Our hurdle

First and foremost, thank you for the outpouring of support and love so many of you have given to our family over the past week. No doubt you have provided much needed encouragement and prayer.

I've put off mentioning "it" on my blog or facebook...primarily out of respect for my mom, who didn't want everyone to "make a fuss" or to dwell on it. And second, because I'm still in a state of disbelief. Why us? Why my mom? But, then why not? If anyone can lick this, mom can. And in the aftermath of this week's tornadoes, when so many families are experiencing loss and deep heartache, I feel very blessed just to have each other.

My mom was recently diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. On my birthday (May 13), mom had an annual appointment with her doctor in OKC. I had the day off and we planned to meet in the city for margaritas and a birthday toast that afternoon. Her appointment took longer than expected, but she assured me everything was fine. What a lier. Little did I know that she had just been diagnosed with cancer. Needless to say, she was definitely deserving of more than one margarita!

On the following Monday (May 16), results from her blood work confirmed the type. She had ovarian cancer. She was referred to an oncologist and more tests were scheduled. By the following Friday, we knew the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. This meant that before she could have surgery, mom would have to undergo several weeks of chemo. Chemo begins later this week.

I knew my mom was strong, but wow. Her attitude has been AMAZING. When asked how she's doing, her response is always "I'm great!" There will be tough days ahead, but as I said before...if anyone can lick this, she can.

Everyone be forewarned, she does not want cancer to become the focal point of all conversations...(and she probably hates that I'm blogging about it). She understands this will be a hurdle, but trusts God is in control. Thank you again for your support, your love, and most of all your prayers.

Happy Mom's Day

My wonderful inlaws from Cushing came to visit and celebrate Mother's Day and my birthday. So, here's to two mom's and turning 31...or 29 for the third time. I'm convinced 29 is the best age. You're old enough to be considered a young adult, but you're still young. Not that 31 isn't young...it's just not as young as 29.

Papaw and Baby Sam

Mamaw and Baby Sam - the squirm

My beautiful Sam

And his dimple

Wrestling with Papaw

Unfortunately, we may have to put an end to Henry's wrestling days...at least for awhile. I understand from our babysitters and his teachers that Henry is beginning to practice his moves on Sam and some of his pals. Not good.



Move over Beethoven

Hanging on to Papaw's every word

Three years old and still making the same "cheese" face

His cheese at 11 months old

Sam was tuckered after an evening of fun. He found a pillow on the floor and hit it. Fast.

In Papaw's arms

Henry was less than cooperative during family picture time

What a turkey!

Wade and his mom on Mother's Day

Reclaiming his crib

This is the scene I woke up to one morning in early May...apparently Henry decided it was time to try and reclaim his crib.

Play Pals

Sam's lady friend, Addison

Sam trying to act tough to impress Addison

She doesn't look impressed

And while the wee ones were playing and entertaining each other in the living room, our rascals were in the bath tub being CRAZY

I Andrew. I strong.

Mr. Blue

"I'm Treee!"

Now that I have my old camera back in hand, I can finally share pictures of Henry's third birthday party. This party was much smaller compared to years past. Just grandparents, one aunt and uncle, and his pal William (and Will's parents - our pals).

For his birthday, Henry wanted a Thomas cake. And his Thomas cake was all we heard about the week prior to the big day. He could hardly wait for his Thomas cake! Thanks goodness for Chrissy, who came to the rescue yet again. Chrissy did a smashing job. The only direction I gave her was that it had to be Thomas. Other than that, she had complete freedom. And she created a masterpiece.

The birthday boy and his buddy, William

How can this truly be my son? He would rather eat ham than chocolate cake! He certainly didn't get that from his mom!

Perhaps he was just struggling with the idea of "eating" Thomas???

The granddaddy present was saved until the end. Dad and Uncle Omar carried it into the living room and you should have seen the size of Henry's eyes when he saw it! Good thing William was there. He knew exactly what to do and immediately began teaching Henry the ABC's of driving:

A - Always, ALWAYS lay your foot on the gas...even when heading directly for a tree
B - Brake for no one
C - Crashing is FUN

Henry wasn't quite feeling the love in this picture

Lessons from Omar

Yes, daddy...I'll be careful

It was too cute. Every time William was driving, he had to stop to "get gas"

Their version of reverse