Saturday, January 6, 2018

Happy New Year!

Hi all,
Happy New Year! 
I hope you had a wonderful holiday!

I just wanted to stop in and do a quick post as to why I have been absent from my blog the past couple of weeks.  

Two weeks ago, Josh went in for an MRI for a lump that had formed on the top of his head.  He received a call that same day and was told to go directly to the ER.  After hours of waiting in the emergency room, they admitted him to the hospital.  I won't go into the emotional roller coaster ride that we went through on getting a diagnosis.  

It appeared that his Osteosarcoma had returned on his scull (and we were hopeful it had not gotten into his brain).  He was scheduled for brain surgery on Monday.  I immediately bought a plane ticket and flew to Arizona.  I cannot even express how hard it is for a mom to have to see their child face such hard things.  But Josh, is such an inspiration and told me that, maybe he had to go through this again, because he would need to inspire someone else (He sure inspires me!). 

Josh's surgery took about 5 hours (which seemed like days), and was a success, and the tumor was confirmed to indeed be Osterosarcoma.  The surgeon was confident he was able to remove all of the tumor (and thankfully the pathology report confirmed that).  Josh now has a titanium plate in his head where the top of his scull once was.  After only 5 days in the hospital, Josh was discharged to go home.  Nothing can keep that kid down.  




He will now be starting chemotherapy and radiation for approximately 5 months.  His Oncologist assured us that the odds are definitely in his favor to be fully cured.  I have included Josh's Go Fund Me link below (and his update from Facebook) if anyone would like to help with that.  He will be out of work for a while and I can only imagine how much brain surgery costs???  

I would love it if you would keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we make this journey once more...which I am confident will be the last time :)  


Always, Enjoy Today!


Josh - Go Fund Me


Hello Everyone,
Josh here. Thank you all for your continued support! Jess and I really appreciate it! I am home now and recovering from my recent brain surgery. As far as we know now, the game plan will be to restart chemotherapy on January 2nd, and then 6 weeks of radiation a few weeks after that.
Unfortunately the chemo will have to be in the hospital again.... 5 days at a time, twice a month. Luckily it shouldn’t be quite as long this time around. Maybe 4-6 months of chemo. We are hopeful of a full remission this time around. We are very thankful for all of your support, and cant put into words how appreciative we are of you all.
As some of you know, I did start a new job as a cabinet maker on November 6th. Since I am still very new there, I am not eligible for FMLA, and wont be able to work for a few months (or drive for that matter!). My doctors are taking the precautions for seizures, since I did have one in the hospital after surgery.
I will try to keep updates coming out as we get them. Thanks again, and Happy Holiday season to everyone!
Love,
Josh and Jess

Sunday, December 17, 2017

weekly photo dump - December {week two}

Happy Sunday!
Another busy week over here.  I am trying to get my Christmas shopping/shipping done.  I think this is the latest I have ever done it.  Not a fan of waiting until the last minute, LOL!  I will be at Target today with the millions of other last minute shoppers.

House update:
We are still waiting for trim, I am wondering if it is the time of year, because our contractor is a little unresponsive.  Luckily everything else is done, so I am not stressing over this piece.

From left to right:
1.  I have almost eaten and entire box of these ginger cookies from IKEA (not in one sitting, LOL!).  They remind me of the pepparkakor's (Swedish ginger cookie) my grandmother used to make.
2.  I am loving our fireplace!  And on a positive note, I love this stacked stone finish we chose so much better than the tile we had before (silver lining).
3.  Mike set up the tree this week (I was going back and forth on if I wanted to put it up), I still have not decorated it, but I love the light it gives in the morning and evening.  I am embracing minimalism, LOL!
4.  Work in the benefits world is super busy this time of year...tons of open enrollments for my clients.  A few days this week I had this for lunch (at least the are organic).  
5.  I love that these two hang out in my office while I am working...except when  our neighbors dog is loose, then the get a little crazy!
6.  This is crazy Pete after he came out of the Christmas tree.  I wasn't fast enough to snap a picture of him inside.  
7.  Christmas cards are done and ready to mail.  I am hoping they arrive before Christmas!
8.  After 4 months of sitting on lawn chairs in our construction zone...our furniture arrived on Friday night.  Boy, have I missed having couches!!!  The pups were excited too (I had to put a blanket on them right away so Sophie could get up there, until the newness wears off, then we will probably not use the blanket, LOL).
9.  This girl turned 5 on 12/15/17.  She is a crazy dog that still acts like a puppy, and loves to sit in my lap (she is 98 pounds), but I love her!

Enjoy Today!

Sunday, December 10, 2017

weekly photo dump - December {week one}

Happy December!!
It has been a busy month so far!!  Mike and I had a FABULOUS time in Arizona visiting the kids!!  Our floors were finished while we were gone, work has been super busy, and I am really struggling trying to get in the Christmas spirit...just not feeling it!  Hopefully that will kick in soon!!

From left to right:
1.  I had some special snuggle time with Kodi.  He will always hold a special place in my heart!  He was the dog that made me realize that I liked dogs.
2.  I took a couple of days off from work while I was in AZ.  It was nice to have some time with Mike in the morning, not having to worry about any sort of to-do list.
3.  I ate so many things!!!
4.  We had several game nights...SO FUN!! (Except for the one time we played CLUE).
5.  I always bribe the kids into getting our annual family photo by a dinner out at Angry Crab.  So messy, but so yummy!!
6.  We had a gingerbread house decorating party.  I was happily surprised that fun was had by all.
7.  Pete usually gets mad when we leave him behind (we had a friend checking in on him & Dewey), but this time he seemed much better.
8.  Thursday morning we woke up to snow in Texas.  It was a little exciting, but I am happy the temps are back up in the 60's,
9.  Floors are complete!  Next up is trim (which should hopefully happen in the next week or so), then once that is painted...I think that is a wrap!  Whew-that was a crazy ride!!!

Enjoy Today!

Friday, November 24, 2017

weekly photo dump - November {week three}

Hi all,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Mike and I are getting ready to head to AZ for a few days, I am looking forward to seeing the kids and having a break from our construction scenery!!  I will not be posting next week, but will be back the first week in December with a post with pic's from Arizona.


From left to right:
1.  I love getting happy mail, this week I received some!
2.  Our floor guys were supposed to work last Sunday...They were a NO SHOW!  We were all patiently waiting for them to arrive.  I have to say we have been pretty lucky with contractors so far...but the floor guys are the ones that give contractors a bad name.  This type A girl, gets annoyed!  I mean, just be straight with me.  
3.  Since we are holding off on buying furniture until the floors are done, we tend to watch TV in bed.  Sophie and Bella join in on the fun (as well as the cats).
4.  Our tile guys put a bunch of construction material in our trash can...we put it out in hopes they would take it.  We got this tag on our garbage can, LOL!  They did empty our bin.  
5.  I love when this creamer flavor comes out!!!  White Chocolate Peppermint Bark.  
6.  It's the little things!!  Mike put up our toilet paper holders this week...you don't know how much you miss stuff, until you don't have them for a while.
7.  Since my appliances are in the middle of the floor at the moment, and I have not had time to go to the grocery store, this was my dinner one night (the microwave is the only appliance hooked up).  I don't normally eat this kind of thing (Mike likes them in his lunch), I do have to say, it was really good!!  I used to love these when I was a kid.  Oh, and I burned my tongue like when I was a kid too, LOL!
8.  I am super excited to have my floors done.  We chose tile that looks like wood.  They still have to finish my office and all our closets (we have a lot of closets), grout and do the fireplace.  Our general contractor said he would let them in while we are out of town (not sure how I feel about that), but we just want it done!!!  Fingers crossed it is done when we get back!  Our neighbors are also going to watch our house and make sure it gets locked up at night.  But Mike also reminded me, it's not like we have much to steal, LOL!  
9.  We are leaving for Arizona (driving with the pups) today, Friday.  While I hate leaving my house it this HOT MESS!  I think it will be a much needed break for us! 

Enjoy Today!

Saturday, November 18, 2017

weekly photo dump {November - week two}

From left to right:
1.  I am really glad to be blogging again, even if it is very minimal right now.  Thank you to all who stop by to read my posts :)
2.  We have had a few cold days (Texas cold is similar to Arizona cold), so I made a big pot of soup.  I LOVE soup!!  It is like a hug in a bowl.
3.  I finally got a new pair of Converse.  Just in the nick of time, since I stepped in dog poop with my old ones last week.  I am trying to convince Mike to clean them for me.  They are outside at the moment.
4.  Flooring started this week.  A day later than we thought, but it started.  I am hoping it will be done by mid week next week.  But you know how that goes...
5.  I will be so glad to get all the stuff that has been stored in my dinning room, put away!!  If you know me, you know this is driving me BONKERS!!
6.  It has been that kind of week, that I pulled out the candy and kept it on my desk!  Super busy at work and ready for February when it slows down again.
7.  We have been hanging out in our bedroom to watch TV at night, since everything is a hot mess in our house, of course all the pets join us.
8.  I saw this on Instagram this week and it resonated with me, as I try to keep a good attitude through all the trials of life.
9.  Picked up my photos at Costco (we decided to get some Pizza while we were there) for my December Daily project from 2012...Yes, five years ago, I never finished it.  It was fun looking through all the photos from back then.  I am excited to get it completed as well as start one for 2017.  

Enjoy Today!

Friday, November 10, 2017

weekly photo dump - {November - week one}



From left to right:
1.  I found an old December Daily album that I started working on (I think in 2013?).  I am super excited to locate those photos and put this thing together.  It has also inspired me to do one this year.  Stay tuned on that...
2.  Poor Kodi had to have a mole removed and also got his teeth cleaned last week.  I love that dog so much!!! 
3.  YES, I went to Target on Saturday to check out the launch of Chip & Joanna's new Hearth & Home line.  I have heard mixed reviews, but I really liked it, and got in on some retail therapy.
4.  After our Target run, Mike and I went to Costco.  I can never get out of there for under $200.  But frozen yogurt always makes me feel better.
5.  Josh started a new job this week.  He will be building custom cabinets, I am so happy he is doing something he enjoys.
6.  Doors arrived this week...and Mike installed them all (except for 2 that were the wrong size).
7.  These are my favorite shoes, they have seen better days!  They have been through all the flood craziness with me. They are in desperate need of washing!! 
8.  I am so happy that we have a Sprouts nearby!!  I went and stocked up on all of my favorites.
9.  Mike picked up our flooring on Thursday.  Fingers crossed our contractor can start installing it next week...but you know how that goes.  


Enjoy Today!!

Friday, November 3, 2017

weekly photo dump {October - week five}

Happy Friday!!!


From left to right:
1.  Mike started painting last weekend (and will hopefully finish with paint this weekend).  Our next project...hanging 18 doors (that are being delivered on Monday).
2.  We have been eating out more than we normally do, since we work most of the weekend and it is just easier.  We went to one of Mike's favorite spots...James Coney Island.  For all my CT peeps, we think it is a close match to Nikki'e Dog House.
3.  This is my current weekend look.  
4.  My office/coworkers participate in the Phoenix Breast Cancer Walk every year.  My sweet daughter in law, Jess, heads it up.  I am always there in spirit!!!  It makes my heart so happy to see these two!!  They know first hand what cancer is all about.  Go JOSH!!
5.  My Dyson died last week.  So I had to purchase a new vacuum.  To be honest, I don't think the Dyson is all it is cracked up to be.  I am back to Shark.  
6.  Found this at my grocery store this week...I am not a big egg nog lover, but Mike is.  
7.  Now that the sheet rock and texture are complete, I can actually start cleaning.  Can I just say...so.much.dust.EVERYWERE!!!!  I emptied out all my kitchen cabinets, washed everything and wiped down the inside and outside.  It makes my OCD heart happy to see things sparkle again.  I mean, who wouldn't want a drink from a dusty glass?
8.  Sometimes I want to be Pete.  He has the life!!!
9.  I am in the process of scrapping the hurricane.  I LOVE using the digital Project Life products!!  Becky provided a free Documenting Disasters Kit for Free (linked HERE).  I will be sharing my pages in the next few weeks.  

Enjoy Today!