Short Caner Update

Well we got the report back and the cancer is stage 3, it has spread to the lymph nodes. He will start chemo and radiation ASAP. Thanks to the support of my bestest, bestest friends I've decided to be proactive and I've taken some steps to regain some semblance of control.

SO I paid WAY too much money, even though Andy is about to be laid off, to join a program at my nieces' gym. (Kinda like biggest looser) and then once that is over I'll be checked out myself to make sure I'm not secretly hiding any huge tumors. As we want to start the ball moving later this year for our next baby, God and finances willing, I want to move forward knowing I've done all I can to be prepared to provide for any spirit God sees fit to send me. Cause I know that as much as Sarah loves me, the last thing she needs is for me to drop TWO babies in her lap to raise.

Other things I've considered to deal with the stress (because cancer isn't enough, or having Andy's job stress, or dozens of other things which I could mention which is why I should totally write a book)

• run away to Vegas
• get a perm and dye my hair blonde
• two words - nipple piercing
• go crazy at the gym and win that stupid TV even though just thinking about another TV in my house makes me angry.
• Buy Andy a season pass to six flags so we can all go for free several times this year (DID THIS ONE!)

All I can say for now is that I am immensely grateful for all the things I do have - lots of great friends and family that I truly love, the gospel and the peace it brings, a loving Father in Heaven who I know is watching out for me and just has to give me extra trials so that I can make up for being extra "spirited", a big party to look forward to next year where everyone and their mother will be invited (woot woot!) and most of all my husband and son, who are my whole world.

Our Valentines Day

This year was my favorite valentines day ever! Usually we are rolling in stinking poor, but this year our tax return came in so we were able to do a couple of things that are unusual for us (doing our part to stimulate the economy).

I spent the morning cleaning the house and taking care of E while Andy slept, and then when he got up he went out for a haircut and came home with a flowers (a plant of calla lilies, my favorite!) and a box of hand picked See's chocolates. mmm

I spent all afternoon getting prettied up, and then we picked up Mike to babysit and went to dinner at On the Border (I had a gift card there) and I was fancy and got a Virgin drink (which is how you know I am having a good time- right Alex? LOL). After dinner we went to the adult dance at the church building for Elk Grove Stake.

Kent Ropers band played (it's not actually Kent's band, but I know him the best) and they were SUPER! I spent most of the night being silly and running around with Jacki and Janicca and occasionally dancing with Andy (thanks to brother Watkins for encouraging him : )

After the dance, we went through the McD drive thru for ice creams on the way home.

Hooray! What a fun night! I am so grateful for my valentine and all the fun times we are able to have together.

Baby's first haircut

I just took the scissors and chopped off his curls. He will still need a real cut at some point, but I've bought us some time. The way his hair grows, maybe a few more months ; p

He's 20 month on Monday, can't believe it's been almost two years. I love my boy!

First Day of Work

Life is about to get REALLY busy for this mama. Yesterday was my first day at the daycare, plus I did some testing and applying for a second job (for insurance) and I signed up to go back to school this semester (assuming I can find the $$ for tuition and books) because I think it's about time to start working on that therapy license.

So, mom, wife, 2 jobs, school, plus all the exciting things like this:

Daycare went well, I got to do a lot of singing time with the kids and a couple of the shy ones even warmed up to me pretty well, so I felt good about that. Only weird thing from the day was my kid, he was uncharacteristically clingy and antisocial, which is not him at all. After nap time while we were having snack he puked all over (and I do mean ALL OVER, it was a horrifying amount) me, himself, the table, and the floor. Luckily it wasn't my first go round, Janicca was able to get us some spare clothes and we cleaned up pretty quickly. Once I knew he was sick I had to take him home and we need to stay home today to be sure he is well. What an exciting end to my first day of work huh?

Happy New Year!

We rang in the new year in a big way - Grandma Otter volunteered to baby sit and Andy and I went out to sushi with several of my sibs and my niece Beka. Then off to a party at Paul and Mike's, didn't get to bed until 2am (those were the days) and we remembered what it used to be like pre-kid.

Of course when we got E today he was SOOO cute, all hugs and kisses, unusually affectionate but we were not complaining. A great kid day today, E was singing along with "melmo's world" and learned to call his cousin by name!

Looking forward to 2009, starting this year employed and somewhat well rested so already far better off than 2008 at this time : ) Best wishes to everyone!

The job thing -

Lots of folks have been asking what happened with my last job, since I only worked there for four months. Let's just say it was not the right job for me.

I start next week with Janicca at her daycare, so I won't have to pay childcare any more (sorry Mike, but a bill is a bill) and I will take the boy to work with me. Looking forward to it, especially getting to spend more time with my friend Janicca!