Happy Birthday My Baby Bird.....

Avery's teacher, Ms Kim Du (the BEST kindergarten teacher on the planet) sent me this picture this morning of my beautiful birthday girl

Happy Birthday Avery - Mommy is fighting for you!

The "cancer" school of thought...

Woman facing chemo who suddenly has extra movie watching time available  PLUS  a man....

Playstation 3 just moved from the Christmas Wish List to a "Medical Expense" - love it!!!!

Visited Walmart at 7:30pm and we are ready to download our first movie from Netflix

Man just yelled from upstairs, "This has everything!"

Woman will be spending more time in "the man cave" - ahhhh....recliners......

the elves screwed up!

CANCER was NOT on my Christmas list, but since there is no return line at Walmart for that special gift...It's mine all mine :)


So I have Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma - an aggressive Lymphoma - agrressive means it grows quickly - I've probably only had it a few months, but it also means if caught early it is curable. According to my Oncologist, this is a garden variety Non-Hodgkins lymphona.

On next week's To Do List:

PET scan which will show us all the places that have cancer - we know it is in my liver, lymph nodes and spleen, but we want to find them all (Wednesday)
Surgery to insert the Chemo Port (Thursday or Friday)
Some test to make sure my heart can withstand the Chemo
Chemo School (Friday)

December 6 should be my first Chemo Treatment. I will have Chemo for at least 18 weeks, longer if the cancer is stubborn!

Most Important Point- This is curable!

Shane and I are meeting with a Social Worker to figure out the best way to discuss this with the girls - they haven't heard the "C" word yet

I choose to ignore hair loss right now...but Bald is Beautiful, right???

When I feel it is appropriate, I will post updates on my blog, but I don't intend to get all sappy and weepy (not saying that won't happen - it's just not what I intend now).

For now, I dried my tears, put on a dress, and called GiGi to help Shane and I with Avery's Sleepover Birthday Party - after all - the show must go on!

Disturbing pictures, but a happy ending...for today that is...

Poor Morgan measures "how sick Mommy is" by looking at the mark left on my arm from the surgery IV - she thinks I'm REALLY sick...I keep trying to explain that is doesn't hurt...But a picture paints a thousand words for a seven year old...

Then, let's review...I had laparoscopic surgery on my ABDOMEN.  So why, oh why did elephantitus take over my "kanckle" last night??  It's not hot or painful, just stiff and squishy.  Ironman is well aware if it gets hot we got straight to ER - he'll probably stay awake all night feeling the temperature...he's good like that...

and it's only one kanckle - the right foot is just laughing at the left foot!...the right foot will one day learn that payback is hell!...

But here's the silver lining - work with me here...there HAS to be one!!!  My Loritab has a REFILL!!!!!  I've been using them sparingly, but now that I realize I have a refill, I'll take two and call you in the morning!!

Hope everyone had a deliciously fantastic Thanksgiving.  Even though my family was apart, my mom baked us a turkey, spinach (a Mel specialty) and cornbread dressing - we were in heaven!!!

When we asked the girls to name some things for which they are thankful, Morgan's first response was "Cranberry Sauce"...  So deep...she may be the nextmaya angelou...

and this from Anne Taintor just seemed appropriate with my newly realized refill!!!!

not if she had her Prozac refilled!!!!

And the doctor took the day off...

so no news...still....I'll be sure to post when the results are in....

The week in review...only the fun stuff...

Last week while reading Jenni Bowlin's blog, she talked about how simple her table decoration is for the holidays.  Simple????  Love that!  I can't copy a picture of her table onto my blog, but jump over to hers and see how simple and lovely her table decor is.  In keeping with the simple theme, I put together this little creation...

I can use the same tray and pitcher for all seasons, just add the appropriate flowers and whatever seasonal doo dad I have around can fill the tray.  I'm lovin it - and the flowers smell to good!  How is it that a $10 bunch of flowers from the grocery store can put a smile on your face everytime you see them?  Simple pleasures!

Ironman organized quite a few school events this week while I was out of commission.  There was "pay $1 and dress up like a book character day".  The children had to bring the book and give a report...not envisioning Avery's veterinarian report, but I'm sure Ms. Kim was lenient!  Morgan went as Viola Swampp from the Miss Nelson books.  Of course, I'm texting Shane from bed asking him to take pictures since I couldn't get up to see them.  Naturally, Ironman is a rockstar and took pictures for me!

A very rare moment of sweetness....they probably wrestled after Shane put the camera down....

Last weekend, I went to a crop in New Orleans where I was able to finish up three layouts...

This last layout was a class I took from Layle Koncar at Simply Inspired in Lafayette.  I love when I finally get to use "layouts in waiting" :)

Hope you have a great week!  I am hoping for test results tomorrow - the good, the bad, the ugly - I can handle it, it's just the waiting that's making me nuts!  Remember laughter is the best medicine!!!

Post-Op Day Four....

***2:30 pm update***  When the "granny panties" are leaving a mark - just give up!  It's Loritab time for this patient!

So Monday I had surgery to remove some liver tissue and also a lymph node for further testing.  When the surgeon says "laparoscopy" what he SAYS is...three small incisions...what he leaves OUT is...huge tank of air...

That tank of air is emptied into your abdomen during surgery...I'm sure there is a very good good reason for this...like the surgeon actually needs to be able to move the scopes around and "see" what he is doing...whatever....

For the patient, this means DAYS of miserable shortness of breath (because the air that was pumped in is now surrounding the heart and squeezing it to death), pain around the heart and in the shoulders, and an abdomen that looks like it's ready for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!

And believe me, I have tried every remedy ever suggested on the internet...to no avail...apparently the air will absorp into your system when it's damn well ready...and not a minute sooner...so for now, I continue to watch Law and Order SVU Episodes....

Dance...10 Looks...3

is like to die...so left the theater and called the doctor for my appointment to BUY....

maybe I'll start giving out prizes for the first Broadway fan who can "name that show"...but not this time, because I don't have any prizes...and plus, that's an easy one...

So why the title you ask?  Because here's my score last Friday (when I started this post)...

Work Motivation...Zero...Zilch...Nada...Just not happennin'...

I actually texted Lucy and told her to take Friday off to COMPEL me to go to work on Friday...that is just SO LOW...don't worry, I realize the patheticness (trust me...it's a word) of that text...But I did go in, and I was productive...but Lucy just couldn't help herself and as to be expected she walked in yelling at me because I let Rose (our mail lady) walk up the stairs with a package and then had the door locked.  I guarantee the REAL reason she came in was to see if I actually showed up...but she disguised it by bringing me a present...so that makes up for checking in me...more on the present later...

Thursday night, me, Ash, Jen and Mom (real Mom, not work Mom Lucy - I know it can be confusing)...went to Girl's Night Out at the Melting Pot.  If you haven't figured out by now, I love to laugh.  In fact, I believe laughter can cure anything...I'm actually betting on that more than you know!  My mom gets such an education whenever she spends time with the three of us...really important stuff...like what "put a cap in your ass" means...because you just never know when she might need that tidbit...

So here are some pictures from the feeding frenzy....

And yes, although the plate of raw meat/poultry/shellfish was photographed, a plate of raw meat still has a "yuck factor"...  We all decided that we are cheese and chocolate fondue kinds of girls.  Did you know that every Monday night is 2 for $22 for cheese and chocolate - and you totally skip the "yucky raw meat" factor!  LOVE it!!!!

Maybe from now on, everytime I work "most" of a week, I get cheese and chocolate fondue as a reward!  I'm going to talk to my bosses....

BTW - The song is from The Chorus Line...

13 years and counting....

I will spare you a wedding photo...I mean it would be fun for you to make fun of my unplucked eyebrows, but I would have to scan the photo (13 years ago was pre-digital)...and I don't have the energy...but maybe one day I'll surprise you...  Plus I think (or rather I have chosen to believe) that we are aging very well - hehe

We decided not to exchange gifts this year because we are going to NYC to celebrate our anniversary, but Ironman NEVER sticks to the rules and so I found this when I woke today...

This gift will make a ton of sense if you saw my LEGO post.  I can't wait to build the Christmas tree and the snowman and then take them apart, put them in Ziplock bags with the picture in the bag and enjoy they separately forever!!!!!  I love my Ironman!

And thanks to my mom who offered her Diva Watching Service so that we could eat a delicious dinner at Ruffino's!  So yum!  Off to LEGOland!

Doubts about Retail Therapy???

let me help you understand...there are a multitude of issues that can be easily solved with shopping...

I'm not talking about trendy clothing boutiques or fancy jewelry stores...I'm talking about flea markets, junk stores and well...scrapbooking stores...

Yesterday I "violated" Create 365 and today I hit Circa 1857 and my favorite flea market - location must remain undisclosed so that you won't steal all of the goodies from under my nose...

Didn't buy anything at Circa 1857.  Let me tell you a secret...the Habitat for Humanity store in New Orleans is less than half the price of Circa's salvaged architectural elements...it's worth the trip...I know there is also a Habitat store near Denham, but I haven't hit that one yet...

So here is a sample of what the therapist recommended....

Glitz Girls - pieces from both the Scarlett and Hoopla collections (c/o Create 365)...I am just loving their transparencies and "book paper".  Love they way they layer so well for a collage effect on layouts...

I was SO excited to find Jenni Bowlin Paint Dabber's at Create 365.  I'm ready to throw away all of my old Making Memories paint and convert ONLY to paint dabbers.  So, I started with two...And remember how I told you about the cutie stamped manila tags?  See below please....  And let me explain about the crazy seashell wire thingy...I have BIG plans for my $1.95 find at the flea market...It will soon be stripped of it's "seashore theme", the buckets may be replaced with tin buckets and I'm going to have each tin hold scrapbooking treasures!

Now,  SO COOL...Create 365 is going to "create" (pardon the pun) a monthly kit....for an amazing $25!  My "therapist" recommended I purchase the kit.   And I ALWAYS follow a medical professionals advice :)

Sorry, I know the picture stinks, but allow me to describe the fabulousness...

10 sheets of gcd's Ava Collection paper - it is flocked, embossed, sparkly and foiled and designed by Melody Ross

gcd Turquoise Glitter Letters

Tim Holtz Lavish Trimmings

Punky Sprouts Lil' Blooms

a perfectly color coordinated vintage map

vintage ledger and music paper

a variety of flowers cut from vintage paper

crystal and bling buttons

a Gold Leaf Syrup vintage label (of course, perfectly color coordinated)

3 coin envelopes

flowers cut from coordinating fabric

and......

yo yo string

and did I mention $25??????  each month the Open/Closed sign will be made from the kit and hopefully Amy will post project ideas on the Blog Gallery.

EEK!  Here's another find from the flea market... these are HUGE vintage bobbins.  NINETY FIVE CENTS EACH!  I told you I can't tell you where this place is....

and finally another flea market find....all of these books and pages of sheet music for the bargain price of ONE DOLLAR.  It's the thrill of the hunt! (and you even get to see my foot at the bottom of this picture...so lucky for you....)

I have seriously done my part to revive the flailing economy this week...so I better get to using all of these treasures!

I'm thinking about the Pontchatoula Antique Trade Days event this weekend.  Have to think of a bribe big enough to get a little one to come with me...they just don't get as excited about flea markets as I do...pitty...

Mid Week Road Trip....

Seriously, I was REALLY productive on Monday and Tuesday, so naturally by Wednesday I earned a Road Trip!  I even went into the office this morning and put the finishing touches on a few things, so that was like two and a HALF productive days...  So I did what any good mother would do... I called MY mom and made sure she was free to collect the girls from the school bus and off I went!  I did confess to Lucy that I was heading to a new scrapbook store and she didn't even give me the "are you kidding?" face...she must be getting soft on me...either that or she heard me talking about Christmas bonuses...

So back to the point...I'm so easily distracted...CREATE 365 opened on Monday.  I have crossed paths with the owner Amy Muffoletto (I mean she's a scrapbooker, I'm a scrapbooker...seriously, we have like NO DEGREES of separation).  So I've been dying to get to her store... since Monday...and FINALLY today was the day...how did I manage to wait two and half WHOLE days...

please allow me to provide some visual goodness....

Every inch of the store was one fabulous display after another...Once, I heard Oprah say, "It's all about the packaging" and she was SO right.  I would rather shop in a store that is decorated, clean and inviting than  the dirty unorganized unmerchandised store around the corner...Sorry...soap box...more beautifulness...  

The card catalog stole my heart!  Where could I put one in my house???  There were jars filled with vintage buttons and manila tags that held yards of ribbon, twine and tulle..,and the tags were stamped with precious images.  If you are ever looking for a Melody Ross product, head straight to Create 365. 

Amy also holds events called FAITH 365 which is a weekend of scrapbooking with a spiritual twist maybe?  Amy may have to correct me...Well, if you know me, I'm not exactly a card carrying member of the bible belters, therefore I have been hesitant about these so called FAITH events.  But, the projects look fantastic, the food sounds yummy and they are held in the hotel next to the store.  So I'm going to buckle down, register for a FAITH 365 event and soak up some spirituality.  Wish everyone around me luck and I hope to see you there! 

For more info, make sure to check the link on the right side of my blog along with all of the other local scrapbook links.

For the MADD supporters...

It's me...Heather...on a soap box again....this rarely happens, but I was particularly surprised by a recent FB post.  It read, and I quote...

                 "DWI Checkpoint Clearview and W. Metairie"

This was from a 35 year old mom - we went to grammar school together and are "FB friends".  So this makes me wonder....Does this 35 year old mom worry about DWI checkpoints because she frequently drives WI? Or do her friends regularly drive WI, and therefore they appreciate this type of information?

I think the last time someone told me about a DWI checkpoint I was in college and stupid enough to possibly need the information!  Since then, on the rare occasion that we are able to get a group of friends together who were ALL able to get sitters for the night (and the hangover morning), we A) designate the pregnant one as the DD (because each group has one)...if we need another DD...the award goes to the person who got just stupid drunk on last year's outing...and then if DD's don't seem like fun at all, we B) get a limo/bus or C) take cabs.  We pretty much stopped endangering ourselves and innocent people quite a while ago....

Point of story...wake up people...if you still appreciate DWI checkpoint warnings...maybe you have a bigger problem...

Now, onto more entertaining things....scrapbooking...First I have Avery's Pre-K Graduation Party.  I wanted Avery to be the focus of the entire page, but I had this amazing picture of Shane and Morgan that I couldn't resist...So as I am "organizing" my scrap room (using the term lightly), I find page protectors in EVERY size.  4x4, 8x8, 6x12, 8x10, etc...So I did a 12x12 layout for Avery and then a little 4x4 add on for the picture of Shane and Avery.  I'm really going to try to incorporate different sized pages in our scrapbooks...just for variety

Here are some pictures from our trip to the zoo...

A few years ago some fabulous friends gave me Debby Schuh's Travel Album.  I am using it for our January 2010 Snow Vacation.  It's a mix of 8 1/2 x 11 pages and rounded pages.  I love trying this new shape

So that's it.  We had a great Halloween - Hope you did too!  Have a laugh filled week!