hear me roarrrrr...

[WARNING: The following blog post contains loads of cheeziness.  Fear not, simply proceed with caution, and perhaps a tissue in hand ;)]


So although Pat has been an absolute 'tiger' thus far in her journey with this jerk called cancer, I'm offering up a new theme song for her...

Yes, it's a Katy Perry song (sigh, I know it because my kids love it...so what?!). Anyway, as I was rocking out to Roar in my mini-van the other day, I couldn't help but picture my mom.  As tears of pride rolled down my cheeks, I realized just how 'tiger-like' my mom has been forced to be right now.

Kinda don't care how cheesy it sounds, but if you check out the lyrics below I think you'll find that some of the words represent what my mom has already been doing, and what we all know she'll be doing in the coming months:

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)

Already brushing off the dust

You hear my voice, you hear that sound

Like thunder gonna shake the ground

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)

Get ready ’cause I’ve had enough

I see it all, I see it now

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire

‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar

Louder, louder than a lion

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)

‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar

And although there are moments when she is too tired to roar or too sore to dance through the fire, that fighting spirit is just IN her. 

Recently we learned that the cancer, although mostly beaten down, had stopped responding to the chemo 'cocktail' that my mom had been receiving for the last 6 or so months.  And so, starting on Monday, she will be trying out a different chemo drug that we are hopeful will do the job.  

As she adjusts to the new treatment in the next three weeks, she has vowed to try her hardest to keep fighting but as always, she wouldn't turn down any words of encouragement, positive thoughts and/or prayers.  Every little bit helps.

Hold your ears people...prepare for some loud ROARS!



(Just in case you're living under a rock and want to check out the song...here's the official video)

New Canuck!

Well, it's finally official! This past Friday, Pat became a Canadian citizen! The already special experience was made even more special as Sara drove down from Calgary to surprise Pat at the swearing in ceremony in Brooks. Pat was FIRST in line to be sworn in! My mom, dad and Sara all found the whole experience to be heartwarming and emotional. Supper at Earl's and DQ treats rounded off the momentous day. That's pretty Canadian, eh?

Philly Visit!

A great time was had by all when Philly came to the Hat mid-July!

Cowgirl Party

Yeeeehaw! Last weekend we all got together in Calgary for Nora's 4th Birthday, complete with a timely Cowgirl theme! Everyone, including Pat, was decked out in some kind of Western garb, and Sara had the country music blaring throughout the party! Although we didn't make it to the Calgary Stampede that weekend, Nora's party made us feel a teeny bit like we had. Great fun. This was an especially welcome time for Pat to get up to Calgary to celebrate with the grandkids - she had a bit of a break from chemo treatments, but resumed chemo two weeks ago. Although she is still a tough b!#^&@ when it comes to dealing with the side effects, this last round seemed to last a bit longer for her. Once she 'turned the corner', there was no stoppin' her from getting her cowgirl butt up to Calgary for the party!

Whoops! Just about lost those cupcakes (see them sliding off the tray?)!!!

Feelin' Good in Cowtown

Pat was able to make it up to Calgary for the first time in six months this past week! Lots of grandkid time, a birthday party and feast for Di, and a delicious crepe brunch...good times. 

She is feeling good right now and will find  out this week whether she will go ahead with a seventh scheduled chemo appointment, or take a break for a little while. Either way, she is strong and positive as ever, enjoying the family wherever they may be. 

love birds

On April 26th Pat and Peter celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary! These two spent the day exploring the town together, lunching, walking and just appreciating each other. What amazing role models for us all.

Here's to many, many, more anniversaries mom and dad!

spreading some sunshine...

GUEST POST:

I am thrilled and thankful for the results of my recent CT scan. Scan shows significant reduction in cancer cells!

I am truly grateful for all the prayers, thoughts, and gifts of positive energy that are continually offered on my behalf. It is so comforting and reassuring that I am not alone on this new journey in my life.

- Pat

Hoppy Friday

A nice start to the Easter holiday- Easter egg extravaganza....

Pat is gearing up to fill her boots with lots chocolate, egg salad sandwiches, and jujubes...

Hoppy Easter to you all:)

The Gallery Wall

Pat wanted to show off her gallery- pictures, origami, sculptures, and other creations from her grand kids and neighborhood kids.
This wall is a source of constant encouragement and support when she needs it most.
Takin it allllll in:)

Let them eat cake

So- in our efforts to bulk Pat up a bit, we've been recalling our favourite fatty treats. The latest favourite- good ol fashioned chocolate cake. No mocha-heaven-48-layer-fudge-cocoa-delight chocolate cake- just a straight up, purist chocolate cake.
So far we've sample Nigella's and Barefoot Contessa's recipes, with pretty good results- next up- Martha's.
We'll let you know what Pat selects as the winner.

Off to slice her another piece!

cake ('n) walk

Along with running errands daily with my dad, Pat has been enjoying Sara's delicious homemade chocolate cake (like, a LOT of it!), and walking the Big Guy.

Lets hope for better weather SOON so that Sara can safely transport another chocolate cake down from Calgary, and mom can walk with Leo on snow-free paths!

sisters from the city of brotherly love

Little sister, Ginny, is visiting from Philly for a few days. It's so nice to see the two enjoying their special time together. And, Lil sis is taking great care of Big sis ;).

special guest post

Someone wanted to send y'all a message...

"I continue to be grateful for all the prayers and positive thoughts shared through this blog, text messages, email messages, phone calls, scrapbook messages, small gifts and home visits. Leo agrees with me...best meds anyone could have!" - Pat

As you can see in the photo, the love that you are sending her way, is doing great things. Our whole family thanks you, including big Leo. ;)

family time

This past weekend, the whole Mueller clan was able to enjoy our time hanging out with Pat, here in Medicine Hat. She is feeling pretty good and as a result is giving herself little organizing jobs (who Pat?!!!), getting out to do a small errand here and there, and challenging herself to go up and down stairs to get her 'exercise'. Mostly though, she is taking care of herself and relaxing in her nest of a chair.

As you can see in the picture, Pat feeds off of those cute little nerds. Radiating happiness and love...

We love THAT.

talking to a brick wall

That's kinda what it's like, with this guy anyway.

(Pet therapy, no matter how dense he is...).
;)