Mom

The worries never end. There is always something to stress or worry about whether its work, family, or health. These days its been health related. My mom who is 78 years young and is a 4 year breast cancer survivor will be having surgery in a few weeks. A couple months ago she bumped herself on her mastectomy side and developed some bruising. Her doctor examined her and said it was just bruising and that it would go away. Well it hasn't. In fact a lump developed. Long story short she had a mammogram done and a cyst was found. The radiologist drained the fluid and said that it was probably fluid build up from the bump and told my mom to return in a couple weeks for a follow up. She returned last week and had to have more fluid drained but the cyst didn't collapse completely so the next step was a biopsy. It came back as atypical papilllary cells. She was referred to her surgeon who performed her mastectomy years ago and was told today that it appears that she has a "complex" cyst that is presenting abnormal cells. The doctor feels strongly that while it may be nothing serious it would be wise to remove it. She did say it was not caused by being bumped but did note that it was kind of a good thing she did bump herself because it alerted her and her doctors that there was something that needed to be checked. The doctor said its not cancer but they need to err on the side of caution and be completely certain. Surgery is in a couple weeks and she will go in as an outpatient. My mother is the strongest woman I know and has had to deal with numerous health issues over the last couple decades. Our faith is strong and solid. But we are human. The fear and worry can creep up at any time and it can wear down the spirit. I know I must remember that God is in control of things and He can see things we cannot. So I pray for wisdom and understanding and hope that these next few weeks come and go quickly as I can't bear to see my mother worry.  If anyone is reading this please keep my precious mother in your prayers. I love her more than words can say and I hate that she has yet another procedure to deal with. She's had so many over the years and it has taken a toll on her emotionally.

Disneyland

Disneyland is so much fun. Happy we got annual passes this year. You just can't get tired of this place ever.

There was heavy foot traffic when all of sudden everyone came to a screeching halt to let this mama duck and her little ducklings cross over to the other side. So cute.

Crystal Cove

Ever since I was a little girl I've always loved the beach. The sound of the waves crashing, children splashing, the warmth of the sun, and the smell of the ocean water. Even the annoying seagulls that are always hovering over us trying to find scraps of food. I grew up in Long Beach and while the beach here is not quite "litter free" you still can get that nice relaxing feel amid the plastic bags and other debris that can occasionally wash up. It's not as bad as it once was mainly due to the community getting involved in the clean up process and clean up crews (mostly high school students) doing their part in keeping our beaches clean. On this particular day we decided to head over to Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. It was just pure heaven. Its clean and not that crowded, at least not on the day we went. The kids loved it. My mother-in-law Gilma and I spent most of our time under the umbrella just chatting away and snapping pictures of everyone. The kids and their uncle Kelvin tried body boarding but the water was just to dang cold. Still they were brave enough to get up to their waste.

Anywho..enjoy the pictures of our day at the beach. Ciao!