Mimi's in the Pink

2011-09-21T16:55:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again and I am heading up the PAINT THE TOWN PINK PROJECT during the WHOLE MONTH OF OCTOBER, benefitting MILES PERRET CANCER SERVICES! How can you help us raise a bunch of CASH???? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paint-the-Town-Pink/140243369342955

Happy Times~

2011-07-29T16:46:00.003-05:00

Life is finally feeling back to normal....This summer we went back to the beach! I love the beach. It always refreshes me and takes me away from the hum drum of regular life! Not all the kids were able to make it. Jacques Boudreaux made his entry into the world. Our family keeps on growing! LOVING IT!

Hello World, It's been a while!

2011-03-15T07:50:00.004-05:00

March seems to always be transition month. And for the most part that is a great thing! My flowers are starting to bloom, I've (we've) cleaned out a few weeds.... but that dang spiritual garden is still full of pesky weeds! That soulful garden is the hardest one to keep blooming! Maybe if I would keep at it daily, instead of "Cram weeding"! That is why I love lent... Jesus hanging on the cross, constantly reminding me of His suffering! That he did ALL of that for me... and I think that giving up my coke fix, and going to a few extra masses could ever come close to being enough! For today I surrender to God all of my anxieties and concerns and thank Him for his love!

Today begins a harsh round of chemotherapy for a very good friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and there is, yet, another close friend awaiting the results from her lumpectomy. I used to think.... those poor people who have cancer, like I was NEVER gonna be one of them, and yet today I pray for my newly diagnosed friends, (that makes 3 out of 10 in my own little intimate supper club!) Now I find myself thinking, "WHO NEXT?" Not so rare, after all! I ask God to give them strength to make it through the difficult days, and pray that they are surrounded by loving friends and family, as they are lifted in prayer!

Today is also Maddie and Haley's 16th birthday. Look at their precious little baby pictures! Wow, that really flew by fast! They are fast becoming, beautiful young women, with poise and maturity (well MOST of the time! lol). I am so proud of their choices and dedication to being true to themselves! I admire their trust in the fact that usually God has a BETTER plan! They teach me a lot!

Bryan and Kristin have found out that the baby on the way is a BOY! He is due on the Fourth of July! His name will be Jacques! Love that good old french name!

AND!!!!!!! It's almost CRUISE time! Next Thursday, I will be ON A BOAT with the love of my life, getting some well deserved CHILL time! No laundry, no dishes, no work, just pleasure! AHHH! Although I will miss my kids, one thing I learned from my mom and dad's travel adventures, is that they always came back, renewed and happier than when they left... and they always brought me a little surprise! And I always survived their absence! Which reminds me of how much I miss my Dad now! As I watch my mom fade away a little everyday, as she too, misses Daddy, I try to hold on to the blessings of having had great parents. I never understood the love of parents until I was one myself! Happy March EVERYONE! Pray harder and WEED your garden!

great holidays

2010-12-26T16:32:00.003-06:00

We just wrapped up the Christmas holiday. It was very enjoyable and I now look forward to my Faulk family all gathering here for New Year's Eve. We are planning a bonfire with guitar playing and singing, thanks to our most recently added family members, Matt and Wade. (both equipped with guitar capabilities and singing expertise!) This could really add a whole lot of fun to the Faulk Holiday Equation!

As I think about how blessed I am with family and friends, I have noticed that at times I carry a sense of uneasiness in my heart, like there is something lurking waiting to snatch my joy! (AKA the devil!) I recently had to endure a long awaited test result, that showed some abnormal STUFF... it all turn out okay, but my ability to trust seems to vanish when it comes to concerns of my health. And I have recently learned that the cancer of a new found YOUNG friend has returned, so I would ask that you all join me in prayer for a miracle for her! She has a strong faith and a desire to see her children grow up! She said her friend reminded her that we are all terminal! So we must get on with living now!

Life is certainly shifting, grandbabies bring us so much joy and laughter, while on a lower note, my mom is aging right before my eyes, and alzheimers is stealing her memory away a little more every day. She doesn't get out much, yet she still functions on a daily basis. I am grateful to have her next door which makes checking on her so much easier! She keeps saying she can't believe she lived to be 80, while her doctor reminds her that most 80 year olds have some form of dementia! She has a hard time accepting that. I keep telling her that the things she forgets, we will remember for her. The cycle of life is challenging, to say the least, but it is what it is! And most of it we can't change! What I try to remind myself to do is appreciate all that is good in my life and try not to complain about what is not right. This coming year may bring an assortment of wonderful experiences and then maybe some difficult ones too. Grant me the patience to deal with both! The New year is bringing us the grand opening of THE DESSERT DIVA, Blair's wish come true! (SO PROUD OF HER)... a new grandbaby on the way in July (Bryan and Kristin's news!), Ricky and I will go on a Cruise to Cozumel in March :), Maddie and Haley will be 16 and LICENSED DRIVERS! Lots of great things yet to come! What a glorious year we shall have!

Perspective!

2010-11-01T13:05:00.005-05:00

My, its been a while! Life has certainly been full and hectic lately. Just finished a round of great check ups. That is always a relief! Have been feeling about as back to normal as I probably will get! Thank you GOD!

When I finally started feeling normal, I began to reclaim my old energetic spirit! So I brainstormed this local, Acadiana wide community fundrasier for the Miles Perret Cancer Services. It is a nonprofit, service center that caters to the needs of any cancer patient in our area! I, myself, have reaped the benefits of this wonderful place, where everything they offer is FREE, no charge to the patient! So Paint the Town Pink has kinda been my way of saying thank you! Many schools, businesses and individuals participated and it was deemed a great success. The donations are rolling in, so we don't have a tally yet of the actual amount. I had a goal of $10, 000 in my head, but I am certain without a doubt, that we exceeded that! It was quite a fun event and we will be certain to do it again next year! Above you can see my group of gal pals that helped me celebrate "pink style!" And then there is Audrey picking out her PINK DONUT!

I was also invited to participate in the Acadiana Breast Symposium, which included modeling in a style show, so if you know me well, I was all over that!!! I spent the whole day in the divine company of 29 breast cancer survivors and we were treated ever so royally that day. We were driven around in a limo, treated to a phenomenal meal, a hair and makeup appointment and bags and bags of goodies! It was a great day and as we were riding in the limo the women began to share their cancer stories, and up until that day, my own story was the only one I knew personally! I had always thought that losing my breast would be the ultimate horror of breast cancer, so when I was able to KEEP MY BOOBIES, and just have a lumpectomy and chemo and radiation, I felt relieved. As one of the ladies shared her CHEMO story, a young survivor said, "I can't even imagine the trials of chemo, I was so lucky to have JUST a double MASTECTOMY!" So... PERSPECTIVE, people, it is truly how each of us look at something! We create in our own head and our own mind what WE perceive the truth to be ! SO we can choose to view our "lot" how ever we want to see it. A life lesson for me, from way back, but especially since cancer, is to look at the glass HALF FULL...always, yes always! When I looked at each survivor, one of which was a 3o something year old mom, in stage 4 terminal cancer, and saw the LIFE that exuded them, I swore I would live, live, live life to the fullest. It was an amazing day! I was blessed to be a part of it! ...

Things are a little different around the house lately. WE have opted to take Haley and Maddie out of there normal high school setting. That decision being made after much prayer and a need to have them feel comfortable with each average day! They are presently being home schooled in a classroom setting, taught by a qualified teacher, (NOT ME!) They began in the middle of September and I am happy to report that it is going extremely well! It was a very difficult decision, yet we felt sure we were being led in the right direction! Life can be so challenging, especially when it comes to our kids, but I am certain my cancer experience makes these life choices much easier than they used to be! I am learning to trust that God is always leading us right where we need to be. Learning to make peace with the bumps along the way is getting a little easier every day! My God is a God of abundance who will never be outdone with his generosity! And I am learning to trust that! May God's abundant blessings be with all of you!

Sea World

2010-07-15T21:00:00.002-05:00

As we exited the ramp after riding the Journey to Atlantis at Sea World, I was thinking how much fun it was and how grateful I am to be healthy enough to enjoy a family vacation! Really, so truly grateful to be able to do such fun things! We are enjoying a few days vacation in San Antonio at Bryan and Kristin's. Blanche and Matt came to meet us, so we are enjoying being with out Texas kids! Life is so good.... for today, at this moment, which is truly the most important time! Loving the MOMENT!

so the wedding has come and gone!

2010-06-19T18:56:00.002-05:00

Wow, now that went quick! All that planning and all those details, now memories we must hold on to and treasure! It was all beautiful! Blanche was a beautiful bride! And the food and flowers were all phenomenal, thanks to my friends and family who all pitched in. Things always go well when they are rooted in love. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such a loving group of people God has placed in my life. My only regret was that we were limited in the number we could affordably accommodate. But that is life, always making compromises.

We have caught our breath again and are now planning a July trip to San Antonio to visit Bryan and Kristin, which will include a day at Sea World with the kids and an evening on the River Walk, as well as a Michael Buble concert for SOME of us! We usually always plan a beach trip, but had already planned the SanAntonio trip before the beach catastrophe! Am praying daily for all those affected by the oil spill. SO sad

Matt and Blanche have returned from their honeymoon, but we haven't had a long visit yet. They will be back here late tonight, in time to spend Fathers Day with Ricky tomorrow! Can;t wait to hear about their trip and see their pics!

Here comes the bride!

2010-06-06T08:40:00.002-05:00

This year Ricky and I will celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary on June the 12th. Our daughter, Blanche is getting married this Friday, June the 11th! Have lately been paying close attention to the words "wedding vows"! I was truly a young bride, maybe even obsessed about marrying my high school sweetheart. I remember my wedding day so vividly. It was a warm sunny day, the tux's were MAUVE, truly a sign of the groovy seventies! ( Ricky had a lot more hair then! :) )I was so happy! I had NO clue what growing up together would be like. But that special day was the start of our vows. What I knew for sure was that NOTHING would ever make me walk away from the young man before me, promising his love to me. And then life happened and we were challenged time and again. Six months into our marriage we found ourselves expecting our first baby. We were so happy, ready to start the family we had hoped for... 5 maybe six children! Complications arose in the pregnancy and our first baby boy was born stillborn. It was heart wrenching, more pain than I had ever imagined. There we were, two teenagers grieving a lost child, hoping to be able to one day breathe again after the pain would subside a little! The young man who vowed his love to me grew up a little that year as he tried to carry the broken shell of his young bride. That was our first experience of the depth of the wedding vows! Many trying times followed, along with much joy and many precious memories. Our hardest task, to date, is raising our children... PARENTING... one of my biggest challenges ever! Yet God stands with us as we fumble through and make many mistakes, mistakes that hopefully our children will forgive us for later when they meet similar challenges when they are all parents.
And then came cancer. If at that point I had ever doubted my husband's commitment to me, I am convinced now that love can be so deep, it lives in our very core, in our soul, where it is so profound when we share that kind of love, it is Christ himself, loving our spouse! I have received that love from my spouse, my life partner! I rejoice in our pain, because it gave us an opportunity to love so deeply!
My wish for Blanche and Matt, as well as all of my children, is to find ways to love so deeply. I pray that your lives are blessed with so much joy and with as little pain as possible, but if life presents circumstances that bring suffering and anguish, you will grab hold of each other and support and love each other through every thing, especially the hard times. There have been many instances that would have made it easy to give up and walk away, but we held on to the vows, whenever we couldn't find a thing to love in each other. And with the vows, each time God brought us back to a place of love! I wish Blanche and Matt all the joy in the world and a lifetime commitment of everlasting love and the strength to love deeply even through the tough times. I love wedding vows!

life after cancer!

2010-05-16T21:36:00.002-05:00

I like the sound of that...AFTER cancer! Was just having a talk with the twins, explaining how the difficult experience of cancer actually gave us many blessings and lessons we may have never learned without it!

Today I ran into a friend in the store and she tearfully shared how touched she was each time she read my blog. And she said she often still pulls it up to read, even though I rarely post anymore, because she needs to reread my old posts of when I was struggling through some very tough times! Somehow, those intense feelings I was able to convey in writing, moved her, when she was down, she could gather strength through my courage. At the time I didn't think I was courageous... I was just venting my feelings on a blog that happened to be available for others to read. I had prayed that using a blog to journal could possibly touch others who needed to hear my story, but I guess I never really imagined that it did.

What I realize about life is that each of us suffer certain tragedies, things we think we can't survive in one piece! It doesn't have to be cancer, it can be other challenges... relationship struggles, financial burdens, grief, problems with children... it can be anything. And while we suffer through it, it is painful and frightening. I faced my cancer, just as each of you have to face whatever brings you anxiety in your life. None if it can be measured or compared for that matter. My illness, for me was monumental, and life changing, just as your problems are very big to you. What we must keep at the center of it ALL is trust in a God whose plan far outweighs our expectations. It will all pass, sooner or later and yes we will suffer again. Our God is a generous God and he will always be there to lift us out of those miserable places.

Today I feel strong, yet still have that space in my heart that longs for peace. Raising our family is challenging everyday! My teenagers are living in a world that doesn't live by the morals and codes we would want for them. So peace is hard to come by, as we fumble through this thing called parenting. My love for my family has grown day by day, and my experience with cancer was an integral part of our family's love. It is never over... the journey continues as I keep grasping at the lessons that each day, whether filled with heartache or joy, brings! It is what we are all called to do. Easy? No! but so worth it...

It took awhile for me to feel physically strong again, each day is better and better. It will take a lifetime to get spiritually strong, because each day is vital to our spirit! The strengthening of my spirit is a work in progress.

Bryan, Kristin and little Miss Evie!

2010-03-25T19:25:00.002-05:00

My son Bryan and his precious little family, had a very awesome photo shoot out here on the farm. Here is a sneak peek of the awesome outcome! ... by Jason Cohen

My place I call home!

2010-03-25T08:24:00.004-05:00

Today I treated myself and attended an art expression class at the Miles Perret Center. I have been feeling so unfocused and unsettled lately. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but am sure it has to do with our normal everyday, getting back to life after cancer. Am also beginning a litany of 4 month check ups and bone density tests and a mammogram! Maybe THAT is why I'm a little uneasy... always praying for a great outcome, but not denying that there is always some fear of recurrence! So anyway, I thought I would go the the art class to relieve some of that tension. I love the synchronicity of life!

The instructor is a local artists who's work has been featured in galleries in the south. She was a very sweet young lady, who asked us to paint a picture of our house, one that reflects us, as though we were the house. There were no instructions, just free reign over anything you wanted to express! When I picked up the brush I drew a blank... what does "my house" look like? I felt a surge of anxiety come over me, having to face what my house is! But I dug deep and found there are many pleasant things about "my house"! My real house, the one I live in, is beginning to reflect who I am. Little by little I am getting clearer about what I like and what makes me feel good. I had a conversation about desiring PEACE yesterday before my art class with my friend, Father Buddy! I told him how I strongly desire peace in my life, my family and my heart. It's like after the cancer, I want to choose a life full of love and communicate the peace of our Lord in every moment, but the rest of "my world" didn't get the memo! And then when chaos erupts around me I fall into the ruckus and loose the grasp I have on my peace. But Jesus says to us, "My peace I leave with you"! So what I trust is that even when the outside influences of my life are unsettled, I can draw peace only from God, because he IS our only source of peace. It is normal to desire an outwardly peaceful life, but the peace we hold in our heart, is the truest peace there is! I was intrigued by the stories that each artist shared, all the paintings so reflective of their journey, especially their journey with cancer! I am grateful and humbled by their sharing of their stories! ...

So I finally engaged in the project and have posted my rendition of my "house". I am bright in color and trust in explosive sunsets, (the kind you can't describe), there is comfort in the warmth of my doorway, (I will keep it unlocked so that you may enter my heart), to enter my house you must first cross the threshold of God's peace, ("one that keeps your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus."). The flowers of my life are in bloom again and bring a quiet joy to my soul. There is a rocking chair on my front porch where I can pause in the stillness of love and gently rock with the Lord as the March winds whisper my lullabye! Yes, there is peace in my home, I just have to slow down long enough to embrace it!

I am so glad I took the time to do something for me yesterday, thanks to the Miles Perret Center for helping to feed my soul!

When I came home I chose to put my painting on the mirror ledge in my laundry room, Lord knows I need some peace in that room! When I placed it on the shelf I noticed that the prayer calendar right next to it was open to a page about the peace of GOD! No coincidence, just God's plan!

I love Lent!

2010-02-18T07:58:00.004-06:00

Every year I get so excited about Lent! I know that sounds crazy, but it's my time to regroup and get consciously aware of what I am doing in my spiritual life! As I reflect on the experiences I had in this last year, I can clearly see the spiritual ups and downs that accompanied my physical pain! When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I was totally at God's mercy depending on Him for every moment! Then I became so physically challenged, I could not gather up the energy to pray, so others did it for me. As time went on I could clearly feel I was being changed, shaped into something new! I had the most pure "live like you were dying" attitude. I was realizing the preciousness of life and began to appreciate things and people I had taken for granted! For awhile I lived out of a soft smile that acknowledged the goodness in my life, even the goodness in my self... something I had never processed. My children began to connect with the "soft" mom! The one with her guard down, the one who isn't perfect, after all! As days went by, I became unsettled, confused and desperately low spiritually. My once positive attitude had become diminished by the realty of life and its trials. I reflect today on how difficult it was at times to even get out of the bed, to do someone's hair, when my stomach was on fire, from the chemo treatment "they"called the RED DEVIL. There were days when I could have just melted away in the cocoon of my bed... just being still, just BEING! I had never in my life given in to ANYTHING. I, historically always come out swinging. But somewhere in this experience I learned to give in. NOT GIVE UP... but GIVE IN! I had to trust that the journey was for something. When I was stripped of my hair, and even my lashes and brows I felt naked, stripped down with no way to cover myself. I had to come to terms with my vanity and it was difficult, very difficult! And though it wasn't pretty, it was in fact beautiful! I had to be me, with no cover up! I began to like me, dare I even say LOVE me! And that is a great feeling.

At times now I feel more confused than anything, combining bits and pieces of the old me with the new me! I am a new creation, and the pieces don't fit just right yet. And I have learned we are in CONSTANT formation. It never ends. Even today will change me in some way. I pray that during this lent God shows me more of my new self and I pray that he knows I want to do His work. I want to share my life and my story to bring others closer to Him. I ask Him also today to give me a taste of that feeling of the humbled soft mom, whose children trust her love and enjoy her company. My time in the cocoon, the bleakness of winter, the devout time of Lent... all have a purpose, mirrors of life unfolding, redemption and resurrection! But first we must endure and GIVE IN to what today brings. I am so glad to have the faith that God has a plan and is with us in our suffering. Am grateful for the lesson of appreciating all of my blessings, big and small! Enjoy the pictures of my two little blessings of this past year!

I hate good byes!

2010-02-01T08:19:00.003-06:00

Had to say good bye again to Bryan and Kristin and Evie, as they packed up everything and headed to SanAntonio where Bryan has begun a new job as a Chiropractor in a medical office! Saying goodbye is always tough for me, especially when it involves my kids! We are a close family and love each others company, whether we're just sitting around doting over the babies or sitting out by the grill sipping on a little wine, beer and capri suns! Life has been kind to us in that way... that we have loving family relationships!

Although I feel sad that I won't get to see them every week, I am rejoicing in the blessings they have in this new part of their journey! Bryan has always loved exploring the cultures and hot spots of everywhere he goes! And San Antonio is LOADED with great things to see, do and EAT! No doubt, by the time we make it there in July he will have many things pegged to help entertain us! Bryan, I am so proud of you and your willingness to embrace each opportunity to accomplish your dreams!

"More than anything, my wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big, your worries stay small you never need to carry more than you can hold and while you out there gettin' where you gettin' to I hope you know somebody loves you and wants the same things too, yea this is my wish!"

Rascal Flatts

Ben's latest hunting adventure!

2010-02-01T08:13:00.002-06:00

God bless the poor goose who takes refuge in our back rice field. This weekend the limit of birds you could legally shoot was higher because of an over abundance of geese, who are over populating their habitat in the north, so the hunters down here are allowed to "help" eliminate the over population! (or something to that affect!) Anyway, Ben and Mal's husband, Tyler, racked up, they said it was raining geese! I am not a big fan of hunting but Ben wanted me to post his successful hunt and I felt the need to honor that because he rarely says what he really wants!

So it's 2010!

2010-01-03T15:42:00.002-06:00

Glad to bid adieu to 2009! Am so excited about the New Year and all the joy it will bring. Am so ready to focus on my blessings and rejoice in them! During the holidays I really did not stay on my healthy eating track at all, but I am so committed to doing it again, effective tomorrow!!! Will get out the Jack Lalane juicer and get juicing again!

Last night we attended a wonderful engagement couples shower for Blanche and Matt. It was such a nice party and they got so many nice gifts and lots of Christmas ornaments! That was a really neat idea, because next Christmas they will have plenty decorations for their first Christmas tree!

Haley and Maddie go back to school tomorrow, but Layni doesn't go back until Wednesday! Time to get back in the old routine. Bryan will fly out tomorrow to San Antonio to begin his new job! Please keep him in your prayers as he ventures out to new beginnings! I know he will do great! Happy New year to all of you, near and far! Thanks for making last year a little more bearable with all of your prayers.

Merry Christmas to all!

2009-12-25T17:03:00.002-06:00

What a difference a year can make. Am feeling so good and so blessed. The old saying that you have everything when you have your health surely make sense to me now! That, plus a loving family is all I need. Am counting my blessings and thanking the good Lord for all he has given me. Christmas was wonderful and we got to spend time with all out kids last night! New traditions are taking shape as our family grows with married children and grandkids! We attended church together last night and then gathered at our house for a quiet, but very enjoyable evening. I loved sitting and watching the two little munchkins experience their very first Christmas! What a treasure for me! Life is so full and changes happen every day! But I am committed to embracing all the good stuff and am so grateful for my sweet family!

Bryan and Kristin will be moving to San Antonio in January, much to our surprise!!! Bryan was offered a job he couldn't pass up that begins effective in January! He was so dedicated to building a reputable, thriving practice in Lafayette and it was unfolding quite nicely, but this job offer will jump him into the type of work and income he was patiently building here, but much more quickly. I am saddened by the fact that they will be so far away from us but am so delighted that they are happy about their move and are excited about their new adventure. I wish them all the best and know it will be a good thing! But Mimi will be so lonesome for Evie! That's the thing about life, there is always compromise, it is never PERFECT, but there is always something good to smile about! Soooo, the new year will certainly bring change again, will try to stay in gratitude for all that is good and look out SEA WORLD here we come. Guess the Boudreaux's will travel to SanAntonio for vacation this year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

love the holidays!!!!!! please send recipes

2009-12-10T11:24:00.003-06:00

We will have our Faulk Family Christmas on Saturday at our house!! YEAH!!! I can't wait. It is so wonderful to feel so good right now!!! Am looking forward to great fun and food!! Will have to scrap the healthy eating on Saturday... I can't pass up all the tempting treats!

Please send me your favorite holiday party recipes... am gathering recipes for a potential cookbook. Send the kind of recipe you would prepare for your favorite family or friends party... the kind that always makes people ask for the recipe, ... Am trying to create a party cookbook, as a result of my fun time I always have at my friend Melba's house for her market! Send to my email at artandsoul8@hotmail.com.

Please keep Tootsie, my mother in law, in your prayers! She was just recently placed in a local nursing home as a result of some long term health issues. It has been heartbreaking for all of her family, but especially her. We pray that she can make progress in her rehab and eventually return home. May God bless all of you during this holiday season especially with good health!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T21:27:00.003-06:00

What a busy week it has been... last weekend we went to New Orleans for my nephew, Billy's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and it was great to see relatives. Then on Tuesday, we had gumbo for my visiting aunts and uncles. We thoroughly enjoyed their visit and as usual Uncle Hu kept us laughing. He's been doing that since I was a little girl.

Today we were looking forward to spending time with all of Ricky's family for Thanksgiving dinner over here, but Tootsie (Ricky's mom) wasn't feeling up to it and ended up in the hospital. She has been very sick for a very long time and we had so hoped to be able to gather with her today. Please keep her in your prayers. She is getting weaker each and every day.

As I look back over this past year, I find myself amazed at the changes that can take place in a year! Last year at this time I had just begun my chemo and I remember how I was getting acquainted with the misery of the treatments, I had already said farewell to my hair and I was having difficulty finding foods that made me feel good! As I counted my blessings today, certainly at the top of the list are our two new little blessings, Evie and Audrey! They can make us smile all the time! So precious! I am grateful for my health and the love of my family! Particularly my husband and children.

Today we also celebrated Jackson's (One of Matt's boys) 6th birthday! It is fun getting to know the future members of Blanche's new family! Was a challenge today to stay committed to "the healthy diet plan" with all the Thanksgiving food, but we all indulged and can re-commit tomorrow! Tonight we all went over to Bryan and Kristin's to watch ELF! We just chilled out with popcorn and laughed at the goofy show! Now I am enjoying the Paul McCartney Concert on tv! He has been my boyfriend since I was 6 years old! We go back a long way. The best gift I ever got from Ricky was tickets to a Paul Mc Cartney concert in New Orleans a few years ago! It was so awesome!!!

Am hoping all of you had a great day and our good Lord blesses you all abundantly throughout the holiday season! I have so much to be grateful for!

Happy Birthday Layni

2009-11-08T18:00:00.003-06:00

Today we celebrated Layni's Birthday with her friends and our family! Cupcakes (thanks Blair) and Banana Splits! (Thanks Cheryl) You know your child is growing up when they go outside to have a cheerleading contest! Was so glad to see the sweet grandbabies today. They always brighten my day! Next week we'll be heading to New Orleans for my nephew, Billy's wedding! Looking forward to seeing the whole family!

Best cookies I ever made!

2009-10-30T09:11:00.008-05:00

Healthy for ya Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

3/4 cup raw sugar (turbinado)

1/4 cup regular brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature

1 egg 1 tsp vanilla

1 TBL milk

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat pastry flour or just plain whole wheat flour)

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1 1/2 cup uncooked oats

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

- Combine the sugars in an electric mixer.

- Cream the sugars with the softened butter.

- Add in the egg, vanilla, and milk. Cream until smooth.

- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon. Add slowly to the wet mixture until incorporated.

- Once smooth, stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts.

- Using a teaspoon or a small ice cream/cookie scoop, drop rounded teaspoons about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Makes around 2 dozen.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-30T09:07:00.002-05:00

OCTOMOM!

My mom is okay!

2009-10-28T18:45:00.004-05:00

Today I brought mom for her alleged breast biopsy, but when the doctor examined her he said there was NOTHING there to biopsy! SO whatever bump she had, be it an inflamed milk duct or whatever was gone... could've been all the prayers, huh? We were so relieved! Meanwhile I mentioned to the nurse practitioner that since my biopsy 2 1/2 weeks ago, I have a really big knot in my breast and she says, "Oh thats probably just a little hematoma." And then she take a look at it and says, "Oh no, that's a really BIG hematoma, I'll have to get Dr. Breaux to take a look at this!" So he does and agrees that it is pretty big! So on the spot, they hook me up to an ultrasound machine and he numbs me up and sticks yet another needle in my breast, (which I will now call the PIN CUSHION!) and he proceeds to try to draw some fluid out of it, unsuccessfully! He only got a tiny bit of blood out, the blood was too thick, so the remedy now is just time, as time passes it should all get absorbed! Oh the drama.... I told them that I was THE DESIGNATED driver today, not the patient! But it wasn't too bad. I survived once more, a little procedure on my breast! And thank you God, my mom's boob is okay! My boob on the other hand is begging for a break!

Am ready to change it up a bit!

2009-10-25T16:59:00.006-05:00

Just as I was ready to refresh the concept of my blog and make it a Food/Entertaining blog, I am emotionally on hold again as we await a doctor's appointment for my mom with a surgeon for a breast biopsy on Wednesday! It was my intention to refocus and not dwell on cancer anymore, and so here we are faced with yet one more possibility! Such is life! We are of course praying for a good result and I will keep you posted on the outcome, meanwhile I will dabble in presenting my new found love of testing out healthy recipes that are delicious! We are trying to keep away from all white processed foods, mainly refined sugar, white bread, pasta etc. Today I made these Mini Whole Wheat Biscuit French Onion Soup Bowls!! I searched high and low for whole wheat refrigerated biscuits... of course Rayne and Crowley had none! So I made my own whole wheat biscuits from scratch!

So here is the recipe: (does not include the biscuit recipe)

Take a muffin pan and spray the back side of it with non stick spray, and then mold a biscuit onto each cup and bake at 400 degrees until set!

Slice up one Jumbo Sweet Vidalia Onion and cook in two tablespoons olive oil with salt and pepper until carmelized, about 15 minutes.

Then melt 3 Tablespoons butter and stir in about 4 tablespoons flour and add 1/2 pint heavy cream, whisking as you add it. As it thickens, whisk in 1 cup grated swiss (the recipe called for gruyere, NOT IN THE BOUDREAUX BUDGET this week) Stir until smooth.

Fill each cup with the onions, cheese sauce, and more grated cheese. Top with paprika and one small leaf of fresh basil. (I always have a pot of fresh basil on my patio).

Bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted. Yummy and pretty!!!

Hope you enjoy! I will continue to post about my family's activities, as well as keeping you updated on my health and now my mom's too! And I will always, of course, post lots of cute grandbaby pictures!! :)

Paws for PInk Day at Rayne Catholic

2009-10-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Evie and Audrey at the Pumpkin Patch!

2009-10-19T21:41:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Back to Holy Toledo!

2009-10-19T08:33:00.003-05:00

This past weekend my girlfriends and I went back to Toledo Bend to the lakehouse for a luxuriously relaxing weekend! It was exactly a year ago that we had gone after my two breast surgeries and lymph node disection. At that time I was in a lot of pain, both physical and emotional. I was so relieved this year after my biopsy results, that I went ready to celebrate life and have lots of fun. And I did, as we were also celebrating another friends ABSCENCE of cancer! As life goes, when you gather 8 beautiful souls together, there is always some healing to be done. One could not even imagine the profound sense of love in our circle! When women gather with open hearts and trust, miracles happen that we can never plan for. We lift each other in pain and joy and sometimes there is only a moment between the two, so we stay on our spiritual toes when dare pray in a circle! I was surrounded by the beauty of nature, a wonderful lakehouse and friends with hearts of gold. I long for my children to gather friendships like these made of solid gold!

We had the best weekend ever... I treated them to a surprise performance of my own "BEYONCE' BOUDREAUX" rendition of SINGLE LADIES!!!! I love when people laugh, even when it is at me! And oh, uh uh, did they LAUGH!

Had a cancer scare!

2009-10-13T11:37:00.002-05:00

When I went for my mammogram 3 weeks ago, the radiology doctor said there was "an area of concern" on my xrays. After numerous more xrays, he sent me on to my surgeon for a biopsy. It took a little while to get in and I finally had the biopsy last Friday morning. I must admit that for those 15 days of waiting I became more and more anxious as each day would pass! I was told that if the cancer would have reoccurred in the same breast it would have meant that I would've needed a mastectomy. I spent very much time and energy trying to prepare myself for the worst! (Where is the old optimistic Madelene?) Yesterday morning I got the call from Dr. Breaux's office, and when I saw his name on the caller ID I was petrified to answer the phone! When I finally answered, how exciting it was to find out that the specks on my mammogram were fibrocystic calcifications. I am determined to eliminate anything in my diet that would contribute to the formation of these deposits! And also supplement with things that would help get rid of them!

I was instructed to have mammograms every 6 months as opposed to once a year, now that this has happened, to keep a close watch on this situation! It was a very emotionally draining experience and I need a vacation! Which is what I will get this weekend when some of my girlfriends and I head out to the lakehouse at Toledo Bend!!

Am so looking forward to some relaxation and laughter!

Homecoming Dance for the twins!

2009-10-10T21:40:00.003-05:00

For a long time it felt like I would FOREVER have small babies to look after! Probably because I kept giving birth to very many babies! And then we blinked and tonight we sent our beautiful twin "babies" off to a homecoming dance! Wow! Unbelievable! Suddenly time is quickly moving forward and my children are growing up right before my eyes! Although preparing teenage girls for their first homecoming dance can be somewhat challenging, when I got home after we went to take their pictures I was convinced they would have a good night! Hope they did!

Evie encouraging mimi to enjoy our local culture!

2009-10-02T14:16:00.003-05:00

Today I met Bryan and Kristin and Evie for lunch at the park. It was the Bach lunch where local musicians play during the lunch hour and people just chill out and enjoy our local culture. Today was really "chank a chank" day. Bryan picked us up some sushi from Tsunami. I enjoyed it. I got the vegetable sushi, it was good! Evie will be much like her Pasquier cousins, very culturally educated, with an appreciation for many things!

A nice outing in New Orleans!

2009-09-29T14:25:00.003-05:00

Sunday night after we celebrated Ben's 18th birthday, Ricky and I headed out for an overnite date to new Orleans. I wanted to go shopping at "the bank architectural antiques" for an old cypress door that we could make into a headboard for our new king size bed. So we made it an eating extravaganza for 2 days, starting with Ben's birthday meal here, then dinner at Mr. B's Bistro, breakfast at Mother's Restaurant and lunch at Copelands Cheesecake Bistro!

We lucked out and found a great old door for a great price and our friend, Father Buddy will actually make it for us! Will post a pic when it is finished.

Tomorrow I will have my mammogram and that will wrap up all my check ups until December! Am experiencing some serious joint pain, a nasty side effect of the daily medication that I take, but try to continue to exercise daily! The nurse practitioner told me today the pain may slack off after a while. Am hoping she is right!

September seems to have slipped away so quickly, but all in all, things are good right now. Looking forward to my "friends" trip to Toledo Bend in October, then Billy, my nephew's wedding in November.

Am feeling more and more normal everyday, have even embraced my funky new hairdo!

Had Three great checkups!

2009-09-25T18:49:00.002-05:00

So far this month I had 3 great checkups with 3 different doctors! All my physical exams (breast and lymph nodes and pap smears) all checked out great! Will have a mammogram at the end of the month! Then looking forward to getting back on track. I have started a regimen of walking/running about 3 miles a day and have really cleaned up my diet, except of course, for those Sunday family gatherings and all those bon bons and birthday cakes!

The kids are beginning to get settled in school and the twins love going to Notre Dame! Sunday is Ben's 18th birthday and after his birthday lunch, Ricky and I are going on an overnight trip to New Orleans to hunt down an antique door to make a king size head board out of! We will go to the restoration architectural places and one called the Green Project ( a recycle store) A nice getaway for the two of us!!!

I guess I can quit celebrating my birthday now.

2009-09-17T22:04:00.003-05:00

Supper was great at Blair's tonight. Good Gumbo! And yummy cake and bon bons! Was surrounded by my family. (except for Bryan who was in Houston for a class.) When we got to Blair's, Audrey was "styling" in her high heel zebra shoes! Then of course Happy got crazy and put the shoes on his ears.

Evie will have her first PLANE ride tomorrow to go visit Kristin's parents. Hope all goes well with their trip!

So now I'm 52!

2009-09-17T08:36:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday and I am so grateful to embrace whatever this new year of life has to bring! We will celebrate tonight at Blair's with gumbo and I hope CAKE!!!

This month is filled with doctor's appointments for checkups, mammograms etc. Am praying all is well with my health. My doctors say that keeping a close check with breast exams and a yearly mammogram is the only way to monitor keeping a close eye on any reoccurring cancer. All the while having the faith that there will be NONE!!

emotional...

2009-09-15T14:41:00.007-05:00

Last night I had my dear girlfriends over for our monthly supper club! It is always a good , solid evening filled with laughter and wisdom. Last night was almost like a mini retreat. We always have prizes each time we gather. I had found these wonderful little journals, each one with a unique quote that "magically" fit each one of my guests. I added a personal note to each friend on the inside cover of the journals. I had prayed about what to write in each journal, asking God to work through me, to speak to my friends! It is strange for me, but what I've noticed is that since my diagnosis, the Lord gently converses with me, especially about my friends. So when I pray for them, I know if there is something I need to communicate to them, Jesus will tell me. As I wrote in their journals I was sure the words that showed up were not mine! As we went around the table, wiping many a tear, I was certain the Holy Spirit moved gently in the circle! I love it when the Spirit shows up like that and we sit in awe, with all the How did you knows, and the Wow this is crazy's! But what He manifested last night was so healing in so many ways for each of us in many different areas! I listened closely to their willingness to be open with their experiences and I bravely came forward with the acknowledging of my fears. It was freeing in a sense to speak openly about having fear of the obvious (breast cancer) but freeing to be vulnerable enough to face the fear and trust in a God that protects. The "old" Madelene didn't have many, if any fears. Yet she had a hard outer shell, never even daring to come close to such intimacy! So actually admitting my fears, allows me a much freer spirit. I am not INVINCIBLE after all and that's okay. I also acknowledged my gratefulness for being lifted to know I am worthy of treating myself to many pleasures that God is ready to bless me with! I was able to declare my willingness to explore regions of my heart that needed nurturing. My desire for grace is very strong. God is certainly calling me! I have a hunch we really pissed off the devil with our prayerful supper!...

Which leads me to my story of my lessons from God today. I love the Miles Perret Center and try to take advantage of the things they offer that interest me. Last month I was scheduled to receive a REIKI session at the Miles Perret Center. Everything offered at the center is free of charge done with many volunteers that work really hard to see that the cancer patients are well taken care of. So last month they called me the day of my appointment to say that I would have to reschedule because the girl who does the Reiki wasn't able to be there and although I was disappointed, I certainly understood. I was then rescheduled for another appointment for today. I blocked out my afternoon on my book and thought, what a great treat this would be because my birthday is tomorrow! A gift to myself! When I showed up at my appointment I found out that "my" appointment wasn't mine! And as the sweet little, innocent receptionist tried to explain that I wasn't down on the books, I found myself acting like my own clients who show up as a result of a mixup and they just stand there waiting for you to be able to do 2 people at one time!!!! I felt so disappointed! Like, ridiculously, disappointed! I thought to myself come on, geeze, the other lady had cancer too! She deserves this just as much as you. So I sulkingly walked away and went to my car and as I opened the door to the car I burst into tears, uncontrollable tears, stupid, crazy tears and asked God, "Why the hell are you so good at sending messages for my fricking friends, yet I am sitting in my car CRYING over a "weird massage" that I'm not gonna get?" ( HOW STUPID CAN ONE GIRL BE?) I think it is the lack of Estrogen! lol! (guess what, it was not about the massage!) And he didn't answer me! SO I thought to myself, I'm gonna go shopping instead, so I traveled down Kaliste Saloom, crying that stupid ugly cry, wiping my tears all the way and then I pulled into the CLOTHES MENTOR parking lot (a new consignment shop with nice inexpensive upscale clothes.) As I walked in the door, the cheerful young clerk says, "Good afternoon ma'am, we are presently accepting clothes on consignment but will not be SELLING any clothes till Sept. 26th!" I looked at her like I look at my DOG when he messes up my flower bed. She said you are certainly welcome to look around. So for 30 minutes I looked at clothes that I liked, that I could afford, that I COULD NOT BUY! After enough of that torture I decided to come home and blog about it so I could start to feel better. I new today 's experience was going to be a lesson about matters of my soul, not about appointments.

My first thought, certainly not from God, was "you see, I am really not worthy of being treated special, I really don't deserve that complimentary massage thingy, the other lady deserved it more than me!!!""" blah blah blahblah!!! What I realized was how difficult it was to even make the appointment, to set aside time just for me! And it's not that I didn't get it. Its that I had ventured out of my comfort zone to be kind to myself and then felt cheated of my good intent of treating myself! But in my heart I know that Jesus wants me to relax, he wants to shower me with love and wonderful experiences, and he does. He thinks I am special and he loves giving to others through me, He says thanks to me for being a vessel of his love and when I least expect it I will be abundantly blessed with the ability to relax and breathe and trust in His plan. I will never be able to completely quit sharing spaces and pleasures with others in this lifetime, not with 8 kids and a husband anyway! It is what we are called to do everyday. Everyday we must adjust and bend for the benefit of others, especially if we are wives and mothers. But, today, my brother Jesus, tells me not to give up, to continue to claim joy and peace to be in my life, and even when it doesn't work out like I think it should, somewhere around the corner is another opportunity to treat myself to something nurturing and special! Come to think of it I have a gift certificate for a massage sitting on my desk that I will cash in very soon. For today I pray that the other cancer lady enjoyed her reiki appointment and benefitted fully from the experience. And I mean that with all my heart! Because she deserves it too! We all deserve all the blessings possible, and they come in little bits and pieces, through new baby's giggles and sharing good wine and food with the best of friends, being held close at night by a husband who loves me unconditionally, watching two teenagers grow up right before my eyes, and oh yes, this is a big one, turning another year older! Why was all of this so emotional for me, I do not know...Meanwhile i just want a damn massage! Wow, now that feels better!!

To all my friends at the Miles Perret Center, I love all that you have done for me and am grateful for the many benefits you have given me.

I have had many a mix ups in my own scheduling appointments for my hair clients....it just happens sometimes! I am just an emotional crazy lady! And God had to find a way to speak to me today and to humble me! Good job, God!

Mom had a great party!

2009-09-13T12:45:00.003-05:00

Yesterday everyone came to celebrate mom's 80th birthday. She doesn't typically like a whole lot of commotion, but she managed to enjoy her party very much. There was plenty commotion! The family continues to multiply, and the noise level rises each time we gather! We all piled in my bedroom to watch momo's birthday video that Kristen Pasquier and Monique put together. We all had fun and I believe mom truly had fun!

Happy Birthday Momo!

2009-09-05T18:35:00.003-05:00

Today is my mom's 80th birthday and we gave her a new kitty cat. She had one that disappeared and never came back. She was so excited to open the bag and find a new little kitten. She will count on him to keep the mice population down this winter! She looked like a kid who had just received the best present ever and then began to have immediate sinus issues. Good thing he will be an outside cat! Hope we can keep him safe from Bosco and Drake! Everyone pray that he lives a long, long time and keeps her company! Twas good to see her smile! Next Saturday the whole gang will come in to officially celebrate her birthday!

It's been a year!

2009-09-02T20:39:00.003-05:00

It has been exactly a year since my breast cancer diagnosis. I still have a hard time fathoming that the surgeries and treatments took up almost the whole year. At this point I am focusing on what is at hand, each present moment. Well that is my desire anyway, yet there are days that my faith wanes and my imagination leads me astray. Although I am managing well physically, I am finding myself very fatigued, wondering if this is a result of the chemo still or if it is the Arimidex making me feel this way! I am having some pretty extreme joint pain which interferes with my mobility and I am feeling really frustrated about that. If the joint pain is in fact related to the medication and I have to take it for 5 years, then will I ache like this everyday for 5 years? And then when I am finished with the five year plan will my joints recuperate and will this pain go away? I guess there is no definite answer for that and maybe at my check up with the oncologist in a couple weeks I'll understand all this better. If this is as bad as it gets, then I am managing through it! It's not the best it could be but it beats having cancer! I look forward to meeting with my oncologist and my radiology oncologist later this month. I am ready to hear good news and get on with the good stuff. Meanwhile, each day, I make every effort to enjoy the wonderful moments that each day brings.

Today I enjoyed babysitting Evie all day. She was so sweet. And today Layni had her first volley ball game of the season. What a joy it will be to feel well enough to keep up with the kids activities this year, so much better than last year, when I had to miss so much! I am so grateful for that right now! So grateful!

It's official! Blanche and Matt are ENGAGED!

2009-08-23T19:30:00.005-05:00

Blanche went to visit Matt in Waco this weekend and was convinced she would be fine if she came back without an engagement ring. I was not that convinced, but it didn't matter anyway because he officially popped the question and of course she accepted. SOOOOO... On Friday, June the 11th, 2010, Blanche will become Mrs. Matt Boudreaux! She doesn't even have to change her name! Now how cool is that? We are all so happy for the 2 of them. We welcome Matt to our family with open arms and are overjoyed! What great news!

Our Sunday meal was great and the cake of the day was Blair's Lemon Coconut creation. I think Blair is ready to start taking orders for her confection creations.... especially gourmet cupcakes! She is so talented! Call her for your next entertaining encounter!

Glad to share just happy news lately!!! Life is GOOD!

He Thinks his tractor's SEXY!

2009-08-22T15:30:00.005-05:00

My husband is the farm manager. Up until now that basically means he has to communicate info to and from the actual farmers to my mom and change light bulbs she can't reach!!! He has been wishing his job description involved a tractor, but my mom doesn't want to BUY one! So this weekend he convinced her to let him RENT a tractor to haul off metal scraps and junk from the old barn! He was SO EXCITED, then BEN got jealous and he wanted a turn on the tractor too! Here they are... cheesing on the RENTED tractor!

Brunch at Tiifany's (March of Dimes charity at the City Club)

2009-08-22T08:18:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Blair, Sheila, Cheryl and I attended the annual Brunch at Tiffany's fund raiser. Kristin was co chair of this event for the second time. My dad was very active in this organization when I was a child. Isn't it amazing that the very work he did years ago to help raise money for the March of Dimes could've been very instrumental in affording us the precious moments we got to spend with Elle in her brief, tender little life? We are proud of Kristin's efforts and willingness to share her story, helping other mother's get the chance to hold their precious babies!

Evie hung in their as long as she could but eventually she gave up and succumbed to the sand man!

Games of Acadiana and another super Sunday!

2009-08-16T18:36:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was the Games of Acadiana benefitting the Miles Perret Center. This is the organization that has been so helpful to me during my treatments all this year! All of their services are free of charge. For instance, this year before school started they furnished the kids back to school supplies for the beginning of this school year. What a help that was!

As I contemplated attending the ceremonies I wondered how I would feel about participating in the survivors march at the opening ceremonies! At some point you have to declare yourself a survivor! When is that magical moment? For me it was yesterday! With a lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes, I joined in the SURVIVIORS walk! I had this talk with a fellow breast cancer survivor friend yesterday. I am so ready to just be living a normal routine life! I want this cancer experience to ONLY be a chapter in my life! I do not want it to define my life! like ... madelene boudreaux, mother of 8 children, cancer survivor! There is so much more to me, so much more yet to unfold. The story is yet unfolding, a new chapter, one after the other. Am elated to be ready to roll on! Ready to hang up my BOXING GLOVES and just roll with the flow! (Daddy would've loved the picture of me with the pink boxing gloves!) Yes, it was only one chapter in my life story!!!!

Today we had a great family gathering, cake pics included... Blair's "Watermelon" creation. Evie's outfit matched the cake! That's what I love about Sunday's!

p.s. my hair was only spray painted, the pink is not permanent!

A new school year!

2009-08-13T07:58:00.003-05:00

This is our new start! Last year at this time, I had just begun my breast cancer journey. I was a walking zombie! And feared each day, wondering how my children would survive the school year with me in bed the majority of the time. What I learned was that they are very capable of many things without my help. And their Daddy took up all the slack! We survived the year, with quite valuable lessons. Lifetime lessons that are forming us into who God called us to be, all of us! With an open heart, I embrace this next school year, in appreciation for all of my blessings, particularly my health! I have so much admiration for the strength of my family. They are still standing strong after such turmoil. Your prayers were the key to our rising up! Thanks, its been a very enlightening year!

I have included this great picture Kristin took of Bryan and Evie! I can feel the love in their eyes! And the other is of Bella and I, during a recent visit to Angie's. Bella helped take this "self photo" of us!

Happy new school year to all of my friends and family.

Ahh! Getting creative again!

2009-08-10T17:16:00.004-05:00

I spent the majority of the weekend helping my friend Melba's daughter get her college condo ready in Baton Rouge. Sarah and her roomate/ cousin, Chelsea and a few other friends all pitched in with the faux finish project. I thought things would get a little hairy with ALL the help, but they caught on quickly were a really big help! They did an awesome job! I wish Sarah all the best in her new adventure. Ricky and Sheila both helped me with the project which made things go very smoothly and quickly!

We also spent Saturday night celebrating Carol and Teenie's (Ricky's Sisters ) birthdays. The BIG 4- 0 and 5-0. Was great to help welcome them to OLD AGE!

Now its back to school time on Thursday! Yikes! 2 teenagers in high school again. Things are changing everyday!

Another Boudreaux Birthday Party!

2009-08-07T22:21:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Bryan! Our oldest son will turn 31 on August the 11th! I can hardly believe that. Tonight we celebrated with burgers and his special request of Chocolate Mocha cake!!! Twas a good evening. I love it when we gather together and enjoy the evening with good food and family! Our life is mostly simple but full of blessings! These simple things and simple celebrations are all we really need, the rest is all lagniappe!

I love ya Bryan, Happy Birthday!

A little bit of everything!

2009-08-02T16:41:00.003-05:00

First of all, can you believe this dog? This is Malorie's newest addition to her menagerie of pets! I tried to capture the essence of her "beauty" in the this photo! I think I succeeded. I have never seen anything so atrocious in all my life. All God's creatures need love. Lucky for them there are people like Malorie in the world!

Audrey loves to watch TV. Here she is watching TV with Happy in bed! Today she missed her usual visit with her cousin, Evie, because Evie is in Indiana visiting her relatives on her mom's side! A 15 hour road trip!! We all missed Evie. (and her mom and dad too, of course)

Matt and his two boys, Jackson and Austin, came over and we celebrated Austin's 4th birthday. He was intrigued with the sunflower field and was excited to be able to pick sunflowers.

Twas a good day!

Making Progress!

2009-07-27T15:41:00.003-05:00

We were at Toledo Bend for Easter and I distinctly remember how fatigued I was. When we went to the Easter services I could hardly walk from the car to the church doors without getting exhausted. I couldn't even imagine ever being strong again. But this weekend I rustled up some courage and I went TUBING on the lake! It was really fun and although it wore me out, I thoroughly enjoyed doing something fun for a change! I think the kids were shocked that I would even try to tube. As you can tell from the picture the kids can't wait to go "jump in the lake"!

I can't say that I am as strong emotionally as I am physically. I have a hard time relaxing and can't seem to find the inner strength I am longing for. I guess I am basically just coping, and I am forgetting to breathe, you know, that conscious cleansing breath that says you trust the world. I am staying in prayer and asking God to help carry me through as he always has! And I know he will.

Malorie's Birthday Party!

2009-07-23T21:43:00.003-05:00

Tonight we celebrated Mal's birthday. It's so nice to be celebrating things again. We had Shrimp etouffee and a delicious Pina Colada cake for dessert. It was a great evening. Blair found this really cute bottle of wine for Malorie, so fitting. Malorie is my one child whose style is certainly all her own, a mixture of vintage/eclectic/ hippie/gypsy. Her happy spirit shines through and her clothes are always a reflection of her creative flow of energy! She has also commented on more than one occasion that she was the smack in the "MiDDLE" child, placed somewhere between the older kids and the younger kids, so this cute little wine label was perfect for her! And she loved it and we love her! Happy Birthday Mal, we love you big as the sky! You are forever cool!

Old family videos!

2009-07-21T20:18:00.003-05:00

Today the girls were watching old family videos (this one was from about 9 years ago) and I heard an uproar of laughter, then Haley comes running out the bedroom hollering for Layni to come watch this video of when Layni was a toddler, playing with her kitty cat, Tiger! I was curious so I went to watch too! Keep in mind that Layni is the youngest of this crazy bunch and from early on, she has been very quiet, well mannered, easily entertained and very sweet! I don't ever recall even seeing this video, so it was a surprise to me when I saw it today. What's funny about it to us, is the unexpected behavior that our sweet, mild mannered child displays to her innocent poor little kitty!

As I sat and watched a few other home movies, I began to wonder where all the time has gone, which is all the more reason to enjoy the precious present!

Hope you enjoy this little video snipit, and know that as a whole we don't encourage pet abuse, but keep in mind the kitty snipped at her finger hidden behind the plant!!

Fun Work today!

2009-07-20T16:51:00.005-05:00

Today Blair and I delivered and put together the bedding for a bedroom I was decorating. It came out really nice. My sister, Sheila did a fine job with the sewing for the project. The owner had opted not to paint the room, but I think it all came together quite well, with the neutral walls! I often think about how sad it is when people have jobs that don't give them pleasure. I love all the work I do! And I know what a blessing it is when I am called to use the talents that God has given me!

I have included some before/after pictures. Bryan did a great job with the "after" photography. Thanks, Bryan!

Today's Gratitude List!

2009-07-20T06:40:00.002-05:00

I am grateful for:

The sleep I got last night.

The sun shining on the soybeans to my left, the sunflowers in front of me and the rice to my right.

Baby's smiles and the joy they bring.

My husband and children.

The comfortable temperature of this morning.

The walk I just had and the time for prayer.

The doctors and nurses who God has placed in my life.

The friends and family who continue to support me and pray for me.

My sisters, even with our extreme differences and LIKENESSES!

The memories I have stored in my heart of my dad.

My mom.

Friendships.

Our BIG BLUE POOL... simple fun!

Birthdays... I love birthdays!

Pretty clothes.

My hair growing back, be it ever so weird!

Floating on a raft!

My flowers.

The sound of the birds as I type this list.

The two best jobs in the world.

Hugs, lots of hugs!

Cousins, Aunts and Uncles!

Love!

Faith...lots of it!

Zest for life! It has returned!

My patio, my favorite place to be.

The new bed I'm about to buy and the comfort it will give me!!

This day, the breath I breathe and the peace in my heart!

God is good!

The Sunflowers are starting to bloom!

2009-07-19T17:46:00.002-05:00

I love SUNFLOWERS! Every year Ricky plants a big batch of sunflowers in the field behind our house. Sometimes they do great and sometimes they don't grow at all. This year, they were delayed with the drought, but now that we have had rain, they are busting out all over! Within a few weeks there will be a field full of them! Ricky pretends that he does this just for me, but he reallly does it because it attracts doves to the fields just in time for hunting season! Meanwhile we are enjoying fresh picked flowers and soon we will have a picturesque backdrop for family photos!

Today the weather was so cooperative, a good lazy Sunday! Some good old rice and gravy and a chocolate/mocha cake! May it rest in peace!!! It was demolished. We broke out the little tikes swing and Audrey loved it. She took a couple of good naps in it! We'll have to find a second one soon so when Evie can sit up good enough they won't have to take turns!

Have had very little complications with the first week of being on the ARIMIDEX. Some restless nights/insomnia! Don't know if that is from the medicine or just me being crazy! I hope I begin to sleep better! Other than that I have been GREAT! Thank God!

Tomorrow I will be working on a decorating job, will post some before and afters.

Love to all!

Why spend $45 on ingredients for Fried Chicken?

2009-07-12T18:07:00.003-05:00

Today we entertained some of our older children! I requested homemade fried chicken, to which Ricky replied, "Why do all that, when we can just go to Gabes and buy it already made and cheaper?" But the memories we make are priceless when we cook together! Oh yeah, he was outside alone frying chicken under the garage in the heat! Oh well!! It tasted really good and everyone enjoyed it! Thanks Rick, ok, next time you can buy it all cooked!

Audrey and Evie modeled their new cute little outfits.

The promise of the Rainbow after the storm!

2009-07-08T20:44:00.005-05:00

As I consider this storm in my life to have settled, I am ready for the rainbows to show up. And they do, in small ways and big ways, each and every day! So when we finally received our much needed rain this week, it was delivered with the beautiful promise of the rainbow at the end! Ricky captured this picture of the rainbow, I got the one of the sun shining on the fields after the rain, and today Maddie found this nest of speckled eggs in one of the Crepe Myrtle trees.

"Rainbows appear after mighty storms, when things look their worst. Just when the sky is darkest, out of heaven a rainbow appears. God 1st sent the rainbow to Noah, as a sign that his word is true.

The rainbows message still speaks to me and you. The rainbow is a sign of God’s promise, that he will guide us thru any storm. When you feel battered by life’s storms and you are filled with doubt. Just remember God’s rainbow is coming and He’ll be there for you."

Trusting this little pill!

2009-07-07T20:06:00.002-05:00

Well, tomorrow (Wednesday) I will start on my cancer prevention medicine. Ricky picked up the prescription of ARIMIDEX today and I was shocked to see how small the pill is. Yet it's value, considering it can prevent my breast cancer from reoccurring, is really big! A little while ago I put the bottle on my night stand and asked Ricky if he would remind me to take it in the morning ... everyday, for the next five years! Am praying for a great result, and no incidence of side effects.

It was not my desire to have to depend on medicine to stay cancer free, I would've rathered an holistic approach, but time and again, my doctors have explained the nature of my cancer had nothing to do with supplements or diet. It was an estrogen driven cancer. And although there are no guarantees that this works for everyone, I certainly pray it works for me! ARIMIDEX works by lowering the amount of the hormone estrogen in the body.

I am trusting in the knowledge of my doctor and with faith, believe that God is watching over me!

Making Happy Memories

2009-07-05T08:52:00.007-05:00

My house is a party house!! When we built it, as Ricky worked so hard night after night, doing lots of hands on work, each night after, he would come to our little rent house (where we lived between our old home and new) and he would say, "Build it and they will come." He was right. "They" come! When I was a little girl, my grandma and grandpa lived out here in the country, and she loved company, she loved to cook and was always prepared for company. It gave her endless joy and I was delighted when we spent time at the house on the farm! Many of my fondest memories are from times spent at their house. I now take delight in having a house on the farm where people love to gather.

Last night was no exception. My sisters and I gave an engagement shower for my nephew, Billy and his lovely fiance, Melissa. It was hot as all get out, but there is a magic that takes place when families gather out of love! Billy is the OLDEST of the grandchildren and has taken his time finding the love of his life, and although we didn't partake in literal 4th of July fireworks, (for fear of burning all of the crops in the fields of drought) when Billy toasted his love to Melissa, there were definitely fireworks in their hearts and ours. I am so happy for Billy! He is blessed to have fallen in love with Melissa, an obvious life changing relationship led by the hand of God! Now we can stop asking him "when will he ever get married", for the answer is November 20th!

The little kids love to come to Aunt Madelene's house and they played, played, played so hard last night. Donna overheard Bella proclaim, "THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY FUTURE"! Bella always cracks me up!

It gives me such pleasure to have my family come and enjoy themselves at our home! Because when I look back over my experience with cancer treatment, what matters most to me is the surrounding love that carried me through. It is the same love that gets us all through life's challenges. Our earthly job is to love, continually over and over! And even though we fail miserably at times, time and again we succeed. Last night we all succeeded, for love filled the air! THE very HOT air! Thank you Billy and Melissa, for giving us another great reason to have fun at the party house! Blanche, it's your turn now!

Loving every minute of my precious existence!

Beginning to process!

2009-06-29T21:30:00.004-05:00

This morning I had a surprise visit from a casual friend who has also had her own cancer experience. I am typically always rushing to get ready to do something or go somewhere, but in my new life processes, I have slowed down quite a bit. So this morning I didn't feel hurried and welcomed her visit! We sat for a while sharing our experiences, noting so many similarities in what we went through. One in particular, was learning to allow people to do things for you, simple things that you could never imagine not being able to do! Another was how we had both been moved to a quiet listening space, spiritually. A place where, as strong willed people, we were able to give up control and release unnecessary anger and replace it with love and trust! (A job, I must say gets challenged every minute of every day.) I could see in her a genuine trust in God, a love and devotion to her spiritual connection to God and those she loves. I saw a willingness to continue her journey and let it all be about serving the Lord! I saw how she recognizes the gift in every experience, even in the awful/beautiful cancer! As I was sitting listening to her, awestruck by her confident, loving words, I was thinking how I wished I could be like that!

She told me that I possessed strengths, clearly visible by others and how my experience has already changed me and those in my circle. I talked about how I had laughed this morning when I told a friend of mine I had to start taking my STUPID 5 year cancer prevention medicine this week , and how she reminded me not to call it my stupid medicine! (I know the ramifications of negative talk and sometimes have to be reminded of the power of my words) They both assured me that, taken willingly and especially through prayer, this medicine may very well, in fact prevent my cancer from reoccurring, maybe even without any side effects! She reminded me to call on Jesus if I did experience more physical pain as a result of my medicines, (like the joint pain I am having from the residual effects of chemo) She told me to ask Jesus to reach out his hand from the cross and ask him to heal my pain with the hands that already suffered for me!

I am deeply moved when people show up and offer me their hearts. I am asking God to help me do the same for others. I hear his call and am a willing servant! Where will he lead? For now, I serve Him in each moment, and that is plenty, for every moment is so full. If he should call me to broader territories he will equip me with the necessities! I feel his blessings in the normalcy of my life. In the routines of a normal day, with no doctors appointments and time to plant flowers and complain about the heat, or rejoice in the rain, or dance like a fool in the kitchen and make my kids laugh! I am beginning to trust again, that soon days will pass and I will not think about cancer, for life is too full, there is more joy to be had and I'm sure more pain too. I am learning to embrace the joy and let God carry me through the trials. I am grateful to God for my cancer, for it has taught me to make peace with my tender side, that has long been overshadowed by a need to be strong, independent, self sufficient and right! I am amazed that I can even admit any of this, it is so freeing to be humbled to the point of needing the love of others and trusting that love is safe and will carry you through!

The other day someone told me that when she reads this blog it looks like we have the "perfect" family! I said, "Yeah, key words... LOOKS LIKE!!!" We have our trials, daily, my kids fuss and argue like anyones kids. I loose my patience all the time, Ricky is a big push over with the kids and we disagree a lot about discipline! But when the day is over and we look at what we have, God has blessed us with experiences that draw us close to each other and we love deeply, very deeply! In the middle of all the mistakes and all the chaos and especially in the midst of fumbling through my cancer, our family had to dig way down and lean on each other. What I know for sure, is that when you are faced with a life threatening situation, you will rely mainly on your immediate family to get you through the things you cannot do alone. They are the ones who are there to kiss you good night and say Mom...hope you feel better when you wake up. They are the ones who will lay beside you when you can't lift your head off the pillow and stroke your bald head and cry with you! They are the ones who secretly retreat to a quiet place to tell the Lord how frightening it is to see mom sick... The very people we take for granted everyday and loose patience with are the very ones who will not let you down. As each day passes, I see more and more clearly the beautiful character traits that are unfolding in the hearts of my husband and children! I now know why they are called our loved ones!

Our suffering will always bring us to glorious places, that I know for sure!

New Baby Photos!

2009-06-28T20:00:00.002-05:00

Our Sunday's are becoming ritualistic. We cook a good old fashioned meal, like roast and rice and gravy and then whoever can make it, shows up! I love this so much because it reminds me of how my family used to go to my grandmas for lunch every Sunday and eat a great meal and experience the freshness of country living! That is what I desire for my kids and grandkids when it works for them. Today Bryan took some really great pictures of Evie and Audrey on the new shower curtain that I made from some really great DAMASK fabric! Bryan and I can be dangerous when we put our creative minds together.

Loving life!

Had a great visit from our old friend Father Ben this week. What a blessing!

Father's Day just isn't the same when your dad lives in heaven!

2009-06-21T11:04:00.003-05:00

I don't need to ramble on today about what a great dad Ricky is. You all know I've been singing his praises for months now and today is no exception! He is still a great husband and awesome dad. My children adore him and love him dearly!

Today I find myself thinking mostly about my dad, STAN THE MAN and the man he was to me! I miss him a lot and have leaned on him often in this cancer experience! I had this black and white picture of he and I taped to my mirror throughout all of my treatments, looking daily at his adoring smile so many Christmases ago! In that picture I had never yet disobeyed him, he had never talked to me about "c" s being only average grades and that I could do better than that! We hadn't played in the leaves he had just raked yet, I hadn't yet watched him carve a roast as though it would be presented in some fabulous feast for some royal person, I hadn't gone fishing with him for long hours waiting for the fish to start biting and then finally landing a 7 -3/4 lb. Speckled trout! That made him so proud he was about to BUST! I hadn't yet received a beautiful Alexandrite ring he bought me on a dove hunt in Brownsville (I still love to receive gifts!) He hadn't educated me about the proper cleaning of doves after the hunt, where we watched in awe and learned all the internal organs of a freshly cleaned white wing dove! He hadn't yet met the boy I would marry, he didn't yet know that I would be the mother of EIGHT children. (Layni is still sad she never got to meet POPO!) So many things were yet to unfold, that we were not aware of! He was a strong man, in stature and character. I have always admired him and have been told that I have some of his qualities! (only his good ones, of course!) He was not perfect (as I once thought) he had flaws that made him as human as the next dad. He was my hero and I always looked up to him! My dad fought many battles in his life, he was a boxer that never lost a fight (no lie), he was a marine and he was a cancer survivor! When we took that picture almost 50 years ago, he didn't know that one day I, too, would battle cancer! He would have encouraged me and kept me focused on the positive! Just like he did from heaven. I would've preferred he'd been here to hug me and talk to me in person, but he was not! I make the best of communicating through prayer in hopes that he knows I still love him so much, as I know he does me! I can still smell what his cheeks smelled like when I would kiss him and I can still taste his TROUT almondine, the best ever ( a treasured recipe from his fellow fisher friend TOPAT MORROW!) I wish Layni could've met her POPO, she would've loved him too! You can't smile as big as the two of us in that picture unless your heart is filled with love! I love my dad! Hoping you are fishing in heaven today!

A Lazy River Day with the Treutings!

2009-06-16T14:48:00.003-05:00

We had a great visit today with the Treutings! Wendy, my niece, and her little family, were in Pensacola and drove over to meet us. We had a good time! Bella and Sophie enjoyed the Lazy River with us and then a little time on the beach! Bet they took a nap on the way back to Pensacola.

Ricky the Tiger Fan!

2009-06-15T18:11:00.004-05:00

We found this BIG TIGER and Ricky had to take his picture with it!

Ben's jet ski excursion wasn't all that it was cracked up to be! The waves beat em up pretty bad and they (Ben and his friend, Kevin) did flip it at one point. They were very TIRED after. There goes $65!! Then Mimi and Happy jumped on our Harley's and went for a spin! HA!HA!

Sheila made us cosmopolitans, 2 batches, cuz the first ones weren't that great, but now we are enjoying the second batch! Very refreshing! Now my tongue is tied from testing all the cosmos!

Ahhhh! Relaxing at the beach!

2009-06-15T13:14:00.004-05:00

Well, we are at the beach! And it is an awesome place and the weather is beautiful. So glad my sister Sheila chose to come with us! Our choice of TURQUOISE PLACE was a great decision! It is extremely nice, has a LAZY RIVER! And I love to float in the water. It is my mindless way of relaxing! We are enjoying this well deserved vacation, missing our kids who weren't able to come:( Blanche is having fun TEXTING on the beach!

Am taking Ben to ride jet a jet ski in a little while, since it is his lifetime dream and he is finally of age! Will post that later! Gotta go have some more fun!

We had fun!

2009-06-13T08:49:00.005-05:00

Our anniversary was great. We had a quiet night at Zea's!!! Thai Ribs, Asian Almond Shrimp, and Corn Cheese Grits! Topped off with Bread Pudding (compliments of Eddie, our waiter) and then a special treat from my friend Gerald... a super, duper hunk of cheesecake!!! Thanks Gerald! Love ya! Am still smiling today, thinking about our great anniversary!

BEACH BOUND TOMORROW!!!

Our 33rd Wedding Anniversary!

2009-06-12T08:44:00.005-05:00

I have been married to my high school sweet heart for 33 years today! When I met Ricky Boudreaux he was in the 8th grade! He looked really cocky and he didn't walk, he strutted! He thought he was really cool! Then we got to high school, and in my sophomore year we met up at the yearly RICE FESTIVAL. He asked me to ride the rides and so our romance began on a ferris wheel overlooking the main street of Crowley. He held my hand that night and I noticed how rough his hands were (must be a hard working young man!) I soon began to think that Ricky Boudreaux was really cool too! He was a bit rough around the edges, kind of a BAD BOY, sports jock! My dad always thought he needed a haircut! I thought I could tame him! HA! His Dad would pay him $10 for each touchdown he would score! He recalls a night that he made $40 in one game! All the while I'm on the sidelines cheering!!! We had the typical teenage dating relationship, we fought over stupid jealousies and broke up and made up more times than I can count. After high school when Ricky decided to work full time I decided we just as soon get married... he's says I've gave him an ultimatum. I don't know if that is accurate, but we did marry soon enough for me. We were very young, I was 18 and he was 19! The odds of a lasting marriage were certainly not in our favor! Ricky Boudreaux and I grew up together. Our first experience with any emotional trial was when I delivered our first baby boy which was stillborn. I was devastated and right away Ricky had to learn how to carry me through an emotional time! 8 kids later, he has grown to be the most wonderful (sometimes too nice) dad he could ever be! I love him more today than I could have ever imagined!
I have never stopped loving him! Of course, there were times when we got so busily caught up in life and the kids and the world that we (I) might've not kept our relationship as a top priority. But swiftly, faster than you can say "INFILTRATING DUCTAL CARCINOMA" that all changed. Suddenly, more than ever I needed Ricky to be there for me, to hold me up, to carry me, to LOVE me, to tell me I'd be okay again! And without fail, without falter he lifted me and showed to me the deep meaning of our vows... the in sickness part, the love is patient, love is kind part! I am amazed at his dedication to me and his children! I was telling Father Buddy the other day, that when he stands before couples at their weddings and they profess their love to each other, how can you get them to truly grasp the depth of the VOW? My husband is a shining example of being true to that wedding vow. He loves me completely, as I do him! He has taught me the true meaning of Love. He is Christlike in many ways.
I am so blessed to be his wife!
Ricky no longer struts when he walks, he is sure footed, on a path of love and service, there is nothing cocky about him, he is genuine, soft hearted and dedicated to life! He is a giver. And I have received so much love from him. I love Ricky Boudreaux! More now than ever before!

I had "as good as I once was" as background music for the following video but the you tube police didn't allow it!

My journey in Sculpture!

2009-06-09T19:53:00.003-05:00

When I was in the midst of chemo and the journey seemed difficult to do alone, I felt so weak, so fragile! For the first time in my life I had no choice, but to lean on others to carry me through and lift me in prayer. Without those holding me up I would have felt so defeated. During that time, one day when I was at Barnel's Framing and gift shop I came across these beautiful "Women of the Way" sculptures. I was so taken be their profound messages, by the way they spoke to me. There were many to choose from, but in my brokenness, I was drawn to the one called SWEET ENCOURAGEMENT. It's message was "Two are better than one... for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow..." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

There were many times throughout these past few months that I would look at that statue and see my broken spirit in the woman being held and was so grateful I was constantly being reminded to keep my eyes on the Lord, that there were people in my life showing me the way!

I also realized, in time, that it was a difficult time for my family and friends. They suffered as they watched me suffer. And at times I felt disappointed by the distance that cancer created in my relationships with my loved ones! Things shift and people react differently when we change. I was the STRONG one who became very weak, I needed people to show up! I remember a day when my good friend came over and she was devastated because of the shift in our friendship during the illness. Things had changed because of my brokenness and she was desperately trying to cope with my illness and step in to a role in our friendship that was not familiar. That experience taught me so much. Our expectations of people are sometimes unfair. People who truly love you, give you what they can, what they are capable of! And that is really all we need. Maybe there isn't a right or wrong way to love, you just love. And my dearest friends certainly loved me through my darkest hours!

On my last day of radiation, that same friend, who felt like she hadn't done enough for me, showed up with the second sculpture, CELEBRATION! "Rejoice with them that rejoice..." Romans 12:15 It is such a joyous symbol of triumphing through the trials, significantly shared with others. Thank all of you for CELEBRATING the finish line of treatment with me. It is truly a joyful time! I have been truly loved by many!

Sunday was Ricky's Birthday!

2009-06-09T19:43:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Ricky's Birthday Sunday afternoon with cake and home made ice cream. Looks like there is always someone missing for a picture! Usually Ben, cuz he's always off fishing somewhere. One of Ricky's favorite things is being surrounded by his kids and grandkids, so he was certainly "HAPPY" in this picture. Later Audrey and Evie played on the floor together. Audrey is beginning to realize that Evie is a person that moves and cries. She is fascinated by watching her! They are so cute together.

As Popo would say, "I'll drink to that!"

2009-06-06T09:27:00.003-05:00

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Momo proposed a toast to my courage and to good health! Amen!

DONE!!!!

2009-06-06T08:58:00.003-05:00

I am officially FINISHED with all of my radiation treatments! My journey of treating my breast cancer began in September of last year and it ended yesterday. That was 8 1/2 LONG months. But the end finally came! My family helped me celebrate in a really big way last night. Ricky cooked a brisket (his first time) that was delicious. Everyone else helped out with all the other food. And the cake was delicious! Thanks Vanessa!
Blair got really creative with the decorations! Especially my wigs! By the end of the night everyone was wearing a wig! Even Momo Joyce! Was great to laugh and celebrate!
I still have so many feelings and emotions I want to share. I will take my time to sort through them and continue to post them. For today, I will just CELEBRATE life!

A good day!

2009-06-04T17:08:00.002-05:00

Today was a good day! In one way I am sad, because I am so loving the technicians doing my treatment now at the radiation place in Lafayette! I will miss them (am still so glad to be finishing) I had switched over to Lafayette midway into my treatment and was very satisfied with the new Dr., clinic, treatment and nurses! Wish I had started there to begin with. Don't always know why things unfold as they do, am leaving that to the Man upstairs, trusting in his plan!

I am learning, day by day, to give up my need to control things! It works much better that way!

Even though my treatment plan comes to an end tomorrow, I will trust that you will continue to keep us in your prayers and pray that I be spared of a re-occurrence! My doctors will keep a close check on me with check ups about every 3-4 months!

So life changes drastically real soon and I am ready to embrace it full throttle!

Am looking forward to our beach vacation and will continue to post about my crazy life and my beautiful family. Be sure and check the blog this weekend to see how we celebrate the end of the road!!

Blanche and Matt took this super picture at the beach! And here is Evangelene rocking on the patio with Mimi!

3 Days and counting!

2009-06-02T20:37:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that by Friday night I will be talking about my radiation in the past tense. WOOO HOOO!! We will celebrate at home with my family. My special requests for the celebration were wine and a cake made by Daisey Cakes (Vanessa) the best cakes EVER!!! Blair ordered the cake, the flavor will be a surprise! Yummo!

The treatments are going along better. NO more burning. A feeling of relief and joy are filling my heart!

Last week of radiation starts tomorrow!

2009-05-31T18:58:00.002-05:00

This is it. My last week of radiation starts tomorrow! Am so looking forward to spending time not being concerned about a daily appointment. I am so delighted to call it almost over.

Today was such an awesome day at Mimi and Happy's! We cooked a great Sunday meal, complete with blackberry/peach cobbler cake and blue bell ice cream. The grandbabies were here and as you can see they get VERY LITTLE attention when they are here!!! The weather was perfect, we swam and I got to lay on a raft and just float (my very favorite thing to do) It was the best day I've had in a very long time. I felt like Madelene Boudreaux (with a very short haircut)! Audrey went for her very first swim!

I think Audrey is gonna like the pool alot, but she won't get as good a tan as Evie!! The sunshine wore them out and they both zonked!

Thank you Jesus for a lovely day! You are an awesome God.

Okay, let's start over!

2009-05-27T20:45:00.002-05:00

So now I have seven treatments left! If any one is keeping count, it probably seems as though we are adding treatments instead if subtracting. Well you are right. I met with a new doctor this week that felt like my radiation treatment has not been aggressive enough! So he added 4 additional treatments to my original plan and increased the dose. At this point, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'd actually rather be finished and soaking up some real sun rays on the beach. Doesn't look like that'll happen any time soon! When the end got so close I was feeling so glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now I just want OUT of the FRICKIN tunnel!
One of the gifts of my cancer is that it has taught me to slow my pace. Life is not rushing by as quickly as it used to. I guess this very last challenge during my treatment has more lessons in store for me. Meanwhile school is out tomorrow!
Summer time, YEAH!!!

It's taking a long time to get to the end!

2009-05-26T21:31:00.002-05:00

For reasons that I don't feel like discussing right now, I am still not finished with radiation and I don't know when I will be finished!!! I am trying to be patient, yet it is getting difficult. I just know that in the very near future my life won't be revolving around my ongoing treatments!! Am still experiencing lots of fatigue in the afternoon, always feel like I need a good nap. TIRED!!! Was planning to try to go on a family beach trip, yet that may not happen or may be delayed. Can't predict when the radiation will be complete! Our family is lost now that American Idol is over. We were such avid fans!! Maddie and Haley are at the beach this week with a friend, Layni finishes school this week on Thursday, so it has been very quiet here lately.
Am feeling a small bit of emotional YUK again! I know it will pass! Patience, patience, Madelene!

YEAH!!! BEN GRADUATED!!!

2009-05-24T18:48:00.004-05:00

This was such a great day to see Ben graduate. He was so proud and so happy, as were we!!! Following his ceremony we had a lunch in his honor with family and then in the evening we boiled crawfish! It was a great day. Ben doesn't have a life plan yet. (not surprising cuz he's only 17), but his first move in his first day of the real world was to buy a boat. He got a really good deal on a used bass tracker and used some of his graduation $ from Momo (and Popo) Popo would surely understand his "need" for a boat!

Haley and Maddie's Graduation

2009-05-20T08:23:00.003-05:00

On Saturday night Maddie came down with a yukky stomach virus and slept most of the day on Sunday, running a little fever and feeling achy. Then on Monday she was still down but managed to get out of bed only long enough for me to hilite her hair in time for graduation on Tuesday. Yesterday morning came and she still felt bad. She couldn't even get up to go to her 7th/ 8th grade passing of the candle and her kindergarten BUDDY GOOD BYE program. She was really sad about that because she didn't want Emma, her little buddy to be sad! She stayed home in bed in hopes of resting up enough to go the graduation. She stayed in bed until it was her turn for Blair to style her hair, she dressed and made it in time to take a picture with her fellow classmates. As they lined up to proceed into church she said she was okay and I took my seat with the rest of the family. As Haley walked in, smile shining, I sighed a sigh of relief that all was going well, then realized that Maddie was not behind her. I went to the sitting room in the back of church and there she was pale again, asking to please go home and go back to bed. Now as a mother of twins, I have beat myself up many a time, realizing that I can never split myself in two, always sharing time with two totally individual people. There again, they both needed me to show up for them and I did me best to suffice each of them. So Maddie ended up going home to bed while the rest of us stayed at the graduation. I know Maddie has a big heart and understands why we needed to be there for Haley! They both looked stunningly beautiful and all grown up. That 8th grade graduation always strikes an emotional cord with me. It is such a milestone. Yesterday was double the emotion looking at these two beautiful children who are growing up faster than I can believe! They have, in particular, this past year done more than their fair share of growing up emotionally and I thank them for all of their love and support through my less than great year. I hope I was there for them, even if in the smallest ways.

Please pray!

2009-05-20T08:01:00.003-05:00

The very first time I had chemo, I met up with Stephen Prevost in the treatment room. Although it was my first, I am certain it was God knows what # for Stephen. His encounter with cancer and chemo began long before my diagnosis. I recall that day like it was yesterday. I walked right passed Stephen to pick a chemo chair and as I passed him he was sleeping, I recall him being thin and I remember my heart aching thinking about how this young man had cancer, then as he awakened and opened his eyes Ricky said, "Hi Stephen". I was very taken back by what the cancer and treatments had done to Stephen's physical appearance. Here was a STRONG, feisty young man with a spirit and heart so big, day after day, giving everything he had to overcome his cancer. The treatments challenged him physically and his determination carried him through some grueling times. Stephen passed away yesterday! I have to believe that he leaves behind a shining example of courage, faith, strength, hope, and a willingness to live and love in the days God had numbered for him.

Whenever our grand baby, Elle, passed away, I remember our daughter in law saying to me that she took comfort in her belief that no matter what our purpose or connection to our loved ones was, no matter what we did or didn't do, it was truly God and only God who has numbered our days from the very beginning. I can take comfort in that for my own family. I have always said during my treatments that I was so glad that it was me that was sick and not one of my children. My prayers for Aileen and Jim, Stephen's parents, are on my heart every minute of each day! They, too have shown strength beyond belief, never outwardly giving up! Words cannot describe our deep sorrow at his passing. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you all!

Who does Audrey look like?

2009-05-15T16:58:00.002-05:00

For a while we all thought that Audrey looked just like her Papa, Glen, but as she changes more and more, she is starting to look more like the girls in our family. I kept thinking there was a picture of me as a baby that reminded me so much of Audrey. Today I found it and did a side by side comparison and I think she's starting to look just like her Mimi!!! Especially in the eyes...

AMERICAN IDOL Danny's out... that is so sad!

2009-05-13T21:05:00.004-05:00

Have loved Danny Gokey from the Get Go! The last three standing were all good choices. I just loved Danny's kind, soft spirit as well as his singing talent. I guess I can't complain, since I didn't vote!

Delayed again!

2009-05-13T18:46:00.004-05:00

Today I found out that my radiation treatments will be delayed for another week because of the renovations at the office that I go to. They have been working around a major renovation, now it will affect the treatment room, so I am, once again, put on hold. I really want this whole ordeal to be over, but if there has to be a hiatus, then now is a good time with all the end of the year activities and graduation ceremonies! This will make the end of my treatments come on May 29, much later than earlier projected! That makes it end on the last day of school, which means that my treatment has REALLY lasted throughout the whole school year! I did not ever officially celebrate the last day of chemo but I can bet you one thing, I will "Party like a Rock Star" when this is all over! I did have a treatment today that left me very tired and not feeling well at all. After I took a good long nap I started trying to get the energy to go in the kitchen and make a pot of soup... I was so tired I couldn't make myself get up. Then Ricky got home and checked the freezer and found some of Lila's delicious beef and vegetable soup. It certainly hit the spot on a day when I really needed it! Thanks, Lila!! It was good the first time and the today it was even better! Think I'll just stay curled up in bed and watch American Idol!!

Evie with Mimi and Gigi!

2009-05-13T14:25:00.004-05:00

Got to visit a little with Kristin's mom today. She is in town enjoying every minute with Kristin and Bryan and Evie! I dropped in at their apartment for a quick snuggle with Evie.

We are excited about Ben's upcoming graduation on Saturday the 23rd! Let's just say Ben has been much less than fond of school for a few years now and is so proud to be finishing this 9 weeks with A's, B's and C's!! ("I swear mom if you don't believe me you can call the office at school!") Here is one of his senior portraits that Bryan took! It's SOOO Ben!

Layni's DARE graduation

2009-05-12T20:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, while we were away Layni had her DARE graduation at school and her nanny, Blanche and Blair and Audrey showed up to show their support. Layni seems so grown up this year.

Malorie and Tyler pitched in by watching the younger kids for a night while we were away, then the next night they went to Blair and Glen's. It's so nice to leave town knowing that everything you leave behind is being handled so supportively. Thanks guys!

We truly enjoyed our little getaway.

Am still experiencing some shooting pain through my breast and am letting the burn settle down. Will see Dr. Harwood tomorrow and see when I will resume treatment. Almost there... almost there!

It was a GREAT mother's day!

2009-05-11T09:49:00.003-05:00

I so enjoyed Mother's Day. Was surrounded by my kids and my mom spent the day with us. Ricky and the kids cooked a great meal, then he and I were off to Toledo Bend for a little bit of work and some well deserved relaxation. We watched a beautiful sunset and had a very enjoyable, quiet evening. Father Buddy will drive to come and meet us today for some much needed quiet time too! It's a little overcast today, but nothing can overshadow the hope in my heart for many more enjoyable peaceful days in my life! I am grateful for having shared another mothers day with my family. I am blessed!

How bout Audrey's bathing suit? She loves animal print just like her Mimi!

My hair, our new grand baby Evie, and Audrey and Aunt Donna

2009-05-08T12:56:00.004-05:00

Today I put "concrete" gel in my hair to experiment with my new curls!! I'm adjusting.

These baby pictures were taken at Momo Joyce's on Sunday.

EYELASHES!!!

2009-05-07T19:33:00.007-05:00

These are my EYES before Chemo!!

I would've never thought that eyelashes and eyebrows could be so empowering. I never realized how they really DEFINE your face. When the eyebrows are gone it's like your eyes aren't complete. And the eyelashes make your eyes stand out, and have character. I remember when Dr. Breaux told me that my cancer was stage 2 and I would need chemo, I was so concerned with the hair loss and my first question was "Will I loose my hair?" and he said he was certain I would. After I paused a minute to fight the tears, I told him, "Well at least I'll still have my pretty blue eyes!" I later realized that even your eyes look sick when you have chemo.

Last week I was down to ONE eyelash... NO LIE, ONE!!! It looked ridiculous. But yesterday I noticed all my eyelashes and eyebrows are starting to grow back! Oh happy day! I can soon resume indulging in my mascara addiction. The little hairs are just stubs right now, but soon they will be back to normal. I found myself singing in the car by myself today on the way back from radiation. Not just cuz my lashes and brows are coming back (I'm not that shallow!), but because in small ways, everyday, I am coming back!

Can you tell Bryan and Kristin are Evie's parents?

2009-05-06T15:34:00.004-05:00

Bryan used his artistic photography talents to create this very unique picture of Evie. Red, black and white tend to be their special family colors and Evie will certainly look great in those colors!

Check out more of her pictures on their blog @

lafamilleboudreaux.blogspot.com

I have a Sad face!

2009-05-04T10:53:00.002-05:00

I had my visit with the radiology oncologist today. I had a lot of burn discomfort over the weekend and very sharp shooting pains through my breast, but I could manage through the pain, but the doctor says my reaction and burn is a less common reaction than most people have. Mainly because of my blue eyed, fair complexion... and my German heritage! Don't quite get that one. So I will continue the week of treatment this week and then he recommends I take a week off next week to let my skin "settle down a bit". Although it will be nice to have the week off, (the fatigue sometimes gets the best of me) I certainly am disappointed about delaying the end. My patience is certainly being tested. The ongoing journey of the treatment of cancer is way more challenging than I would've thought. Meanwhile I must prepare myself to stand up to a very busy and emotional month of May. Happy things will be happening, shifting our family to new experiences, with the twins going to high school and Ben graduating. Life goes on! Thanks be to God!

And the Winners are...

2009-05-03T19:58:00.005-05:00

Elle's Kitchen!

2009-05-03T18:07:00.004-05:00

Oh, what fun we had. It was very serious competition! The food entries were so delicious, some very creative and artistically presented! The Food Network should've been here! Erick (Wendy's husband) took first place in the appetizer category with his tasty and beautifully plated "Cheese in it" Crab Cheesecake. Maddie took second place with her Sun dried tomato Canapes. Third was Mackenzies Grits Toast and Creamy Mushrooms.

In the dessert category Haley took first place with Pecan Cheesecake Bars, Uncle Mike took second with an interesting Texas themed entry of "Remember the A la Mode" (Homemade vanilla ice cream with chunks of pecan pie in it, topped with a yummy caramel pecan sauce!!!!!) Third place was Sheila's Fantastic Brownies.

It was so good to gather together. Love the picture of Momo joyce with the 5 little grandbabies. Wish Michael and Kristen's new baby Mick would've been here too! Bryan, Kristin and Evie made it too! New moms nowadays are amazing. They are moving right along!

I have included our families recipe entries. These are all great for your entertaining pleasure. This is the most fun I've had in a long while! It all seemed like good old NORMAL fun!

Wish I could blink and radiation would be over... what will normal be like? Almost there!!!

SunDried Tomato Canapes

3 packs Phyllo Pastry Shells (in freezer section)

3/4 cup mayo

3/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped vidalia onion

1/2 cup shredded mozarella

1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Tony seasoning to taste

Top with Crumbled bacon (ready to serve)

Mix all together and put a teaspoon of mixture in each shell, top with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon and bake at 350 till cooked and melted. This was delicious!!!

Pecan Cheesecake Bars

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar (divided)

1/2 cup softened butter

2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided

2 8 ounce cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/3 cup butter melted

3 large eggs

preheat oven 350. In medium bowl, mix flour and 3/4 cup brown sugar. Using a pastry cutter or fork cut in butter, then stir in 1/2 cup pecans. Press mixture evenly into a 13x9 pan and bake for 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl combine cream cheese and white sugar, beat until smooth. Add milk and vanilla, beating until well combined. Pour over cooled crust. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl mix 3/4 cup brown, corn syrup, melted butter, and eggs. Stir in 1 1/2 cups pecans. Pour mixture over cream cheese mixture. Bake 40 minutes... until center is set. Yummy

Layni wanted me to include her recipe too, although it wasn't a finalist it was certainly a WINNER!

Sesame Seed Drummettes

About 20-25 drummettes

Tony Seasoning

Lemon Pepper

1 bottle VERY VERY TERIYAKI

Sesame Seeds

1/4 jar Sweet and sour sauce

Season drumettes lightly with Tony's and Lemon Pepper. In a bowl mix the bottle of terryaki, and sweet and sour sauce. Pour over the drumettes and let marinate 30 minutes. Place a large piece of heavy duty foil on the grill and wipe with olive oil or spray with Pam. Place drumettes on the foil and cook for 45 minutes turning drumettes every 15 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Finger looking GOOD!!

We dedicate today in loving memory of Elle Ava Boudreaux!

2009-05-02T13:09:00.001-05:00

In Honor of Elle!

2009-05-02T12:48:00.003-05:00

Today, in Elle's memory, our family participated in the MARCH FOR BABIES in Lafayette. Elle was Kristin and Bryan's first baby girl, who was born prematurely, who's brief little life was so precious to all of us. It was a beautiful day and Bryan and Kristin even showed up with 3 day old Evie (Elle's little sister)!! Everyone was so glad to see the new little family! Tonight we will continue the fun with our COOK-OFF called Elle's Kitchen! Everyone is so competitive, it should be interesting, especially if Mike enters something like his "ARMADILLO TERDS" like last year!! This is like our own little Faulk family reunion... 'cept we're missing Billy and Michael this time:(

Will post the cook off results later!!

Here She Is!

2009-04-30T07:43:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful baby!!! (of course) We went to the hospital late last night to get a quick peek at Evie (pronounced like Eve -ee) She looks just like Kristin and her family. (All beautiful people, too, of course!) Check out her gorgeous hair!!! I have never seen Bryan smile so big in all my life!!! They deserve all this happiness!! It's been a long road and blessings abound us all!!! Amen, Thank you Lord for this precious new gift. We will love her endlessly!

Evangelene Ava Boudreaux has arrived!

2009-04-29T20:57:00.004-05:00

It was a long day....Labor started at about 3 a.m. so then Dr. Hardey agreed to let mother nature give it a go! Progress remained slow all day. So late this evening Evangelene arrived by c-section. Haven't spoken with Bryan yet. We received this info via texting. I 'm sure when things get settled he will call. So far all we know is 8lbs. 2oz. and lots of black hair! Will post more tomorrow. Am glad she's here safe and sound!

8 lbs. 2oz.

2009-04-29T20:57:00.000-05:00

We get to see Evie tomorrow!

2009-04-28T21:01:00.002-05:00

Little Evie has been a little shy about her arrival, so tomorrow (Wednesday), around noon, she will be delivered by c-section. Although Kristin was a little disappointed about having a section, she is, like the rest of us, just so ready to meet little miss Evie Boudreaux! We are praying for a safe delivery for both mom and baby! Will certainly post pictures tomorrow night!

Today I couldn't take it anymore.... I colored my 1/4 inch long hair! The gray was just too much for me to handle. For a few weeks I kept thinking I would keep it gray for a while, cuz I had "earned" it, but after a good long conversation with Father Buddy this week, I realized that God loves me all the same, whether I am vain or not!!! So I mixed up some 506 and 6RB Socolor and PRESTO CHANGE-O.... No more gray!!

Each added day of radiation, brings a little more tenderness and "sunburn" to the radiation site, which goes from the middle of my chest, and across my breast, to underneath my armpit, like the shape of a big rectangle. Today I experienced a lot of fatigue and some days, I get chills in the afternoon, (like when you get a sunburn and then when the sun goes down and you feel the burn a little more.) All in all, it is tolerable, and will soon be over. Meanwhile, we will relish in the celebration of a new precious life that will bring us all much joy, starting tomorrow! God is so very good!

It's gonna be a beautiful weekend!

2009-04-24T18:07:00.004-05:00

Audrey and Mimi

It's Friday evening and the sun is shining, the grill is lit and the three little girls got invited to spend the night at Bryan and Kristin's new apartment in Lafayette. Bryan and Kristin moved out on Wednesday (they were living in the outdoor kitchen/apartment in very CLOSE quarters.) They will now have room to breathe and little Evie will be all set up in her very own nursery. She is due to arrive on the 27th!! We are so excited about her arrival. Audrey will have to learn to share the LOVE. They are all heading to the Festival International tomorrow for great music, culture, food and fun.

Tonight is the first night Ricky and I have been alone in months!! I take that back, Momo just walked over and said where is everyone? So much for the alone time... That's okay! So she is sitting with us on the back patio enjoying the perfect weather and the pending sunset.

This coming Saturday we will all participate in the MARCH OF DIMES WALK in Elle's memory. And in the evening we will repeat last year's Appetizer cook-off called

ELLE'S KITCHEN.

This year we will include a dessert category. Last year Maddie took the grand prize as Grand Champion Chef with her CRAWFISH BEIGNETS with Boudreaux sauce! Everyone is scheming to top her recipe this year! I will post the winning recipes for all of you to enjoy! I think it's significantly neat that as we remember Elle in this special way, we prepare to welcome her sister Evie into this world!

Hope everybody has a great weekend.

So glad I'm getting back up to par!

2009-04-21T11:12:00.006-05:00

So much is happening at this time of the year! The twins will be "graduating" from the eighth grade at Rayne Catholic and Ben will be graduating from Rayne High. Little Evie Boudreaux is due to arrive in the next few days. Wow, am I grateful to be feeling better, in order to keep up with all this action.
My radiation is going okay, a little monotonous, going everyday at 8 a.m., but I am not having any complications, so I am glad about that. I still find it hard to fathom that during the entire school year, I have been so wrapped up in the treatment of this cancer. And as I type this, I can't fight the tears that stream down my face, facing the reality of what I've missed and had hoped to be a much bigger part of for my kids during the school year. But in God's plan, they had to help me. When I look at all they did and all they sacrificed, I am so amazed. Even now, with my need for radiation everyday, they still don't have ALL of me, because I am not able to plan or participate in anything that is at the same time as radiation. We are continually learning the value of PATIENCE!!!
Meanwhile, we have started walking daily and seriously revamped our eating habits, We "JUICE" often in my JACK LALANNE JUICER!

And I have started a serious regimen of my herbal supplementing. My hair is growing a little everyday... It is soooo gray! The stress and the chemo really helped it get VERY GRAY, VERY QUICKLY!!! Now I will really look like Aunt Evelyn! (That's a good thing, Aunt EV!!) I may wear it gray for a little while, I figured I earned it and maybe it will represent the wisdom that comes with the experience. But there is a tube of MATRIX SOCOLOR calling my name!!!

My friend Jenny, is nearing the end of her radiation. I will try to have lunch with her this week. Once the kids are out of school, it will be hard to meet up. Please continue to also lift Jenny in prayer, as this whole experience has taken a toll on our emotions!

Yesterday, after our walk, I planted a few flowers and vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers) Am looking forward to the fruits of my labor!

Life is generally good with a few bouts of mild depression, only in small increments! Sometimes my thoughts of the future, leave me anxious or even doubtful, but through prayer I can rise back to the GOOD STUFF and live only for the this very moment!!! Sometimes that is a challenge, but it is the only "TIME" that matters!

Please know that, daily, I remember all of you who have prayed for me, in my prayers. You continue to lift me to a place with God that I have desired for so long!

My Foot Detox Experience!

2009-04-14T18:40:00.003-05:00

The other day, Sheila, my sister, invited me to go with her and a friend to have a Detox Foot bath. I was not at all skeptical about doing something like this, because I am so engaged in natural ways to help my body heal. The whole idea is to use ionized water to detoxify the body. It couldn't be any worse than poisoning my body with the chemo or exposing my breast to 33 consecutive days of radiation. I am at a peaceful place with all of my medical decisions and it feels good to be back on track from a natural approach.
We all went together and Sheila and Jenny went first. The water starts out clear and as you soak the toxins that are excreted from your body change the coloration of the water, each person's unique issues creates a different result. The pictures I included clearly show how different each of our end results were. I could even smell the toxic smell of my chemo in the water. In the pictures my foot bath is the one that turned dark brown, Sheila's turned dark green and Jenny's was kinda orange. Mine was significant of liver detoxing. Weird, huh?
I have decided to invest in the detox foot bath system and offer it as a service in the salon. I will continue to detox after my radiation is complete. I have started a wide range of immune building supplements and am getting stronger everyday! Just a little tired now and then.
Radiation is going okay, painless in a physical sense. I haven't posted pictures of my radiation sessions because they would be R rated. I thought having 8 babies would've broken me of any modesty issues, but exposing my breast everyday for 33 days is certainly not that much fun. But we gotta do what we gotta do! This too, shall pass!
P.S. Don't get too grossed out with the detox pictures! I should get the footbath gizmo in in a few days, if anyone is interested!

The "Son" is out!!!

2009-04-12T17:54:00.005-05:00

It's late Easter afternoon and all the older kids have gone on and it's just me and Ricky and Haley and Maddie left behind. Layni went on back with Blair and Glen so she wouldn't miss her friend's birthday party tomorrow! The storm has stopped and the sun is shining off and on, dancing between the clouds, just like it has been with me for the past few months. I sat out on the edge of the dock looking out at the awesome beauty in the landscape around me and once again thanked God for the opportunity to spend such memorable times out here. The memories are treasures I can take along with me for ever and a day!

One in particular, for this weekend, is the fun that we had sitting around the grill, watching the sunset, while Ricky grilled up his specialty burgers and broke out into a TOBY KEITH KARAOKE! Oh my God, I laughed so hard! One of the things that attracted me to Ricky as a teenager was his sense of humor and on rare occasions, with the help of a few Miller Lites, he can surprise us all and make us laugh! I saw a Naturopathic Holistic Specialist this week who told me to watch funny movies to make me laugh often! Who needs movies, when you have Ricky? Have attached the video of his award winning, entertaining performance. Skippy, if you watch this, I think you will realize how lonesome he is for you! He mentions Skippy THREE times in the video!

I am so glad the "Son" is out again!

Rise up!!!

2009-04-11T17:42:00.004-05:00

On Thursday, Haley and Maddie, participated in their school's passion play. It was so well done. They and their classmates did a great job. I was extremely touched!
It's been a great weekend so far, although I think its about to rain on my parade!! Literally! We are all at Toldeo Bend with the exception of Bryan and Kristin:( Had just a little work to do, and then just enjoy the setting with my family. This was Audrey's first travel experience. She is being very good, while she awaits the arrival of the Easter bunny. The weather yesterday was great, today, kinda cloudy and windy. It's probably gonna rain, but we have enjoyed our time being together. Check out Audrey and Mimi's matching camo shirts!! And Ricky's Ginormaous fish!
Have seen so many butterflies this weekend, reminding me of my ongoing transformation. Am marveling in the glory of what we celebrate tomorrow, while giving thanks that our Good Lord, suffered for us, for me, and His Resurrection gives me hope for each new day! I, too, must rise up and greet each day as a new blessing and strive to continue to grasp my purpose in every day! What does God want from me? Easter Blessings to all of you.

What a beautiful Sunday!

2009-04-05T18:08:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we took Audrey for her first visit to LaFonda's ... We did a girl's day out and she was so good and never peeped through lunch or shopping! We must train her early how to do the girl thing!

Today, for the first time since I've had Chemo, I ventured out to Walmart WIGLESS!! I put on my baseball cap and headed out, warning Layni that some people might look twice when they saw me. It was easier than I thought it would be. Having my hair begin to grow back (only about a quarter of an inch) makes me feel encouraged and hopeful. People did, in fact, take second looks at me, just like I have always done whenever I would see bald women, always wondering what "their story" was. Today, I look at ALL people, even those unscathed by cancer and wonder what their story is! We all have a story, don't we?... it doesn't have to be cancer!!

The rest of the day was so normal...I cooked lunch!!! I worked in my yard and planted flowers, the sunshine was awesome! There was MUCH to smile about! As the sun begins to set, I am sitting on the back patio (something I used to do all the time) admiring the view, the big tree in the distance and the way the sun is shining on the fields behind the house. It is glorious! God's promises are unfolding, as we will see in His passion this week. I trust in His Resurrection!

My first radiation is tomorrow. A new page in this book of life! Please Pray! Have a blessed Holy Week!

The Port is Gone!!

2009-04-02T11:15:00.005-05:00

Today, bright and early, I had my surgery to remove my mediport. The nurse in the picture with me is Jill, Dr. Breaux's PA. She is definitely a BRIGHT LIGHT for me in this journey. She was a sweet, reassuring voice for me from the very beginning of all this. Today once again, she encouraged me and joined with me in my joy of moving forward! I have encountered some really great nurses along the way. I have been well taken care of. The after effects of this surgery are very similar to a trip to La Fonda. Like 4 GOOD margaritas, but not so good once they start to wear off!! Will sleep it off this afternoon!

Today I have included a picture of Bryan and Kristin, taken a couple Sunday's ago while we flew kites in the backyard. Little Evie is due to arrive at the end of this month. We are so excited and looking forward to the blessing of another little baby in the family. Life is good! Counting blessings everyday!

Radiation begins on Monday.