It's a Date!

Les and I saw the plastic surgeon back in August in the middle of chemotherapy to find out what the procedure would be for reconstructive surgery. He was very helpful then giving Les and I more than enough information to leave us a little bit overwhelmed with the suggestion to come back about 4 months after radiation was completed. Well...about 4 1/2 months later and we were back to see him!!

He's happy to see that my skin is healing well but he feels that it needs more time, which was no surprise to Les and I. We knew from our previous meeting with him reconstruction wouldn't start until late summer or early fall.

Between me participating in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer and him away we came up with a surgery date of September 24th!!

It's exciting but I am also well aware of the slow process it will be. Reconstruction will consist of first a surgery to insert the expanders, weekly visits to the surgeons office to have small amounts of saline injected until we find that 'perfect' size, waiting 2 to 3 months for the muscle to get used to the implants under it and than surgery again to put the actual implants in and fix up surrounding area. It doesn't end there though...more surgery can follow for the nipple and areola to be placed. Yes, its not as simple as going in for day surgery and walking out with two perfect new boobs!

A Little Afternoon Surprise

You would think I'd learn not to tell the kids that we have a surprise. You can guess the agonizing 50 questions that come after a statement like that! Luckily our surprise was a 3 minute drive away!

BOWLING!!

Les and I haven't bowled for probably 10 years and of course it seems like the kids go bowling regularly due to the popular location for birthday parties. Anyway, it's what we did this afternoon and it was lots of fun! We didn't end up needing the white clothing as they didn't have the lights going but it was still lots of fun.

Adrianna watching her ball go down the lane...where will it end up?

Eli covering his eyes as the ball goes down the lane. Oh, I can't look!

Logic

We're about to take the kids out for a surprise and the only thing suggested was that they might want to wear short sleeve shirts and wear a shirt that has some white on it. Do you know where we're going? Can't tell you.........it's a surprise.

Eli tried on a white t-shirt he hasn't worn for quite some time. This is how the conversation went.

I asked, "So Eli does that shirt fit?

He replied, ""Do you see my stomach?"

"No," I said.

He then asked, "Do you see my hips?" (keep in mind his hands were on his waist so I think that's what he was meaning!)

Again, "No" I responded.

He retorted, "Well then the shirt fits!" like hello mom its rather obvious, what a dumb question.

Showtime

Adrianna was looking at/reading the local newspaper this morning and left it open to SHOWTIME Your arts and entertainment source. I was about to close it when a couple things caught my attention.

I should actually scan it so you can see what exactly I'm talking about but envision for me......

On the left hand side in bold letters is the headline 'Live group sex therapy show a hit for anyone seeking fun' with an article about the comedy show. Now on the right hand side is a picture of a magician and his assistant with the caption 'family-oriented magic and illusion spectacular will be hosted by Fairview Elementary........to help the local school raise funds.......'

What?!?!?!! Did they really need to place those beside each other?

While the Parents are Away the Children MUST Play

While we were off on our getaway my sister Trish hung out with Adrianna and Eli. Of course their days were filled with lots of activity and excitement!

They had lots of stories to tell us like how they road on bumper cars and played games, how the tiger at the zoo is named Sweetie (its a girl you know) and they road on a train, how they got to have a sleepover at Auntie's place one night and that they played with their neighbour friends AND got to go to McDonald's. Oh, yeah and they had pedicures!

Lots of stories were told but sadly no pictures. However, I was able to take a picture of their toes.........

Adrianna's toes

Eli's toes

Apparently getting pedicures was full of amusement and laughter, not surprising with Eli around! He complained they were going to the salon and than once he realized what happens wouldn't stop asking when it was his turn. He had to pick out nail polish, which is no surprise that its orange (his absolute favourite colour). When Adrianna was asked if she wanted a flower on her big toe Eli was right there asking for his toe to be done too and we can't forget how upset he was when they weren't going to cream and rub his legs too! Is this going to scar me or him for life?!

Portland & Family

We spent a couple of days in Portland having the opportunity to stay with Les's cousin Karis and her family. I've only been around Les's cousin when its a huge family gathering and I don't know about you but I don't do so good in large, unfamiliar crowds! It was so nice to spend some time with them and to get to know them on a much more personal basis. We'll definitely have to take another trip down with the kids as they would love to play with their cousins!!

An incredible ending to our trip was going to the LDS Portland Oregon Temple, which was only 3 minutes (give or take) from where we were staying. It was so nice to walk the Temple grounds, to go inside and take in the beauty of this majestic building.

As you enter the Temple grounds you are greeted with this sign.

Portland Oregon Temple

Tsunami Hazard Zone

Mother nature is a powerful beast and we often marvel at her beauty but often forget about the destruction she can do in just a moments notice but while travelling along the Oregon Coast we were often reminded by signs like this one.

Admittedly, one of my favourite sounds is hearing the roaring of the waves as they come inland but I can also hear the waters power too and have often wondered why people would ever endanger themselves and take the risks to live in these zones but after spending the day on the coast I can see why they are so tempted.

Three Capes Scenic Route

We were able to stay long enough in Tillamook to have the rain clouds continue south and leave the sunshine behind. Now from Tillamook there are two ways to head south. The scenic route or the not scenic route, you can guess which one we took!

CAPE MEARS

The first was Cape Mears where the Cape Mears Lighthouse is located.

This beach is located in the heart of Cape Mears

Heading to the Cape Mears Lighthouse. Look close enough and you can see the cave that the water has created in the rock.

The famous Cape Mears Lighthouse.

CAPE LOOKOUT

The second of the three capes Cape Lookout has breath taking views.

SAND LAKE

On our way from Cape Lookout the road veered away from the coastline for a little while and it was odd to see that instead of soil it was sand everywhere. How the trees grow in sand I have no idea but it was an odd yet breathtaking at the same time. We stopped in at Sand Lake where the name is certainly very appropriate!

My guess is the parking lot always has a slight covering of sand on it!

CAPE KIWANDA

Last but not least was Cape Kiwanda at Pacific City where we ended our Oregon Coast tour, it was time to start heading back up to Seaside. It was very cold as we caught up to our rain cloud so we were in and out of the car pretty quick.

You can see where the power of the water has made its mark on the rock.

Looking south with beach homes scattered along the beach line.

Looking North. This rock looks more like sand and just doesn't seem all that stable.

Manhattan Beach State Park

When driving the Oregon Coast we were constantly bumping into State Parks, which is totally understandable. We didn't always get out of the car but I'm sure glad we did here! For some reason walking to this beach reminded me of the west coast on Vancouver Island just the way the parking lot was laid out and then the short distance through the sea grass to the open coastline and endless sandy beach. I think we stopped in our tracks and just starred in complete silence for a few minutes as it truly did take our breaths away.

Looking North

Looking South. We were heading straight for the rain and did catch up to it in Tillamook where we stopped for some shopping before heading on to let the rain pass.

Manzanita & Nehalem, Oregon

From a lookout point you can look down and see Manzanita.

We didn't actually stop in Manzanita the turn off came up rather fast and we missed it but we did take a drive into Nehalem Bay State Park before driving through Nehalem.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Our first stop was just south of Seaside called Cannon Beach it seems popular for its Haystack Rock. Really we don't understand why as we found many of these haystack rocks along the coast, you'd think it would be more famous for where its name came from (in 1846 a cannon was washed up on the beach).

We fell in love with the style of the beach homes.

The famous Haystack Rock

When the tide goes out the beach is sporadically dotted with these perfect little raindrops or so it would seem, they are actually tiny jellyfish.

A Leisurely Drive

We spent one day driving down the Oregon Coast stopping at almost every little village/town, beach, lookout, and park. For the most part the weather was sunny but every so often we'd hit a rain cloud and would find it better to stop a little while, tour and then move on. A long day of driving but absolutely incredible beaches, landmarks and the neatest little fishing villages where all of a sudden you felt like you were back in time. One of the things we loved the most were the beach homes. We loved that Cape Cod/Colonial/West Coast/shack feel and character. Our favourite was a home being built in a town called Rockaway (see picture below), it would have been cool to go inside and see just how this 3 storey house was laid out!

Gearhart, Oregon

Just north of Seaside is the small retirement community Gearhart where again the beaches are breathtaking as we later find out they all are along the Oregon Coast!

Look close enough and you can see Seaside in the distance.

Seaside, Oregon

As mentioned in my previous post we stayed in Seaside. A quaint little town with lots of dinning, shopping, trails and sandy beaches!

Standing in the roundabout looking down Broadway Street

On the beach looking North of town

One of the incredible sunsets

Fort Stevens State Park

Just across the river from Fort Columbia is the Fort Stevens State Park , absolutely gorgeous with lots to do and see. We drove through the military section but didn't actually get out and walk around, however, we did go to a section of the beach that has an old shipwreck on it that you can see when the tide is out.






We drove along this road....

to see this!!!!


At Coffenbury Lake right in front of the dock they have this sign - LOVE IT!







A rather dark cloud formed above us while at the lake.

Fort Columbia, Washington

On our way to Seaside we took a windy road along the Washington Coast where we came across Fort Columbia Washington State Park not to far before the bridge that crosses over the Columbia river and that divides Washington and Oregon.

One time a military community that along with Fort Stevens protected the opening of the Columbia River from enemies.

Looking up at the barracks

Looking down at one of the battery ords and guns

I'm in LOVE

Les and I were able to finally take off on our mini vacation! It's been a long time since we've travelled AND with no kids so it was almost like a whole new experience. I never realized just how much this holiday was needed for the both of us. Really no surprise considering it's hard to believe that a year ago we were fighting the biggest fight either of us had ever had to fight, emotions were high and nerves where a bundle of steel. Now almost a 1 year cancer survivor we're finally able to take a deep breath and sigh of relief that all has gone well.

What and where did we go?

We headed south to the Oregon Coast then in land to Portland and I have to say that I have found my NEW love - OREGON!! Not only is it beautiful but the people are happy, friendly, courteous and take customer service above and beyond. I, without any hesitation encourage your next vacation spot to be this incredible state. Did I also mention they have no taxes? Awesome for a shopping minded person!!

We spent Sunday and Monday night in Seaside and then headed to Portland where we spent Tuesday and Wednesday night with Les's cousin Karis and her family before heading back home.

Too much to say and show in just one post so I'll break it down.

All Work & No Play

A month or two ago Les was offered some free laminate flooring and we were given enough to do the master bedroom and the computer area (aka my office). So needless to say he started holidays a couple days ago and since then we've been busy, busy, busy riping out carpet, underlay, staples, nails and laying underlay, laminate and t-molding!!

Other than the en suite still layered in a thin layer of sawdust and a couple dump runs needed the cleaning is just about all done. I guess it's onto the next project......NO WAIT some playing first!!

Computer Area

before

after

MASTER BEDROOM

before after
We couldn't have done this without the generosity of Jim and Melanie. THANKS guys!!

Mr. Dinosaur

Eli's grade one class spent the last month or so studying the Little Men and Little Miss series by Roger Hargreaves. To end their studies each child had to create a home for their Mr. Men or Little Miss. Eli decided to do a home for Mr. Dinosaur, which he's pictured with here.

Here is a description of Mr. Dinosaur's home:

Yellow
Mr. Dinosaur's bedroom
Red
Kitchen with dinosaurs hanging ready for the next meal. Apparently it's red because when Mr. Dinosaur starts to eat blood gets splattered everywhere!
Green
Play room, of course Mr. Dinosaur needs green grass and trees to play on.
Orange
Babies nest where there is currently a recently hatched egg and a baby dinosaur in it.
Brown
The washroom.....use your imagination as to why it's just a brown patch!!
Grey
Not really sure actually....maybe the front entrance?
Purple
The living room with a fireplace in the corner.

There wasn't much in the lines of furniture made for Mr. Dinosaur but then again it is a Dinosaurs home!!

Yesterday his class had a Mr. Men tea party and all students were able to showcase their Mr. Men or Little Misses home.

It was fun to work on this project with Eli and to watch his imagination come to life!!

Have I Told You How Much Fun it is Being an Aunt?

For the past 4 days we have had my niece Kaya and nephew Keidis over and its been lots of fun. It has reminded me of how quickly children go from one stage of childhood to another and that as a mother how quickly those different stages are forgotten.

Also, I have an even greater appreciate to all the women out there that have school aged, preschoolers, toddlers and newborns all at one time in their homes. YOU ARE SAINTS.

Of course I never took any pictures but here is a list of some of the fun things that happened over the last 4 days.....

• the cousins all got to walk to school together and even helped with reading and the teacher in Eli's class. Something very very exciting to an almost kindergartner!
• Kaya and Keidis become fast friends with the neighbourhood kids, even got in a few play dates!
• nothing can be more exciting than sitting behind a big cousin on a skateboard going down the hill wahoooooo or independently maneuvering a three wheeled scooter down the same hill!
• played play dough, colored, colored, drew and colored some more!
• played catch, ran around after bubbles and many more outdoor activities!
• Auntie Jen relearned how much fun it is to change a 2 year olds dirty diaper AND how much fun it is to continually buckle/unbuckle car seats when running around doing errands!
• can't forgot about dinosaurs, rescue heroes or train sets!!!

A New Piece of Furniture

One of my favourite things about our house is our HUGE front entrance and because of that we are able to add this......

If by chance your wondering why it's off centered its because Les is going to build a standing coat rack, which will fit perfectly between the window and bench (yes, I'll post pictures when done)!

Thanks mom and dad H we LOVE it!!!!