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Sunday, December 21, 2014

Christmas with Cancer


This Christmas is different.
This Christmas I am more thankful for my life.
I am grabbing every opportunity to celebrate and find the joys of the season with my family.
I am aware with perfect clarity that we don't know when those opportunities will be gone.

The image above shows the lumps that remain in my breast.
I was scheduled for a mastectomy this week against my doctor's advice.
I just wanted to remove those lumps and feel like I had done everything I could.
But the latest studies show that the mastectomy does not improve my chances.
Those who receive it and those who don't live just as long.

The weekend after I had this ultrasound done was very hard for me.
The fear crept in and paralyzed me.
I lay in my bed and thought about dying and leaving my children.
I couldn't shake the feeling, and I was miserable.

That Sunday I went to church and my inspired leader spoke about fear.
He spoke about the blessings that the Lord has for us 
when we put aside our fear and have faith in Him.
And I need all the blessings I can get!

And so I decided to trust my oncologist, who has taken remarkable care of me.
And have faith that the Lord will take care of my children, 
with or without me here to raise them.
I have been blessed with the gift of optimism, 
but I have to tell you that facing death tests my ability to remain joyful.
My greatest desire is to remain here on earth with my family.
And so I will fight!
I will not give up.
I will keep the faith.
And I will build a legacy of faith for my children, not fear!

I am stage 4.
My diagnosis is different.
The cancer spread out into my body.
I will never be in remission; 
my treatments will not end until I die.
My cancer will never be cured, only controlled.

But I am extremely blessed that the infusions and medication I receive don't make me sick!
The side effects are minimal and allow me to live a normal, busy mom life.
I have recently received the job of my dreams, 
librarian at my kids' school, and could not be more happy!

I have always wanted to do something important, to be someone important.
The cancer is helping me to make a difference.
Not only do I reach out with greater enthusiasm and love, but others do too.
I hear stories of people who have renewed their faith in God.
People who have begun praying.
People who hug more and love more.
And that makes me know that it's worth it, all that I have suffered and will suffer.
It has made the world a better place.

Smile with your whole face, teeth and all!
Never miss a chance to tell someone how important they are.
Share what you have, it was just on loan from God.
Forgive and be gentle with others and yourself, we are all doing our best.

I love you.

XO
Jaime

Friday, December 19, 2014

Etnies Holiday Giving GIVEAWAY!



We are super excited!!
Etnies is having a $500 Holiday Giveaway!
You could get Etnies for the whole family!


People are always asking me where we got our cool shoes!
We love our Etnies for so many reasons.
I love supporting local companies who give back to the community.
Etnies gave 300 pairs of shoes to needy children this month,
and 2000 pairs of shoes to the homeless every year!
And for every pair of kids shoes you buy, a tree is planted as part of their
Happy Feet, Happy Forests reforestation program!



Now etnies wants to reward YOU for giving back! 
Simply snap & share a pic of you giving back to your community/favorite cause 
(volunteering, donating clothes/shoes, etc.) and you could win $500 in prizes! 

Share your photo on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram 
with #get4giving & it’ll automatically upload to the gallery. 
Or, upload it here: bit.ly/getgiving
The pic with the most votes wins the $250 grand prize! 
*Must include hashtag to count (Runs Dec. 5- Jan. 5)

 What are you waiting for??
Go enter today to win your etnies shopping spree!

*This post brought to you by etnies. All opinions are my own!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Knott's NYE Celebration and GIVEAWAY!



Where will your family be on New Year's Eve??
Will you be joining me for the biggest party on the West Coast?
Knott's Berry Farm has got everything you need for your family to have an amazing New Year's Eve! 


With special fireworks, live entertainment, and extended hours, plus rides and attractions, 
Knott’s is the place to ring in 2015!

Knott's Berry Farm will be open from 10AM - 1AM on New Year's Eve, 
and the whole park will be filled with family friendly entertainment!

 Krazy Kirk & The Hillbillies! 
From the deep country hills of Anaheim, these blue grass
boys will have toes tappin’, hands clappin’, and guts bustin’ during the best darn
musical comedy show ever performed in the historic Bird Cage Theatre.

The Clueless Remix
A non-stop live music adventure where old school R&B meets
new school dance & hip hop in a seamless, continuous flow much like that of a DJ
spinning turntables. And before The Clueless Remix takes the stage, DJ Howly spins
popular high energy music in the Calico Square.

Salsa Dancing with DJ JC & Snoopy
You're invited to show off your dance moves at Fiesta
Plaza and groove to the beat of this spicy music scene that’s Hot, Hot, Hot!

Adam Christing - Family friendly comedian
Brings his hilarious comedy, magic and fun audience interaction 
to Ghost Town’s Wagon Camp. 

And all your favorites will still be at the park from Knott's Merry Farm,
like Snoopy on Ice, special holiday treats, and snow and glow as the sun sets!

With the online discounted price of $40 per ticket,
Knott's Berry Farm is a great way for your whole family to celebrate together!

And now for the best part!
You can WIN 2 tickets for you and a guest to join us for Knott's NYE!

GOOD LUCK!!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

It's a Merry Christmas at Knott's Merry Farm!



Our family had the opportunity to visit Knott's Merry Farm 
and sample all the fun activities they have this 2014 Christmas season!


One of our favorite stops at Knott's Merry Farm was Santa's Christmas Cabin!
It smelled amazing in there!
We ate hot roasted nuts, bakery delights and my kids' favorite, the Snoopy cookie!


Santa was there too, waiting to see the kids and listen to their Christmas lists!
You can have your picture taken with him and they will print it right out for you!


The shows are always one of our favorite things to see!
Lucy's Wish List in the Camp Snoopy Theatre had a special surprise...SNOW!


My favorite is always Snoopy On Ice!
Each song is so beautifully choreographed,
and the costumes are so fun!


The day was complete with the lighting of the Knott's Merry Farm Christmas tree!
Come see it all lit up until January 4!

Buy your Knott's 2015 Season Passes and get one free visit in 2014 
to have fun with your family at Knott's Merry Farm!

See you at Knott's!