During Thanksgiving dinner I realized that, this would be my last Thanksgiving dinner with my entire family for at least 3 years.  Megan will be gone next year and Rye will be gone the two after that and well, Chris had to put in his two sense and remind me that he would probably be gone also (I just smiled - who knows:).  So, we had to have a family picture. Katie is in her pj's because she got really sick.  Started Tuesday morning.  Wed she was screaming for hours about her ear hurting so I took her to the doctor.  Pretty cool, the doc let me look in her ear - it was soooo red.  No wonder she was screaming.  Ear infection and upper respiratory infection.  She has been miserable for days.  Yesterday she started perking up.  I'm having her stay home one more day just to give her one more day of resting (I'm sure I will regret it- hee, hee).  Tay is at home sick today (sore throat, cough, stuffy nose....) and needs to be taken to the doctor because of a very, very itchy rash that started a few days after we arrived in Disney world.  I've tried all kinds of creams but nothing is helping.  Poor guy.   And I guess will see who else gets sick.....
Last Monday we got to hang out with r California cousins.  They came to ski in Park City and called us so we could get together.  Love em:)
 Found out that when UPS said that my package would be here Tuesday they were saying Tuesday Nov 27th so hopefully tomorrow will get r carry on.  Two weeks after we arrived home.
Since Tuesday we have pretty much stayed in the house due to illness.  Usually we get r tree, go to a movie, maybe do some black Friday shopping.  It was a quiet long weekend.  Katie mostly wanting to be held - I was ok with that:)
Meg has decided to go to the Temple this Friday to get her endowments out.  When I called the Temple and explained r situation (Chris) they told me that it would be best to do an early session so that they can be helpful to Chris if he needs anything.  I never thought that Chris would be able to attend the temple with his daughter.  I am sooo excited.  One less thing to be sad about missing. Huge blessing!!!
This is a crazy week for me.  Toooo much in so little time.  Praying that everyone who is sick gets better quick and that no one else gets sick (especially me).  This week I feed the teachers and the same day have vision screening at the middle school.  Trying to find enough volunteers so that I don't have to go but it's not looking so good right now. I also volunteered to help with vision screening at the elementary school on Tues. and insurance adjuster coming out to look at Meg's car. Oh, and hopefully a package from Florida (lol). Then the usual scouts, Rye work, orchestra, tay memory book... all the fun stuff in life.
I forgot to mention that Rye got asked to his highschools Sadies dance (girls choice) the day after we got home.  The girl decorated r car soo cute and asked him.  It was crazy he had to find someone to switch shifts with him (his first day working in two weeks) so he could go.
Welp, time to go take care of my "sickies."  Force amoxicillin down Katie's throat. lol.
Love ya, Ricki

Soooo, exciting about Meg's mission call!!  How exciting that Chris and Megan will be able to speak to each other in Portuguese and....Megan's missionary Dakota.  I had better learn fast:)  April 3rd can't come soon enough for her:).  We were lucky enough to see her open it via skype.  We forgot  the speakers so we had cell phone in one hand and the lap top in the other. What a crazy night to open it:) We rushed back to r hotel room and thanks to lots of wonderful friends and family who stopped trick-or-treating to come and share a special moment with Meg.  I really appreciate it - it was hard for us to be far away. Meg was also "lucky" enough to get into a fender bender (her fault:( while we were gone (everyone is ok) - not fun to receive that kind of call as your getting on splash mountain!! Pooorrr Meg!!
We had a lot of fun on r trip.  The first four days poorr Tay was sooo sick.  He couldn't eat his throat hurt so bad and on Halloween he didn't trick or treat much - too tired:(  Rides, swimming, eating, staying up late, sleeping in late, drinking cherry coke all day, eating Mickey Mouse ice cream heads a couple times a day, long showers......hard to come home.  Chris struggled more this time than in the past.  He would take a nap on a park bench, we would go back to the hotel early, sleep in,  and we walked slower (all good things in my opinion).  Chris usually runs us ragged so it was nice to  slow down.  He had a hard time with food - everything full of fat. I put a few pictures on - only took over 800.  I won't bore you to death. Hee, hee.  At the Christmas party in Magic Kingdom they made "snow" and we had all you could eat sugar cookies and hot chocolate.  We left a carry on bag in Orlando.  "someone" (we won't name names) forgot to grab the bag.  It got left outside of security.  My dad was at his gate waiting for his plane and heard Chris' name called.  He called us and asked us if we had all of r baggage...... this was when we were boarding the plane:)  We counted and realized "nope" we didn't.  Chris ran back to see if he could get it, but Orlando airport is really big so there was no way he could get to it.  It was in lost and found outside security.  Kids and I were stressing out - plane full and ready to leave - no Chris.  He made it:) funny thing about this bag.... Chris and I had been arguing about bringing back halloween candy.  He wanted to leave it and I wanted to bring it home for r traditional gingerbread houses.  Sooooooo, now this bag cost me $65.00 to have it UPSed to my house.  Needless to say, some very expensive candy!!!  The bag also had a bday present in it for one of Katie's friends - bday party on Friday and we thought it would be fun to get it in DW.  I had to buy a different present for her - package doesn't get her til Tuesday - one week after we left Orlando. lol. Lots of great memories.  Hard to come home to reality - not soo fun (especially school work!!!!!!!)
We met with the oncologist Thursday. He is skinnier 180 lbs (crazy after a vacation - lol) Chris has decided to do radiation and chemo starting the middle of January.  The radiation will be to his neck.  The tumor is large and keeps stretching his skin.  He also has a few more lumps around his body.  He is also having a hard time sleeping.  His back is still healing and he "has no hips" so it hurts to sleep on either side.
Love ya, Ricki

Meg's Mission Call!

So as you all know, Meg has been waiting for her mission call very patiently (not!) for 15 days, and it finally showed up yesterday! The worst possible day for it to show up of course; forcing parents to drag their young children away from trick-or-treating and for them to risk their houses getting egged because they weren't there to hand out candy. Oh the joys of life!;) Also because her parents were in Disney World! Oh well, there was no way she was waiting any longer than she had too! Well after saying it'd be open at 8 of course it wasn't open until 8:30 (she almost died because we kept making her wait for people to come!). When she finally opened it it read:

Dear Sister Wach:
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Portugal Lisbon Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.
You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Portuguese language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.

Wow! Portugal Lisbon Portuguese speaking! Now she and Chris will be able to speak Portuguese and I won't understand! But she isn't to happy about the date she'll leave for the MTC! 5 months! The MTC must be really really busy! She's excited all the same:).

Thanks everyone who came and thank you for all your support! We love you!

By the way, this is Megan, if you didn't realize by the correct use of "our" and "are" and something closer to correct punctuation;) Hehe.

Alright people, this is a QUICK blog:)  This morning I woke up stressed out about all that I need to do but after reading my good friends blog whose husband is doing chemo and lives on the east coast - dealing with hurricane Sandy.  I guess I will be alright "my hurricane" will only last a few hours.  Good luck friend:) 
Rye did well in state.  Next year:)  The day of State I let him drive the car to school.  When he got back to the school a .... parking ticket was awaiting him!!!!!!!!!!!!!  They said the school parking sticker (that I paid $20 for) wasn't attached to the window.  It was.  I had just been trying to be kind and I put a piece of paper behind it so that you could see it better. lol.  I of course went in and talked with them and then I took the piece of paper off the back:)
Chris and I voted the first day the polls were open for early voting.  There was a line (that's good:). Meg is voting today.  She's down here visiting us.  She's going to help drive us to the airport tomorrow at 4:50 AM and then "clean out r refrigerator" hee, hee.  While we are gone r neighbor across the street is going to (lucky for her) go to the mailbox EVERY DAY and see if Meg's call has come.  Meg texts me everyday at least twice, until I get out to the mail box.  I told my neighbor "don't give Meg your cell # unless you want to be bugged."  She had two friends who put in their papers one day before her receive their calls (going to Brazil).  so, she is hoping.  I've been debating on being a "mean mom" and taking the mail keys with me.  You know you just have this image of how things r suppose to go.  All the family sitting in the living room, cameras rolling..... all the anticipation, yelling.......excitement.........tears.......Skype just isn't the same:(  So.... now we have to take a poll to see where YOU think she might go.  I say Brazil.  YOU?
Chris' parents came back through after visiting their other children in Oregon.  fun to see them twice in one week:)
Katie, Jacob, Taylor and I  we went for a hike (Provo canyon).  We saw a moose, played in lots of water and on big trees and had a dog take the walking stick that Jacob had right out of his hand (owner did nothing!!!!!!! - dog as big as Katie)the hike was suppose to be 5 miles round trip.  We started out a little to late in the day so I started getting nervous so we turned around - didn't want to get stuck in the woods at night.  So we headed down before we made it to see the falls.  We were disappointed so... we went back the next day (hee, hee).  I asked Katie if she wanted to come - I was worried about her having walked 5 or more miles yesterday.  She came, but did plenty of whining - no one ever carried her.  After walking 5 miles we decided to turn around, (and seeing a HUNTER!!!!) So are hike was a total of at least 10 miles that day and we never got to the falls.  It was absolutely gorgeous!!!  The leaves and the fresh air - mmmm.  Refreshes a soul:)
Last week we had the strangest thing happen to us (I still think it might have been a dream).  As a family we went to the fabric store to get material for r costumes.  On the way home it was dark and raining/snowing.  I didn't see it in time but I hit a LOG!!!  It was big enough that it got stuck under r car!!!  I pulled over and tried to get it out.  NO WAY that thing was stuck!!!  Poor Chris, with a hurt back and it raining he got the jack out and jacked up the car so that we could get the log out from under the car!!!!  What a night!!!!
We are being characters from Jake and the Neverland Pirates (Disney channel cartoon) for Halloween.  We have been sewing like crazy.  Chris has done a fantastic job of making up patterns.  He made up a pattern for shoe covers that look like boots and a vest pattern (with collar) for one of the pirates.  Jake - is Taylor, Izzie - Katie, Cubby - Jacob, Me - pirate princess, and Rye and Chris r pirates from the show (can't remember their names).  Lots of work but a lot of fun.  It was fun sitting at the table working with Chris on the costumes.  something I won't forget:)
Went to the back doctor and got the OK that the stitches look good and that now he just needs to take it easy for 3 months.  I laughed soooo hard when doc said that.  Chris isn't going to take it easy!!  I call him the "vacation nazi!!!"  He runs us ragged!!  I always need a vacation after my vacation.  Even when the rest of us decide that we've had enough, he still goes - just by himself:) 
I think I pretty much have everything done - 18 teachers -check, SEP dinner - check, voted - check, packed - no, clean house - no (needs to be clean in case we die - don't want anyone saying I was messy - lol), cat - going to ma Ingles' house, mail key - I guess I'll give it to the neighbor:), .......... so many things to do - not much time.
Take care, Love ya, Ricki

Well, Meg is finished with her paperwork and she doesn't have TB:)  Her papers have been sent electronically to Church Headquarters (this happened Saturday:) Sooo, will see what happens(already met with bishop:)  Only two things to worry about 1-If Meg can sell her apartment contract. 2 - Money.  It's $400 a month.  #2 has since been taken off the list.  Thanks to grandparents, aunt and uncle and a dear family friend we've got it covered.  She will need money for clothes, deodorant (hee, hee) etc.  but hopefully she can earn some money before she leaves and I'm sure that we can come up with a few dollars:) Shee is sooo excited.  One of her roommates just came back from a mission so she's been bugging her to tell her everything:)  Poor Meg has been sick the last week.  She started a new job yesterday but had to leave after only being there 3 hours.  Hoping she gets better soon.

Chris, is still in pain.  He went to church Sunday to teach his lesson.  During Sacrament he stood out in the hall for awhile and then asked me to take him home so he could rest til he had to give his lesson.  He had a craving yesterday for Del Taco so I drove him there. 

We got a rental car yesterday so they could fix r van.  2013 Ford Explorer.  fun, but I like my van better:)  We had lots of company this week.  Chris' mom and dad visited us and r crazy family:). 

Saturday morning Ryan ran into my room at 10 am and said that he was going to Homecoming (that NIGHT!!!) that he needed money for the day activity that they (and another couple) were leaving in less than an hour!!!  Going to Timpanogoes Cave and out to lunch.  It was awesome - all the kids ran to their rooms and grabbed their cash.  Meg $27, me $30, Chris $2.00 and Katie $15.  I told everyone I would pay them back later that day.  Funny story:  Katie told me that "if Rye used her money that I owed her $20"  I said "you only gave me $15"  "I know but you owe me $20!!"  I ended up getting her money in all dollar bills - I didn't fool her.  I ended up giving her $16.  What a funny girl.  The girl that Rye asked goes to a different high school, he met her the night before at a football game, they got talking and Rye found out that her boyfriend had dumped her just before homecoming that she already had her dress.  SOOOOO..... being the sweet boy that he is...... he asked her to his.  We were able to get a corsage and Rye double dated with his friend and the football team at Texas Roadhouse.  It all worked out:)  Crazy day/evening:)  Another funny story involving Katie (lol):  last night for family home evening we talked about the Word of Wisdom.  I read a part that said "if you smoke you could get cancer"  You should have seen Katie's face - she looked right at Chris - "you smoked?!" The face was priceless.  After we stopped laughing we explained.  She sure is a character - I can't image r life without her:):)
Tomorrow, is Ryes' big state championship race for cross country.  He switched shifts with a girl so that he could go to bed early tonight, and I've got carbs ready for dinner.  Weather is suppose to be awful!!  55 and raining. 
For the Literary committee that I'm on at the middle school we are reading - A Monster Calls.  The teacher that I'm partnered with emailed me and told me that it would probably be a hard book for me to read.  The mother dies of cancer.  I told her I'd have my tissues ready:) 
You all will be sooo proud of me.... I let Rye drive the car to work last night (Mostly I just wanted to stay away from that spot lol), and today to school.  I'm ssooo nice:):)
Kids are all out of school this Thursday and Friday.  Everyone goes back to school Monday - soo sad:(  We did make a really fun item while off track -  bow and arrows out of PVC pipe.  sooo fun.  Chris kept telling me "I was crazy" and that "I would regret making them" he's had a great time saying that to me - it really hasn't been that bad.  The kids/cousins/neighbors have had a lot of fun.  The worst part was going to the hardware store and finding all the stuff.  But the Lord sent an "angel" and he walked me around the store and helped me get all the stuff and do all the math so that I could make 9 of them. Hee,hee.  He, had a great time laughing also.
Love this one!!:)  "If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the piles and piles of laundry will disappear all too soon and that you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly."  Thomas S. Monson
Love ya, Ricki

Sooo, Meg is pretty much done with her papers:)  She filled them all out last night after seeing her Bishop and this morning 8 am went to the dentist.  I must say that this "is meant to be!!"  Yesterday, I called the dentist (Wed, only day Meg could go) they had just had a lady cancel not more than 5 minutes before I called.  Then this morning the dentist finds three cavities (where have we heard that before? lol) Meg begs him to just sign the papers and she'll come back next week.  He doesn't want to be struck dead so he says sorry (broke the girls heart) then the receptionist comes in and says that they've had a cancellation and that they can do it right now!!!!!!  After the dentist she got to visit with Ma and Pa Wach (from Texas) and 2 of their Chinese children visiting from China (they got to come for two weeks - headed to Yellowstone) for a few minutes until it was time for her doctor's appointment at 11am.  Doctor Hamp (who we just love - if you need a family doctor call me and I will give you his number- he's wonderful:):) gave Meg a clean bill of health.  He saw her before she went to China so he knew what shots she had before she left.  They ran the usual tests and then gave her a TB test.  Meg was verry, verryyyy bummed because with a TB test you have to come back in 24 hours to see if you have it.  soooo, she can't turn in her papers tonight like she wanted to.  poor girl!!!:)  Friday night her papers should be on there way to (hee, hee) Salt Lake.  Maybe she should just take them down herself.  It's been a whirl wind of a day and it's not even half over yet:):).  Oh, and Meg starts a new job on Monday in OREM!!!!  We are so happy to get her out of the canyon and closer to BYU.  That's why the rush to get it done today.  You really shouldn't ask for time off after starting a new job:) 
Poor Katie's cheek is still very swollen.  I held her most of the night.  She kept whimpering.  My poor, poor girl. They said it could take up to two weeks to heal.  Swelling will gradually go down.  (they were so nice they called to check on her today).  I cancelled next weeks appointment because of her mouth being sore (don't want them to have to pull on it to work on the other side) and just in case she hurt her cheek again she wouldn't want to go to school and I wouldn't want to send her in pain.  And of course everyone has to be healthy for Disney World soo, will do the other 3 cavities in December next time we are off track - lucky girl:)
The lady that hit me decided to just have me file a claim.  She wanted to pay instead of insurance and I told her that she would have to do the leg work because I was busy.  I gave her 4 days to do it.  She called me last night and said that she was to busy.  I'm actually soooo grateful.  I was trying to be nice but screaming inside knowing that it was going to be a lot of work for me.  She has Progressive and I've worked them before (LOLOLOLOL) and they made it sooo easy for me.  Drop my car off at the shop and the rental car is waiting right there for you.  When the car is fixed go back give them the rental and they give you your car.  Piece of cake.  I could use that right now (both ways - cake you eat and easy:):)  So, now I just wait for them to call me and will get my car fixed. 
Love ya, ricki

Chris is still on the mend.  Lots of pain but he can walk.  Can't stand for long and sitting is very painful.  He has only sat twice since the surgery (once to the Priesthood session and today to Rye's meet).  Today, Rye had regions for cross country.  He did great! First place.  He started out strong and ended strong.  Chris had told me that he was going to only stand in one spot and "yell" but he ended up walking all over the course:)   Very excited for Rye!!:)  Next week is State.

Rye, Chris, Tay, Jim, and are friends Randy, Nate and Jake all went to the Priesthood Session Saturday and then out to eat.  The other men reported that they sat on the stage and Chris walked around or laid down.  My Chris is such a trooper - knowing that this might be the "last priesthood session he gets to attend with his sons"  he goes even though it is very painful. (I know we say that all the time - lol).

Soo, because of Saturday's big announcement in General Conference Meg has been driving me CRAZY!!!  about setting up doctor and dentist appointments for her.  She's ready to go and serve the Lord.  Her roommate already has everything done!!!  While I've been trying to write this she has texted me multiple times to find out if I've set them up:)  She meets with her bishop tonight and tomorrow has appointments with doctor and dentist.  This shouldn't be hard on her.... she already has her passport (thanks to China), she had a bunch of shots (thanks to China) and she has had her wisdom teeth out already.  Goooo Meg!!!!  Oh, and she told Dakota (her missionary). Dakota's mother said that he probably wouldn't wait for her, but as I've tried to tell her "If it's meant to be it will happen" Now she just has to be patient enough to finish out the Quarter at school!!  (she is taking missionary prep right now).   Hard to believe but I could have TWO missionaries out at the same time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I think I had better get myself a job!!!
Katie and Jacob went to the dentist this week.  Jacob no cavities.  Katie 6!!!!  Yesterday they filled 3.  Today she is VERY swollen still.  Dentist looked at her mouth and found that she had bit the inside of her cheek, making it hurt and that is why it is swollen - my poor girl!!!  Next week she will have the other 3 filled:( Funny story:  I tried to take her picture yesterday because she looked so cute (today I'm just sad) all swollen. She said "No, I don't want you to post it on the internet!"   Sooooo cute!!!!
Sad note:  The other day Jacob and I were talking and he was rubbing his neck, then he said to me "I think I have a tumor, I feel something like a lump."   BROKE my heart!!!!!!  I had to try really hard not to cry.  I touched his neck and reassured him that he was probably ok but that I would take him to the doctor if he wanted me to.  He said that he was ok.
I feel like I'm running around with my head chopped off but so grateful to be off track - it's made things so much easier. 
Tonight Rye works and Tay has scouts.  Tomorrow, I have a PTA meeting and a PTSA meeting and Jacob has pack meeting.  Thursday, Rye works and hopefully the kids and I will get in a hike before it rains Friday.
"The Lord will strengthen the back to fit the burden."  Pres. Monson
Love ya, Ricki

HA HA, just had to get on and let ya'all know that my van just got ..... (r you ready??) REAR ENDED!!!!!! Same spot as last time.  right in from of Chick fil a!!!!!!!!!!! 
Ryan was suppose to drive himself but he "lost" his license - already - only had it for 1 week!!!  Soooo I had to drive him to work and of course pick him up....
 Glad Chris wasn't in the trunk. lololololol
Soooo, tomorrow I have another job to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Going to bed now.  Oh, and Chris has been in pain today but he walked around the block and isn't in as much pain as he was before the surgery.
I told Chris it was probably time to get rid of this van!!!!!  2010 hit 3 times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm smiling.  Life is good.  Chris is still with us.
Love ya, Ricki

Sorry, I was sooo tired after getting Chris released from the hospital (they let us go at 9:45pm), getting him home and settled and finding out all the "things, I was suppose" to do for Rye and Tay for school that I went to bed.  Chris had surgery at 9:00 am.  It went well.  They fixed the disk between L4 and L5 and fixed the disk between L5 and S1. So they removed part of the disk that was pushing up against his nerve between a couple of vertebrae.  During the day he took pain meds and walked around the hospital floor.  Even though he was in pain he was sooo happy to be able to walk.  His right foot and calf are still numb but we hope over time that, that will go away. On more than one occasion on Sunday he was asked his pain level (1 none 10 bad).  One time he said 12 and another time he said 14:(  We are sooo grateful that he was able to have the surgery soo quickly and that he is in a lot less pain.  Yesterday, I called the insurance company to try and get an idea of how much being at an out of network hospital would cost.  My portion 40% and I found out that if I hadn't called -( I have to ask permission when being admitted to the hospital) they might not have paid anything (you have 24 hours to do so).  I'm learning a lot about r new provider.  Wish I didn't have to, r old one was much simpler.  That is why Chris had surgery yesterday morning and left that night.  He put his clothes on to go home about 1 pm. He was ready to go home - he hates hospitals.  Can you blame him?:)  He left without a prescription for pain meds, said ibuprofen was good enough.  I left a message with Dr. Rich's office (r back doctor) to have a follow up visit.  Today, he is in pain but handling it like a real trooper like always.  This could have been sooo much worse.  Thanks to my mom, Cherie (my sister), my dad, and Jim (my brother in law) they helped out sooo much we could have never done this hospital stay without them taking care of Chris, r house, the kids etc etc.  You're the best family ever!!!:)  Couldn't survive without you guys!!!!  Love ya tons.  Thank you also to extended family and friends for praying for us.  Thanks also for the goodies that showed up at r house.  We got a kick out of the ones that came to r house from Amy who brought us treats, dr. pepper, mountain dew and my favorite - waterproof mascara. LOLOLOLOL. You made my day:) 
Can you believe it's October?  We have a busy week but I'm good with that.  After being lazy for two days I'm ready to get moving:):)  We went to the ortho this morning for Jacob - he had a chain put on the back of his two front teeth to keep them from moving.  Went and got Tay a book for his language arts class from the library and then took it to him at school and then played on the new sky bridge by the middle school.  After I'm done here will put up Halloween decorations - I'm running behind:)  Rye works tonight and I will let him take the car (he works til 10- and maybe just to make sure my friends know that they are right - "that I'm crazy" I will follow him to make sure he does OK.  hee, hee) cross country practice (so glad that there isn't a meet this week - gives Chris time to recover), and Tay has scouts. 
Tomorrow, Rye doesn't have school because of parent teacher conferences 12-8.  Jacob scouts.
Thursday, Jacob and Katie have dentist appointments - time to see how their brushing lol., Tay has his parent teacher conference and Rye works.
Friday, Tay doesn't have school and Saturday I hope that Chris will be well enough to attend the Priesthood session and go out to eat like they always do.  My wonderful brother in law - Jim has already said that he would drive everyone and be there to help Chris (thanks). Now we can enjoy are off track time.
Keep the faith.  and as we say to r kids when they leave the house "remember who you are."
Love ya, Ricki

Quick update since I need to go to bed:)  We left for the hospital this morning at 9:40 after asking r neighbor (Deniese) to take r kids to church, help with my primary class and help get them lunch after church until Meg could get here.  she had church and was being sustained in her new calling.  Thank goodness for Deniese:):)  We got there at about 10am I pulled up to the front of the building and Chris got out of the 'trunk"  ER people watching.  We signed in, paid are copay and all the while Chris was in tons of pain.  They took us to the closest room (I hated that room - the doors to the ER opened basically into r room - smells (usually bad), and noises (usually bad) could be heard in r room).  Gave Chris morphine and basically that was it.  Chris insisted on getting the MRI.  Resident said "no" so we asked to see the doctor he said "sure" we waited and waited and waited.   Chris in sooo much pain.  He had a couple of doses of morphine.  They wouldn't let him eat or drink so he hadn't eaten or had anything to drink since last night (I was getting angry by 3). They came in and did paperwork and then we didn't see them again.  The nurse was kind enough to go to the MRI floor and see what was happening.  Finally at 6:30 they came for him.  Very, very long day.  Chris in so much pain really couldn't sleep and he wanted the lights out so I tried to sleep but the chairs are a little to hard and the room was soo cold (that's the way Chris wanted it) I put his clothes that he wore to the hospital over me to keep warm and thank goodness I had brought socks and slippers.  I saw Chris again at about 7:45 and we waited for the results.  I had called my dad earlier in the day, he was in Idaho - 8 hours away, he came to the hospital - he is spending the night with Chris.  He has it down pat after spending 14 nights with Chris when he had his whipple.  My mom, sister Cherie and Meg took care of everyone else.  Meg left at 7 so that she could get back for school tomorrow.  My mom is going to take care of kids tomorrow since we are off track.  And my sister made dinner for my family - Meg said it was wonderful.  Crazy start to r off track time.  After the doctor gave us the news he said that he had called the back doctor and that he was coming in to look at Chris' MRI.  He mentioned the name Dr. Rich and I thought that sounded familiar.  It was.  It is the same doctor that performed his back surgery in 2009.  We gave him r sob story and he fit us in tomorrow at 8:30 am.  On the MRI it showed L4 and L5 on the right side bulging.  L5 and S1 look like they are but he won't know until he gets in there.  If they are he will fix them also.  After he left the social worker came in and informed us (some of it I already knew) that IMC is not a preferred hospital for Blue Cross Blue shield and she wondered if we wanted to go to another hospital in network.  Of course Chris was in to much pain and "hello - it had been a lllllooonnnnggg day!!" One that I don't want to repeat.  Sooo, will just have to deal with the bill when it comes:(  The doctor said that he would do his best to get us out quick. ha ha not to quick:)   "No socks for you!!"  Chris was taken to a room on the 14th floor.  Pretty exciting that is one floor we hadn't been to - it was being completed the other times we were here.  My brother in law Jim and my dad gave Chris a blessing and I headed home.  I will get Rye and Tay up and out the door and then head to the hospital.  Grateful for it being just "the back"  Chris kept telling the doctor "this is good news"  I'm sure the doc thought we were crazy:) No cancer pushing on his nerves.  Chris has no idea how this happened.  It has been a very emotional week but it's almost over.  Chris will soon be back to his old self and hopefully he will be healed enough to make it to Disney World.  It's amazing how quickly life can change.  Thanks everyone for all of your prayers, love and Dr. Pepper (lol).
Love, Ricki

Friday:
Lots has happened in the past 24 hours.  After I finished the blog yesterday I heard noises in my room (that's a good thing - means Chris is still alive) I turned around to see Chris CRAWLING down the hall towards me.  I got him a chair so that he could put his hands on it and then stand up.  He is in sooo much pain!!  He took 3 ibuprofen and then decided to try walking around the block.  I went with him.  He did about a mile.  He kept getting crabby that I was walking behind him (he thought it looked like I was the less important one - lol) but I couldn't walk next to him because he kept swinging his arm and the biggest reason was that I hardly had any energy from being sick myself.  My nose, head throat etc. etc. all hurt.  I haven't exercised all week or gone to the temple.  I just haven't had the energy and the energy that I do have I've needed to keep up with my wonderful family.  After we came back Chris took a loratab (on his own). Took a nap, watched tv.  Rye got a call from a girl he works with she asked if he would trade times with him.  So, I received "a tender mercy" from HF he now works 10-3 tomorrow which makes my life much easier, he was 5:30-9:30 and I would have needed to be downtown already and Chris can't drive.  I received two more tender mercies (I'm sure more but I don't always notice all of them:) One came at about 4pm bearing gifts of mountain dew (for Chris), slurpees for the kids, Dr.Pepper for me, other drinks for later and a ton of delicious fruit from the farmer's market - peaches, red and yellow pears, all kinds of apples but are favorite -the dried corn - so fun - so clever- Put the dried corn cob in a brown paper bag and microwave for 90 seconds and it turns into popcorn. My dear friend Laurie - listened to the spirit and came over and took care of me and my family.  While Laurie was here my bestest buddy Kristen (neither one of them knew the other was coming) stopped by bearing gifts of a Mountain Dew slurpee for Chris, Dr. Pepper for me, Kneaders soup in a bread bowl (because I'm sick:), cinnamon rolls and ghost sugar cookies for the kids.  It was sooo wonderful to talk with these amazing women.  I just love them to death.  I couldn't ask for better friends.  I've known them along time they used to live here in my neighborhood but have since moved (they both have daughters Megan's age and they both dislike grammar errors.  LOL  Don't worry I made some for the both of you.  Hee,hee).  Chris had a great time talking to both of them. Couldn't ask for better timing.  Thanks for listening to the spirit and being such great friends. 
9/29
So, I did a ton of crying this morning as Rye pulled out of the driveway to go to work.  I did follow behind him (I know I've been told "I'm crazy").  He did a good job just went through a yellow light (which then meant I had to run the red) so we talked about it when we arrived at his work.  Also talked about driving home.  I have a few ideas "why" this is killing me 1- control, 2 - Please tell me Rye doesn't have a target on the back of him like Meg did (how many accidents??) 3 - It's Chris' car, but he can't drive it:(.  Chris didn't feel well enough to even go walking today:(  I put out the word on face book that Chris needed crutches and within 15 minutes we had a pair and a whole lot of wonderful people calling and face booking us. Thanks a ton.  Crazy to know that so many people havecrutches. lol.  Chris continues to take his pain pills without fighting me (you know it's bad).  Chris' cousins Dale and Sherri came over and visited.  Fun to see them.  Then Meg and my sister Cherie and her kids (Lillee and Spencer) came over so that we could go down town and meet up with other friends for dinner and to watch the Women's Conference in the conference center.  It was crazy getting there but all of us finally arrived.  We ate and then literally "ran" to the conference center to then stand in line to have r purses checked.  I got double checked thanks to having one of Chris' lovenox shots in my purse:):)  I could have sworn the whole meeting was just for me.  Cried through most of it especially Pres. Eyring's talk. It was so wonderful.  Soo grateful to have been able to go and listen to church leaders speak and be with such wonderful women of faith.  We paid Tay to watch everyone until my brother in law arrived.  I was nervous the whole time but when we got home "no blood" was found and everyone was alive (ha, ha).  Chris was in a lot of pain and took another loratab.  I have been trying to convince him to let me take him to the ER.  We would get the tests done sooner and they would be delivered right to r doctor.  Instead we have to go to another cancer center and wait for results and I have to ask for a disc with the images on it for my doctor.  He's afraid that they will keep him.  Last night Chris was laying on the couch and he started moaning in pain.  Katie says "Maybe it's funeral time" I told her to come her and we talked about what she just said.  I don't think Chris heard anything - atleast he didn't say anything.  Soo sad:(  Chris was bummed today that he couldn't mow the lawn.  He loves to mow it.That's just another thing that I have to turn over to "the boys":(   Chris insists that tomorrow he is going to church and that he will teach his Gospel Doctrine class.  I'm grateful that I'm not teaching primary tomorrow I will be able to bounce back and forth and take him home if he needs me to.
"Keep the faith"
Love ya, Ricki

Yesterday Chris wanted to go to Ryan's meet but couldn't sit up on the bus or ride in a car.  Soooo, I took down the seats in the van, put blankets down (to cover where I needed to vacuum, not for comfort lol), brought out his pillow and drink and Katie, Chris and I headed to Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs.  About a 40 minute drive.  I had texted the coach earlier in the day and he was kind enough to tell me the time Rye would be running at so that we didn't miss it.  Poor Katie we had to keep explaining why daddy got to sit in an unsafe position and that she couldn't. On the way there and back Katie read a book to Chris (showing him the pictures) and shared her snacks - soo cute:)  We got there with just a few minutes to spare.  I pulled up to the field, opened the trunk and sent Chris and Katie on their way while I went and parked in tim-buck-too.  This was a BIG meet lots of schools.  It was hard watching him get in and out of the trunk:(  He did great at the meet.  Walked all over the place yelling at Rye and the other runners even giving advice and encouragement to struggling runners from other teams (that's my Chris:) I wasn't sure how long we would stay but he wanted to watch the other races so we stayed til the end.  Rye did great he ran 3 miles in 17:06 with a hurt foot and ankle.  rolled his ankle awhile ago (still hurts him) but last week dropped a 50 pound weight on the top of his foot - nice and bruised poor guy.  After the race we headed to the high school to wait for Rye.  Again, I had to keep telling Katie why daddy got to be unsafe and she couldn't.  I told her that when we got to the high school parking lot she could lay back there.  See the cute picture?  The two of them fell asleep waiting for Rye:)  We got home and Chris went and laid down.  Took 2 advil and one pain pill.  I haven't talked to him yet this morning so not sure how he is doing.  I did hear him make noises but not as often.  Hoping he got some sleep.  After a crazy morning of crazy schedules I am happy to say 2 kids off track!!!  Tay to memory book, drove Rye to school, took Jacob to orchestra and then came home and yelled at Katie to get ready and then took her to school.  You all know how it goes - your morning was probably similar. lol.  Off track!:)  Jacob will still go to orchestra practice Wed and Frid mornings at 7:30 but hey, I'm already up with Tay and Rye so no big deal. I do wish that we were traditional but since we aren't I will take the break:)  They cancelled the Turkey Shoot for tonight and I don't know if I will be going to conference down town tomorrow.  I don't feel like I can leave Katie (yes, she has siblings - watch her??!!!  sometimes!!)  for that long and Rye works - soooo do I let him drive himself to work???  Just nervous!  and a little bit of a control freak!!!:):):)  Sooo grateful for my van.  The way the seats are designed we can all have a seat and Chris can still lay down. Yesterday Rye asked me "is this how the car is going to look from now on?"  I said "yep, fun huh?!"  (Katie thinks so:) Gotta go with the flow!!!  As I told the kids we are starting a "new adventure" that we have to learn to adjust, that change is OK.  Hard. But we can do it.  So, grateful listening to the kids pray - what sweet prayers of hope and love for their dad and others and the things that they are grateful for.  I got awesome kids!!! Not sure how come I'm so blessed:):)
Love ya, Ricki

Ok, so Chris is a dork!!!  He wrote the blog like I asked him to but made it read as though I had written it.  He has such a sense of humor.  I'd laugh if I didn't feel like crying.  I actually can't stop crying.  Yesterday, after we got home from the doctor I called r insurance company and put Rye on.  Chris really can't drive he is in soooo much pain.  It's crazy to think that IT'S time, time for me to start having Rye help me.  Last night as I was sitting in the parking lot of Chick fil a at 10:40 pm I was not a happy camper.  I'm going to have Rye drive me around for a few more days just to make sure I feel comfortable with him going out by himself.  I've tried to explain the "no friends in the car for 6 months rule" but he's fighting me.  I'm not quite ready to give up control. (didn't get to finish blog got to busy now....)
9/27/2012
Yesterday, was a VERY emotional day.  It started with Chris not getting much sleep, sleeping on the couch because of the pain and Katie in the morning before school going downstairs to Chris kissing him on the cheek and telling him to get up for her field trip it was time to go.  I told Chris that I would take the kids to school and then come back for him (he can't drive - sooo much pain).  I came home after listening to Katie talk and talk about how her dad was coming on the field trip.  Went home and Chris was still on the couch (he had to be at the school at 8:45, bus leaves 9 and it was 8:32).  When he tried to get up he almost fell.  So, much moaning and groaning in pain.  He couldn't walk up the stairs.  He CRAWLED (yes, I'm crying - it was awful to watch).  I asked him if I could go to the field trip instead.  He said "no, that he couldn't disappoint Katie." (which would have been an understatement! and being only 6 years old would not have understood)  He had me get him 3 Ibuprofen, which isn't like him.  (On Tues. the doctor asked him what his pain was at 1 being not much and 10 being awful.  He said a 9!!!!!!!)  We made it to the school on time.  Katie was sooo excited.  Chris rode the bus.  I cried as I walked to my car to head up to the zoo.  There was no way in heck that Chris could wrestle with 5 six year olds.  If I'm exhausted from watching him I can't imagine what he is feeling.  He did a great job in the zoo.  He made a few painful faces as we walked up and down the hills in the zoo.  After the zoo we headed to a park for the kids to eat lunch and play.  I guess some of the other mothers noticed that something was wrong - they told Chris that they would watch his group if he wanted to go home with me.  Of course Chris said "no"  When we got back to the school the teacher told me Chris had fallen asleep on the bus.  He was sooo tired.  I got him home and immediately he was asleep (after I gave him more ibuprofen).  Just before we started reading scriptures last night as a family Chris said "I never imagined..." (he didn't finish) and I said "what?" and he said "I had hoped that I would go instantly not have to go through this. . . "
 I've tried to keep this under wraps but now ... we have another worry.  Chris decided a few months ago that he wanted to spend the rest of his life insurance policy money on "one last trip to Disney World" soooo we are suppose to leave Oct. 30th. But Chris can't sit/walk very well (when he plays the computer he either kneels on the floor, or stands). I have been coordinating with all 18 teachers to let them know what is going on and that soon we will be sending a paper around for them to give us some homework (oh, joy:)!!!  and getting done what I need to for PTA while I'm gone (I'm suppose to feed the teachers)  This has been a major stress on me.  Knowing that the money will be all gone (but wanting Chris to be happy), 2 weeks worth of homework/projects/tests to clean up when we get back and remember Rye has 3 college classes (just paid $131.00 for his chemistry book).  I have been asking Heavenly Father to help me "stay calm" and know that I can get everything done. That will be alright (money wise- it's just been nice to have a cushion/savings) and of course to look forward to the trip and then to have fun (it will be:).  I don't want to ruin it for anyone especially Chris.  He is sooo excited.  He has been working on r Halloween costumes.  We are each going to be a character from Jack and the Neverland Pirates.  Rye is Captain Hook (oh, and Meg isn't coming).  Oct 30 -Nov 13th.  We will be there for Halloween and then get to enjoy Christmas.  So, Tuesday after his test we will need to decide what needs to be done so that Chris can go on the trip.  Whether it is radiation to try and shrink the tumor off his nerve, or chemotherapy to try and shrink it or both.  The oncologist reminded Chris that he bounces back pretty quick after chemo (ha, ha) so maybe 2 rounds of chemo before leaving.  We honestly don't know what is going to happen.  Last night Chris slept on the couch for awhile then came to bed.  Are bed is tall and he moaned and groaned and then . ..  (yes, I'm sobbing)whimpered as he tried to get "comfortable"  He told the doctor that he didn't want any pain meds but behind his back I asked for some.  He took 3 more ibuprofen this morning but said that the ones he took lasst night didn't do anything and that he had maybe only slept for an hour.  He didn't fight me when I suggested taking pain pills just at night so he could sleep.  so, after I finish this I'm heading to the hospital to get his loratab (and sign my life away - lol).  I know I've had four years to prepare myself for this but I can tell you "I'm not ready!!!!"  My stomach churns and churns and I have to pull from inside of me every ounce of patience (for my kids) and every ounce to keep going to keep doing the daily things that need to be done.  It is sooo hard to watch Chris in pain.  Maybe this is the Lord's way of making it easy for are family to let him go.  You hate to see the ones you love suffer.  And I definitely CAN'T stand watching this feeling sooo helpless.  I've been helpless many times but this time feels worse because I know the end is coming and that it will probably only get worse.  Just like putting Rye on our car insurance - one step closer to the end - needing Rye to help because Chris can't. Rye asked if he could drive the car to school today and I told him "no" he asked "why?" and I told him that he couldn't have the car til Chris died.  I wanted Chris to be able to go somewhere if he wanted to.  Rye said he can't drive and I said "I know but I'm not ready to give up yet."  I am mentally beaten down right now but HAVE to keep going.  I have to many people relying on me.  I don't know what the future holds for us.  Will we make it to Disney world?  I don't know (we did buy insurance) and if he dies will I still take the kids and go? I don't know.  The Lord knows the big picture I just have to trust. 
Love ya, Ricki
Cross country coach asked Chris to ride the bus to the meet today and Chris told him he couldn't:((((  You know he's hurting!!!!

Just got back from the doctor - I'm making Chris give the report because he listens better:  Chris has been experiencing pain in his left leg.  The oncologist believes it may be due to a cancer growth pushing on the nerve chain that runs along the spine.  Chris has injured his back in the past but this time was different, there was no single injury event and the pain has come on gradually.  He has a MRI/PET (PET for checking the cancer growth) scheduled for next Tuesday.  If it turns out the back/leg pain is from the cancer advancing then Chris will begin a series of chemo and radiation.  Since it’s not curable, it’s about comfort and reducing the pain at this point.  We knew we would have to cross this bridge some time.  But with some treatments maybe we can put the process in reverse and go backwards and reduce the growth and wait to see if treatments have to be done again in the future.  Other than a small head cold and the possibility of doing treatments again for the pain in his leg, Chris is doing well.  His weight has maintained, he looks healthy, and is still romping around as much as he can.  So next week we should be able to tell you what damage is done and what will be the course of treatment going forward.  Living four years beyond what was expected has been a huge blessing in our lives.  The quality time we have spent with friends and family, preparing for the future, and being able to live every day like it was the last have been beneficial to our family.  We appreciate your support, prayers, and love that each of you has shared with Chris and our family!

Chris has been very sick this week - sinus cold and he hurt his back this week - not sure when or how:(  So he is now in tons of pain because of his back and his nose either won't stop running or is clogged.  
The rest of us have been sick also with sinus junk.  some runny, some clogged or both:)  I just keep doweling out the medicine.  As of yesterday I started having a sore throat. Oh, joy!!!  I know it's bad when it hurts to drink Dr. Pepper!!!
To recap this week:)  Rye had late start at school last Wed so Chris and I took him out to lunch at Noodles so he could get some carbs in before his meet.  He didn't end up running his ankle hurt to much.  Funny story (always have to have one:):  At the meet (this happened twice) a dad of one of the kids on the team came up and thanked Chris for being a great coach.  Chris explained to him that he was just a dad.  The man asked how come he got to go to everything..... Chris said that "he was retired."  (I always tell him not to say that it invokes more questions!!) So, man asked how he did that.  Then Chris had to explain that he was dying etc. etc.  Another father said the same thing (different time) and also commented on Chris' clothes - how he wore the same shirt alot (I didn't know men noticed that type of stuff- and then to say it out loud!!!).  So.... Chris explained that he refused to buy clothes, that it was a waste of money. That invoked the question . .. What do you do for a living?. . . . etc etc.  "I'm dying" Chris and I found it amusing.  hee hee.  Got to laugh or your gonna cry (and I've done a TON of that this week thanks to Chris!!!! Can't stand to see him in pain) 
Tay had picture day and Jacob had scouts and orchestra.  Oh, and Rye had a goodbye party for a friend that night so I took him over and said "hi" to the parents.  There was a mechanical bull in their back yard for the party and a fancy music system and lights!!(and food) quite the party!!  Anyway, some of Rye's friends asked me to get on the bull.  I said "no" I didn't want to embarrass Rye.  they begged and the other mother said that she and some of the neighbor moms had done it (oh, the peer pressure!!).  SOoo, I did it!!!  It was wayyy fun.  I got the "prize" for being the "mother that stayed on the longest!!"  lol.  I also got the bruise and nice burn on my elbow for "staying on the longest."  It would have been fun to have tried it a few more times but.... didn't want to embarrass Rye.  I'll have to rent one of those. lol.
Thursday, I took Tay to get his new retainer.  Poooorrrr booooyyyy!!!!!!!!!  He cried sooooo hard handing over $100.00 of HIS money to the cashier.  He counted out each $20 bill and handed it to her and then the tears came.  He cried all the way to school.  Talk about feeling like a rotten mom for making him pay for a new one - he lost it - but those tears!!!!  I still paid $75.00 but boy did he break my heart.  He came home after school - climbed into bed and cried and slept for an hour:(:(:(  Broke my heart. 
Crazy story (got to have one of those also):  Saturday's cross country meet was cancelled.  On short notice coach had us enter a Friday meet.  Asked Chris two favors: 1. ride the bus, 2. pick up a kid from Salt Lake Community College and bring him back to school to ride the bus.  Chris was OK with that.  Bus suppose to leave at 1:20.  Chris calls me, only one bus (we need two- tons of kids) he's thinking of driving some kids down - I'm trying not to freak out -the PTA/school policy side of me is coming out.  I don't know how someone came up with this solution but it worked.  One bus some of the xcountry team on it and another bus which had the girls volleyball team on it headed to Provo (we were headed to Salem Hills High school, which is almost to Payson (past Provo)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - quite the drive!!!!)  We didn't realize that the meet was sooo far away so Chris didn't have enough food and water for himself:(   Katie had a bday party so I was going to wait til it was over and then head to the meet.  Rye not running until 5 or 6pm.  Chris said it would only take me about an hour and 10 min to get there.  Ha ha I left at the wrong time. Took two hours!!!  During that time I spoke with Chris and I could tell he wasn't doing well.  I called Megan (in Provo) and asked her if she could please take her dad something to eat and drink I would be there soon.  Thank goodness she wasn't busy.  When Katie and I finally arrived Meg was taking care of Chris.  I had missed Rye run and basically the meet was over!!  Poorr Katie two hours in the car!  We walked around for a bit, used the rest room and helped the xcountry team get situated.  Chris rode the volleyball bus - from the meet they went back to Provo to pick up the team which wasn't done and then were to head home.  Chris and Rye walked in the door at 11:30 pm!!!!!!  Chris was exhausted but I think that Rye had fun!!:) On the way home Katie begged to stop and get a hamburger and milk shake at one for r favorite places.  Makes Chris wayyyyy sick so we don't go there when he's with us.  I figured that she had been fantastic for 3 1/2 hours in the car that she could have whatever she wanted.  Such a wonderful girl!!!  She never complained (I was doing enough for the both of us - lol).  She only got a little annoying when she kept asking if we were almost to JCW's (the hamburger place).  It's closer to r home then where we had been - then I realized there was one in Provo - I didn't tell her. hee, hee.  We would have taken Meg but she had other plans:). It was quite the day.  Not one that I want to repeat!!
Tay also had his first memory book meeting at the middle school.  He will be taking pictures and putting pages together for the book.  He's excited he likes taking pictures.  That's every Friday morning:)
Saturday, we took it easy - no one felt well.  Much needed rest after a very hectic week.  Rye worked.  He is such a flirt!!  He walked one of the girl employees to her car (to make sure she was safe) and then ended up talking to some girls who he had helped at the register.  I'm just sitting in the car.  I probably shouldn't let him drive himself to work - I need to keep an eye on him. lol.
Sunday, we had the Brigham City Temple dedication.  We slept in.  soooo nice.  Since cross country started we've been getting up at 5:45 am on Saturdays and for us church starts at 9 am on Sunday.  So sleeping in felt great.  Since Katie isn't old enough to go.  Chris, Tay and I went to the one at noon.  Chris reallllyyyyyy struggled.  He was in soooooo much pain.  He would try using his hands to hold himself off the seat to relieve some of the pressure.  I think that if we hadn't been in the middle of the row he would have gotten up and stood in the back of the room.  I was very sad for him.  It was a very nice dedication.  Rye, Jacob, myself, my father, my sister, brother in law and nephew went to the 3 pm session. Tay was kind enough to watch Katie and Lillee my niece.
This morning Meg came over so that my dad could fix the serpentine belt in her car and put new windshield wipers on before he left back to Idaho.  Thanks dad!! It's awesome having a father that knows tons about cars.
So, that was r week in a nutshell.  I'm sure I left stuff out but you got the jist:):)
This week:  Today, Tay gets his new retainer (it's rainbow colored), and we have FHE, and the usual homework and practicing of the instruments (so fun:):), Tues, Chris has an oncology appointment - so I will try and write this week to let you know what "the plan" is. Chemo? No chemo?.  I work in Katie's classroom, Tay scouts, and Rye works.  Wed., Katie goes to the Zoo (and Chris - maybe), Jacob scouts and orchestra. Thurs., Rye works.  Frid., Tay memory book, Rye and Tay late start, early out for Jacob and Katie, Turkey shoot camp out for Tay and Rye - I know Tay doesn't want to go no matter how many guns there are (poor boy). and Saturday is Women's Conference. Will do are annual tradition out to eat and then to the conference.  This year I got tickets for us to sit in the Conference Center downtown.  Fun.  Ohhhhhh and Friday Katie and Jacob go off track for 3 weeks!!!!  soooo excited.  We are going to party!!!!:):) 
Just keep praying for my Chrisseee he's in a ton of pain:(:(
Love, Ricki

So, today marks the day that 15 years ago Chris came home and told me that he had colon cancer!!!! I can still see the whole thing like it was yesterday.  A lot has happened since then. Just one of those days that you never forget - like December 12 - the day Chris was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given 6 weeks to live , yes you will get hear about that again on Dec. 12th. Hee, hee.

We had a ton of fun last night in the mountains for FHE.  Played in the water (kids threw rocks, built boats and Katie fell in:):)  and Chris built a fire and made dutch oven peach cobbler - yummy.  Rye stayed home nursing his ankle.  Poor boy rolled it running yesterday. For practice they had to run the hill by are home 20 times!!! (YUCK!!) so after he rolled his ankle he hopped the fence and came home.  I don't think he will be running in tomorrows race but will see:(  It was still really hurting him this morning.

Funny thing Chris forgot to tell me til yesterday.... he rode the bus with the cross country team to BYU on Saturday.  On the way home on the bus he yelled at Ryan to sit down... "Ryan Wach sit down"  the bus driver asked "Ryan Wach?  W A C H ?" and Chris answered "yes."  Bus driver points up to the wall above his head and there is a gift tag that we gave the bus driver to thank him last year during teacher/bus driver appreciation week.  The tag said "We've been EXTRA lucky to have you as a bus driver this year." thanks Ryan Wach.  Attached to a package of EXTRA gum.  Hee, hee.  I know I'm corny:):)  I made sure to really dig this into my kids because they ALWAYS fight me when I have a gift for the bus driver (we do a few throughout the year and holidays) that I want them to give them.  People forget HOW important the bus driver is.  They have a HUGE responsibility!!  They have my precious cargo!!!  and a lot of distractions.  My hat goes off to you bus drivers - not something I could do.  Anyway, I loved this story.  Made my life just a little happier:):)  Oh, and "don't mess with your mama, she knows best!!!!!!" lol
Love, Ricki:):):)

Howdy folks!!:)  We've been busy, busy, busy.  Fun busy (is there such a thing??!!:) 

The cross country coach has been keeping Chris busy with stats and riding the bus to meets.  Chris rode bus with Rye Saturday to BYU for the BYU Invitational Meet. Rye wasn't feeling well - head cold so he didn't do as well as he would have liked.  Rye continues to run after school for practice and he got into 3 college classes!!  Took a lot of work on my part to get him into them (some were full) I'm good with bribery - treats from Kneaders and a promise that Rye would be an angel in their class. lol.  He is now taking Financial Literacy, Math 1010, and Chemistry 1010.  Next semester is Math 1050.  Sooo, I now have two in college!!!  Rye is enrolled at Salt lake Community College. CRAZY!!!  This weekend at work Rye got to wear a U of U shirt for game night. Booo.  Tuesday the store is having a "Date Knight" theme and Rye gets to dress up in tights and be one of the 3 musketeers - fun, Rye is a good sport:)
Chris and I have been keeping ourselves busy at the kids schools.  Chris cross country at the high school, fun run at the middle school and unloading books and organizing them, helping at the elementary school with walk your child to school day, hearing screening, learning disability awareness day, helping in their class rooms. . . . . Next week he goes to the zoo with Katie:):)  A lot of the time he is tired before he even gets started but he's a fighter and he just keeps pushing himself to do things.  Then he comes home and takes a nap:):)  It's great to have him around to do such things.:)
Meg has been on quite a few dates lately.  Laughing because Tay keeps getting mad at Meg.  He is defending "Dakota's territory" while he is gone.  Tay thinks that Dakota is "the bomb" (we think so also). Meg ran in the Color Me 5k race on Saturday to benefit cancer research at the Huntsman Cancer Center.  she and her "guy friend" had a lot of fun. Tay, Katie, Jacob and I went and watched and cheered them on.  They were very colorful.  I think next year we will all run it.  It looked like a ton of fun.  (Chris and Rye were in Provo at his race - after Meg's we drove to Provo to watch Rye - made for a long day - but fun:) Meg continues to love school, her ward and her roommates.  Saturday she came up to hang out with us for the BYU/UofU game party at r house (don't ask!!!!) and to go to a friend's farewell on Sunday.  Sunday the executive secretary of her ward called to see if she could meet with the Bishop so that he could extend her a calling. Of course she was here so now we have to wait to hear what he wants to call her as.  Life is exciting.  I love talking to Meg she has a "fun life" right now, even if she doesn't think so all the time:)
We have a lot of "music" in r home right now.  Tay is playing his trumpet and Jacob has started violin lessons Mon and Wed mornings at the school.  Tomorrow night the scout leaders are having a meeting on how to fill out Eagle paperwork - so here we go again!!!
Chris has been in the dog house for the past few weeks, thanks to loosing my primary lesson manual.  He was substituting for another teacher and I let him borrow my book.  He lost it.  We looked "everywhere" and asked around.  No one had seen it.  Finally, yesterday I asked a member of the Bishopric if they had seen it.  Sure enough they had it in their office.  "Chris, you may now come out of the dog house."  lol.
Life just keeps going:)  This week we have FHE (we are going up the mountain to roast hot dogs and throw rocks in the lake - lol), Jacob orchestra, Rye work,  x country practice and two meets (one Wed and one Sat), work in Jacob's class, scouts for Tay and Jacob, school pictures for Jacob and Katie, ortho for Tay to get a new retainer (he has to pay $100 - he lost it:(, Katie has a bday party to go to and Saturday Tay (Rye will be at his meet) will be participating in the "day of service" event for the youth of r stake and Sunday is the dedication of the Brigham City Temple. Oh, and Friday it will be Dakota's "one year mark."  (for those that care - hey, if I have to keep hearing about it, so do all of you. lol).   Wow!!  I already feel tired:):)  A good tired:):)  I'm sooo grateful to be a mom.
"Our task is to become our best selves.  One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final."  Pres. Monson (can't wait for general conference:):):)
Love ya, Ricki

Yesterday was Megan, Ryan and Taylor's first day of school:( 
Meg and I talked last night about her day.  She loves her mission prep class, met a cute boy in her physics class (he walked with her for awhile after class -lol), loves her family life class, her teachers wife died of cancer a few years ago and he met a woman whose husband died a few years ago of cancer and they got married and have 13 kids (yes, I cried when she told me the story).  She has a date on Saturday and loves her roommates and student ward.  YEAH!!!!! I'm ssoooo happy.  As Chris says: "Mom thinks you should be at college for the social not the academic"  Ha, ha sooo true:)  Meg has also decided that she needs to "stay home" (in America) and get her degree finished so that when her missionary (his name is Dakota - who is in Brazil - 11 months out) comes home then she can work and he can go to school.  She is sooo wise.  I'm such a proud mother:):)  also she is thinking of getting her degree in some kind of behaviorism/speech therapy.  She would work with autistic children.

Oh, last blog that was written was started by me and ended (except the quote) by Chris.  In case you noticed a writing style difference - no your not crazy.  Hee, hee not he, he.  I started and then had to leave to take Rye to work when I came back it was finished:)  I left most of it.  I was happy to finally have it done.

Rye has a cross country meet today and Chris has been asked to ride the bus to the meet and help with whatever the coach needs him to do.  Not crazy about the meet being the second day of school.  Rye will miss meeting his "B" day teachers.  He will have to wait til Friday to meet them.  He has asked me to help him switch into a college math class - I have been bugging him forever about doing this (getting college credit and hardly paying any money for the class) I finally stopped bugging him and wallllaaaaa he wants to do it - sooo proud:):)  Hopefully they have room for him.  We can't make any class changes until tomorrow morning.  Here I come 7 am in line just like a lot of other people:):)  (I get two Dr. Peppers tomorrow:)  Funny story- Chris picked up Rye and his friend from a party last weekend.  Chris drove the friend to his house and noticed a car following them.  Car pulls up in friends drive way and asks for Ryan's phone number!!!!!!  what brave girls!!  Rye doesn't know his phone number so "his dad" gives it to the girls.  Such a proud mother.  Hee, hee.

Tay, is excited about his French class and band.  He said that he likes all of his teachers and that they all seem nice.  For the last two days Tays bus has driven right past his bus stop (other kids there also) and I have to take him to a different stop.  Calling transportation today!!!  Tay has been babysitting for one of r neighbors - she pays very well - soo he has just about enough money to pay for a new retainer.  Lost his.  I told him to put it somewhere safe before he left for scout camp.  Can't remember where somewhere safe is:):):)  He keeps trying to blame it on me. mmmm....

Last night I made my first basil pesto sauce from scratch using basil from my garden.  sooo exciting:)  We have pasta Tuesdays and Friday nights - carbs for Rye night before a race.  And made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for Tay and chocolate chip cookies for Rye - first day of school tradition.
So far, life is just moving along and taking us with it:)  We are busy, but happy and grateful.
Love ya, Ricki

I don't know about you but this summer has fllllowwwnnnn by!!!!  We have been sooooo busy! I have started writing a blog three different times but never been able to finish due to being extremely busy.  Thank you everyone for worrying about Chris - very kind of you all:)  He has been wearing compression socks for the past few weeks due to his legs swelling.  He is also a little more tired but I think that is because he has been keeping himself very busy with scout camps (went with Rye, Tay and Jacob at different times this summer), helping each morning with cross country, cooking food for youth conference - 175 people, 3 meals a day, 3 day conference.  Also went to Camp Helaman and I'm sure I'm missing things.  Meg left us yesterday to go back to BYU.  Been a long week looking for apartments (nothing like waiting til the last minute to get one!) and then taking her and her stuff down to Provo.  I had some issues with the blog sight...messed up a password.  Sorry I have not posted for some time.
I am excited for Meg, she seems to have nice roommates and I hope she gets to experience more of  college this time around.  Between working and classes it gets busy for her and sometimes she forgets to have fun.  She had been in Katie's room after returning from China.  Poor girl felt she did not have any space for her things, so they ended up all over the floor a foot deep (that is the excuse I am giving her for not cleaning up after herself, he he he).  I know Katie was happy to sleep in her bed and have access to her room again.  I will miss Megan, she is such a fine young lady and her steady influence is missed when she is off to school!
Ryan has been busy most of the summer running Cross Country.  He ran several community races that Chris signed him up for, he seemed to enjoy them and won a couple of them and placed 2nd or 3rd when he did not win.  Chris and I will be busy the next month or two going to his meets.  Today he ran at American Fork High, he looked good and ran varsity!
Taylor finished up tennis classes this week, took them most of the summer.  He seemed to enjoy it and it kept him active, he is a bit too friendly with the computer and the TV.  He has a great time when he gets out.  I am proud of him for earning several merit badges at camp this summer, his troop went to Bear Lake.  He had fun swimming in the lake, eating great food prepared by his leaders, and hanging out with his friends. Soooo, grateful he is done with the camping merit badge.  Grandpa Ingles stayed with him Mon-Wed night and Chris did Thurs and Friday night.  Poor Tay doesn't like sleeping other places.  Sooo glad it's over now he doesn't have to go camping if he feels upset and neither do grandpa or Chris. lol.  Thanks sooo much grandpa for helping out:)   He starts 8th grade this coming Tuesday.  He is going to help on Monday with 7th grade orientation, since he's sooo experienced. hee, hee.
Jacob and Katie have been in school for a couple of weeks now.  Jacob is in 5th grade now and he sure likes things to be right and fair.  He does not like it when others are not kind to his fellow students.  He told a boy at school this last week that if he did not stop picking on another kid that Jacob would no longer be his friend.  He is a sharp boy and a leader!  Katie is busy learning to read, she is great at sounding out.  Reads all the signs in restaurants and along the road.  We are practicing sight word flash cards every day, she is so smart!  She is so funny...she wrote me a note the other day reminding me to bring something to school for her at lunch time.  She asked how to spell some of the words.  She left it at the top of the stairs so I would not miss it.  I am not sure where she gets the reminder note idea from (not me, wink wink).
Chris keeps busy. Just had him fingerprinted for a back ground check so that he can help at all the schools.  The cross country coach would like him to ride the bus with the kids to meets sometimes and he will work in Katie adn Jacob's classrooms doing whatever the teacher wants him to do (I had mine done a year ago - good for five years). I worry sometimes he tries to do too much, but as he always reminds me, "I have to try and do it now, I don't want to look back and say I could have then".  He naps a lot and still has lots of stomach problems, the most frustrating part for him.  The growth on his neck looks about the same and his recent PET scan showed the growths in the rest of his body were only slightly bigger.  His oncologist says he can't explain why Chris is still here, he says the same as everyone else, Chris looks good.  I guess looking good on the outside doesn't always say how he feels on the inside but he is pretty stubborn and is plugging along as well as he can.  Endure to the end... stay strong, do what is right, be loyal to others, show love to others, and die well.  Those seem to be his goals.  I keep telling him he is not going to die, he scoffs at me but he wakes up each morning for another day with us!
I have been volunteering at the elementary school helping the new 1st graders at lunch.  They need help opening their milk cartons, learning where to put their trays when they are done eating, and not getting upset when they don't see their teacher.  Next week Chris and I help the new 7th graders with their lunch - new lunch number adn 4 different lines with different food options, sooo many choices:)

Well, I have to run, got to take Ryan to work!  I will try and post some pictures and write some more details soon.  Chris helped me get the password thing fixed.  I don't want to fill my email box again with emails asking why I have not written recently, hee hee!  (:  Thank you for your love and concerns, you are all wonderful!
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed.  The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise.  Life is like an old time rail journey...delays....sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.  The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."  Gordon B. Hinckley
(LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!)))))

Biggest, craziest news of the week. . . . . yesterday we went to the DMV to get Ryan his license (next month he'll be 17 and permit will expire- he hasn't really cared about driving), Meg took her defensive driving class Saturday (thanks to grandma driving her) and so she just needed to pay the $30 fine (waiting to see how much money insurance is going to be!!!), and Chris .......... Missouri forgot to tell Utah that we had paid the ticket so UT suspended his license.  We only found this out because are car insurance company tried to renew are policy but couldn't because of the hold.  Wellllll come to find out Chris has been driving on a suspended license ..... (wait for it.... since....... OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hellooooo, you should have seen are mouths drop when the lady at the window told us this.  October??!!!  How blessed can one family get??!!  Not being pulled over??!!!  Jail time! Hello!!!  Thanks soooo much UT and Missouri for talking to each other and US!!!!!  CRAZY!!!  And of course even after talking to the manager at the DMV she still made us pay the fine $30. By the time we walked out of there we had spent $90!!!  Soooo much fun.  "Just keep smiling!!"  Oh, and are car insurance agent had told us "not to pull the cancer card" other wise we would be coming into the DMV every 6 months to renew Chris' license and if we forgot they would suspend it until he came in and paid a fine!!!!!!  Love the DMV.  I hope not to see them again until Tay is getting his permit (please not to soon!!!).  Getting gray hair just from that place!!!

This week we have had lots of fun with family and friends.  Friends we haven't seen for years.  The fourth was spent with a house full of fun.  Lots of food, friends and family.  The day started out with Tay and Chris cooking breakfast for the neighborhood.  Chris made Katie and I Mickey Mouse pancakes.  Chris took a couple of naps during the day - sooo tired from working so hard early in the morning.  We had a great time watching the fireworks from r back deck.  You can see fireworks from one end of the valley to the other, we could also see the Alpine fire that was raging on the mountain across from us.

Friday, I went to Webelos Day camp with Jacob.  I am soooo grateful for tender mercies from Heavenly Father!!!  We hiked 3 miles - it wasn't easy.  The other leader that I was with turned back after going 200 feet:) and so did others.  It was a difficult trail - it would have been to hard on Chris. He would have gone because he felt he needed to - wouldn't want to leave the boys without a leader.  (yes, I'm crying - I cried when they gave us the schedule) another one was that it had rained the day before so it wasn't so dusty.  I can't stand dirt!!!!  so it was a little muddy - not much, just perfect and it smelled wonderful.  Scout camp can get sooo dusty.  I felt like Heavenly Father had looked out for me (the rain) and Chris the hike.  We had fun.  Great hike, lunch, buying stuff at the Trading Post, shot BB Guns and finished up the Forester requirement.  Headed back home - after getting a Slurpee - it's a scout tradition:)  While in camp the eye doctor called and told us jacob's glasses were ready.  I was afraid that if we didn't stop on the way home (3:45) that we wouldn't make it back (once I showered and laid on my bed I might not get up:) Sooo, smelly like we had been on a hike (there were 4 of us) we stopped at the eye doctors office and got his glasses.  He's soooo handsome.  I reallllly wanted to get them for him because he didn't hit one shot onto the target paper when he was BB shooting (we all know why now:( and I wanted him to have a better time on Saturday when he was doing archery.  That night when we read scriptures he read like a pro!!!  it's amazing what seeing can do!!!!! 
Saturday, Chris took the boys up to camp.  They canoed, archery, ate lunch, Trading post, first aid, animal studies (can't remember what's its called).  I went to the temple to watch Chris' friend and his wife (my friend also h ee, hee) (His name is Ryan - Chris baptized him and we named r Ryan after him) be sealed.  I felt guilty that Chris wasn't there.  Sorry, Ryan but i felt that Chris realllyyy needed to be with Jacob.  Last year Chris was to ill to go so I went both days.  I'm glad that Chris was well enough to go this year and of course not knowing what the future will bring didn't want to take a "chance on next year."  This was r last year going to cub scout camp.  Next year Jacob will attend the 11 year old scout camp (last time I get to go).  Than off to scouts.  My last baby boy:( 
Chris came home, showered and took a nap.  I took Rye to work and then came back to get the kids settled for the evening so that Chris and i could attend a wedding up at Snowbird.  We were suppose to ride the tram to the top for the wedding but it rained earlier that day and they said it was to muddy.  Poor bride.  It was still outside but certainly nothing like it would have been.  We ate and visited.  Chris and I only knew the groom, his parents and siblings.  After we went and picked up Rye from work and headed home to rally the troops to bed. Church at 9 am!!!
Sunday, both Tay and Rye were "sick"  After church I fixed lunch and then Meg and I and r good friends the Wilson's headed to r friends missionary farewell.  I just can't believe how fast time has flown!!!  I remember when we first met them - kids soo little.  And we have a lot more missionary farewells coming up.  Crazy to think we won't see them for 2 years.  We are soo proud of them.  Soo, grateful that Meg has such good friends.  (yes, I'm crying -reminded me of the "old days":) Life certainly changes after your child leaves high school!  I feel very blessed.  Oh, and at the farewell we sat with -( what Meg hopes and their family also) "Meg's future in-laws" LOLOLOL  (his name - Dakota is on a mission in Brazil as of "today, right now" he has 432 days til he comes home - Meg's not counting!!- he's a great guy and we'd be proud to have him in r family:):):):):)

The rest of the week goes like this:  lazy, lazy, get Tay ready for a 3 day scout trip (my dad is going with him - Chris isn't well enough - his stomach has been giving him TTONS of trouble - thanks dad. at webelos camp I was also sooo grateful that they had flush toilets for the adults - other cub camps have out houses for everyone - ssooo grateful. lolololo:)  On Friday, we get to go up to the school adn see who Katie and Jacob's teachers are for school - school starts in 2 weeks:(  Rye works, Chris has decided to be in another league bball team so they have a game on Wednesday. And we will throw in one more 3 mile hike for Jacob - he needs it for his Arrow of  Light.  Darn, one hike can't count for two - we need two:)  That's ok we like to hike - to a nice waterfall.

We had a lot to do this past week but enjoyed every minute of it.  Life is very rewarding.  So, grateful for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and the tender mercies that they show r family.  Sooo, grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that we have that we can be together forever as an eternal family, that I will be with Chris again. 
Love, Ricki
I know you are all wondering:):):):)  NO we haven't seen a worm yet!!!! Heeeeeee, heeeeeeee.  You know you love me!!!!!!!

Yeah, Meg got her suitcase late Wednesday afternoon.  She dug right into it and gave us are gifts and we spent awhile sampling all the goodies she brought home for us to try.  No one was daring enough to try the chicken foot.:)  I found some that I like and some not so much.  They have wayyy to many different flavors of Oreo cookies.  My least favorite was grape/lime! Yuck!! then mango, birthday cake and some kind of berry all gross!!  She said that they didn't have just plain old Double Stuff Oreos.  Meg has done well adjusting to being back home in America.  We have had to retrain her about drinking the water out of the tap (hee, hee), and she would tell us how weird it was that no one wanted their picture taken with her.  Once we pulled up at a stop light and she told me that in China it wasn't considered rude to stare and that it was weird that no one was looking at her pointing.  I told her before she came home she was going to have a hard time with "no one caring who she was" lol.  She did a great job getting herself back to the 15 hour difference, she stayed up all day and than went to bed at 9 pm.  She hardly got cranky - so proud even when she was tired she was nice to us (that's not how it usually goes:) She has been able to show 4 different groups of family/friends her China expereince - over 2,000 pictures, a couple of video performances, the stuff she brought home and share the goodies that she brought with others.  She has such an enthusiam and love for China and the people, she LOVED  it.  Sooo, if you would like to see/hear more about her experiences come on over - just make sure you have a couple of hours to stay.  Hee, hee.  Grandma and Grandpa Wach are here from TX visiting and they spent 3 years in China teaching English to college students and Summer (are Chinese friend/granddaughter:) had a wonderful time talking. Also while in China Meg met the man in charge of deciding what websites you could go to (censoring) and which ones were blocked.  I laughed he blocked r family website - so she never read the blog while she was gone.  I told her not to read it now so that if I made any errors she wouldn't have to "shake her head" lol.

Last Thursday was Katie's last day of school.  She had her kindergarten performance it was sooo cute.  Her teacher gave each of the kids a DVD of the slideshow that she put together --- soo cute:)  Katie wore her Chinese dress that Meg brought home for her.  I cried.  Sooo not ready for first grade.  I felt this way about each child but this one is going to break my heart.  Now I have to figure out what to do with myself.  Later that day we took Rye and Meg to see Brave.  Fun to see it again. 
Friday, I took Meg, Tay and Jacob to the eye doctor.  Meg's prescription is still the same.  Tay - no glasses.  But pooooorrrr Jacob needs glasses.  We picked them out and they should be here this week.  Chris and I were pretty sure he needed glasses.  When he and I read his 20 minutes for school or he reads the scriptures with us he would say the words wrong that we knew he should know.  I told him it was going to be exciting to see what he thought of the world when he put them on and looked around.  I can still remember when I got mine in third grade.  I didn't realize that their were individual leaves on the trees and I had never seen a rainbow.  I'm excited for him:):)  (Oh, and if you need an eye doctor we found a great one her in West Jordan - Craig Poulter - call me if you need his number- we like him -he's a hoot!! lol)
Chris was to ill to attend the Manti pagent this year so we didn't go:(  Meg went to church on Sunday.  It was her first time going to church for all 3 hours since she left.  Sometimes they had sacrament meeting at the school.  sometimes they got to attend the branch in another city (cost $20 to go and took atleast 5 hours to get there).  She told me how grateful she was for church and having a building to meet in - they met in members homes or in the mall. Meg enjoyed being in Chris' Gospel Doctrine class. She and Katie wore their Chinese dresses to church.  Sooo, cute:)
This week we get the honor of hanging out with Chris mom and dad.  Like I said yesterday Meg showed them all her stuff.  For lunch we went to Taco Time (one of ma and pa's favorite places to eat here they don't have one in TX) and then later we went and bugged Rye at Chick fil a for dinner.  We also had a dear friend stop by that we haven't seen in years.  Chris and Grant (Rowley) served together in scouts.  Funny to hear them telling stories of "the old days" I had forgotten about some of the things those crazy scout masters had done. 
Today, is Summers bday so we are going to go where she wants to celebrate and Meg and I found a Chinese bakery on line that we are going to go to to get a cake for her (and of course some goodies for us :)  adn Meg would like to go the Chinese market that Summer told her about.  She needs some Chinese bread - she doesn't like "American" bread, not sweet enough.  Poor girl:) 
Wednesday and Thursday will be lazy days.  Days to get ready for Friday and Saturday which are crazy!!  We had to call in my mom to help us.  Chris and I can't get everyone where they need to be.  Friday (I think - might change) I'm headed up to Webelos camp with Jacob.  Saturday, my mom will take Meg to her defense driving class while Chris is with Jacob at camp and I'm in the temple enjoying seeing Chris and I's dear friends being sealed.  Then later Chris comes home and we run up to another dear friends (one of the young men that Chris taught - long agoooo:) wedding in Snowbird.  Meg is excited to get her license back:)  Rye still needs to go and get his and Chris needs to fix his:) 
Life is still good.  My heart still wants to burst:)  My whole family is together adn things are going well (quick knock on some wood:) Who could ask for anything more?!:)  Life is good.
Crazy to think that last year at this time r family was traveling across the country playing at Six Flags parks and on the 4th of July we watched the fireworks in Washington DC.
"We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes.  And when we hve learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have expereinced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future."  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Love ya, Ricki

Just so you know after reading the second blog post from yesterday you will be able to notice that the style of writing is different. lol.  Chris was kind enough to finish my posting.  He forgot to make a lot of errors (he made some spelling ones:) and he did paragrahs.  Hee, hee.
Chris forgot to mention a few things:)  The airlines lost Meg's second bag in Korea, so after getting off the plane and collecting her other bag we went to the baggage claim area and reported it.  They will deliver it sometime today.  Her carry on bag weighed 47 pounds just by itself!!!! and in the picture you can see her back pack!!!!  That's my girl!!!:)  If you look closely you can see her making a grunting face as she lifts it to put it in the trunk.  Hee, hee. The bag that got lost had all her souveniors and gifts in it so she was bummed.  She brought home a lot of different goodies that she had us taste.  some good, some not so good.  She went to bed at 9pm.  Some of her friends came over at 10 to visit (had to tell them she was asleep:(  - I was reminded how much I miss all of Meg's friends.  Meg got up this morning 6:20 am and went to cross country with Chris and Ryan.  Got to get that rice off.  lol.  I looked in her room a few minutes ago and found that she had moved her bedding from her bed to the floor!!!!!  Girl isn't used to a soft bed - she slept on wooden planks.

Also, last night at the Court of Honor Tay received his Life Scout award and we are now headed onto working on another Eagle project.  Tay wants to do the same one Rye did.  We are soooo thankful to his scout leaders they are ammmaaazzzziiinnngg!!!!!!!!! Without them all of my boys awards wouldn't be possible.

I had a hard time sleeping last night (kept crying).  My heart is sooooo full (yes, I'm crying!!), so full of joy.  Good news on Monday from Chris PET scan, Megan arriving home safely, getting to vote (living in America), my sons receiving scouting awards, and especially being together as a family -all 7 of us (I realized that at Cafe Rio when it was time to pay- lol).  Did I mention? My heart is about to burst???  It's sooo full. I am trullyyyyy blessed!!!!  I wouldn't be grateful enough if I didn't thank my Heavenly Father for all that he has given me.  I am truly the luckiest mom/wife in the world!!  Yesterday was such a wonderful day!!!  I just can't say enough - I'm just sooo grateful, so happy, so blessed.  Thanks Heavenly Father for the best day ever!!! (and the start of a new one:)
Love, Ricki

Today has been an exciting day!!!! Started out with Rye passing his driver's test. We now have 4 drivers (as soon as Meg gets her license back. lol). Took Jacob out of school early to go and get Meg. We waited for her to come down the escalator - sooo fun:) She looks great!!! She keeps mentioning all of the things she couldn't/didn't have in China example carpet:) She also took a shower and "accidentally" swallowed water and then spit it out. Then she remembered she could drink it:)

Next is work, figuring out school, and getting back to life in a free country. Fun to have her home, we missed her and she is such a grown up woman, always a big help at home.

We hit Cafe' Rio on the way home from the airport, Megan needed some Mexican food.  We then hit the local elementary school to vote.  Megan’s first time voting!  So she left a communist country with no rights to voting and returned to our great country and 2 hours after arriving she was able to exercise her freedom to vote!  She went on about how neat that was and how happy she is that she lives in the USA. 

Then we ran off to a Scout Court of Honor. Ryan received his gold eagle palm. That means he has earned 10 extra merit badges beyond his Eagle. Chess being the last one. Wonder if he will go for the next one, Silver. It would take another 5 or so merit badges...you never know.

Well, it is time to put some kidies to bed, including the jet lagged Megan, and prepare for another day. Thank you all for always thinking of Chris, me, and our family. We are so grateful for friends and family, you are some of the best blessing life has granted us!