May she stay. Forever young.

May God bless and keep you always

May your wishes all come true

May you always do for others

and let others do for you

                                                       May you build a ladder to the stars

and climb on every rung

May you stay forever young.

-- Bob Dylan

 Jeannie, Todd, Me, and Katie

 Todd, Jeannie, Brian  front: Katie, Me, Lisa

May 2012

I was just thinking tonight about how much I love this song. With my Katie so sick I just want her to feel young again. The freedom of running, riding a bike, and feeling the wind in her hair. When we were young we  made winding trails through the tall weeds and grass in the empty lot next to her house, playing hide and seek and laying next to the warm dirt until dusk had settled and it was time to go home. If she can't have another day like that I hope at least God will grant her a nights dream that feels like childhood.

And may she stay...forever young.

Maggie's Day at School

Hayden invited Maggie to join him at his school for a special pre-school. She was so excited the day of the event! She told me, "Mamma, I need a backpack." I found her the smallest one. Then she said, "Mamma, I wait for the bus."  She went right out front and sat on the steps. I had to hurry and snap a few photos before I broke the news to her that I was taking her to the school. "No, Mamma! I wanna ride the bus!" HAHA! She did finally get into the car and I took her to Hayden's school. He did a great job with her! They did play time, a puppet show, snack, and an art project. Hayden was so glad that his sister showed him a little love (aka didn't run away). He kissed her over and over again.

The truth about mammograms

October is breast cancer awareness month, and if you are lucky, free-umbrella-with-your-mammogram-month! Here is the deal. I am not 40 yet, the magical age of the first recommended mammogram—but I didn't want to wait any longer. A few weeks ago I called the hospital and made the appointment. Here are a few myths...dispelled:



Myth #1 - It hurts.
This is sooooo false. I have had high fives that have hurt more. Uncomfortable? A tad. Painful. No way.


Myth #2 - You have to have standard size boobs.
Again, false. I asked nurse Bridgette what happens if a gal comes in with plateau chest, or what about big mamma mountain tops?? How about fakies? The quick answer: there are ways to accommodate all sizes, all types.

Myth #3 - The appointment will take forever.
20 minutes tops, baby.

Myth #4 - A call back from the hospital to ask for an additional mammogram means you have cancer.
Nope. A call back for first timers like myself typically means that they want to get more information. The first mammogram is the baseline for all others that follow. So it's essential to have the first mammogram as accurate as possible.

Myth #5 - The results are slow.
So fast. So fast. They will call you within 24 hours if there is a concern, and if your mammogram is normal you will get a friendly postcard within a few days.

Myth #6 - You have to be 40.
Guess what? Most insurance companies pay for mammograms anytime after 35.
Myth #7 - The "ladies" will get squished like a pancake.
Uh. Ya. I'll just say this...under NO circumstances, no matter how bad you want to DON'T LOOK DOWN!

alert!

I was just alerted that my sister, Toots, checks this blog in hopes of an update. YEAH! Somebody checks my blog! Thanks Toots for making my day. :)

royal weekend.

Kory and I spent the weekend in SLC (thanks MA!) celebrating 15 years of marriage. We decided to stay at the Grand America Hotel, the only 5 star hotel in Utah. We felt like royalty! What a truly amazing place to stay. We enjoyed eating out, sleeping in, and talking. Marriage for us has been like a tree. When it was first new, it seemed that some days if the wind blew just right that the roots would just come right up and that would be that. But, just like with a tree, the longer it is planted, the stronger it grows. Each year we are together is a year that I learn more about him, and he about me. I have decided there are just a few simple things that make a marriage really good:

1- Make time each Friday night for Date Night (it is nice we have a built in babysitter now)
2- Have at one least one thing in common (we LOVE football... LOVE it - we also love the outdoors, riding the horses, eating out, the fair (ahhh the fair), and working on projects in the yard)
3- Recognize that neither you or your spouse is perfect, and that marriage is work (and sometimes this is painful work)
4- Center your life on God
5- Remember all the reasons you fell in love -- often.

Here is to another 15. :)

I still miss her everyday

 I still miss my Gram. Everyday. And today is her birthday and I could not help but remember all the times she took care of me and just loved me. Just. The. Way. I. Was.

Happy Birthday Gram! I am sure you are having a slice of heavenly cake and a glass of Pepsi on the rocks.

a few of my favorites.