the girls I get emotional, but if I go on with my daily routine I'm level headed.


By the way, I have Non Hodgkin's T Cell Rich, B Cell Limited Lymphoma. It is mainly located in my abdomen area and its as big as of a block of cheese. The oncologist says it might be curable but no promises.


So here I am wondering what 6 months of treatments will bring me? Hopefully it can't be any worse than the last 3 months. Chemo doesn't sound fun, 6 hours in one chair. I've already been poked and prodded for weeks what's 8 treatments in 6 months?


I have not been well for at least 3 months. I haven't had enough energy to take a shower without resting for 20 minutes after. The funny thing is that if you look at the basic symptoms of Lymphoma I have everyone of them, classic text book. I thought I had some virus. It wasn't until I started loosing tons of weight that I noticed the tumor in my lower abdomen.

I am worried about Ben and the girls, so far they have been doing really well. Kira has been very helpful the last few months, even if she hates what she is doing. Maci finally understands that she can't run and jump on my stomach anymore. I don't know what I would do without Benjamin. It is true, he has been so supportive and attentive. I couldn't have asked for a better husband. My family has been very helpful too, by taking turns with the girls and cleaning my house while I was in the hospital.


That's enough of the downer news. Kira and I had a good talk today about the future, i.e, chemo, hair loss, etc. I made a promise to her that I would never stop fighting. I will use my best sucker punch and right hook. We will fight all the way.

P.S., I am grateful for all I have and thankful for all those who have helped me thus far.

Thursday

Merry Christmas

We wish you a very Merry Christmas. It was a special day to be able to come home and spend Christmas with my family. I couldn't have had a better day. I am very thankful for Ben and the girls, they are my life.

Friday

The boy got married!

Chris and Natalie Owen!

I can not believe that the boy got married last weekend. Chris married Natalie a really sweet girl. Their wedding was decorated beautifully in red, black and gray.


I am in shock (he's too young) and also very proud of him. Chris is the lone grandson in my family, it was a once in a lifetime event. We wish Chris and Natalie a lifetime of happiness.



Chris and Kimbo who is looking mighty hot for being a cripple!


Monday

Halloween

Kira is an awesome NERD!
Maci Dawn as pretty Cinderella


ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!

A year ago, Ben and I along with my dad and Carla went to San Diego to see the BEARS vs. Chargers. Ben and my dad love the Bears hence the Bears game. It was a blast. I love football and every aspect of the game.


My favorite team is Indianapolis Colts. When I was a kid I loved the BEARS with my dad's influence of course. I have tried to teach the girls to love football. Maci cheers with all her heart when there is a Touchdown it doesn't matter which team get the Touchdown just as long as someone does.

Here are some pictures from our trip last year. One year we will go see the Colts in Indie. I'm sure we will make it to a Bears game again. No matter its a great sport and its fun to watch.





Mr. Lovie Smith











Let's Rock N Roll!











Ben's Favorite Player of all time;
#34 WALTER PAYTON





Sunday's are meant to spend time with your family watching football. I wish Utah had a professional football team. I would definitely buy season tickets.

Wednesday

First Day of School

Monday was the first day of school for Kira. She has been really excited about school. I have been very impressed with Kira so far. She is really dedicated to do her homework and reading everyday. She does have a little extra incentive (a new shirt), I'll do whatever works to inspire her to read.

Maci starts school next Tuesday. Ben, Leigh and I took her to visit her new preschool. She was hesitant at first but warmed up after 10 minutes. By the time we were ready to leave she didn't want to leave. That's a first. I'm hoping for that much enthusiasm when I drop her off next week.

Monday

Mexican Cruise

We went to the Mexican Riviera with Ben's entire family excluding 3 family members. Thanks to Ben's parents for the trip. Here are some pictures from our adventure.


Whitney, Kira and Maci stuffing their faces after a day of swimming.

Ben's favorite place on the ship, the ICE CREAM dispenser.

Puerto Vallarta view from the ship.

Ash, Kira and Maci in Cabo San Lucas. I swear it was 100 degrees with 90% humidity.

Ben's four girls shopping our hearts out.

OUR BOAT: Vision of the Seas
The girls in Mazatlan. They just finished shopping. We had a wild ride in the local taxis. Maci and Julienne had their groove on.

Saturday

BREAKING DAWN!


IT'S THE BOMB!!!!!!!!
We are off on a cruise tomorrow for a week.
Adios amigos.

Tuesday

ABC's TAG

ABC's "getting to know you" TAG. Complete the ABC's of you. Then, each player tags 3 people and posts their names, goes to their blogs and leaves a comment letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

A- Attached or single: Married for 11 years and 2 months.
B- Best Friend: Emily only she understands this crazy mind. (damn genetics)
C-Cake or Pie: Cake all the way, especially if its cheese cake.
D-Day: Everyday, because I get to stay home with my girlies. Thanks Ben!
E- Essential Item: Music it heals all wounds and inspires new beginnings.
F- Favorite Color: Yellow just like the heavenly sun.
Gummy Bears or Worms: Bears if they are cinnamon. I don’t like sugary sweet or sour candy.
H-Home town: North Ogden, Utah
I- Indulgences: Shoes you can never have enough, purses ditto and books to take you to a place you’ve never been before.
J- January or July?: July because the sun is out and it’s warm!
K-Kids: 3 beautiful girls Ash, Kira and Maci , they are always entertaining.
L-Life is incomplete without: Family and an exciting adventure.
M- Marriage Date: May 1, 1997
N- Number of Siblings: 1 older sister Kimbo (the creative one), and 2 younger sisters Emily (the one who would do anything for me) and Leigh (the adventurous world traveler).
O-Oranges or Apples: Neither; keep fruit away from me or I’ll turn blotchy which is very different from how I look now thank you!
P- Phobias or Fears: Fear of losing my kids.
Q- Quote: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” I want all my moments in life to be so awesome they will take my breath away.
R- Reason To Smile: Benjamin he thinks he’s just so funny.
S- Season: Spring the sun is peaking out of the clouds and returning the beautiful colors of trees and flowers.
T- Tag Three: Emily, Andrea Stacey and Carla if we can talk her into starting a blog.
U- Unknown fact about me: I always wanted to be the happy go lucky funny one. I ended up being the controlling one but that everyone already knows. Plus I always wanted to be an astronaut and travel in space even though I would be scared to death.
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Almost a veggie, I only like meat once in a while and I love milk and cheese.
W- Worst Habit: Not keeping a secret. I have been better lately. Sorry to those whom I let it all out.
X-Rays or Ultrasounds: X-rays for broken bones and Ultrasounds to see if Ben would ever get a girl. I guess he’s out of luck!
Y-Your favorite food: Bread and Pasta, obviously I’m all about the carbs.
Z- Zodiac Sign: Taurus; just like me stubborn.

Monday

4th of July!


We did the North Ogden parade in the morning which is always fun for the kids. Maci lost her green balloon and now she can't seem to get over it. Poor little girl.
We always have the best seats because Jim & Danell my brother and sister in law save a spot for all of us. Thanks to them the girls never miss a float. We saw Shad and Cayden who are so cute and have a bundle of energy.

We went to Cabelas which is Ben's favorite place to eat. He loves their game meat sandwiches. He enjoys trying new food, this time he had wild boar. I just can't handle wild tasting meat and it never looks good. The girls tried the boar, Maci liked it Kira not so much.

We met Papa in Provo so he could take me and Maci up to his cabin in the woods. I always enjoy going up to his house it's so relaxing.

Ben and Kira went to the Stadium of Fire featuring Miley Cyrus, Blue Man Group and totally awesome fireworks. Ben says you haven't seen fireworks until you've been to the Stadium of Fire.

We had a nice weekend and hope everyone else did too.

Kira is now off to San Diego with Emily's family and Papa and Mums. I'm jealous, wish I could see her enjoy all the attractions. Maybe next time.

Sunday

Swimming at Snowbird






Wednesday

Having fun at the Bees Game.

Kira


Maci


Papa and Mums


Ben


Papa waving to Maci