{PC doesn't mean "Politically Correct" in our house

To us PC means "Prostate Cancer".  We are coming up on 3 years of MH's diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.  For those of you just joining, he is cancer free and doing very well.  When it all happened we were living in Arizona - which was super hard without family around us for support.  Being diagnosed with PC at such a young age (38) was so shocking.  We always thought it was the Old Man's Disease.  Not so anymore.  We now are affiliated with Zero - The Project to End Prostate Cancer.  This foundation is amazing.  We see stories every day of how PC is affecting many lives.  I have seen men that have been diagnosed as early as 21 years old.  Absolutely shocking.  September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month.  We have the opportunity to attend the Summit to End Prostate Cancer this year. I am excited to be an advocate and bring awareness to a cancer that isn't discussed very often.  It's as private as Breast Cancer and yet we feel like we can't discuss it.

When our family was going through MH's diagnosis, treatment and recovery I think we were all on auto-pilot.  He was diagnosed, we met with the surgeon and we were given 3 options for his treatment.  Because of his age only 1 treatment really stood out - Radical Robotic Prostatectomy with Nerve Sparing.    Basically, this surgery - with the assistance of a robot - removes the prostate gland and spares the nerves surrounding the prostate.  Since MH is a "computer geek" he thought this was SO cool.  The surgeon guides the robotic arms with his own to perform the surgery.  This allows for more precision.  MH was so excited he would be able to see what the Robot looked like.  However, he was already put to sleep before he even entered the room - and he was extremely upset about it.  What a let down for the computer geek.

My whole point of sharing this now is because Diva#2 had to write a report in school about something that has affected her life.  She is in 5th grade and I just had to share this. (in her words and spelling)

When My Dad was Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer


When I was about nine my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  When my mom and dad told me, I was really sad and I thought my dad was going to die.  My dad was worried too but I think my mom was worried the most.  My dad had to sit in bed all day and couldn't do anything.  I don't like prostate cancer.


When my dad has a disease or something in him, everyone freaks out including me.  My little sister didn't freak out when my dad had cancer.  All she said was "Are you OK Daddy?"  Since my dad had cancer I felt sad, lonely and hurtful because I had school, dance and sports.  I had so much pressure on me.  I don't like it when my dad has cancer.


People were so helpful.  Almost every night some friends brought my family dinner.  They were helping with school, lunch and buying food.  They were very nice to do that for us.  It was so helpful that our friends did that for us.


Later on, my dad had the surgery to get the cancer out.  My sisters and I had to stay at my mom's friends house.  She is so nice.  I miss her.  My mom was staying in the room where my dad was staying in the hospital.  My sisters and I were worried about my dad a lot.  My dad was fine after the surgery.


When my dad came home I was so happy that he was alright.  The doctor said that they had to wait to see if he was clear.  The results came back clean which means they got rid of the cancer.  I am so happy that my dad has no more cancer.  


I absolutely love the view from my child's eyes.  She is my quietest child and doesn't really share her feelings very much.  She has such a special relationship with her Daddy.  I have never known such a girly girl that can also be a tomboy.  All 3 of our Divas love their daddy.

{growing up}

I'm feeling a little lost today.  It could be the always and forever pile of laundry or the fact that I have dishes to do and I don't wanna.  Or it could be that my oldest Diva - Diva#1 - is gone for the week at camp.  I thought I was so brave by not crying when I dropped her off.  We have been apart for the same amount of time but she is either with MH or the Grandparents.  But I keep thinking about what she is doing and if she is homesick and how her anxiety is.  Because apparently mine is doing... fabulous.  Don't get me wrong I am super excited she is taking this big leap - becoming more independent and all that.  I know this will help her grow and have so much faith in herself that she can do big things.  And that's awesome.  But it doesn't make me miss her any less.  {sigh}

And we all know it is ALL about me...

{update on weightloss}

I'm still fat.  That will be all....

{Wow. Um, yeah...}

I could come up with some really good excuse to why it has been 6 months since I have blogged.  Life is busy. Too much to do.  Had nothing to say - yeah, we all know the last one is not true.  So basically let's just chalk it all up to me sucking and start over...

So here are the highlights over the last 6 months....

For those just joining in, MH (my husband) is a Prostate Cancer Survivor.  We are heading on 3 years of being cancer free.  We have started working with Zero - The Project to End Prostate Cancer.  We have an incredible opportunity to go to Washington DC later this year to attend a Summit where we meet with other advocates to help increase awareness of Prostate Cancer.  What an awesome experience it will be.

The Diva's are more drama than ever.  I have a feeling this is going to continue as we head into the teenage years aka "I swear my mom does not understand me and the torture she is putting me through will create years of therapy for me in the future".  I thought for sure that would come later.  Oh no, my friends.  I have already been told I don't listen.  I'm not patient.  I don't let them wear what they want.  I have also been told by other adults/my own mother that I need to "pick my own battles".  I am.  Don't you worry.  I have found that the drama just increases.  If that is even possible.

Like this morning.  I am getting ready for the day at 10am - don't judge - and upon exiting the shower I find a letter under my door that reads:

hi Mom.  I am verry sad.  I am going to be be hinde the couch crying. Love Littlest Diva


(Okay, she doesn't call herself the Littlest Diva.  Because that would be really sad - and pathetic.)

I will share her latest "Diva-isms".  Because even though she is dramatic, she is freaking hilarious.

Hey mom.  As Justin Beiber's fan I need him to pull up his pants and wear a belt.  AND he needs to not wear purple underwear with white pants.  Hello!!  They are totally see through.  Doesn't he know the rule?  White pant.  White underwear.
------


Littlest Diva falls down on the ground

Diva#1:  Hey while you're down there can you get the remote?
Littlest Diva:  Heavenly Father gave you legs for a reason.  Get it yourself.


Just times this by 6 months and you are now caught up.

{shame on me}

It's been over a month since my last post and well, I have no excuses.  Well, any good ones anyway.  I think part of it was posting every day (or close to it) for my Thankful posts.  Man, that was harder than I thought.  I have a lot to be thankful for but that was quite a task.  And to be honest, I have been really busy - so much to pin... so little time.

Which brings me to the subject at hand... PINTEREST.  MH calls it my porn.... others have called it Fantasy Football for Girls.  I call it... my latest obsession.  I am finding the best stuff.  Recipes, fashion ideas, quotes, hairstyles, things to make my OCD worse.  I think my Organizational board is on overload.  I can't get enough of it.  In fact, neither can the Littlest Diva.  She was sick last weekend and completely bored and when I asked her what she wanted to do her reply was "Let's pin stuff".  I love her.  So that's why I haven't been on here.  Yes.  Pinterest is my excuse.  Shame on me.  And shame on you if you don't know what I'm talking about.

In other news...

I wasn't going to admit this... but hey, blogs are all about honesty... saying what you really feel no matter how many people will judge you... (blah blah blah)

I started Weight Watchers.  I did this a few years ago and was very successful.  I was doing so well working out all the time but then I got sick, my Divas were out of school and yes, excuses excuses.  But I wasn't losing anything.  And then once I took an honest look of how I was eating, well - let's just say I wasn't surprised I wasn't losing as quickly as I would have liked.  It amazed me after going through the things that I ate how many calories I was really taking in.

We don't go out to eat a lot.  And when we do, I try to make really good choices.  Or choices that I thought were good.  Like salads, sandwiches, soups.  Now some of you might be laughing hysterically right now.  Go ahead.  I deserve it.  But it could have been worse.  I could be eating burgers soaked in lard on a daily basis.  After I did some research I found that the place I frequented (and yes, that is a word) I was inhaling 2500 calories - for lunch.  2500!!  And all I was eating was a salad and a bowl of soup. Shame on me! So I figured it was time for a game change.  And here we go.

I will say this... I feel like I have a lot more tools than I did before.  I am not expecting to lose my last 25 (yes, I am admitting that) okay, 30... quickly.  Okay, I might even go for 35.  But I'm doing this.  I am sick of being tired, of not having energy, of feeling like I am wasting my life away because my weight is holding me back.  I'm back on track... and it feels really good.

At least for now... maybe I should re-visit that after Pilates class tomorrow.

{elf on a shelf}

We started a new tradition at our house this year.  Not sure I was going to like the Elf thing.  But it has been hysterical.  If you are not familiar with it... There is a small stuffed elf that has some serious magic.  He moves all over the house, watching the Divas and then reports back to Santa every night to tell him if they have been good.  The Divas named our elf "Buddy".  Buddy is very mischievous.  Their favorite place so far was this morning - he was hanging from the chandelier over the kitchen table. Their squeals were priceless.  I absolutely loved listening to the Littlest Diva with her one-way conversation this morning at breakfast:

Okay, here's the thing Buddy.  You can't fall in my cereal.  I'm not sure how you got there.  But if you fall in my cereal mom will think she needs to wash you.  She's kind of a freak that way.  So please stay there.  How was your trip to the North Pole?  It was?  That's good.  I am glad you were safe.  Did you tell Santa that I want a phone?  It's just for emergencies only.  It's not like I will text all my friends and stuff.  But in case I get lost then I can call home.  That's a good reason right?  I know!  I keep telling her that but she won't listen.  She says Santa always asks for permission for stuff like that.  But you could just tell him its important.  Well, I love you Buddy.  Have a good day and be careful.  Tomorrow you might want to pick somewhere else safer.  


I love how she has important reasons of why she needs a phone.  She has done her research and has valid points.  And just so you know, permission wasn't granted.

{thankful last 8}

I almost made it to the end.  8 left.  It doesn't mean I am not thankful.  It just means that with Thanksgiving and a week of some nasty virus that included a trip to the ER that I just didn't have it in me.  But here we go...

Day 23:

The Littlest Diva's Birthday.  This child of mine absolutely makes me happy.  She brings so much joy (and drama) to our home.  She is hilarious, spunky, opinionated, competitive, sweet, thoughtful, drama-filled and beautiful.  She is creative and super smart.  She is messy and obsessive and I wouldn't change a thing about her. Okay, maybe the whole "I know where everything is in my messy room so please don't touch it" is a little much.  I will take it.  I love that girl.

Day 24:

I am thankful for family, friends, football and food.  Absolutely necessary things to get me through life.  And not one is more important than the other.  Yes, MH is the luckiest man alive.

Day 25 - Day 30:

I'm including all 5 days together.  Don't judge.  3 Divas that take care of their mommy.  I don't remember the last time I was this sick.  But the Divas and MH took such great care of me.  They were so worried every time I puked. (Which happened to be almost every 15-30 minutes over a 24 hour period) I could hear Diva#2 "Dad!  Mom is puking again.".  Definitely the best part about being a mom is watching them nurture others.  And their ability to make fun of me when I am fully recovered.