Hadley......*sigh*

Hadley 3-4 year old preschool 2014

My crazy life....preschooler and 8th grader

As promised here are pics from the "firsts" this year. Palmer on the first day of 8th grade and Hadley on her first day of preschool. So far so good, but Hadley is kind of having a hard time adjusting....I know, can you believe it? Miss Social! But she is not quite use to the large amounts of kids her age and I think she probably is not use to getting most of the attention so she is struggling to fit in. I am sure as she gets to know all her new classmates that she will be just fine, but this transition phase is killing me! It's hard to see her well up with tears because she has so much anxiety about going and then after I pick her up from the day she had the time of her life! Kids....I will never understand them. But sure am glad I have them! Also, Miss Hadley starting tumbling classes on Monday nights. She LOVES it. Palmer will be getting his football pictures taken here soon also so I will post when I have them. In the mean time since I am going to the Cy-Hawk game on Saturday...GO HAWKEYES!!!

Back to school time! Oh and I nailed another check up....

I can't believe the summer has flown by so fast!!! Being in a boot cast for a month did not help but I am probably packing most of my summer into these last few weeks. Palmer will start the 8th grade and Hadley gets to go to pre-school! Palmer said he is excited to go back to school, but then that excitement ends after the first week. I totally get him on that!! Hadley is just excited because now she gets to go with the other kids to school when last year they left and she had to stay behind as she wasn't old enough yet. She could have cared less about which backpack she wanted....she ended up picking the one that had the free lunch box!!! Yup, my kid...total foodie!! My check up with Dr. Yoda, my oncologist went well. I told him I wasn't sleeping well and he said (and I quote) "are you worried about something?" Umm....well let's see. Uh, I don't know...maybe cancer coming back????? I know....duh!!!

Boobie Squish...check! Boot cast Removal...check!

Got my mammies grammed last week and everything is A-ok!!! Always breathe a sigh of relief after that check up. And the week before last I got my boot cast off from chipping a bone in my foot!! Yay me!! I have a slight limp yet, as my foot gets stiff if I am not walking on it constantly, but otherwise it's seems to be fine. I would like to say I have a super duper cool story of how I broke my very first bone, but I don't. I slipped on my daughter's spilled mac and cheese on our hardwood floors. There I've said it. I am a klutz and need to pay more attention. My body is larger and slower....it does not have the same reaction time it use to. Curse you age!! My son Palmer comes home soon!! I cannot wait to see him. He sent me a pic of himself (well his shoes) on a scale and it read much more than I had thought it would. For those of you who do not know Palmer....he is normally 80 lbs soaking wet. Well if he didn't put quarters in his pockets or someone else wasn't standing on the back of the scale then I would say he is growing, A LOT!! He says it pays to be lazy and I don't doubt that!!! Couldn't be because Grandma Diane feeds him constantly could it?? I think he might have just had a growth spurt, so I am excited to see how tall he is!!! Pics to come later!!

A Little Dark Cloud follows me around sometimes!

Ever since I had Hadley (which I was a perfectly healthy, 40 years old, easy preganancy) and then a beautiful baby girl to love on and make our family complete....then BAM!! My thyroid failed. I got breast cancer. Mastectomy, chemo, skin cancer....etc, etc. Well a few more things have popped up. I have a cyst on my ovary (not cancerous) and I chipped a bone in my foot. Urghh!! The little dark cloud that follows me every few months needs to LEAVE! But, alas....I am still fairly healthy. I have a roof over my head, family and friends that love me and a paying job. Which is a lot more than other people have in their life. So I am going to try to make lemonade out of the lemons that have been thrown my way, but damn it is difficult when that lemon is a black cat, broken mirror and opened umbrella in the house! I don't think I have walked under any ladders lately but knowing me, I probably did! Here are some random photos that I thought I would post. I am missing the pool horribly with this darn boot cast so I am hoping to get it off so that Hadley and I can get a few dips in here and there. Also, missing my son who is in Alabama with his dad. The summer is flying by...so everyone try to enjoy it!!

Sorry for neglecting you Blog!!!

I have been lazy with my blog lately! So here is more information about my life...so far cancer FREE!! This month I went in for my 3 month cancer check up and told the oncologist about my VERY sore right arm (elbow, wrist, shoulder) So as all good oncologists do, he ordered a bone scan and MRI, cuz they just basically have to. Any pain could mean the cancer has returned. He didn't think that was the case and he was right. I just have arthritis. Curse you volleyball years!!! So all is well so far...well, except for my aching shoulder and arm....pouring coffee sucks. And that is sad. But I will live! (pun intended) My dermatology appt went well also. Of course they took off more moles. The mole patrol lady always finds something to cut off me. But I love my dermatologist and she is leaving. Actually she left. I was her last patient, so I feel special. But all moles came back negatory on skin cancer...bonus! So that is the current update. Actually life has been pretty boring lately, but with all that has happened in the past couple of years, I will take boring for a while. :)

Another Birthday!

Well, I have spent 44 years on this earth.  And what a ride it has been!!  From being a painfully shy (yes I said painfully shy) pre-schooler to an obnoxious 6th grader (ask Mr. Bergman) to a humbled mother and wife, I must say I have a pretty good life!  I am happy to strut my 44 year old self and have another go at 44 more years, or maybe longer if God wants it that way!  I am going to spend the evening with my kids and hubby tonight, in my jammies and with a cold adult beverage.  That's my idea of celebrating and I am pretty satisfied with that.  My birthday cake today consisted of pink snowballs....my favorite, but my body will soon reject them I am sure!  LOL  --- keep fighting everyday cuz getting older is only getting better everyone.  Look how far I  have come! Yay me!

Toes in the water...toes in the sand....

I went to see my bestie where she now LIVES! The Grand Cayman Islands! I had such a great time and they were wonderful hosts and hostesses. I got to swim in the ocean...eat a ton of great food, go for a boat ride in the ocean and swim to a local bar/restaurant and I got to lounge by their beautiful pool and stay in their beautiful house....I feel so blessed. Thank you Carey, Jason and Kyley for a great vacation....Lord knows I needed one! And you probably needed one after I left!!! here are some more great pics - it's GORGEOUS there!

Stu Pettigrew RIP my friend.....

It's taken me a while to post about this. I had a dear friend who was killed in an auto accident on Feb 1st. What a shock it has been. While the family has been strong for those of us in shock and disbelief, I know they are grieving privately and miss him so much. Stu was only 52 years old and had so much life to live. I have gone through the stages of grieving...shock, anger, sadness. It really puts things in perspective coming from someone who fought hard to stay on this earth with surgeries and chemo. It can all be gone in a milli-second. I wish he would have had the chance to fight, but sadly, he has been taken away from us....much too soon. I have known the Pettigrews for many years and just a few years ago had gotten to really know them and loved going out to eat and socialize with them. Stu was one of a kind and his love for life and his beautiful wife Marsha and daughter Mandy and son Brent was like no other. Sometime I would have to roll my eyes at the sheer love he had for Marsha and the kids, but I realize now he had something so special that I was most likely jealous and in awe of it. The humor that Stu brought to any table was amazing. My cheeks would hurt from laughing and my eyes would have tears rolling down them...he was that hilarious. I will always remember his zest for life and hope to live my life just as he did.....with no regrets. With that in mind, I wrote a poem for Stu, and I read it at his funeral. Here it is: Stu, you were taken from us way too soon. Not too long ago you were plucking your guitar, singing a Ted Nugent tune. Your love for your family set you far apart. You had a boisterous personality, and a REALLY big heart. You loved to ride your Harley, with Marsha on the back. Our cheeks would hurt from laughing with the jokes that you would crack. You were lactose intolerant….and everyone knew. We laughed out loud at those hilarious stories you would construe. From flambongos, to football, golf, bowling and riding. We hung on all your words with the tales you were describing. Your legacy will continue, your family will be your story. They will make sure memories of you will be “Stu in all his glory” Stu’s last words to Marsha were “I love you” And her’s to him, “I love you too” I am glad she got to hear those words, even if she already knew. I don’t think I could write a love story quite that profound. Because you see, I witnessed it every time they came around. Stu is in heaven looking down on his family and friends. I know he is praying for Greg to heal. Greg would be upset he is missing your life celebration, cuz let’s face it Stu, YOU were quite a big deal. So let’s rejoice in the life that Stu has built, wife, children and grands. Cuz the mold was broken when Stu was made, there will never be a better man. God Bless the Pettigrew family.

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY PALMER (FEB 7TH)

Happy Birthday to my son, NOW A TEENAGER, Palmer Drum! You are the kindest, loving, humorous most caring teenager I know. And Mike and Hadley and I love you so very much. It is such an honor being your mom. (until you mouth off...LOL!) Happy 13th Birthday Palmer! You are a blessing from above! (And you were such a darling 7 year old!

Breathing Under Water

No, I am not really breathing under water, nor am I near any body of water...but this congestion, cold thing I have has me feeling like people are talking to me from under a lake. I have gone through a whole roll of toilet paper (cuz that's how the Bright's roll when we have a cold) and now my nose is super chafed (and you know how much I hate that word, "chafed") sore and impossible to get anything out of. I am miserable, but I am here at work and everyone around me is re-coiling in discomfort everytime I come near them. Talk about feeling like crap! I should stay home but I have been sick so many times this year that I feel like the little hypochondriac that called in sick too many times. Not that I really haven't been sick, but the point is.....do I stay home and have everyone cover my butt yet again? Or do I risk exposure...I chose exposure cuz everyone's going to get it at some time right? I am such a great co-worker.

3 Month Cancer check up.....still kickin'!!!!!!!!!

Yes another 3 month check up has come and gone and each time I am nervous as HELL!! I try to remain calm but let's face it, I would not be human if I didn't not freak out a little!! I am hating this weather! Normally, I am kind of a winter person...I have to admit. I like the clothing, the stylish boots, the scarves. But I hate the cold, bitter, bitter cold. I am ok with just cold. So God, if you could fix this as well as cure cancer...I would LOVE that!

Bright Christmas Poem - 2013

THE BRIGHT FAMILY CHRISTMAS POEM – 2013 Is it that time already? 2013 went ever so quick! Christmas cards, gifts, family get-togethers….I better get on the stick! Every year I stress about gifts for the ones that I adore I am guilty of spoiling my kids and family with things from a store. My son was horrified as I told him of my Christmas’ of yore. My dad refurbished a sled for me, a gift that I’d adore! “You got an old sled? Only a few gifts on Christmas Day?” Yes Palmer, we were encouraged to go OUTSIDE and play! And the letters we received weren’t opened with a swipe, We had to either write them by hand or typewriter type! The only phone we had, hung on the kitchen wall It had rotorary dial and took us a while to call! My 3 year old Hadley slides her fingers across a magazine page She is use to a smart phone or notebook, it’s all the rage! I know I can’t go back and “undo” gadgets and tech But I miss those days when cards were actually in a “deck”. And I know I am guilty of using Facebook and text I share everything now, you don’t even need to guess!! Ok, enough on my soap box, I need to come unfurled. I will fill you in on what’s happening with our crazy world. Mike and I still work together, haven’t killed each other yet! Hadley is still adorable, once again, making Mike sweat. Palmer is in 7th grade, oh the joys and spoils of junior high. He proved a fine actor in his play as an infomercial guy. Mike went to Colorado….for an elk he was to seek. He came back empty handed, and the weather was pretty bleak. (side note: Laurie does not understand sitting a week in the cold) I have a new niece, and her name is McKinley Grace She is a beautiful baby with an angelic face. I can get my baby fix and not be sleep deprived! I can wake up feeling well rested and totally revived! (Sorry Sis!) So as we celebrate Jesus and his birth Remember the reason we were put on this earth. To love our neighbors, family and friends And not to see how much each person spends. Give the gift of yourself this year, keep spoiling to a limit. Yes, I just wrote that….I do have a soft side that I can exhibit! (I know…..you are floored!!!) Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Mike, Laurie, Palmer and Hadley

Mole Patrol: Part II

I had my 2nd mole patrol last week. As I have said in the past, I have to go every three months now until they tell me to only go every 6 months, then yearly for the rest of my life. I have already forgotten how long I have to go every 3 months!! HA! I am already sick of it. Well this MOLE PATROL was a FULL body one....they even checked between my toes and some other areas down south I won't mention. And guess what? The ones they wanted to biopsy were on my REAR END....now don't make me the "butt" of your jokes....LOL! Sorry I couldn't resist. Anyway, they took 2 moles of my glutes and I haven't heard anything back from them so I am assuming that is good news. Normally bad news comes fast and strong!! I have sent out my annual Christmas cards and poem so hopefully everyone will get theirs soon. I will post the poem here for those that I have forgotten, but I will do it at a later date so everyone can get the full Christmas card/poem effect from the US mail. If I missed or have forgotten someone, I am so sorry and will try to add you next year if you give me your address. My brain is flying at half mast most of the time so you will have to forgive me. I have been in a chemo fog for quite some time even though that ended well over a year ago.....that's my excuse at least. I am truly thinking about signing up for those online brain exercises. I am starting to think that if I get any worse, strangers might think I am special needs???? I forget words in mid-sentence and have to have my 12 year old finish them for me. At least he is smart enough to know what I wanted to say.

1977

My sister, Christy, posted this picture on facebook a while back and I just love it.  Not because of my highwater red polyester pantsuit, brown ortheopedic shoes, or very large collar, but because it has all the people I love in it.  My mother was always good about dressing my sister and I VERY alike, despite the 7 year age difference.  But it looks like she tried joining in on it....gotta love that Judy!

My Superhero.....all clear on the skin cancer!

I thought it only fitting to post my super hero son, Palmer....here he is for Super Hero Day at school. The costume was ill-fitting (meaning it was made for a 6yr old) but he can still fit into it somewhat...skinny kid!! He is hilarious! My pathology report on the skin cancer on my back came back clear, so they got it all!! whew.....(wiping my forehead) I am glad that is done. Now I have to go to the dermatologist every 3 months for the next 5 years!! Then every 6 mos for 5 more, then every year for the rest of my LIFE!!! So glad it was caught early, but really??? Guess I can't argue with trying to keep myself healthy...kind of sick of it though. Also good news on the breast cancer front....Dr Yoda called me very healthy...not just healthy, but VERY healthy.....**smiles** --- he is starting to grow on me.

Skin Cancer....yup.

Yesterday I had to go get a "wide local excision" on my back to remove more skin from where they found melanoma...from the mole patrol. Thank goodness I did it and I recommend it to everyone....see your dermatologist and let them check your skin out. I had 5 moles removed and the one on back back came back as skin cancer...Stage 0. Which means it's only the top of my skin. No penetrating layers, which is really good news. The cut on my back with stitches in it hurt like a mother "trucker" but I can deal with that for now. And a scar. Not like I don't have a few of those! So just one more hill that I have climbed and come down, easy peasy huh!!! Here is a pic of Hadley in her cowboy hat....too cute not to share!

Happy 3rd Birthday to our BEAUTIFUL daughter Hadley!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Hadley who celebrated it this past Sunday, Oct 13th.  She got to go trick or treating at the campgrounds this weekend and got lots of candy from all the nice campers! She loved it!  We had a birthday party for her at the shelter house in Ackley and both sides of her family and some great friends showed up to celebrate.  Grandma Sandy made her an awesome Cat in the Hat cake!

Happy Anniversary to me and my Hubby!

Happy 5th Anniversary to Mike and Laurie Bright (that's me!)  I can't believe it's been 5 years already...they have flown by!  Palmer was 7 when we got married, hard to believe....when I look at the pictures he was so young in them!  Having a baby girl and going through thyroid problems and breast cancer....looks like there is nothing that can knock us down!!  So if I don't say it enough, I love you Mike Bright and thank you for the last 5 years from the bottom of my Grinch heart....just kidding...it's a bit bigger than that!! :)

Happy Birthday Hubby!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!! Well today is Mike's 43rd birthday and he has finally caught up to me in age. I made him a pumpkin pie from a box...yes I just give and give don't I! And don't tell him but I have been craving pumpkin pie...could be why he got it for his birthday (wink, wink!)

Here are some pics from our Thomas the Train trip in Boone. Sorry but that was a lame-oooooo trip and way pricey for what we got. $18 per person to go about 3 miles an hour on the train and our scenery was rusty old equipment and corn fields....I can see that from my own house!! Hadley almost fell asleep during the trip. Palmer and Hadley's biggest excitement was when I bought them cotton candy.....so don't think we will be going to do that again, but hey, at least we tried it!