In early May, I was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. I spent the month of May going through very intense testing. Two weeks ago I started chemo, both daily oral and weekly iv. So far, I have been doing very well tolerating the treatments but the effect is cumulative and they say I will grow more fatigued as time goes on.

I do appreciate hearing from my old friends I’ve made on here and if you are interested in knowing more, send me a note through the comments and I will get back to you. I don’t want to turn this blog that has brought me so much fun into being all about this. I plan to be back some time in the future. I really am doing well emotionally at this point, my faith in God has really held me day-by-day and I am actually finding blessing every day. It’s a miracle.

Thanks for your friendship over time and I will try to get back now and then.

These are so fast and way, way fun. The pattern is called Bunny Nuggets and you have to try one!

Last Friday was our usual date night. When I left work, the sun was shining and there was rain going sideways! You could see where the rain was and where it wasn’t….it was really weird. When we were headed out of town, it looked so eery I didn’t even know if I wanted to drive into the weather.

See the blue sky in the distance?

Looking west, it was mostly clear and sunny. Sorry for the blurry.

We drove through about 10 miles of crazy rain and then it was partly cloudy the rest of the trip. Weird.

I saved the best for last. Little Missy Mayah and I went for a very quick walk today while Rhianna went to get our lunch. We came back with a little present for Mayah.

What is in the bag?

Well, I have another little bunny!

I think she might have fun with this for a few years. (she loved the bunny I knit, too.)

Well, what have I been up to?

let’s turn him around….

I put a picture on facebook and within minutes I had a whole string of comments and hints. I don’t have any more angora. I might have enough to make one for both of my little grandbabies, though. Mayah liked it a lot but it’s still in my possession.

Sunday afternoon, I got a text message from Rhianna. She wondered what I was doing. I said nothing much, she told me she had 2 crying children and Kyle was at a meeting. I was up off the couch and on my way out the door. Kenny laughed at how fast that move me. I was thrilled that she needed help and asked me. I love spending time with my kids and was more than happy to play with crying children. Funny how that doesn’t stress me. Kenny was going to load Tyler up and come a little later but they ended up deciding to stay home. I had a most enjoyable time.

This is what I saw when I ran out the door.

I know I’ve shown the same view many times but I never get sick of it. My camera died right after I snapped the picture.

I did happen to have a little picture of my new little sweet pea, though. He’s such a doll.

Life is good, I do know it is. I am sure things will fall into place. I’m grateful for such a great family and understanding from them while I try to get a grip on myself. I am going to investigate getting some little times away from the rat race. I’m not too worried about it, just feel like I’m having a wake-up call.

The bruising is gone.

Samuel responded well to treatment and really, the only reason they were there was so he could get his 10 days of antibiotics. There was a problem along the way with getting the iv in and they almost got transferred to Tacoma, but there was a nurse and an iv specialist who prayed over the needles and his iv went in first try….after numerous attempts by other shifts.

Uncle Tyler is thinking this guy is pretty cool.

I am so proud of my kids. Rhianna did so well in the hospital made friends with the nurses and just did a great job.

Kyle spent as much time as he could with her, but he also went home and spent quality time with Mayah. I really feel for him because he had a big job being with his family here and there. His devotion is evident and I am proud to call him a son. It’s wonderful to see your daughter well taken care of.

One night Rebecca and Chase were there the same night we were. In the Special Care Nursery only 3 adults are allowed in the room at a time, including the parents. Once in awhile one of the nurses let us cross over.

Rebecca is such a great auntie!

Another night, Kyle and Mayah were there so we played with her in the waiting room.

Every one of my pictures of her was a blur because she does not stay still. Here she is headed toward that door that leads to mama and daddy, but she came back to play.

\

It was days and days before I finally got to see his eyes!

I spent two different days with Mayah. Whew, that girl can keep you on your toes!!! We had a good time together. I had her on Tuesday this week while Kyle was with Rhianna. Rhianna slept much of the day and Kyle spent time with his new son. Mayah did well with me, but it broke my heart at bedtime when she kept talking about Mama and Dada….she did not understand they were coming home in the morning. I kept trying to reassure her and she just sadly laid down and I never heard a peep out of her.

It’s fun, they have a video monitor now and that little stinker never did take a nap although she was stumbling tired in the afternoon. I watched her play for hours in her crib. I guess it was a blessing in disguise because while she was sad about her mommy and daddy, she was too tired to protest much.

Kyle came home that night and they headed up the next morning to bring home the boy.

Yesterday it seemed that the whole 10 days hit me hard. I was dangerously tired. Work was hard and long and I was thankful a friend came in to visit at the end. I couldn’t believe it last night but I watched American Idol and went to bed and slept like a baby all night.

Life is so good, I just love having these little babies, I love my kids, I just can barely contain the joy each one of them brings me. Kenny and I are so blessed with all of our kiddos.

And, since I haven’t been a faithful blogger, I hadn’t had a chance to share my good fortune! I won a blogiversary drawing! It happens to be one of my favorite blogs and Mary has become a friend. She lives in New York and I love following her through her days and through the city she loves! Hop on over and visit her!

Look what I got!!!!

This bag is so beautiful! It is made by Maruca and I loved the little tag inside….It’s the Hannah bag…”Meet Hannh..Hannah hannah bo-bannah…Bountiful Hannah! Love it!!

But that wasn’t all!

I can’t figure out where I put the label to this beautiful angora. She thought it might become a pair of booties for little man. I started them but my brain has been mush all week so I will have to get moving on them soon. Love this yarn!!!!

And last but not least, oh my, how I love this!!!!

I love this so much and it’s been going back and forth to work with me. This is Mary’s lys and I think I may have to visit it some day, although the store she showed us today on her blog might be a must-see, too!

Thanks, Mary!!!

Today I took my mom to visit and see her great-grandchild for the first time.

Mayah was eating lunch and Uncle Tyler had to come visit. I will have to get some video of him talking to her, it is so sweet.

But then, so is she!

Samuel Elias!

Don’t be alarmed at his color, he was bruised during birth.

It hasn’t been an easy road for him though. He contracted a blood infection during the birth process and will be in the hospital untial at least next Wednesday. He is improving in spite of the ordeal of a spinal tap today.

He was 8 lbs. and 21 in. long. I have yet to see that sweetie with his eyes open. He’s been in the special care nursery since he was a few hours old and I have only been able to go in and see him twice now.

I don’t know if you can even see this, but the sign says “my face is bruised” so the nurses coming on duty don’t get scared when they see him.

The lights were off in the room and I couldn’t flash but here is a closer picture that I lightened, really bad quality.

(maybe when I’m not so tired)

how cute is this?

It’s kind of hard. Tyler was not allowed in the special care area so he is waiting for dad to come out. He was a real trooper.

He sees dad ocming and Kyle had taught him to wave his hand in front of the automatic door opener so here’s his chance!

and he gets to see the new mommy.

Today, the got special permission to let him in. I thought I had a picture but maybe I didn’t upload it yet, will show later if I did. The nurses there have been wonderful to Tyler. He has spent 2 long days sitting in the hospital and I love the respect they have shown him.

Of course, it wasn’t all bad.

Here he picked up Mayah’s doll on his own and is enticing her to come play.

It was so much fun to watch.

She says her baby is in her tummy.

They just have a special bond that brings tears to my eyes.

And was the little miss happy to see her mama? You tell me…

I don’t know why I don’t seem to have pictures of Kyle, too. I am so proud of my kids! They have been dealing with it all so well. I am so blessed by them as I am sure many others are.

We’re taking turns with the other grandma watching Mayah. Her whole world has been turned upside down. They moved part of their stuff, we went to Oregon for a long weekend, then finished moving. The house is full of boxes because the last of the move happened Saturday and Mr. Sammy made his appearance early the next morning! We’ll do what we can to bring a little order to it all, Rhianna had planned to have everything in place before baby but he didn’t want to wait!

I loved when we got to the hospital today. Kyle had taken his girl off for some lunch together, just the two of them. She loves her daddy, too, and it was so sweet to see them come back after their date together.

Stay tuned.

I couldn’t pass up this little coat for Mayah.

Girls are way too much fun!

The kids are in the process of moving to a bigger house. She’s doing pretty well with the move but doesn’t get far from mom.

And now for the laugh of the day. On Facebook it seems everyone was posting pictures of themselves with their loves. I thought I’d share a blast from the past.

I actually snapped a shot of a 1×1.5 in picture we have. 35 years ago!

This is the second year we rented a house. This one was so beautiful, very relaxing. We had a bit of an ocean view. Of course, I neglected to get a picture of the outside. Here’s the living room the first night we got there and the in-laws came to visit us. Notice the tv … we had planned to watch the Olympics with the family, we got there in time to watch opening ceremonies. Unfortunately, the owner had disconnected the cable and did not notify the rental agency. We strongly requested a price adjustment. We’ll see what they do for us.

This ottoman that missy is sitting on we discovered later was missing a leg. I sat on it to take a picture of Rebecca and did a slow motion topple to the floor. The look on Rebecca’s face was priceless as I fell towards her. I’m sure mine was the same. No injuries.

Mayah is learning stairs and doing pretty well. They just moved to a house with stairs so she’s getting lots of practice. The house was 3 levels. This was looking up and down.

This is one end of the master bedroom….this room had an ocean view.

Tired and ready for bed!

This is the landing on the way upstairs….Mayah had a lot of fun running around here.

Bored with it all….

(no tv, no internet, what’s a boy to do?)

Rebecca made her own birthday cake, with Chase helping. Ben and Brittany bought ukeleles at the outlet stores…here he is having fun with the first one before he went and bought one for himself.

Valentine’s day breakfast.

Chase actually did the bacon and wasn’t standing around much at all.

Dutch babies!!!

We toasted.

Yum!

Early afternoon we headed to the ham dinner and met up with Aunt Wendy, Uncle Todd and Zoe. Sparky wanted his picture taken with the kids.

He wouldn’t leave until he had a picture taken with Grandma and Grandpa too.

These firemen are so efficient.

We posed for a family picture.

Later we had to eat cake…

birthday girl

I got time to knit….

and frog.

This was the view driving away from the house we rented.

Mayah is pretty used to the whole process and makes herself quite at home. I had a moment of absolute contentment when we went to the waiting room to wait for Rhianna and Mayah came running and wrapped her arms around my legs and held tight because of all the people in the room. This girl does not do this so I just enjoyed the moment.

We made a quick trip to Toys R Us that ended up being fruitless although I got a little Graco car seat for the baby I bought her for Christmas. I wanted to have something to give her to help her be a good mommy, too. We then went to Target and I found the cutest little spring coat for her….I’ll get a picture of her wearing it when I take it to her tomorrow.

Rhianna had a very funny experience this morning in their new house. She wondered if Mayah’s room gets too cold so she snuck in to see how it felt. Mayah stood straight up out of a sound sleep. It was dark and Rhianna pinned herself against the wall and said she stood there a good 10 minutes waiting for her to lay back down. I can’t remember exactly how it went but at one point, Rhianna was trying to crawl out of the room with her belly dragging on the ground only to have Mayah see her and let out a blood curdling scream and then called for “Mama!!! Daddy!!!!” It woke Kyle up and he heard footsteps running and didn’t realize Rhianna was up. I’d have liked to have been a birdie in the house!

The sweater is coming along and remains enjoyable to work on. I hate when I feel pressure.

Tyler is a happy dude because we got a little portable dvd player for his netbook so when we spend time in the car, he has something to do.

So, what did you think of the Saints yesterday? We actually watched the whole game and there was lots of whooping and hollering in our house when it was clear they were winning! Who Dat????? Yahoo! And now I”m glad football season is over. lol

Well, I am happy to report that I am knitting again. I’m going to be a Grammy for a 2nd time in a little more than a month! What could make a knitter want to knit more than that??? We don’t know what baby is yet so you know what that means….green, yellow, white. I’ve had a pattern I’ve wanted to knit for a very long time so I’m working on that and liking it. We might see a hat to match, but we’ll see.

We got a new table a few weeks ago~we got a “gathering table”….tall that pulls out square. Now when the kids come over to play games, we can actually be comfortable. We used to always eat at the table but somewhere that got lost….now we actually are enjoying meals together again. No pictures, but perhaps to come.

Last month, we celebrated Ben’s birthday. How sweet to go to their house and have them entertain us.

How cute is that couple? It’s so wonderful to see our kids happily settled with their spouses. It just does a mother’s heart good.

We did have fun at Ben and Brittany’s.

Tyler is in to taking pictures with his phone these days. He doesn’t use it for much else, which makes me want to cancel it until I see him get a call from a sibling and light up like he does. We’ll see. The point was to have it on him so we don’t lose him, but does he ever have it on him when it would help? nah…..

Ribbit had fun at the party.

That is, until little missy tossed him aside….

Oh well, Ribbit is a good sport and he just keeps on smiling.

It was fun while it lasted.

She was having a great time.

Rebecca is taking a photography class. She was teaching me one of the rules she learned, something like the rule of 3rds.

We had lunch one day at Applebee’s and Tyler took the change well. The funny thing was when the waitress brought his water and when I saw the lemon sticking out of it and my eyes grew kind of big, how cool was it that she “got it”. She rushed away with it and came back with a plain glass of water. There is just something that smiles inside when people notice and enjoy making it easier for us. Funny things with that boy. Some battles you just don’t want to fight.

Tyler is just thriving with his new netbook. We have discovered a new thing…he actually “chats” with us and I can barely contain my joy when he actually communicates! Imagine how I felt the day he typed “I Love you, Mom” !!!!! That’s exactly what it looked like when it came across. He likes to send a message and then run by the door and see the reaction, laughing his silly laugh on the way by. He’s able to do 4 or 5 comprehendable interactions before he launches in to movie and song titles or words to songs. We’re always working at interaction with him so this is a bonus I had not expected!

We took the netbook to therapy one day and showed the therapist.

She was properly impressed.

Tyler gets to pick his last activity during his session and this particular day he wanted to do music.

Here he is using some funny paddle thing for a guitar. Notice the expression. He loves to imitate.

This last week it was “directir” (this is what he wrote) and he went into acting and directing mode. lol

Do you have any superbowl plans? We’re not football fans, but like so many others, I would love to see the Saints win for the sake of the city of New Orleans. (gosh I hope I got the right team name! lol) We’ll probably even watch the game!

Rhianna and Kyle are moving and first thing on the agenda was getting their tv set up for their superbowl party. They’re spending their first night in their new house tonight. How very fun to have lots more space for their expanding family! And the view….up on the hill overlooking the river running through town. They’ll get to watch the ships coming and going and she said the sunsets are beautiful.

Got a busy week ahead and I get to end it with a 5 day weekend! I plan to knit and relax!

Hope to not wait so long before I see you again! the end.

We spent a quiet evening and the best part of it all to me is that when I told Tyler it was time to come in and toast in the new year with us, he came with the biggest smile on his face. We’d been given some sparkling cranberry juice so we used crystal glasses and toasted each other, the 3 of us. Tyler’s grin was priceless. We even got him to yell out the door when all the fireworks were going off.

Yesterday we drove up to Sumner to the Old Cannery Warehouse, a furniture store. They have a train the runs close to the ceiling.

Tyler had to sit down for awhile to watch it.

This store is fun to go to on a regular day, but at Christmas time, it’s really fun. I should have taken more pictures. There are talking statues and farm animals all over.

I got a chuckle. There was an older fellow with Down Syndrome walking around the store with a mom and sister. He wore swim goggles. As we walked by him one time, I smiled and then looked at his mom and smiled. She said hi as they passed and I knew that volumes had passed between us~sometimes you want to laugh and cry at the same time.

I couldn’t get him to go stand by the train, and he wouldn’t cooperate next to the mountain man inside either altho he loved it all. lol

Today at church was rather interesting. I woke up at 9:00!!!!!! I couldn’t believe it. We barely made it by 10 and as we were walking in, I saw a friend visiting from Houston. We stopped to visit and then when I went in to sit down, *our row* was full of other people!!!!! LOL

Anyone who regularly attends church knows that we all have our regular “address” and get thrown off when someone else sits there. I am not so stuck that I can’t function, but being late and not being able to find any family was kind of weird (half the family was on the worship team today and the spouses were either teaching or not there!) I found a friend who had half a row empty so I sat with her. Then I realized Tyler wasn’t where he always sits! I went to the back and immediately saw him in the front row on the other side of the church. Ok, good, Kenny is right in front of him. After Kenny was sitting with me, an usher climbs in our row over the family intently looking at ME. Uh oh. He whispers that Tyler is in the conference room, he wasn’t sure if that was ok. No, it isn’t. Kenny said he’d go take care of it. Before long, he came back with a boy in tow. This is the end of independence for awhile.

We’ve started having trouble with him going to Kids Church after worship is over. The kids are released earlier but he loves being there for worship so we’ve let him do that. BUT, since he goes in late, he has also decided it’s ok to leave early. The workers felt just terrible today but Rhianna assured him that it wasn’t their fault, he’s just too good at getting out of the room. Evidently someone else had seen him in the big empty game room and had told Kyle w ho was teaching the kids, he texted Rhianna who had gone to check on him but evidently by then he had moved to the conference room. ugh.

Rhianna told me a story about one youth church night. They got out early. She saw him leave so she followed.He was clearly sneaking across the parking lot. When they got in the main building, he saw that the adults were still in class. He was going to go into the offices when Rhianna surprised him and said No, now that you have come over here, you can go sit with Dad.” Kenny was right inside the door, leaning against the sound booth. Rhianna went in and tapped him to tell him, that fast Tyler was gone. They found him upstairs eating cake with the younger kids!!!!

Never have I understood the “it takes a village….” as well as I am these days. Thankfully we have very helpful people and security is tight at the church so he doesn’t get too far without people knowing.

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I forgot to mention the wonderful gift the kids all got us. They all gave us beautifully framed wedding pictures of themselves and had taken a picture of Tyler sitting on Rhianna’s steps. They made us a picture wall! Well….at least it got started. I am sitting here smiling at my wonderful family. We spent a long time trying to get it right and I was promised that the one that needed moving would happen very soon. A week and a half later it hasn’t been done yet, but I am sure it will……lol I often look at them and count my blessings, we’ve talked often the last few days about how great our kids are.

You’d have laughed when they were hanging the pictures. Rebecca got the only wedding picture we have here and set it on top of one of the frames. Our picture is about 1 inch by 1 1/2. I guess maybe some day we should frame one of ours and set it over them.

Has anyone listened to Susan Boyle’s cd? I could listen to her day and night.

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Getting back to today….we had a baptism at church and Kenny was asked to pray over him during the baptism. It’s been so exciting to see this fellow come along. We got invited to lunch afterwards with their family.

Something was said during lunch about did he get to have his picture taken with Ribbit since Ribbit seems to be everywhere and get his picture taken. Out he came to enjoy lunch with us all.

Here he is with a chip on his shoulder.

Let me add that during church, he was sitting on our friend’s knee (same one who let him sit in his glove during the Mariner’s game) and he bounced off and into the row behind. It might have been a little embarrassing when the fellow behind us handed him back to a row full of adults. lol

It didn’t help when our friend spanked him.

Anyway, Ribbit had fun with lunch and he did get to spend some time with the baptis-ee who wanted the honor of being photographed with Ribbit.

We had a great time.

And now I am wondering if I should wake Kenny up, he’s been asleep for hours on the couch and I am wondering if he’ll sleep at all tonight!