Cameron's 4!!!

I can't believe he's really 4 already.

We had his birthday party on Saturday at Airway Lanes, as usual. He loves bowling, however, this year I think he bowled only 3 frames. Oh well, he still had fun. I was terrible about getting pictures also. GG made him Spider-Man cupcakes for his party, and he got way too many toys. Five boxes of Legos, trucks, remote control cars and a few Spider-Man action figures!

He got his first present from mom and dad on Saturday, pjs!

Sunday was his actual birthday. He got his presents when he got up. And since it was Sunday he had to go to church. After church we played outside and met his school friend Ali at the school playground to play.

For dinner he wanted homemade nachos and a cake. After dinner he watched one of his new Spider-Man movies.

Happy 4th birthday to my favorite little man!!! I can't wait to see you grow and learn even more!

Buddy

So...after everyone in our house was sick, sick, sick, Buddy got sick too. He was acting so weird and started having accidents all over the house. Sometimes that can be a common occurs ce here and there when he's mad, but this was not the case. I took him to the vet, his urinalysis showed nothing because it was too diluted. He did a full exam and wellness panel and a blood draw and sent us on our way, assuring us that it shouldn't be anything too serious, he's only 7. The next day the vet called me back to explain he has a high calcium content in his blood which could lead to 4 things, however, he also has swollen lymph nodes, so that can only lead to lymphoma. That was a very sad day. I was in class for 15 minutes instead of the normal 3 hours and I only went because I had a test, which I studied for like crazy and almost failed from being so distracted. 

At that point we had to make to decision to put him through chemo or steroids. We decided on steroids because we just don't have the extra thousands of dollars or animal health insurance. Come to find out after we made the decision, it was probably the right one. The calcium in the blood makes this cancer very resistant to treatment. It has shown to only work about 10% of the time when there's calcium present. He's been on the steroids for 3 weeks now and they have seemed to do what they're supposed to. His swollen lymph nodes aren't swollen anymore and he seems to be more comfortable. He doesn't have the same side effects of increased hunger, he's been eating about the same amount as usual. However, yesterday he stole Marty's entire Jimmy John's sub off the counter and finished it off for him 😂 

My new concern is on his bowel movements. For the first week they were normal. The second week they weren't too different, just a little softer. For the past week however, he has at least 4 per day and it's uncontrollable. He's lost a lot of fat and muscle and we can now easily feel his bones. I don't know if it's possible, but I'm thinking he's not absorbing the nutrition from his food.  He's also very tired and short of breath. 

There will be very important discussions at the vet tomorrow. I know when it comes to decision time it's not going to be easy for anyone, however, I'm worried more about the kids. They've never had to handle the loss of a pet before, and at such young ages. 

Have you ever?

Had the feeling your body just says screw you?!  Mine sure did this week.

Wednesday I felt like I was pushing a baby out of my kidney. Ouch! The vagina is bad enough, let alone a kidney. When I went to the dr I found out I have kidney stones! The medicine they gave me had so many side effects that I felt like I had the flu so I stopped taking those. 

The day after I stopped taking those, I found out I have strep throat. Seriously!? 

So I haven't done anything for almost a week. I feel almost 100% better today. My throats a bit sore but I can deal with that. 

Let's hope this week will be better for all of us. I'm on spring break so maybe I can get some things done. The weather is getting better so hopefully we can get outside a bit!

Life

Sometimes it gets the better of you. We've just been dealing with everything lately. From mine and the kids school, their dance classes, back and forth to the bridal shop for Courtney's dress, then our bridesmaids dresses, then pick up, multiple times for me, we've been so busy. Stressed out doesn't begin to describe it.

However, they've been doing amazing in school, learning a ton, and becoming even more coordinated through dance. They love it. However, yesterday they both came down with the stomach flu. It's some nasty stuff. Cameron's doing most of the sleeping while Mackenzie is spending a lot of time in and out of the bathroom. I'm hoping this passes soon.

I have been stressed out with school, more than normal. Macroeconomics is the worst class ever. I don't understand it and will be visiting a tutor this coming week. I can't afford to not pass this class. I had a dentist appointment last week and found I have TMJ. Caused from stress, awesome. Coming Monday I pick up a guard that should stop me from clinching my teeth. I don't even notice I do it. I have to start a paper on the Romans and study for an Ancient Greece history test so I will be done here.

One good thing about them being sick and not going to school, I have this Ezra time to work on homework when I would normally be running between school and dance class this morning. However, I am missing a huge assignment this afternoon because I can't take them to the sitter and Marty won't be home in time... The life of a mom and student.

Christmas Part 2

To start off the second part of our Christmas, we had another Christmas party with Marty's family. This time it was with all of his aunts, uncles and cousins. They always make homemade enchiladas and rice. I love that meal and really enjoy it. There is also a family game tournament and it is always a kids game. Sometimes that give a big advantage to the kids and sometimes it doesn't. This year we played ants in the pants.

Mackenzie won the entire tournament. The last round was Mackenzie and Marty's cousin Eric. She got the game, and 3 lottery tickets. With the lottery tickets she won $10!

Since the kids are in school, they have Christmas parties and programs. Mackenzie had both of hers at the same time. They sang 3 songs and recited 2 poems.

Cameron's Christmas party was a lot of fun for both of the kids. Snacks, games and crafts.

Making candy necklaces

Frosting gingerbread cookies

Decorating her gingerbread cookies

Ring toss

Ring toss

Prayer and snack time

Music fun

Christmas Eve is spent at dads with all of us sisters, our families, and Uncle Doug and Aunt Leslie. We always have a great time!

New PJ's!

Nose cups!

Finally, on Christmas we go to my moms family and end the day and Uncle Doug and Aunt Leslie's.

This year we also had a get together with dad and most of his siblings on Saturday after Christmas.

Danielle also took family pictures for us!

Christmas Part 1

Every year our Christmas is split into multiple days. Today was our first Christmas party. It was at Marty's moms house with us, Marty's brothers family, and his grandparents. The kids loved it, as always. 

Before the party, we took the kids to see Santa.

They're at the stage now where they're no longer afraid of Santa so they take great pictures with him. 

And now to the party. There was sooo much food and great conversation.

Each year, the kids get a new sheet set from She She. This year Cameron got finding nemo and Mackenzie got Dora and friends.

 Cameron's big gift was an art easel. Mackenzie got the same one when she was his age and they both love them.

Mackenzie's "big" toy was a Barbie playset with a baby and all of the baby essentials. 

They also got slippers and books from Uncle Mike and Aunt Kristin, which they both love. Finally, She She got them baskets for their stuffed animals.

We will have more Christmas to come soon!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Give Thanks!

What are you thankful for this holiday season? 

I'm thankful for my family, the whole crazy bunch of them. And my kids and Marty, even though they are driving me to the nut house on some days. Other days my heart wants to burst open with all of the love I feel. 

I'm thankful that I have the freedom to go to school and earn my degree. And I'm able to go to church and teach my kids about God. 

Thanksgiving for me is all about giving thanks and spending the day with family. We had 3 dinners but Marty's moms' dinner was moved to Saturday because of her work schedule. It gave us time to spend with everyone and we didn't feel rushed. It was pretty nice. 

And to end with a few pictures from the thanksgiving festivities!

Yes my boy likes to play dress up :/ Oh well!

And Brian and I had a good time "bonding." Courtney and Marty get to "bond" on Christmas Eve.