Hi everyone!

I know it's been a while. We have received quite a few really great emails of support and they are much appreciated!

Here is the update...Bill is loving his "updated" job, although it takes him away a lot of nights. He is performing and has cast/directed his first show. He is doing really well. That WE LOVE!

My job has taken me to LA once already and I will be going back again in a couple of weeks. It's busy, but really great! I am enjoying the challenge.

As for my pending "surgery" we are taking a much slower stride. Bill and I went to a plastic surgeon on January 15th and weren't thrilled with what was said. There are a few details that we didn't know about that are slowing us down. I am to see the gynocological oncologist (if that is how you spell it) on the 17th of February, and will see a second plastic surgeon sometime after that. I am still considering June as the time frame to begin this ordeal...but am not married to June. We are planning to seriously start our home search in March. That would be something to get nailed down before I start this process. We shall see! Just a few things going on...just a few!


So here is a sight that I am loving (on occasion of course.) MJ has always been able to sit and watch TV from start to end of a program...but Sami was just too busy to really stay put. She is now starting to sit and watch with MJ...SO CUTE! They have to get "cozy" in their blankets in order to really get into it!
We had our first set of pigtails a few weeks ago! They didn't last long...she doesn't like to keep stuff in her hair. They were darn cute!
The only downside to the new jobs is that we are spending less time at home together than we had in the past. I am sure that things will settle down, at least I hope they do. It's hard on the kids, and hard on us. BUT- we wouldn't change it! It makes us realize that the time we have together is precious and important. Which is why I am saying goodbye as Bill just walked in the door from being away all day.

Love you all!

Stephanie

Happy New Year!

I tell ya...we started 2009 off with a bang! If it isn't a hospital visit (that's how we started 2008) it has to be something right!

Let me back up a little...
Dec 17th Stephanie and Bill enjoyed a riveting visit to Dr. Hampe the breast specialist. After finding out that he suggested a double mastectomy/reconstruction and FULL hysterectomy (I was not anticipating that one,) I experienced my first mammogram. FUN! I have since been scheduled (Jan 15th) for my first meeting with the plastic surgeon. It's going to be a series of surgeries with a lot of follow up. Again...I would rather do this than get sick and go through chemo any day!!! Pray for quick and easy recovery with no complications!

Then there was Christmas! Oh what a three day experience! We loved getting to see all of the family and friends, but seriously hope that next Christmas is more about those visits and less about the presents. I will have a session on my soap box later if anyone is interested in hearing what I have to say about that!

This was the first year that we spent Christmas morning at our own house- what a pleasure! I was the first one up...waiting...for everyone to wake up so that we could see what Santa brought...Here is an image taken today of the most spectacular Harley Davidson that MJ could receive!

This one wasn't from Christmas...but it's just darn cute. They were trying to "ride" in the stroller...and play with MJ's new flashlight in the dark closet!
MJ got one sit-n-spin for his b-day, and we got another for Christmas. Every families dream to have enough sit-n-spins for the kids!
We took a trip to Austin to visit friends right after New Years...we were just moving right along 35E...and about 5 minutes before we get to our destination, I look back to see this lovely sight. Our son in a tube top! I guess he got a little hot! (side note for any parents who don't know this...the portable DVD player is the ONLY way to take a long distance trip with the kids!)
Now to get to why we started with a bang...both Bill and I found out on the 5th that we were promoted. Monday was a hard day at Creativity Inc as 15% of our workforce was laid off, including my boss, the woman who brought me to Dallas. We became close so it is bittersweet to find out that I was promoted to Account manager when she was sent to look for another job.
Bill was deemed the director of the Dallas area Murder Mystery Player shows. he is responsible for all actions to get the shows cast, directed, and produced. He is also acting quite a lot in these shows...next week I won't see him except Thursday night! It is so great for him to have a job that he is not only perfectly suited for but that he also really enjoys. It makes for a little stress and a lot of gracious prayers.

I hope that everyone had a great start to their 2009! Enjoy the ride!

Love
Stephanie