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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!!

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!

weekly photo dump {week four}

Hi all,
I hope you had a great week!  Progress is happening at the Clark house.  The sheetrock and texture are just about DONE!  The contractors are stopping by on Saturday morning to finish sanding, and then that part is finished!!  I have to say, that I am so glad this part is almost done, because it is MESSY!!  So.much.dust.everywhere!!!!  I think I will be dusting for the next year.  The next step is doors (which should be arriving on November 6th).  It is a slow process for sure, but so happy to be making progress, one day at a time!

From left to right...
1.  The contractors had to cancel on Saturday, so I ran a bunch or errands and did my grocery shopping.  This was my lunch at 2:45 when I got home.
2.  Thankfully the contractors said they would work on Sunday, since they couldn't work on Saturday (due to the joint compound not being completely dry).  Here is Bella waiting for them to arrive.
3.  My fall issue of Magnolia Journal got misdirected during the hurricane.  I got it about 3 weeks late, and then got busy.  While I was stuck at home during the construction, I finally had a chance to look through it.
4.  The weather is cooling off here in TX.  We used our indoor fireplace for the first time (we have ordered the stacked stone for the front and I cannot wait for it to be pretty again!).
5.  They prepped everthing on Sunday for texture to begin on Monday, I didn't realize they wrapped  everthing.  Luckily I work from home, because I couldn't get to my stuff, (I did locate my toothbrush!!) LOL!
6.  We are super excited that Ashley and Nate are going to have a baby in March!  They found out the gender and did a reveal on Facebook...it's a GIRL!!!!
7.  Mike works nights a few nights every month.  Pete usually sleeps right next to me when Mike is not home.  Plus I have the pups and Dewey at the end of the bed.    
8.  I have been trying to eat healthier these days.  It has been a struggle since the flood.  It has been so easy to just order a pizza or get take out.  Things are slowing getting back to somewhat normal around here.
9.  The majority of my paper scrapbooks were ruined in the flood.  Mike and I were able to salvage about 2/3 of the photos.  Becky Higgins (Project Life), had a storewide sale a couple of weeks ago and I stocked up on products to get my photos protected and try to re-organize things.  Once I get started I will share my progress here on the blog. 

Enjoy Today! 

Happy Friday!!
I have been challenging myself to take more photos (I have missed documenting life, the good the bad and the ugly).  I did not use my big camera this week, but I did use my iPhone to snap a few things to remember this week.  

From left to right...
1.  Mike and I finally tackled the garage, after the flood, everything (that was salvageable) was just thrown in there until we had time to go through it.  Luckily we did not find any wet/smelly items.  
2.  When you work in the garage all day...this is what is for lunch.
3.  The best part of the weekend is sitting on our back patio with coffee.
4.  Mike and I went to church Saturday night.  It was the first time back since the flood.  We have been going to Woodlands Church, we really like it.
5.  The temps are cooling down (a little) here in Texas.  We used our outside fireplace for the first time.  I think it will get a lot of use in the future.
6.  The Sheetrock is up and we hired a contractor to come in and tape and texture.  I am so excited to get this piece done.  Still have a lot to do, but we have walls...hooray!
7.  See #6.  If you know me...construction is an unorganized HOT mess!  This is how I struggled getting ready today.  Luckily I work from home, LOL!
8.  These two are happy as long as they are with me.  I am so glad to have them...they help keep me somewhat un-stressed.
9.  I wrote this on my large chalkboard (I would have snapped a photo of it, but I had to take it off the wall, see #6)...it helps me remember that we are moving forward.  

Enjoy Today!

hello...

Hello...

I know this blog has been quiet for a long time!  Life gets in the way sometimes.  I thought it might be time for me to start documenting life again, after a long hiatus (do y'all still read blogs?).

Mike and I moved to TX back in April, purchased a new house, and then hurricane Harvey came through and flooded our neighborhood.  I will be documenting that here on the blog, to keep my family and friends update on our progress.  I have never been through anything like that and I have to say, I learned so much about myself and humanity through it all.  

More on that to come....

I don't even know where to start, so I thought I would add a weekly photo dump :)  Happy Friday the 13th!!

From left to right:

1.  Most of my scrapbooks were ruined in the flood.  I was able to save about 2/3 of my photos.  I was happy to find a few items that didn't get ruined, which inspired me to start taking photos again.

2.  Sophie is like a kid...she wants to go outside, then a few minutes later, she wants to come back in.

3.  These cuties are in Europe.  I am so jealous, but so happy they are able to experience this trip together.

4.  Mike and I made a Costco run over the weekend.  I can never get out of there under $200...gah!!!

5.  Since we moved to TX, something we have never had to deal with is...FLEAS!  Those little creatures are nasty!!  We ended up putting the pups on flea medication, which seems to work and they are tolerating it well.

6.  We enjoy our back yard, and so do the pups.

7.  I am such a creature of habit...I eat the same thing for breakfast every day (except on the weekends), Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, topped with blueberries and nuts.

8.  I lost my Social Security card, and to obtain a TX license I need it, so went to the Social Security office bright and early to get a new one.  It is just as fun as going to the Department of Motor Vehicles, LOL!

9.  My mom sent me some apples from CT.  I don't know what it is about CT apples, but they are the best (it may be that I grew up eating them).  

Enjoy Today!!!

I am still here...and an update on Josh

Hi all, I have been the worst blogger ever!!  

I have not given up on this old blog, I guess I have just been a little preoccupied with life at the moment.  

I thought I would update you on Josh's Cancer treatment 

(that is THANKFULLY coming to an end!!).  

Here is Josh's last email update (4/7/16):
I went into my oncologist's office today expecting to be admitted to the hospital for my next chemo. Unfortunately, my lab work came back and my cell counts were too low to start chemo today. We did have some good news from my MRI though (I had this test about 2 weeks ago). There is no sign of cancer growing back at this time. They did notice a little bit of fluid where the cancer was, but this is due to the surgery, as well as the previous radiation treatment. It should be gone in a few months. I will be going in to Ironwood tomorrow, Monday, and Tuesday to get shots to boost my white blood cells. I will be going back for my next appointment next Thursday, and I should be going in to the hospital after that. Only 2 more in-hospital chemo's left!

The past month has been a pretty nice break from chemo (although I am anxious to just finish). The break is due to the new chemo I started 2 months ago. It has a delayed cell death, so it requires a 1 month break in between chemo's. 

*ETA-Josh is actually in the hospital right now getting his last 

of 3 chemo treatments, so after this treatment, 

he only has 2 more left!!

(one in the hospital and one in the doctors office)   

Mike and I are heading to AZ at the beginning of May to celebrate 

him being DONE!  I cannot wait to see the kids!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I have so much that I want to blog about, so I am hoping that 

I can get my act together and start blogging again on a regular basis 

(because, I really do miss it!!), so don't give up on me yet :)  

I am almost done reading  THIS book (recommended by Ashley), and it resonated so much with me!!  I realized that we all need to cultivate creativity! 

I highly recommend it!!  

I think THIS one, is going to be my next read.

as always...

Enjoy Today!

meal prepping - getting organized one project at a time...

I have been on somewhat of an organizational kick around here.  Not just with de-cluttering my stuff, but also trying to live a more organized life.  

One of the ways that I am doing this is meal prepping.  I have always loved seeing blog posts and pictures on Instagram of people who prep their lunches for the week, but I am not going to lie, that looked very intimidating to me.  I have always made a meal plan for our dinners each week, but I have noticed that working from home, a lot of times, I would forget to eat (for reals, can you believe it?).  I get so focused on getting things checked of my work list, that I honestly stay at my desk pretty much from 9-5 all day.

I had put on a few pounds over the holidays, and I realized that even though I was not eating a lot, the weight was not coming off.  I decided to get more strict with my eating and pulled out my Beyond Diet program.  After just one week of eating breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner, I lost the few pounds I was struggling with.  I was not eating enough!!  So I have jumped on the meal prep bandwagon (in baby steps of course).  

On the BD program, you have your menu planned out for you for the week, you can switch things around that you like and leave out the stuff you don't like (this program had really worked so well for me!).  I am one of those people that is completely happy having the same snack every day (apple and almond butter...YUM!).  I also make extra for dinner each night, so I have leftovers for lunch the next day.

I have been doing this type of meal planning for 3 weeks, and it has made my life so much easier!!  It does take a little extra work on the weekend, but I love when things run smoothly throughout the week.  

Here is my meal plan from last week.  

And because it has helped me stay on track...

I am sharing it with you.  

Get the blank meal planning template HERE.

I thought I would show you a few pictures from last weeks meal prep...

I made a batch of gluten free banana walnut muffins 

(these are really yummy!  and even hubby approved)

and some jar salads for my lunch.

Do you meal prep?  What has worked for you?  

Have a fabulous week!!

Enjoy Today!

the life-changing magic of tidying up

Have you heard of this book?

I read it a few months ago, and it was such an eye opener for me!!  I consider myself  a pretty organized person, but the light bulb went on for me (several times) throughout the book.

I highly recommend it if you are wanting to get your life organized in 2016!!  I will warn you,  there are a few "wonky" things in there (I think it is culture related), but for the most part, this book really kicked my organizing up a notch! 

I am in the process of going through my junk, stuff, LOL!  And I have to say it feels MARVELOUS to get rid of stuff that does not "SPARK JOY"!! 
(Marie Kondo, the author, suggests not starting the process until you finish reading the book, it was REALLY hard not to start digging in!!!)

Mike and I moved into a new house in October, and then the holidays hit, so my progress came to a little bit of a halt, but let me just say that moving was so much easier with the purging I did do before the move.  

I hope you will follow me on my de-cluttering and organizing journey... 

Enjoy Today!

an update from Josh...

I hope you are having a great week!  I have been pretty busy with work, so I have not been able to post, but I do have some ideas for my blog coming soon :)

I wanted to thank you for all the sweet comments and emails regarding Josh!  It is so nice to know I have so many friends (near and far) keeping him in their thoughts and prayers.  

Josh has been sending out email updates throughout his cancer journey and I thought I would share his most recent update (I think he should start a blog).

I am definitely overdue for an update, but here it is...

I have been in the hospital the past 2 weeks or so getting 2 more rounds of chemotherapy.  (This leaves 7 more chemo's, 4 of which are in the hospital).  I am very excited to be done with going to the hospital...  I got out of the hospital last night, and I go in to my oncologist's tomorrow for my outpatient chemotherapy (they are really putting these things back to back now!).  I am still on track to finishing in March.

A month or so ago I noticed that my heart was feeling a little bit different.  Almost like it was weaker, or not working quite as it was before.  I notified my oncologist and he had me go in for another echo-cardiogram (heart ultrasound).  The results came back the other day while I was in the hospital and it looks like my heart is not working/pumping in the normal range at this time.  A cardiologist met with me and notified me it was congestive heart failure and that my heart was working between 45-50% (normal is above 55%).  They did not seem too worried, which was a relief and my cardiologist is optimistic that my heart should return to normal over time.  The cause of the heart issue is from the radiation treatments that I received (because they were near my heart) as well as one of the chemotherapy's that I receive called Adriamycine (which is toxic to the heart).  They recommend I keep active by walking daily to return my heart back to its original capacity.

**Edited...I spoke with Josh today and they are NOT going to continue with the Adriamycine, due to the heart related side effects.  They will give him another chemo medication in the same family but with less side effects for Josh's heart. (I am kinda happy about this!!!)

  

Jessica and I have been doing well since our last update.  We have mostly been in the hospital, so we cherish any time that we have at home together.  We are very excited to be nearing the end and we are planning out all of the things we want to do once this phase of our life is over.  Life is good.

I hope you are all doing well!  I will definitely try to send another update soon :)

Love,

Josh and Jess

Enjoy Today!

A look back at 2015...

I hope you are having a great week!
I have been thinking about what I want to blog about in 2016 and I have a few ideas up my sleeve, so stay tuned...

 I don't get super personal here, but wanted to share a little about what has been going on in 2015.  You may want to pour a cup of coffee...it is a little long.

In November 2014 I moved to Williston ND, where Mike accepted a position as a pipeline operator for an oil company.  The thought of moving was very hard!! Leaving my kids behind in AZ, leaving warm and sunny AZ, starting over in a new state (with No Target), you get the idea...lots of mixed emotions.  I am so thankful my employer offered me the option to work remotely, it helped me keep a bit of normalcy.  

Since we moved in November, the weather in ND was COLD and SNOWY (luckily I grew up in Connecticut, so I wasn't too shocked at what winter was going to be like for me going forward).  Since I was still working 40 hours/week and learning my new surroundings (not a lot to learn...this may be a blog post), my blog took the back seat. It was a nice little break.  I am sorry that I didn't update you and let you know what was going on.  I have to say that every so often during my hiatus, I thought, I really need to start blogging again (I missed it), but I didn't know what I would blog about.  


At the end of May, 
Josh called me on his break at work to say "hi", after a little random chit chat, he mentioned he had a lump on his sternum.  He said he has been Googling it and jokingly said "mom, I have cancer".  I told him not to go online to get a diagnosis and to have his doctor check it out.  He said he would make an appointment.  Thankfully he kept his word!  He went to the doctor and they said they were 99% sure it was a stress fracture, but they wanted to have it biopsied to be sure.  He asked me if I thought he should do it, since he had not met his deductible yet.  I suggested to get it done for his own peace of mind!  I was not sure what he was going to decide, but I figured 99% is pretty good odds.  Luckily Jess (Josh's wife), told him to get it done.  

Fast forward a week or so....
I received another call from Josh on his break at work, this time, he told me that his doctor just called to let him know that his biopsy was CANCER (I was in total shock!!!).  I don't remember much from that day, I was numb, I kept thinking that I was in a bad dream (did I really just get that news??) I kept waiting to wake up and everything would be back to normal.  Unfortunately, it was not a dream.

What did this mean, 
what was going to happen? (so many unanswered questions!). Josh made an appointment with an Oncologist and found out that he had  Osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer, and his was fast growing).  His doctor assured him that they were going to set up an aggressive treatment plan and he was going to beat it (it was curable!)!  

I went to AZ for a visit in July, because I needed to see the kids, and I wanted to be with Josh during one of his chemo treatments (luckily I have been able to visit numerous times).  

Since his cancer was so aggressive, he has to get his chemo administered in the hospital in very large doses.  He had already had a couple of rounds of chemo and decided to shave his head, since his hair was starting to falling out. 

He and Jess have had such a positive attitude through all of this, I am so proud of them.  But I would change places with him in a heartbeat if I could!  It is heartbreaking to see your bald kiddo in the hospital getting poison pumped into his body.  But I choose to be positive, that poison is killing the cancer, and making my family stronger. 

I am so thankful for Ashley, Nate and Jess' family, who visit Josh in the hospital.  And I cannot express how thankful I am for Jessica (that deserves an entire blog post on its own)!!!!  She stays with Josh (overnight), during EVERY treatment, she is just so GREAT!!  It makes me feel so good to know that he has so many people that care and love him, especially when I cannot be there.

At the half way point...
In September, I flew to AZ for Josh's surgery.  He had his sternum removed. Let me just say, this was even harder to watch, seeing him in so much pain.  He handled it like a trooper and bounced back very quickly.  He got the results back and the margins were all clean!!  He is cancer free!  Such fantastic news!!  It was so great to get that part of the treatment behind us!  Josh started radiation and he said that part was a breeze (compared to everything else).  It was great to know that at least one part of this treatment wasn't too bad for him!  

Mike and I drove to AZ in November (with the dogs) to visit the kids.  It was so great to be together as a family!!  I enjoyed every minute of it.  I was glad that Mike was able to be with Josh during one of his chemo treatments too.  

Right now...
Josh is in the final stretch (however, it doesn't feel like that for him, I am sure).  He has 8 more chemo treatments to go and then he is DONE!!!  I am so excited for him to get back to his normal life and his job (he is getting a promotion when he returns, because...he is AWESOME!).  

I don't want to leave Ashley out...
Ashley's license request was approved by the board and she finally got her L.P.C. license (I am so proud of her!). She has had so many obstacles on this journey, what a relief that that part is done!  She has had her share of difficult situations last year as well (I am not sure she wants me to share them on the blog), but like her brother, she is getting through it and helping others as she goes.  I could not be more proud of the person she has become!!

As I mentioned above, I am able to work remotely, which I love (especially since I don't have to drive in the snow!).  It has also allowed me to fly to Arizona several times to visit the kids and work while I am there (to save on my vacation time and not miss much work), and I like seeing my co-workers too!

So there you have it!
It has been a crazy year!  I hope you will join me in 2016 by enjoying each moment and try not to sweat the small stuff!!  

Oh yeah, and always get the test done!!  Even if you are 99% sure it isn't serious!  And if it is bad news...try to remain positive and try to find humor in the hard times, that has kept me sane (and the roller coaster ride a little less scary).

Enjoy Today!

Happy 2016!!!!!

Happy New Year!
I am excited to be a little more active on my blog this year!  2015 was a very crazy year for our family  (I will post a little about that this week).  I am really looking forward to 2016!  I am not a big resolution maker, so nothing to post about that!  I am however, planning to worry less (easier said than done, ha ha!), and enjoy this crazy thing called life!  I hope you will follow along as we have the best 2016 EVER!

I thought it would be fun to post my Instagram #2015bestnine  to wrap up last year...(if you'd like, follow me @ gretchenclark).  

Enjoy Today!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! 

I know it has been ages since I have updated my blog.  

I am really hoping that in 2016 I will be more active here!  

Lots has happened in 2015 that I will update soon.  

But in the meantime...Merry MERRY Christmas!!  

May 2016 be your best year yet!

weekly iphone photo dump - march week {four}

Last week seemed to get away from me...(again!). 

From left to right:
1.  I finally added pictures to the shelf over my sofa.  It makes me happy to see all my favorite peeps every day!
2.  This is how Mike and I prepare for the evening, LOL!.  Bella likes to play catch, all night long (she looses her ball under the sofa, so we prepare back-ups).
3.  Just Sophie ready for one of her naps.
4.  See #2.  Bella trying to get 2 balls in her mouth.  She actually did it, but I wasn't fast enough snapping the photo.
5.  We got our taxes done, yipeee! But No refund this year, BOOOO!  It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, so I guess that is good.
6.  My mom sent me a peep magnet.  So Cute!
7.  Sometimes Pete likes to steal the ball from the dogs see #2.  He is a CRAZY cat!
8.  I didn't want to leave Dewey out.  He doesn't steal the balls from the dogs, but he likes to tease Bella by having her chase him, here he is ready to pounce.  
9.  I love when the UPS man comes to my house, and since I live in Williston, with no shopping, he visits me a LOT!

Enjoy Today!

weekly iphone photo dump ~ March week {three}

Hi all! 

I am not sure what happened with my Monday post, the beginning of the week got away from me :( 

From left to right:
1.  Sometimes while I am working on an audit for work, it is so much more enjoyable with a snack!  This is my favorite raw trail mix from Sprouts Market (I miss that store dearly!).  I stock when I am in AZ.
2.  It was in the 60's last week, I actually opened the windows.  But since the weather is crazy here in ND, it snowed yesterday~BOO!
3.  Just a selfie before heading off to my weekly Walmart adventure (don't I look excited??).
4.  Since the weather was feeling like spring see #2, I made burgers for dinner.  I have been gluten free for a while and honestly I do not miss the bun, especially when it is topped with tomatoes and avocado, YUM!
5.  Just Soph watching me while I am on the computer.  
6.  Mike and I went to church on Sunday, to be honest, I am still a little guarded when it comes to church. 
7.  After church see #7, Mike and I hit up a new restaurant that opened in Willistion last week.  It is similar to Chipolte (Q'doba Mexican Grill).  Mike and I both had the same opinion, it was good, but we still like Chipolte better.  Of course with our limited eateries around town, we will def go back.
8.  I finally got around to selling my iPhone 5, Josh always does it for me, since he is an eBay expert seller!!  It sold in about 30 min.  Not sure what I will do with my $$.
9.  I have been craving Cuties lately, I must be needing some vitamin c.  I love that these little guys are so easy to peel.

                                                                  Enjoy Today!

weekly iphone photo dump - march {week one}

From left to right:
1.  I love snuggling with these two pups in the morning.  Don't let dad know, he doesn't like them on the bed.
2.  Peanut butter and banana on an Ezekiel English muffin=YUM!
3.  Another Chuck-it ball bites the dust (Bella likes to chew!).  I seriously buy these weekly from Amazon.
4.  One of my weekly preps, cutting up my "cheetah" bananas for our morning protein shakes.
5.  This was the weather at the beginning of the week.  Then it warmed up in to the 40's.  This week is supposed to be 50-60.  I hope that means spring is on the way!!
6.  See #5.  I am so happy it is warming up!!  We have been able to take Sophie and Bella for a walk almost every day!!
7.  Just a Saturday selfie with Bella.
8.  With the weather warming up, it is REALLY MUDDY!!  Especially since Mike and I live in a new construction area.  I looked down at my boots when I was in Walmart getting my groceries, and was a little embarrassed by all the mud on my boots, but then I remembered, I was in Walmart (at least I wasn't in my pajamas, LOL!)

Enjoy Today!!!