The Latest

I had my first scan since treatment last Thursday down at MDA. Everything looked great. Nothing looked concerning. And my blood work looked good. They are pretty certain that the medicine isn't causing my foggy brain and dizzy spells. But they do think they have the answers. I had a CT scan done and an ENG and they found that I have permanent damage to my inner ear on the right side which sends mixed signals to my brain causing this craziness. My doctor said he would be shocked if I wasn't disoriented. So I start vestibular rehabilitation this week. We are hopeful with doing this three times a week for 4-6 weeks, I will be feeling better soon. They are going to retrain my brain because the damage is not fixable. Fun times, fun times. Everyone who I have told asks if it's from the surgery and from what they tell me the answer is "no." They said most likely I had a virus settle in there and damage the area. So that is the latest. I am very fortunate to be cancer free, now if I can just get my old self back. Hopefully SOON!!!! Hopefully very soon...

Super Bowl Sunday!! Go Steelers- Go!!

We've got spirit, how about you?

It was School Spirit Day at school yesterday. Hadley wore her Aggie cheerleader outfit proudly and jumped around doing Woodlands Elite and Bella Cheerleader cheers in it all day. I think she is definitely ready to start cheer with her sister. Not sure she'll be an Aggie....but she definitely supported my Alma Mater proudly.

Dentist and Cupcakes

The kids were due for a cleaning a few months ago, but with all the doctors I have been seeing....their appointments got cancelled. (Bad mom, bad mom, I know..) My kids actually LOVE the Dentist and have been reminding me for a few weeks that I needed to get them in for an appointment. So today was the day. And since Hadley is almost three (the age my doctor recommends taking them for their first clean) they went ahead and let her join in on the appointment also. They said the kids needed dental X-rays. And since that is a suspected culprit of thyroid cancer and with all I have been through, you can imagine I was a bit skeptical. So I asked why they needed them. And their reasoning seemed to make sense- to see cavities between the teeth. So I then asked for a thyroid guard...well guess what..they didn't have one. Hesitantly I agreed and I personally fit the apron on them. As you can see I made sure they went all the way up to their chin.


They then cleaned their teeth. G and E are old hats but I was shocked at how well Hadley did. She ran up when they called her, jumped on the table to lay down and then opened her mouth up extra wide without them even asking. She looked so cute. And suddenly so big up there on the table. My baby is almost three...wahhhhh.... When she was done she jumped off and asked, "Do I get a lollipop?" The lady laughed....not at the Dentist!


I am proud to say they all made the Cavity Free club!!! I was a tad bit surprised given I have found a new addiction.... Gigi's Cupcakes.


We had to celebrate no cavities with cupcakes!!! I know....I know....

But really, when they have banana cream pie on the menu....who can resist?!?

Good Morning to you too.....

What Do You Do with Your Christmas Cards??

What do you do with your Christmas cards???

I would hate to throw them away.

A few years ago someone gave me a great idea. I wish I could give that person credit, but I honestly can't remember who told me. Maybe they will read this and give themselves credit. :)

Anyway, that brilliant person had a great idea. It was to hole punch the cards and put a binder ring through them. That way you have a little flip type book that you can go back and look at. I love going back each Christmas and looking at how all the kids have grown up, families have grown, and people have changed.

Anyway, as I was making my 2010 collection today, I thought I should share. I am sure some of you needed an idea of what to do with those beautiful cards!! Here are my four books 2007-2010. I love them!

Thirty-Six

Happy 36th birthday to my wonderful husband.

With you by my side everything in the world seems better.

I am so lucky to have you to dream the same dreams with.

You are the person who understands the parts of me that other people don't even know exist.
I know just how incredibly lucky I am.

And am so VERY thankful for our life together.

With you in my life I know that I have everything.


Happy Birthday!!! XOXOXOXO

Loving the Cold Weather and Puffer Vests

Cauliflower

a.k.a. Caulie & Ratsy Rat.

She has been a great addition to our family. Really, who knew?? She doesn't smell, doesn't poop around the house, loves attention when you want to give it to her, and doesn't make noise if you don't give it to her. She is an EASY pet. We open the cage and she doesn't run away...she loves people so she stays by you. So far, the easiest pet we have ever owned. She loves to have her head rubbed and will close her eyes while you pet her. And she loves her some cheese and veggies.

She has a deformed ear....which we said looked like a cauliflower ear so that is how she got her name. Cauliflower. And she is learning her name rather quickly.

Here is our Caulie Girl.

You've got to admit...even though she is a rat, she is cute...right?

Family Fun Night at G's School

G's school had a Family movie night this past Friday. Yes, the same night as the Aggie game. I guess I really am a 2% or really just love my sons school. Either way, it was a fun night as we laid on blankets and watched Despicable Me on a big screen in the school cafeteria. We had popcorn, drinks and candy. It was a fun little family night. And thanks to my friend who snaps year book pictures....she sent this to me from the event:

Goodbye, Adios, Good Riddance, Hasta La Vista...2010

Hello 2011!! To say I am excited about a new year would be an understatement.

2011 is going to be a much better year!!!

Happy NEW Year!!!!!

Christmas Day

Frank and I went to bed early Christmas morning and woke up to little whispers upstairs a few hours later. We quickly got out of bed and each grabbed a camera.

Gavin got his wish and we now have a new member of the family. A pet RAT. Yep, Santa caved and gave in to his request. And I must admit we are all falling in love with her. When Gavin first saw her he was so excited that it was the one he had seen in the store with the deformed ear. And he looked at us and said, "I already got everything I wanted for Christmas" and he hadn't opened any presents yet. She is so sweet so far. You get over the tail pretty quickly. Gavin also got an acoustic electric guitar and Madden 11. Ellie's big gifts were a Nintendo DSI XL and a barbie doll house. And Hads got an American Girl Doll with accessories and a leapster explorer. Santa spoiled them.

We then went to my parents house to celebrate with the Carpenter side and they were spoiled rotten again over there. My parents made an amazing prime rib dinner and we ate a ton of food and just relaxed enjoying Christmas. It was great to see both of my parents feeling well. It is the best my dad has looked in months and my mom is recovering well from her kidney stone surgery last week. My parents gave me a James Avery bracelet and on it is the bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I started crying when I got it. I had that verse posted on the wall when giving birth to each of my kiddos, and held on to it tightly as I went through the last few months.

We had a great Christmas. I kept reminding the kiddos why we give presents and that Jesus was our greatest gift. I really didn't want them to loose sight of that. We ended the night playing with our toys and then strumming Gav's new guitar as we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. It is hard to believe Christmas has already come and gone, but it was definitely a good one with great memories.