Printable Father's Day Ideas

In case you need some inspiration for a fun idea...this blog has compiled 50 great printables.

A big test and cheers to trying new things...

I've been fasting and prepping for another test tomorrow that MIGHT shed some light on what is going on inside my body.   I am have been really feeling new symptoms this last week, so I am getting anxious to get more answers and figure out a plan.  The uncertainty is very unsettling.  I can handle not feeling well...and try not to let it slow me down, but what I don't like...it is forshadowing of what might lay ahead.  I've been down this road a  few other times...and it led to some pretty tough years.  I pray this will not be another beginning to incredibly bumpy roads ahead...but I feel strong and am ready if that is what is needed.

In the mean time,  I have a busy day tomorrow.  I will be in the hospital all morning doing more tests.  I am running for PTO president tomorrow evening for my daughter's elementary school...AND I am a speaker at an enrichment (womens meeting) focusing on Inspirational things.  No pressure, right?  Not sure how I got qualified there, but I have been praying that I can deliver a message that will share hope to someone that is battling a trial of their own.    I guess I need a lot of good luck tomorrow. 

This inspired me today...

Make it a goal...to face your trials with FAITH...and allow them to make you STRONGER!

~Way to go Seattle Children's Hospital nurses for putting this together!

Results...

The truth is...I have known them since last Monday.  The scan showed a good sized, irregularly shaped mass deep in my pelvic area about where my cervix used to be.   Is it cancer?  Well, there is no way of knowing for sure right now, but we do have to look at my history...and the fact that it just appeared out of nowhere since my last scan in January.   What is next?... that's the big question right now.  My doctors don't think my body can take another big surgery...and we know all of the chemos that I tried didn't work...because I have had multiple reocurrences in the last year.   (I have had over 30 scans in the last two years...and they have NEVER seen actual cancer in the images...because I have an elusive type...so in all honesty...the fact that we see something came as a surprise and terrifies me.  I have always know that IF they ever saw anything...that I would be in trouble!)  

So where does that leave me? Well.. it leaves me with a lot of questions and uncertainty of what is in my near future...but even more FAITH...and hope...and an even stronger desire to kick cancer's butt!  For today...I continue to LIVE!!!

My life...

I am feeling the best I have in a couple of years.  I have adapted to the changes in my body due to having several organs removed, resected, and rearranged.  I am regaining strength and energy.   My days are busy...and filled with good things.  Often they have gotten too busy...but I have a hard time not just trying to fit in ALL of the things I want to do.  I push myself until I am exhausted...and feel SO incredibly grateful to be able to do it.

I am captaining a tennis team that I think is advancing to sectionals this summer.  We have been practicing so much...and I have had to work even harder to make up for my numb legs, lack of muscle from being hospitalized, and other set backs.  I am teaching at least 2 zumbAtomic (kids zumba) classes a week at our local gym...plus extra ones at local schools to promote FUN fitness for kids.  I volunteer and teach music twice on sundays to kids from 3-11 years old though my church...and LOVE that opportunity even though it takes a lot of time.  I have been given some chances to speak on my experience and share the message of HOPE during trials...and that has been amazing.  Plus...I am first and foremost...a mom to my girls and wife.  Beyond being a soccer shuttle, a volunteer at the school, a preschool carpool, and all of the other things that are part of the daily grind... I have to say that I FEEL SO GRATEFUL TO BE BACK in MY LIFE...being able to do it all.   Some days, I'll admit... I am worn out and spread thin...but it is such a blessing!

I sometimes have to slow down amidst the amazing chaos of life and remember where I was just a last year....and I am amazed at the miracles that have transpired.

"Out Living It" Movie Premiere

At the Wheeler theater right before the premiere.

Sorry for the delay in posting....life has been a whirlwind...but I couldn't miss the chance to tell about my amazing weekend at the Aspen FilmFest!  My husband had to work and watch my girls, but I got the chance to fly to Colorado for the premiere of the movie I am part of called "Out Living It."  I posted the trailer of the film before...but the movie is SO MUCH more fantastic.  I knew I had some role in it, but didn't realize how much until I got there.  That was a really neat surprise.  I got to be reunited old friends from dental school, with First Descents friends, and the amazing film and production crew from Serac Adventure Films.  The audience recognized me and waited in line afterwards to talk to me...which was quite the experience.  It was surreal...watching my story unfold on the big screen.  The film won a special "audience recognition" award and was invited to other festivals.  Next up is Breckenridge and another one in Los Angeles.  If you are in those areas and could check it out...let me know and I'll give you the details.   There will be several more to come as well...and I will keep you posted.  Please check it out if you get the chance.  The whole experience meant so much to me.  And...my girls were in the movie! :) 
Also...an amazing friend gave me kids kid's kayak for my daughters...and I flew it home...that was a gift I'll treasure forever.  My oldest connects kayaking with her mom coming back to life...so she wants to learn it so badly.  So that was a priceless gift! I can't wait to hit the river with her!

Michael Brown (Emmy winning director), some FD friends (co-stars), and Kim McKee (VP of Serac Adventure Films)

First Descent's new Mobile office.