View out of my window this morning.. hello sunshine and March! :)
Happy Wednesday friends! I’ve missed you all! One of my blog goals for 2020 was to make my posts shorter and less picture heavy and to post more often. I’m clearly off to a great start since we haven’t chatted on the blog in a week and this post might hold a record there are so many pictures! Ha. Honestly things have just been so project heavy around here! Which means fun things are coming. But I always miss you all when I go a week without posting. Isn’t that weird? It’s not like we’re even actually talking since this blog is mostly a one sided conversation ;) but I feel you all there and miss my blog friends when I go too long between posts. :)
I have so much to share with you all but wanted to do a quick wrap up of Jan/Feb first. January was the longest month ever and February flew by in a blink! Did any of you feel like that too? I have so many random recent favorites and things we’ve been up to that I want documented. These past two months have been hard for me too and I’m opening up about why at the end of this post. So bear with me.. this is a long one. Maybe my longest post EVER. As I always say.. time to grab a snack! Preferably popcorn but I’ve found that chocolate chips work well too. ;)
{Knit Ribbed Tassel Blanket/Similar chair/Addie Tassel Pillow}
I found this pink tassel throw on-line and could not stop thinking about it. I ordered it and about died! I knew the tassels would be big but WOW! These tassels are seriously huge! The size of my hand! Such a cool throw and I think it would look amazing draped over the bottom of a bed too.
{Hydro Boost gel/Hydro Boost extra dry skin gel}
When we went to Utah for Thanksgiving to visit family my mom was so excited to tell me and my sister about this great moisturizer she was using and loving. She ordered some for me and Car to try and honestly I’ve been obsessed with it ever since! I have extra dry skin so lately I’ve been using the extra dry skin gel (just putting some on my face every night) and it makes my face so smooth and almost dewy! I love it. And I didn’t actually try to coordinate and wear my blue jumpsuit to match the product for this pic but that worked out kinda cool didn’t it? Ha.
You guys! I have been organizing like crazy around here and I’m especially excited to show you my bathroom! I took a little trip to the happiest place on Earth and picked up some fun drawer organizers. You should have seen me in the isle with my 3 pages of sketches and notes mapping out organizers on the floor. I was honesty giddy. But ahh! My bathroom drawers are next level! Pics are coming! :)
{Ruffle Tie Neck top/Similar Tory Burch Purse (love this one too!)/AG Jeans/Peeptoe Booties}
A cute new top to welcome Spring! I still needed a jacket but I’m so ready for warm weather clothes! Honestly CeCe blouses and CeCe dresses have become such go-to favorites for me! I’m dying at the cute things they have in for Spring. I’ve worn this top so much lately. With jeans for a more causal night out look.
Then with a black skirt and boots for church.
{Top/Horton Ripped Paige Jeans}
I love it so much I bought it in the blue too! Which I told myself I wasn’t going to do anymore (buy the same shirt in multiple colors) since I’m cleaning out my closet and trying to be careful about what I buy. But ahh! I couldn’t resist. I love this top. It comes in other colors too. (Heading out in the evening so bad lighting for this pic!)
{market basket/similar vases here, here and here/Homebody book/Platters and Boards book/The Home Edit book/white candle/Pacifico pot (back in stock!)/faux plant/similar wood board}
I always get lots of questions about my cute little plant pot on this shelf! It had sold out but just came back in stock for Spring and I linked to it in my Spring family room refresh post. I’ve moved it around so much and it always adds charm and personality wherever it lands. It’s a favorite so I’m sharing it again!
{fleece hoodie/leggings/similar Adidas}
As ready as I am for Spring we are still having cool temps and I know most of you are the same! This beloved fleece hoodie has been on repeat the past two months and is so comfy and warm!
Do you remember these cute raffia tassel hoop earrings from last Spring/Summer? They sold out so fast and are back in stock! These earrings make me want a vacation ASAP.
Also two favorite leggings that I’ve shared before but honestly live in and can’t live without are in stock! These performance joggers I’m wearing (I have them in 3 colors I love them so much – the softest!) and these Zella live in jogger pants. I’m wearing the Zellas right now as I type this! I highly recommend either/both of these joggers for the upcoming warmer months.
OK.. I started a fun project yesterday that I shared on IG. See the molding we have in our entry? It’s in a lot of places in our home and I’m going to continue it down both sides of our hallway. I was going to do that when we were building our house but I chickened out because I couldn’t quite figure out where it should stop/start and at the time I thought I’d maybe want to do something fun and different with that large wall across from our dining room. Soon after we moved in I regretted that decision! I have enough walls to play with, this hallway can feel a little dark at times (needs white paint to brighten it up!) and the flat paint in this main walkway is covered in fingerprints. Time to do what I should have done when we built! I’m hanging out with my carpenter and BFF Chuck this week and sharing progress in IG stories if you want to see more of the process! :) (*For anyone new here and asking about my paint colors you can download a printable with all of them by subscribing to my blog here.)
These pics were on my phone and too cute not to share! My friend Vanessa is so creative when it comes to party planning! She helped me with Kole’s 9th birthday party last year. Our church had a fun 50’s themed activity and she did all of the decorations. It turned out adorable! I went up to chat with her after it was set up and fell in love with the cute balloon sundaes for the ice cream bar!
So cute right!? She found everything on Amazon or at the dollar store. I had dinner plans that night and was bummed I couldn’t stay for the party!
We certainly could have come up with something to wear. ;)
It reminded me of a 50’s themed church party years ago so I dug up this pic. I was so pregnant with Kole I remember my pink jacket was about to pop!
My sweet little girls in their poodle skirts!
I remember taking this picture of my girls sitting on this rock like it was last week. And in January Ellie turned 16! I honestly can’t believe I have a 16 year old. I was 15 years old when I met her dad! But we don’t like to focus on that little fact. ;)
For her birthday I decided to give her what most teenagers really want.. money! I found this cute idea on Pinterest and just used a pizza box and cash. :)
She loved it so much! It was was a fun surprise to wake up to the morning of her birthday. :) I just taped a piece of paper to the top half of the box to write on and then fanned out the money and added a bow. It felt like it needed something in the middle! I’ve seen this with coins on top for pepperoni too – so cute.
I used painters tape to hold the money together underneath. (Of course I did.) You could do this with any amount of money for all sorts of occasions! Now Kole and Addison want one for their birthdays too.. ha.
El’s friend who slept over snapped this the morning of her birthday. We’ve been teaching El how to drive the past few months and oh my word. I didn’t think anything would be worse than potty training but this beats it! TERRIFYING. Every time I get into the car with her at the wheel I can’t decide if I should laugh or cry! So I just hold on for dear life and try to get through it. She prefers to drive with her dad because he is “so much calmer.” They tease me about coming up with creative excuses why she can’t drive each day because it stresses me out so much. This was a text thread between El and her dad that I happened to see from December..
Ha ha.. they think they are so funny ripping on me. But seriously. Global warming! We should all do our part.
;)
Ad and I spent a day in LA last month getting her some new head shots. We decided to finally up our head shot game because she has been doing so many auditions/plays so we went to a great photographer and the picture package included getting her hair and make up done.
Didn’t they curl it so beautifully!? She was loving it! They were so good.. I wanted them to do my hair and make-up too!
The staff could not have been nicer and we had such a fun day together. These next pics are two of my favorites!
She got a lot of serious shots too but the smiling shots are always my go-tos. :) My beautiful girls. Driving and wearing make-up! They are growing up. Much faster than I want them too.
Then there’s this little guy who also isn’t so little anymore. He kicked off 2020 by getting braces! (This Nike zip hoodie was a great Amazon find btw.. so cute and he hasn’t wanted to take it off.)
He got the lead in his school play (apparently during auditions he went FULL out – this kid has personality plus) but then he realized that the person who played “director” had to memorize LOTS of lines and quickly decided acting maybe wasn’t for him after all. Ha. Much to his dismay I wouldn’t let him back out! He had to work so hard and sweet Ad jumped in and helped. They practiced every night together for a month! His 4th grade teacher gave him an award after the play for his acting and his dad and I were pretty proud because we knew how hard he had to work to get his lines down. Kole has no fear being on stage and is a natural entertainer. I would love to say “watch out Hollywood” but since he has a slight fear of hard work that might be the last time we see him on a stage. It had to be documented. ;)
{Me with my bother and sister and their wife and husband who just feel like another brother and sister to me.. love this crew so much.}
Now on to the sad stuff. At the beginning of 2020 my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went in for a routine mammogram in December and they saw something and wanted to do a biopsy. She was so nervous and I assured her it would be nothing. But I was nervous too and it came back as cancer. There have been a lot of ups and downs for our family over the past two months. A lot of phone calls and tears and waiting for test results and prayers. It’s stage 2 and we are so grateful it isn’t worse. She had an initial lumpectomy to remove the cancer but then they soon found a second cancer and for 4 days in February we didn’t know how bad that would be. Those 4 days were awful. I was so stressed and distracted and emotional. I would talk to Car on the phone and reassure her that everything would be ok and then I’d get off the phone and call Kenny crying and he would have to reassure me that everything would be ok. Cancer is so unpredictable and terrifying and when someone you love has it a certain anxiety enters your life that you just can’t shake. Luckily (without going into too many details) that second cancer was the same as the initial cancer and they can treat them the same. This was such good news! They immediately scheduled a second surgery over President’s weekend. Back in the Fall when we visited them for Shawn’s 40th birthday we had all planned a ski trip over President’s weekend. That obviously wasn’t in the cards anymore! I asked her if she still wanted us to all come (a certain amount of chaos comes when the cousins all get together) or if she wanted just me to fly out to help. She wanted us all there to not only help her, but to also cheer everyone up because the past two months have been rough for her kids and husband. Lots of stress and sadness when mom isn’t herself.
So that’s exactly what we did! We brought the fun! We did some low key things at the house and helped Car get around and took kids to sleep at our hotel at night and then on the last day we were there Kenny and I took all of the kids tubing so Car and Shawn could rest and just enjoy a quiet house together.
We all linked together in groups going down the mountain and got laughing so hard! Tubing just makes you feel like a kid again doesn’t it!?
Cousins and best buds. :)
We are so grateful that my sister has an amazing team of doctors who are on top of everything for her and we are especially grateful that it isn’t a worse cancer or more serious than it already is. She is starting radiation soon and I know she will beat this. I can’t imagine life without my sister. One thing that has blown me away is how her friends and community have all reached out and jumped in to take care of her. Many of them text me daily to see how she is doing and when to plan meals. When we were at her house in SLC over the long weekend SO many people stopped by. They decorated her front door and brought food and gifts and checked on her. I teared up so many times at the generosity of others. I’ve struggled the most throughout this with not being closer to help her more and I’m so grateful for all of the people who are close by and there for her when I can’t be. There is so much love in this world. Just good people looking out for each other. It fills me with so much hope and gratitude and makes me want to give back more. I debated on whether I should share all of this on my blog but wanted to because it’s on my heart and mind right now and you all truly feel like my friends. When you’re going through something hard you want to tell your friends! I also wanted to mention it as a reminder to all of us who this applies to – GET YOUR ANUAL MAMMOGRAM! PLEASE! Schedule a mammogram. Don’t put it off. If Carly wasn’t doing regular mammograms they never would have found this until it was possibly too late to do anything about it. I’m so grateful she is on top of her health!
It took us a while to recover from our trip in the snow! But we are happy to be back in the sunshine and grateful for the time we got to spend with my sister and her family.
The two of us are already scheming about an amazing vacation we’ll take when all of this is behind her to celebrate. Somewhere warm! And tropical! Where we can sip umbrella drinks by the pool while the kids swim and she can make fun of me for reading my time management and organizing books. :) Car – if you’re reading this I love you more than anything and am so proud of you. You are my person. Looking forward to MANY vacations in our future with plenty of opportunines for you to give me a hard time and make me die of laughter.
NOBODY makes me laugh like my sister does. Oh the stories we could tell! ;)
I so appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers for her and her family right now. I love you all! I’m so grateful for this community. Thanks for letting me ramble on about the past two months. Signing off now because you’ve probably eaten enough chocolate chips and popcorn for one day. I know I have.
;)
So sorry to hear about your sister. No one is immune. Sending positive thoughts and prayers.
Thank you so much Jane! I really appreciate that! xo
I’m still praying for your sweet sister. Praying for peace for you and your mom also. Family is the most important thing in life and knowing she has all of you to rally for her is what will see her through this. Sending you lots hugs Erin. xo
Thank you so much Cathy. That means so much to me. I agree – family is everything and I’m so grateful for mine. My immediate family and my blog family. :) You are often in my prayers too and I look up to you so much. xo
Dear Erin,
That picture of you and your sister holding onto each other laughing so hard is golden. There for one another in the great times, the challenging times, and even heart-wrenching times.
You and your sister’s thoughtful decision to share life right now is valued. If it raises even just one other person’s health awareness and pro-activeness, putting your vulnerability out there was worth it.
Sincerely,
Melanie Carter
What a kind and thoughtful thing to say Melanie. Thank you! It truly means so much to me that you feel that way about me sharing this. That is definitely my hope. xo
Oh, Erin, I’m so sorry to hear about your sister! What a scary thing! I’m glad she’s got such a great team of doctors and such a great support system. She’s so lucky /blessed to have you as her sister! I remember reading how close you two are and how you laugh so much when you get together. How wonderful that you have such a close relationship. I will keep her (and you) in my thoughts/prayers. I wish her the very best! I ordered the face gel you mentioned. I’m looking forward to trying it. My face has gotten drier as I’ve gotten older. Just tonight I used the last bit of my night moisturizer, so the timing was perfect! Thank you so much! Oh yes, wanted to mention that you look so beautiful in the green blouse! What a beautiful color on you! 😊
Thank you so much sweet Nancy! You are always so incredibly kind! I’m lucky to have a close relationship with my sister for sure. It’s everything I hope my girls have with each other someday. And I’m thrilled you’re trying the face gel! Yea! You’ll have to let me know what you think. I’m obsessed with it! :) Your kind words made my night.. so thoughtful of you! xo
Oh I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I will keep her in my prayers! I was actually thinking about you yesterday and wondering if you were okay since you hadn’t posted in awhile. I thought maybe you or your family had gotten the flu or something since it seems like there’s a lot of sickness going around taking people down for a few days. Sorry to hear that it is something more serious. It sounds like she has a great support system, though. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts! And, great reminder to schedule my appointment for this year. Thank you for sharing the good and the bad with us.
Thank you so much Kim! That means a lot to me. xo
Hi,
I’ve been reaidng your blog forever and ever and ever. Not sure I’ve ever even commented.
First: don’t change the fact that you put in pictures- I love them. :)
Second: I’m so deeply sorry about your sister. I have ONE sibling, and it’s my sister and we are super super close. And like you, NO ONE makes me laugh like my sister. I hope she gets stronger every day and I’m sure you are a blessing in her life each day.
Hugs to you
Kelly
Kelly so sweet of you to take a minute to comment! Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words and hugs AND the fact that you are ok with my 10 million pictures.. ha. ;) Means a lot to me! xo
Praying!!
Thank you sweet Kathy! xo
Erin! I am so so sorry to hear about your sister, Please know we are all sending prayers and love your way and her way. Thank you for being so open and sharing this with us…it is a good reminder that while we all love the decorating and organizing, this is real life and we all go through these hard times. Thank you for being so vulnerable! Praying for you guys and can’t wait to hear more updates on how your sweet sister is doing.
Thank you so much Lindsey! We do go through hard times and it’s so comforting to know that we can lean on each other to get through them. Your sweet words mean so much to me! xo
Oh Erin, I”m so very sorry to hear about all that you and your family and sister have been going through. Cancer sucks. Going through it right now with my dad. My prayers are with you all.
The pics of Ad are gorgeous!! And what an amazing opportunity for Kole doing the lead! Wow! He looks so handsome :) And I have 2 new drivers too and I wholeheartedly agree with you that it is terrifying! I think I sprouted a whole head of gray hair when it started!, ha!
Have missed hearing from you on the blog! Glad to see you back today :) (and I love the long newsy posts!) Have a great day, Erin!
Oh my word.. the gray hair from our kids driving! Yes! It’s so terrifying! Happy I’m not alone in the horror. ;) Thank you so much Lisa. Your sweet words mean so much to me and your dad will be in my prayers too. Cancer does suck and I’m so sorry you are going through something similar. xo
So sorry to hear about your sister, Erin! Cancer has been hitting my friends and family hard lately, too. One of my best friends was also diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. She actually found the lump herself and since she is only 32, had to push to get testing done. They didn’t think it would come back cancerous, but sure enough it did. She goes for a mastectomy next week. My aunt was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma back in November and sadly just passed last week due to complications. It’s so hard to see someone you love and care about going through a life changing diagnosis. I think it’s so important to share these stories though, everyone this day and age needs to be their own advocate when it comes to healthcare! I will be thinking about your sister and hope she has a smooth recovery. Keep her laughing and smiling, it’s the best medicine :) Always love reading your blog posts.
XX,
Jenna Harrison
Jenna that breaks my heart. I’m so sorry to hear about your Aunt and your best friend. That just feels not fair. I can’t even imagine all you have been through. Thinking of you and I’ll be praying for your friend.. 32 is so young. I’m so grateful she insisted on getting that tested! So smart and we all need to follow her example and be proactive. Thank you for such a thoughtful comment! I loved hearing from you and will definitely do my best to keep Car smiling. :) xo
Erin- You speak from your heart and it is so refreshing. The bond between sisters can only be known if you have it. Like you, I have been blessed with a sister who is “my person.” Feeling you and pulling for you guys. Try a “loving kindness” meditation every day and anytime you feel stressed. It’s simple and quick but it causes a powerful internal energy shift that helps you calmly move forward. 💕
Such good advice Donna! Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words and tip and love that you have a close relationship with your sister too. It’s the best. xo
Erin, thank you for sharing with us ❤️Prayers for your precious sister for a complete healing. And may you all be comforted in the hope of brighter days ahead! XO 💕
Thank you so much Tina! xo
Oh Erin, this one got me! :( Sending prayers and positive energy your way…it sounds like your family has an abundance of both and will make it through this without a doubt. You guys got this!
Love and prayers from Indiana,
Laura
Thank you Laura! So kind of you. That means so much to me! xo
Thank for sharing about your sister. Praying for her complete recovery.
Also for you as you stand beside her through this difficult time.
Family is everything
I agree Margaret. Thank you so much! xo
Erin, I’m sorry to hear about your sister. I know the stress of this kind of diagnosis. My best friend…my PERSON….was diagnosed two years ago. They got it early, thank goodness and she has a team of unbelievable doctors, friends and family who helped her through it. She will be in good hands given all the love surrounding her. I wish all the healing vibes for your sister. She’s got this!
Thank you so much Leah! I’m so sorry to hear that about your best friend. It’s crazy how common cancer is getting. :( I’m so grateful she is doing well and appreciate your kind words about my sister. Means a lot to me! xo
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister, Erin. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I understand exactly what your family is going through and it really sucks. Sending so much love and light to her and to all of you. Radiation wasn’t as bad as I expected so I’m praying that’s her experience as well. One of the bright spots during both of my battles was the amazing amount of love and support that I got from my friends and community around me, and I’m so glad she has that as well. xoxo Megan
Megan! You really do get it. I’m so sorry for all you have been through and I’m grateful you are such a fighter and are here today. I’ve been reading a lot about radiation and am hoping that is her experience also. What would we all do without each other to lean on!? The support is unbelievable and I’m so grateful she has so much of it. Thank you for mentioning your experience. Your thoughtful comment and just knowing you survived it all (twice!) made my day. xo
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister and the sadness your family had been going through these past 2 months. I pray that God will continue to work through the doctors and chemo to obliterate the cancer out of her body. May you all find peace in your heart knowing that He is truly in control. It’s so great to see how your sister is like your best friend.
I’ve been experiencing dry, flaky patches during these past few months due to the winter weather and I also have eczema. The Neutrogena Hydro-Boost Gel is one of the things I’ve heard about, but haven’t tried yet. I’m currently trying a sample of the First-Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream and it seems to be doing the trick. I normally use Cerave PM and AM and it’s great for years, but this winter my skin just needed something more. I’ll have to try the Neutrogena sometime and see how it compares.
Thank you Debbie! Your prayers mean so much. xo
Erin,
I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I know from reading your blog, you are like two peas in a pod! So I can imagine how hard this must be for you. I am praying for her and her family and I know that God will put his healing hands on her. She is so lucky to have a sister that she can call her best friend. Keep laughing with her, laughter is THE BEST medicine. Stay strong.
BTW, my boys and El could have a pretty fun conversation about all the excuses I gave them for not letting them drive! It IS the most terrifying thing to go through!
Joy I’m so happy I’m not alone in the nightmare that is teaching kids to drive! Ha! Truly terrifying. :) Thank you for your kind words. I so appreciate your sweet words and prayers! Means a lot to me. xo
Erin,
When you mentioned early on in this post about the past couple of months being difficult, I just somehow knew it had to do with cancer. I’m so sorry about your sister. I do truly know that feeling of your breath being sucked right out of your body when you hear those words, “You have breast cancer.” I’m so glad you posted about your sister and encouraged women to get annual mammograms, but that’s not really enough. Each and everyone of us needs to be checking ourselves every single month! I am “religious” about getting my mammogram every year since I was 40 and also checking myself each month (I put it in my planner). In 2015, six months after my annual mammogram, I found a lump. I went through the biopsy process and was diagnosed with Stage 2B Triple Negative Breast Cancer. That particular cancer is very fast growing and virilent. Had I not been checking myself, I probably would not be here writing this message to you. I am very fortunate to live 20 minutes away from MD Anderson Cancer Center, and my treatment was underway in about two weeks from the biopsy. I started with chemo to shrink the size of the cancer, then surgery, followed by radiation. I am now 4 years out “cancer free,” but see my oncologist every 6 months and will through the 5-year mark. Cancer is just the scariest thing, but with good cancer centers and well-trained oncologists, it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. I truly believe having a positive attitude throughout your treatment is a major key to success, and wish your sister all the best.
Had to laugh when you were talking about the new driver in your family. When our daughter was learning to drive, I looked for every excuse not to be in the car with her! She scared me to death, and I was convinced she would never get her license. But she did! She is now the mother of 20 year old twin girls…I just sat back and chuckled when she was going through the same scary situation but double. Payback was kind of sweet!
Warm hugs,
Carol
Thank you for sharing!!
Prayers for your sister! So sweet of you to be strong for her, she is lucky to have you!!
The front porch picture for the church activity is so Great and so fun to find the 50’s picture from years ago!
Love Love the pizza gift!! SO perfect! I’m for sure doing it for my eldest and I know my younger two will want the same gift lol. :)
Oh what a scary time. I’ll say a prayer for her and you all. I’ve been putting off getting my first one… I’m going to change that right away !!!
What a beautiful post! Cancer is so awful I hate it so much. I can’t wait until all of it is behind your family. It takes awhile of course to relax a little but it does happen.
Also the driving texts – that was me up till #4. Now I just fully surrender and pray I don’t die.
Love you.
I’m a firm believer in the power of prayer. Tell your sister that a friend in Richmond,Virginia will be praying for her (and also for each of you as her family and support) each morning . Get her a map (with colorful thumb tacks!) to show her how far and wide her prayer warriors are located. There’s strength in numbers !
Sending my love and prayers to you and your sister (and all of your family). I have two sisters I’m very close to and the thought of anything happening to either of them is terrifying to me.
To my VanAusdal girls! I wept when I read of your struggles Car, but I also know your strength all too well. When I look back on my time in highschool at dance and cheer, there are very few memories without one of you in them. You have both brought so much laughter and joy to my life. There is no doubt that you are still spreading these gifts to others. I wish you many more sister trips and laughter together. I’ll be thinking and praying for you both.
Love you,
Ris
What a blessing that Car has you for a sister! Sisters are the best! My sisters have definitely been a blessing to me when life has thrown me curve balls. Makes me almost wish my only daughter had a sister mixed in with her three brothers. But this shop is closed. 😆 Also such a good reminder to look out for our friends and neighbors who can use our help. Sure wish your sister a quick recovery!
So sorry to hear about your sister. Praying for you and your family. Better days are ahead!
I’m so very sorry to hear about your sister, Erin! I hope and pray that she makes a full recovery and is completely cured as quickly and easily as possible. FWIW, I have a friend going through radiation right now for the same thing, and she says so far it’s been a breeze. Quick and easy and she has no side effects. She said the doctor said the skin irritation tends to be worst after the treatments finish, so she could still have that to deal with, but she’s using some cream that will hopefully help.
I’d love to add an additional preventive care item to your shout-out for mammograms. My sister had her first colonoscopy a few days ago and just found out she had 3 pre-cancerous polyps, including one quite large one. We are so grateful that she went for this test and got them out before they became a problem! The screening guidelines for colonoscopy now recommend screening for average-risk people starting at age 45, not 50 like it used to be. My sister is under 50, and we are so glad she didn’t wait for that birthday!
On a more fun note, those headshot photos are incredible!!!! You have such a photogenic family and beautiful kids. Best wishes to Addison as she pursues her acting dreams!
I’ve been following you since Kole was 2ish…so it’s been a while. I was so sorry to hear about your sisters stupid breast cancer. (I don’t use that word lightly, but cancer is stupid!). I am a breast cancer survivor and was diagnosed under what sound like very similar circumstances. I was 38 with 3 kids, my youngest only being 10 months old, also stage 2. I did chemo, surgery, and radiation. Life is kind of hard after cancer, even when you get really good news along the way. I will pray for not only Carly, but your whole family. One thing I learned is this is a team sport. Your whole family is in this together and so are her friends and family. I’m coming up on my 2 year anniversary of my diagnosis and have taken such inspiration from those who are a bit ahead of me in this game nobody wanted to play. Happy to chat with you or her if that helps!
Praying for your sister and your whole family!
I was diagnosed with stage 3b breast cancer in December 2016. I had a mastectomy 5 days before Christmas. 400 stitches in my chest. I ended up “losing” one of my nipples. (Strangely, it didn’t matter). I was so happy to be alive. I had 13 rounds of chemo and 33 radiation treatments. I tell you this because I have been in remission for over two years. I want to encourage you and your sister. I’m so grateful they found her cancer early.
Blessings to you and thank you for sharing your story. ❤️
Sounds like your sister has a wonderful support group and family to help her through this difficult time. I personally went through radiation twice in the last two years for Cervical cancer. It was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The after affects can be difficult both physically and mentally. Lots of very long phone calls to my sister who lives out of state. My husband, sons, family and friends is how I made it through. Your sister will to!!
That’s some stressful and trying time for your family. I’m so sorry to hear Erin, but glad that things are looking positive. Praying you and your sister will be enjoying your tropical vacation soon enough.
PS. Great head shots of Ad by the way. Pretty like her mama
Erin, I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. I’m a firm believer in prayers. Even couple days, my 2-yr-old got fever, runny nose and scary cough out of the blue when he woke up. I got really scared because of the whole virus and death in WA these days. I put kids to nap and while he was sleeping. I was standing by him on my knees praying for him and asking God for a sign that it’s not a virus that my baby boy will be okay. He woke up with no fever and next morning no sign of fever, runny nose or cough, like it never happened. You don’t see really bad cold disappearing so quick. I know it was prayers. I have so many examples from life that I know God did his work. I will keep your sister in prayers. Sending my love and prayers to you, your sister and your family!
I’ve been meaning to schedule my first mammogram….been putting it off, just because i hate scheduling things for myself. But after reading this, i will call and make an appointment.
Sending prayers to your sister and family. Thank you for sharing her story.
You don’t have to change a thing about your posts (shorter, less pictures). They are perfect as is as they are who you are! Good for you for sharing about your sister; life is harder when we don’t share our burdens. ♥️
Thanks for the update! My son has been driving (with a license) since May and I still can’t be with him in the car without being a complete, annoying, nervous wreck while he’s driving. . LOL. So I feel you on the teenage driving. Hardest thig ever!
Erin, first of all, thank you so much for sharing such a huge piece of your heart. You didn’t have to do that, and I appreciate that you did. Biggest, gentlest hugs to you and your sweet sister (and all the family) as you navigate this very difficult, but not insurmountable health issue. What a heavy load. I wish you all the very best healing vibes and thoughts! It’s very scary. I watched my neighbor and good friend navigate this diagnosis and she’s several years post cancer! They can do wonderful things these days. Hugs! As for the length of the post…no worries. I so enjoy reading whatever you want to share that I am happy when there is a lot to read. Your daughter’s head shots are beautiful. She is a mini mama for sure! What a beautiful light for this world. Congrats to Kole on his accomplishment and I SO feel for you with your older daughter’s driving lessons. Mama, I am with you! It’s SO nerve wracking! Having just gone through it for two years in a row (for 2 kids), it will get a bit easier, I promise. You will always worry, but the extra stressful feeling will subside. And if Dad is willing to do most of the practice work…LET HIM! That’s what I did. hee, hee. Eventually you will be SO happy to have some of the driving load taken off your shoulders. Thank you for all you do and share! Hugs!
Praying nag for your sister and so glad she is doing well now!!
Erin, I have your sister on my prayer list. Even though we don’t “know” each other personally, I love what you share on your blog – organizing and fashions mostly. It takes a lot of courage to open up and share such a personal story about your sister.
Erin, I read your blog often and enjoy all your positive posts. I live in Springville Utah and can help your sister in anyway, if she ever needs. I am so sorry she is going through what she is…
Dear Erin,
I am so behind on reading my emails – I just read this one – so much news! I always love your decorating/organizing posts and of course, the updates on your sweet, beautiful kiddos. I am so sorry to hear of the health issues with your sister – keeping her, her family, and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers. Cancer is such a scary word – it terrifies us to our bones – so thankful they caught hers early and that the treatments are going good – and sending prayers that she will continue to heal in body and spirit. I love the photo of the two of you bending over in laughter – I’ve been there, too! We’ve had cancer in our family (my sister, among others) and so far, four years out, all is good. Your sister is so blessed to have a family full of love and support and wonderful friends nearby that keep on giving. Thanks for sharing your heart – you are so loved!
Erin my favorite posts are these “a little bit of everything” posts and I must say that Adison is your twin!!! Love her headshots!
I’m praying for your sister and her family and your whole family and I’m so glad she was able to catch it early! I know she’s healed in Jesus’ name…sending y’all lots of love ♥
Erin, I am so sorry to hear about your sister! She sounds like a wonderful woman and a fighter! I am thankful that God has surrounded her with a loving and supportive circle of family and friends and a team of care providers that will do the absolute best they can.. I wish I could give you a hug and bring her a meal! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing with us. I will pray for her healing! Also Addison is so beautiful and those pics are stunning! Thanks for all the family and home updates. You’re a gem!
Lovely to read a big catch up, I’ve been following you since the kids were teeny tiny. I’m sorry your sister has been unwell, but actually, you sharing is so positive. I teared up at the Thought of all those people checking on her. It’s nice to Be reminded how wonderful people can be. Wishing her all the best.
So thoughtful of you Hayley! Thank you. I know.. there are so many good people in the world looking for ways to help others. It’s inspiring. :) Your sweet words mean so much to me! xo
Get well wishes from afar for your dear sister.
Thank you so much Cheryl! xo
So sorry your family is going through this!! Will be thinking of her and praying. And LOVE the headshots!
Thank you so much Keshet! That means a lot! xo