THE TRAVELING GARDNERS

So yesterday.......my doctor called me and told me that I have skin cancer. I had 4 biopsy's done on my shoulders and back a few days ago and they all came back saying that I have melinoma and carcinoma skin cancer. It was pretty scary because the doctor told me that I need to get in for surgery to see how deep it is and before it spreads to the brain or liver. ..Yeah...that would be good...brain and liver definately a plus for me to have......just kidding....so anyways...she said that it is deep and wants to see in surgery how deep it is. She told me that sorry but I will have scaring....who cares I thought. Just get the big C word out of my body. Cancer...how is this possible I am sooo young. But you know what? That darn sun is pretty harmful. So my advice to all of you that read this. Please wear sunscreen even if your skin type doesn't burn. And keep a close eye on anything on your skin that might resemble an odd looking mole or discoloration of skin. I wear sunscreen every...

So I have to brag. As a mom it's my duty right? So here it goes......I have the most adorable son ever! Here a few shots to prove it. Isn't he the most photogentic? And those eyes...oh those eyes! He seriously loves getting his picture taken. Maybe it's because when I take his picture I act like a total goofball. But it never fails, my happy boy always gives me a smile. Right now he is swinging away in his swing talking to me....or atleast trying to talk in his own way. We talk all day to each other. We're total blabber mouths. ;) It's so hard being really really good looking...........(movie trivia: quote from: Zoolander) The Gardner crooked smile. So cute...ya just wanna pinch those cheeks!

Happy Mother's Day to me for the first time! It was more like Mother's weekend for me. Dan was wonderful and helped any time Ben needed a diaper change or feeding. Dan and Benjamin made a yummy breakfast of oat bran pancakes (recipe off splenda.com) with fresh fruit and cool whip, turkey sausage, and eggs. Keeping it healthy even through the holidays! Dan got me this willow tree piece titled "Miracle of Life". And gave me two cards. One from Benjamin signed with his foot print signature. Yes...I cried. I still can't believe that I am a mom. Thank you Mom' s for being the best that anyone could ask for. Both of you raised us most our lifes as single parents. You are both amazing people and we love you!!!!!!

It's official...........I am a domestic goddess! And here is what is left of the proof............... Last night I made a yummy dinner (and didn't burn it). And I made cocoa banana bread from scratch (and didn't burn it)...and kept it healthy!!!!! Wahoooooo I am really excited. Here is the recipe for the bread for anyone interested. The recipe comes from my great friend Brenda in Alaska. Thank you Brenda!!! Cocoa Banana Bread:(aka: bread so good it doesn't last:) surprise...it's diet and doesn't taste like it! 1/4 cup margarine 3/4 cup sugar(I used splenda) 2-3 ripe mashed bananas 2 egg whites 1 3/4 cup flour(I used whole wheat flour) 3tbsp cocoa 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp each of baking soda and baking powder 1/2 cup fat free vanilla yogurt 1 tsp vanilla extract In a large bowl mix margarine and sugar. Mix in mashed bananas and 2 egg whites. Add flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add yogurt and vanilla extract. Pour batter into a loaf pan that is spraye...

Benjamin Gardner aka: new recruit. Dan couldn't wait for Benjamin to fit into this cute outfit. Dan got out all of his camoflauge hats and equipment for this photo shoot. Easter he was a navy sailor, today he's a little army soldier. We support all military...right Benjamin? I don't what we said, but it must have been funny. There's a big smile behind that hand. Flex those big muscles!

Today is a very special day. It is my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary!!! I love them so much, and I am so sad that we can not be with them to celebrate. So I am posting these pictures that I have from my computer of some special memories with them. Grandma Sue and Papa Jr...way to go! You should be so proud of yourselves! You are loving parents, grandparents, and great grandparents! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for all that you do. Here's to 60 more you young wipper snappers!