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
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
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
Love ya, Ricki
Thursday, September 27, 2012
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!!!!
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!!!!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
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!
Monday, September 24, 2012
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
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
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
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:):):)
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:):):)
Monday, September 17, 2012
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
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
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