Caleb is getting so big and grow so fast! Here is Caleb sharing one of his favorite new words:
I hope you enjoy!
Pam & Mike Staples
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
My First Video
his weekend, I received my Mother's Day gift a little early! I'm so excited and am certain we will have fun as a family with the gift that Mike and Caleb bought for me. They bought me the new Flip SlideHD Video camera. It really is so cool and SO easy to use. I'm also very impressed with the quality of the video along with the sound.
Here is one of our first videos of Caleb playing with his squeaky toy, Sofie the Giraffe:
Enjoy!
Pam Staples
Here is one of our first videos of Caleb playing with his squeaky toy, Sofie the Giraffe:
Enjoy!
Pam Staples
Adoption Finalized!
I just posted on our Adoption Blog, that our adoption of Caleb has been finalized. On Saturday, April 24th, we received the final adoption paperwork for the Court stating that the adoption was finalized on Thursday, April 22nd. Mike and I are so thrilled to be Caleb's parents and to know that he will always be a part of our family. Parenthood is treating us well and we are having so much fun. I love being a Stay-At-Home-Mom and working as an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Mike enjoys his full-time career at Talecris. We also enjoy living so close to Talecris so Mike can easily and quickly come home for lunch or go to Drs. appointments for Caleb.
Caleb really does have a very sweet disposition and is now 7 months old! It is so fun to see him grow and make new discoveries each day. He loves to giggle and smile. Each day his personality shines through more and more. We are blessed that he is a very laid back, relaxed baby. He doesn't cry very often unless he is in discomfort which lately involves teething - poor little guy has had bloody gums as he is teething. We are taking Caleb to physical therapy to deal with a mild case of Tortocollis (shortened neck muscle on one side) as well as helping him with some of his gross motor skills. The Physical Therapy is once a week and we will probably go as long as our insurance covers the appointments which means we have around 30 appointments available.
Caleb at 7 months...
This summer Caleb and I will be visiting Minnesota arriving on Thursday, June 24th. We will be in Minnesota for 3 weeks leaving on Monday, July 12th. Plans are being made to go up to the lake near Nevis, MN on Friday, June 25th and probably stay through Tuesday or Wed. of the following week then we will be back in the Twin Cities. Randy, Lori and the girls will be arriving around July 1st dropping the girls of for an extended visit with Grandma & Grandpa Schmidt. Then Daddy will have Caleb all by himself for a week while Mommy goes to Salt Lake City, Utah for the Stampin' Up! Convention.
Lots of Love,
Pam, Mike & Caleb Staples
Caleb really does have a very sweet disposition and is now 7 months old! It is so fun to see him grow and make new discoveries each day. He loves to giggle and smile. Each day his personality shines through more and more. We are blessed that he is a very laid back, relaxed baby. He doesn't cry very often unless he is in discomfort which lately involves teething - poor little guy has had bloody gums as he is teething. We are taking Caleb to physical therapy to deal with a mild case of Tortocollis (shortened neck muscle on one side) as well as helping him with some of his gross motor skills. The Physical Therapy is once a week and we will probably go as long as our insurance covers the appointments which means we have around 30 appointments available.
Caleb at 7 months...
This summer Caleb and I will be visiting Minnesota arriving on Thursday, June 24th. We will be in Minnesota for 3 weeks leaving on Monday, July 12th. Plans are being made to go up to the lake near Nevis, MN on Friday, June 25th and probably stay through Tuesday or Wed. of the following week then we will be back in the Twin Cities. Randy, Lori and the girls will be arriving around July 1st dropping the girls of for an extended visit with Grandma & Grandpa Schmidt. Then Daddy will have Caleb all by himself for a week while Mommy goes to Salt Lake City, Utah for the Stampin' Up! Convention.
Lots of Love,
Pam, Mike & Caleb Staples
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Oops... It has been too long.
I've been a bad girl not posting to the Staples Blog but instead focusing on my scrapbooking and stamping blog at www.sunnygirlscraps.com!
Mike and I have had a very interesting summer with some of our vacation plans having to be canceled. We are now back on track and looking forward to visiting family and friends in Minnesota the month of September. Unfortunately, we are not able to bring the puppy dogs along for the visit.
We also miss seeing some of our family. Mike hopes to visit his sister, Melissa, in Georgia towards the end of September and early October while I'm away at a couple different scrapbooking retreats.
I am excited to share that at the end of March, I became a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator. It is so much fun using my creativity selling Stampin' Up! My hope is that I can make it into a thriving business while teaching others how to create beautiful handmade cards, scrapbook pages and gifts. If you have a chance, take the time to check out my SunnyGirlScraps blog! Also, if you know anyone that enjoys making cards, scrapbooking or making handmade gifts email them a link to SunnyGirlScraps so they can see all the great projects that I've posted. My Stampin' Up! online store is available 24/7 for purchases from anyone located anywhere within the United States!
All my best.
Mike and I have had a very interesting summer with some of our vacation plans having to be canceled. We are now back on track and looking forward to visiting family and friends in Minnesota the month of September. Unfortunately, we are not able to bring the puppy dogs along for the visit.
We also miss seeing some of our family. Mike hopes to visit his sister, Melissa, in Georgia towards the end of September and early October while I'm away at a couple different scrapbooking retreats.
I am excited to share that at the end of March, I became a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator. It is so much fun using my creativity selling Stampin' Up! My hope is that I can make it into a thriving business while teaching others how to create beautiful handmade cards, scrapbook pages and gifts. If you have a chance, take the time to check out my SunnyGirlScraps blog! Also, if you know anyone that enjoys making cards, scrapbooking or making handmade gifts email them a link to SunnyGirlScraps so they can see all the great projects that I've posted. My Stampin' Up! online store is available 24/7 for purchases from anyone located anywhere within the United States!
All my best.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
USS Wisconsin Battleship!
Here are photos from our visit to the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, VA.
And, of course... Old Glory - The Stars & Stripes!
And, of course... Old Glory - The Stars & Stripes!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Kings Creek Plantation... USS Wisconsin!
We are on vacation in Williamsburg, VA staying at the Kings Creek Plantation. This place is absolutely beautiful. Our accommodations consist of a beautiful 2 bedroom townhouse that can accommodate up to 6 people. There is plenty of room and I'm seriously thinking I'll have to arrange for a week get away scrapbooking retreat in February 2010!
Mike and I enjoyed visiting the Nautilus today in downtown Norfolk, VA and touring the USS Wisconsin which is in the same class of ship as the USS Missouri. My Uncle Otto served on the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II. It was very interesting. Did you know that the USS Wisconsin is in "reserve" and can actually be recalled to active duty? Now you do!
Tomorrow we are planning to visit Yorktown and Jamestown Settlements along with visiting some lighthouses along the VA Beach coastline.
Mike and I enjoyed visiting the Nautilus today in downtown Norfolk, VA and touring the USS Wisconsin which is in the same class of ship as the USS Missouri. My Uncle Otto served on the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II. It was very interesting. Did you know that the USS Wisconsin is in "reserve" and can actually be recalled to active duty? Now you do!
Tomorrow we are planning to visit Yorktown and Jamestown Settlements along with visiting some lighthouses along the VA Beach coastline.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Savvy Girl...
Savvy is our newest family addition. She is a Golden Retriever rescued through the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue. Savvy comes from a puppy mill in Virginia. She is a wonderful girl and very sweet. We've had her since early March.
Savvy is very attached to me and has to be by my side all the time especially in the house. In mid-March, we started obedience classes which are definitely helping but she still has work that needs to be done. If she knows she is in trouble, she really doesn't want to listen or will go hide under our master bed.
Here are a few pictures:
Savvy is very attached to me and has to be by my side all the time especially in the house. In mid-March, we started obedience classes which are definitely helping but she still has work that needs to be done. If she knows she is in trouble, she really doesn't want to listen or will go hide under our master bed.
Here are a few pictures:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Snow Snow Snow!!! 4 to 6 inches in Smithfield!
Hi friends and family,
We are enjoying the first and probably only snowfall down hear in North Carolina for the 2008/2009 winter! Yes... You heard me - WE have SNOW in Smithfield, NC. On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, we had a "dumping" of 5 inches of snow.
The world came to a screeching halt hear in the "south!"
Schools closed for both Tuesday and Wed. because the roads were hazardous to drive on. Lots of businesses were either closed on Tuesday or closed early with some opening late on Wed. The roads were earily silent and devoid of traffic for the most part. They definitely do not know how to clear the roads of ice or snow. By late afternoon on Tuesday, the Governor of North Carolina declared a "State of Emergency."
Now the fun part was going outside to play in the snow. Gabriel and I enjoyed playing catch for a while. But then he lost his tennis ball in the snow and I couldn't find it either - yep, we had enough snow to cover his tennis ball. It really was a lot of fun watching everyone's reaction to the snow.
The snow was still on the ground today and with the sun shining it was a beautiful day. I pulled out my new camera and it the road i
n search of snow photos. It was interesting driving and did find myself on some roads that were very icy. Then there were some VERY SLOW moving vehicles that I was stuck behind but since I was looking for interesting photography subjects I didn't mind.
In downtown Smithfield, I enjoyed walking along the Neuse River photographing the snow covered trees. There was also lots of running water and ice to photograph. The scenery by the river was beautiful. It was also lots of fun watching kids with sleds run down the path looking for a hill to go sledding on.
Finally, I decided to make my way home. When I got home I decided that I wanted to make a small snowman so I started with my small snowball rolling it in the snow until it started to grow. Once I had a snowball about the size of a soccer ball I decided it was a good size for the base of my small snowman.
Then I started on the second tier with this snowball being slightly larger than a softball. Of course, I had to have eyes and arms so I went for a scavenger hunt in the garage where I found some of my golf tees. I tried to find two matching blue golf balls for eyes but only had one so I decided to just use the golf tees.
The finished snowman actually looked kind of cute. So I decided I had to take a photo of my handy work. I
managed to take one photo just before Gabriel decided that the Snowman's head looked like a fun ball to play with leading to the BEHEADING of my snowman. Alas, my snowman didn't last much longer than a few minutes. I put his head back on but Gabriel beheaded him a second time in less than a few seconds. Before I knew it Gabriel was eating the snowman and having a great time pouncing in the snow. You would think he was a cat the way he was playing.
All-in-all, we have had lots of fun with the snow!
By tomorrow afternoon I expect all the snow to be gone. It was fun while it lasted...
We are enjoying the first and probably only snowfall down hear in North Carolina for the 2008/2009 winter! Yes... You heard me - WE have SNOW in Smithfield, NC. On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, we had a "dumping" of 5 inches of snow.The world came to a screeching halt hear in the "south!"
Schools closed for both Tuesday and Wed. because the roads were hazardous to drive on. Lots of businesses were either closed on Tuesday or closed early with some opening late on Wed. The roads were earily silent and devoid of traffic for the most part. They definitely do not know how to clear the roads of ice or snow. By late afternoon on Tuesday, the Governor of North Carolina declared a "State of Emergency."
Now the fun part was going outside to play in the snow. Gabriel and I enjoyed playing catch for a while. But then he lost his tennis ball in the snow and I couldn't find it either - yep, we had enough snow to cover his tennis ball. It really was a lot of fun watching everyone's reaction to the snow.
The snow was still on the ground today and with the sun shining it was a beautiful day. I pulled out my new camera and it the road i
n search of snow photos. It was interesting driving and did find myself on some roads that were very icy. Then there were some VERY SLOW moving vehicles that I was stuck behind but since I was looking for interesting photography subjects I didn't mind.In downtown Smithfield, I enjoyed walking along the Neuse River photographing the snow covered trees. There was also lots of running water and ice to photograph. The scenery by the river was beautiful. It was also lots of fun watching kids with sleds run down the path looking for a hill to go sledding on.
Finally, I decided to make my way home. When I got home I decided that I wanted to make a small snowman so I started with my small snowball rolling it in the snow until it started to grow. Once I had a snowball about the size of a soccer ball I decided it was a good size for the base of my small snowman.
Then I started on the second tier with this snowball being slightly larger than a softball. Of course, I had to have eyes and arms so I went for a scavenger hunt in the garage where I found some of my golf tees. I tried to find two matching blue golf balls for eyes but only had one so I decided to just use the golf tees.
The finished snowman actually looked kind of cute. So I decided I had to take a photo of my handy work. I
managed to take one photo just before Gabriel decided that the Snowman's head looked like a fun ball to play with leading to the BEHEADING of my snowman. Alas, my snowman didn't last much longer than a few minutes. I put his head back on but Gabriel beheaded him a second time in less than a few seconds. Before I knew it Gabriel was eating the snowman and having a great time pouncing in the snow. You would think he was a cat the way he was playing.All-in-all, we have had lots of fun with the snow!
By tomorrow afternoon I expect all the snow to be gone. It was fun while it lasted...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Our Adoption Blurb...
Mike and Pam, married 4 years
Our faith in Jesus Christ is the binding force in our marriage. We are a happy, affectionate and loving couple. The deepest desire of our hearts is to share our love by raising a family. It is with eager anticipation that we hope to expand our family through adoption by bringing a baby into our home.Whatever your decision, we hope it brings you peace and, if it does include us, we will be joyously devoted to your baby. We hope that you find reassurance that your baby's future with us will be full of love, laughter, encouragement, and opportunity. Every child deserves a safe and secure home where they can flourish and thrive.
God has a beautiful way of connecting the right people at the right time and in the right place! Adoption is part of God's perfect plan for creating families and can bring people together in a powerful, meaningful way. We pray for you daily and hold close to our hearts the following bible verse from Romans 12:12 (NIV):
“12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas!
This is to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. May you rejoice in the birth of our Savour, Jesus Christ.
Home Study Completed & Submitted!
Well, we received word today that our social worker has submitted our completed home study report to the adoption agency. Mike and I are really excited about moving forward and officially start the wait for a match.
Mike has also told me I can start looking and shopping for some of the infant necessities that we will need for our home and when we are matched with a baby.
It really is wonderful, exciting news to know that for Christmas we can look forward to the second 1/2 of our journey to parenthood!
Mike has also told me I can start looking and shopping for some of the infant necessities that we will need for our home and when we are matched with a baby.
It really is wonderful, exciting news to know that for Christmas we can look forward to the second 1/2 of our journey to parenthood!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Adoption Calendar Fundraiser...
Today I finished a 2009 calendar of the Outer Banks Lighthouses. I really hope that friends and family will enjoy the calendar. My hope is that they will consider buying the calendar as gifts for themselves or other individuals in their family. It would also be great if word could be passed on outside our immediate network of friends that the sale of this calendar helps support our dream of becoming parents providing us with the financial means by which we can adopt.
The average cost of adoption per child in the United States is between $15,000 up to $25,000 and in the rare occasion can even be more. We are open to adopting a sibling group but the adoption fees due at the time of placement would be doubled.
Again, we would appreciate your help in our desire to become a forever family through adoption. Please consider supporting us through the purchase of the 2009 Lighthouse Calendar.
As an FYI... more products will be added in the very near future. I hope to add individual photographs that would be made available for purchase as well as several other calendars and possibly a cookbook.
Best wishes and sincere thanks,
Pam & Mike
The average cost of adoption per child in the United States is between $15,000 up to $25,000 and in the rare occasion can even be more. We are open to adopting a sibling group but the adoption fees due at the time of placement would be doubled.
Again, we would appreciate your help in our desire to become a forever family through adoption. Please consider supporting us through the purchase of the 2009 Lighthouse Calendar.
As an FYI... more products will be added in the very near future. I hope to add individual photographs that would be made available for purchase as well as several other calendars and possibly a cookbook.
Best wishes and sincere thanks,
Pam & Mike
Radioactive Iodine Treatment
After meeting with my Endocrinologist, we have dates set for my Radioactive Iodine Treatment. RAI will be the last week in October into the first week of November. The worst part is probably going to be the low iodine diet that I have to be on for almost three weeks as well as the "relative" isolation for 7 days.
For 3 of those seven days, I must keep all contact with people to a minimum and it is especially important that I have my own bathroom. After the three days, I can be in the same room as my husband but must be separated by a minimum of 6 feet for the majority of the time although we can share very brief hugs (no more than 1 hour a day of close contact).
I think my cats will have the toughest time dealing with my isolation since they cannot be near me for the full 7 days.
For 3 of those seven days, I must keep all contact with people to a minimum and it is especially important that I have my own bathroom. After the three days, I can be in the same room as my husband but must be separated by a minimum of 6 feet for the majority of the time although we can share very brief hugs (no more than 1 hour a day of close contact).
I think my cats will have the toughest time dealing with my isolation since they cannot be near me for the full 7 days.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Cancer Confirmed! Trusting God in all things...
Well, it is confirmed that the Thyroid did contain cancer on the Right Lobe but the left lobe was fine. Also, 2 lymph nodes that were removed indicated that a small amount of the thyroid cancer had spread to these lymph nodes.
The next step is to continue to monitor my calcium levels then return to my Endocrinologist to find out about doing Radioactive Iodine treatment (RAI). Based on research, I believe I'll be doing the RAI the end of October or early November.
At first I was very upset about having to do RAI especially since I was and still hope to breastfeed our adopted infant (assuming we adopt an infant). However, today, I think I've had a break through finding peace with whatever happens regarding the adoption and breastfeeding. I have discovered that it is OK to breastfeed as early as 6 months after RAI. There is also no guarantee that we will be placed for a child until mid to late 2009 which means I would be able to breastfeed.
This process is reminding me of the importance of trusting God with all aspects of my life. He is in control and really does know what is best for me, my health and my family. Peace is mine to have and accept when I put all my trust in Christ.
Pam
The next step is to continue to monitor my calcium levels then return to my Endocrinologist to find out about doing Radioactive Iodine treatment (RAI). Based on research, I believe I'll be doing the RAI the end of October or early November.
At first I was very upset about having to do RAI especially since I was and still hope to breastfeed our adopted infant (assuming we adopt an infant). However, today, I think I've had a break through finding peace with whatever happens regarding the adoption and breastfeeding. I have discovered that it is OK to breastfeed as early as 6 months after RAI. There is also no guarantee that we will be placed for a child until mid to late 2009 which means I would be able to breastfeed.
This process is reminding me of the importance of trusting God with all aspects of my life. He is in control and really does know what is best for me, my health and my family. Peace is mine to have and accept when I put all my trust in Christ.
Pam
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Home after Surgery
The Total Thyroidectomy is done! I no longer have a thyroid. Surgery went well but it was horrid staying in the hospital overnight. Sleep was, generally, not to be found! I didn't get much more than a total of 3 hours of sleep.
Today I was released from the hospital around 11am. We were hungery and decided to go to Bahama Breeze for lunch - Good News is that we found a wonderful restaurant! The food was excellent even though I wasn't able to enjoy the soup I ordered. The soup was very good but the "heat" hurt my throat when I would swallow. Now, I really enjoyed the Chocolate Banana Shake! Yummy... Felt wonderfully cool on my throat.
After lunch, it was time to go directly home and take a nap. I only napped for about an hour but it helped. I've been up for about 3 hours and feel good other than having a soar, achy throat. Sometimes it hurts to talk.
I'm glad to be home! Pam
Today I was released from the hospital around 11am. We were hungery and decided to go to Bahama Breeze for lunch - Good News is that we found a wonderful restaurant! The food was excellent even though I wasn't able to enjoy the soup I ordered. The soup was very good but the "heat" hurt my throat when I would swallow. Now, I really enjoyed the Chocolate Banana Shake! Yummy... Felt wonderfully cool on my throat.
After lunch, it was time to go directly home and take a nap. I only napped for about an hour but it helped. I've been up for about 3 hours and feel good other than having a soar, achy throat. Sometimes it hurts to talk.
I'm glad to be home! Pam
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thyroid Surgery...
Today I met with a surgeon that specializes in Thyroid Surgery for a 2nd consultation. I have decided to have Dr. Faust do my thyroid surgery. From the moment he walked into the exam room I was very comfortable with him and impressed with how thorough he was in explaining the procedure to me. He also agrees with my endocrinologist that we should do a Total Thyroidectomy.
Now my next decision is where to have the incision on my neck.
Surgery is set for Friday, September 12th.
Pam
Now my next decision is where to have the incision on my neck.
Surgery is set for Friday, September 12th.
Pam
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A Pain In The Neck!
Today was another exhausting day. This morning I had an appointment with an Endocrinologist that my Internist referred me to since he didn't feel comfortable prescribing Armour Thyroid in addition to the Levothyroxine. The appointment was with Dr. Julia Warren at Carolina Endocrine. I have to say that I was really impressed with Dr. Warren and instantly liked her. She was also very open to having me remain on the Armour Thyroid.
We discussed the Thyroid Cancer and her immediate response was to have a Total Thyroidectomy. After discussing the Thyroid Cancer with her in greater detail, we've decided that I should get a second opinion regarding the surgery with a Dr. Faust who is affiliated with Duke Medical. Dr. Warren isn't familiar with Dr. Catz and definitely felt I should see Dr. Faust for a second opinion also since he is a surgeon that specializes in Thyroid & Parathyroid surgery with a high success rate.
With today's appointment Dr. Warren also did another ultrasound to look at my thyroid specifically to measure the size of the nodule on the thyroid. Based on the size of the nodules, she said the size would possibly indicate Stage 1 to Stage 2 Thyroid Cancer. This was also an opportunity for her to look at the surrounding neck especially the Lymph Nodes. She did find one Lymph Node next to the right lobe of the Thyroid that looks to be enlarged and that she would recommend having removed.
Now... for the literal pain in the neck! She decided to do another biopsy. While doing the ultrasound she found a small mass that may be related to the thyroid so she decided to check it out to make sure it wasn't cancerous. If it is cancerous, it would also have to be removed which would mean the whole procedure would become a bit more complex since the small mass is on the lower left side of the neck near muscle.
I have to say that I'm really glad that my Internal Medicine Dr. sent me to Dr. Warren. We now pray that the small mass is not cancerous, that I can get in early next week for an appointment with Dr. Foust and that God would guide Mike and me with the decisions we need to make over the next few weeks.
Pam
We discussed the Thyroid Cancer and her immediate response was to have a Total Thyroidectomy. After discussing the Thyroid Cancer with her in greater detail, we've decided that I should get a second opinion regarding the surgery with a Dr. Faust who is affiliated with Duke Medical. Dr. Warren isn't familiar with Dr. Catz and definitely felt I should see Dr. Faust for a second opinion also since he is a surgeon that specializes in Thyroid & Parathyroid surgery with a high success rate.
With today's appointment Dr. Warren also did another ultrasound to look at my thyroid specifically to measure the size of the nodule on the thyroid. Based on the size of the nodules, she said the size would possibly indicate Stage 1 to Stage 2 Thyroid Cancer. This was also an opportunity for her to look at the surrounding neck especially the Lymph Nodes. She did find one Lymph Node next to the right lobe of the Thyroid that looks to be enlarged and that she would recommend having removed.
Now... for the literal pain in the neck! She decided to do another biopsy. While doing the ultrasound she found a small mass that may be related to the thyroid so she decided to check it out to make sure it wasn't cancerous. If it is cancerous, it would also have to be removed which would mean the whole procedure would become a bit more complex since the small mass is on the lower left side of the neck near muscle.
I have to say that I'm really glad that my Internal Medicine Dr. sent me to Dr. Warren. We now pray that the small mass is not cancerous, that I can get in early next week for an appointment with Dr. Foust and that God would guide Mike and me with the decisions we need to make over the next few weeks.
Pam
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Family Room Photos
Decorating our Home!
Well, Mike and I have been in our new home almost 5 months. We love our house and are definitely making into into our "own" comfy space. The only painting we've done is in the Family room and a portion of the Office. We painted the family room walls a Pale Creamy Yellow - Mike says it looks like "mustard" but it isn't that dark! Yellow is the Primary Color with a warm blue being the secondary color with darker red and warmer green as very small accent colors. I really do love the cozy and comfortable space that we've created. The hardwood floors are wonderful!
Here are some photos taken specifically for the adoption process but people have been asking...
The Kitchen
I'm thinking of painting the kitchen/breakfast nook a warm apricot color to compliment yet have a light contrast against the family room but I haven't made up my mind yet and have also been considering more of an aqua blue (same color as the sofa) for the kitchen/breakfast nook.
The Dining Room
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Big "C"
Well, it seems that the Big "C" is back in my life but this time it is the Thyroid. This past Monday, I received the news that it appears the nodule on the right lobe of my Thyroid is "highly suspicioius of Papillary Carcinoma."
Surgery is scheduled for September 10th and I'll be in the hospital overnight. The plan is to remove the right lobe of the Thyroid along with taking a small cross section or biopsy of the left lobe and if the pathology report is suspicious they will remove the left lobe at the same time. I'm of the frame of mind to have the Dr. remove the thyroid completely although I know that can make it more difficult to regulate hormones.
Since dealing with the endometrial cancer and now the thyroid cancer, I guess I'm not sure I want to leave even a small portion of thyroid in place because that leaves it open for continued cancer concerns with more surgery in the future. Not my idea of fun.
My prayer is that this will not have any effect on our moving forward with adoption. That is what really scares me, I've dreamed of being a mom for so long. Could the fact that I've had 2 forms of cancer (although the endometrial is technically consider "pre-cancer" and is easily cured permanently by a hysterectomy), put an end to our dreams of a forever family? I hope and pray not!
Pam
Surgery is scheduled for September 10th and I'll be in the hospital overnight. The plan is to remove the right lobe of the Thyroid along with taking a small cross section or biopsy of the left lobe and if the pathology report is suspicious they will remove the left lobe at the same time. I'm of the frame of mind to have the Dr. remove the thyroid completely although I know that can make it more difficult to regulate hormones.
Since dealing with the endometrial cancer and now the thyroid cancer, I guess I'm not sure I want to leave even a small portion of thyroid in place because that leaves it open for continued cancer concerns with more surgery in the future. Not my idea of fun.
My prayer is that this will not have any effect on our moving forward with adoption. That is what really scares me, I've dreamed of being a mom for so long. Could the fact that I've had 2 forms of cancer (although the endometrial is technically consider "pre-cancer" and is easily cured permanently by a hysterectomy), put an end to our dreams of a forever family? I hope and pray not!
Pam
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Twenty pounds lost and feeling great!!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Pam and I have been on Weight Watchers for the past two months and I love it!! I have lost 20 lbs and Pam has lost 22 lbs in less than 60 days. I want to thank my wife for insisting that we start this plan with Weight Watchers at the end of April. I was skeptical at first, but it really has been great. I love the fact that the Weight Watchers online version has a recipe builder that allows Pam to select ingredients and portion sizes to calculate WW points. It is such an easy system. You will lose weight if you eat less than your allowed points per day.
I like the flexibility - the points system is based on calories, grams of fat and fiber. It rewards you for healthy choices and punishes you for non-healthy choices. Yet, even in this, there is freedom. You can choose the non-healthy option, but have a smaller portion. Or you can splurge occasionally and then eat lighter and healthier in the next few days.
One nice feature in the WW plan is the ability to have a (lowfat) dessert treat after dinner. Both Weight watchers and SmartOne's offer low fat ice cream treats.
Of course, both Pam and I started exercising regularly again since we have a fitness center with a pool in our subdivision. Pam is more aggressive than I am in exercising, typically working out almost every day. I try to work out at least 3 times a week.
I am half way to my goal weight of 150 lbs. Pam has longer term goals of losing even more weight and I am confident that we will both achieve our weight goals.
Randy and Lori, Pam's brother and sister-in-law are also on Weight Watchers and I look forward to hearing their sucess stories as well.
-Mike
Pam and I have been on Weight Watchers for the past two months and I love it!! I have lost 20 lbs and Pam has lost 22 lbs in less than 60 days. I want to thank my wife for insisting that we start this plan with Weight Watchers at the end of April. I was skeptical at first, but it really has been great. I love the fact that the Weight Watchers online version has a recipe builder that allows Pam to select ingredients and portion sizes to calculate WW points. It is such an easy system. You will lose weight if you eat less than your allowed points per day.
I like the flexibility - the points system is based on calories, grams of fat and fiber. It rewards you for healthy choices and punishes you for non-healthy choices. Yet, even in this, there is freedom. You can choose the non-healthy option, but have a smaller portion. Or you can splurge occasionally and then eat lighter and healthier in the next few days.
One nice feature in the WW plan is the ability to have a (lowfat) dessert treat after dinner. Both Weight watchers and SmartOne's offer low fat ice cream treats.
Of course, both Pam and I started exercising regularly again since we have a fitness center with a pool in our subdivision. Pam is more aggressive than I am in exercising, typically working out almost every day. I try to work out at least 3 times a week.
I am half way to my goal weight of 150 lbs. Pam has longer term goals of losing even more weight and I am confident that we will both achieve our weight goals.
Randy and Lori, Pam's brother and sister-in-law are also on Weight Watchers and I look forward to hearing their sucess stories as well.
-Mike
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