School's Out

How can a seven week semester feel so long? One of the reasons I like the Spring and Summer terms is because they go by fast. Who can complain about being in class for seven weeks? Not this student! Besides the speed of it all I enjoy being on campus with relatively few students and ideal weather. I completed two Organizational Behavior classes this term and as much as I enjoyed them, I was completely overwhelmed by how much time they required. Although the best thing about simultaneously taking two classes in the same department is that the syllabi's overlapped each other and we were concurrently studying similar concepts (added bonus).

Now that the semester is over the great news is I only have one (well two) classes left before I graduate with my Bachelors. The situation is I have one Business Management class left, but after that, I take a quick (what they call) "capstone" class to finish up my program. Yes, I have already contacted the Business Department and put my name on the list of graduates for April, 2010. I could graduate in December of this year, but they don't walk in December and after all this effort... well... a girl needs to walk!

Now even better news... as you see from the cancer count to the left this current chemotherapy treatment seems to be working pretty well, although my poor arm looks like a junkies battle zone, the count has gone down immensely. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

And thank you to all who purchased Mauri's t-shirts. She originally ordered 50 and within two weeks they were almost gone so she ordered another batch. It's not too late to order yours, it goes to a worthy cause.

I love you all!

Mammogram

To my gal pals, just a reminder to get your mammogram if you haven't lately. They say it's the people who are afraid to get mammograms who tend to have a higher rate of getting breast cancer. THAT'S BECAUSE THEY DON'T GET THEM! So pick up your phone right now and make your appointment. And if you have family history of breast cancer than make sure you get your first mammogram 10 years before the age of when that family member was diagnosed with breast cancer. Wouldn't hurt... well, okay, so it does hurt, but it's worth it.

Shirts For Sale

Just wanted to let you know the shirts Mauri had made to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research are available now. Purchasing one (or two) goes to a worthy cause and would be greatly appreciated. The price is $12. Just let me know how many you want and what size and I'll get it to you.

This is what they look like.



And if you have a hard time reading it, this is the screen.

Jackson Hole

The Golden Girls and I went to Jackson Hole over Memorial Day weekend to perform in the Wild West Days parade. This is the first time performing with the Golden Girls since the new group joined the regular Golden Girls in January. Mauri and her kids came with me and we all had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect, the kids had fun watching a wild west shoot out, and we followed cowboys and cows herding down the road as we traveled toward Jackson. The whole trip couldn't have been better.

The Golden Girls consists of women ages 50-92.

After our performance the Golden Girls danced in the street with the audience. Here is a picture of my cousin Daneen and me dancing with two of my grand kids, Elli and Wesley.

the newest member of darla's team.

Graduation

I made a quick trip to Phoenix over the weekend to join in the celebration of my son graduating from ASU Law School. He received the Dean's Award and this mother couldn't be any prouder. After a much needed rest, he'll start studying for the Arizona Bar the beginning of June. In January he will begin his officer training for the US Air Force JAG Corps.

CONGRATULATIONS Daniel!

breast cancer awareness shirts

so here is the 'final' image for the tshirts. they will be printed on pink shirts. the cost will be $10 or $12. remember...the proceeds go to the susan g. koman foundation and towards a cure for breast cancer.

here's where you need to speak up. let me know how many you want and what sizes. also if you would prefer more of a fitted style tshirt or a traditional style (which would fit a bit looser). I'm hoping both styles of shirt may be an option.
thank you all for your support.
mauri

Carry On

I just spent a week in Phoenix and St. Johns with my kids and grandkids. They had swimming lessons and have become quite the little fish.

I'm back home now because school starts tomorrow. I'll be taking two Organizational Behavior classes this term. Should be lots of fun.

I feel good and continue to carry on.

Another Supporter

Handsome Jared joined the Colton Cue Ball Clan. Thank you very much for your support Jared. I'm not sure if, now I know how you feel when you shave your head or now you know how I'm feeling with a bald head. At least I know we're all there for each other. Thank you for your support.

Who Needs It Anyway?

It's been one month since I have started my third (and newest) chemotherapy treatment. I feel really good and have experienced no side effects EXCEPT for the grand daddy of all side effects... the infamous hair loss. Yep! I look as cute as a cue ball. I'm saving you all the agony of looking at a picture of that beautiful shot. Suffice it to say it saves me a lot of getting ready time in the morning when all I have to do is throw on a hat.

I had my weekly visit with the doctor yesterday to receive my treatment, however, no treatment for me because my white blood cell count was low.

One nice thing about having cancer is, there are several organizations around the city and state who make hats, quilts, scarves, etc and donate them to the cancer center, just for the taking. I've picked up my share of cute items and thanks to all those generous organizations for all their hard work.

My Hair Hurts

I just had my third treatment of the new chemotherapy yesterday. So far so good. The only side effect I have encountered is the top of my head feels sensitive. It feels like my hair hurts but I know that's not possible. It just hurts my scalp whenever my hair moves. Weird sensation... Watch out for the windy days.

No treatment next Wednesday because the doctor wants my immune system to build back up. They told me not to be around anyone who is sick. Which seemed a little strange when I went straight to the Pharmacy to fill my prescription and I'm sitting in the waiting area with people all around me coughing and sneezing. Where's my bubble?

I continue my dance classes every Thursday evening. I'm looking forward to it tonight, last week we didn't have class because the group was in L.A. performing for the L.A. Clippers halftime. One gal pal calls me a "cheerleader". I call it "fun"!

Thanks to all of your donations in my behalf for the cancer walk that I'll be doing this November. I love you all.

Fun In Phoenix

Having just spent the past week in Phoenix I have to say we couldn't have had more fun.

On the way we stopped to see my nephew's new baby. Justin and Heather recently added baby Hudson to the family. He couldn't be more handsome... looks like his dad!



After arriving in Phoenix the first celebration was the blessing of our seventh grandbaby, Maggie. She looked absolutely beautiful and as always it was fun to have all seven grandchildren together.







We spent a day at the zoo.







We spent time at a great park with fun rides for the kids.







My girls and I and five of the grandkids had lunch with my cousin Terri and her daughter Corinne.



And of course an enjoyable afternoon at my niece's lacross game.
See Jane run...





And just plain fun in Dan and Holly's backyard.









The finale was the homecoming of my nephew Scott from his mission to Chile... sorry I didn't get a picture of that one.

Not to mention all of my kids now have their hair cut short (girls) and/or shaven (boys). I do have a tremendous support group in my family and friends. And thank you to those who have donated to the cancer walk, I now have over $1,500. I can't even begin to thank you and tell you how much I appreciate all your support.

My new chemotherapy starts on Wednesday...

Love ya Mom!

Unfortunately, unlike my sisters, my hair wasn't long enough to donate to locks of love. Love you Mom!