Round FIVE (almost done:) Chris has been very tired and in a lot of pain. His "chemo brain" has started. Saturday night he was up alll night. He said that he used the restroom 20 times that he hadn't slept all night. His really nice 4G cell phone went through the washer and then the dryer:(:( It is sitting in a bowl of rice and the rest of us r praying, praying, praying that a miracle will happen and that it will work again.
We have the best tax guy. He did r taxes for free and then he did Megan's taxes for free because he doesn't charge missionaries. Sooo blessed!! If you need a tax guy for next year let me know.:)
Since Meg left we called r insurance and had her taken off. We also went back to r old insurance (they didn't want us when we had Meg lol). We gave back the contraption that was on Megs car. We are now saving $84.00 a month!!!! What two tickets and an accident can do to your insurance!!! I'm not sure we want her back. JUST KIDDING, we totally miss that girl!!
Thursday, Katie and I made chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies for Meg and her companions. Katie found a girl cookie cutter - so we ended up making 8 sister missionary cookies - only took 5 hours by the time we frosted each one. Each one was different since we don't know what the girls look like - except Meg. We ended up sending only 7 because someone ate one of them!!!!! (there are 8 sisters in Megs district and 3 elders). Katie and I had alot of fun making them. Sooo much fun that we did it all over again on Friday:):) My niece was having surgery and so Katie thought it would be fun to make her a bouquet of cookies - so we did. Flowers, stars, hearts and one girl (I was not doing anymore than that - I was still tired from the day before:)
Friday, Chris went to the Jazz game with r brother in law Jim. He had seats on the fifth row!!! Chris was tired when he left for the game. He came back exhausted. Tooo much excitement. He told me that one time he yelled at the ref in Spanish. Ref turned and looked at him and the audience around him laughed. He had a great time:)
Saturday, r good friend Russ and his son Brayden came over and painted r bathrooms. I think they were tired of in the hall bathroom looking at the chocolate brown paint that Katie started peeling and then others joined in - it was r look at the wall and "see what you can see" design. Most popular is the "rhino" Like looking up at the clouds. The master bath was "outlined" in chocolate colored paint. It's only been 2 years since I started these painting projects. The bathrooms are now tan. They look great. Thanks sooo much. Saturday was also Chris and I's 23rd wedding anniversary. Chris bought me flowers:) and we went out to dinner with Russ and Kristen Wilson to Braza Grill. (thanks groupons:):) Sooo yummy. I did cry when Chris started speaking Portuguese to the waiter -my Megan (yes, I still cry alot:)
Last night for Family Home Evening Jacob gave the lesson and I taught the activity..........we learned how to ........IRON!!!! Stop laughing!! We had a lot of whining and joking - since I don't iron myself. hhee,hee. The squirt bottle was the best part of ironing. Chris kept telling the boys "don't burn my shirt," "don't melt the buttons" inspite of all the complaining they seemed to have fun and hopefully learned something. Rye once again said he would hire someone or just wear it wrinkly. So, we've learned how to sew on buttons and iron - what's next? I think that once a year will do these over. A "refresher course" lol.
Last chemo - round six is Tuesday, April 23rd.
Jacob and Katie go back on track Monday:( Meg gets to email us today - can't wait. soo, look tomorrow on her blog for something new:) Thank goodness for a quiet week.
"Don't you give up. Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead....It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come." Jeffrey R. Holland
Love ya, Ricki

Just got Meg's first email.  If your interested in how she's doing go to her blog:  www.megsisonamission.blogspot.com. Her address is also there if you want to drop her a line.  Her pday is Tuesday.  thank goodness Chris only has one chemo treatment left - on a tuesday.

I decided that I had better tell you that Round FOUR went alright before we start Round FIVE today. lol.  The last two weeks have been unbelievably busy.  Getting Megan ready for her mission. Chris and Megan had some really good heart felt talks before she left.  Chris told her how much he loved her and was proud of her and that he was sorry that he wouldn't be here when she came home.  He also gave her a father's blessing before we left for the MTC.  Meg will be just fine if he dies while she is on her mission.  She knows how much her dad loves her and loves missionary work. 
Katie put a bunch of papers together and stapled them so that Chris and I could write her a book.  Chris wrote about how much he loved her, would miss her and looked forward to seeing her again.  Real tear jerker!!!!  Needless to say that is one book that we will keep dear to r hearts.
One night Chris and I were at CHHS from 3:30-8:30 pm.  Rye had a track meet he ran the 800 and 1600.  Tay, had a band concert.  We were very blessed that they were both at the same place.  Chris and I enjoyed both events.  Fun to see r boys, and what a trooper Chris was.  He was feeling rotten but you would have never known it:)
Rye, had to do an interview to be accepted to a business school program at SLCC next year.  He did a great job.  They said in about a month they will let him know - which is good if he doesn't get in then we have to redo his Senior year schedule.  Chris and I got to hear what he said (it was done over the computer) and he mentioned that he had a 7 year plan.  Finish highschool, go on a two year LDS mission, come back go to business school and then own his own Chick fil a.  Sounds good to me:):)

We've had random things happen to us - Tay lost his library book and his retainer.  Jacob has a sinus infection - poor boy, I made him suffer for two weeks.  I finally took him to the doctor because we "the family" were soooo tired of hearing him cough and sniffle up his boogers (lol) he's now on meds. Rye, lost his track shoes - $120 and only 3 days old. The red car was hit - no one left a note.  Whoever it was had a white car - white paint on r fender.  Broken head light and fender pushed in (thank goodness for my dad who "patched" it up). I told a friend "get Megan into that MTC now - we need some blessings"  two days after she entered Tay found his library book (which he forgot he lent to a friend) and retainer (under his dresser - just had to do some cleaning). lol and we got a great deal on a new pair of shoes for Rye:) 
Meg had her farewell on March 24th.  She did a great job.  It was fun having family and friends around to hear her speak and then to hear Chris teach Gospel Doctrine.  We had a luncheon here at r house.  The weather didn't cooperate so my plans for having it outside changed to inside.  I wanted to protect the carpet so I bought some plastic table clothes to cover the floor with.  Meg insisted on making the plastic table clothes into the Portugal flag:)  We have had a lot of fun reading and looking at pictures of Portugal.  Chris had chemo on March 26th.  He did a great job keeping up with us even though he felt awful.  Thursday, March 28th my dad took Chris to the hospital to have his pump taken off and my mom watched the kids (spring break) so that Megan and I could get to two more temples before she left.  That morning we went to the Salt Lake Temple and did a session and then ate in the Garden Room at the Joseph Smith bldg. We decided to then go to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.  My sister was kind enough to watch my kids (they love playing with their cousins).  It was an amazing day!!!!!!!  Megan all to myself.  Doing the Lord's work.  Being in his House.  Something I will never, ever forget.  Words can't describe the happiness you feel knowing that your child has made some awesome choices.  Soooo proud!!!  and thanks to a wonderful family who helped Meg and I have one last mother/daughter day together.  It truly was a wonderful day. 
Friday March 29th Meg finished getting her shots, bank stuff etc..... she also had "one last fling" she went on a blind date. It didn't turn out so great but hey I would have been in trouble if it had. lol. At least she can say she got one last date in before becoming a sister missionary. 
Sat. March 30th Chris felt horrible but we had family pictures.  I wasn't going to do them - I have lots of pictures of us and I didn't really want to go into debt for them but something said to me "this is the last time that the seven of you will ever be together again"  which is soooo true because even if Chris doesn't die for a few more years, Meg and Rye won't see each other for four years, then Rye and Tay won't see each other for four and then Tay and Jacob won't see each other for four years. crazy!!!!!!!!  So, with lots and lots of complaining we had them done.  Chris wasn't feeling well so we did them inside at Kevin Lunt studios.  Chris wanted to be near a restroom and to be warm.  If you need a photographer he was amazing!!  He made it a lot of fun.  I video taped the session.  He had us laughing so hard. I came with "a list" of photos I wanted taken. hee, hee.  We also had Meg's missionary picture taken for her plaque and for on my wall next to the map and flag of Portugal.  After the pictures we went to In and Out burger.  Kids starving.  I have a picture of Katie with her head down on the table sooo tired and hungry waiting for her food.  Overall, it turned out to be wonderful.  The seven of us!!!  such emotions. Meg, did a few more things when we got home and then she had a night with her friends.  They came over and got to see "Meg's Mess" all over my front room (took pictures of that also - stuff EveryWhere!!!) Two of her friends will be leaving on their missions soon. The rest of us colored eggs. I was wayyy tired so Meg and Chris got to play Easter Bunny.
Sunday, March 31st Katie woke up wayyy to early.  I let her go and get her Easter basket while the rest of us continued to sleep.  No one else is really that excited about Easter:)  All seven of us went to church as I "tried" not to cry through the whole three hours knowing that again this was the last time the seven of us would sit together in church.  I got a sub for my class so that I could hang out with Meg (I teach primary).  The primary had Meg come in during opening exercises and gave her a Book of Mormon in Portuguese to give to her first investigator with a testimony in it written in Portuguese (thanks to Chris) from the primary.  She did this twice.  Once in Junior primary and once in Senior.  I took pictures of all the kids so that I could put that inside the book also.  We then went to Sunday school where we sat by Chris and then we went to Relief Society.  My heart was being pulled apart.  We had Easter dinner at r house with all the relatives.
Monday, April 1st we continued to pack, clean, play..... for Family Home Evening (last one:) I asked Meg if she wanted to go and see a dollar movie or have friends over for dinner and cards.  She wanted dinner and cards.  We had r favorite meat - ranchera - from a Mexican market.  Grilled by Ryan's friend Brayden (Chris not feeling well, Rye at work).  We used to play cards a lot and then they (the Wilson's) moved away and r other friends (the Morris') started having kids and it just got crazy (lol - you know I love you guys - hee,hee) so when the Wilson's moved back we attached ourselves to them again.  They r family. We laughed though because Meg whose fhe this was decided that she and Katelyn were going to go and get a "few more things off Meg's list"  one being - eat at Chick fil a (so they saw Rye:) and two have a chocolate caramel drink ....freeze (something like that) before entering the MTC.  We had a ton of fun.  Soooo blessed to have wonderful friends.  R kids call them mom and dad 2 and their kids call Chris and I mom and dad 2.  We played until we couldn't see the cards anymore soo tired. lol.  (Chris was tired and sick but played).  I am going to miss my Meg and I's "slumber parties" every night.  Meg, Katie and I sleep in the same room because of Chris needing extra space and me needing sleep so I can be nice.  Every night that girl has something to talk about and since her life is much more exciting than mine I enjoy listening.
 
Tuesday, April 2nd.  Finished up cleaning and packing.  Meg finally gave in and let me "borrow" one of her shirts that she was leaving behind.  I tried to explain to her nicely that even if she didn't hand it over to me now I would just find it later when she was gone. lol.  Katie now once again has a room.  We found things that had been lost since Meg arrived home and took over and took over her room:):)  It was hard to look at the room when it was done to see that there was nothing of "Meg" left except her bedding which would be taken down soon.  After all that packing we took Meg to get another thing off "her list" we went to Apollo Burger for lunch.  Chris was ill but kept going.  After lunch we stopped at UT/ID to get a map of Portugal (they didn't have any - so I ordered one).  We arrived home and Meg got in every last second of computer/cell phone time she could.  She finished her blog page www.megsisonamission.blogspot.com.  I laughed when she told me that I would be updating it.  Like I can keep up with this one!!!  She also took Tay and Rye to a movie - one last movie - the Host (which she didn't enjoy - poor girl) At 7pm we arrived at the Stake President's office to have Meg set apart as a Sister missionary.  President Nudd had Meg go around and introduce everyone.  We had Uncle Jim, Aunt Cherie, Lillee and Spencer Godfrey.  Ma Ingles. Pa Ingles. The Wilson clan. Becky and Wes Hutchins and.......Dakota's family:):)  All the men stood in the circle and set Meg apart (yes, I'm crying) it was a beautiful blessing that Pres Nudd gave.  WOW!!!  We have been waiting for this since October 31st when she received her call and now the time has finally come.  Afterwards we took LOTS of pictures and then headed back to r house for ice cream and to make sure everyone knew the schedule for tomorrow.  Also Pres Nudd reminded Meg that she was to hand over her phone to me and no more computer, cell phone etc. she was now a "Sister" missionary.  Funny story....Meg forgot to move some money from her savings to her checking so she had her girl friends move it for her as she "peaked" to make sure that they were doing it right. I have pictures and video very funny:)  Meg was soooo excited.  She just kept bouncing around.  Giggling.  Sooooo happy. 
We had Meg's favorite dinner that night but she didn't eat any of it until after being set apart (then she realized she was hungry).  That night she placed her packed bags by the door.  We sent everyone home early so that we could be on time for the next day.  Last family scripture reading and family prayer all together.  She will do a great job out there.  She is a hard worker.  Just hard to see my baby grow up.
Wed. April 3rd.  We got up and got ready to head out the door at 10am.  Bags in the car, father's blessing, family prayer and out the door.  We told Meg to look "one last time at her house" (and her car-it might look different when she comes home lol).  We met friends and family at Carrabas in Provo for an 11 am lunch.  They gave us a room of r own because we had 24 people.  It was a lot of fun.  They gave the kids/adults a piece of dough to play with while r food was cooking.  I took lots of pictures.  I couldn't eat-stomach in knots.  After that we headed to the Provo Temple grounds to take pictures.  LOTS and LOTS of pictures hee, hee.  Meg was wonderful - such a good sport about having her picture taken ALOT.  We walked down to the MTC to find the sign that says "welcome to the MTC" but we were informed that they took that down years ago (oops) so we hiked back up the hill to finish saying "goodbye"  sooo many people at the temple grounds doing the same thing tthat we were.  Meg was getting antsy to go.  At 1:50 (we were suppose to be there at 2 - for once I'm thankful for a last name that starts with a W).  She once again kissed and hugged each friend and relative and said "goodbye" r family got in the car and headed to the MTC.  They have quite the system on how you do things.  We drove in.  They told us to go to the #14 sign and that we would have 2 minutes to say goodbye.  As we drove to the sign there are elders lined up on the sidewalk welcoming your missionary.  "welcome to the MTC sister" we're so glad you are here" if you arent' crying before you get into the MTC you are then.  We got to #14 opened the trunk, everyone got out.  we took pictures.  Hugged and kissed Meg.  Meg's Host elder got her bags.  The hardest moment for me was watching Chris and Meg hug and kiss.  Maybe.  Maybe Not would this be their last time to see each other.  We watched Meg practicily RUN off.  She was leading the Host elder.  She never looked back.  Her walk was so fast and determined.  She had waited for this moment for sooo long.  She just wanted to get started.  Get working.    Katie started to cry after the Host elder took her bags out of the car, but everyone else was ok.  I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed after we drove away.  As soon as we pulled out of that MTC parking lot I lost it (still crying).  My baby girl has grown up.  My bestest(I know not a word:) friend has gone away for 18 months.  We had an amazing mother/daughter relationship.  She considered me her friend and mother.  She always told me things that other girls might not tell their mothers and at times she would invite me to go places with she and her friends.  I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. 
Alright now it's Tuesday, April 9th.  We have been waiting patiently to hear from Meg.  I am the type that only goes out to the mailbox once a month but since Meg left - everyday:)  I realized that in just a few short months approximately 14-16 months (short when I think about Rye.  long when I think about Meg - lol) I will once again do everything that I just did with Meg with Rye!!!  Time is going wayyy to fast!!! 
Chris had his chemo yesterday.  He looks terrible.  Feels terrible.  He has one more round of chemo on April 23rd and then he will have a PET scan on May 16th (they signed us up for PET scan on the 15th but I had to have them change it - that's the day Meg leaves for Portugal and the missionaries are allowed to call home that day - so you know where I will be:):)  We also had a crazy experience at chemo.  Chris started talking to the woman next to us who was receiving chemo for breast cancer.  We started talking about family, where we live etc.  come to find out that this woman is one of Meg's friends grandmother!!!  Kenzie who Meg went to China (and high school) with. Small world!  Oh, and another big one...... r oncologist is related to the Pres of the MTC!!!  He said that he could "pull the cancer card" and get Chris into see Meg.  Of course Chris said 'NO WAY"  but howwww cooool.  He said next family get togther he'd tell him to look for Meg. lol.

During the last week since Meg left I have been sooo blessed by friends and family who have stopped by, called, texted, brought goodies and cried with me.  This experience is like no other.  The pain and emptiness I feel is indescribable.  I'm sooo excited for her and yet unhappy for me.  Two emotions in one!! Sunday dinner I grabbed 7 plates to put on the table - then started crying.  Sooo, grateful to other mothers who are going through this/gone through this that have been comforting and encouraging me - letting me know "it's normal" "time goes fast" "you'll get in a routine" "you'll be fine, soon" "just wait til you get her letters" and how to send packages and the www.dearelder.com site where I can send a letter and later that day she will receive it.  I already love the people of Portugal and am sooo excited for them to be with my daughter and learn about the gospel.  I wouldn't change this for anything.  My daughter will come back an even better person.  What an opportunity she has.
Conference was different without her.  Every time someone prays for the missionaries I cry.
I sent her a package on Friday so that she could "be a part of us" conference bingo cards, cadbury eggs, conference packet - which I found in Portuguese (sooo coool), and a cinnamon roll. Cinnamon rolls Sunday morning. all traditions.  The kids made a fort out of blankets and chairs.  Jacob and Katie wanted to sleep down there Saturday night so I let them.  Around midnight Katie comes to me and says" mom I lost my tooth, Jacob hit me with his elbow and knocked it out.  I can't find the tooth" (it was already loose).  What a great Conference Session.  Chris took Tay, Rye and Rye's friend Justin to the Priesthood session and then to Cafe Rio for dinner.  He was worn out when he came home but happy.  Sooo, next April conference Jacob will be able to go and it will be Rye's last conference for a few years.  Soo, if Chris is around next April he will be able to take all three of his sons to the priesthood session.  I'm crossing my fingers. lol.
Also, I've decided that "I need to step up my game" boys are leaving earlier for missions.  they need to know a lot of things and incase I haven't taught them I've got to get started:)  sooo, last night for FHE I taught them how to sew on buttons - the 4 hole and the 2 hole.  Jacob, Katie and Tay really got into it.  Afther they did their buttons they started hand sewing other projects.  Jacob made a monkey with button eyes and Tay made a pillow all hand sewn.  Poor Rye got frustrated and said that he would pay someone. lol.  Mothers we've got a lot of responsibility!!!
Just found out that Meg gets to email us TODAY at 2:30.  CAN'T wait.  I will post everything on her blog. www.megsisonamission.blogspot.com

"Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart."  Gordon B. Hinkley
Love ya, Ricki
PS hope you don't find tooo many errors.  I had a lot to write. lol

Let me introduce you to "Sister Wach"  she leaves for the MTC in just a few hours:):)