A Reason for the Season.......Happy Holidays!

 

Happy Birthday to Jesus Christ...(well belated, it was yesterday) but I don't think JC would mind a shout out the day after either.....after all, he was BORN yesterday!  I wonder if he is happy about how huge his whole bday has gotten???  Or if he's a bit embarrassed by all the attention?  I am sure for some people he wants them to calm it down a bit....ya, I am talking to you all you "blow up plastic" manger decorators!  And he probably is saying, tone it down on the shopping and spoiling your kids.  I was born this day so you could enjoy your families, friends, and faith....... not give all your kids an Ipad!!!  Well I have to admit, I am one of those spoilers and I really need to remember the reason for the season and that is faith and hope and happiness...Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!

20 Years Ago......

20 years ago today I graduated from Iowa State University. Which is so ironic, since I am a Hawkeye fan!!  LOL  --- but I did graduate in 1992 on Dec 19th with a Bachelor of Science degree.  It doesn't seem like 20 years but it does seem like it's been a while since I was involved in the college scene.  Loved it when I was there but glad I am done with it!!  I will just have to live vicariously through my kids' college experiences now!  Here are pics of me then and now:

Can you guess which are which??? LMAO!!!

Heavy heart....

I have had a heavy heart all weekend.  The shootings in CT of innocent children and teachers has me just sickened.  I can't even imagine what they are going through, and I really don't even want to imagine it.  When I see their little faces it makes me want to sob with what could have been for them.  I take a look at my own children and I am so glad to have them with me all the time and to be able to hug them and tell them how much I love them.  I am not sure why people do such evil things, it's confusing and horrible.  I hope the parents can find some way to deal with the pain they are going through.  I am not sure what I would do or how I would handle it and hopefully I never will have to.

On Sunday, Dec. 16th I celebrated (yes celebrated) 1 year since my diagnosis.  On that day 1 year ago I seriously thought my life was over!  Or at least it would never be the same again and not in a good way.  I can say that reflecting on the past year, I am so thankful for modern medicine and for the love and support of friends and family.  I was crying on this day 1 year ago, and this year I am happy.....happy to be ALIVE and kicking and to be able to torture those who need it!!! 

Yesterday I got my nipple reconstructed.  It was a surprise how quick and easy it was.  He basically just took and cut a criss cross then sewed it into one big blob of a circle to make the nipple.  Easy peasy!!!  I didn't feel a thing since I can't feel anything anyway on that side.  But it looks NASTY!!  It's so gross!  It takes 3 months to heal, then I can get the areola tatooed on and he will most likely color the nipple in also.  I asked him about dead person nipple...not only did he laugh about it, he said there is a procedure where they do that and it costs twice as much and it is not nearly as successful!  How ironic!  Glad I don't have dead person nipple....only my own!!

What happens in Vegas....

Stays in Vegas...yes I am talking about my money.  It's still in Vegas.  Curse you, you FUN slots!!!  I had a ton of fun with my hubby and we got to see the National Finals Rodeo in person!!!!  I think Mike was in Heaven!  It was pretty cool and I am so glad we went.  Had a ton of fun with Seth and Beth and Anna and Alex.  Great people to travel with and be in Vegas with. 

I got to wear my cowboy hat....I felt like such a cowgirl with my 5 lb sparkly diamond belt and flannel shirt.  I got my belt at a 2nd hand store for $10....they were selling them in Vegas for $90!!!  And mine is soooo much cooler, at least I think so.

Here are some pics of Mike and I at the rodeo.  My face is not really that fat, it's the angle of the camera.  **cough, cough** (throat clearing sound). 

Holy Mammogram!

Took me two hours to get a mammogram yesterday (they were quite busy) but after a couple of looks from the radiologist and one scary ultrasound from my breast surgeon, he said he was very happy....so that makes me very happy!  I am in the clear for my left breast, what a relief!!!

We just got back from a weekend away in KC with our friends the Kubiks.  Carey, Jason and Kyley were so much fun to hang with.  The girls loved each other and Palmer really entertained Hadley and Kyley.  We kept telling Kyley that Palmer was Justin Bieber and she would giggle and get all embarrassed...adorable.  Hadley enjoyed trying to hug Kyley and Hadley especially loved the pool!!  We miss seeing them as they moved away to Wichita, KS a few years ago, but we still keep in touch all the time and try to see each other at least once a year.  With my chemo treatments we had to postpone their visits many times as I was either sick, or they were sick...and I was not much for visitors this year, but now I am ready to see everyone!!!