Update..

So I got the PET/CT scan done today and we heard back from the surgeon. I have cancer in my neck (duh) in a couple places and some in my chest. "some good news and some bad news" From research I have done on Hodgkins this means I have stage 2 cancer. Which is good and bad.. but here in my mind we only look at the good. This means that it is only above my diaphram, if it were above and below.. we would have even more issues... So the surgeon wanted to talk to the radiologist a bit more and is also calling Stanford to find out what else they need so I can start treatment out there. My Mom is flying in tomorrow to help me get through whatever else I need done here; another CT scan and a bioposy probly and then help me pack and drive with me and the kids out to California. (Tyler will be staying out here to finish the semester and Mom will probly be staying with me until Tyler can come out and stay in California.. his PhD is getting put on hold until this mess is under control....)
Today was ruff... in a funny sort of way.. I passed out.. yes yes.. I know... laugh your heart out.. I have low blood pressure... whatever.. I am a wuss, I get it.... It was pretty funny listening to the guy tell the other guy how he was just sitting there talking to me and all of a sudden I start "slipping out of my chair"... have I ever mentioned how I hate needles..grrr..
Anyways the hard part of the day was not being able to touch my kids... I was to keep them at arms lengths away because I was radioactive... funny, yes... for no reason was I supposed to hold them in my lap and really didn't want them to be close at all. (I had to drink lots of water and it all flushs into my urine, which is held in my bladder... hence the no kids in my lap thing....) I have to flush twice!.. is that not the funniest thing ever.... Thank heavens Tyler can be home on Tuesdays except for one class in the evening... and thank Godness for Lori who has no problem holding my children for me.. Although it was nice to get out of changing diapers for a day.. I missed holding my babies... oh and no more breastfeeding... had to give that up with all of this. Poor kid. Oh well I think he will live...(1 year and 25 lbs later.. he is healthy) Well best be going to bed.. need my sleep! Wish me luck on hearing from the doctor, so I can get to treatment faster!

Kevin cuteness..

Ok, so a while back when Kevin would wake up in the morning or from a nap I would ask.. did you sleep good?.. he always answers yeah! and then later he started asking ... mommy did you sleep good in your bed.. yeah I did.. then later on he started to ask.. did baby sleep good in his bed.. yeah he did. And just recently it is turing into a long conversation... did mommy sleep good? Did baby sleep good? did daddy sleep good? did Andrew (his best friend) sleep good? Did Lori(Andrews mommy) sleep good?... yep, they all slept good. in fact when he doesn't want to go to sleep he lets me know "but Mommy I sleep good all day!".. in other words "I can't sleep now!"

And over the past month he has started noticing the dark at night.. I have explained that it gets dark because the sun has gone to sleep (which means it is night time) and it is almost time for him to go to sleep... then the next morning he says where did the dark go and I explain... the sun woke up and now it is light outside... ver fun stage I must say... he says something new everyday and asks the cutest questions.. I think I'll keep him around! :)

Camerons 12 month pictures

Here are my two favorite collages

I refused when Kevin was little to have pictures of Kevin taken in the nude but for some reason I thought this was cute... and this tall one was cute with his eyes!

I loved these ones!

I thought this one was adorable with the cupcake mess... I totally think I will do this with the rest of my kids.. he loved it and we got some cute shots!

Come on.... he is like a model... for cake frosting(not biased am I?)

Adorable!.. I could stare at my kids all day..

You know this is why Mom's have blogs.. to show off there kids!!

Cameron 1 birthday apt

Cameron had his 1 year apt today...

he is 30 inches in length (I think he is longer

but he won't sit still) which is 50th percentile

and

he weighs 25lbs which is 75th percentile.

Update..

So, we are in the waiting game again. I went and visited the surgeon on Tuesday and he wants to have a PET/CT scan so they can see where else the cancer is. The small needle biopsy seems to have the cancer cells of Hodkins Lymphoma but they like to see a whole node with it to be sure. So this PET/CT scan is basically them shotting me with radioactive sugar and then watching how the cells in my body use them (cancer cells use sugars faster-by the way I find this stuff very interesting) So after this test we will see where else the cancer is in my body, (and be able to tell me what stage I am in) and maybe see if they want to biopsy something else. We are looking into different places to do treatment.. here, in California and in Washington- (California and Washington to see if we could stay with family so the boys will be ok while I don't feel well) My appointment for the PET/CT is next tuesday morning. So we are waiting until next tuseday to see, oh and we should have the results to that test next wednesday.

OK.. here is the story..

Ok so the news travelled quickly... I just want to let you all know that I am fine.. we don't have any definite answers.. we are in the waiting mode right now
Two or so weeks ago I noticed a lump on my neck and after a few days of shrugging it off, I mentioned it Tyler and he being across the room from me told me He could see it, I thought hmm that is weird. Then Tyler talked to his Brother, Dr. Mark and asked him about it... he said go see the doctor.. and I thought.. that is weird. well it came up again while I was making appointments for Kevin's 3 year and Cameron's 1 year well baby apt, I Figured I could go in and show the doctor so that I could check it off my list. He ordered blood work to see if I had Hypothyroidism (it runs in the family).. blood work comes back normal the next day and the doctor schedules an ultrasound to see if it is a thyroid goiter.. So in I go into the ultrasound. Tyler wierdy decides to go with me and gets a babysitter even though we know we won't be getting any results that day anyways.. weird I know. So that was Wednesday, they show me that left side of my thyroid and how weird it looks, this "lump" is 5-6 centimeters and usually goiters are about 2 centimeters. Worry and fear sets in.. the ultrasound lady says she is gonna get the pathologist to come in and look at it. They decided it would be best to do a biopsy and do it right then! I don't even get to sit up.. they do three biopsies, by needle...(I almost pass out about it just thinking about it) and I come home with a sore neck and an ice pack. Friday they call with the results.. p.s. that wasn't actually your thyroid (the cells wern't thyroid cells) they think they were actually lymph cells and they are thinking it is more Lymphoma or Hodgkins lymphoma. He says he is sorry that he has to tell me this over the phone because he knows I will have questions but that he wants to make appointment with a surgeon to have a (larger) sample taken of this "lump" so that they can "get me to the right people" which in my head means an Oncologist. There is still a possiblility that this isn't cancer at all but Tuesday at 10:30 I go in for a pre-Op consultaion.. we don't know when surgery will be or if I will stay over night, if they will test the sample while I am on the table, or if I will come home and wait some more but that is the idea... I may have Cancer.. just saying that is kinda sureal. Long term.. if I do have lymphoma there is surgery and Chemo in store... so that is the story.. don't feel bad if you did not get a personal call.. we were kinda keeping it on the down low until we found out everything... but really we are laughing and making jokes becuase at this point there is nothing else to do.
Me after my FNA- Fine needle aspiration

We got callings...

yep they need us to "feed his sheep" so Tyler has been called as a Ward Missionary.. (fits him perfectly) and I am in a whole new world.. no girls camp or canning for me.. I am working in Compassionate service.. (what that entails. I have no clue, but I am sure I will figure it out when it is needed)

He is 1!

Happy Birthday little one: we love you so much! We are so glad you came to us and that you smile for us everyday! Your brother has a surprise for you.. he helped make your cake... and he will definitely help you eat it too! Thanks for bringing your personality into our home and making our family that much warmer!

Here is my little dare devil... apparently this is how you are supposed to ride in the stroller.. ( I can't believe that I have had it wrong all these years!)

These I took on his last night being 11 months old.. right before he went to bed.. next time we see him he will be birthday boy!



Here is a video of him walking a couple of days ago... now he is walking room to room and not even thinking about it!.. he is so much fun (mostly because he still isn't fast enough to get away from me)

Kevin birthday pics..

I Know its been a while.. but life keeps getting in the way of my plans... Apparently we didn't get very many good pictures.. I never like the ones of them opening gifts.. cause they are usually hidden behind it... (see above)

Its been a busy week...

for my little one... he got two more teeth AND started walking... that is right... here we are days before his birthday and he just started walking... All of a sudden is letting of of things, putting his hands high in the air and going for it... cracks me up how cute he is... fist time was 8 steps then 15! He just keeps doing it.. he even did it for Grandma and Grandpa on the web cam last night. Kevin keeps trying to lift him up on his feet and telling him to "walk that way" while he points... I just told him that he should ask baby to "come here!, come here baby!" it almost worked... once.

Cameron...

...got his 7th tooth! It is the top one second to his right... yep two days ago... Yeah.. at least I can be done nursing in 3 days.. count them three! woohoo.. bring on the chocolate!!!

**after I posted this I had another look and his 8th tooth broke threw! the top second to the left...lol

Kevin's 3 year checkup

Kevin had his checkup last week and He is healthy and has great lungs... he screamed the whole time... and he is 75th percentile height and weight, which has never happened before.. he has always been like 10 percentile height and 90th weight... funny kid.. but we are now in the proportional life... lol. go Kevin!

72 hour kits

Here are the assumptions you need to think about when planning your 72 hour kits:

(These are general assumptions if you want to see what kind of emergencies are most likely in your area check out www.weather.com/ready click on the map to find what you should plan for)

Planning Assumptions

• Electricity will be out for 3-4 days.
• Drinkable water will not be available for 2-3 days.
• Telephone service will be out
• Gasoline pumps will not be working.
• Trees and debris or flooding will block some roadways.
• Minor medical services will be required.
• Emergency services (police, fire, and rescue) will be unavailable for 2-3 days.

Food
You should always have three days worth of non-perishable food (that does not require refrigeration.) Examples include: canned meats and vegetables, canned milk and juice, peanut butter, granola/energy bars, crackers, cookies, candy and food that meets special dietary needs. Your supplies should be checked and/or replaced every six months. (Review them when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.) Make sure to include a manual can opener and cooking utensils.

Drinking Water
Keep a minimum of three gallons of drinking water for each person in your household. In a disaster water may become contaminated or pipes may break leaving you without safe water.

Water for Cooking and Cleaning
In addition to drinking water, you also need three days worth of water for cooking meals and personal hygiene. Another gallon per person per day is the rule of thumb.

Medication
Have at least one week's worth of critical medications in case of emergency. In addition, a comprehensive first aid kit is critical.

Children
Emergencies can be overwhelming to kids. Have an activity kit ready for them. Suggested items are: favorite books, crayons & coloring books, stuffed animals, dolls, cards, board games.

Elderly
Physical strain is difficult for the elderly. They are especially susceptible to heat and dehydration. Take extra precautions to keep them cool and well hydrated. Make sure to stock up on all required medications. If you have a relative in an assisted living residence, learn about their plans for dealing with disaster and evacuation.

Mentally or Physically Challenged Individuals
Make sure to consider how mentally or physically challenged relatives condition will affect them during an emergency. If they take medication or require the use of specialized equipment, make sure that you have enough to last a week. If you don't live with this gingival, contact their local police department or caregiver and find out what local officials are doing to ensure their safety.

Pets
Not all shelters allow pets because of hygiene issues. Contact your local emergency shelters and find out their policy. If you are allowed to bring your pet, you will have to show a copy of their latest vaccination record. Also, make sure your pet has a leash, collar, ID tag, food, water, bowls for food and water, and a carrying case. DO NOT ABANDON YOUR PET. If your home is not safe for you, it's not safe for them. Locate pet-friendly motels nearby and keep their phone numbers handy. Have three days of food and water for your pet on hand.

Now that you have some assumptions in mind here are some ideas as to what to have in your 72 hour kits...

https://registration.weather.com/ursa/ready/form

Now I know what you are thinking... this is gonna be a lot of work.. but I must say start small... after Tyler and I got married. Our 72 hour kits started in a gallon sized Ziploc bag.. and all it had it it was free stuff we had taken from a hotel room, a sewing kit, shampoo, conditioner, travel sized soap, etc. From there we got back packs: (and no we still don't have everything, but a good start)

That is the next thing to think about... where and what are you gonna store all this good stuff in:

I like the backpack idea, but have figured out... there is a lot of stuff to put in a back pack.. at some point the boys are going to have to carry some of their own stuff, of course a great idea came from my sister in law: she has a back pack for everybody and they are all stored in a rolling tote(Rubber maid hard plastic): so if she can she just throw the rolling tote in the car and go, if that isn't possible they roll the tote as far as possible and then carry the backpacks from there. If rolling isn't a good idea, they put their back packs on and get a move on... Tyler and I love the idea of "rolling with the punches" wheels would make it a lot easier, especially for the elderly who can't carry much! (Of course if sheltering in place is he best option, then you don't have to take your packs anywhere)

I personally have a stroller in my car as well as at home waiting if I need it. with little ones who can't "carry their own weight" this is a must! Carrying your children is not a very good plan if you plan on getting very far or getting anywhere very fast!.. (of course if flood waters are deep-strollers won't work)

So find out what emergencies you need to plan for, how you are gonna store it, and where, then start collecting- most of the stuff you already have around your house. Now for the first-aid kits, the best way to get started is to go buy a kit already put together at wal-mart (or other like stores) they usually cost about $10 and have all the essentials named in the link above.. (gloves, antacids, bandages, gauze... etc) if you want to add to it.. great!.. but it will get you headed in the right direction)

And you have to remember if you are told to evacuate.. do it! There are always thing outside of your 72 hour kit that most people would want to take if the idea is the your house will not be standing there when you get back: (things on my list)


1. the dogs- People and pets are the most important!
2. my pictures- Everything can be replaced except pictures
3. our fire box with all the important documents (some important docs should be in your 72 hour kits too)
4. any extra water

And one hint to always be prepared: keep you gas tank on the top half- you get better gas mileage and you might be able to get a little further if needed.
Oh and other good links to check out:

Ready.gov - they have a great place for kids to "get ready too!"
FEMA.gov - they have a plan for ya
beprepared.com - they have already-made 72 hour kits that you can buy or just steal ideas from

ok so this is already mondo long so I will be adding more posts later: I know there will atleast be posts on car kits, office kits, school kits and the like.. have any specific quesitons about what is stated above or what is to come... just leave a comment for me.. thanks! and good luck packing!

And the winner is...

72 hour kits/ car kits/ office kits/ school kits.. So look for that coming soon! Thanks to everybody who voted!.. I will get on that soon.. Then I might follow up with the household items (room by room) and the food basics (what to store and where).. I haven't decided...

So we are in for it..

A pretty good storm is headed our way. We do happen to be under "hazardous weather outlook" but we aren't under flood warning or watches or under tornado warnings or anything from Hurricane Ike. If Hurricane Gustav had hit like expected I was supposed to see the "biggest storm of my life" but thank goodness for everybody it didn't hit as expected. Hurricane Ike on the other hand is scaring quite a few people and for good reason... It is HUGE! Thank goodness that it isn't as strong as it could be. Anyways.. my whole point is to say.. we are expecting rain.. out of all the things that could be getting us from Hurricane Ike... rain is something I think I can handle... (who knows this could be a whole different kind of rain from what I am used to) How are you doing Kelsey? I know Texas is holding their breathe to see where he will fall...

Anybody else, feeling the effects of Hurricane season?... I have really become a fan of weather.com.. and am learning quite alot about how our weather is effected by what is going on in the "upper atmosphere" Sometimes I wonder what else is going on "up there"...

He is three!

Today was Kevin's 3rd Birthday! Tyler very nicely reminded me where I was three years ago... Thank goodness we get amazing little kids out of all that hard work... As for his birthday... We celebrated it yesterday because Tyler works all day on Mondays, but they did get to talk to each other on the web cam.. We had a Lightening McQueen cake, a few dinosaurs and one very excited kid... A true party! (Pictures to come)


And...


Cameron took 2 steps and didn't fall... he walked from the futon to the pillow to get to.. his older brother! My baby is turning into one amazing toddler...

This is so cool!

So the Church recently came out with a Nursery manual. "Behold Your Little Ones" I love it! Kevin has come home and actually been able to tell me about what is going on a church... So I looked it up and everything is available online.. so now I can help him remember last weeks lesson and get him ready for this weeks lesson... how cool is that? I can even adapt it for FHE.. yeah! Check it out here or go and buy one online.. it is only $5.50 and I am sure I will use it!... If you have nursery age kids it is great.. I especially loved the letter to parents. (especially the" don't bring your kids to nursery when" part...) Check it all out and let me know what you think!

And I came across this today...

Let me know!

Ok so I posted a poll on my Blog.. I need you guys to answer a question for me... Let me know what you think...you have until next Friday to answer.. Thanks! and remember I research stuff all the time so send me your questions!

Why didn't anyone tell me...?

yeah that is right we are in the middle of potty training Kevin (seriously now) and lets just say it has been the biggest roller coaster of my life. Can I get off now? Yesterday he had an accident free day! but the day before that we had like 4 "accidents"! Up and then down up and then down! He loves to go "number 1" in the potty... but number 2 is a problem... guess what I don't want to clean that up!.. grrr! So yesterday.. lets focus on the positive... We went to institute, we went to Wal-Mart, we came home all in Underwear and had no accidents... woohoo! but now he is sick and doesn't want to tell Mommy.... he understands, he just is as stuborn as the rest of this family.. he doesn't want to!.... So how do we get over this "hump" of not wanting to go numer 2?... He is even staying dry during nap time.. Yeeah!... but really.. how do we get to "no accidents"???

And as a side note.. Cameron is trying to walk, falls alot but is trying, he is now crawling off of things by himslef without falling, the couch the bed...etc.. now the house is just a big jungle gym to him!

Grrr...

So we are all sick again... I can't believe it.. now we all have head colds, which means I feel like I am swimming in dirty Kleenex... I can't keep up with three running noses (Tyler usually takes care of his own) Every four seconds I hear "Mommy buggers..." which is my cue to come clean some up... Yuck... sorry to share.. was that to much information? I think I am gonna starting blaming the great state of Oklahoma for doing this to us.. ( I don't know how it is the states fault but I have to blame something!) just kiddin!