The WHEATONS

One Year Anniversary Cruise =)

2010-01-22T12:23:00.001-08:00

Me and Matt have been married a YEAR ~ONE WHOLE YEAR!!!~ =) =) Can you believe it??! I still can't. January 10th, 2009 we were sealed in the Mesa, AZ Temple. Cruises were sooo dang cheap, we decided to celebrate our one year anniversary by going on another one. We stayed in San Diego for 3 days before cruising with Carnival to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. It was a 4 night 5 day cruise. =)

This cruise was ALOT different than our first one. The boat was rockin' back and forth and side to side the ENTIRE time. =( Like pretty bad. The last night there, I freaked out in the middle of the night thinking that we were underwater or something and that we were never going to make it back HOME =( Dramamine was my BEST FRIEND this cruise- except it made me sleepy and tired. The food was ok... not as good as I had remembered it. We enjoyed the 24/7 self serve ice-cream and loved dessert time at night because the chocolate melting lava cake with vanilla ice-cream was SINFULLY DELICIOUS!!! =)

The boat was about 12 years old with red and peach rooms. So 2010!! =( The last night that we were there, we found out that Carnival had let vicitms of Katrina live on this boat for 6 months. I mean I think that that's great and everything, but I wish that we would have been informed before.

Our last stop was Ensenda, Mexico. Dirty DIRTY place. =( Rocky Point, Mexico is better than this place. We stepped off the boat and were stopped by little kids begging for money. Sad. =( We literally walked around for 20 minutes, looked at each other and were like "What the HECK?! What are we doing? We don't want to be here??" And back to the boat we went. We were able to lay out and relax some.

Needless to say, we won't be going on any more cruises with Carnival ever again. We would like to go on a DIFFERENT cruise line and go SOMEWHERE else besides Mexico. Like the Bahama's or Costa Rica or some where tropical like that. =)

Don't get me wrong. I loved having the time off and spending it with Matthew. But, we were BOTH ready to get off of that dang boat and get back home to sleep in our own comfy beds, get back to eatin' really good food without things moving back and forth.

Here are just SOME of the pictures from our lovely trip:
~~*San Diego, CA TEMPLE =)*~~

~~*It was breathtaking*~~

~~*Gas Lamp in San Diego, CA*~~

~~*pinkberry=DELICIOUSNESS*~~

~~*We were in love with this yogurt place. So in LOVE <3 that we went there 3 times in 24 hours!!!*~~

~~*GETTIN' down on some pinkberry =)*~~

~~*P.F. Changs dinner in San Diego, CA for our ONE Year Anniversary*~~

~~*Catalina Island, CA*~~

~~*OUR ROOM*~~

~~*I ♥ SUSHI*~~

~~*OUR little Elephant waitin' for us in our ROOM*~~

~~*He is sooo HANDSOME =)*~~

~~*We rented a tandum bike and rode around Catalina Island=)*~~

~~*Our cute bike =)*~~

~~*24/7 Self Serve Ice-Cream =)*~~

Christmas Eve & New Years Eve 2009

2010-01-21T15:06:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve Paul & Raquel graciously had us all over for dinner and some rock band =) Christmas Day we went over to my parents house for a yummy breakfast and then opened presents afterwards. The day went by way to dang fast. I feel like the older I get, Christmas is just whipping on by..... it's sad. =( Most of my sisters have kids now, so instead of us just all being able to hang out for the remainder of the day, it was time to put kids down for naps or head over to hang with other families for Christmas. It was our first Christmas being married and we enjoyed being able to spend time together of course and opening gifts from each other. Matt went over board this year.... WE had a limit of $50.... I of course stuck to it, he didn't... which I'm not complaining.... =) I received some fun gifts =) =)

~~*ADORABLE AVA*~~

~~*PRECIOUS PRESLEY*~~

~~*We painted our nails RED for Christmas... wasn't planned. Guess GREAT minds think alike*~~

~~*She is way too pretty*~~

~~*Aubree & her Ava*~~

~~*Justine & Presley*~~

~~*Lookin' WAY too GOOD for being 8 months preggers*~~

~~*Lovin' my sisters <3*~~

We went over to my Aunt Ann's & Pat's beautiful remodeled house in Gilbert for New Years Eve 2009. WE all had a BLAST stuffing our faces and playin' games. We stayed over at her house until 2 am. It's tradition that we go over there every New Years Eve and we all just LOVE it!!! <3 We missed Paul, Raquel, Craig and Amy. Hopefully, next year we can all get together!!! =)

Early Christmas in Ruidoso, NM with the WHEATON FAMILY =)

2010-01-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

We went up to Ruidoso, NM December 18th - December 20th to spend an Early Christmas with Matt's Dad, his GF Sharryon and Matt's brother Ryan at their Cabin. The weekend was filled with lots of yummy food and LOTS of presents to open!!! They gave us a Blue-Ray DVD player (which Matt requested), popcorn maker, bath/shower gels, heated blanket, jewelry cleaner, stocking full of goodies. It was a BLAST!!! It was a long ride of 8 hours go get there for a 2.5 day stay. ...but, it was alot of fun spending time with Matt's Family. It was filled with deer and bucks and baby doe's, it was exciting to spot one or to just be hanging out on the porch or hammock and for them to come up so close and hang out. I think it was mating season or something because the bucks were following behind the deer the entire time. I just kept telling them to be patient ;P

Here are some pictures from that weekend:

~~*Wheaton Cabin in Ruidoso, NM =)*~~

~~*Helped put up Christmas Decorations. We found these GINORMOUS Stocking's at Big Lots. I love the Snowman one!!! <3*~~

~~*Loved decorating the Christmas Tree*~~

~~*We found this cute Christmas Ornament store. Sharryon bought me the cutest ornament that I can't wait to use on our tree for Christmas next year*~~

~~*We went to watch a group of skiers at night with torches that were lit up, ski down the mountain. It was freezing out and you can tell that Matt was having a GREAT TIME!!*~~

~~*KISSES <3*~~

~~*Early Christmas- Me waiting to open up presents*~~

~~*RELAXIN' in the Hammock*~~

~~*Matt tryin' to disguise himself with antlers that he made out of sticks.... ha*~~

Matt's MBA GRADUATION =)

2009-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

Matt graduated Nov. 7th 2009 from the University of Phoenix with his MASTERS in Business Administration. I am sooo very proud of him. His hardwork, diligence with his homework assignments and patience really paid off. =) I know that he is glad to be done, but he actually really enjoyed being in school. It's funny to think that when we first started dating he wasn't even finished with school and had no degree. I don't think that he even knew what he wanted to do. I told him that I wanted to marry someone that was in school working towards a degree. I can't believe how far he has come. It has flown by, for me- prob. not for him. I am thankful that he was able to get a really good job with UOP so that when he went into the Masters program it would be all paid for. What's better than working for a company and in return getting school paid for??!

His Mom & brother flew down from Northern California to be here for his Graduation. His Dad and Sharryon came down from Tucson to be there also. We had a good turn out for his Graduation and it was fun to spend time with his family.

To My Sisters & Brother-in-Laws: Stacey, David S., Aubree & Mark a HUGE THANK YOU for putting together the luncheon. It was DEEEEE-LICIOUS!!! Thank you for putting everything together and for making and preparing the food. I'm sure it took ALOT of time and I know that everyone enjoyed it, and the people who didn't come sure missed out. Oh, and Krystal- Your cupcakes were a HIT! You are a pro at those. Thank you for doing that. Matt's Mom kept raving about those. She is thinking of making cupcakes from now on instead of her famous cakes. ha

To Matt: I love you and am proud of you and your accomplishments with everything that has gone on in the past year. You have been the strong one with alot on your shoulders at times, but you have ALWAYS remained faithful. You are a big example to me and I can't wait to see what the future now holds for us. =) I LOVE YOU HONEY!!!! =) =)

~~*Here are some pictures from that WEEKEND*~~

~~*Matt's Dad & Sharryon took us out to dinner the night before to P.F. Changs.. OUR FAVORITE!!!*~~

~~*Matt and some of his Graduate Friends*~~

~~*Dinner with Matt's Family @ BJ'S Brewery =)*~~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE <3

2009-10-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Matt's Birthday was on Sunday Oct. 11th. He turned the BIG "36" and he doesn't look a day over 28 =) He get's more handsome (er) ha everyday!!! I just love him to pieces and I hope that his Birthday was just the BEST (est)!!! I decided to be daring and make him a cake for the little family party later on. I of course had my sister Krystal help me make it because she is the PRO at making yummy cakes. She practically did most of it, but I did help. =) It turned out SUPER YUMMY!! It was moist and gooey and just full of chocolateness. It's called Black Forrest Chocolate Cake and the recipe is from America's Test Kitchen. It calls for coffee, so maybe that's why it was tasty!!!

Northern California Sept. WHEATON Trip

2009-10-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

We hadn't seen Matt's Mom since our Wedding (January 10th, 2009) and I really felt like we needed to take a trip to go and see her, Matt's brother Ryan, the Grandparents and Matt's friends. So, that's just what we did. We booked our flights and flew to Northern California for 5 days to spend some time with FAMILY & Friends. I know that it made Matt happy to be back home for a little while and he was able to help his Mom out with some things around the house.

~~*I totally miss playing the piano. Looks like I know what I want for Christmas =)*~~

~~*We were able to get the truck for $19/day because our first rental had issues shifting into gear (it was a red Chevrolet something or other..) AND their was BOOGERS stuck to the ceiling. Ya.. Eeewww!! =(*~~

~~*HIS & HER DRINKS =)*~~

~~*We pulled over to take some pictures on our way to Santa Cruz*~~

~~*Downtown Santa Cruz*~~

~~*Our friends Jimmy & Odessa's 5 day old new baby boy Corrigan =)*~~

~~*Matt and his Mom*~~

~~*Matt and his Best Friend Andy*~~

~~*SUPER YUMMY Bugers @ Fudruckers*~~

How to Correct 8 Common Beauty Mistakes =)

2009-10-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

I read this on MSN this morning. These are some pretty helpful tips if you ask me. I thought I would share this with all of my Beautiful Women out there =)

Common Mistake #1: Using Conditioner All Over Your Hair

Most people apply conditioner as they do shampoo: starting at the top of the head and working it all through the hair. But the hair closest to the roots is healthy new growth; it's the ends that are older and more likely to be damaged. Apart from wasting product, conditioning the roots can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy, says Gina Lees, a stylist with the Adolf Biecker Spa, in Philadelphia.

A better way: Starting at your ears, apply conditioner all the way to the ends. You will gain volume and won't have to wash your hair as often.

Common Mistake #2: Applying Foundation Without Giving Moisturizer Time to Dry

The creaminess of a moisturizer can cause makeup to thin out if the moisturizer hasn't had enough time to soak into the skin. "This can result in blotchiness and ultimately limit the amount of coverage your foundation can offer throughout the day," says Laura Geller, a makeup artist in New York City.

A better way: Wait 60 seconds, until the moisturizer is absorbed. Or, if you're short on time, blot your face with a tissue after moisturizing, then apply foundation.

Common Mistake #3: Spraying on Perfume After You Are Dressed

Perfume can stain fabric, and fabric fibers can make perfume smell unpleasant. "Fragrance is formulated to be applied to the skin, where it interacts with the heat of the body," says Terry Molnar, executive director of the Sense of Smell Institute, in New York City.

A better way: Before dressing, lightly dab or spray it onto the skin at one or two of the "pulse points"―knees, wrists, base of the throat, and behind the earlobes. And don't rub your wrists together. This breaks down a perfume's molecular structure.

Common Mistake #4: Plucking Eyebrows Too Close to the Mirror

When you're focused on every little hair, you don't keep track of the shape of the entire eyebrow. The result? Thin or uneven brows.

A better way: Find a large mirror near a window, then step back a few feet to survey your face, says Ramy Gafni, owner of RamySpa, in New York City. Brows should be in proportion to your face shape and the placement and size of your features. Move closer to the mirror and begin tweezing. Step back after every few hairs to check the symmetry of your brows.

Common Mistake #5: Neglecting Your Neck

When you take care of your face, don't stop at the chin: The skin on your neck can be thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your face and just as prone to changes in pigment, elasticity, and texture―and, yes, to wrinkles.

A better way: When applying sunscreen to your face, keep going, covering your neck and even your chest. (Spread some on the backs of your hands, too―another vulnerable area.) "A separate neck cream is not necessary―these are marketing ploys," says Ole Henriksen, owner of the Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa, in West Hollywood, California. Your day and night face moisturizers, as well as most treatment creams, should work just as well on your neck. But if you use products containing alpha hydroxy acids or retinols, do a spot-test first.

Common Mistake #6: Using Moisturizer to Reduce Puffiness Around the Eyes

A salty diet, among other things, can cause fluid retention around the eyes. Step away from the eye cream! Hydrating ingredients hold water in the skin, so moisturizers and eye creams may make your eyes look even puffier, says Heidi Waldorf, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, in New York City.

A better way: If the skin around your eyes is puffy but not red, irritated, or itchy, apply a cold compress or an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes. You could also follow up with a lightweight eye gel containing caffeine, says Waldorf. If your eye area is puffy, red, irritated, or itchy, see a dermatologist. You may have an allergic rash.

Common Mistake #7: Bathing or Showering Until Your Body and Hair Feel "Squeaky Clean"

The sound may be satisfying, but it also indicates that―either by staying too long in the shower or bath or by scrubbing too vigorously―you've removed the natural oils and lipids that seal in moisture and protect your skin and hair.

A better way: First, evaluate your tools and products: A loofah sponge or a medicated shampoo may be stripping your skin and hair, says Loretta Ciraldo, a Miami dermatologist and the author of 6 Weeks to Sensational Skin (Rodale, $20, amazon.com). In general, try to limit your shower or bath time to 10 minutes or less and use warm, not hot, water.

Common Mistake #8: Overmedicating Blemishes

Ack! You have a breakout. So you blast it with a spot cream. Then, for good measure, you douse it again. "Most of these treatments contain acids that penetrate the skin for hours after they are applied," says Ciraldo. "Overuse can result in a burn that causes redness, peeling, and irritation."

A better way: Follow the directions on the medication's package; most say to use it once or twice a day. Avoid drying out your skin.

New Port, CA TRIP :D

2009-08-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

My parents invited Me & Matt to go with them and the rest of the family to New Port, CA. We jumped at the chance to get away for a few days away from the blazin' Arizona heat :( We left Thursday night at around 7 p.m. because we both had to work and didn't get to New Port until about 1:30 a.m. Everyone else had gotten there earlier and waited until we got there. We stayed @ a really nice timeshare that my Aunt Ann and her family stay at when they go there.

We went to Huntington Beach the next day and hung out on the Beach and shopped. The weather was great and the beach was pretty packed. They had a Farmers Market going on since it was Friday and it was filled with fresh fruits, veggies, breads, roasted peanuts and then clothing areas and paintings. We found this booth full of Native American Indian Jewelry. I couldn't stop staring at the man that was running it because he was covered in turquoise and gold. One of the necklaces that he had hanging around his neck was a huge pound of turquoise that he made into a necklace. The jewelry there was BEAUTIFUL!!!! And I wanted to buy it all, but it was a little pricey and I have my own turquoise jewelry at home that I still need to get sized.
We went to Trader Joe's that night and picked up some meat to grill and veggies and stuff. Matt and my Dad grilled the steaks. The food was YUMMY!!!

Saturday we decided to go shopping at FASHION ISLAND :) That place is filled with great shops.. EXPENSIVE shopping... but cute boutiques and places to eat. They have a big pond area full of fat KOI fish. We went to a Mexican food place that Krystal recommended that we go too. The food was good. The only thing is my water cup had food sticking to the side of it :( Ugh! That is disgusting. So, I had our waiter get my another one, must have been the same cup because it had the same thing stuck to it. Then my fork was dirty. Seriously. I am always the one who finds things in my food, whether it's hair.. eeewwww..food in my cup or dirty utensils... it's ALWAYS ME, NOBODY ELSE! My Mom says that I must have some good eyes.

We drove around Laguna Beach along the coast. OH MY GOSH!! It was beautiful! We got out and walked along Laguna Beach and just enjoyed the beach and the weather. I so wasn't used to walking outside and ALMOST needing a jacket. The weather was nice and overcast and cool and comfortable. I know that Matt was in HEAVEN!!!! :) :)

It was a short but sweet trip. We all decided that we could have stayed another couple of days. A week would have been perfect!!! :) It was nice to be able to get away to cooler weather, the beach, shopping and to be with my family and husband.

~View from our Timeshare~

~LAGUNA BEACH :D~

~This tree was growing all Narly!!~

Happy 24th Birthday to ME :)

2009-07-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ava and I

P.F. Changs Birthday Dinner :)

<3 LOVERS <3

~~**I had a GREAT birthday. :) Turned the big "24", and I'm feeling OLD..ER. ha I had to go into work for an hour or so to open, then the rest of the day was FREE for ME to do whatever I wanted. (Matt says everyday is like that for me, but when I'm working it's not.) Birthday's are a PRETTY BIG DEAL in my family, always have been. But, this year was a little different. It was my first birthday being MARRIED. So, I wanted to spend time with my husband instead of doing a big cake/pie birthday celebration like we do EVERY year.**~~
~~**After I got off of work I met my Mom, Jessica, Landon, Krystal and Ava (Krystal watches her and Aubree had to work.) :( at GECKO Grill. Lunch is always something that I love to do on my birthday. Then, I went to my sister Jessica's and she waxed my eyebrows (they were getting scraggly),cut my hair, straightened AND styled it. I RARELY straighten my hair; A. Because I don't want to take the time. B. It's crazy curly in certain areas and I definitely BREAK a sweat. and C. It never looks as good as when my sister does it. It's a treat when she can :)**~~
~~**Matt had a nice card waiting for me when I woke up, with a certificate to get a pedicure, since I had been dying to get one. It was really sweet! I love cards!! I don't know what it is about them, but it means alot when I get them and I love SAVING them. I have a huge box full of them, and a couple of times a year I will go through them and read them. :) Anyways, after being pampered at my sisters, I went to get my pedicure.. it was over a 1/2 an hour wait, so I decided to come back tomorrow morning before work and get it done then, that way I didn't feel like they were rushing.**~~
~~**Matt took me to P.F. Changs for dinner. It is our FAVORITE place to eat! :) The food was delicious and it was even better spending it with my adorable husband. He also booked a fancy room at The Westin at Kierland Commons for the weekend. He wanted to do something different, and he SURE DID!! We had a great time being together and I had a FABULOUS BIRTHDAY!!:)**~~

POEM

2009-05-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

I found this on my friend Molly's blog and thought I'd try it out. She adapted it from a poem from another blog and filled in her own responses, the words in all caps are originals, the others are my own. :)

I LOVE my Husband Matt :)I am grateful for our Marriage and that we were able to get sealed to each other.

I LOVE having LOTS of sisters!! They are my best friends and I love spending time with them!

I NEED to be better at thinking POSITIVELY!! :) I notice that when I do, my days are so much better. :)

I ALWAYS KNOW that my Heavenly Father <3 loves <3 me!!

I LIKE SUSHI!!! YUM!!

I LIKE to bargain SHOP, and do lunches/dinners with family and friends.

I WORRY about whether or not I want to go back to school as a Nurse or switch to Dental Hygiene. Hmm.. Decisions, decisions.

I WORRY that my Cancer will come back, stronger and INDESTRUCTIBLE :(

I WONDER if we will be able to get into a house by the end of the year. That would be nice!! :)

I CAN GUARANTEE I will always be opinionated.

I CAN'T wait to have a family of my own. Hopefully within the next year or so. :)

I AM GLAD my husband has patience with me. I can be difficult at times... and he is always so positive and willing to help me.

I LOVE that I have a BIG FAMILY!!! It's alot of fun when we can all get together and spend time with each other.

I WORRY that I won't be able to have kids.

I CAN play the piano. I miss Sister Noble and taking piano lessons from her. She was an incredible lady with a musical ear and talent like no other woman. I would love to get a piano and and start playing again. I'm surprised at how much I miss playing.

I WISH that I was going on more vacations this summer. It would be nice to be able to go wherever we wanted and just TRAVEL all over and all summer.

I WORRY about the smallest things.

I WANT to learn how to cook like my Mom does. She is the best cook ever and can make everything and anything!

BECAUSE the economy is the way that it is, I'm afraid of not having a job or Matt loosing his.

Pictures of my left leg with Surgeries

2009-05-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

I thought that it would be interesting to take pictures of my left leg from each of my surgeries and to see the differences from each surgery and the progress that has been made. :) I have had alot of people who have seen my leg now, and they thought that everything (surgeries etc.) was done on the calf of my leg. It's actually behind my left knee. I thought that I should post pictures so that people aren't confused. But, if you have a weak stomach or scabs and stitches are too much, I WARN you.. you may not want to look at these pictures that I have posted.

This was my very first surgery done on August 12th, 2008. The Dr. removed the bump not knowing that it was Cancer. I found out two weeks later on August 22nd, 2009. The incision was soo tiny, little did I know what was up ahead.

January 28th, I had my Reconstructive and Interoperative (Radiation while my leg was open) Surgeries. My Plastic Surgeon took part of my left thigh and pulled the skin over my hole.

A couple weeks after January's surgery the incision started opening up.

I found out I had an infection in my leg called Staph Aureus. My plastic surgeon had to remove most of the tissue in my leg becuase of the infection and the tissue being damaged from the radiation. This left me with a hole 3 1/2 inches in length, 1 1/2 inches in width and 1/2 inch deep.

This is the result of my last surgery in March. They did a skin graft from my stomach, took the tissue, fat, part of the muscle and a blood vessel.

It goes all the way around to the back of my knee.

This is what it looks like now. The black part that you see is from it blistering over and now it has a tough scab on and it's trying to heal.

It is unbelievable how the body can heal itself after what it has been through. It heals itself from the inside out. And it's taking quite a long time, but it's healing; maybe not as quickly as I would like it to be healing, but it's healing and I haven't had any more complications. :) I am very blessed and am thankful everday for being healed from this rare cancer. I'm getting my 6 month check up next week. Another CAT scan and MRI of everything. And yes, there is that part of me that worries a bit, but for the most part.. I feel like everything will be ok!!! :)

Cinco de Mayo Party for Krystal's 21st BIRFDAY!!

2009-05-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

My beautiful sister Krystal turned the BIG "21" on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo Day!! So, Jessica and her HUBS Keileb had a little Cinco de Mayo party at their house. We sipped on pina colada's by the pool and ate K's YUMMY carne asada taco's with all of the fixin's. It was nice to have the day off and spend time with just the girls on a GORGEOUS day poolside!! Happy Birthday Krystal! I hope that it was a GREAT one, because you really REALLY deserve it for all that you do for others!! Love you girl!!! XOXOXO
Had to take a picture of me!!

Kissin' the Birfday Girl!!

<3 diet coke <3

Yummy Pina colada's by the pool!

Aubree & ME

Boo Bears

My Gorgeous Mamma, Birfday girl Krystal & Kole

Ava and her PRECIOUS SMILE!!! :)

2009-05-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Southern California VACATION :)
We were able to get away for a few MUCH NEEDED DAYS. Matt found out that he was in the Top 10% in the Western Region for UOP. They paid for him to stay @ the Sheraton, down the street from Universal Studios, his flight over, most of the food was provided for him and a ticket to Universal Studios. I tagged along :) I pretty much got the hook up, because my sister Stacey had a plane ticket that had to be used by June (the ticket would have cost me $200 to fly to Burbank, Ca) and they have a Time Share that we were able to use the last 2 nights that we stayed extra. Matt was in meetings most of the time, so I just relaxed in the hotel room until he was done, then we would go and do stuff. We went Wed- Sunday, and Friday he was cleared from his meetings, so we drove to Torrance, Ca to check into our hotel (the timeshare) and the spent the rest of the day in Santa Monica, CA. I love that place. We went shopping, did what we wanted, ATE what we wanted!! It was so nice and soo relaxing!!! We walked along 3rd street Promenade and went to P.F. Changs for dinner!! It was DELISH!! :) That last Saturday, we drove to Redondo Beach. OMG!! Let me just say, I could see myself living there. If Matt got promoted and was going to be making ALOT of $$$, I would move there in a heartbeat. It was such a fun time for us to be able to spend some quality time. I can't wait for our many more fun vacations TOGETHER !! :)
Waiting for the CAB!

Hard Rock Cafe @ City Walk in Burbank, CA

She was made out of 254,093 Jelly Belly Beans

Forever 21

He must have been just a little bored! ha

3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA :)

Yummy NYC Pizza Place

Driving around Redondo Beach, CA

This house was ONE of my favorite houses!

The Beach was right behind us!

Last Surgery Update...hopefully!

2009-04-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to begin. Alot has happened since my last surgery Jan. 28th. I thought that would have been my last one. Little did I know! :( I was doing really well. Doing physical therapy and getting back into my daily routines which felt nice. I got my stitches out about two weeks after January's surgery. A few days after that my wound started opening up at a certain area. I could see my tissue and it was pretty painful. I just knew something was wrong. I ended up going in to see my doctor twice, when on the third visit she didn't like the way that it looked. I ended up having an emergency surgery right then and there on March 6th. She went in and cleaned out my wound. She told me later on that she had barely stuck her finger on the incision and it had caved in. :( My tissue had been damaged severely from doing Radiation, and an infection occured called Staph epidermidis. I was in the hospital for about 6 days. They ended up putting an IV pic line in so that I could get my antibiotics and meds quicker. It worked! ha That hospital visit is a blur to me now.

I had a Home Health Nurse come for about a week and clean and change my gauze on the open wound. She came in the mornings and Matt changed it at night. It was a process. But, Matt didn't mind doing it and he was very careful and followed all of the directions.

March 18th I had my last Major surgery. This was one of the bigger ones. They took part of my stomach, stomach muscle, blood vessels and adipose tissue (fat) to fill the hole that was left in my left leg. I was in critical care for a few days. I had to have a blood transfusion because I lost alot of blood. I was so out of it, I don't remember much. I guess my Mom and Matt came and I talked to people on the phone, but I don't remember much. ha Those drugs worked well then! I'm glad!! :) I was on bed rest for 6 days and in the hospital for 9 days. I ended up getting a really bad yeast infection from the catheter being in for 6 days and from the amount of antibiotics that was given to me. It was going pretty much 24/7. Stuck to Iv's. My veins became so weak that the iv's would fall out or my skin around the iv became irritated and puffy. They had the most experienced Nurse come in and she couldn't find any good veins. She ended up putting it right on my left hand near my thumb/wrist. It was the worst place because when I would get up to do physical therapy and use my walker it would be all tight and uncomfortable like it was going to fall out. Ugh! At this point I just wanted to get the heck out of there!! I had lots of visitors which helped the days go by a little quicker. But, I hated it when they left and I was there alone. I maybe liked one of the Nurses, but for the most part I always felt like I was buggin' them if I wanted some water or I had to get up out of bed to use the restroom, or I wanted clean sheets. I mean seriously! I shouldn't have to ask them to change my sheets. My Aunt Rosemary came and visited me a few days after the surgery and she changed my sheets without even asking. :) It makes a difference. But, they don't care :(

I started Physical Therapy on Tues. That was one of the hardest days. You don't even realize the muscles that you use in your stomach to get up and out of bed. I was in so much pain, but I wanted to get up out of bed. My leg didn't want to move. They came everyday, sometimes twice because I wanted to go home. I asked her what I had to do before I could go home. They have this CAR that is on the floor because it's the Rehabilitation Floor for people with hip replacements, skin grafts. In order for me to go home I had to be able to get in and out of the car. I pushed myself everyday in physical therapy so that when the time came for me to get in and out of the car I would be able to do it no problem. And I did! That was one of the happiest days for me because I got to go HOME!!! :)
I stayed at my Mom's house for 6 days. She took care of me far better than any of the nurses in the hospital. I had home cooked meals everyday. She would help in the bathroom, get into bed.. etc. whatever I needed she helped me with a smile on her face. I knew she was tired. It would be tiring looking after a 23 yr old 24/7. But, I never heard her complain. In fact, I think she kinda enjoyed it. Maybe it's because she took off work and would rather take care of me! I dunno :P

As of now, I'm home home with my HUBS Matt :) I'm doing better everday. And I try to do things on my own. I have now moved on from the walker to crutches.. Ssshh!!! I don't know if the Doctors would be too happy to hear that, but it's alot easier to get around. I'm just trying to HEAL right and stay positive. At times it is hard, but listening to General Conference gave me the faith and the motivation that I needed and at times fail to have. I haven't quite put my finger on why this had to be my trial for right now. But, I think that in time I will have it all figured out. What I do know is that Heavenly Father knows me personally. He knows what I can and can't handle. If he knew that I couldn't handle this (which at times I felt like it was just too much all at once) he wouldn't have given this to me. Maybe I'm supposed to learn to have more Faith in things?? To turn to him in times of need. Whatever the reason is, I'm not pefect and I'm def. learning from this.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me. Brought me dinners, cupcakes :), came to the hospital and visited and pampered me. In times like this, that's all that I really want and need. Is my family and friends and HUBS around me who love me unconditionally, know matter what. xo

Bridal Shower

2009-02-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

I LOVE my sisters more than anything! I'm grateful to have been born into a big family with lots of sisters with different personalities and who I consider only my truest best friends. They have been there for me more than anyone I know and I cherish the time spent with all of them. Thank you for my amazing Bridal Shower sisters. I loved the presents, the food (yum yum) and the company.
Me & my sisters @ Grimaldi's for pizza the night before the "big day!!"

My friends!! I love these girls. <3

Raquel made this adorable picture frame~ I love it.

Silly Faces :P

Ok.. More serious now! ha

Me & my beautiful MAMMA!!

Aunt Margie & Mom

HoneyMoon <3 <3 <3

2009-02-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures from our beloved honeymoon in Mexico! We went on a week long cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan & Cabo San Lucas~ Mexico baby!!! :D I know, it's bad that we have been married over a month and I'm just getting around to it... But, maybe the pictures will make up for it!! I want to go back. I know it won't be for awhile with how the Economy is and everything, we are trying to cut back on things and save our money$$$$. We will see how well that goes! ha We took a TON of pictures, so I went through and picked out our Favies! Have fun! :D:D
After our Wedding Reception Night & READY to go on our HoneyMoon!! :P

First Formal Night on the Carnival Pride Cruise

The Carnival Pride

I absolutely LOVE this picture of my husband Matt. He is soo handsome!! :P

I love kissing this man!

We loved our BALCONY SUITE!!

Cute Honeymoon Feetsies (looks like someone else's feet wanted to get in the picture too.. ha)

WEDDING DAY <3 <3 <3

2009-02-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

The Wheatons were Married in the Arizona Temple on January 10th, 2009. It was such a special day!! :):) Everything turned out quite perfect if I might say so. The reception was beautiful and just comfortable. We went on a week long cruise to Mexico for our Honeymoon. I'm ready to go back.. that is for sure! If you have never been on a cruise, I highly recommend it!!!!

Here are just a few of my Favorite pictures from our Wedding Day:
Our photographer was incredible and so talented. The pictures turned out PERFECT! If you want to see more photos or you want her contact info you can check her blog out at startinphoto.com go to clients, then client proofs, then Matt & Monica :)

Last CHEMO treatment

2008-12-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

So, I finished 5/5 CHEMO treatments.. yeah! It was a LONG day:( It happened to be my Mom's birthday and she came with me all day- I wouldn't have wanted anyone else there with me besides my MOM tho. Other people had offered to take me, but she has been there with me since day #1. And I think it just would have felt kinda.. off. She makes me laugh continually with her comments and just silly words and actions and I miss being around her. I have another 4 more treatments for Radiation and then I have a nice break over the Holidays until my Surgery on Jan. 28. It has been difficult, but I just TRY to stay positive and think that someone else out there has it worse then I do. I'm grateful for such a great support system- FAMILY, Wonderful Friends and of course Matt. I WOULD NOT have been able to have gotten this far without every single person that I love helping me, praying for me, fasting and just checking up on me whether text, emails or the phone calls. EVERYTHING helped more than you will ever know.

Wedding planning is coming along quite nicely. Finished invitations just need to get them all mailed off. Picked my colors, found my SASH (it's pretty perfect!), looked at Tuxes, found a BEAUTIFUL place to have my reception thanks to my awesome sister Raquel. I can't tell her enough how much everything means. I'm also using her talented sister Aubrey for my pictures and I can't wait for it! She does an amazing job and I couldn't have asked for things to just be working out the way that they are so easily!! :) My mom is the one who I am surprised has helped me out ALOT with the wedding stuff! With everything that's been going on, she has been the one to call me and helped me GET THINGS GOING. Because knowing me, it wouldn't have done until last minute or pretty close to that I'm sure. What would we do without our WONDERFUL Mothers?? She is something else and I have come to realize that the older I get, the more I am needful of her in my every life. I can't wait to get married. I'm a little nervous and anxious. But, it's about DAMN TIME.. GEEZ!!!! It will be nice to see friends and family and to meet Matt's family again.

JANUARY 10 2009 = Wedding, Perfect, Temple, Together FOREVER and FUN!!! :p

I've been TAGGED-So, here it goes :D

2008-12-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

5 Joys
1. Getting Married :D It's about dang time!! Geez :P
2. Matthew :D Just ready to be with that man.. Forever I suppose.. he he
3. Christmas-I love Christmas time. I found some Christmas Decorations @ work hidden in the back and just HAD to put them up in my store. It kept me busy and it just brings in the Christmas spirit!!!
4. My sisters- Aubree, Raquel, Stacey, Jess, Krystal & Justine :D So glad that I have every single one of them in my life right now! :D
5. One of a kind items only found @ Last Chance. I love that place!

5 Fears
1. Finding out that the Cancer has spread.
2. NOT being able to have kids because of everything.
3. My hair falling completely out & then not growing back.. ugh! :(
4. Worrying to much about the simplest things when I know that I shouldn't.. It isn't healthy.. & I'm working on it.
5. Needles- I don't like them and never will. You think that I would have gotten used to them by now.. but I have had some bad experiences with them - therefore I literally have a panic attack and HAVE to watch the Nurse put the needle in. ( I think it helps me a little.)

5 Surprising Facts
1. I love my hair played with & Matt is the only one that knows how to do it right! :) KEEPER!
2. I find Ryan Gosling so dang ATTRACTIVE!! YUM!! :D
3. I could eat Top Ramen everyday- (but only the way that Matt cooks it.. I know it sounds silly, but he cooks it a certain way and it's all fluffy and just full of delishousness...)
4. I love trucks! I would love to have a big lifted CHEVY truck someday.
5. I want 5 little kiddies!!!

5 Obsessions
1. Water- I drink about 4 liters of water a day and can't get enough of it!! Ha
2. EBAY- What can I say, I'm addicted in every way. :D
3. KOLE Bears, Ava & Presley- I love these three babes more than humanly possible! It is so fun to be living with a baby (KOLE) & to see how much he grows everyday!
4. Dlisted- I know, it's bad! :(
5. Matt's hands.. they are just perfect!! :D

My Treatment Plan

2008-11-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

Just an Update on ME : D

I started my treatment yesterday. My day started at 7am and finally got home around 6:30 pm from Mayo Hospital @ Scottsdale and Shea. Radiation was early in the morning. I had a Chemo class that lasted an hour and the Nurse went over some very informative stuff.. but stuff that I have heard before.. blah blah.. I met with the Nurse Practitioner after my Radiation treatment, she proceeded to ask me if I was exercising.. ha that's been my goal for a year now.. but have I.. Nope!! She laughed. And said that at the least I need to be walking. I think that the most that I feel like doing is walking out the door & then a coming right on back and heading right back to my COMFY bed. :( Radiation didn't hurt.. I could feel the radiation in my bones and my muscles started to contract.. but that's it. My mom was with me all day. It was so good to have her there
with me. :) :) She was exhausted. It was a REALLY long day.

Then I started the Chemo around 2 pm. They had to infuse liquids in me for an 1 hour & 1/2 then the Nurse started the Chemo (Cisplatin) which is the Grandfather of all of the Chemo's. That lasted for 2 hours+ and towards the end the needle started to hurt.. :(

My treatment plan is Radiation for 5 weeks 5X a day (Mon-Fri) and Chemo goes along with Radiation on Mondays 1x week. Thats my LONG LONG DAY!!! :( :( I'm just happy to have FINALLY started treatment that I feel comfortable with.. not what my mom thinks is best, not my family or Matthew.. JUST ME!!

Thanks for all the PRAYERS, FASTING, POSITIVE WORDS, LOVE, SUPPORT & sweet texts/emails! It seriously means alot!!! <3>

2008-11-14T16:28:00.001-08:00

I SERIOUSLY can NOT wait for the Twilight movie on 11.21.08 :D

2008-09-24T23:09:00.001-07:00

I am engaged :) :) Oh do I love him!!! 3 years we have been dating...just feels right for once in my life.. I can't wait to be a wifey!!