Picture

LONG and Overdue update

Wow! Where has the time gone? I cant believe I missed a whole year! A lot has happened so I will see if I can catch up quickly. well maybe not quickly I have a lot. Sorry it will be long but I needed to say it all.

Job- going great. In 2008 I was hired by Pacific Dental Services as a Lead Assistant at Alexander Dental Group. It was a huge change from previous offices this being supported by a corporation. After adjusting I was getting into the swing of things when I heard that our offices was getting a CAD/CAM machine(makes crowns in one day). I had experience in this when working at Dr. Songs and I was so excited. I told the Office manager that we needed to go to as many trainings as possible before we got the machine to make sure that we were ready to use it. We signed up for this study club and 3 of my assistants, a doctor and I attended the class. The class was big and the instructor didnt have a lot of time so I pulled my office together and did my own training to make sure they learned something. The trainer told my regional manager that I should be the Las Vegas CAD/CAM trainer. Yay!!! So I flew back and forth to California doing trainings and working in offices. I loved training. Then my regional hired some new Lead Assistants at different offices and sent me out to train them. I was now only working 2 days a week at my office and the rest at other offices. At the end of the year the DA trainer from California contacted me saying they were making a position in the Las Vegas region for a Back Floor trainer and asked if I would be interested. YESSS!!!! I have always loved the training part of my job. So starting in Feb 2010 you are looking at the Pacific Dental Services Las Vegas Regional Back Floor Trainer. I love it. We have 12 offices in Las Vegas and I travel to all of them. every day I am doing something different. One day I could be training a doctor, the next OSHA auditing an office, the next helping a assistant, then teaching a class on assisting or the CAD/CAM machine. It is so great. I am so grateful for my trial in 2008 that I thought was the end. Heavenly Father knows us so well. I know that I would have never left Dr. Songs office unless I was forced.

Church- I am still in the North Star ward. Last August I was called as the 1st counc. in the Relief Society Pres. Needless to say it has kept me extremely busy. The pres is moving next month and we are getting released this sunday. I have a mix of emotions about it. but I know that it is what is best.

Family- this year has been a busy year from the family. On March 6th 2010 my big little brother Skyler married his best friend Brittany. We all love her so much. In fact when they started dating we told Skyler if they broke up we got her. On March 20th 2010 my little sister Danielle married her best friend Justin James. We are excited for these new additions to our family.

Now to my last update. On March 8th I was putting lotion on my neck and I noticed that one side had a lump on it. I am slightly crazy but every day I have patients that have had cancer or have and every training I go to they talk about all the carcinogens that are in our office including being exposed to amounts of radiation. Immediately my mind went crazy. I was training a new doctor that day. When I was in their office I asked the Owner doctor to look at it. he felt it and said that it seemed like it was around my thyroid but it could be a muscle with a knot. He said he would try to get a massage to see if it helped. That night I called a friend in my ward and asked if she would give me a massage. I was very lucky that she was able to come the next night. The massage was great. when she got to my neck she grabbed the lump and asked if it hurt. I said no and she said that means it is not a muscle and I needed to get it checked out. the next day I saw my primary physician who said that it does look like it is the thyroid and because of the size I might have to get it removed but I needed to get it tested. that weekend I had my brother and Brother in law nick give me a blessing. After blood draws, ultrasound, and a needle biopsy I was told I needed to see a Ear Nose and throat specialist to have it removed. I asked the High council member that was assigned to our ward who happens to be a anesthesiologist if he knew anyone. He gave me the name of a Doctor that he had done work with and was good. I called the doctor and had my consultation. In the consultation he explained that the size of the mass on my thyroid one was 5 cm and the other was 1.5 cm. He explained that anything greater than 3cm they have to remove and even though my biopsy test came back negative there still was a chance it was cancerous. He then scheduled my surgery fro May 21st on that day I was going to have my left thyroid removed and if it came back cancerous then the right would have to be removed also. I then talked to my friend that referred me to the ENT if he would be able to do the anesthesia. He said that he was moving and that would be close to his last day but he would try to do it. Through everything everyone would ask if I was nervous and I would explain that I wasnt really. I had received a blessing and knew that whatever was going to happen would. Also I felt at ease knowing that I trusted the person that was putting me under. I just wanted it to be over. It was a long month waiting from the surgery to happen. On may 20th Brother brathwaite called me and said that he was doing my anesthesia and asked if I had questions. No questions just grateful he would be in there. May 21st I had to be at the hospital by 9 am. Amber and nick came down to take me because my mom was sick. Skyler and Nick gave me a blessing that everything would be OK. I was a little nervous knowing that most likely they would be running behind and I would have to sit there and wait. On the way up the hospital called asking if I was able to come early because the surgery before me canceled. How lucky am I, all that know me I am not a very patient person. I walked int hey took me back immediately we I got all hooked up with my pretty gown on. Dr. (Brother) Braithwaite came in asked if I had concerns- Just dont chip my teeth!!! We joked a little he met my sister. The entire time I am feeling good about this knowing I was in good hands. The Doctor came out and talked to us about the surgery. explained that it should only take about 1-2 hours. explained that I would have to stay in the hospital and that everything was going to be good. My doctor didnt have the best sense of humor but I would still joke with him. I tried to get him to take pictures and he wouldnt. Next they came in and started giving me my sleepy juice and Amber went to the waiting room and the wheeled me off. I was talking to Dr Braithwait in the halls on the way to the room. As soon as we got in the room I was OUT!!!! The next thing I remember was them telling me I was done and I asked what time it was 4:30!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! The surgery took longer than expected. I saw Dr. Braithwait and Dr. Lomax. My sister Amber came in and started crying which made me tear up. What the heck. She said she was really worried. I dont remember it all that much. I was really out of it. I spent the next few hours down in recovery waiting for a room. Man I felt loopy. I was in and out of it. trying to keep my eyes open. Heather got there to relieve Amber from all the stress she had that day. they wouldnt let my nephews in to see me yet. Ryder and Max kept waving to me from the window. I finally got into a room. Heather, Amber, Nick, Ryder, Max, Skyler, and Brittany were all there. then they started telling me what had happened. Amber said that she had been waiting and when it got past 2 hours and she hadnt heard she started to worry. She even tried to see if they had taken me up to a room without telling her. after the surgery my doctor went out to talk to Amber and as soon as she saw him walk through the door she jumped up. He was telling her about the surgery and she started to cry because she was so worried. My doctor teared up and told her he was sorry but he was a social crier. Then the good new came NONCANCEROUS. The reason the surgery had taken so long was the mass was large and up higher than usual. It was wrapped up into the muscle and they had to maneuver the muscle and nerve to get it all out. He said that he usually can take it in one piece but he had to cut it up to get it out. Dr. braithwiate came out and talked to Amber he told her that you could definitely feel the spirit in the room. Everyone in the room was members of the church. I had Dr. that was a worthy priesthood holder, Dr. Braithwaite that is a worthy priethood holder. and the other nurses are all members. How lucky am I that my life was in the hands of 2 men that honor their covenants that they have made with their Heavenly Father and knowing that I was in hands blessed by the power of the Priesthood. That night in the hospital was a funny one. I was not really coherent yet and kept going in and out. I kept asking for ice chips and Skyler thought it would be funny to choo choo train them in, its too bad I fell asleep before he would get them to my mouth. That night I slept pretty good just sore. the next morning the doctor came and checked on me. they had left a drain in the area to make sure it didnt build up with fluids and because it didnt work properly all night I needed to stay a few more hours. Heather and Brooke came to see me at the hospital. At Lunch time the doctor came in and said that I could go home only if I left the drain over the weekend and came into his office first thing monday morning. DONE! I wanted out of there. It has now been a few days. I got my drain out on monday and I can feel a little more. I am still REALLY sore but I am not wanting to have to rely on my meds. I cant go back to work because I cant drive. BOOOOO!!!! I have had a lot of time to contemplate everything and even though it seemed like a simple surgery I realized that it really wasnt and how blessed I am to have the results that I did. I am so lucky to have the priesthood in my life to bring me comfort when I am scared and to bless my life. I am SOOOO grateful for my family. My poor sister Amber had to wait all by herself scared that something had happened to me. My sister Heather is an awesome nurse. I am grateful for her mothering nature that helped me in my time of need, she even helped me shower. Now that is love. My Brother and his wife who have taken care of me every day and fixed me food and lifted me up. I am grateful for parents who love me enough that even though they are sick and tired they drove down to visit me and make sure that I was OK. My Brother in law nick for helping give me blessings. My little nephews who love me and want to help take care of my booboos. All my friends and family that have thought about me, prayed for me, put my name in the temple, and have called and visited me. thanks for all your support. I am grateful to have a member of the priesthood that is a friend and even though he could have chosen to work on monday and have the rest of the week off before he moved chose to work on Friday to be there for me during my surgery. I am humbled and overwhelmed by the love and support I have received. I am grateful for the gospel. I know that because of it I am a better me. I know that the atonement is real and it works in all aspects of our lives. I know that Heavenly Father Loves ME! I know this because of everything I said above. He knows me and blesses me with things and people that I need. I am truly BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Photos! Sorry I forgot these!

The Motorcycle jumper! He survived the big jump!

The jumps! Crazy! This event was on ESPN! It was so much fun!

Julie and I! I miss you girl!

Julie, Ryan, and I!

Psychic Abbie! I couldnt stop looking at her wig the entire time she was doing my reading. HAHAHA!

The Girls at Dylans!!!

Part of the New Years gang! The only ones that made it the entire night on the strip AKA Party animals!

The new years gang! Wait the guy taking the photo cut off half of us!

Cousins at dinner together!

Christmas, Max, etc....

I had so much fun this holiday season! As busy as ever, but amazing! This year we had a Cousin dinner on the december 18th which was so mush fun. We sure missed all the family that couldnt make it. That night Amber and Nick came to stay at our house, Amber hadnt been feeling good and Nick took her to the hospital the next morning. The doctor came and told them they were going to have the baby that day! So max David Pearson arrived, and he is oh so precious! We love him so much! That night I had my work party. they had it down at the plaza in a club. It was a good timem but alittle different, I am so used to working for a private practice and having our christmas parties at claim jumper, olive garden, macayos, or as we learned last year Lazor tag. The next week was christmas and it was so nice spending time with the family, also I had friday off so I was able to relax a little longer. On the 30th my Best friend Julie came in to town. Julie moved back to North Carolina a few years ago and I miss her so much. It was so good to hang out with her. For New Years we went to a Redbull event at the Paris down on the Strip and after it was over we hung out down there. It was really crazy but I had so much fun. The past 2 years a friend of mine has gotten me about 30 tickets every year to the redbull new year no limits event and I am so grateful. Thanks Greg you are awesome and you always hook us up. The next night a few of us went to Dylans to dance. That place is so small but so much fun. Julies last night we went to a psychic and then to Macayos. The psychic was so funny. I was dying laughing. We will see if it comes true. I am looking for my sebastion now though! HAHAHA! Julie left and I was so sad! ={
Now so far this year. My friend Trudi got married yesterday. I am so happy for her. Tyler is so great and he is a lucky guy because she is simply amazing. Love you both! While in Alamo for the reception I was able to see my best friend Milly! Love her! Also I was able to take some photos of my little nephew Max! So great huh! I am so lucky! Who could ask for more!
I wanted to write a quick note about my friend that I grew up with Brittena. She updated her blog and tokd of the struggles they had with thier little boy. I was so touched and am amazed by thier strength. Britt you are amazing!
I hope you all had a good holiday season and are surviving the new year!

Photos

Ryder with his new ride courtesy of Uncle Skyler, Aunt Heather, and Aunt Staci!

Ciera with her beach cuiser and Nicks new Rhino in the back ground. Man his wife loves him!

Max and Amber just home from the hospital. Ryder cuddling showing mom how much he missed her!

Chilling on Aunt Stacis bed reading the People magazine!

Our little Max!

My best friend Milly with her cutest little girl Myla! I love going to Alamo to see them!

My good friend Trudi got married! Another one bites the dust! For Real though Trudi you know I love you, Congratulations I am so happy for you!

Maxs first christmas!

Ryder enjoying his Christmas present!

COWBOYS! COWBOYS! COWBOYS!

November and December are propbably my most favorite time of the year. You have thanksgiving with family, all the christmas parties, and family things, believing in something, New Years, and one of the best of all that us Las Vegans get to enjoy---THE NFR!!!!! Man something about thousands of cowboys in one place. Oh I love it. I am so appreciative to Uncle Jay and Aunt Fran for letting us use one night of thier tickets. You will never know how mcuh we enjoy this.

Always busy during the Holidays!

Skyler deep in though with our tree.

Our Christmas tree!

Christmas tree hunting group.

Our pre-holiday visitor!

Dont you just want to squeeze his cheeks. We love Colton and love when he brings his parents to visit us. We love you RJ and Sherrelle also.

I just wanted to update everyone on what has been going on with me! Not very fun but a few good standout moments.

Work has been going good. I made it through my 90 days. I was a little nervous if they liked how I ran the back office and thought I might be jobless for the holidays. Well they like me! Well at least right now! I am starting to get the hang of it and get used to everything. I still miss my old job and co-workers, but I try to get with tem every now and then to catch up. I love those girls.

I have been home from Montana for 6 years on December 5th. Oh my gosh. Were does the time fly. I cant believe it has been that long. I miss everyone up there. Someone from the mish contacted me the other day and I was rolling laughing remembering everything. Good times.

Thanksgiving this year was held at Grandma Marges. It was a lot of fun. I didnt have to do much this year so it was really relaxing. True Smallwood tradition we went and watched Four Christmas it was so funny.

Day after thanksgiving shopping this year was fun. Ciera, Skyler, Heather and I went out at 4am. We got a lot of good stuff. Too bad it was all for ourselves. We got home at 8 and slept until later that afternoon when we packed up and headed to Alamo.

Christmas tree Hunting was so much fun as usual. We headed up by Pearson ranch and got our trees. This year we had Dad, Mom, Heather, Ciera, Cuz Kristin, Amber, Nick, Ryder, Skyler, Danielle, Uncle Kev, Russ, Jessica, and I. This always just gets you ready for the holiday. I love it.

We went to the NFR again this year, but that deserves its own post.

We are getting ready for Christmas. A lot of baking, shopping, and parties. It gets a little crazy but I wouldnt trade it for anything. I love spending every minute of this season with everyone. I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas.