Pink is not my color

I found a lump the other day and not in my oatmeal. It was a surprise to say the least. I wasn't quite sure what steps to take, do I call my OBGYN or family doctor? I settled on my OBGYN because he had seen me last and as soon as I explained the reason for my call they scheduled me an appointment with in the week. Still a few days to stew over the idea. I wasn't really worried, but my husband encouraged me to check it out. I am young, nursed my babies and breast cancer doesn't run in the family. But I let my imagination play with the idea for a time. What would that mean for my family if I really did succumb to cancer. What could I do to ease things for my children? And my husband, forget about it! He couldn't handle our break-ups during our year of dating. The poor guy, I'd probably mail order a bride for him to help him through. I thought about all the people I'd miss, and then I thought about someone I miss and would love to see, my niece Lucy. I think my Brother and Sister-in-law would be a bit jealous.
So the appointment was nearing and I thought, for good measure I would live each day as if it were my last. I woke my husband up like I did when we were newly weds. I raved about the over-cooked eggs my son made for breakfast and talked playfully with my kids. I went out of my way to see my in-laws and went shopping with my sisters. I made cookies for all the veterans I knew, cleaned offices with my brother and sister-in-law, filled the day and went to bed late.
At my appt. the next day, the doctor confirmed that it wasn't cancer although he wasn't sure what it was and just to keep an eye on it, (I'll put that on my husbands honey do list!).
No worries, now I'll go home, yell at my kids, eat some Halloween candy and be a little lazy. What did I learn? Living each day as your last is really exhausting! To those who are in the fight of their lives, I am so sorry.

Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you! Thank you to my neighbor Tom, and to Kristen's husband, to my grandfathers and all those who fought for us.
This picture "Raising the flag on Iwo Jima" was taken by Joe Rosenthal on top of Mt. Suribachi during WWII. Its the most reproduced picture in the world, with countless statues made of it as well. When interviewed, one of the flag raisers commented that it was just a moment in the war. They were actually replacing an existing flag and a bunch of them joined in. As far as they were concerned it was just another assignment, nothing of noteworthy. But to the rest of America, it was a heroic moment and one not to be forgotten. (Some of those flag raisers went on a Bond Tour and raised millions for the war effort; Flags of our Fathers, good read!) No matter how our veterans view their service, I am forever grateful for them! Now I need to run, got to make some cookies to take to my veteran neighbor Tom!

Meet ?

I saw a woman at my church the other day (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) who seems really interesting. I've noticed her before with fabulously dramatic taste in clothes and style. Yesterday she wore a leopard print form fitting skirt, the kind I would love to own but might never get the courage to wear. She has beautiful blond hair that is twisted and styled different each Sunday. She wears long earrings that would be so fun to wear until my 10 month old ripped then out of my ears.
Most of my friends are Moms like me. We have kids the same age, or husbands who are in law enforcement together. We may have worked on a committee or done service together, and we are comfortable with each other. I started to think of this 'unique' woman and how to introduce myself. What if we have nothing in common? What if I have nothing interesting to say? Do I pull the "I lived in NY" card, to seem more exciting? I can see it now; "Hi, My name is Jenny, I lived in Brooklyn once, do you want to go shopping"? Um, maybe not. My kids think grown ups don't need friends but I value my friends and view strangers as friends I haven't meet yet. So maybe some day I'll get up the courage to introduce my self. Maybe I'll just hand her a note in church that says 'Do you want to be my friend?' Check the box Yes or No. I'll tell you what she says.

Yes!

So, elections are over and Obama's President. Congrats to Wendy, Molly and Obama Girl. But the real winner here is Marriage! California, Florida and my dear state Arizona have voted that a Marriage is only between and Man and Woman. We called, handed out fliers, posted signs in our yard, donated money and got the message across. It paid off! Thanks to Marily for her example, as seen here: markandmarily.blogspot.com. I am interested to see how the next four years will be.

Meet Brucethe Bus driver!

No, he's not a Sara Palin character!
Every Morning my oldest three children get on a school bus and off to school they go. I'm glad for the chance they have to learn, grow and make friends at school. And I am thankful that every morning they have a good bus driver that gets them there safely. Bruce, our bus driver until recently has been driving buses for several years and even took a friends teenager children to elementary school when they were little. He takes his job seriously and always honks if a car going the opposite way doesn't stop at his little temporary stop sign. When my kids got on his bus, I knew I didn't need to worry. When the news highlighted a bus accident or 'incident' (like drunk bus drivers), I quietly counted my blessing of Bruce the Bus driver. Its such a small part of the day, and bus drivers may not be thought of highly or thought of at all. No one really prepares a batch of their best home baked goodies for the holidays like we do for teachers, caregivers or neighbors. But their job is very important to me and the fact that my children get to school and come home safe everyday means the world. Thank you Bruce! We're sad to see you get a knew route and I'd consider moving just to be in your area! We hope our new driver Sonny is as awsome as you!

Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween! I love the spirit of community.
I've shared this story before but want to share it on a public level. When my father was young he lived in the country so when they went trick-or-treating, my grandmother would make he and his siblings take apples to each house they went to, to 'exchange' because no one came out to their farm house and she didn't think that was fair. Of course my dad and Uncles didn't like this and one year convinced my grandmother to let them trick-or-treat with out the apples. Well one house they went to asked them, "where's my apple?"
I feel this way too! As much as I love to go with my husband and kids trick-or-treating, I feel it my privilege to stay home and hand out candy-even if we only get 10 kids. I wish we got more kids to our street but I don't think many pass out candy here on the block so why should they come (or could it be the sex offender down the street?) Any way, it Halloween and I have the chance to share what I have to any one who braves the block. I'll be waiting, if you want some yummy candy (Nerds and M&M's are our favorites!) and spider rings!

Meet Bob Sturgiss

Bob Sturgiss is one of my neighbors. He and his wife, Rita are the original owners of their home which must have been built around 1976 when my home was built. I imagine they payed around the cost of an Accord for their home then. Every morning Bob takes a walk through the neighborhood wearing his turquoise polo, a sensible hat to keep off the ever present sun, and a set of head phones. Sometimes in the winter he wears more layers but the turquoise color shows through. I wonder what he is listening to. Is it NPR, golden oldies or does he jam out in his head to rock n' roll? Sometimes we chat when he walkes by and sees me fighting a losing battle with my weeds. His yard is imaculate and he works hard to keep it so. If I ever get past fighting weeds, I'll hope to have a BHG (Better Homes & Gardens) yard like his.
I can almost tell time by his morning walk. If he passes my house and I'm not finished with my workout, (or weed pulling) I'm going to get behind in my day. Bob retired from the Military some years ago and is still active and sharp. Its a nice feeling to have him in our neighborhood, kind of 'Leave it to Beaver' like. My family and I have been here three years now and hope to be great neighbors like Bob & Rita.