Thursday Chris had chemo. He lost 3 pounds but his white blood cell count was 3.4!!! Wow! From .78 to 3.4. Anything higher than a 3 is were they like it to be:) After chemo we had a family Christmas party (my mom's side) Chris wasn't well but such a trooper went anyway. He is tired, sick and been having bad headaches. He is also trying hard not to get sick, thanks to his family. I started getting sick Friday. Poor Chris has been sleeping on the couch since then:(
Meg and I went to the David Archuleta/Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert. It was wonderful!!! After the concert we ran to Deseret Book store and waited almost two hours in the cold for him to sign some CD's that we bought. Saturday night we had are annual family (my dads side)Christmas party. Chris was ill but came. We ate, talked and Santa came. Fun to see all the relatives. Last year at this time Chris was in the hospital with blood clots in his lungs, and making me wonder if he would be around to baptize Jacob. Jacob's last birthday brings back wonderful memories - being baptised on Christmas Eve and having a wonderful lunch and a beautiful birthday cake made by a special family. Thanks again:):)
Chris will see the doctor on December 30th and should have chemo.
Hope your almost done or done (that would be better:) Christmas shopping. I am excited to start relaxing (hee,hee). After Wednesday morning I can. I am feeding the teachers breakfast Wednesday. I am having most of it catered. Thank goodness since I am not feeling well. Darn cold!!! Last week I had a child home sick every day. Ahhh. (Didn't get any shopping done!) Haven't even started on neighbor gifts yet! I do have to admit yesterday was fun - all day treats kept arriving. Kids would fight to get to the door to receive the goodie. We are surrounded by good cooks. Keep um comin!!:) hee, hee.
Have a Merry Christmas! We love you all,
Ricki

Chris lost 3 pounds this week. Didn't have chemo because his white blood cell count was 0.78. Last weeks chemo was realllyy hard on him. He was still throwing up Wednesday night, which is unusual. The nurse gave him an IV of Zofran to try to relieve the nausea. Doctor decided that Chris should come back next week for chemo (it would have been his off week). Will see how it goes.
So, now I have to be flexible with my schedule (which I don't like to do:) We were going to celebrate Jacob's bday next Saturday, during the day after his Jr. Jazz game and before my Uncle's xmas party (Friday, I have tickets to the David Archuleta and Mormon Tabernacle Choir Concert- lucky, lucky ME!!! I'm surprised you didn't hear me screaming when they arrived in the mail:) but we are now going to celebrate tonight because Chris might be ill next week. Had to call all the relatives, go and get his present and buy his birthday cake. Asked my mom to babysit Katie next week. Change my dentist appointment (was next Thursday- that's ok though hate dentist:) If Chris had had chemo yesterday he would have then had chemo Dec. 23rd making him sick for Christmas. This way if he has chemo next week then he won't be sick for Christmas. Good thing. So, now Chris can go to Jacob's bday party, his Jr. Jazz game on Saturday and ward Xmas party. Maybe I will even throw in a trip to Temple Square to see the lights - since he is feeling better (hee, hee) then if he had chemo:):) Doctor mentioned changing chemo to every two weeks. We meet with him Dec. 30th.
"Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6)
Love ya, Ricki

Chris gained 6 lbs!!! His white blood cell count (immune system) was at 1.1. Doctor decided to still treat him just a different dose. Doctor doesn't believe that white blood cell count will go up much higher because his bone marrow has "been beaten up." (Bone marrow is where white blood cells are made). Chris has been doing chemo for about a year and a 1/2. Takes its toll on the body. It was very nice having a talkative, happy husband for awhile but now he is back to throwing up, sleeping and being very tired:(
I want to thank those at Chris' work that did the candy gram for him. That was very thoughtful. Things like that always make people feel loved and appreciated. Chris needs stuff like that so that he can keep fighting. Makes life a little easier. You're awesome!! Thanks again.
Everyone but Chris and Ryan are sick. We have: sore throat, fever, aches and pains, cough and congestion. Been a lot of fun trying to keep us away from Chris. We are using a lot of wipes, hand sanitizer and Lysol.
Meg had a great time in California on her trip, came home sicker then when she left:):).
Chris put up our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving day and finished taking the kids shopping. We loved the movie Tangled by Disney. Katie kept asking if we could buy it:)
Jr. Jazz has started for Tay and Jacob. Here comes the hair pulling (on my own head:) because of now being way to crazy. Tay and Jacob have bball practice, Rye has a choir concert, all three boys have scouts, chemo, ward Xmas party, bball games, science fair project, and Tay has a Greek project due. At least I can say we have now started the science fair project. Rye is growing bean plants in cups and feeding each one a different liquid - Rock Star, 5 hour Energy Drink, Pepsi, water, and Miracle Grow to see which one will do the best. "Place your bets!":):)
"Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on what happens inside of you; it is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life." -President Harold B. Lee
Love ya, Ricki

Chris lost 2 lbs. He didn't end up having chemo because his white blood cell count was .05!!!!!!!!!!! So basically, he doesn't have an immune system. So please, if you are ill or think you are getting a cold please just wave to Chris from a distance. The doctor told him to wear a mask but of course Chris won't (I wouldn't either:). We are trying to be very diligent in keeping things clean around the house and not go out.
Last week was soooo busy that I am very excited about this week. We will have Thanksgiving here at our house but everyone pitches in and brings things - especially the items that I won't cook (sweet potatoes with marshmallows, gravy, shrimp cocktail, stuffing, and cranberries - Yuck!!) don't worry Chris doesn't like any of those things either and so of course our children don't like them either:) Makes the meal much easier to prepare. Then we will go and see Tangled by Disney, can't wait. Friday, my family (the women) and I will brave the sales. 3 am here we come. Hopefully, there isn't anything I need.
Today has been strange. I have been moving summer clothing from the closet. Felt weird wondering what next year will bring. Will I have the whole closet to myself?? And Chris called and asked if there were any certain days next year that he should take off. How far do you plan?? And with Chris being "somewhat healthy" at this moment he is more himself. The outgoing, always talking, giving his opinion guy. We just go through ups and downs. Right now life feels "normal" so I will enjoy it while it lasts (Dec. 2 is chemo). I have a whole list of projects for him. Number one is Ryan's science fair project (Ahhhh).
Ohh, I have to brag Meg got a 4.0 last quarter. Scholarships here we come. She has been applying for some. Rye did well also. Meg did well on her talk in church and has been wearing her medallion. The primary/young men's presidency did a great job presenting the Priesthood Preview. Can't believe how fast time is flying!
If you live here bundle up, make sure you have food for a couple of days, and gas in your tank. I'm hoping for a snow day. "Let it snow!!" It would be fun to just stay home and play outside. The last one we had was on my birthday-January 11, 1993. I got to stay home from work - best birthday ever!! Travel safe and have a Happy Turkey Day!
Love ya, Ricki

Chris gained 4 lbs. Yeah!!:) Spoke with doctor he said that growth was bigger than May scan. It hasn't spread to anywhere else-thank goodness!! Doctor gave us options to think about. He isn't sure if the chemo is working anymore. Chris wants to keep going on this chemo regiment until January. Then in January they will do another PET scan. Doctor said that there is one more chemo that Chris could try but it has verrryyy bad side effects inside and outside the body. Chris would loose his hair and have a reallyyy bad rash-like acne all over and of course be sicker and more tired. Chris asked dr. how much longer this chemo would give him. Doctor couldn't give any definite answer. Chris also asked him, "if he stopped taking chemo how long would he have?" Doctor said about 4 months. Everyone is different. So we will continue to plug along not knowing what the future holds:) Chris is sick today (thrown up way to much) and very tired.
I went and spoke with the funeral director yesterday. Went alright. I can't believe how much money it costs!! I am going to do what they call a "double deep" plot. They will put Chris' casket down further in the ground and then when I die my casket will be placed on top of his. Saves money:) I asked Chris if he wanted to be involved but he doesn't want to which I totally understand. Since this is a new cemetery I have a lot of plots to pick from (of course each area cost different amounts). The casket we picked out is from Costco. Much cheaper than funeral homes, and it's nice it is white and gold. Funeral director gave me a booklet which will be helpful to work out all the details.
Rye went to Turkey Shoot last night he had tonnsss of fun. Chris to ill to go. Today Meg is doing Sadie's. Tomorrow she receives her Young Woman's Medallion in Sacrament and then she gets to speak:) Tuesday is Young Women in Excellence and scouts. Wednesday Tay has Priesthood Preview - hard to believe he is going to be turning twelve soon and receiving the priesthood!! On the 18th is chemo and. . . . Mickey Mouse's Birthday!!!:) Friday I feed the teachers for parent teacher conference (D track) and Saturday we feed the missionaries (lucky them - hee, hee).
And of course all the usual homework, science fair projects, indian boy project, reading etc., etc. etc. :):) Not toooo crazy a week, hee, hee.
Love ya all, Ricki

So, I need a secretary!!!!!:)
We have been very busy since last I wrote. During UEA break Chris took us to Arches National Park, Mesa Verde and Chaco National Park (in New Mexico!). It was an off chemo week for him and he has always wanted to take us to these places. We had a great time. Chris was veerryyy tired but did a wonderful job. Halloween day was crazy we cleaned the church, had primary program practice and fed the missionaries. Then we "did" Halloween. Tay dressed up as a UofU fan and Jacob drew black lines on himself (who knows what he was) and of course Katie was a princess - Bell. It rained, no down-poured. Chris was to ill to go out trick-or-treating so I went. I usually stay home and pass out candy. Meg stayed home and passed out candy. Rye went to a party. When Katie was cold and wet enough and didn't want to trick-or-treat anymore I let Jacob, Taylor and their friends go out together. It was a sad Halloween. I was glad it was raining so that no one knew I was crying. Last year was are last Halloween with Chris:(
Chris lost 3 lbs one week and 4 lbs the next. The doctor changed the doses of chemo both times because of low white blood cell counts and upped the anti nausea medicine. We also got to talk to the social worker to see how we are doing. Chris has a PET scan tomorrow (Nov. 8th) and then we meet with the doctor Thursday to find out results and have chemo.
This past week we voted, I fed the teachers for parent teacher conference and had parent teacher conferences for Jacob and Taylor, cross country banquet where Meg and Rye received awards.
Saturday, we started are annual tradition of Chris taking a child out to dinner where they want and then Christmas shopping for the family. Because it was a no chemo week Chris was feeling "a little" better. He took Katie out. She picked Chick-fil-a and then went shopping. Poor Chris came home exhausted, but hey a four year old can do that to anyone. Hee, hee. Chris will take out Jacob on Tuesday. We need to fit in as many as we can during his off weeks. He only has two between now and Christmas. He has to take out 5 kids:) One is Thanksgiving day and the other is December 16th. Not a lot of time until Christmas.
Chris is still working. He has been given a new position. I am very grateful to his boss. Chris hopes to continue working until at least January 1st (beyond if he can). Then he will have earned his bonus (which they give out in March). He keeps saying he has to make it. That we will need the money. We were in the process of filling out paperwork to get half of Chris' life insurance money out so that he could pay off the house but company Chris works for is changing from Metlife to Prudential life insurance as of Jan. 1st. So we stopped the process because we found out that Prudential will pay us $13,000 more than Metlife would have. What a blessing that we hadn't turned in paperwork yet.
Yesterday, I went and looked at cemeteries. I found the one that I believe will be good for our family. It has a duck pond, lots of baby trees (it's a new one), farm land all around it and it's in a quiet area (for now:). I will call and talk with them sometime this week about prices etc. Not a fun thing to do but, as I keep telling people I have been blessed to have time to do these things before he dies so that when he dies, instead of having to make decisions and run all around I can lay in my bed, eat chocolate and cry.
During this past week I have cried a lot having to do things that I have never done before (always made Chris do them). Change the light bulbs outside, put away the outside Halloween decorations, change the batteries in the fire alarms, and handle the bills/budget. Chris is becoming to ill to worry about finances. I have always just let him do these things because I already felt to busy and I wanted him to "feel included in the family" Hee, hee. He tells me all the time he is "sorry" but I always start to cry telling him that he is making the biggest sacrifice for our family by continually going to work each day. He doesn't/shouldn't need to worry about anything else. When he comes home from work he is sooo tired. Kids will sometimes say that they want their old dad back. I remind them gently of the love/sacrifice that Chris is making for them. He wants us to have money when he is gone.
Katie does the cutiest thing. Every morning I get up and pick up atleast 3 bowls from around the house. Why? Because Katie has taken a bowl to Chris wherever he goes so that if he needs to throw up he has a bowl. Cutiest thing!!!!
This week Tay is on safety patrol, Chris has PET scan and chemo, scouts, YM/YW, dentist, parent meeting discussing the race that Meg is going to with her cross country team in California in December (FootLocker), Jacob has a special program at school celebrating Veteran's Day (I have seen it in the past by other 3rd graders and it is beautiful - can't wait). He even has a speaking part. It is Thursday night so I hope that Chris is well enough to come. Friday, Taylor and Ryan have a scout camp out, the annual Turkey Shoot campout. Chris made it for a little while last year but I don't know if he will be able to make it to any of it this year. Will see. Hope so. Saturday, Meg has Sadies (dance-girls ask guys) and Sunday, Meg gets to speak in Sacrament Meeting. A big Yahoo goes to Meg she completed the young women's program and will receive her medallion next Tuesday at the Young Women's in Excellence program and be recognized Sunday in Sacrament. Way to go Megara!!!!!!!!!!!
We want to thank our ward. They have taken on the Thursday pizza night for our family. I was talking with a lady in our ward about it and the next thing I know there is a sign up sheet going around for people to sign up to bring us pizza (I didn't see it, they didn't pass it to me- hee, hee). WOW!! Thank you, thank you. That is one less burden on my mom (or myself). My mom usually is trying to juggle kids and pizza so this will be nice for all of us. Thanks again.
I hope to write Friday to let you know what the results of the PET scan were. But just know that no news doesn't necessarily mean bad news. It just might mean that the mother of 5 doesn't have time:)
Love ya, Ricki

Chris had chemo Thursday. He lost 5 lbs. His blood cell count was down again but doctor said to give him chemo anyway. Taylor and Jacob came with Chris and I. Chris was feeling ill and tired so he slept the whole time. Jacob, Taylor and I played games. It was fun having them there:) After chemo we went and got yogurt, like we always do. Helps sooth Chris' stomach and gets rid of a little of the "chemo flavoring" after taste that is in his mouth. Kids had a good time dispensing there own yogurt and then putting toppings on it.
If any of you need pictures you've got to use Mish photography (call me and I will give you the number). Thank you, thank you. She did an amazing job! And what a beautiful place to have the pictures taken at.:) And Chris did so well. Later that day he ended up in the hospital.
Friday, we received a verrryyyy fun gift!!!! Chris' coworkers sent us an Edible Arrangement. We had soooo much fun eating it. Are favorite part was the pineapple and chocolate covered ghosts. It was sooo beautiful. At first we didn't want to eat it it was so beautiful - but we got over it. We ate the whole thing in one night. We had one side of it eaten before Chris got home:) I had to guard it to make sure that Chris got to see what (one side of it) looked like and got to eat some of it. What a fun gift. They also gave us gift cards to Applebees. Thank you, thank you!!!!! They will come in handy on the days that I just can't get myself to cook (we all have those, hee, hee). We just loved the gifts. You made our day, week, etc. I smile every time I think of it. Even took pictures:) (before we devoured it). I was thinking what a great job the delivery boy has. Everyone thanks him and smiles from ear to ear with excitement. I know we were:) Thanks again it meant a lot to alllll of us.
Chris now has a new work schedule. He is back to M-F 8-5pm. Which will be nice. Eating at 7:30 at night was hard. Now we can let Chris rest for a few minutes and then eat. Trying very hard to eat as a family. Hard to do with everyone running different directions at different times.
Went to the pumpkin patch for FHE. Poor Chris was reallyy sick. He came out of the car for a family picture in the patch and then went back to the car. He told Meg to pick him a pumpkin. Broke my heart. Chris tried to stop taking the pain pills but it became to painful (still sleeps on couch sitting up-so he can breath) so he is taking them again. Doctor told us that there would come a time when he would need them:(
Meg and Rye have their last cross country meet today. Dentist for everyone tomorrow, and no school for anyone Thursday and Friday (Fall break/UEA). Scouts, YM/YW, feeding the missionaries Saturday and cleaning the church. (Need all the blessings we can get:) A pretty quiet week. Next week Tay and Jacob go back on track. Darn it now I have to unload the dishwasher, hee, hee.
Thanks again to Chris' co workers/friends and Mish photography. We can't thank you enough.
Love ya, Ricki

Chris had chemo Thursday. He gained 4 pounds. His blood cell count was down but again doctor said do it anyway. He talked to us about Chris quitting work soon. He said that he felt that these were going to be Chris' last few good months. He also had us schedule a PET scan for November 8th. I told the kids what the doctor said and Rye said "good months?" and then he talked about how dad's not the same. He is always sleeping, throwing up, laying down, doesn't play with them or visit with other people anymore, ornery (because of pain), everyone is afraid to touch him because of pain, and kids have to be quieter so that dad can rest. It broke my heart. I thought I was the only one that noticed these things. Chris tries so hard but, he is sick. The cancer is eating away at his body, and chemo doesn't help by making him even more sick. He has told me a number of times that "he is ready to go" he is "sorry to leave us" but that he just can't be in this body anymore.
I know Chris isn't ready to quit working. He enjoys the work and the people. He would be reallyyyyy bored at home. I know he would really like to hang on until January 1st so that he can get the bonus/incentive that he has almost earned (have to work all year). He keeps saying that he needs to do this for "us" he is worried about leaving us with enough money. He has talked about taking half of his life insurance policy out now so that he can pay the house off. I'm not sure that he trusts that I will after he's dead:) I do keep telling him that I am buying all new flooring for our house after he's dead - since he won't let me now. Hee, hee. Oh, and a new king sized pillow top mattress:) :)
Chris went to work Friday even though he felt absolutely horrible. He came to Meg and Rye's cross country meet. He did a lot of yelling and walking:)
This weekend was nice not crazy stressful like other weekends. Watched conference, Tay's flag football game, watched more conference. I enjoyed Saturday afternoon session speaker that talked about trials building character. Can't wait to read it. Then Chris, Rye, and friends went to the priesthood session and out to eat afterwards. I cried a lot, wondering what will happen next April conference. Will I be taking Chris in a wheel chair and my two boys? or will Chris be gone?
Chris has been very exhausted this weekend and done a lot of throwing up. He is still taking his shots twice a day (thanks to all of you who keep reminding him to take his shot, he loves it:) hee, hee - I just get yelled at when he gets home) and he continues to need pain pills:(
He has chemo Thursday.
I am so grateful for general conference reminds me of what I should be doing and to be grateful for all that I have.
Love ya, Ricki

For anyone who might be wondering. Did Chris stay home or go to work? He went to work!!!!! I think yesterday being home with nothing on TV and no remote was the deciding factor:)
In case anyone from work reads this he cares a ton about his job and the people. He wants everyone to succeed (including the company). He is getting a new team soon and wants to make sure they are OK. You all mean a lot to him.
Oh, and at noon he should take a lovenox shot. So if you see him remind him, he'd love the reminder. Hee, hee. Don't blame me if you get a dirty look:) And if he throws his phone across the room it's only because I reminded him "again." Hee, hee. He did promise that he would never stop taking them no matter how much they hurt.
Tay pulled five flags last night at his flag football game and Meg is doing amazing in school. Teachers couldn't say enough nice things. She has two college classes, some AP classes. The class that is giving her the most trouble is Wildlife Biology. Poor girl. They haven't even started dissecting animals yet:)
Thanks again to everyone who visited, called, text, left comments on the blog, brought food, mowed our lawn etc. I laugh because I think I have a years worth of Dr. Pepper thanks to so many of you (I can always use more:). You know that just gives me more energy and I start to talk. Ha, Ha, Hee, hee. You love me!!:)
Love ya, Ricki

Yesterday, Chris had two blood transfusions. It takes three hours for each bag. How grateful I am to those people who donated blood. Meg always donates blood when there is a blood drive. About two months ago she donated (I tried but because I went to Honduras I can't donate for a year:( anyway, I was thanking her and telling her it was her blood and her friends (who gave also) blood - obviously not, but it felt cool knowing that my daughter and her friend had helped someone else out in their time of need. What good girls:)
Chris was counting the needle pokes and he was able to count 15 just in the crook of his arm. They were testing his blood every couple of hours to check on how blood was thinning and blood platelets (to see if he would need blood transfusion). Kids came up and saw him. We read scriptures and said family prayer. I was going to try to have family home evening but kids were just a little wild. As we left Chris asked nurse for pain pill. Hee hee. My dad again spent the night with Chris. And thanks to my mom for watching them all day.
This morning Chris called to say he was ready to go. Doctor was discharging him. Chris is to take 90 mg of lovenox (shots) twice a day. Chris promised to take it. He will continue also to take pain meds till he feels better. He is exhausted and still in pain. Still coughing up blood/Flem but doc says that's OK. Brought him home, made him comfortable - except we can't find the TV remote so he keeps hollering about getting up to change channel (kids at my sister-in-laws house, or he would yell at them:) and that there is nothing on tv. Poor boy. He already said he was going to work tomorrow. I am trying to talk him into waiting til Friday. He has Thursdays off - Chemo this week, which doc said he will probably be doing.
We are so grateful to all of you and your prayers in behalf of Chris and our family. Not his time to go yet:) He's trying to make it to my 40th bday (January). Will see, hope so:)
Been a couple of crazy days. Grateful it happened when it did life wasn't nearly as busy as it is the rest of the week.:) Will call the patriarch and reschedule Rye's blessing. Tonight Tay has a flag football game, Meg and Rye YM/YW, and Meg has Parent/teacher conferences. Ahh. Tomorrow, preschool, PTSA meeting, scouts for Jacob and Taylor and Parent/teacher conferences for Ryan. Thursday chemo, Friday I have all five kids home-no school and Meg and Rye have a cross country meet. General Conference this weekend. I am looking forward to it. Not the crying part, but hey I always feel like they are talking directly to me. They know what I need to hear.
Looking forward to putting up Halloween decorations. Chris and I's favorite holiday. Blessed to still have him here for another Halloween.
We love you guys. Keep up the good work (praying:)
Love, Ricki

Just to let you all know Chris is in the hospital. He started becoming ill (head cold) last week. Wednesday (Sept. 22) he stayed home from work, which is not like him. He was very tired and coughing a lot. Thursday, was his day off from work and chemo. He felt horrible but he went and played at recess with the kids and then went to Meg and Rye's cross country meet. Meg made a comment about how he must be feeling ill because he wasn't at the finish line like he usually is. After the meet we had a court of honor. Rye and Tay received awards. Chris was in a lot of pain. His leg has been giving him sooo much trouble. He hardly sleeps at night. He will only take Advil or Tylenol because he doesn't want to feel "loopie." Because he worked on Labor Day he had Friday off which was a very good thing because of being so ill and exerting so much energy Thursday. Friday at about 2 pm Chris started having a lot of chest pain and couldn't breath I told him that I was calling an ambulance. He told me "no" that I could drive him to the hospital. I called my mom to come over, asked the neighbor across the street to sit with the kids til my mom came. I didn't want Jacob to be a lone because he and I both saw Chris making faces and breathing strangely. It was scary, I was worried that this was it. Jacob is my quiet one holds everything in I just didn't want him to be alone. On the way to the hospital I called my car pool buddy. She and I take turns (she does most of it) running the kids from the middle school to the high school for cross country practice. It was my turn to drive. Poor girl was at work asked if she could put me on hold I told her "no" told her what I was doing and could she pick up kids. She said sure. Later I find out that her car was in the shop. She borrowed a co-workers car to go and get the kids. (Thank you, thank you to you both). Well, half way to the hospital Chris decides that he doesn't need to go that "he is fine." I debate with him he tells me he won't get out of the car. I head home then I decide I'm in charge so I turn around and head back towards hospital. He gets way mad and says he won't go in so I turn around and head home. Major drama!!! I call my mom and tell her (she is coming from Lehi) and thank the neighbor. I get Meg and Rye ready for the cross country fund raiser. Katie and I go and chaperon (6-9 pm) at the fund raiser - Chris to ill to take care of Katie. I give instructions to Jacob and Tay, poor kids:( Chris sleeps on the couch because it helps him breath. I tell him I'm sure that he has a blood clot in his lung - too much coughing, shortness of breath. Nah, "I'm not going, I hate hospitals, not wasting our money!" Saturday, we go to a baptism for a friend. Race home to change clothes because we have family pictures at the International Peace Gardens. The woman that took are pictures was wonderful. We just did standing pictures (except for the ones of the kids in the trees:) because Chris couldn't kneel or sit on the ground because of the pain in his leg. She was quick, had great ideas, kept it short, was understanding of Chris pain, brought us treats, and had the craziest props to make us smile for the camera. We love ya!!! Can't wait to see the pictures:) We came home. Chris took some Advil and then fell asleep on the couch. "The girls" all went out for dinner and to the General Women's Session (it's a tradition). My brother-in-law was kind enough to come over and watch everyone because again Chris was to ill. Long story short - hee, hee. Around 9:30pm Chris asks me to take him to the hospital. I call my mom. Both Meg and Rye are out playing with friends. Poor mom. Thank goodness she loves me (I think:) I gather my stuff, I know it will be a long night. We go the ER. They instantly take us back, felt bad the ER was full. They put Chris on oxygen and we had at least 4 people helping him. They gave him morphine which he hates but took because he was in so much pain. This was the first time I have EVER heard him rate his pain as a 10!!! (and that's what it has stayed at) During are stay in the ER they gave him 3 more shots of it. He had a CT scan which just about killed him because he had to lay down flat on his back. At 4:15am (told you it would be a long night:) they admitted Chris to the hospital. He has 3 blood clots in his lungs and pneumonia. Yesterday he was in so much pain even with the pain meds. He continues to need oxygen at all times. He took a walk around the hospital floor thinking that would help his recovery so that he could get out faster but instead he almost killed himself. So much pain and not enough oxygen. A nurse (who wasn't ours) brought us over an oxygen tank and followed us around. Chris regretted trying to walk, too much for him. He shook for about thirty minutes he was in so much pain. He just kept talking to himself, telling himself it wasn't that bad:( I HATE this!!! I HATE watching Chris suffer! I am helpless!!!!!
My mom brought the kids up later Sunday night to see Chris. I asked her to bring crayons and paper for them to color get well cards for Chris - hoping that would keep them a "little calmer" Rye couldn't stop crying and when it was time to go Katie grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I took her to the car where we had to pry her off of me. Craziest thing, I was taking Katie to the car and we saw her preschool teacher. She was coming (to the same floor we are on) to see her father in law who is dieing. Are stake president was kind enough to come and visit us and he gave Chris a blessing. A group of young men with surgical masks came to our room and offered Chris and I the sacrament. It was very, very touching (yah, I'm crying) to see these sweet young men and their young men leader in white shirts and ties and then to just see their eyes (because they were wearing masks). Now, I'm crying even harder because two of the boys dad is in the room next to us. He is dieing of cancer. Chris, the good guy thanked them and bore his testimony to them, gave them a talking to about "being good" and the two boys that's dad is dieing gave them special words. It was a beautiful and spiritual moment. Felt like heaven was really close.
Sorry, gotta go take Katie to preschool, she won't go with lady that I car pool with:)

Chris had chemo Thursday, September 9th. We spoke with the doctor first and he changed Chris' medicines. Because of the potassium problem and the cisplatin being so hard on Chris he is giving us a different med. This one will be given one week and not the next. He will continue with gemzar even though that is hard on him, it really burns as it is going through his veins. He usually has a warm rice bag on his arm. He hadn't lost any weight and the tumor was the same size as in April. It had shrunk but then because of not having chemo for awhile due to scout camp and Disney World it had grown back to its original size. Doctor says we will continue with this regiment until it stops working, which the doctor says will happen. Dumb cancer cells are to smart. Chris was ill from this round, but still made it to Meg and Rye's cross country meet. He walked all over Soldier Hollow in Heber (where Olypmic events were held) so that he could encourage them. He should have been a coach:) His leg continues to hurt him. He is having a hard time sleeping at night and of course walking isn't easy. Alot of you say "he looks great" but he is a stinker-- he hides his pain well. He feels rotten!! I have a hard time watching him and listening to him moan and groan. I wish I could help him, ease his burden. I feel guilty that he is still working. I know it's good for him but he is in so much pain physically with his back and leg and then the upset stomach and always being tired. Breaks my heart.
Then Thursday, September 16th Chris had chemo. He lost four pounds in one week. The nurse's had a hard time finding his veins. Finally, they got a little blood out so that they could check his platelets. They were low but the doctor said give it to him anyway. After a few more pokes they found a vein that would cooperate. We talked to the nurse about how much pain Chris is in. They advised pain pills, but Chris won't take them so I guess he will be the tough guy he is and just deal with it.
Friday Chris took Taylor, Jacob and Ryan to the Scout Jamboree 100 year Celebration event. He looked awful and you could tell he felt awful but he packed up the car and went. It was an overnighter. They had a lot of fun booths, fireworks, card trading etc. The boys had a wonderful time. Some great memories made:) They got home and unloaded the car and Chris crashed. None of them got much sleep too much fun and 10,000 boys:)
I took the opportunity to ask Meg to babysit Katie so that I could go to the Temple. As I was going in I saw Dr. Ott. The doctor that did the whipple on Chris. I waved thinking it had probably been to long for him to remember me but he did (even remembered Chris' name-he is unforgettable) he asked me how Chris was doing and how the kids were doing. He told me that he goes every Saturday to pray for himself and his patients that he will be operating on. Very Cool!:)
So, this week no chemo. Just, cross country meet, scouts, YW/YM, preschool, homework (book report and project for Jacob), working in kids classroom, flag football, family pictures, General Women's Conference (which I look forward to), a baptism of one of our friends and Frid to Sat Meg and Rye have a cross country fundraising event. Each team member takes a turn running the baton around the track all night - 24 hours- fun!! And you know me maybe a little laundry etc. hee, hee. Tay and Jacob go off track this Friday. Oh, and the most exciting thing is that Sunday Ryan will receive his patriachal blessing:)
It has been a difficult week watching Chris suffer. He is such a trooper going to work and spending time with us. I know he is exhausted and would just like to take it easy but he just keeps going like the "Energizer Bunny" He is amazing I will miss him sooo much. I keep telling him to be mean to me so I won't miss him but instead he surprises Katie and I by bringing us lunch. Some days everything hurts and other days it just doesn't seem real. But then I see him and the pain he's in and I know it's real and I wonder "When?" "How long?" "Can I make it?" "Do I have what it takes?" Sorry, I will now go and eat a handful of blueberries (good for depression) and run around the house (also good for depression). I know there's always someone who is worse off (people who lost their homes in Herriman fire). We love all of you and appreciate knowing that if we needed anything we could call you.
Love, Ricki

We arrived home late Thursday night. We had sooo much fun!!!!! Thank you, thank you to everyone. Chris had some rough days but he made it. There was no way he was going to miss any of the fun. When we go on vacation he is a "slave driver" up early, bed late. Keep moving! We were very blessed by one of are friends that used to live in Utah and now lives in Florida. He and his family came to visit us. They saw how much Chris was struggling. He wouldn't let me show Disney my note from the doctor so that we could go into the fast pass line. So, our friend took the note and went and got it for us. It felt weird at first but I know that it was helpful. To hot outside to stand in line and even if you were in an air conditioned building you were still standing which was hard on Chris. I don't think we would have had as good a time if our friend hadn't done that - thank you, thank you:) They also took us to the Worlds Largest McDonald's, fun! We ate tons of yummy food. Yesterday I started running again so that I could get all of those Mickey Mouse ice cream heads off my body. That's the great thing about going when they have the Disney Dinning Plan. We had sooo much food. We were never hungry. We are now trying to shrink our stomachs back to normal. We rode everything in each park at least twice. Some, like Splash Mountain 10 or more times. Chris kept trying to bribe Katie to go on it but she never would. I think that if she couldn't see the drop off at the end she probably would go. We attended 3 different dinner shows that were a lot of fun. Mickey's Backyard BBQ and the Hoop de Doo Review were are favorites. At MBBQ it was a buffet. For dessert they had a freezer full of ice cream novelties that you can buy in the park for $3.50 or more. Jacob ate 7!!!! Rye ate 6!! I told them to go for it we're on vacation:) How often do you get to have Mickey Mouse heads for dinner? (vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate). We swam almost every night. One night the Magic Kingdom was open until 3am!! We only made it to 2am:) I think the latest we went to bed was 3am and the earliest was midnight. We went to the two water parks there. The boys all did Summit Plummet which is a 120 foot slide!!!!!!!! you come down doing at least 50mph - even Jacob did it!!! more than once. I was sick just waiting for them to come down. you will never ever get me to do something like that. We also spent a lot of time at are favorite place called Disney Quest. They have 5 floors of video games, virtual reality games. . . . it's cool to be able to play Centipede or Skee Ball (my favorites) over and over again without having to put money in the machine. Katie got sick while we were there but I had enough medicine to get her through. She also had a habit of falling asleep during dinner:) We had a wonderful time it was fun hanging with so many of our friends. Thank you to those of you who gave up your flight benefits on Jet Blue so that we could go. And again thank you to those of you who participated in the Walk for the Wachs. Lots of memories made - I only took 723 pictures:) and lots of video.
So, back to reality:( No more maid service, eating out and having to go to bed at a decent hour. Friday morning was Megan, Ryan and Katie's first day of school and Taylor's first day of safety patrol. I took Rye to school early so that he could put things in his locker, talk to teachers, figure out which lunch he had etc. Then I took Katie to school. She was hesitant until a sweet neighbor boy came up to her and grabbed her. He made her feel very welcome:) It felt weird leaving alone. I had one hour to be by myself (usually I'll have two). I'm sure I'll get used to it:)
So, I'm going to skip all of the mundane tasks that I did all day after being gone for 2 weeks and get right to what happened Friday night. Around 10:00pm Chris gets a call from Megan informing us that . . . . . drum roll please. . . . .. . you got it. . . . . grandpa's second car he let us borrow has been BACKED INTO!!!!!! No one was in the car. We had her call the police. I went to where the car was and helped her finish filling out the police report. Ahhhh, welcome back to reality!!! The damage isn't to bad it's still drive able, but will need to be repaired. That is number 3 for Megan since February (none of them her fault) and number 4 for our family!! Ahh, getting to work with another insurance company hope they're nice:).
Saturday Meg and Rye had a cross country meet at BYU. Chris, Katie and I went and watched. They did well for being up late the night before and having been on vacation for 2 weeks. Meg did get up sometimes and run in Florida. Rye did once:)
We have been doing homework all weekend. The kids have sooo much. Chris worked Labor Day so I just cracked the whip about getting homework done. Jacob has his done, Tay has 4 pages left (out of 26), and Rye and Meg got done what they needed from Friday. They have block schedule so they only saw a few teachers/class on Friday now they will get homework from the other classes.
This week Meg and Rye have cross country practice and then they have two meets, Wednesday and Saturday. Tay has flag football, scouts, and safety patrol. And Chris has chemo Thursday:( We don't look forward to it. We have had fun having "Chris" here with us, laughing, teasing and just being his annoying self. hee hee. We also meet with the doctor.
Thank you again for letting us just be a family for 2 weeks with no worries or cares. Just enjoying each others company (most of the time -hee, hee). We love you guys tons.
Love, Ricki

Thursday, Chris went and had his blood drawn (see picture -hee, hee). Chris lost 9 lbs in one week!!!!!! Not good. Friday morning I called the nurse to see when results would be in. The 11 year old scouts were invited to go with the 12 year old scouts on an overnighter and then a 5 mile hike. Chris was planning on going up with Taylor so if Chris needed an IV drip or if they felt he shouldn't go then we needed to know before 4:30pm when they left. Nurse said that potassium levels were wonderful and that he could stop taking pills and to have a good time camping:) Chris was verrrryyyy tired. He took a quick nap before he left and one in the car while waiting for boys to load up. He had 2 boys in his car plus Taylor. After loading up he came home THREW UP and then got back in the car and went to the campout!!!! I told him to stay home he was to sick to go but he said "Taylor needs me. He needs this time." (I'm still crying!!) Taylor did need that time with Chris, Tay has cried alot about how Chris won't be his scoutmaster like he was Ryan's. Even just yesterday we talked about it. Chris made it through the night but came home early Saturday morning. Tay stayed up and did the hike and then came home with other leaders.
Tay and Jacob were on the morning announcements at school this week. We all had haircuts so we can look good for Mickey Mouse. We cleaned the church - don't know how well. I know Katie and Jacob are really good at using a lot of cleaner:) I had Katie and her friend clean our sunbeam classroom really well.
One of Chris' best friends from high school (Our Ryan is named after him:) put together a dinner Saturday night. All the gang that hung out in high school and their families. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone and listening to stories about the "good ole' days." Thanks for doing that it was a lot of fun.
Once again we had bananas left at our house. Thanks:)
Meg was at school yesterday for four hours trying to fix her schedule. All fixed, now she thinks she needs a new outfit for "her first day of school" And we payed cross country fees. Ahhhhh
Rye received his schedule also tomorrow I will take him to Well, tomorrow is the big day. No, I haven't started packing yet. I atleast have the suit cases out -hee, hee. Tomorrow will be the big clean the house day. I insist that the house be clean before we leave for two reasons. 1-nice to come home too and 2-if we were to die I wouldn't want anyone to think that we were pigs. Hee hee. Last one always drives Chris crazy.
I have all of Chris' medicines ready to go. And we are wayyyyy excited about going. Can't wait to not clean or cook for two weeks. It's always difficult for me when I get home from a vacation like this. I'm expecting someone else to do all the work:)
Pray for Chris. He deserves to enjoy this trip. Who knows what the future holds. Thanks again to everyone who made this possible for our family. (I will not cry, I will not cry. . . .) We love you all tons. You are a blessing in our lives. Thanks again.
Love, Ricki

On my way home from taking Chris his pills the nurse calls and says that the doctor has decided that Chris needs to go to the ER for potassium he is concerned about his levels being to low and the pills not working fast enough (Chris doesn't absorb things well due to whipple surgery). I call Chris who is still at work. He tells me "No." (hates hospital, $, time, "he's busy") I ask him if he's going to Disney World with us. He says he will go after work. Ahhh. . . Gives me time to call grandma and have her come over (thanks), call the pizza guy for dinner, and explain to the children what is happening. I meet Chris at the hospital. They take his blood so they can check his potassium levels again. To much potassium is dangerous also - heart failure, liver failure. After 3 hours they come back to tell us that they won't be giving him any potassium his levels were a little low but not enough to risk heart or liver failure. So 4 hours later we enter the house to find it sparkling clean (thanks mom:), children and friends being good. I went into the kitchen to get Chris a banana and found that we didn't have any - we used to have about 10. I asked my mom if she knew where they went. With tears in her eyes she said that "The kids each ate two or three." Later I explained to them that they aren't taking chemotherapy and so what happened to dad couldn't happen to them. It soooo broke my heart. My poor babies. What they get to learn. Since Friday they have each had a banana with their breakfast. I have always told them to eat them to help prevent leg cramps. Meg always eats one before cross country.
I have made a "pill" chart so that I can keep up with Chris' pills and shots that he is suppose to take. Other wise I can't keep up. Some are taken in the morning, some at night and some both morning and night. Ahhhh :)
Thank you to whomever left the bananas on our porch, that was a fun surprise and as you can read they won't go to waste:)
Our "favorite Aunt" sent us a book that she made through shutterbug of our trip to California. So fun. We have enjoyed looking at it. Thank you also for the homemade wash clothes. Love um!!!
Sunday during Sacrament meeting Taylor remembered that he had to give a talk in Primary. So Chris whipped one out for him. I couldn't stop crying during the talk. Theme this month is "Jesus Chris Is the Son of God, and He Is a God of Miracles." This is "Taylor's talk:"
One of the great gifts we are given in our mortal life on earth is our physical body. Because our mortal life and body are temporary, our physical bodies suffer sickness, pain, and eventually die. This is part of the Plan of Salvation given by God. Jesus Christ is the Savior and Master of both our spiritual and physical salvation. He has the power and authority to take back his life physically as he did in the resurrection. Because of His atonement we all will be restored to perfect, and immortal physical bodies. This is a great truth to those who truly believe and rely on Jesus Christ as the Savior. In his mortal life, Jesus showed his power over life by showing mercy to the lame and sick. Many did he cure of blindness, various sicknesses, and disease. This was all done through his priesthood and authority as the savior. He showed his authority and power over physical life. Jesus Christ is the Savior. He is the author of our physical salvation. He is the Son of God. He is the head of our church, the only true church on earth. His authority is on earth today through the Priesthood. We too can be blessed, cured, and made alive through Christ. This I know is true. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
See why I couldn't stop crying?! I will save this talk in a special place not only because of the words but that it is also written in Chris' messy handwriting:) Hee, hee. Taylor wanted to keep it also so I made him a copy and he hung it over his bed. What a gift our family will miss, to be able to just "whip" out a wonderful talk.
Also Sunday a mother of a deacon came up to me to tell me how moved her son was when he passed the sacrament to Chris. Chris' hand was shaking and it was hard for him to hold the tray. It made him sad. Later that day he brought over a card that he made and a yummy raspberry cheesecake. Thank you.
This week is pretty much the same as last week-unless Chris throws us a curve ball!!! YM/YW, scouts, PTA meeting (this time at middle school), Chris' doctors appointment, homework, cross country, ward activity, Meg goes to High School and does her SENIOR year book picture (boo hoo:(, playing at recess with Tay and Jacob and we have the privilege of feeding the missionaries - not sure what yet. Maybe pizza since we feed them Thursday and that is our family tradition-Thursday pizza night. It has made my life a lot easier thanks to pizza and my mom.
Can you believe it, it is just about time to start packing for Disney World!!! Yesterday I filled out paperwork and made phone calls to three schools. To either get homework for kids or excuse them from missing school. Some friends gave us their "Christmas Jar" from a book they read. Jar full of coins and a copy of the book that goes with it. Our children have loved sorting and counting them. We told them that we will take the money to the bank and then split it five ways so that they can each have some spending money at Disney World. Thank you for your generosity and love. Buying souvenirs just makes the trip even more fun (love ya tons!!). For Family Home Evening last night we went over the itinerary of are trip and Chris showed us what are resort and our room will look like. We are wayyyyyy excited!!!!
Love to all, Ricki

Just received a phone call from Cancer center nurse she says that "Chris' potassium level is in the toilet!" and that "he shouldn't even be able to walk!" She told me that when potassium gets to low you can have a stroke and that leg function seizes to exist. YIKES!!! She said it was to late now to do an IV so she called in potassium pills that "Chris is to take religiously" We both agreed this could be why he has been so exhausted. I am leaving now to go to the pharmacy and then I will take him a pill since he doesn't get off until 7 pm she wants him started as soon as possible and of course she scared the heck out of me. So off I go:) Next Thursday they will check his potassium again. Nurse says it takes a day for results to come back.
love, Ricki

Yesterday before chemo Chris, Katie and I went and met with Katie's preschool teacher. We will be gone when she has her open house and school will have started by the time we get back. She was kind enough to let us come over early to meet her and see the school. Katie picked her "flowers" from the grass (morning glory:) - it was very cute and of course her teacher was wonderful about receiving the "flowers."
Then we came home and Chris rested for a while until we went to the school to have lunch with Jacob and have Taylor serve us lunch (he has been a lunch worker this week). Kids love Chris and he was surrounded by kids asking him to come out and play. He didn't because he was just to tired and sick.
Chris has been veerrryyyy ill all this week. He has missed work which is not like him and he has missed family things this week (Jacob receiving awards at pack meeting, scripture reading, dinner etc.) so you know he has felt rotten. The anti nausea medicine made it so that he didn't throw up but he was soooooo tired and in so much pain that we decided it wasn't worth it to try again this week. The nurses commented on how they have never had a patient react so badly to the Emend (drug he took last week) they even got on line to look it up they were astonished on how badly it made Chris feel, other patients love it. They don't know why his hand swelled up either. It was a veryyyy bad week for Chris last week. The doctor also decided to not give him the cisplatin at all this week (he was going to give him a smaller dose but after this last week he decided against it all together) which made his chemo treatment much shorter. When he takes the cisplatin he also has to have a bag of potassium which takes along time, it can't be dripped to fast. So he had a different anti nausea medicine and 2 other drugs. We were out of there in two hours:)
We came home and he went to bed. I looked through every ones backpacks and did my "homework:)" Chris and I went to Back to School Night at the elementary school. Chris was verrryyy sick. He really didn't want to go because he felt horrible. He was making me laugh because he kept complaining about all the PTA business. He does it just to spite me. I've done the PTA business portion many years. We try to make it fast so that we don't annoy people like Chris but it has to be done.:) We went and met Taylors teacher. After that he just couldn't do any more. He went home and I went and attended Jacobs class. I did a lot of crying last night especially after Chris left me. I sat in Jacobs class and thought about what it will be like next year. This last week has just been extremely hard because of Chris being so ill. I haven't seen him this sick since he had the whipple. It is soooo hard to watch someone in pain, hear them moan and groan, throw up, sleep a lot and know that there is nothing you can do to help them. I wish I could take some of his fatigue from him - you'll notice I didn't say pain - I'm a baby, my niceness doesn't extend that far:) It just breaks my heart. Especially when he says that he has had enough that he is ready to go. He is tired of his body. I wonder if chemo is really worth it. Quantity vs. Quality. Seeing what he is going through it would be hard but I could let him go. He is miserable. I look around and see that I am very blessed. I know a woman that just got divorced her ex husband doesn't pay child support and so she is working herself to death trying to provide for her family. I will be provided for and won't have to work myself to death (outside the home-hee, hee). It's not going to be easy but we will get through it. The kids have been great. They have each stepped it up a notch this week helping around the house and with Katie especially when my patience is running low with her.
Thank goodness we have time before we leave for Disney World for Chris to feel better.
Love, Ricki

Thursday we met with the doctor. We told him how Chris throws up alot after the chemo so he is reducing the amount of cisplatin that Chris is given. Dr. also gave Chris a lecture about taking the Lovenox. Because Chris has had blood clots he is at 50 percent higher rate of getting them again. He reminded Chris of how being in the hospital in Florida would not be fun. He told him that if he didn't do it any other time that he should definitely do it just before we leave for our trip. He also added another anti nausea drug called Edeme (spelling ?). They put some in his IV and then the rest he takes orally for two days after that he takes another drug called Dexamethason for 3 more days. We don't know how much this drug will cost us. The first time they give it to you free with a coupon from manufacture. Lady next to us said that she pays $80.00 for it! Yikes!! Whatever it takes if it works. I told the doctor how he throws up so much that his back hurts so much that he can't walk. We also have children who have a very hard time listening to him throw up. One of them counts how many times he throws up. So far as of today he hasn't thrown up but been veerrrryyy tired. Also the hand that they put the IV in swelled to double the size. Not sure why that happened. He has been in a lot of pain. Been irritable with all of us because he is in pain (we all know how that goes - when we hurt we take it out on others). I've been trying to explain that to children. It's hard to watch him suffer. Can't stand chemo part of this.
Today is Rye's 15th bday!! Wow time flies. If I wanted to Rye could go and get his learners permit today to DRIVE!!! Ahhhhh!!! Sorry, I don't think I'm ready for that. Jacob and Tay love school. Tay is very excited about being on the safety patrol committee at school. He came home upset Friday because his turn comes when we are on vacation but I spoke with the teacher and he'll be ok. I told him he could stay home:) Poor Jacob missed fun Friday activity at school because I missed a paper in his back pack. Thursdays are really hard on me. We usually don't get home until 7pm, then we eat, talk, get ready for bed, read scriptures etc. It's crazy that sitting for 6 hours makes someone tired. It broke my heart to see him cry. I don't think that I will forget again. To hard to see those tears. Katie will go and see her new school this Thursday and Rye and Meg are enjoying cross country. And I am just trying to keep track of everyone's coming and goings:) Who knew five kids could keep someone so busy. Don't know how people do it that work or have more then five kids.
Hopefully, this week will go well with chemo. Interested to see how much drug will cost us.
This week we have Rye's bday, YM/YW, orthodontist appointments for Jacob and Taylor, PTA meeting, Pack Meeting (where Jacob will get his awards for scout camp), Katie goes to her new school, chemotherapy, Back to School Night, cross country, school work, and I'm sure other things that will pop up. Good to be busy - No time to think.
Love, Ricki

We arrived home at 1:30am Sunday morning from our trip. We had a great time playing at the beach (not the ocean - to cold). It's always fun to watch the kids build castles and dig down as deep as they can into the sand. Chris did great. Every morning he took extra medicine and that seemed to help. Saturday, driving home he was really sick but he got us home:)
We also hung out with relatives. We all grow up so fast!! We realized it had been about 2 1/2 years since we'd last seen each other. One of the cousins hosted the party and our aunt prepared all the food. Lots of fun.
We were blessed that the weather was so cool in CA it made waiting in line at Disneyland a lot easier. I took the note that I had the doctor write for Chris just in case it was to hard on him but like always he refused and was cranky with all the "wheel chair" people who got to go ahead of us. We had to go to Disneyland because as Meg says "Katie is spoiled." Katie's favorite ride, "It's A Small World" will be closed in DisneyWorld so of course we had to go. Pirates of the Carribean and The Tiki Room are also different in DL (we like them better in DL). And we hadddd to eat some of our favorite foods that DisneyWorld doesn't serve (hard to believe). The Monte Cristo, hand dipped Corn Dogs, and Bengal Barbecue. Yum!!! (Did I tell you I only go for the food?!) Chris took ALLL of us on Space Mountain. I kept telling him we shouldn't take Katie (or me-I hate that ride) but he said "We'd be fine, she'll love it." Ya, NOOOOO you should have heard her (and me) screaming!! After that she was ruined she wouldn't even go on Pirates. We took her and she screamed and screamed and screamed and she had to be bent in half to sit down. We bribed her with everything we could think of to get her to stop so that the other people in the boat could enjoy the ride. She ended up getting a very pretty princess night gown:)
Sunday, after church and a nap we went up to the school to see who Taylor and Jacobs teachers were and who was in there class (Jacobs teacher had sent him a postcard-very cool). Chris couldn't come to school Monday morning (being gone from work 2 weeks) so I took pictures up there and then Chris gave them each a father's blessing. Of course I cried thinking about this being the last school year that Chris would be around for. Still doesn't seem real.
Taylor and Jacob started school yesterday. Bitter sweet for me. I miss them tons. They came home all excited about their new teachers. Thank you to all teachers. We love ya!!
Chris has meeting with doctor and then chemo this Thursday. It has been 3 weeks since his last one. Will see how it goes.
Ready for a good laugh?? On the way home we found out that our car has built in radio controls in the column and we even have satellite radio. Hee hee only took five months for us to find it:)
Love, Ricki

I just want to thank all of you for your prayers on Chris' behalf. I believe that is why he was able to have such a good time at camp. I have been told that it was like he wasn't even sick. You wouldn't even know that he was dieing. He climbed up a 30 foot high obstacle course (which looked really hard), white water rafted and from all the video he took, it looked like they had tons of fun. I am sooo happy that he was able to have fun. Ohh, and from the dirt on their clothes "I know they had fun!" Of course my child was the one that found the mud puddle and rolled in it!!
I kept myself busy this week so that I wouldn't worry as much. One day I grabbed some friends and family and we went and hiked to Cecret Lake and then roasted hotdogs and marshmellows. It was a lot of fun. Beautiful flowers and cool weather.
Today Chris went to work and I headed up to Cub camp. Jacob and I had fun. We took up 13 boys!!! Boy am I tired and dirty. New van stayed home:) I took Chris' car - hee, hee. Tomorrow Chris will go up with Jacob. He's funny, on the way home he was telling me how tomorrow he "can act like a boy," "no mom's to boss them around" and that "dad will buy him whatever he wants" Yeah, I'm feeling the love:)
One of are sweet young friends asked Chris if he would baptize him. So, tomorrow Chris will have the privilege of baptizing and confirming him. Meg will lead the music and say a prayer, I will say a prayer and all the kids will sing a musical number. It was very special of him to ask our family to participate. We love ya buddy!
Sunday, we leave to play in the ocean and see "our favorite" aunt and uncle. It will be a nice week building sand castles, playing in the pool and being with family. We have to come back Saturday because school starts Monday (July 26th) for Taylor and Jacob. Gotta love year-round school!!!
Thanks again. Love ya, Ricki

For some reason this PET scan was very hard on Chris. He was planning on going to work after it but had to stay home because he was soooo sick. He slept most of the day. We aren't sure why this test made him so sick but Chris' results were that the tumors have stayed the same since his last test in April. No new ones and they haven't grown any bigger. Yeah!
Last Thursday on Chris' day off we took Katie to the dermatologist to see how her hand was doing. It looks wonderful. Dr. said to finish out medicine and continue putting cream on twice a day for another month then we should be done. And yes the cat gets to stay (bummer). He was impressed that her hand healed so quickly but I knew why (Chris and Chris' dad gave her a blessing a couple of weeks ago:) Later that day we went to the Pony Express Museum where Chris spoiled his children and nephew by buying them a civil war cap and helping them answer questions in a booklet so that they could get a special pin.
Friday, a friend and I were crazy enough to take our children to Timpanogos Cave. It is a mile and a half hike up to the cave. Katie walked all the way up. I tried to carry her but she would freak out because she thought that she would fall. The path way is only about 3-5 feet across at times. I made my crew walk right next to the mountain at all times. Tay and Jacob worked really hard on another booklet that they were given by the ranger so that they could become Junior Rangers and receive a pin. Now the boys want to go to all the State Parks so that they can collect pins. Poor Katie had a water wart on her wrist which I accidentally popped because I was holding onto her so tight. We made it down safe and had a great time.
Saturday, we worked hard getting Chris and Ryan ready to leave Monday morning 4:00 AM for scout camp in Jackson Hole, WY. Then we hung out with friends from our "old neighborhood" we do this once a year it's so much fun to see everyone. Thanks. We love you guys!! We had tons of fun and the food was wonderful. Chris did OK. We were late because he was sick and then we left early because he was feeling sick.
Sunday, Chris was late to church because he was ill. I was doing OK until a man mentioned that his son only has 6 months left on his mission and that he had gone and got his passport so that he could go and get him. I swallowed hard and then left so that I could cry. Realizing that Chris won't be going to pick up his sons after their missions.:(
This morning Chris and Ryan left for camp. Bright and early (4:00 AM). I was surprised that they didn't wake the whole house they were so noisy and Chris came back twice to the house to get things he had forgotten - one of them being his Pancreatic Enzymes!!!! Thank goodness he remembered not far from home. It was a bitter sweet good bye. All weekend I have had a hard time knowing that this is the last scout camp out that Chris will go on. Now I can worry like all the other mothers that send their sons, hoping that they are having a good time, safe, warm/cool, behaving, have everything they need. Chris has always been there to look out for Ryan. Scout camps will be very hard for me. I decided to stay home instead of going to Jackson Hole to be near him. Yes, I'm going to be OK. If he was to die up there at least it would be doing what he loves. The thing is we already know that he is going to die. Things are in place for when that happens because we have been blessed to be given time to put things in order. The big thing is that if he did die up there at least we wouldn't have to watch him suffer a long painful death like what we have been told will happen. Chris is smart and will only do things that he knows he can handle. Pray that he has a good time, and that his body lets him enjoy all the activities.
I will keep myself busy this week:) hee hee.
Last week we were given a WONDERFUL, AMAZING, COULDN'T STOP CRYING gift from some teachers at the elementary school. I know they spent tons of hours and money on the gifts. They made each of us our own book (Chris and Me, Chris and Megan, Chris and Ryan, Chris and Taylor, Chris and Jacob, Chris and Katie). I couldn't stop crying they are just amazing. They asked for photos and then they went through the hundreds of pictures I gave them and picked the pictures, put quotes and then had the publisher leave blank pages in the book so that Chris could write us each a message. Chris and I were very touched. He took them to work to show them off. And each of the kids cried as they looked at their very own book. What fun memories each picture holds and now it is in a book so that they can look at them whenever they want. Our family can't thank you enough. Words just don't come - tears do:) We love all of you so much. Thank you. Thank you.
Love, Ricki

Chris had chemo July 1st. He is remaining about the same weight (200). His white blood cell count was down but Dr. Whizenant decided to still go ahead with treatment. Chris has been veerrryy sick. By Sunday he could hardly stand because his back hurt so bad from throwing up. His leg, back and stomach hurt and his hands are tingling. He is questioning whether he wants to do this anymore. Quantity vs. Quality. He still continues to go to work. He feels horrible but is a hard worker. He has a PET scan tomorrow. No chemo this Thursday, and Monday he and Ryan leave for Teton High Adventure Boy Scout camp in Jackson, WY.
We have had tons of fun setting up our Disney World vacation, so many fun things to do and we love getting Disney letters (even if they have bills in them:). Thank you again. It gives us something to look forward too:)
I will let you know what we find out about the PET scan as soon as we know. Thank goodness for insurance-each PET scan cost over $7,000. Yikes!!
Love, Ricki

Chris had chemo yesterday. Megan went with him because I was up the canyon at Boy Scout camp with Tay and my mom babysat everyone else. I did come down the mountain to Chris' doctors appointment where they put him back on Lovenox (blood thinner) to try to prevent blood clots, and talked about putting the port back in but Chris told them he didn't want it. We also gave the doctor the scout physical paperwork to fill out - will see what he can do:)
Chris started becoming ill last night but has become even sicker today. He came home early (I wasn't here-up at camp) which isn't like him. He usually just suffers through the pain so you know he must be feeling awful. Kids told me he was throwing up alot and just plain sick. Grandma came and got them so that Chris could rest. I found him laying on the couch moaning and having the hiccups:) Also to a verryy hot house. We could tell the AC wasn't working like it should a couple of days ago so today I called the air conditioner repair man, he had me go outside and look at air conditioner. The pipes are frozen - not a good sign. He had me turn off the air conditioner so that they could de thaw so that tomorrow he could come and fix it.
I got my van back Tuesday it looks beautiful. I had my dad who knows tons about cars come with me and look at it to make sure that it was ok before I left the body shop. They put a new gate on so the automatic gate works wonderfully. Glad to give the Tahoe back cost way to much money for gas. Just about cried filling up the Tahoe to give back and then getting in my car and finding that the gas light was on! AHHH!! That hurt!
Love, Ricki

Car went into the shop today. I cried as they wrote all over it (I'm sure with erasable marker) and then took it away. They left me with a 2010 Chevy Tahoe Suburban. Ahhhh... as I was trying to climb in I fell out!! Quite embarrassing. And I felt like I was tall before, wow now I really am. As I was driving the car I was reminded that I should stop sooner because of it being so big (thanks to the guy that hit me:) I am in love with the steering wheel - hee, hee - it has the radio controls built into it. Cool!! There is no trunk space and hardly any room in the 3rd row. We had to put Katie and Jacob back there because of no leg room.
Today was Chris' day off so we went to the golf course and hit 3 large bucket of balls. Went and got drinks and treats at the gas station and ate/drank them in the CAR!!! (a luxury - no eating or drinking in my car). Then we went for a ride to Cascade Springs then up and over the mountain (4 wheeling) to Soldier Hollow and then we went and got dinner where poor Katie got her big toe nail removed by the door. Poor girl. Oh, and while we were golfing we ran into the dermatologist who is helping us with Katie's hand. Katie was standing by the car and he called her over to check her hand - very sweet:)
They said that my car should be finished by the middle of next week. I really need the end of the week other wise I get to take my car up to camp:(
We have Disney World all scheduled. We leave Aug. 19th. Tay and Jacob will miss school (school starts July 26th - got to love year round school).
Hope all of you are doing well. Gotta a great quote from my favorite aunt: "If life gives you lemons, throw them back and ask for chocolates instead"
Love, Ricki

OK, so if you don't feel like laughing or crying today than you probably shouldn't read this entry:) And NO I really don't make this stuff up!!! Here goes. . . yesterday . . . I was REAR ENDED!!!!!!!!!!!!! in my new 2010 Chrysler Town and Country minivan! Hasn't even had an oil change yet!! I told you not to read this if you didn't want to cry!! I was stopped at a light and BAM! Jacob and I had just come from having his braces and expander put in his mouth and were headed home to get Taylor so that I could take the two of them to get their scout physicals. After the man got out and swore a ton, words that were just awful. Which I actually believe kept me from falling apart because being someone who doesn't swear and hearing such horrible words shocked me. He was driving a huge truck Dodge Ram 2500. I called the police. The man wanted to do this under the table because this was his friends car (not even his - - sound familiar?!). Hey, at least he didn't try to blame me - hee, hee:) Jacob and I are fine. And I now get to work with Geico insurance. 3 different accidents in less than 6 months. I'm getting good at working with insurance agencies (I can tell you which one not to get) and filling out police reports I think I can do in my sleep:) I called Chris. I called Meg and she actually had just driven by me (she had been at the Temple) so she came back (poor girl - memories for her) and I called my mom to have her go to my house and pick up Tay so that we wouldn't be late to the doctors. Then she got everyone lunch and took Katie. Thank goodness for my mom!!! We did get to the doctors office on time where Tay got 3 shots for 7th grade. Needless to say 3 of my 5 children are in pain (Tay-shots, Katie-her hand, and Jacob-braces). After the doctors office we went to the grocery store to get Jacob soft foods to eat.
Finally around 6:00 I called Geico (accident happened around 12:30). The other drivers friend had called it in and admitted that it was his fault. Now we are waiting for the owner of the car to say that he allowed his friend to drive his car. After that insurance agent thought that Thurs. my car would be in the shop and that we would have a RENTAL hee, hee.
After I got off the phone with the insurance company I went and ran 5 miles. I run for anger management and so I can drink Dr. Pepper. Ahhh.
OK, so here is the silver lining of all of this: 1) Putting miles on a rental van to go to Manti for the pageant Friday (about 300 miles)-I say we head to Disneyland hee, hee. 2) Next week Tay and I and some other scouts go to scout camp for 3 days and it is verrryyyy dirty there (I had actually been trying to figure out how to protect my car) now I don't have to worry:) 3) Remember the scratch that "someone" put on the trunk? GONE!!:) 4) My dad has been bugging me about using my van to put some of his stuff in it to take to his new house (rotatiller, snow blower etc) and Chris and I had said "No way, new van!!"- so now he can use the rental.
So far, (as long as the insurance company cooperates) this is just another "bump" in the road. This could all go smoothly. Stinks that it happened. I think this has been harder on Chris. I asked him to put a picture of the car on the blog and he said he couldn't that it "just frustrates him" poor boy! (I'll have Meg do it). I'm not sure what we are suppose to learn from this. I know that thoughts came to my head that if this ever happens again and Chris is gone who will I call? I know that I can call any of you but it's not the same as calling your spouse/best friend and them running to you and comforting you.
But hey, we will be alright (could have been much worse) and it just makes life more interesting. You know us stay at home moms we have nothing to do during the day:)
And again NO we didn't make this up. Things just keep happening to keep my blog interesting. hee, hee
One of my new favorite scriptures right now is: Helaman 5:12 "And now my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to draw you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, this is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
Love ya, Ricki

Thursday, Chris didn't have chemo because he had a blood clot in his left arm so instead he had tests run to make sure that he would be all right. He has been very exhausted and felt extremely ill (stomach? colon? who knows). Chris decided not to "make up" this chemo a different day but wait until June 24th (June 17th was a no chemo day).
Friday, was Tay and Jacobs last day of school. I now have a Senior, Freshman, 6th grader, 3rd grader and a preschooler. Ahhhh!!!
Meg enjoyed her job shadowing at BYU Friday. She learned a lot and is still interested in being a museum curator. She took the ACT test Saturday.
Ryan had blood drawn to see "why" he is in the bottom percentile of the growth chart. Will find out the results in a week. When Rye was 3 years old he had strep in his kidneys and was peeing blood. He spent 5 days in the hospital. Doc just wants to check all possibilities.
Saturday we went to an Eagle Scout presentation where Chris was given the Mentor pin and a bike pedal. Chris was his scout master for two years. The young man thanked Chris for all of his time, energy, love and devotion to teaching him. Bike pedal because Chris taught him how to ride a bike:) I knew it would be an emotional evening but it was worse than I thought. They present the mother with a pin, boy with a mentor pin to give to who he wants and then a father's pin. Immediately I started crying (I'm crying now). Then they had made a DVD of his life. Family pictures etc. by the time it was over I just couldn't stop the tears. I took pictures of each one of the boys in their scout uniform with Chris (to put in DVD presentation later). It was a wonderful program but boy did it bring a lot of emotions to the surface for me. Pain. Sadness.
Later I talked with Rye about ideas for his project and how we've got to get started. Just maybe he would be able to get it before Chris passes away. We also talked about getting his patriarchal blessing soon. I just want each of the kids to do as many things as they can with their dad while he's here. No regrets.
Today I took Katie to the dermatologist because her "eczema" was getting worse. The Doc called it a verryyy bad case of deep seeded fungal infection (never seen a worse case - had other docs come in and see). It could take as long as 4 months to cure. She is now putting cream on her hand twice a day and taking an oral medicine. Doc asked if we had a cat. Doc thinks that it's from the CAT!!!!! He asked me if I would consider getting rid of the CAT!!!!! I told him it was GONE!! (Somebody loves me!!) Then I remembered that their are 6 people who love that cat. I told him what was going on at our house and how I would have to think (pray) about getting rid of it. Loosing your dad and the cat?! Cat sleeps with different children at night and it likes to sit in Chris' lap and be petted. But obviously if it's a health threat to Katie than it has to go. I did tell the Doc that I would need it in writing because no one would believe me especially since just yesterday I threatened them with getting rid of it because no one would clean the cat box. Thought we'd talk about it tonight at FHE. Just kind of let them know what's going on. They know Katie's hand is really bad and that it hurts her. Doc told me that I'm lucky (and to watch for it) that it wasn't in her hair. If it gets in her hair she could loose her hair permanently!!!! He hopes that the hair that she has lost on her hand and arm will grow back - that's how deep the infection is. I had taken her to two doctors previously but they said it was eczema and gave me different creams. Poor Katie!
Yesterday, I made chore charts, which include chore (different everyday), exercising 20 minutes and reading 20 minutes. Today went ok. Made me realize that I need more patience. I told Chris that I was ready to send them outside and just do it myself!! Too much whining and only doing a "half job." Today, was deep cleaning- gross job like cleaning under the couches - yuck! Told them if they didn't use the couch as a trash can (found apple core) then it wouldn't be so gross. Praying for strength to keep the chores going. I know Prophets have told us to teach our children how to work, and I keep thinking about when they go on their missions that they need to know how to do things but man does it require patience on my part.:)
Tomorrow Jacob has a spreader put in his mouth and Tay and Jacob get their scout physicals. Tay is also going to get his shot for 7th grade (don't tell him - hee, hee) mine as well then I don't have to think about it later. Trying to do everything while I have wonderful insurance:) I was thinking about all the claims they are receiving from our family. I'm sure that they are ready to dump us:)
This Thursday will be nice because everyone will be home and we can do something as a family on Chris' day off (no chemo). Then Friday we are going to go to see the Manti pageant in Manti. The Manti Temple is where Chris and I were married and each year we go and eat a delicious turkey dinner and then go and sit at the bottom of the temple and watch the pageant. It's amazing! If you can-go. You won't regret it. Runs June 18-26 not on Sundays or Mondays, starts around 8-9 pm (http://www.lds.org/ for more info).
Love ya, Ricki

Well, my car has been officially "broken in." "Someone" put a 1 inch scratch on the trunk of the car. "Someone" (not me!!) closed the garage door while the trunk was still up, which caused the garage door and trunk to become stuck. To get them apart we had to push the garage door out with our feet which caused the scratch. All I can say is thank goodness it was the end of the day and I was exhausted or "Someone" might have lost his life:) Then two days later Katie and I are in the car waiting outside the school for the boys when Katie starts screaming and then proceeds to pee all over the seat and floor of the van!!!!!! Again all I can say is thank goodness for the rubber floor mats that I had just purchased a few days earlier and thank goodness for scotch guard which allowed it to stay on the top of the upholstery until I could wipe it up. Yes, everyone is still alive!!:)
I mentioned the other story first because I don't want to cry already today but last Saturday was AMAZING!!! We had so much fun seeing all of you, some of you we haven't seen for years (some of you have changed:) and it was fun being able to meet some of Chris' co-workers. The Cross Country Team and adults who helped did an AMAZING, FANTASTIC, OUT OF THIS WORLD job. It was so well organized and executed. We had a DJ there and Star Wars fighters and even Spider Man came. Chris and I want to thank EVERYONE who helped. We were even able to use the bathrooms at the high school - someone had to be there with a key. Thank you, thank you. We will NEVER forget this event in our lives. Words can not express how we feel. I can only say how grateful Chris and I are to know each of you and feel of your love and concern for our family. It's all Chris, he's wonderful!!:) I have now learned how it feels to be on the receiving end of something big and not have the words to express how I feel because I am so overwhelmed with gratitude and love. Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are planning on going to Disney World in August. To make more memories thanks to all of you!
After the 5K Chris went home and slept. Then he had a craving for ice cream so we went to Leatherby's. If you've ever been there you know it's yummy. Big scoops of ice cream. I am happy to help Chris out whenever he has a craving.:)
Monday, (Memorial Day) we drove to Ogden and played at the Dinosaur Park then we ate at a place that our family ate at when Chris and I were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We had tons of fun. You eat in a covered wagon. It's dark with twinkling stars, and a campfire for light and tons of real/stuffed animals and snakes and dirt as the floor. Kids loved it. Katie just wanted to look around. She got a kick out of the bathroom faucet. It was a water pump just like in the old days. She told the hostess of the restaurant that "she had a beautiful bathroom" hee, hee.
I had to take Meg to the doctor and then to the hospital for an x-ray. She had a lump on her wrist that was really hurting her. She said it was hard to drive and write. Thank goodness nothing serious. They call it a gangling cyst. The doctor told us that in the olden days they would take a Bible and hit it until it was gone. Yikes!! Doc said it would be better just to let it go away on its own:) Ice packs and Ibuprofen. And we just returned from the Dentist because poor Rye has been in a lot of pain due a sore in his mouth. I looked at it last night and it looked like two of his teeth were black and his gums looked weird. I think I must have been really tired. Dentist said he has a canker sore and that I should feed him pineapple and oranges and . . . just kidding! For any of you that have had one you know how badly they hurt and you shouldn't be eating those foods. Dentist said BRAT (no he's not a brat:) diet (banana, rice, applesauce and toast), it'll take about 2 weeks to go away and that they are caused by STRESS!! Poor Rye.
Thursday morning Chris helped pass out yearbooks at the middle school and then he went and had chemo. He lost 10 lbs since last chemo weigh-in. Doctor says that cancer is responding well to chemo. Lump in shoulder is smaller. In fact he and the social worker talked and decided that Hospice can wait for awhile longer. Yeah!!! We spoke with social worker for about an hour. She told Chris that it was a good idea to write letters and do DVDs for us. Chris said he would do it when he got sick and couldn't work. I told him that that is not how I wanted to remember him. Talked about kids and support groups for them. She also gave us paperwork to fill out about what Chris' last wishes are. Chris told her that I already knew them but she said that they need it in writing and that it will be a lot easier on us because we will already be a mess. Ahhh, paperwork:) It was a very long day. Thursdays have now been dubbed as "Pizza Night" at our house. Pizza is ordered from one of our favorite places and delivered to our house. Makes my life easier. It is amazing how exhausted one can feel after sitting in a chair for 4 hours!
Chris has been very ill. A lot of throwing up. And very exhausted. I took the kids swimming Friday to give Chris some rest. Saturday we went to a Brazilian party at a friends house. It was soo fun, lots of great food. Brazilians know how to party:) Chris was ill, threw up on the way to the party but couldn't refuse to eat (he went to Brazil on his mission). The hostess did a lot of work, so much food.
Sunday was church. Again I was ok until we started practicing our father's day song. Chris was again very exhausted so he slept a lot. He was also telling me how his hip hurt and his stomach was killing him. He slept horribly last night. Lots of tossing and turning and wandering around the house.
Today Meg and Rye started cross country. It starts at 7 am everyday. (Yuck) and they both ran 6 1/2 miles. Way to go! Soon we will be on our way to get Meg and Rye their physicals for cross country and Rye also for scout camp. Chris and I were laughing because Chris has to have a physical so that he can go on the Grand Teton High Adventure Camp with Rye this summer. Think he'll pass?! Doctor told us to bring paperwork next visit and he'll do what he can:):):) I know what your thinking but Chris has wanted to take the boys to this camp for years, he had signed up to go before we knew that he had a third cancer. I'm sure he'll do great. I am tempted to follow him up and stay in a hotel like I did last year when he went to Zions. Then if he needs anything I'm right there. (separation anxiety:)
This is a busy week for us. Tomorrow I go on a field trip with Jacob and Jacob will get spacers put in so that next week he can get a spreader put in the top of his mouth (poor boy). Wednesday is Field Day. I look forward to making snow cones all day. I will be on a sugar high due to Blue raspberry snow cones and making my famous Dr. Pepper snow cone. Yum! (I really only help out for selfish reasons:) Thursday, Chris has chemo and I have a doctors appointment to do more tests. Friday, is Tay and Jacobs last day of school and Meg gets to job shadow a lady at BYU in the art museum. How exciting. Life is crazy, hope all of yours are a little quieter (doubt it, it's the end of the school year/summer:)
Love ya, Ricki