Surgery Tomorrow!

Thank you to all who have been holding our family in your prayers! Tomorrow morning is my Dad's surgery here's a clip of my dad's email to explain it all....

"I received relatively good news this morning from the 10 member Kaiser Oncology Board. After each had felt my neck (and cumulatively given me about an hour neck message), I told them this was an awesome deal ... one hour message for $5 fee (my Kaiser plan payment). They laughed...
Result. It appears to them than the skin cancer (from sun radiation) had traversed down to the lymph nodes. Therefore the total path of travel must be removed. So, they plan to make an incision above the ear down to the lower neck to remove all flesh (fat) and lymph nodes (which hide in the "fat"). So, I will have a skin depression in this area. They will not remove the skin but merely fold it back while they remove the "insides". They must remove the Parotid Gland (as that is the "travel" route).... being careful to not injure the facial nerves that go through the Parotid Gland ... (or all I could give you is 1/2 a smile)."

Well there you go! Please keep him and the doctors in your prayers! Don't forget to put on your sunscreen my dear friends and family!!

A journey we never wanted to take...

On September 24Th, my dad called while I was helping the kids with their homework and the story begins... Cancer is the verdict. My initial response was tears and heartache. My next response was tears and nausea. Then I moved onto more tears and just feeling numb. After the waterfall of tears and about three hours of sleep, I start thinking clearer. I came to the realization that God loves my Dad even more than I'm capable of loving him and like me God does not enjoy seeing His children suffer. I haven't been able to update my blog until now to let you all know whats been going on. I think, I've been thinking if I don't talk about it it will go away -dumb, I know! So, here we go on this journey that we never wanted to take. As of right now we are in the waiting mode. Biopsy confirmed the cancer (Squamous Cell), good news the liver test came back clear. We are waiting on the MRI that he had last Sunday morning, then we'll get a surgery date. We are praying the cancer has not spread to more than one module, the MRI will confirm. So, if you all would keep my Dad and Mom in your prayers, it would really mean a lot to me!! God has given my dad and mom great peace in this. I'm trusting God, still occasionally my heart hurts, I'm my dad's little girl.

Back in full swing!

This weekend Fall Baseball, Softball & Club Ball began. Our first game was Michael's he's on the Dodgers this season. Michael's big moment was when he was playing third base and a line drive came right at him and he caught it! Great job Mikey!!!Samantha is playing her first season ever of softball. She is on the Titans this season. She had a great game and Ed and I were so proud of her!!! You go girl, Peace!! FYI, Peace is Sam's nickname for her jersey - cute, my flower child.Robert had a great game today. He is still playing with his travel team, The Fury. Here's a clip of him pitching, let me brag, he is really good!

Just another day

Michael loves to help with cooking, so yesterday after he finished his homework, I asked him if he would peel the potatoes for dinner. This is his work station planted right in front of the TV, what a crack-up! I love his helpful sweet self and the fact that he thoroughly enjoys himself!Since I had my camera out I needed to take a picture of what Robert spends most of his time doing.......Homework! Lots & Lots of Homework!! Robert is a great student and we are very proud of how diligent he works!Up the stairs I went looking for Sam, to my surprise the phone was not attached to her ear! Instead she was contemplating cleaning her room - NOT! Sam is also a very great student and incredibly creative. I've heard that creative minds sometimes like messy rooms because they are so busy organizing the thoughts of the next great story!! Sam, please dedicate your first book to your mom and dad!!

Happy 12th Birthday Robert!!

August 19, 1997, 1:13pm, 21 inches long, 8 lbs 11 oz.


Robert turned 12 years old today - WOW!! Time truly flies by! Robert you are such a blessing and we love you with our whole heart!! Happy Birthday Bud!

Vacation Part 2

We've been home for a week now, so I decided I need to post the rest of our vacation before I forget all we did!!

My last post we were in Billing, Montana. Here's a picture of General Custer's maker where he died at Little Bighorn. All the other markers are where other soldiers fell.
On to Yellowstone, WY where we saw Old Faithful
Morning Glory Pool
On to Beautiful, Jackson, WY
We went to a rodeo and Michael got to participate in a pull the ribbon off the cow chasing contest. He didn't get the ribbon but he got slim (cow saliva) all over his arm - yuck!
Snake River, innertube freak Mom out trip....long story!

Shoshone Falls, Twinfalls, ID

Boomtown, Reno, NV
We stayed in San Francisco, CA for almost a week it was freezing but we really had alot of fun!!
Golden Gate Bridge (don't you love these jackets in July)
Went to an Oakland A's game
Fisherman's Warf
Robert's 1st Cracked Crab, he loved it!
Pier 39 Sealions
Alcatraz
Spongebob and Sammie (seriously!)
Sundaes at Ghirardelli Square
Last but not least, we spent the last week at Pismo Beach. I'm a California girl so I had to have my beach fix!! It was absolutely beautiful!! A super fun part of the week was collecting sand dollars!
Thanks Ed for working so hard to provide us with a vacation of a lifetime! We love you!
THE END

Our Vacation Part 1

We are currently 13 days into our 5 week vacation and having a great time. Yes, it is alot of driving
but the kids have been doing great!
Our first stop was in Cedar City, UT, all I could say is that it was gorgeous and I would definitely go back! Our next stop was Salt Lake City, UT. While we were there we took a tour of the State Capitol which was absolutely beautiful - a must see if you ever head that way. We also walked around the Temple Square and ate lunch and Bringham Young's old home, by the way Mormons don't drink coffee, that it just crazy for someone with my addiction to coffee - I settled for a nice cup of ice water. The grounds were beautiful the temple is off limits to only the chosen people. I thought that was amazing that a "church" could be off limits - obviously they have something to hide. It was really amazing as we drove though the entire state of Utah, every couple blocks there was a church, I don't think I've ever seen so many churches in my life. In Rawlins, WY we had so much fun and I found something I love - Deep Fried Pickles!! We took a tour of the Frontier Penitentiary est. in 1888 - so interesting! They had a gas chamber and a Gallo for hangings - yikes!
We also went to the Carbon County Museum, it was a journey back in time - another must see!!

On to Mt. Rushmore, I don't think we missed much here's a list of where we went - Sturgis,
Wall Drug,
The Badlands,
Crazy Horse Memorial,
The Mammoth Site,
Mt. Rushmore! Amazing, Amazing is all I can say!
Seeing wild Buffalo up close!!
Today we are in Billing, MT. We toured Little Bighorn Memorial and it was - WOW!! It made me sad to see what greed does, how many senseless deaths because the white man wanted more. This trip has been such a great history lesson for the whole family. We are all enjoying every moment. I will try to post more often. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

So far this summer....

We have been nonstop so far this summer. We are getting ready to leave on our 5 week vacation, so life has been happening fast. We brought our trailer home a couple weeks ago to clean it and get ready for our trip, it was fun to have all the kids help wash it! We took it back to storage and will be bringing it home this week for me to load - Yea!! We also went to Disneyland with our cousins, which is always a favorite, we love when they come to Cali! Last week and this week I get to watch Dean and Carries girls who are the sweetest! It's very helpful because it keeps my kids busy so I can get my work done before we leave on Friday! We just wrapped up baseball and I'm in shock - no baseball games for 5 weeks since we are not going to be around. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE baseball but a break from it is going to be really nice! Yesterday, Sammie and I went to, my niece, (Dean's oldest girl) Chelsie's bridal shower in Santa Barbara. Chels is getting married while we are gone so we are sad to miss the wedding. She is going to be the most beautiful bride!! She is marrying Scott and will be moving to Germany, he is a missionary to military youth kids - isn't that neat!! So here's some pics from the last two weeks.

Robert Opening his main gift!

Robert's Graduation!!!

Robert graduated today from 6th grade. The ceremony was amazing!! Robert received a Citizenship award that was a letter signed by the President - cool!! Here's a little clip of Robert getting his diploma. We are so proud of Robert!!!

Way to go Yankee's!!

Last Saturday we had our end of the season party for the Yankees. Ed was the manager for Michael's team this year and he did a terrific job!! I was so proud of how Ed gave individual attention to better each player throughout the season. Michael fell in love with the game this year and it is so exciting to see him grow into a great team player!! Thanks Ed for making me a proud wife and Michael for giving me a reason to cheer!! I love you!!!

Time goes by so fast!

This morning I took Robert to a 6th Grade Introduction to Junior High at his new school. I am amazed at how life is going by so fast! My baby, my first born, is growing up! Robert graduates on June 5th from 6th grade, not so long ago I was walking him into kindergarten. Today, I had mixed feelings as I watched him at his new Jr. High Assembly, one of excitement, one of emptiness, if that's the right word. I'm so excited for Robert to be starting this new stage in life. It makes me excited when I see him get excited! On the other hand, as I drove Robert back to his elementary school, I got a pit in my stomach as we approached. The thought that things will never be the same, they are going to change because he's growing up. Tonight, my thought is to savor the time I have with my children because time goes by fast when I'm not paying attention to it!! I remember, my parents telling me when my kids were babies, to enjoy this time, it will go by very fast. Like always they were right, it is going by too fast!!

A Special Day with Robert!

Yesterday, I took Robert to Disneyland. Robert was sick when we took Michael for his birthday, so it was his turn to go!! We had a lot of fun, eating, going on rides, eating, rides, eating, rides, eating - get it, he's a growing boy. When you look at the pictures notice how tall Robert is getting, he's an inch away from my height. It was a great day together!! Robert is a really cool kid and I'm so glad he's ours!!

Rattler #2

Two rattle snakes in one week is more than enough for me to handle. The bad news is this one got away!!!

It's officially Snake Season at the Winslow's

Yes in deed, we had our first rattle snake for the year yesterday. I really hate snakes, they send my heart racing!! Ed was still out of town with the boys, so I went looking for a neighbor to save the day. I found a friendly neighbor and asked him to come kill it for me. Yes, I am a chicken!! This snake was not huge like the last one, this one was a baby - the deadliest kind! I took a picture once it had no head and after I did the grossed out dance. So, my thought today is to always go out of your way to show kindness to your neighbors!! I so appreciate Jim helping me out!!

Girls just want to have fun!

The boys were having a special weekend with Ed at a fisherman's conference up at Hume Lake. So, on Friday I took Sammie out of school to go to Disneyland. Sam and I had an absolute blast!! Roller coasters, ice cream, shopping who could ask for a better day!! Sammie and I bought matching earrings - Tinkerbell with our birthstone (topaz) in it. Sam is so fun she loves all the fast roller coasters, so we laughed and giggled the whole day!!

Happy 8th Birthday Michael!

I can't believe it's been 8 years!! On Monday, Michael turned 8 years old so we had planned on taking all the kids to Disneyland. Unfortunately, Robert came down with a high fever the night before so he was unable to go with us. Ed and I took Michael and Sammie and we had a great time even though we all missed Robert. As you can see in the pictures Michael hammed it up all day, he's a crack up!! We are so thankful for the blessing Michael is, he is such a gift from God. We love you Michael!!

California Gold Rush

Sammie's 4th grade class studied the California Gold Rush in school this week. They celebrated the end of the week with a old fashion Hoe Down. It was so much fun we all got to join in the dancing at the end of the performance. Here's a video of one of the square dances they learned. Sammie is in the brown skirt and vest, her hair is in a pony tail.

Fun filled day!

This morning we started off at Samantha's talent show. She has been singing in the Talent show every year since 1st grade. Sam has a beautiful voice and is such an enjoyment to listen to. This year Sammie sang with two of her friends and they did a great job!! Here is a picture of Brianna, Rebecka and Samantha. Both Michael and Robert had games today, and they did great!! These are the best of times!! We finished the day celebrating Granny's Birthday, which is actually tomorrow. Here's a video of her opening up her gift from John, Sue, Ed, me and all the grand kids.
Ed's mom is such a blessing to me and I really lucked out with having the best Mother-in-Law in the whole world!!

Cleaning fun!!

Today has been very productive day. Cleaned the kitchen, finished the laundry then started to put it all away. Usually, Ed puts all his laundry away but today I thought I'd do it for him. Then it hit me, no really it hit me, when it all comes a tumbling down. This is why my poor Ed can't find anything in his closet, it's because of this... I decided it was time to attack this beast and tame it. My sweet husband has so much on his plate with providing for our family that it's silly of me to make him put his laundry away. So, hopefully my little chore will make his life a little bit easier.

Santa Clarita Fury

Robert is such a great pitcher and really enjoys it. It's so fun watching him!
Here's a picture of Robert's travel ball team. He had a great time this weekend!

Twilight Addict

Well I have to confess that I truly have an addiction to the Twilight Series. I know, I know, it's the craziest thing. For the last year all I kept hearing is how great the Twilight books are. I really had no interest in reading about vampires and were wolfs personally it sounded repulsive. Seriously, who wants to waste time on such nonsense! As a side note, I run the Book fair at our school and the Twilight Saga was at our fair. I was talking to people about these books because I didn't understand what the big deal was with them. One of my friends said just read them and let me borrow her four books. Let me tell you, I could not put them down! I read them all in two weeks. I then decided that I had to have my own copy - thanks Amazon! I have reread them and they are going to Yellowstone with us this summer - CRAZY, I know.

An apple a day.....

Okay, so I've not blogged or read blogs in a while because I have been sicker than a dog. (Where does that expression come from?) I'm feeling much better obviously, so I thought I'd check back into blogland. Hello everyone!! Today, was a beautiful day, 85 degrees a perfect day for Sammie's first ever golf lesson. She has been wanting to learn for a long time so this was very fun!! She is attending a Jr. Golf Academy at one of our local golf courses and she loved it!!Before I was down for the count I took some pics of Michael and Ed (kind of) at one of Michael's game. Ed is adjusting Michael's catching gear - cute!
Doesn't Michael look cool as a catcher, he loves that position.

Robert is doing GREAT with his two teams, people are starting to call me Robert's mom rather than Sandy - hmmmm. Robert has a tournament coming up this weekend with his travel ball team which will be a blast. I'll post pictures!

Everyboby can now leave a comment

Sorry to those who have wanted to comment on my blog but have not been able to. I have now adjusted my settings so that all you friends and family can leave comments even if you are not a blogger. Enjoy!!

Please pray for Todd Ridenour

Todd is my brother Deans ex-brother-in-law - that's a mouth full. He was in a serious accident doing construction work at a church in Mexico. He fell though a roof and landed on a 13,200 volt transformer. He is at Grossman burn center being treated for very serious burns. Please check out his blog so you know how to be praying Toddridenour.blogspot.com. Thanks friends!!

Happy 53rd Anniversary Mom & Dad

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!! We love you very much and are so thankful for your example of togetherness!! Have a fun day celebrating 53 years! XOXO

Watch out Danielle Steel, here comes Samantha Winslow!!

Samantha received an award at school for "Outstanding Author" Yeah! This is a huge honor given by her teacher, Miss. Peak, who's specialty is literature! Sam has been writing stories before she could ever write! She would draw pictures to tell her story, now she's a writer - No, an Author!! Great job Sam! You have such a talent and your stories are amazing!!

Michael's first hit of the season!

I can't believe that I caught it on camera!! He's an amazing kid!

Math Wiz

Michael received an award at school for outstanding achievement in Math! Here's a picture of Michael and his teacher Mrs. Hamilton. We are so proud of him and how hard he tries at school!
Michael you are an amazing 2nd grader and our cherry on top of our Sunday!! We love you buggie!!

4x4 Challenge

My friend Andrea tagged me two weeks ago with the 4X4 Challenge. I had to go through my photos and go to my 4th folder and post the 4th picture. I love this challenge because it takes you back in time. This is Michael and Robert with his very best friend during kindergarten and first grade, Zachary Roberts. I love this photo and the memories it holds!! Zach and his family were moving to Hong Kong a week or two later after this picture was taken. It was so hard to see Robert say goodbye to his best bud, at the same time I had a hard time saying goodbye to Suzy (Zach's mom) who had become my very dear friend. I miss those days and wish we lived closer longer!! Note to self: Cherish those around you and don't let life get so busy that your friends pass though without knowing how important they truly are! I had to include the 4x2 pic. also because it has all the kids in it Sammie, Zach, Robert, Michael and Joel (baby Daniel not pictured).

Happy Anniversary Ed!

I can't believe it's only been 13 years, I don't really remember my life without you in it! I love you Ed and am very thankful for you! Thank you for being a wonderful husband, father and provider for our family. We are truly blessed! XOXO