Jeanna

Hello Friends,

We'll I know I've been a bad girl and haven't blogged in months:(  Well I'm back.  Journaling is not my thing.  I need to remember getting my thoughts, ideas, goals, lists, out on paper keeps me organized and inspired. 

Boy Summer flew by so fast.  I ended the summer with two teenagers.  Tyler turned 15 on July 1st. and Brittney 13 on August 4th.  What a whirlwind.  When they say it goes by fast, listen and treasure every minute of it, even the tough times. Pressure is on I need to scrapbook quicker or I'm going to be one of those mom's who trys to scrap 18 years of their childs life in 1 month prior to graduation.  I already have that empty pit in my stomach just imagining a quiet house.   We hoped to take a tropical vacation this summer and unfortunately that didn't happen.  However we did take a road trip to the Maire family reunion in Nebraska and then headed on to South Dakota and did Mt. Rushmore, it was amazing. 

This fall is going to be busy.  Tyler got his permit so we're driving everyday, I'm hoping practice makes perfect haha, actually he does a pretty good job, however needs more practice with accelerating and stopping.  He is busy fixing up a 68 red Ford Mustang, given to him by his grandfather.  I think Troy is enjoying it just as much.  Tyler and Troy did the Courage Classic bike tour in Copper, I am very proud of them, they rode for our friends son Jacen who has a heart defect, and rode 157 mountain miles!  Tyler is now hooked and is loving cycling and working out.  He is also busy with guitar, and most importantly school.

Brittney is starting competitive dance soon.  She has danced for years, but this year we are allowing her to be on the Elite team.  This requires 6 days a week of dance, conventions and competitions and did I say $.  She is hoping for Pom in high school, and we felt this would give her a better chance.

Troy and I are good, just busy with work, our health intact.  Our biggest challenge now is to get in a work-out routine.  We both seem to start and love it, and then something like life interrupts us and we lose all focus.  It's time to take care of us, for once!

Well enough of my life.  Remember to take time and smell the roses I know I will.

Jeanna

Hello Again

Hello.  I'm back from the biggest scrapbooking convention, CHA.  Rhonda and I headed for California, the place I will live hopefully someday.  We had so much fun and kept extremely busy the entire time.  We ordered so many new products, the shop will be busting at the seams, I can't wait until it all arrives.  We did have time to play a little, the beach, Hollywood Blvd. and did I mention the Grammy's?  No we didn't attend, however we did get a close as we could to all the action, see our photos. 

I have been busy like everyone else.  In my past time I love to watch Deal or no Deal, this would be my favorite game show, I love Howie!  American Idol is always my favorite, I hate to miss any if it.  I also watch the Apprentice and every so often Young and the Restless, of course cleaning and laundry often get in the way of my viewing.  I have so many cropping projects started, my dad's Harley album, the kids albums and more, if only I had more time.  Tyler is going out for baseball.  When football ended, he had 1 week off and baseball training began.  Lots of weight lifting, hitting and sore muscles.  Try-outs were this week, he will find out tomorrow if he makes any of the  teams.  Unfortunately there are so many kids trying out, they will have to cut some, hopefully Tyler isn't one of them. Tyler is still enjoying guitar lessons, and is getting better each week. Brittney is still dancing and such a social butterfly, I can't keep up with all her friends and activities, and did I mention boyfriends?  Junior High is full of drama. 

Everything is good with Troy and I.  My follow up MRI will be soon, I will know if they got all of the tumor, I'm crossing my fingers.

Talk to you soon

Jeanna   

Happy New Year

Here we are in 2008.  Wow 2007 was quite a year.  I hope and pray this is a better year for everyone.  It seems like so many sad stories, and lots of death touched everyone this past year. 

I am happy to say my family and I are doing well.  Kids are back to school and we're getting back in the groove of things.  I have been pretty ambitious since my surgery.  I have lots more energy and the headaches are gone.  This past Saturday wasn't long enough, we spent 8 hours cleaning and rearranging my daughters room.  Troy and I took on a project, Troy sanded down Brittney's old dresser and repainted it.  I am putting actual silk flowers on the top and then coating it with a special coating.  I will post pictures after I get it done. I hope it comes out.  I am in the organizing mood and am trying to work on my crop room.  It is such a mess and I want to crop.  I am current reading an organization idea book from the shop called, "The Organized and inspired Scrapbooker" it is really motivating me, I have many ideas up my sleeves.  Oh well I must go and get busy with all of them. 

Talk to you all soon,

Jeanna

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Hello everyone.  It has been a month since my last post, sorry I have been crazy busy like you all, and intend on getting better at this.  Medically I feel like a NEW WOMAN!  The best thing about the tumor being gone, is the headaches are also gone.  I now realize they were just a part of me, and that part I don't miss one bit!

My father in law Roy is still in a nursing home, and will hopefully get to return home soon.  He has been in and out of hospitals, and just wants to come home.  He is currently sharing his room with two other elderly men. 

I think the black cloud is still hanging over.  I lost my beautiful Grandma this past Sunday.  She suffered from Alzheimers, so we have missed her for a long time now.  She is now at peace with her daughter she lost so long ago.  Plus we are mourning with everyone else here in Colorado the loss of such innocent lives lost in the senseless shootings this past weekend.  The YWAM base is located right behind the shop and the female who lost her life shopped at our shop.  Our prayers are with all the families and friends who are in mourning. 

Well I am embarrassed to say I haven't even started Christmas shopping.  I don't know how it's going to get done, oh well I am used to flying by the seat of my pants. 

We'll Merry Christmas

Jeanna

I'm Alive

Wow what a week.  I survived surgery without any major complications.  Surgery went well.  The morning of surgery was a little rough.  I had the worst headache, I guess the tumor had to give me a goodbye present.   My head was even noticeably swollen.  They gave me some pain medicine before surgery which did nothing.  Reality hit that morning as I laid in pre-opp, as they prepped me for surgery all I could do is just pray I would wake up to raise my beautiful children, I pictured their graduations, weddings, grandchildren, and me not being there. I was very nervous and scared I wouldn't wake up.  Looking my family in the face wondering if I will wake or possibly have a stroke, was very scary.  I remember waking up after surgery hearing my daughter Brittney cry, I know I looked bad and scary but I knew I was alive and that was all that mattered! I had kept such a positive attitude going forward to the surgery, that the night before I barely thought of it, as I spent my way through Kohl's department store, yes I will be returning some of it since I went a little crazy, my childhood best friend Marlo called and thought I acted like tomorrow was just another day and couldn't hear any worry in my voice. Honestly I didn't have any until the hour prior to surgery especially as I held my children's hands and looked my husband Troy, my mom, dad, and grandma the tears just fled. Thank you God!  Your are the one who has answered my prayers!

I will not know if the surgery was a total success and if they removed all them tumor until my next MRI in Feb?  I will cross that bridge when the time comes.  Recovery was and is still slow.  I am very exhausted and nauseated.  Anesthetic and me are not friends.  I just sleep, hopefully one day I will feel as good as new.  The pathology report was in and the tumor was Benign they were right!  They said recovery could take up to SIX WEEKS! My only complaints remain nausea, and fatigue.  I HAVE NO PAIN! YEAH!

Rhonda with the help of Kira has held down the shop so wonderfully!  One day this week my sweet husband Troy escorted me to Village Inn, Yes Pancakes are my thing and I craved them.  We delivered lunch to Rhonda who I owe so much to.  I was so amazed by the shop.  I have to say I have never seen so many beautiful new products and oh those papers, I wanted to go crazy and start creating.  The shop is bursting with products, just in time for Christmas. I really haven't felt crafty only crappy and hope that will go away soon.  I hope to be 100% by Thanksgiving so I can enjoy our first HoneyBaked ham, stuffing and deviled eggs, I love my mom's eggs and stuffing, they're the best!  Turkey not so much, only with miracle whip on rye the day after.  I also hope to work our sale the day after Thanksgiving at the shop.  It's our biggest sale and I want to be there.  Not only is it our sale but my mom's birthday, I also would love to accompany her to Black Hawk and yeah that's the day we decorate and put up our tree.  Boy I  might have to stretch it into the weekend, this year.

Well Thanks Again to All. Your Prayers, Cards, Meals, Emails, Flowers, Gifts and Love are more than anyone could ask for.  Love You All,

Jeanna

A little update

Well hello again.  I wanted to update everyone regarding my appointment with the neurosurgeon.  I really liked my consultation with him.  He has been in practice for over 24 years.  The first thing he did was, introduce him then say, “These tumors are always benign.  I commented on the always statement.  He said he has only had 1 case that was not.  I hope to not change his stats. The tumor looks like a ping pong ball with a little growth to the side.  He said the growth is wrapping itself around the carotid artery.  They won’t get too close to it, because it could cause a stroke.  They also won’t know for 3-4 months after surgery when they do a follow up MRI, if it is still present and growing.  At that time if it’s still there they will do cyber knife to eliminate it.  The only other complication could be meningitis.  Because the tumor is so large when they remove it,  the area can fill up with spinal fluid and that could be the result.  They would treat it with a spinal tap to drain the fluid.  Hopefully none of this will happen, but there is a risk with every surgery and the need to inform me.  The surgery should only take 3 hours and is scheduled on Monday Nov 5th.  They will go up my left nostril in my nose to get to the brain.  I will only be in the hospital for a couple of days, if all goes well.  Recovery will take a couple of weeks at home.  I hope to realx and scrapbook.  I hope I can relax, you all know me, I like to be on the go. 

I am thankful to have such a wonderful support of friends, customers and family.  I appreciate all your prayers.  I will keep you all updated. 

I think the black cloud is still over us.  My father in law Roy is having a lot of problems.  He is currently in the hospital with an infection in his arm, from a previous IV.  Also an infection in the urinary tract, which doesn’t help the nurse, put his catheter in wrong in the nursing home. Also a touch of pneumonia has set in and now possibly congestive heart failure.  We need things to turn around over here. 

Well enough of my worries. Tyler and Brittney are well.  They are both enjoying school, especially the social part.  Tyler went to homecoming with Rhonda’s son Tyler and a large group of friends.  “Yes we both have a Tyler.”  They had a good time, even without dates.  They went out to dinner at Malone’s and dancing. Check out my photo album.  Brittney is my little social butterfly and is on the go all the time.  She has met so many new friends. 

I'm so excited about the shop.  It is filled up with so many new products, I can’t wait to be creative and use them. I plan to start during my recovery.

Well enjoy your day and come blog with us.

Jeanna

I've had a Bad day!

Hello Friends.  I wanted to let you all know the test results from the MRI I had are back,  I have been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  It is in my pituitary gland and its about 1 inch in diameter.  As many of you know I have been through so many tests to see why I am not menstruating anymore who would of thought it was, "all in my head"?  My doctor said my brain isn't talking to my body, obviously the tumor is pretty large and is blocking the hormones so they are not being released in my body.
I am meeting with a neurologist and an encronologist soon who will let me know the treatment.  In most cases a tumor in the pituitary gland is usually benign.  Obviously this is what I am praying for.  I need my girls to pray for a healthy outcome, so I can begin my whole new life.   I have made some great changes in my life. On Saturday before I heard the bad news,  I began a diet with my supportive husband Troy and our great friends Melissa & Mark, we are resetting our bodies with Usana.  I have already lost 6 pounds, with plenty more to go, I am taking 10lbs at a time.  One of many symptoms of this tumor is weight gain, hopefully by having it removed will help me achieve my many goals.  I am trying to stay positive and need all your support.  Please keep me in your prayers, I need them. 
They say when you find out news like this your prospective on life changes, mine has, and I'm going to LIVESTRONG everyday.  Troy placed his LIVESTRONG yellow bracelet on me last night, he hasn't taken it off in over 4 years. I guess the power is mine now and I'm running with it.
I will post again soon.

Jeanna

 

Hello Everyone,

Wow it's September already!  Where did summer go?  This is my first blog, technology is amazing. Who would of thought I would be blogging.  I have truly been inspired by  Ronda Palazzari, one of our Awesome teachers who we are so proud of.  She is a jack of all trades and is working hard creating our new web site and the one responsible for this blog. 

For those of you who may not know, I am one of the owners of Your Crop Shop.com. I am married to my best friend Troy, my high school sweetheart for 16 years now.  We have 2 wonderful children.  Tyler just celebrated his 14th birthday and Brittney her 12th.  We are adjusting to Tyler's busy schedule, high school, football and guitar.  Brittney is also busy with middle school, dance and an active social life.  Troy is also very busy remodeling our home.  We have decided to paint the entire house, and replace all the woodwork, and banisters.  Needless to say I love change.  I have a passion for decorating and have recently remodeled my office into a beach office/CROP ROOM!  I am using it a little too much for an office though, that will be changing soon!  I am getting the cropping bug, since fall is upon us and winter right around the corner, I can't wait to crop.

For those of you who don't know my business partner is Rhonda.  Yes the first inspiring Rhonda in my life, who is first responsible for the existence of Your Crop Shop, and a Super friend and neighbor.  We do partnership well.  Your Crop Shop is going on 7 years in business.  I will say the economy has affected the retail market as you already know.  Scrapbooking is a luxury and not a necessity, but we need remember, our memories are a legacy and we need to continue to capture those memories and preserve them. the time has never been better than NOW.  If you haven't been in lately the shop is exploding with tons of new products.  We are buying so many new lines you need to check us out.  Rhonda and I have a unique and common eye for purchasing whats Hot!  The most common comment we hear from our customers, besides, " Are you two sisters " is, " You have so many neat things we never have seen anywhere else". We applaud ourselves for that.  We know the larger chain stores do not have the buyers eye like we do, or the personal touch we will always have with our customers.  We honestly love our customers and all the great relationships we've made along the way. You will see Rhonda and I at the shop, Monday - Friday, and we leave the shop to our wonderful young ladies, Kira and Lauren on the weekends, you all rave about how sweet and helpful they are. Jill and Barbie instruct the crops every weekend and we know you all love them. Melissa and Ronda work behind the scenes on our web site, very important!  We have hired two new teachers, Susan & Stephanie who we just added to our incredible staff of teachers, which include, Sheila, Jill, Barbie, Trina and Ronda.  Our staff is our second family and we are very proud of them all.  We look forward to more blogs in the future and will keep you posted.

Sincerely

Jeanna