UPDATE FOR DAY-Z CANCER TREATMENT

Day-Z saw her doctor/student duo at Colorado State University last month. The doctor suggested we do a CT Scan and take a biopsy in a few different areas in the lump in her face. We spent a few days in Fort Collins, then traveled home to wait for the test results.

We have heard from the CSU staff and found out that the lump is a sarcoma, but a different kind. At first, we were told it was an STS (soft tissue) sarcoma, but we found out it is a different kind that starts in the bone and can possibly be removed with surgery instead of radiation treatments.

I was thrilled to find this out because I thought surgery costs less than radiation treatment. I am wrong. Apparently, any procedure to remove this tumor is VERY expensive. But I guess we will do what we have to do. So...Day-Z and I will be traveling back to Colorado next week for surgery.

If you or anyone you know would like to help out with any of the costs of vet bills, surgery, travel/lodging, then please click on this link.

https://www.gofundme.com/cancer-surgery-for-dayz

Thank you for all of your kind words, prayers, and love.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Five years ago, I promised my niece I would take her to New York. Why did she want to go? Her name is Brooklyn and she just really wanted to see the Brooklyn Bridge. As we all know, crazy things in life happen and we put that promise on hold for a bit. Recently, I was given the opportunity to travel to NYC for the weekend with one other person and I chose my niece. We were finally going to make that promise happen!

A local radio station, 97.1 ZHT gave us tickets to see Maroon 5 in concert. Before the concert, we added a little fun to our itinerary.

First thing, we made it to Brooklyn for both a Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge shot.

We then headed to the Japanese Tea Room for yummy brunch.

We couldn't let her visit the Big Apple without seeing a Broadway show.

Mean Girls was so fetch!

Top of the Rock is the best place to get a fabulous view of the city.

Go at sunset for an amazing sky!

We took a cab ride to Madison Square Garden for the concert.

We sang along with every song and even enjoyed a slice of pizza on the walk back to our hotel.

Did you think we would not take a stroll in Central Park before taking the Subway back to airpot?!

It was a quick trip, but I think it is safe to say she loved New York.

DOG CANCER

Oh, hello there. I know I haven't written here quite some time, and I apologize for that. But here I am now. So...what's new? Probably lots and I'll get to that later. Moving on to the most important thing going on in my life right now:

If you know me, then you know I LOVE my dog. She is my best friend. We have been through a lot together and I appreciate her for being such a loyal companion.

 In May, I took Day-Z to a nearby vet because she was shaking her head a lot and I knew that meant something was bothering her. I thought it could possibly be a foxtail. She had one get caught in her ear last year around this time and the same vet removed it for us. There was nothing her ear. I had recently noticed a bump on the side of her face so I asked if that could be what was bothering her. We went back to this bet a couple times and they offered to take a sample and send it to a lab for a biopsy to see exactly what the bump on her face happens to be.

 I wasn't very happy with the speed of service from the veterinarian office, but they finally got back to me two weeks later and the vet said it wasn't a big deal and I should let it be. He told me sometimes dogs just get bumps that are benign and this was one.

It has been 4 months since that visit and the bump is bigger. I scheduled an appointment for Dayz's eye checkup. I mentioned the bump and the doctor immediately looked concerned and asked if she could ask the oncologist in the building to take a look. The doctor also contacted the previous vet and asked them to send their biopsy results over. It took a few minutes, but the first vet emailed the results. The eye doctor told me that just looking at those results it said soft tissue sarcoma (STS) which means it is cancerous. The oncologist from offered to see Day-Z that afternoon and took some x-rays.

Turns out the first vet lied and the bump is cancerous. It has grown so much that it has busted a little bit of the bone in her face (seen on the right side). It has possibly spread so much that surgery to remove it might not be an option without seriously disfiguring her face. The next option? Radiation treatment with specialized machines at Colorado State University. What does this mean? It means a 7 hour road trip with my dog, pet friendly hotel stay, a rather expensive radiation treatment, and lots of prayers that this helps stop the cancer from spreading. 

Do I love my dog and wouldn't think twice about doing something to help her? You bet! She really is my best friend. I am not very good at letting others in my super personal life or asking for help, but we sure could use it right now. So if you know anyone who might want to help out...maybe has hotel/car rental points that are going to expire that they can donate or something to help ease the monetary sting of our next phase in treatment. Thank you. Whether you can help out, offer a kind word, send love to Day-Z, or just took the time to read this whole post....I want to say thank you and I appreciate you. So much love.

PAJANKET REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Things I am obsessed with in 2018 already are buffalo plaid, blankets, and boots.

Those things all go so well together in Winter, especially for us here in Utah. We have blankets, but children often throw or drag them on the floor. While that might save you some time from dusting, it doesn't make your blankets look so hot.

I discovered a small company with a super cute product called Pajanket. It is a fully-mobile, no drag, wearable blanket. When I saw they had a few in my favorite pattern, I couldn't resist trying them out. They also sell a few solid colors (for both boys and girls) if you aren't into the plaid.

 These blankets are designed for your littles to wear (sizes ranging in 4-11 yrs of age) without dragging on the ground. There are adorable little foot and arm holes that allow them to still move around freely.

Pajankets have a zipper in the front to allow the kiddies to climb in and get cozy. Kids can also tuck their and arms inside the blanket for added warmth.

 If these aren't the best idea ever, then I don't know what is. They are perfect for lazy Saturdays, when you watch movies together, or pretty much any time.

These blankets are cute, comfortable, and made right here in the USA.

Use code Pajanket35%OFF at checkout when you shop for a 35% discount.

Want to win a Pajanket of your own?

Enter on the rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HARDWARE RANCH

My friend Rachel called me up this morning to join her on a spontaneous trip to Hardware Ranch.

 When you reach the area in Hyrum, UT, you can go to the visitor's center for a great view from inside with the all glass front room and magnifying viewer.

 Tickets are for sale for a wagon ride to check out the Rocky Mountain Elk in the area. The elk come to this part of Utah in the winter when the snow pushes them to lower ground. They are migrating in search of food.

This Wildlife Area grows it's own grass hay each summer to feed these animals.

 Tickets for the wagon rides are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for children over the age of three.

You ride out in between these animals. They don't budge much when the wagons go by them. 

 This area estimates that 500-600 elk come into this area each year. 

This experience is super cool for those who love wildlife and the outdoors.

 You don't have to ride the wagon, but I would recommend it.

 Check their website for visiting days and hours and how to plan your trip.

WARREN MILLER'S Line of Descent Film 2017

The annual tradition of ski movies is back to salute the start of winter. In Volkswagen presents Warren Miller's Line of Descent, they celebrate their 68th ski/snowboard film with downhill thrills, global adventure, and a nod to those who taught you to slide on snow. 

Exciting news for my state....Utah Native Marcus Caston and skier Kay Richardson made the film!

I'll be at one of the Orem screenings (October 17-19) this year.

Wanna join me? You can purchase tickets here. 

Don't forget there is free swag & offers for moviegoers at all shows.

ALADDIN - NEW DISNEY LIVE-ACTION FILM #Aladdin

Raise your hand if you have been loving these live-action films of Disney classic animated shows.

Guess what...my favorite Aladdin is next! I've heard news that Aladdin casting is complete and production is currently underway at Longcross Studios outside London.

Here is a selfie of a few of the ALADDIN cast members Will Smith (“Genie”), Mena Massoud (“Aladdin”), Naomi Scott (“Princess Jasmine”) and Marwan Kenzari(“Jafar”).

The film is being directed by Guy Ritchie.

For more information on #Aladdin, follow them on:

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

COCO MOVIE PRINTABLES #PixarCoco

Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Following a mysterious chain of events, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead where he meets his new friend Hector. The two of them set out to prove Miguel's talent and figure out the mystery behind the family history of the music ban.

Below are some fun activity sheets for you to print out to get excited about the movie hitting theaters:

COCO opens in theatres everywhere on November 22, 2017.

Find out more about COCO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the official movie website.

#PixarCoco

THE STRAY FILM #TheStray

I think you all know my love of dogs and good movies by now so there shouldn't be any surprise about me sharing this new film with you. The Stray, distributed by Purdie Distribution, is a heart-warming film that the whole family can watch together.

I was able to attend a special screening with the director Mitch Davis and most of the cast/crew in attendance. 

He mentioned that the film was originally going to be released in 100 theaters, but it will be showing in over 600 theaters nationwide opening October 6, 2017. I am so happy for this news because it really is a sweet film.

The Stray tells the true story of a stray dog who saves a struggling family in more ways than one. I am pretty sure this is a story that many dog owners can relate to in one way or another. In this story, Pluto the Wonder Dog comes out of nowhere and instantly makes himself at home with the Davis family, who seem to quickly falling apart as a family unit. Pluto manages to save the family in many ways, ultimately giving the ultimate sacrifice and helping the family come closer.

Everyone involved in this film was so kind at the screening. They shook hands, smiled for photos, and signed autographs.

The dog who played Pluto even sat through the screening. I was able to meet her recently at another event (Sheepdog competition at Soldier Hollow) and she is such a sweet pooch.

Just quit reading my review and go see the movie!

Click this link to purchase tickets and see which theaters are showing The Stray.

#thestray