A YEAR AGO TODAY MY WORLD CAME CRASHING DOWN

A year ago this morning I had my annual diagnostic mammogram. After the mammogram and ultrasound, the doctor told me he thought it was probably a benign fibroadenoma, something a lot of older women develop; and not to worry since it hadn't been present in 2012. He suggested a follow-up ultrasound in 3-6 months or a biopsy - choice was up to me. My gut feeling was this is serious and I need to take action now. Dr. Mary Brian did my biopsy and was concerned with the "look" of the specimen, but she didn't want to speculate. The biopsy results confirmed our suspicions - carcinoma. CANCER is an ugly word you don't want to hear. Thus, the beginning of my breast cancer journey. 

Ladies, have you had your yearly mammogram? 

If not, schedule it today - it can be life saving!

From here on, I will make blog posts of my breast cancer journey in hopes that it will create more awareness and help anyone else who hears those dreaded words, "You have breast cancer."

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY

HIPPITY HOP, EASTER IS ON ITS WAY!

Here are a few beautiful and unique Easter creations 

designed by 

EtsyKids team members.

Couture Easter Headband

by

Le Petite Jardin

Colorful Necklace

by

Weild Hair Accessories

Natural Wood Pastel Easter Eggs

by

Apple n Amos

"Georgia" Flower Headband

by

Sadie Bloom Designs

Personalized Easter Basket

by

Flutterbye Chic Boutique

Visit Hippity Hop, Easter Is On Its Way treasury to see the other Easter treasures!

SOUP TIP

Paula Deen's tip for reducing the fat in your broth:

Chill the soup. 

The fat will rise to the top, and you can scoop it off.

JURY DUTY SUMMONS

I don't mind the jury duty summons because it one's civic duty to serve, but I do mind the early morning wake-up alarm and the long wait until you find out if you are assigned to a court case. I plan on taking a book, crossword puzzles....and snacks to make the wait time tolerable.

CHRISTMAS ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE 2013

I love to have Christmas decor throughout the house.

Santa With His Reindeer On Dining Buffet

Antique Trunk In Boy's Room

Master Bedroom Alcove

CHRISTMAS 2013

Here are some photos 

of our outside 

Christmas decorations.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing everyone 

a wonderful 2014 

filled with 

happiness, 

success, 

and 

good health!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ETSYKIDS TREASURY

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. Here are a few one my favorite Christmas creations by EtsyKids designers.

Christmas Iron-On Shirt Transfer

by

Tea Party Designs

Christmas Bibs

by

Happy Babee and Beeyond

Red Baby Booties

by

The Desig Nest

Christmas Patchwork Blanket

by

Sweetie Bugs

Check out my other EtsyKids Christmas selections in my treasury, MERRY CHRISTMAS 2013.

ARTWORK TREASURY FOR BOY'S ROOM by Snazzy Snugglies

Enjoy the vibrant colors of the art work treasury, Beautiful Art for Boys, by Snazzy Snugglies which features 16 Etsykids designers.

by

nJoyArt

by

BabyChicksDesigns

by

Mia4Art

9-11 ANNIVERSARY

Americans will never forget that tragic day when terrorists destroyed the twin towers and part of the Pentagon. Needless to say, their cowardly actions caused much heartache. 

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE - 100 TAILGATE RECIPES

•  Hot Sausage Dip
• Whether you're at the game or cheering from home, kick off your tailgating party with our first-string collection of snacks, spreads, and dips. For starters, scoop up this hearty sausage dip and keep it warm at the tailgate party in an insulated casserole dish carrier.
• INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound ground hot pork sausage
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomato and green chiles
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• Corn chips
• DIRECTIONS
• 1. Cook sausage in a large skillet, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well.
  2.  Drain diced tomato and green chiles, reserving 1/4 cup liquid.
  3.  Stir together sausage, diced tomato and green chiles, reserved liquid, and cream cheese. Spoon into a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish; sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with corn chips.

DUAL PURPOSE FOR STRAWBERRIES

Today, I'm starting back on my blog.  I recently had a double mastectomy and am on my way back to normal day-to-day living.  I do have one remaining surgery to finish the reconstruction. I was delighted to hear one of my favorite fruits also helps to whiten one's teeth. Dual functions - nourishment and dental hygiene rolled into one! 

According to Redbook:

They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration, says Dr. Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Fresh, juicy strawberries taste great in any meal—salads, desserts, cereal—and are widely available at farmers markets this time of year, so getting your daily dose is both simple and delicious.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I looked for a Mother's Day graphic before we went to church and decided to use the cover of our church bulletin!  Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  Wish you were here for a hug!

PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND WORKING IN SOME OF THE BACKYARD FLOWER BEDS

 Texas Flower Bed

 Purple Fox Glove and Irises In Tree Ring

 Wax Myrtle Corner Bed

 Asiatic Lillies, Irises and Begonias

 Tree Ring

Crepe Myrtle, Irises and Begonias

 View of Flower Beds I Worked On This Weekend