Very true...

So I found this on my friend Whitney's blog and thought I would pass it on. Click on it so it is big enough to read and I know you will enjoy it!


Cracks me up!

Another cute story...

So a few nights ago, everyone was in bed (except me- I was on the computer) the house was quiet, all was calm, and then all of a sudden there is a huge THUD.. and then silence. Ya wanna know how many bad things a THUD could be, just ask my brain what it thought in the 1.2 seconds it took to get to Kevins bedroom door. The light was on, it was supposed to be off, So I open the door just as my parents come sprinting out of their bedroom door to see what the sound was and I open Kevins door, he is sitting on the floor at the bottom of his bed holding his wrist.. ( i think he was trying to be quiet) when i said what happened he started to fuss... I asked where it hurt and he said his wrist and showed it to me... (nothing wrong, nothing broken ) Then I asked him what happend and he points to the desk and says he climbed up there to get something (have I ever mentioned that I gave birth to two monkeys- not children- they climb on everything!) and then I tried to get back here (he points to the bed) so you jumped off of the desk to get to the bed and didn't quiet make it? "yeah" he says.... I just start laughing... why? becuase my heart was beating out of my chest that something had gone really wrong, that he had broken a bone, or cracked his skull, or something but no, he just was trying to get back to the bed and I have found out that boys do things differntly then girls, I would have gotton down and walked to the bed but no, he was going to be more efficent and skip the walking part, beside jumping is sooo much more fun!... :).. I love my boys!

Kevin is so cute..

So Kevin took his favorite book to Grandma today and she said she couldn't' read it to him because she couldn't see without her glasses, which of course she can never find. So he said "I'm gonna go find the one that gives you a big head" and runs off, we of course have no idea what he is talking about but a few miutes later he comes back with the little plasic magnifing glass (that i got when i was like 8 in a kids meal) and hands it to grandma... "I found it!".. this magnifying glass gives her a big head (atleast when you look threw it the right way..lol. And Grandma read him his book..lol (maybe you had to be there).. he is a cute kid.

Sweethearts tag!

I realize some of these things already were on my blog, but I really can't go over them enough so, bear with me!

1. Where did you first meet your hubby?

In my apartment my freshmen year at BYU-I. I walked into my apartment for sweet swap (on a Sunday night in October) and my roommate Tonya was wrapped around him on the couch... (she had just meet him 5 minutes earlier too...)

2. What do you remember about him the most?
I remember not liking him that first time.. I did like his eyes, but I didn't like seeing him with my roommate like that. he had on his brown leather jacket, a T-shirt and jeans, with his brown doc martins... is it weird to remember what he was wearing?

3. Who asked who out first?

our first date

The funny thing is, we kinda hid our relationship for like forever, so we kept going out in groups, or in double dates where I was supposed to be out with the other guy but the first time we went out just us, was to McDonalds for breakfast after a 9 hour conversation on the phone. Tyler said "hey I am gonna go shower seen it 6:30am, I'll pick ya up at 7:00" Me: "um.. ok".. lol

4. What did you do on your first date?
McDonalds for breakfast and then I think we went to our respective apartments so we could go to sleep, although knowing me I probly just went to class...no it was a weekend, I think i took a nap.

5. What was your favorite thing to do together while you were dating?
Actually once we came out as a "couple" I went on dates with Bryan because Tyler got a job so we really didn't date... Although we did go on road trips to Salt lake to visit his siblings, Grandparents, and my brother a few times.

6. When was your first kiss with your sweetheart?
It was the weekend before Christmas In Troy and Jackee's house. They left the room to go get a deck of cards, and he kissed me. Then during the card game, they asked about our relationship and so the first kiss came up.. ( i still don't know how) I turned bright red and he told them "O.. it was on your couch about 5 minutes ago".. I thought I was going to die of embarrassment...lol


7. Who said it ( I love you ) first?
he did and I believe it was on the phone.. I will have to ask him if he remembers more details.


8. When did you first realize you loved him?
Well, I think I got an inkling over Christmas break when I was going crazy without seeing him, then when he came to ask my Dad for my hand (I know your thinking.. a little late huh?) I told my dad that he had to "be nice to this one.. I love him" I think it threw both me and my Dad for a loop.

9. How did he propose?
We went to the park in Rexburg early one Friday morning to take pictures (kinda engagement pictures.. I know we did everything backwards) and his friend Bryan was supposed to meet us there to take the pictures,( he was running late.. I thought) it was freezing cold, so we walked around, danced, all the silly things couples do, and then he started telling me the 5 characteristics of his mother that he wanted in his future wife and how they related to me. Then He said that there was one thing about his wife that he didn't know and I of course asked "what's that?" and he said "that it is you" and he knelt down and got the ring out and asked me if I would marry him and I said yes.. then Bryan showed up to take the pictures (including re-inacting the actual proposal)

10. What are two things you remember most about your wedding day?

1. I was running late (the last day I ever thought I would run late for!)

2. While pictures were being taken my Dad said "well she finally got the large family she always wanted" When we got married all of Tyler's siblings were already married and had 13 kids between them, Pictures were crazy to our little family of my mom, dad, and brother.

3. I rememeber thinking it was so cool that the sister missionaries that had brought the gospel to my parents were both there...

Randomness...

So, life in the fast lane here at the house...

Cameron got pink eye earlier this week and is dong much better...

but he gave it to Kevin... who "doesn't want to get better".. every time it is time to put the drops in his eyes!


I got to go to church today without the kids, and I got to hear every word!

Kevin has grown out of saying "zapiz" for pizza... so sad...

I scrap booked today for the first time in over a year.. and noticed that Cameron's scrap book is very sad.. it only has his professional pictures in it.. not one snap shot, or cute quote.. sad.. very sad...


Life without Tyler here sucks.... even though Kevin is in real underwear during the day, So all that is left is Cameron, it still sucks to be the only one on diaper duty. I miss ya babe (and yes for more reasons than to have you around for diaper changes)


Today's Relief Society lesson was on the talk "Come what may and love it"... it made me cry.. (suprise suprise)


Tyler got to go to our old ward and felt very welcomed by everybody.. apparently they already have callings for us.. :) ( nothing puts a smile on my face like a good calling.. except maybe my kids)


Cameron is learning his animal noises.. in fact he talks in them all day long. the first animal he knows is the dinosour..lol... but he also knows monkey, chicken/rooster (dood le doooo), duck, dog,.. he has a suprised face, a mad face (that comes with a growl) and a happy face. He makes a great car sound...

Kevin starts every sentence with the word"just", or .... "listen to me".. sometimes together...

We are in a new phase.. we don't know which one will last longer.. Dinosaurs or Lighting McQueen...

I have found out that even when others are spending their money I still get a kick out of getting a good deal.

And although I hate to shop, I love looking through catalogs and sale papers, if only I didn't actually have to part with the money, I think I could be really good at shopping.

So what about you.. have any randomness going on at your house?

Picture Tag

Thanks Jackee.. this was fun!

Rules:
1. Go to the Document/My Pictures site on your computer.
2. Go to your sixth file.
3. Go to your sixth picture.
4. Blog about it.
5. Tag six people.


Here is my 6th picture.. my little kite flyer...this was before we left Jerome...
I tag whoever goes to check their 6th picture...

I feel so accomplished and yet...

I got nothing done..lol. The dishes were still sitting in the sink, and The laundry may be cleaned but it isn't folded or put away. BUT I did get two games colored, cut, laminated (thanks to Grandma's toys) and ready to play. A bingo game (to review colors and shapes) and a blues clues memory game.. which is just plain fun! Plus me and Kevin painted his pirate ship bird house... you will have to see picture s of that.. lol. I even restrained myself from "taking over" .. he had a blast and so did I. We even started working on his writing... something that is enjoyed on two different levels.. i keep telling myself that he is learning and he keeps "coloring" away.. I am not sure that the cookie sized "o" he drew counts as the letter "o" but.. we are getting there ;)

Cool Stuff to share...

So I found s cool websites off of a friends blog that I follow... for those of you with pre-school age children check out this website... they have all sorts of cool stuff.. stuff to work on your kids writing skills (trace this line, write this letter) memory games, bingo games, hand eye-coordination ( cut on this line) very cool stuff.. I knew I was going to have to work now that Kevin no longer has preschool and i think i found what we are giong to do.. I printed off worksheet after worksheet and can't wait to get started.. he even saw the "dinosaour pages" that I made "Custom" for him.. Yeah!

Website = http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/trace.htm


Also my very cool sister-in-law's ward is starting a new motivational program and I am trying it too! See you get points for doing 8 things a day that will help you grow spirtually and physically and basically become a better person (becuase you are striving for points...lol)... What I need is motivation so we will see how it goes.

1. Getting 7 hours of sleep
2. Getting 30 minutes exercise (everyday but sunday on sunday you get a "keep the sabbath day holy" point
3. water (8x8oz)
4. 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit
5. Scripture study (does one verse count?)
6. limit: one sweet or soda
7. Am/Pm/ Personal prayers
8. a personal goal of your choice (not a to do list item) can change daily
you can earn a bonus point if you 1. had an extra 30 minutes of exersize or 2. had no sweets or soda.

So everyday you add up your points and at the end of the week you add up the days... Tryt o do better every week!

Doesn't seem hard but it would keep me accountable. I am so excited.. you let me know how you do.. and I will let you know how I do.

Yep we are in Washington!

and loving it.. We are getting more sleep, enjoying Uncle Ken, Grandma Wicky and Grandpa Terry. Me and Tyler we able to go on a date two nights ago, dinner and a movie... subway and "He's just not that into you"- Very funny cute movie but had lots of dirty words! Then my adopted Aunt Melddody and Uncle Dwayne came down from Spokane to see us, which was a blast. Tyler plans on leaving tomorrow for Jerome to start Subbing. His night school class starts March 4 and then during spring break, sometime the middle of March, Tyler and his mom fly to Oklahoma to get our stuff out of storage and move it into our house, and then Me and the kids show up the end of that week to move into our house with beds alreay put together (I told Tyler he doesn't need to unpack everything, just make sure that the kids each have a bed and that I do to..lol) I am so excited to actually have a plan. The first thing that happends when I get there is to go to the dollar store and buy a bunch of plastic baskets, and organize my house. That is right, have a basket for winter gloves and hats and keep them there, and if they don't fit, get rid of them. ( I know.. what an Idea huh?) I am a little bit of a pack rat and I need to ding out! And I am excited to do it! ( is anybody having a garage sale? I give you my stuff to sell)

Other than that I am doing better, I have lower back pain and I have figured out it is from being so out of shape.. ( I am a nice shape of ROUND) so, my next goal is to stop eating all this junk food from the road and start eating healthier... I will get there.

As for this stroller brigade... I am so excited! I didn't start it, is but I sure did enjoy it! I hope the snow all melts fast enough that we can start when I get there! I miss all you Jerome people!

I am done!

That is right, I am done! I had my last treatment yesterday and we are headed to Washington on Monday! My next appointment is in three months!.. no more poking or prodding or feeling nauseous for three whole months!.. Woohoo! They even gave me a certificate and everything!.. Yeah!

High School Tag

Pasco High School

1. What year did you graduate? 2002

2. Did you date someone from high school? Yeah, a few

3. What kind of car did you drive? What ever my parents weren't using that day, either a Chevy Lumina or a GMC Sonoma (truck, little truck)

4. What was the most embarrassing moment of high school? I had more than a few, I have an issue where I can't say where I want to say, and it comes out wrong and I end up looking "special"- like eat paste special. :)

5. Were you a party animal? I didn't party in the normal "party" way.. but all the mormons new how to make it a fun night!

6. Were you considered a flirt? I have no idea.. I don't think so.. If I was I must have been considered really bad at it.

7. Were you in band, orchestra or choir? Nope, not in high school.

8. Were you a nerd? Not a very good one.

9. Were you on any varsity teams? Volleyball my senior year.. I was the bench warmer!

10. Did you get expended or expelled? No, my parents would have killed me.

11. Can you still sing the fight song? I don't know... maybe if the music was playing.

12. Who were your favorite teachers? Both Mrs Jones. and my seminary teacher Bishop Banks and Mr Davis.

13. What classes do you wish you would have taken? I wish I would have continued on with A.P. English my Senior year, I gave it up for Mythology (the most boring class ever- I still haven't read the Illiad or the Oddessy) and some other class that I can't remember (apparently it was worth the time to)

14. What was your schools full name? Pasco Senior High School

15. School mascot? We were the Bulldogs...

16. Did you go to homecoming and who with? Didn't go junior year... Sr year I went with Josh ( I can't remember his last name?)

17. Where did you go on senior skip day? I was in class.. and got a lot of extra credit! (nerd I know)

18. Were you in any clubs? FBLA, DECA,... was that it..?

19. Who was your prom date? Jr Year I think it was Alex doubling with Peter and his date and Sr year I went stag with Katy whose date was her brother.

20. What do you remember most about graduation? It was hot, and I kept hoping we could finish sooner. Plus I remember the outfit I got for it, it was a purple top with a purple flowered skirt... I thought I was so cute!

21. What advice would you give yourself? Don't be so opinionated, you offend a lot of people that way... and... relax, you won't see half these people again so don't stress over what they think of you (maybe I wouldn't have been so toung tied)

22. Are you planning on going to any of your reunions? I think it would be fun to go back and see some old teachers and friends.

23. If you could go back and do it again would you? no, it was fun, but life is good now.

I tag anyone anybody who would like to relive there highs school moments for a second or two.

I haven't felt this good in a long time...

So, I am really feeling wonderful! I can't believe it. I started and have carried on an exercise schedule the for 4 whole days (the longest I have ever done, outside of a team) Starting last Thursday (I only work out on week days apparently) I have gone out to the "Wardle gym" and worked out. It started really small, but I just got done like quadrupling my first work out and I feel wonderful. Here is my new schedule: put Cameron to bed before 8:30, put Kevin to bed before 9 (the are in the same room and as such cannot go to bed at the same time) 9:00-- work out.... tonight was 20min on the treadmill walk/jogging, then 10 min on the eliptical machine, then cool down on the stationary bike.. yes this can only happen for the remainder of this week when we move away from "Wardle gym" but me and Tyler are determined to keep it up. (o, did I forget to mention Tyler worked out with me yesterday and today??) How cool is that? Anyways I have more energy during the day and I look foward to my workout everynight.. it is also a lot easier to get my 8 glasses of water in... Things are definetly looking up!!.. Have any tips on how to stick to it when away from exercise machines?

Week 2

Only 5 treatments left! I just finished week 2 which went off without any issues. I have a sore throat and headaches, but my sore thoat should go away soon after treatment. I have been feeling much better. I actually went out and exercised: (think baby steps) walked on the tread mill and rode the stationary bike for a while yesterday and today... I know not much, but it is better than nothing! It feels good to get moving again.

Side note** Cameron got tooth number 13 last week, bottom third to his right!.. he is growing up to fast! (Could be because I feel like I have missed the last 4 months of his life)

Week one

So I just finished week 1 of radiation. Tuesday was my "mock appointment" where they really just did scans to make sure I was lined up correctly. Then I had three treatments wed, thur, and friday. They really are short I am in and out in 30 minutes or so. The actually time the radiation is on is like 8 seconds in front and 16 seconds in back. I have a little nausea, but really we all have a cold so I can't blame it on the radiation. Just 10 more treatments and I am done. And we can get back to life. Me and Tyler have decided that this little vacation has been fun but we really should be getting back to the real world now. We are excited to see my side of the family. We are gonna go stay with my parents until further notice (or when they kick us out.. whichever comes first... :) and Ken said he would even come visit us.

Big day

So yesterday was a big day. It started with an appointment with the radiologist Dr. Hoppe. He gave me all the risks of the radiation therapy I will be getting and more details. Radiation will be 13 days long with one "mock therapy" session where I won't actually be getting any radiation but they want to make sure ever thing will go correctly. My sessions will be short (5-15 minutes, monday through friday. Although radiation could cause other cancers later on, breast cancer being one, and hypothyroidism (because my thyroid will be in the radiation area) risks are low. I am getting a VERY low dose of radiation and because of it should have very many side effects. Mayby nausea for a few days at the begginging and maybe some skin irratation there at the end. I do have to start getting mammorgrams and the other test (forgot what it is called) in 8 years instead of when I am 40. and I do have to start thinking heart healthy becuase my heart maybe affected. If I ever get diabetes or high blood pressure I am suppose to treat those aggressivly. I should start eating right and exercising regularly and keeping my weight in check. This I am very excited about. It gives me a reason to make myself a priority. I have always put the money elsewhere... (should I take a class at the gym.. pilates, or yoga? or maybe a swim class at the rec department?) Yes I am still cheap, so of course I will start small.. but this could be fun! by the way half of this stuff I am just putting here so I can remember it later.

Then I got my picc line pulled out! Serious seperation issues here... that picc line had been though a lot with me and had saved me from passing out more than a few times! It was pretty cool to see them pull it out. All 22 cm of it. We thought it was a lot longer than that!- pics to come of my old friend.

Then I got my CT scan done... We went back to Stanford at 4 and got me all put together in radiation. I laid on this big linear accelerator and they made a pillow that is formed to my head, and then then put this mesh mask over my face and bolted me to the table so I couldn't move, then they gave me three tattoos! yes tattoos!.. ( I kept telling myself that this is not what the Prophet had in mind when he told us not to get tattoos!) they are three little dots, blue, all below my sternum one on each side and one in the middle (you would never know they were there with out me telling you) but I have to say that it was painful and that people are crazy for getting them! They use mine to make sure I am lined up in the machine correctly so the right parts of my body will get the radiation. I am hoping that the worst part of this radiation thing will be the whole bolting me to the table thing because it really sucks. Tyler asked me "so how ya doing?" and I couldn't move!.. couldn't move my mouth to talk, couldn't shake my head or anything. I was stuck to the table!.. yikes.. Oh well, I guess I can handle it for 5-15 minutes for 14 days. (but I will be counting down the days)

So all great news, low doses, only 13 short sessions, no more picc line, and I buzzed my hair!.. it is now 3/4 inches long, all over. It sticks strait up on top.. so hilarious and kinda lays down in the back. It was a very emotional experince but I really do like it a lot better now. (should have done it a while ago- pics to come) anyways... that was my very big day!

"5" things tag

Tagged by Kristi-

5 Things I was doing 5 Years Ago:
-In January 2004 I was in the middle of my sophomore year in college
-Trudging through snow to get to class
-Starting my new job as a lab assistant in Bio 102
-loving newly (5 months) married life
-planning the rest of my life (oh how plans change)

5 Things on my To DO list for Today:
-laundry
-take care of kids
that really is it...

5 Things I would do with a Million Dollars:
-pay off debt ( house, hospital, school... all of it)
-buy Tyler his dream car
-fill college accounts for the kids
-invest so I could live off the interest.. (ha ha)
-build a basement under our house (not possible but still)

5 Places I've Lived:
Pasco, WA
Rexburg, ID
Jerome, ID
Perkins, OK
Cupertino, CA

5 Jobs I've Held:
Nanny/ Babysitter
J.C.Penny Associate
TRAC marketing intern, banquet server, banquet captain, admin assistant, ticket person,
Bio 102 Lab assistant
Mom/Wife

5 Things I Want to be doing in 5 Years:
-Be Cancer free
-having more kids
-loving life
-not moving anywhere (we are always moving)
-going on a 10 year anniversary trip with my hubby

5 People I TAG:
-Gigi
-Nicole
-Tammy
-Saunya
-Jackee

why...

"because you are still my little girl"... that is what that card said when I woke up to a wonderful bouquet of flowers this morning. Tyler reading the card smiled, and said "I know who they are from" after I read the card he continued to joke they were from my "other boy friend". I have had him 24 years now and all he asks for is more grandkids... When I called he said he figured I could use a cheer me up. It worked! (I am sure even Mom is jealous of the lilies) My Dad is the coolest.

New Years Resolutions

So this year I am posting my New years resolutions so they are easier to remember and check up on. I know I had some good ones last year but I can't find them, so they essentially did me no good. But here are what I have come up with and I am sure I will be adding for a while:

1. Get Physically healthy
-eat healthier
-get active
-loose a little weight (not a number, but a feeling)

2. Get Spiritually Healthy
-search, ponder, pray- and take the time to do so

3. Realize, I am not in charge but that I should be in ca-hoots with the one who is. If there is something I have learned it is, That although I am not in charge, Heavenly Father is and he is preparing me what is to come.

4. Spend time and money wiser
-save a little for a rainy day
-time is worth so much more than any THING ever could be

That is all for now.. more to come when I am on less drugs..lol ;)

Jesus wants me for a...

Sun BEAM! That is right.. Kevin came home from his first day of sunbeams today and was singing the whole song!.. he is adorable... I sure hope he sticks to it! I just can't believe that he is that old. He is now part of Primary.. wow... and my little one is just 3 months away from being in nursery! Wow... can you believe that I am just months from being able to go to church to hear something during classes! wow! My boys are growing up!... sad, fun and thought provoking all in one.

Week 7 day two

So this is going to be a busy week I had Chemo yesterday and today.. with some serious nauseousness. Then tomorrow and then next 4 days I come back for nupagen to keep my white cell numbers up. Even with all those shots and bone pain.. my numbers are hovering around 1000. normal people are around 5000 to 10000 when I got down to 300 they canceled chemo all thogether for another week to get my numbers up, if I am around 600- 700 they would decrease the amount of chemo I would get. Where they really want me to be is like 1500, but for some reason my body is being very difficult. But I only have one week left, ( if all goes as planned) Oh and they started weaning me off of my prednisone last week. I get to take 10mg less every time I take it (every other day) So today I get to take a half dose and next wednesday I will take my last dose! Woohoo! No more wanting of all those bad foods! Although most people swell while on prednisone, I think I have swollen more since the weaning began. Anyways, I am just sitting here trying to waste time while they pump me full of anti-nausea drugs. I am to the point where I wish I could vomit.. then I could juse feel better... Right?.. ok maybe not. but I have to say I would take pregnancy nausea over chemo induced nausea anyday (remind me of that in a few years) Atleast I would get a baby out of it! Hope you all had a wonderful new years eve (mine was spent sleeping.. heavenly) and that this New Years brings only happiness, fun and loving moments to you and yours. More to come, my news year resoulutions!..

Pictures

So we dressed the boys up for church today in their outfits we got them for Christmas.. can we say adorable...(biased? yes, do I care? no)


Kevin's might fit for a couple of months but I am not so sure about Cameron's. It is 18 months (he just turned 15 months) and it is already a little tight... oops!
Side note.. Cameron got two more teeth, molars on the bottom.. total:12

Christmas Pictures

Here is a great on of Kevin.

Cameron of course not wanting anything to do with Santa. (Holiday tradition I tell ya)

Our family with Santa.. we have one for every year we have been married... and I love each and every one, screaming kid (or dazed) or not!

And here are the "Santa" gifts. Kevin is in a "Polar express" phase and loves "the black train".. so he got one. And Cameron who is the easiest kid in the world is of course going to love playing with all of his brothers toys way more than anything we get him, but he does love to play with balls, so he got this bug ball thing.

Week number 6

Well, week 5 was horrible, the worst week but now we are onto number 6, so we can stop complaining now. they gave be benadryl so now I am just tired, but thank goodness I have enough energy to sit down to some good grub, Tylers mom asked what we wanted and we are getting it all! Twice baked potatoes, creamed corn, and tri-tip.. yum, yum! Thanks Mom! Good news, they are weaning me off of the prednisone and trying some new antacid, my left finger tips are now tingly and numb... no fun, we will see if I start to drop things becuase of it... other htan that, same old same old!
I do send lots of love this Christmas Eve!... I will take pictures of what Santa is leaving my little one's tonight. We will see how excited those faces will be tomorrow morning as they find what the Grinch was not lucky enough to grab! I am so excited this will probly be the first year Kevin actually gets it and enjoys!

There's no crying in baseball!

Ok, So I have heard some rumors that, people cry as they read my blog... "there is no crying in baseball!" (which movie, which movie?) I do not post so others can cry, I mainly post to document my journey, because, well, I am horrible at real journal writing. But to hear that others feel the need to cry...that just doesn't work for me, no way!... so now that I got that out of the way... No more crying!

I will tell you that this week has been the worst, so far, for something they say it "tollorated well",(cytoxan) it doesn't mix with me. Plus the 4 shots on top of it.. no fun for anyone. 4 hour naps are a very wierd occurance for me... I just wish that I didn't have to be so nauseated to get them :).. life as a Mom right? Husbands, go give your wives a 4 hour nap.. she will love you after-words and might give you a 45 min one later! ;).. It's only fair.

On a lighter note, can you believe it is the 20th of December?.. my jaw dropped as I saw the date on a newspaper in the cancer center... It can't be that close to Christmas! yes, I have shopped, I have wrapped, decorated, sung, but for some reason, I can't believe that it is the 20th!... does anybody else fell like it just isn't time yet? How to make it feel like it is time before time runs out?!? I need snow, a snowman, and a cup of hot chocolate!

Good news and stuff

So to start off, Cameron got two new teeth! for a total of 10. I know last time I reported I said he got number 9.. but apparently that tooth was a figment of my imagination becuase it can't be found. However, he has two huge 1 year molars on top and two very swollen gums on the bottom. If I had to guess he got them within the last 2 days because the fussiness factor has been off the charts and...they are bigger then when I usually notice teeth. They are his new toys, he has his tongue hung out of his mouth or his fingers are in his mouth chewing on them at all times. Cute kid I tell ya.

Then I had week 5 today, the worst week (1 & 5 are the same) for nausea and just generally feeling like crap. They upped my nausea medicine which is nice (I hope it helps). and good news, my PETCT scan showed... nothing!... no hot spots!... a few swollen lymph nodes, scar tissue, but no cancerous metabolic activity! yeah!.. that is good, that is where I should be at this point! So we continue on with 3 more weeks of chemo, two week break, and then three weeks of radiation. Great news!

I have 4 more days of neupagen shots this week to help keep my numbers up. Friday through Monday, and the following Monday I have a pentamadine apt in the pulminary lab... I am allergic to the normal anti-pnemonia drug so I get to go inhale junk from a nebulizer. Good news it is only 10 minutes long! This will be my second and last time. (and they even give you a flavored totsie roll if you are good :)

PETCT scan#2...check

So I just got back from my PETCT... didn't pass out this time.. they used my Picc line.. yeah! by the way, it is so much easier to do it in the morning.. I had to fast all day long...I literally ran for the van to have my wonderful husband waiting for me with Taco Bell and a 1lb box of See's candy... The Taco Bell I was expecting but, the See's was a wonderful surprise! Lets all hope that the Chemo has done such a great job that the cancer is almost hard to see on the scans... what do you think... am I that lucky? Well, good news is, I don't have to change any diapers tonight, bad news kids have to be at arms legnth.. looks like I will be locking myself in my room and enjoying a couple of episodes of Gillmore Girls...

Week 4 and some other randomness..

So week four went great today, I went running from appointment to appointment, and was out in like 4 hours! Chemo was just two drugs this week and they were both push... so that means quick.. I think the thing that takes the longest is getting the dressing changed on my picc line... have to keep that thing sterile... I don't think I will ever look at Saran Wrap the same way... having to use it to take a shower is wierd... but I haven't got my picc line wet yet!.. I did hear today they are scheduling me for another PETCT scan this week or monday to see how small the cancer has gotton.. so that is cool. I am now halfway through my chemo... party!

Here are a couple of pictures of my hair... for your laughing pleasure... it cracks me up. NEVER would I have EVER cut my hair this short but I enjoy 5 minute showers and my hair being dry in no time flat.. these pictures were litterally taken 4 minutes after my shower and it is DRY!! Will I lose it all or not?.. I don't seem to be plugging the shower any more, but maybe there just isn't enough left to plug it... or maybe it is to short.. I guess we will just have to wait to see.
Here are some pictures of those christmas gifts I sent off... I know for all the Jerome people these are nothing new.. but I sure like them.. I got the 6th (6 different colors too!) one done and now I just need to get the 7th done for Christmas morning. They can spell out like 87 different things, plus my mother in law found a new one "Servants of God" and my sister in law says they spelled out their name.. I swear it is like a mind exercise to find out what you can spell.
And here is a picture of my shelf in my room, our own little family Christmas tree set up next to my blocks!.. My own little piece of home!
Other than the picture I put in my header, here are some of our Christmas pictures. Cracks me up how a three year old and a one year old can have so much on their mind while I am trying to get a picture taken.

My day off...

So today was the first day since Tyler got here that I haven't had to go into the Cancer center. The four days of shots were short at least, in and out pretty quick, but those shots sting a little and they make my head ache, as well as my lower jaw bone, bone pain sucks I have decided... lol.(like any pain is good) Any ways, today is my day off and what have I done with it you ask.. nothing. Hung out with the boys, slept in, cuddled with my boys (which I can't get enough of for some reason) Oh another haircut!. Teri, cut it shorter, it is really thin now, but I still don't want to "buzz" it. So I sleep alot these days, but other than that I have gotton 5 of the 7 christmas gifts done. (I will post pictures later) but I am sending off these very cute, inexpensive, homeade gifts to four different states. I hope all my Sister in laws and my mother enjoy them. I know I am enjoying mine. I acutally have to get back to it.. One more to send off tomorrow!

Treatment 3b

So we got up early and had VP-16 this morning, this PiCC line really is great, just hooked me up and got it! woohoo! then Tyler took me out for Quizno's lunch.. wonderful! and I passed out for like 3 hours.... I can't sleep enough! on the bad news thing, the neupagent(sp) shots i need to keep my blood counds up are a 4 day series and becuase insurance won't pay for it at home, i have to go into have it done- 4 days in a row!... thank goodness gas prices have gone down.

Week 3.. A

So I had my first chemo treatment this week.. and it was a VERY LONG DAY! My first appointment was at 8:00 this morning to have my PICC line put in. It is wonderful and so far I love it. She got it in on the first try. It is a catheter on the inside of my bicept and it extends up into a vein above my heart, it is like 5 feet long. The best part is there shoudn't be any more needles, they draw blood and put my chemo in through it so it will save a lot of time! From there we went to the blood draw, very easy, and then we had a while until my doctors appointment so me and Ty headed to the van for a nap, I havn't slept that good in a while. Then I went to see the doctor, saw a new fellow this time, and good news my numbers were much better. I found out that my count last week was 300 (hence, no chemo) and this week I was back to 5000. very good. but I do have to get a shot friday to keep my numbers from dropping to much again. then we went back up for chemo which was adrimycin and vinblastine again (same as week one) and then VP-16 ( a new one) which was a drip. I have to go back tomorrow for another helping of VP-16. Should be a much shorter day though. 10 hours is way to long! Oh, my potassium is low.. I need to eat more, but the rest looks great! Tomorrow will be be treatment 3B. by the way, if this doesn't make any sense, they drugged me, benedryl, I can never think strait on that stuff!

He's Here!

No not Santa... not yet!... Tyler is here with us! Woohoo, we drove over to pick him up at the airport, Kevin feel asleep on the way, but Cameron was awake and gave Tyler the best welcome ever! He grinned and smiled and said "hi". He was just plain adorable. Kevin when he finally woke up said hi Daddy and held his hand the rest of the way home and was very excited to show Daddy his room, and Daddy's room and Cambria's room.. then they played forever wrestling on the floor, I think Kevin really missed that. So we took our pictures, that lasted about 30 seconds, the kids were more interested in the plane flying by and the birdie, birdie, birdie than taking pictures.. Maybe we will try again tomorrow after Chemo.
My hair was still here this moring but then I took a shower and lets just say I have "cancer patient hair"... it is very very thin and I can't move with out strands just falling out. I think if Iwashed it tonight it would all be gone. I have heard people say that it is easier to just buzz it but for some odd reason, I really don't want to do that. They say it is more tramatic this way. Who ar "they" anyways. I think the only trama was when Kevin went to play with my hair today and a whole lot found out on his arm, he had the weirdest look on his face and asked me why it did that... Poor kid.
Tyler is actually combing my hair as I type, he thinks this is funny, watching it fall out like this..lol he says this is too time consuming. Where is the buzzer?...lol. Well we will see how long I takes for me to buzz it or just let it all fall out!

hmm...

Ok so, I am losing my hair.. and it sucks and it funny all wrapped into one. It is a funny feeling because, it is scary to loose that much hair.. you feel like you should be dying if you are loosing that much hair.. well I am not dying but I am loosing a LOT of hair. Number two, (was there a number one?) I wonder, what will I look like without hair, do I have a good shaped head, will it be lopsided or bumpy? Will I have any femininity left? or will I look like a boy? Weird questions, all becuase I clogged the shower drain with my hair. It sure is a good thing I started with a lot of hair other wise I would be bald by now. We will see if I can make it to my goal, Tuesday, I just want to have enough hair to take a family picture for our Christmas card, Tyler gets here Tuesday afternoon and has an online class before he can take pictures... so wish me luck on keeping my hair until tuesday evening! Other wise we are all wearing hats in our picture. :) (now you all want a Christmas card from us don't you!)

I am Thankful for..

My family, all of them, my parents, my in-laws, my brother, my in law siblings. The love an support that they have shown has carried me farther than I ever thought I could go.

My friends, all of them from Idaho and Washington to Oklahoma and back, your words of support have been amazing.

My life, I have been blessed with a great life, good education, strong body, the gospel, and much, much more! **A side note, I am grateful that if I was to have cancer that I got this one, there are others with higher cure rates or easier regiments of chemo or radiation, but there are much worse also.

My kids, they are my reason to keep on keepin on. Their smiles keep my spirit up and their hugs stop the world! Love you guys!

My LOVE, even from 2000 miles away that man can do things no one else can. I love you babe and miss you much.. all I have to say is this better be the longest we are ever apart! (can you promise me that much?)

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and remember to give thanks!

Week 3?... not

So we went in early today becuase I had some (what I call) severe swelling in my right knee, not knowing if it was infection, they wanted to see me before I went in for my pic line. Well it doesn't look like it infected, they don't know why it would be so swollen but when they did my blood they found... issues. My white blood count it to low to do chemo this week, Neutrapenia, it is from my first week of chemo, which I also get weeks 3,5, and 7 so it looks like I will have to give myself shots on those weeks to boost white blood cell production. Me shots?!? So good news, I don't have chemo on Christmas anymore, and I will get to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow! Bad news, I am at a higher risk for infections and chemo will last a week longer. Before we left I went and had a ultrasound of my knee to check for blood clots, none found, but I am supposed to stay off of my knee but not become imobile (i know, funny) anyways, it if funny to be at a learning hospital, my ultrasound was done by a resident learning the ropes of the ultrasound machine.... she was a lot of fun to watch find different veins and arteries...

Cameron's 9th tooth!

Cameron got his 9th tooth, right around yesterday, he has been cranky (for him- he really is one happy kid) and was drooling a lot so of course we suspected a tooth! Woohoo, it is third on the top right! 9 teeth wow!

Have you had your poisen today?

I have! and I passes out to boot!... funny, the lady (Carol) who got it on the first try last week couldn't get a vein after 3 sticks so they called in Cathy, she got it on the first try! But, I passed out while Carol was doing it and honestly it would cut down on time if they could just get a vein, so I am getting a pic line next week. It will be in my arm and hopefully save all of us a lot of hastle, time, and passing out. So far this week no side effects, it should be a good week, I just have to wach for shortness of breath and constipation, oh and the first two days I might have a high fever.. 101 or 102... Anyways, two treatments down, 6 to go.
P.S. Blemycin hurts like crazy when they inject it into your arm for a test shot.. it does not hurt in the IV.. weird.... oh and Vincrisitine sucks...becuase it messes with your nerves, especially my sciatic nerve

Much better!

So what can I report?.. I feel so much better! The nausea has subsided to a degree, I went out and went Christmas shopping for 3 hours today, just me and Cameron!.. (Kevin was at preschool) and I was apparently in the mood to spend! I am so glad I am feeling better! I can play with my kids and I don't have to take naps all day long! Yeah!... My Mom flies in tomorrow and more Chemo on Wednesday so a lot to look forward to!

Negative side effects enclosed

Ok, so I have had a few hard days, vomit, nausea and unbelievable fatigue, no appetite (this is a whole new world for me!- I don't ever remember running from a fresh pot of spaghetti before) my mouth has just started to hurt, and my lips are starting to sting, but really the hardest part is the whole not enjoying my kids thing, it seems like I sleep when they are awake and they sleep when I am awake and really I have only changed one diaper today!... ( don't get me wrong, I don't mind sharing THAT particular duty) but it really is hard that I am not the first person they run to anymore. Other than that, I no longer can watch perscription drug commercials, for some reason they have an odd effect on me, like they bring me back to reality, I am NOT healthy. Funny stuff to start crying at a rumatoid arthritis Rx drug commercial, I wish I could blame it on PMS, but alas, for once, that is not the issue.

**don't get me wrong, I am glad my kids have someone else to run to, but really what good is Mom if she can't fix the "owwee's"

WHAT?!?

So I was look through my Chemo schedule (they have me scheduled until Christmas) The two weeks I have Chemo twice in the same week are week 3 and 7... guess when that happends to be?... Christmas and Thanksgiving! That is right I have Chemo on the day before Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Christmas!.. WHAT?!? For some reason this seems like I am being punk'd or something.. well let me tell you something Ashton... I am NOT famous!..
Good news, Tyler informed me tonight that he will be joining me and the boys a couple of weeks early.. He will get to come and STAY the week after thanksgiving.. they are going to let him teach and take his classes on line the last few weeks of the semester!.. woohoo.. even Ashton can't take that away from me!
:)

Just call me pin-cushion!

So today was my first treatment.. I am officially a cancer patient.. :) Day one down and weeks to go. I was there like all day and about to fall asleep at the wheel so I will try to make this quick. Went in had my blood drawn, had lunch while my doctor ran late.. ( apparently is is habitual with her) Went back had my doc apt and then went upstairs for chemo, I got a window set which apparently is the coveted seat.. lol. The first lady couldn't get a vein in my right arm so another lady came back a did one in the other arm, got it on the first try...woohoo! They are trying to talk me into getting a pick line, but I really don't want one. So all in all 4 stabbings occured! hence the pin cusion lead in. They got me doesd up on anti-nusea meds first thing and then proceeded to inject me with a red chemo drug,(my pee is already red) and clear one that cuases numbness in fingers and toes (My left fingers went a little numb while it went in)-"this is the one that will make your hair fall out"..."lovely" then they put me on one that is "tolerated well", which of course gave me a horrible metal taste in my mouth and that was on a drip line so it took an hour.. all in all we got there at 12:30 and didn't leave until 7:30... I am on 6 differnt Rx pills at home and am already greatful for the nausea ones becuase the taste in my mouth alone is makeing me nauseous- think pregnacy nausea. Anyways, I made it through.. didn't pass out (although I think I would have if my feet hadn't been elevated- had the ringing in my ears and the twinkly vison and everything) But I made it and now I just need to sleep (I get to take a sedative nausea pill tonight!)- For Mark who I am sure is trying to guess the drugs I have been describing, the three were, Adriamycin, Velban, Cytoxan
Oh and I found out the plan from here on out: 8 weeks of this. 2 weeks rest, 3 weeks radiation, 5 days a week, and then tests every 3 months for the next 2 years, every 6 months for the 2 years after that and then every year after that. There is the plan stan!

Cute pictures

So 600 pictures dating back to July I thought I would upload some of my favorites:

Cameron being cute.. playing with cards and eating bananas

One of our impromptu trips to Washington- Kevin and Grandpa exploring Grandpa's boat.

Grandma and the boys!

Grandpa and Cameron playing in Washington

Cameron playing in Washington

I got a hair cut!

Yep I got a haircut, below are my before and after. I figured if I was going to loose my hair I might as well take a risk and go shorter and I LOVE IT! ( i havn't had bangs in decades!)I don't want to loose my hair now! What do ya think?

The trip to California

So we had a blast on the way out to California (yes, I realize that this is over 3 weeks old but I went though my camera and had over 600 pictures so I figured I would post the cute ones from the trip)


We got to see both sides of my parents family in Denver, (top picture is my maternal grandmother, bottom picture is my paternal grandmother)

This is my great grandmother in my father's mothers side, so Cameron and Kevin are her 5th generation. She is 98!


This was us in front of a dinosaur at the Museum of nature and science in Denver. And Kevin was very intriged when he got to make a dinosaur tooth inside. (doesn't he look so well behaved in this picture)

We got to do all sorts of cool dinosaur stuff at the museum including uncovering dinosaur bones, building bigger than Kevin sized puzzles and of course being scared of the T-rex.


Maybe he'll be an archaeologist some day!


Here is Kevin and Cameron jumping on Uncle Kens trampoline (or his neighbors), we stayed two nights in Provo, but apparently only took pictures on the trampoline, instead of with all the cousins they got to visit. It was a great trip and if I had a dollar for every time someone said "it was great to see you, it would be even better if it wasn't under these circumstances" we wouldn't have ANY medical bills!

Halloween and the pumpkin patch

So I know I am late posting my Halloween pictures and we went to the pumpkin patch when we were in Oklahoma so those are even later but the pictures turned out so darn cute I have to share them.

My kids went as a tiger (third year we have used this costume) and Optimus Prime... Kevin's favorite transformer.. it was kinda funny none of the kids his age knew what he was but all the older kids did.. (especially the high schoolers)


This ward doesn't have trunk o treat so we went to a shopping district with cousins Cambria and Capri for trick or treatin,

Kevin climbed up in this tractor wheel well an was so darn cute when he said he wanted to hold baby!

Here was our family in front of this cool pumpkin at the pumpkin patch!

Cameron didn't really want to walk around in the prickly pumpkin plants so he got a ride on Granma Vicki's shoulders.

Kevin trying to find the perfect pumpkin.. he loved be able to run in a large field!

Tyler picking out his perfect pumpkin.

Cameron's baby blanket

So while my Mom was in town I got Cameron's baby blanket made (yes I understand that he is 13 months old.. he will never know that I didn't have it done for him at his birth) the great news is that it is done and that he loves it!

PEEK

A

BOO!

Is that possible?

Yep it is possible, I didn't know it could be, but it happened. I couldn't start Chemo today, because they are out of one of the drugs I need for treatment, One that starts with a V, I don't remember which one it was but it is a nation wide shortage. It was funny, I went in had my blood work done, waited in the waiting room for like 2 hours and then when through the information stage with the fellow, then when he left to go get my doctor, he came back and said there was bad news that he and Dr. Advani had just been informed that there was none of this "v" drug. So we did get great infomation about side effects, how many drugs I will be on when and stuff but no Chemo today ( I actually am more than Ok with this) They are hoping they will get more in soon, So I could start next wednesday or the wednesday after that. If I am unable to get in next week, they want to take a new PET scan (they want it within a month of when I start treatment, this delay would put me over a month) So really we are just waiting again... (Don't worry this is such a slow growing cancer that I am not in any more danger.. cure rate will still be the same next week or the week after)

Good news

Looks like the "core" sample was enough so I will be starting Chemo on Wednesday! No Biopsy needed!