Thursday, June 3, 2010
Scan Results
The great news is that no cancer was detected on the scans! (Well, the radiologist reported a spot on the liver that my doctor couldn't detect on his cd, so we'll find out for sure on Monday.) If you remember, the previous scan had shown signs of cancer in my sternum and pelvic regions, so this is fantastic news! The bummer news is that my oncologist would like me to continue chemo for a bit longer. We do what we gotta do, right? (so I keep telling myself)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The torch has been passed on
It has been such a privilege and honor to serve as the young women's leader the past couple years. As I told the girls on Sunday, they helped turn what could have been two of the hardest years of my life into two of the most beautiful and testimony-building years of my life. I was loved, sustained, and full of purpose every day that I could be in their presence and working for them! I never would have foreseen the day when I would willingly tell the Bishop that I may need to pass the leadership torch onto someone else, but life has come to that. I just got to the point where it didn't feel right that I couldn't give the best me to either my family or the young women; and when it comes down to the need to please, family must come first.
I'm so excited that Mama Spease will be running the program now, and look forward to watch the young women learn and flourish under her loving guidance!
(a few of the graduating laurels)
Random Photos
Gypsie Lady
Basketball season comes to an end...
Kami sanding down a "sword" -- must be armed and ready for battle
Just changed the van brakes -- such a turn on (can I say that on a family blog? hee hee)
Love my kids
Basketball season comes to an end...
Kami sanding down a "sword" -- must be armed and ready for battle
Just changed the van brakes -- such a turn on (can I say that on a family blog? hee hee)
Love my kids
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Leyna Leyna Leyna
All that know our loveable Leyna, knows that she has no filter and says anything and everything on her mind. You also know that she loves to be heard....by everyone. So Sunday afternoon she was in the backyard swinging on the swing, singing at the top of her lungs,
"Sing, sweet Nightingale. Sing, sweet Nightingale. Aaaaa haaa aaaaa haa haaa!!" (sounded just like the stepsister on Cinderella) Then out of nowhere, to the same tune she starts shouting as loud as can be,
"Myyyy mom is bald. Myyyy mom is bald. Aaaa haaaa aaaa haaaa!!"
Eric and I were in the house listening and laughing hysterically!!
Leyna has this fascination with my baldness. Almost every morning she asks, "Mom, you're still bald?" She feels the need to tell every stranger and friend that her mom has no hair. On more than one occasion she's ripped my hat off and run away to expose my naked head in the midst of crowds of people. She has mini princess dolls whose hair can be removed and interchanged. She brought me one of her dolls the other day and said, "This one is you, Mom." Of course it had no hair at all. I think it's hilarious. I get a good giggle out of it every time I think of her innocence and obsession with the situation.
"Sing, sweet Nightingale. Sing, sweet Nightingale. Aaaaa haaa aaaaa haa haaa!!" (sounded just like the stepsister on Cinderella) Then out of nowhere, to the same tune she starts shouting as loud as can be,
"Myyyy mom is bald. Myyyy mom is bald. Aaaa haaaa aaaa haaaa!!"
Eric and I were in the house listening and laughing hysterically!!
Leyna has this fascination with my baldness. Almost every morning she asks, "Mom, you're still bald?" She feels the need to tell every stranger and friend that her mom has no hair. On more than one occasion she's ripped my hat off and run away to expose my naked head in the midst of crowds of people. She has mini princess dolls whose hair can be removed and interchanged. She brought me one of her dolls the other day and said, "This one is you, Mom." Of course it had no hair at all. I think it's hilarious. I get a good giggle out of it every time I think of her innocence and obsession with the situation.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Toothfairy Visits Simi Valley!
Gavin lost his first tooth today! We rented "Toothfairy" in his honor and now he's $3 richer! 
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Chemo session 21
I have PET/CT scans scheduled for next Tuesday and find out results on Thursday. Keep your fingers crossed and hearts a prayin'!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A Child's View of Thunderstorms
A little girl walked to and from school daily.
Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to school.
As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning.
The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school. She also feared the electrical storm might harm her child.
Full of concern, the mother got into her car and quickly drove along the route to her child's school.
As she did, she saw her little girl walking along.
At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile.
More lighting followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.
When the mother drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called, "What are you doing?"
The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture."
May God bless you today and every day as you face the storms that come your way!
Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to school.
As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning.
The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school. She also feared the electrical storm might harm her child.
Full of concern, the mother got into her car and quickly drove along the route to her child's school.
As she did, she saw her little girl walking along.
At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile.
More lighting followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.
When the mother drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called, "What are you doing?"
The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture."
May God bless you today and every day as you face the storms that come your way!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Kaden's church talk
I made some suggestions to help Kaden write a talk for church this Sunday, but he refused any of my input. Instead, he sat down, started writing and 5 minutes later produced the following talk. In it, he incorporated the words of Grandpa Rick's baptism talk over a year ago! It's awesome to step back and realize that our children are really listening and understanding those things we're teaching, so much so that they can verbalize their thoughts and testimonies to be shared with others. Our kids are growing up so fast! 
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
I have been blessed with AMAZING mothers in my life who have taught me countless lessons. For those who know our families, I'll let you take a gander at who taught me what. Some that come to mind include:
1. Always send 'thank you' cards
2. A gift should be given from the heart. Don't waste money on a card when a simple 'thank you' will suffice.
3. Life is about having fun and taking advantage of the moment. Be spontaneous.
4. Life should be enjoyed, but work should always come first.
5. A clean house is a house of order,and therefore,a house of God and peace.
6. A clean house is wonderful, but if family or other tasks need to be done, the workload of home can always be done later.
7. Having a good time in life teaches your children that other things and people matter besides just them.
8. The kids are everything, and everything you do should benefit them. (#7&8 can be linked together since doing for ourselves teaches such an important benefit for the kiddos.)
9. Ironning for our men is our responsibility.
10. Purchase non-wrinkling shirts, but if they do need some TLC, there's no reason why he can't iron his own clothing without you feeling guilty about it.
11. Drop everything for a fun time.
12. Drop everything to help someone in need.
I'm so glad I have such diverse ideals in my life, each with lessons that help me prioritize and have influenced the kind of mother I am today. Love you, Moms!
Today was a great Mother's Day -- probably the best yet. – No Ward Council meeting. Yay! I got to sleep in until Kami kept coming in and saying, ‘Wake up, Mom. I want you to open our presents.” I brushed my teeth and went downstairs. Eric had prepared pancakes and bacon. I was given an Olive Garden gift card with a note that said, “Mom, we know how much you love the Olive Garden. You are more “classy” than a fine dining experience. “ There was a box of See’s candies with a note, “Mom, sometimes you are like a box of chocolates. You bite into one and are not sure what you are going to get, but most of the time it is sweet.” A large bouquet of mums were on the table with this note, “Mom, we got you flowers to represent your beauty, these flowers are called mums. We got some mums for our mum” There were also some berries, “Mom, we know how much you like berries and we got themf or you just because…because we love you so “berry” much.” Kami also presented me with a recipe book and Kaden had handmade a fun trinket holder at school. To top it all off, we got to hear Eric give a talk in church – he did a great job of paying tribute to all kinds of mothers that impacted homes and history. Very well done.
1. Always send 'thank you' cards
2. A gift should be given from the heart. Don't waste money on a card when a simple 'thank you' will suffice.
3. Life is about having fun and taking advantage of the moment. Be spontaneous.
4. Life should be enjoyed, but work should always come first.
5. A clean house is a house of order,and therefore,a house of God and peace.
6. A clean house is wonderful, but if family or other tasks need to be done, the workload of home can always be done later.
7. Having a good time in life teaches your children that other things and people matter besides just them.
8. The kids are everything, and everything you do should benefit them. (#7&8 can be linked together since doing for ourselves teaches such an important benefit for the kiddos.)
9. Ironning for our men is our responsibility.
10. Purchase non-wrinkling shirts, but if they do need some TLC, there's no reason why he can't iron his own clothing without you feeling guilty about it.
11. Drop everything for a fun time.
12. Drop everything to help someone in need.
I'm so glad I have such diverse ideals in my life, each with lessons that help me prioritize and have influenced the kind of mother I am today. Love you, Moms!
Today was a great Mother's Day -- probably the best yet. – No Ward Council meeting. Yay! I got to sleep in until Kami kept coming in and saying, ‘Wake up, Mom. I want you to open our presents.” I brushed my teeth and went downstairs. Eric had prepared pancakes and bacon. I was given an Olive Garden gift card with a note that said, “Mom, we know how much you love the Olive Garden. You are more “classy” than a fine dining experience. “ There was a box of See’s candies with a note, “Mom, sometimes you are like a box of chocolates. You bite into one and are not sure what you are going to get, but most of the time it is sweet.” A large bouquet of mums were on the table with this note, “Mom, we got you flowers to represent your beauty, these flowers are called mums. We got some mums for our mum” There were also some berries, “Mom, we know how much you like berries and we got themf or you just because…because we love you so “berry” much.” Kami also presented me with a recipe book and Kaden had handmade a fun trinket holder at school. To top it all off, we got to hear Eric give a talk in church – he did a great job of paying tribute to all kinds of mothers that impacted homes and history. Very well done.
Serena, the Graduate!
Congratulations, Serena, on graduating!!!! A job well done. Hopefully I won't be too far behind you if only I can decide what I want to be when I grow up - I thought I always knew until recently. Life is funny like that.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
5k Family Fun Run/Walk/Ride
with 362 registered participants and almost $6k in funds raised, our 5k fundraiser for youth camps was a huge success, and we're sure it will only get bigger and better with time. After a prayer, presentation of American Flag, and singing of the National Anthem, bikers were sent on their way. Eric rode along with Gavin and Leyna. Kade rode with his friend, Wyatt. Runners and walkers left just 30 seconds later. Kambria is awesome. She ran the entire 3 miles without stopping or walking! She finished strong, too, racing my friend Kim across the finish line! You go, Girl!! Following the event, participants visited vendors, booths, played games like gunny sack races, egg toss, tug of war, limbo, etc... and had a great time listening to our amazing DJs, Millennium Productions. I hope to be a part of it all next year! 
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
3rd Time's a Charm?
Following are the pictures of what I hope is my last round of radiation, despite my adoration for the doctors and nurses there.
Eric stayed home this round to take care of the kids, allowing one of the greatest individuals on earth, Kim, to accompany me.
After 3-4 attempts of accessing my port, it finally worked with a longer needle.
Check out how swollen my head is where the screws go in. I think most of the swelling is the lidocaine.
Here we go for another ambulance ride to the building next door. LOL
And here we are for radiation.
Of the 5 remaining tumors, 2 shrunk so much that my doctor opted not to radiate them. The other 3 shrunk by almost half, and the previously treated tumors look like scar tissue, meaning not living. In other words, my body is responding beautifully to the chemotherapy – it’s working in the brain!! Dr. Ahn said he does this all the time and doesn’t see this kind of rapid success, not with the number of tumors that I had.
The plan is to continue chemo every two weeks and have another MRI in 2-3 months to check up on things, as well as a full body scan. Things are going well and I think can only get better! Thank you for all the prayers that are obviously being heard!!!! I Love you!
Eric stayed home this round to take care of the kids, allowing one of the greatest individuals on earth, Kim, to accompany me.
After 3-4 attempts of accessing my port, it finally worked with a longer needle.
Check out how swollen my head is where the screws go in. I think most of the swelling is the lidocaine.
Here we go for another ambulance ride to the building next door. LOL
And here we are for radiation.
Of the 5 remaining tumors, 2 shrunk so much that my doctor opted not to radiate them. The other 3 shrunk by almost half, and the previously treated tumors look like scar tissue, meaning not living. In other words, my body is responding beautifully to the chemotherapy – it’s working in the brain!! Dr. Ahn said he does this all the time and doesn’t see this kind of rapid success, not with the number of tumors that I had.
The plan is to continue chemo every two weeks and have another MRI in 2-3 months to check up on things, as well as a full body scan. Things are going well and I think can only get better! Thank you for all the prayers that are obviously being heard!!!! I Love you!
Elder Bednar visits
Our stake was fortunate to have Elder Bednar visit us this weekend. Following are some random highlights that I enjoyed, hopefully paraphrased correctly:
We hope you, not of our faith, aren’t offended by our forthrightness to share the gospel with you. Rather, we hope you see the compliment in our sharing with you what matters most to our hearts.
Agency is not necessarily choosing, but the power of independent action. Once you sign a contract for a team, a company, etc...you are duty-bound and no longer a free agent. When baptized, our agency falls under baptismal covenant. We don’t have the option not to keep the commandments. If you break a covenant, don’t call it agency of choosing – it’s rebelling and breaking a commandment. Once baptized, you are duty-bound to choose the right.
When I was president of BYU, many times I was approached by students about why they had to follow a dress code and certain standards. I would first ask them if they signed up to attend BYU, or if their parents signed them up? Secondly, I would ask them if they signed the dress code contract, because once they signed the contract, they didn’t have the right to choose not to obey the standards. They could do it elsewhere, but not at school, not under contract.
I hear from a lot of people in the western world that they don’t have time for family scripture study. I simply do not believe it. You make time for what’s important to you. If you don’t have time to read and pray, it’s not important to you.
We will be what we have become. We all will overcome physical and spiritual death and return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. The question is, “Will we stay there?” Our actions will determine if we can stay. We will be what we have become.
We hope you, not of our faith, aren’t offended by our forthrightness to share the gospel with you. Rather, we hope you see the compliment in our sharing with you what matters most to our hearts.
Agency is not necessarily choosing, but the power of independent action. Once you sign a contract for a team, a company, etc...you are duty-bound and no longer a free agent. When baptized, our agency falls under baptismal covenant. We don’t have the option not to keep the commandments. If you break a covenant, don’t call it agency of choosing – it’s rebelling and breaking a commandment. Once baptized, you are duty-bound to choose the right.
When I was president of BYU, many times I was approached by students about why they had to follow a dress code and certain standards. I would first ask them if they signed up to attend BYU, or if their parents signed them up? Secondly, I would ask them if they signed the dress code contract, because once they signed the contract, they didn’t have the right to choose not to obey the standards. They could do it elsewhere, but not at school, not under contract.
I hear from a lot of people in the western world that they don’t have time for family scripture study. I simply do not believe it. You make time for what’s important to you. If you don’t have time to read and pray, it’s not important to you.
We will be what we have become. We all will overcome physical and spiritual death and return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. The question is, “Will we stay there?” Our actions will determine if we can stay. We will be what we have become.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Leyna is 4!!!
Both my girls are another year older -- guess that means we all are, huh? It's the best to have family around to celebrate! Grandma Joan got Leyna some princess shoes that were a bit too big, but she loves them anyhow. When she woke up this morning and realized it was her real birthday, she ran to the dressup shoes and put on a pair. She sighed and slumped, then said, "But my shoes still are too big." She expected to grow overnight -- love it. Leyna ate a bit of this cake and said, "Mom, this cake is too giant. I can't finish it." Thank goodness, because it was giant. Leyna cracks us up constantly. Her Aunt Kristi said that Leyna sucked all the personality out of the other kids. She talks incessantly which can be tiring at times, but she is adorable and hilarious. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank God for her presence in our family, and for her amazing cuddling capabilities.
Tiff and Devin were excellent to have our family stay with them this weekend. I told Tiff that holding an event at another person's house is the way to go -- she did most of the cooking and cleaning while I visited. By the time all the guests went home, I was okay, but poor Tiff was deliriously exhausted -- as a result, she was laughing at everything, to the point of snorting! It was hilarious to watch her, but I felt a pang of guilt inside knowing she was tired from hostessing our family and friends for days.
Tiff and Devin were excellent to have our family stay with them this weekend. I told Tiff that holding an event at another person's house is the way to go -- she did most of the cooking and cleaning while I visited. By the time all the guests went home, I was okay, but poor Tiff was deliriously exhausted -- as a result, she was laughing at everything, to the point of snorting! It was hilarious to watch her, but I felt a pang of guilt inside knowing she was tired from hostessing our family and friends for days.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)