Spending the day with Cathy

Today I went to Cathy's house to hang-out with her while her husband worked.  It was awesome!  I love spending time with her as she always has a positive attitude and makes me laugh. I got to see Cathy's new bedroom that she just finished a few weeks ago. She just painted, bought brand new carpet and treated herself to a gorgeous new bedroom set after 20+ years. It was perfect timing since Cathy was able to do the decorating herself. While we were upstairs, I helped Cathy curl her hair (or should I say straighten her hair). It is just not the same when someone else combs your hair unless you are in a salon. I was a little nervous since she still has her stitches from the biopsy and her incision is about 1 1/2 inches on the top right side of her head. Jessie and Amber (two of Cathy's daughters came over while I was there). Cathy decided she wanted the three of us to take her to Costco. Her left arm is completely numb and her left leg doesn't want to work much either. However, Cathy is Ms. Independent and she doesn't let this slow her down much. We got her into the car and out shopping before we knew it and we had a great time! Cathy has spent the past two days on the telephone talking to Oncologists and clinics. She has an appointment scheduled next week down in California. We are hoping she can get into an Oncologist here in Las Vegas in the meantime.

Tonight, instead of putting up my Christmas decorations I put on another Christmas movie and sat down to enjoy my evening. This holiday season I am taking time to smell the roses. I hope you do too!

Christmas movie #7

Lucky me...a night off

Saturday night ended up being a late night. Russell's high school friends were in town and we invited them for dinner and games. Steve and Alene graduated a year after Russ. They both came along with their 3 lovely daughters, son-in-law and adorable grandson. Russell's friend Karl (remember the one he married) along with his new bride Kelei both went to school with Russ and they brought their 10 year old son. Torri, Bryce, Jordan, Kate and Weston joined us too. We had a yummy Mexican feast for dinner.  It was 8 hours of catching up on old times and laughing about those old times. Of course, I have NO pictures to document the event...you'll just have to take my word for it.

Sunday morning I woke up with a pounding headache. I jumped back in bed while Russ went to teach my primary class. I miss my sweet little CTR 4 class since last week was Stake Conference. However, I enjoyed every single minute of sleeping in and being lazy all day.

After sleeping a good portion of the day, I was pleasantly surprised when my work called to put me on-call Sunday night. I took the opportunity to climb back into my bed and snuggle down and watch the Hallmark movie on TV. It was called November Christmas. Such a sweet movie about how service and kindness can make a difference in another persons life. It just made me think about my dear friend Cathy. Last Wednesday she was given the results of her brain biopsy. It looks like Stage 4 cancer and not something we wanted to hear. I have spent Thanksgiving and most of the weekend in deep thoughts and prayer for my dear friend. Tonight the flood channels opened while watching this Christmas movie. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for my sweet friend. I believe in Christmas miracles.

Christmas movie # 6
November Christmas

Black Friday = Success!

Torri, Jordan and I stayed up all night last night.  Torri and I first tackled Old Navy and then Target before heading to the mall. We left at 4:00 am and we were back home in bed by 9:00 am.  Jordan had to be to work at Best Buy at 4:30 am and he worked an 8 hour shift before coming home exhausted.  Needless to say, all three of us are pooped. Tonight, the kids wanted to watch Christmas movies. Only 5 minutes into the movie and this is what my house looked like. It was like someone cast a magical spell on the entire group. I don't understand why I'm the only one still awake watching the movie all by myself. I wish I could bottle some of this magical spell to use it on the kids on Christmas eve.  

Preparing for BLACK FRIDAY

We rescued Torri from her in-laws house on our way home from Dawn & Dan's.  She spent the day with Bryce's family since they had custody of the newlyweds for turkey day and we get custody of them on Christmas.  I hate this sharing-the-kids-thing.  I'm not good at sharing!

Kate & Weston are always happy to see Torri 

We started looking through the newspaper ads to make a plan of attack.  

Ashlee came over because she missed not spending the day with Joe.

Thanksgiving Feast

This year, our Thanksgiving tradition changed a wee bit. For the past few years we have gone to my cousin Jan's house (just 4 doors down from us). We have grown quite fond of that tradition and we LOVE being surrounded by over 40 family and friends. This year Jan & Chris went to Chris' mom's house. Russ had already signed up to work on Thanksgiving day (something he loves to do EVERY year). I was left wondering if the kids and I should just go out to dinner at a restaurant. I DO NOT like Russ and I having jobs that operate 365 days a year, 24 hours/day. It makes juggling holiday schedules TORTURE on our family. Luckily, we were invited to my cousin Dawn's house for a Thanksgiving feast and Russ was able to leave work at noon. My aunt Jane & Uncle Monty were there too along with Jan's three kids and my cousin Clint & his family. There were twenty of us and everyone had a great time. I am so grateful to have extended family in Las Vegas to be with on the holidays. It is lonely being so far away from our parents and siblings. The food was FABULOUS! Thankfully, we had Jan's sweet potato casserole (lovingly made by Jan and her daughter Sara last night).

Everyone working hard preparing the feast

Dan, carving the turkey

Weston, Rachel, Sara, Kate & Lee

The little girls got dressed up pretty for dinner

Jacob & Jordan 

Grandma Jane with baby Emery 

Amanda & Clint 

Dawn & Nicole

KateLyn held baby Hyrum the entire day

Clint & Dan were on pie duty 

My aunt Jane making the gravy...super yummy! 

Making rolls with my girl

Kate wanted to help me make the rolls this year for Thanksgiving. We quadrupled the batch because we wanted plenty to share. Kate did great through the first 2 batches until she crashed.

Grandma B's Butterhorn Rolls

My tired girl 

Kate woke up when we were all finished
I think we ended up with 96 rolls. 

For good

I am always amazed how much music touches my soul. I will be talking to someone and all of a sudden the words of a song will come into my mind. This happened to me last night. I got a call from an old friend (well, she's not old) I've just known her for a million years. Margo lived on the street next to mine when we lived on Nellis Air Force base wayyyy back in 1991. She had three boys who were similar ages to my kids and we became friends. She is one of those people that appears out of no where when you need them most. I remember many late night shopping trips to Walmart (the only store that was open 24 hours). Play dates with the kids and many all night stamping extravaganzas. Those were fun times back then and we made some good memories. Well, Margo moved away and we've been in and out of touch over the years. She has happened back into my life...for a reason. Tonight she had some great advice for me. She reminded me that I am not in charge of this journey called life. I keep trying to be in control  because I am a control freak. I worry too much and I always try to live in the past or the future. After talking to Margo, I realize I need to live in the moment. It's been a rough week, but today is Thanksgiving and I have much to be thankful for. Most of all for my family and good friends both near and far. You have changed my life for the better.  If you are reading this, have a Happy Thanksgiving and don't forget to hold your loved ones a little tighter this year. One of my favorite songs is from the musical WICKED.  This is my theme song today.

For Good 

(Elphaba):

Im limited

Just look at me - Im limited

And just look at you

You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda

So now it's up to you

For both of us - now it's up to you...

(Glinda):

I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a sun

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):

It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me

Is made of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring

By a wind off the sea

Like a seed dropped by a skybird

In a distant wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

(Glinda):

Because I knew you

(Both):

I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):

And just to clear the air

I ask forgiveness

For the things I've done you blame me for

(Glinda):

But then, I guess we know

There's blame to share

(Both):

And none of it seems to matter anymore

(Glinda):

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a sun

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood

(Elphaba):

Like a ship blown from its mooring

By a wind off the sea

Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood

(Both):

Who can say if I've been

Changed for the better?

I do believe I have been

Changed for the better

(Glinda):

And because I knew you...

(Elphaba):

Because I knew you...

(Both):

Because I knew you...

I have been changed for good...

I need a little Christmas, right this very minute!

My girl Kate and I have jumped right into Christmas movie watchin' this year. Every night she turns on a movie for us to watch. Jordan has even joined in on the fun.  I am ready for a little Christmas cheer and nothing like a funny Christmas movie to do the trick.  In fact, I think we should jump right over turkey day and get down to some Christmas celebrating. Here are a couple of movies to add to our Christmas movie countdown

Movie #2

Movie #3

Celebrating with Bryce and Jan

Tonight we went to see Harry Potter and the deathly hallows to continue the celebration of Bryce and Jan's birthdays.  First we ate pizza at Jan and Chris' house and then we left for the movie theater. The movie was AWESOME!  It will be hard to wait for part II.

Afterwards, we came back to our house and made Bryce a Pizookie.  He told Torri he wanted that instead of a cake this year. If you have never had a Pizookie, click here to read all about them.  Once you taste one, they will always be in your #5 favorite desserts.  I forgot to take my camera to the theater but here are some silly pictures of Torri giving Bryce his b-day spankings after the movie.

Jan's Birthday party

Jan & Bryce happen to share the same birthday.  Sometimes it lands on Thanksgiving day however, this year it lands on a Monday (tomorrow).  Jan's husband Chris threw Jan a party after Stake Conference today to celebrate her turning 29 again.  Here are a few pictures that were taken at the party.

Rachel, Jan & Dawn

Back to school

My girl went to the doctor on Friday morning.  She is officially cleared to return to school.  Her left lung is still junky so she will continue the breathing treatments every 6 hours around the clock for two more weeks. I've never seen a girl more excited in my life to go to school.

Out of surgery

Cathy had brain surgery today.  Wow, that is hard to say!  I tear up just typing those words and the reality of my dear friend having to go through this.  Torri & I went to the hospital to see her tonight and we found her in the Neuro ICU.  We did get her laughing and talking but she was noticeably shaken.  It was good to see her smile and feel the warmth of her hand in mine.  I am a better person when I am around her because her light shines so bright from within.

The tumor is deep so they only took a biopsy of it today.  The report will be back from pathology in a few days.  I am worried and yet comforted by a beautiful blessing her sweet husband Don gave her last night.  Now I need to have faith and put this in the Lord's hands.  Just tell my heart so my brain can stop worrying.  I can't begin to explain my feelings right now.  I love this girl!  She is my dear friend and I don't wanna see her go through this.  I want to magically make everything all better.  Remember, that is why I became a nurse...to help people.  So why do I feel so HELPLESS?

Our friend Micki (a fellow co-worker at my last job) met me at the hospital.  She will kill me for posting this picture of her without make up but she is beautiful no matter what.  As soon as I called Micki, she dropped everything and came.  She is the second best nurse I know and this girl is 100% legit (that is a line my kids use but it seems to fit).  She comforted both of us and I was happy she met me there.  Micki has been through hell this past year.  Her husband was shot in a robbery that happened at a jewelry store in down town Las Vegas the first part of the year.  She has nursed him back to health and he has made a full recovery.  We all have our own trials in this life but this year has been ripe with one bountiful harvest TRIAL after another.  I am ready for things to CALM DOWN!  If you are reading this, please pray for my dear sweet friend Cathy.

My friend Cathy

I met my friend Cathy the first semester I started college here in Las Vegas. It must have been September 2002.  Her daughter worked with Torri at the orthodontist office. They were talking one day and found out their mom's were both going back to school to be nurses. It just so happens Cathy & I ended up being in the same Anatomy & Physiology class (and every class we could get together afterwards).  It wasn't fate...it was destiny. Cathy has been my bestest buddy ever since. She is my rock! I love her like a sister. She is a great example of strength to me. She has 9 (NINE) children. Her youngest is a sophomore in high school.  To show you what a cool mom she is, she went to Six Flags Magic Mountain with her son on a band trip last week.  She went on all the roller coasters with him (I wouldn't do that)!.  When she got home, she started having some numbness in her left side.  We just thought she had over done it on her trip.  However, her husband (who is also a nurse) talked her into going to the ER in the middle of the night last night. After a CAT scan and MRI they have decided she has a mass in the right frontal lobe in her brain. She is having brain surgery tomorrow afternoon.  I am simply beside myself with grief & worry.  I can't tell you how much this girl means to me.  I will be fasting and praying for her quick recovery tomorrow, along with her sweet family.  Don't ever take one single breath for granted.

Our happenings...

My girl Kate has pneumonia and has missed 2 full weeks of school.
Her stats include:

3 doctor appointments

3 antibiotics

2 pain relievers (fever reducers)

3 prescription cough medicines
3 different cold medicines

Nebulizer breathing treatments every 6 hours

1 inhaler

1 steroid

2 priesthood blessings

Lots of prayers

We can't seem to get her feeling better.
It doesn't help her to know that the
make-up homework is piling up.

Tonight, Torri and I went to a craft show 

and then we met my friend Cecily for dinner at Lucille's BBQ. 

Kate was very sad she didn't get to go with us.
Torri tried cheering Kate up.

After dinner, Cecily took us Christmas shopping
(my first time this year).
I actually found some awesome gifts!

Just in case you have ever wondered if Best Buy employees work hard,
here is proof...

My Jordan after working an 8 hour day today

While Torri and I shopped, Weston & Kate watched the first Christmas movie of the year

Home Alone

The Christmas movie countdown officially begins! 

It is uncanny how much Weston reminds me of Kevin in this movie

See for yourself!

Weston with the official movie popcorn!

Sleepless again in Las Vegas

My work called at 9:00 pm last night to ask me if I would be
on-call from midnight until 7:00 am.  

Like a dummy, I said yes.

I worked Sunday and Monday night and it was crazy!
I am probably more tired than I have been in awhile but...

what's another night without sleep?

I can't say NO!

I think that's why I took this job, because I was offered it
and I couldn't say NO.  

I wonder if I will ever learn that magic word?  

Speaking of my job...

I have learned more in the past two months than
I ever did in nursing school. 

Most nights are busy, busy.

I seem to always get the crazy patients with problems.
It doesn't help that I feel like a new grad again.
It has been over 2 years since I did IV's & catheters on adults.
AND
When they throw-up...its big and
YUCKY!

Thankfully, I only work a few days a month.
I sure miss working with my babies.  

My sweet husband always seems to know what I need.

He's good that way.

He bought me these beautiful flowers this week,

I love them and him!

All of my favorite flowers in one bunch...amazing!

I forgot to post these pictures after Weston's football game. 

I feel the need to post them now. 

Weston loved that we took him out for frozen yogurt.

He will pretty much do anything for frozen yogurt or ice cream.

We are happy that football is over for a few months.

The play of the day

Let's hear it for those Wolverines

Weston's last football game was Saturday.  It was chilly outside...a cold 64 degrees.  We live in the desert and we like it a little bit warmer than 64 degrees.  Kate had bronchitis but she insisted on going.  Weston had a great time playing this season.  We are taking the winter off and then he will start again in the spring.

She ended up with pneumonia...bad idea!

Russ was in shorts and we all had jackets & long pants.

Weston's team was fun to watch

Weston is the Quarterback

This boy can throw the ball

The love birds came to the game too

It was a fun game

Weston & Torri with WJ trading cards