What's Going On In The Wach Family?!?

2012-01-23T08:03:00.004-07:00

So to start out, Chris is doing about the same. He hasn't lost anymore toe nails and his hair isn't falling out as much.
Chris, Tay and I went to Tay's CAP banquet last week it was very nice. Tay looked so nice in his uniform.
Chris and Jacob went to the Jazz game (for Jr. Jazz) Tuesday night where later I heard from friends that they were pretty sure that even though Chris and Jacob were sitting in the "nose bleed" section that the Jazz players could hear Chris. One of are friends said "That they couldn't see Chris but they could sure hear him." After the game they got to meet Matt Harpering and he signed Jacob's jersey (thanks to a neighbor who works at Energy Solutions).
Chris' mom and dad came into town this week. Nice to spend time with them. They were on their way up to Oregon to see Chris' brother Dave (38 years old) who is dieing of cancer. Their family has only known for about 3 weeks. Today they meet with Hospice.:( Crazy to think about. I have tried my best to lend a hand from here but it is sooo hard. As soon as they talk to Hospice they are one step ahead of us. His wife (Marla) will then know more then I do, and because she is such a kind person will someday turn around and help me. Makes you wonder about life. "Why has are family been so blessed to have Chris here for so long?" And of course we don't know the ending to Chris' story yet but Dave has suffered a lot. I am soo proud of Marla she is amazing. If you want to know how Chris' brother is doing you can follow her blog "Adventures in Wachland" If you do read her blog just don't compare the two:) she is much better at grammar, and paragraphs (I don't put paragraphs just because it drives people crazy LOL) and she is much funnier.
Last Sunday we celebrated Meg and I's bday. Had family and friends over for cake and pie. Meg had banana cream pie and I had 3 different types of cake from Nothing bundt Cakes. Mmmm.
Monday was Meg's bday. We went to Chick-fil-a and embarrassed her by bringing her balloons and a banana cream pie - and of course we sang - she was taking orders:) Oh, how she loves us!! We picked her up from work to take her to dinner and a movie. She asked me to bring her a change of clothes which I forgot (accidentally) and so she ended up wearing my coat (she hadn't brought one) to cover up her uniform. Of course it was cold outside! We saw War Horse. I couldn't stop crying!! Tay sat next to me and he kept rubbing my arm and telling me it was ok. Katie later came and sat on my lap, at the end of the movie I was sobbing and Katie said to me "It's ok mom, it's just a movie." over and over again to me (as Tay was rubbing my arm). What sweet children I have:) It was a beautiful movie just hit to close to home. I would love to see the show about the Twin Towers but if I can't handle War Horse I don't think I would do well in that movie. We ended up not eating out - to full from popcorn:)
Thursday, we met with the DMV for Meg's License hearing. We went to the same place where she got her license - how ironic! She gets her license at 16 and at 19 gets it taken away:) For young adults the point limit on your license is 69. Meg had 115!!!! They gave us two options. 1- probation for a year, you can drive but if you get any citations license is gone for a year. Year would have started Dec. 20 (day of accident). 2- suspend license for 30 days. After 30 days take a defensive driving class and pay $30 to get your license back. We took option 2. We have already been driving her everywhere what's two more weeks? then she will go to China. When she gets back she can take care of everything. The hearing officer said that that would take her close to zero points and might help with insurance. Ahhh. I feel like we are learning so many things about "the world." I didn't even know there was such a thing as "license hearings" Meg was also lucky enough to go to the dentist that day. No cavities:) And we did a ton of shopping to get her ready to go - she has to take enough contact solution to last her six months - that's not something they sell there. Toys for the kids, hand sanitizer, etc.
We were in the mall and I had my wedding ring cleaned. The jeweler told me that I had 4 out of 6 prongs missing on my ring (you could tell it was true). He advised that I get it fixed before I lose my diamond. I told Chris and he said "We aren't spending the money to fix it because soon you won't need to wear it." It was hard but I took it off after Meg and Chris' mom got after me:) The diamonds belonged to Chris' mom's mother. And since life threw me a curve ball I had decided to let Meg have the diamonds for her ring someday. It has felt very weird not wearing it. The bright side is that now I don't have to take it off after he dies (I've heard that's hard to do). My finger will be used to being "naked." hee, hee.
Tay spoke in Sacrament meeting yesterday. Did a great job. Spoke nice and slow:)
Today Tay and Jacob go to the ortho. Jacob's teeth look great so today maybe the day they decide that his braces can come off. Look out Twix bar:)
We have scouts, Jr. Jazz, driving Meg around, CAP, orchestra and I have my literary committee meeting for the middle school. This time I had to read 4 books. One of them was The Help. Ya, NO!!! No way would I have Tay read that book!! Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (to many girlie stories - otherwise ok), Eighth Grade Bites (vampires of course), and Shipwrecked at the Bottom of the World (true story about Antarctica expedition - really interesting). Glad to be done reading these books so I can start reading what I want. Right now I am reading some parenting books and some on grieving (hey, I have time I should prepare:). Anyway, I have to tell you my funny story (I told a friend and she laughed so hard that I have to write it down). I was laying in my bed at night reading my parenting book. Kids kept coming in and bugging me. Finally, I yelled at them to get to bed, "Stop bugging me, I'm trying to learn how to be a good mother!!!" Ha, ha, ha it was a funny moment. Yeah, I'm not any closer to being a better mother. LOL.
"Love the people God gave you, cuz one day he will need them back."
Love ya, Ricki

2012-01-13T09:13:00.014-07:00

Last night Chris went and played "ward basketball" with the (old) men. He did well, only landed on the floor once (which Taylor held me back for- lol "don't embarrass dad!") He was in pain after the game but just wants to be able to play because he loves it. He told a man after the game that in a few months when he is bedridden he wants to be able to look back and know that he tried to play (he doesn't play for long before he comes out of the game) and he'll have something to replay in his head.:(
We got some terrible news this week about Chris' younger brother. He has cancer in his back and is terminal. The doctors are giving him a year to live!!! Right now he has been in the hospital for two weeks. He is paralyzed and in tons of pain. From his wife's blog they are going to try and start radiation and chemo next week. How sad. How crazy. He has a wife and a soon to be thirteen year old son. I read her blog and I feel like I am reliving my life. Things are breaking in her house, doctors can't give answers, feeling guilty about dividing your time between home and hospital, tired of hospital, worried about finances, worried about how kids are coping, feeling like you're letting others down (she's heavily involved in her sons school), overwhelmed, exhausted, want your old life back, and the worst part is watching the one you love with all your heart in TONS of pain and not being able to help them. You want to make the pain stop, you want answers, you want the doctor's to help him (even though you know they are doing all they can). What a whirlwind of emotions she has entered. I feel so blessed in many ways as are circumstances are different. Count your blessings. This makes three out of four of Chris' siblings with cancer, one in remission and two dieing!!! My heart breaks for Chris' parents. Parents are suppose to die before their children. Chris' brother is tough like Chris so . . . . he could live for a lot longer then the doctors say. LOL.
Last week we got a new "case manager" from Metlife and Chris was talking with her on the phone telling her how much he wanted to work and of course about his health. It makes one really ponder knowing that Metlife and the government (social security office) that we haven't had any problems receiving the help that we need. You hear of people who struggle getting what they need but "Chris must really be dieing" (I guess I have to believe it if they do!!) because we've only had tons and tons of paperwork but no one has ever accused us of trying to be deceitful.
Chris and I have decided that this is are "retirement" time. Couples usually get to experience retirement around 65, ours is just happening early. We had planned on going on a mission (or two) and playing with the grand kids but it's wonderful that he is able to have this time with his kids. He spoils each of them rotten and insists on being hugged often by each child (even the "big" ones:).
I had a nice birthday I went out to lunch and dinner and went shopping for my bday present (you get what you want that way:) Meg's bday is Monday (16th) the big 19! She wants to go to Red Robin for her bday so will work around her work schedule. On Thursday, Meg has to appear in License Court at the DMV. Poor girl will probably have her license suspended. When I was talking with the lady on the phone to make the appointment she said that they usually suspend the license for a YEAR!! We will be able to plead are case. Which as parents we already handled by taking away her license and just plain not letting her drive any car. Maybe they will offer driving classes. Only problem is that Meg leaves February 7th (new date) for China so she won't be able to do anything until she gets back.
We go off track today. I now teach Katie's class in Primary and we moved to a new (old) building for church. I've been having sugar cravings lately. One day I made banana bread, sugar cookies with REAL butter cream frosting (Paula Deens recipe - two sticks in the cookies and two sticks in the frosting:), chocolate chip pumpkin cookies and chocolate chip cookies. Mmmm... I could go for some more. Are shower was broken for a couple of days - what a pain!!
Chris' mom and dad are coming this weekend to see us on their way to see to their son in Oregon.
As always we continue to be busy. Soooo, grateful.
"To hope and trust in the Lord requires faith, patience, humility, meekness, long-suffering, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end." Elder Robert D. Hales
Love ya, Ricki

2012-01-05T19:12:00.007-07:00

Christmas was wonderful. No one sick. Lots of family and food:) New Year's Eve not so lucky. . .two sick people (stomach flu) so we had to cancel all the party plans we had. Chris had the stomach flu during the week. He was extremely sick, he was in tonnnnsss of pain. I rarely see him in as much pain as he was in. Thank goodness it only lasts 24 hours. For New's Eve we did are traditional family "fry everything." Cheese sticks, won tons, corn dogs, chocolate in won ton wrappers, onion rings, pizza rolls etc. etc. whatever you can think of and won't burn down the house. The draw back to "frying everything" is that you and the house smell bad for days:)

Megan has us running her around places, especially to work. Her car requires $4,000 worth of repairs. $500 deductible. Will take it to be fixed soon (after she leaves:) The owner of Chick-fil-a in Jordan Landing (please eat there, if you live close:) hired Meg to work there for a MONTH!! What a nice guy. Answer to my prayer. Meg is funny she compares McDonald's to Chick fil a. One is Chick fil a is cleaner and they use fresh chicken:) (that's a plus, hee, hee) She misses McDonald's fast pace and their never ending menu - she used to be able to make her own concoctions and she wants to put a drink machine by the drive up window of Chick fil a to make it more efficient. Chris and I are soooo grateful to the owner. Really, who would hire someone knowing that they are leaving for China in a month? Can't say enough nice things (ya, I'm crying:)

Last Friday Tay had something very, very, very exciting happen to him. Tay's Lieutenant from CAP called and asked him if he could be at the airport in an hour to fly a plane!!!! Of course we hustled and got Tay there. After flight instruction, picking the route and then checking the plane he, and another cadet and the flight instructor took off. The first cadet flew the plane to the Logan airport and then Tay flew it back to Salt Lake. It was wonderful! There was NNNOOOOO way that smile was coming off of Tay's face. He smiled, and smiled and smiled. He wasn't scared or sick. Chris and I learned while there that if you do get sick in the air and there is no bag you are to open your shirt and throw up in it:) It makes for easier cleanup. LOL. At high speeds I guess it gets all over. The flight instructor has family in Logan so he had them fly over their house - his grand kids were outside waving as he and the cadet took the plane in circles. What an awesome experience. Tay definitely wants to be a pilot:)
Took Meg to get a physical and to the International Travel Center to get four shots. Poor girl. We learned a lot. A nurse talks to you for about 45 minutes and goes over all the lovely germs that you could get and what to do. She also gave Meg a prescription that she can take if she drinks the water etc. etc (gets sick:) Also gave her the phone number and address to the embassy and told her to put it in her phone, suitcase, purse etc. I was feeling "a little" panicky by that time. I know she's going to have a ton of fun and learn lots of things. But hey, I cried when she went to Provo!! Boy, am I in trouble!
Katie has been asking to get her ears pierced for awhile so during the holiday break we took her to the mall and got them done. We told her it would hurt. She didn't even cry!! And they did one at a time. She was sooo excited about picking the pink flower earrings. She hasn't screamed "much" since:)
Today, was such a nice day outside that Chris took down the Christmas lights. He has been taking the boys to play basketball at the gym for the past two days and has again been helping with Jr. Jazz. We are now back to being busy:) Today, I worked in Jacob's classroom and then Chris and I both worked in Katie's. She wanted "Dad" to come. Meg is in Provo for the next two days learning about China. She is leaving either Jan. 30 or 31st. We go off track soon which will make things easier - except Jacob still has early morning orchestra and of course I still have a high schooler and middle schooler.
Last night we found out that Chris' younger brother has cancer:( They are doing tests and determining what they will do. Chris' older sister had colon cancer a couple of years ago! Gotta find a cure!!!
Here's my new quote that I hope to live by:) "Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can. Working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!" Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Love ya, Ricki

2011-12-21T07:30:00.015-07:00

We've done a lot of fun things this past week starting with last Wednesday when Aunt Wanda and Uncle Ray (are favorite aunt named Wanda and are favorite uncle named Ray- hee, hee) from California came and visited us. When they came over to visit little did they know that they were going to be going on a road trip to Provo. They were so kind to drive down with us to Provo so that we could help Meg load up her stuff to bring home. We ate lunch in Provo and then headed back home with little room to move:) Meg is done with finals and living in Provo. We now get to figure out where to store all her stuff.

Tay did a fantastic job at his band concert playing the trumpet and Jacob did a great job with his orchestra concert - he had 3 of them. Chris made it to both Tay and Jacob's concerts. The night of Jacob's concert Chris was soooo tired after putting together and hosting he and Katie's hot chocolate party. We had 11 girls here (age 4-5). Chris decorated the kitchen and living room with lights, wrapped the kitchen table with Grinch wrapping paper, made hot chocolate, put plates, tea cups (I had real glass Christmas ones), spoons, cupcakes, cookies, gift bags (that he and Katie put together), crafts and got the movie ready (the Grinch - of course:). Chris had the boys put on white shirts and ties and had them help serve and help with the craft (gingerbread houses out of foam) and I video taped. What a fun time. What a fun dad. What a fun memory. Sooo precious.

Friday night the guys got together and played Dungeons and Dragons kids sure love playing (don't think the adults mind either:) Meg and I went to the gym - it was fun to have her along, it's more fun to go with someone.

Saturday, Katie, Jacob, some of Jacob's friends (couldn't get the older kids to come:) and I went and saw Chipwrecked for free (we won tickets to see it). We had a great time. We even won a Chipmunk movie, tshirts, balls and Jacob won a Play dough dentist kit. After we went to the music store to get Jacob Book II for his violin. I went up to Park City to play with my friends who have moved all over the state and even Florida (her husband flew her here for her bday and another friend set up the rest:) We ate, talked and shopped at the outlet mall. It was sooo much fun to hang out with them, boy do I miss them. While I was playing Chris took care of Jr. Jazz games for Tay and Jacob.

Sunday, Katie was suppose to give a talk in primary - which I forgot about until someone reminded me in the hall on the way to sharing time. I ran for Chris - he's soo good at coming up with talks quickly. He ran to the library and got a picture of Christ. Then he whispered "the talk" into Katie's ear and she repeated it. Ya, I'm crying!! It was such a beautiful, tender moment. I wish I could have video taped it. A father whispering words into his daughters ear and she repeating them, about Christmas and Christ's birth and how we can all be resurrected someday. What will I ever do without him?????

Monday, Chris worked in Katie's classroom (he did that last Monday also:), Jacob "played sick," - "gold bricker" as we call him. For FHE we did our family tradition of seeing the lights on Temple Square and of singing Christmas carols in the Energy Solutions building. We took friends with us and met friends there. It was a lot of fun (like always) singing Christmas carols, listening to the orchestra (trumpet and violin the most, of course), being with friends (seeing friends there that have moved) and family, seeing the Jazz Bear and Alex Boye (he was a hoot). After the lights we needed something warm so we went to Crown Burger (9:00 pm) and had dinner (hee, hee) and met my friend from Florida so that she could come home with us and we could take her to the airport Tues. (her brother lives in Provo and they all came down to see the lights and then "hand her over":). We finally got everyone in bed by 11:30!!! yikes!! I kicked Chris off his side of the bed and had him sleep on the couch so that my friend and I could stay up talking (and of course the bed is more comfortable then the couch- hee, hee). We stayed up talking til 3 am!!!

Tuesday, 6 am comes quick. I had to get Rye up and then myself because I had to be at Tay's school at 8:40 for a SEOP meeting with the school and Tay (Student Education Occupation Plan)

Before Tay left for school we said a prayer (like always) and in his prayer he thanked Heavenly Father for my friend and for "letting his mommy have a sleepover with her friend" (ya, I'm crying again:) After the meeting I ran home and helped (ok laughed at) my friend packing her stuff (she had to much fun shopping). We went to breakfast and had the "to die for" syrup at Kneaders. Oh, and some french toast:) and a Dr. Pepper. Needless to say I then went and bought a sandwich to counter act all the shaking I was doing from having to much sugar, hee, hee. After breakfast/lunch we went and saw some of her other friends. Time goes fast and it was time to take her to the airport. It was soo much fun having her. I have always felt like we knew each other before this life. We get along so well. She is amazing. I am verry, verry blessed to have her as a friend (ya, crying again). Oh, and for Christmas she brought me a "stick of butter" Christmas ornament from Paula Deen's restaurant in Georgia. Sooo funny. Our family laughed so hard. They know I am a Paula Deen fan and I LOVE butter!!! Story is when I was a kid I would eat sticks of butter just for fun and keep some under my pillow (hey, I don't remember this but my mom does:) When I got home Katie came up to me crying because she had gotten in trouble at school (Chris took care of it). A boy called her a name so she pushed him:( I went and picked Tay up from school to take him to the ortho., he had broken off a chain in his mouth. Made dinner before Jacob went to scouts, got my pj's on after I took him to scouts (I could barely function - soooo tired). I had Katie in bed by 7:30, told each kid what time they were to be in bed and then by 8:40 I was in bed. I was awakened by the phone ringing at 9:20 pm to hear Chris saying to the person on the other end of the phone "Are you ok?", "What happened?", "Do you need me to come and get you?" Heart pounding I come out to find out what happened (Meg worked today and was suppose to be home at 9). Dear, sweet Megan was in yet another car accident!! This time her fault. No one hurt. It was in the round about up in Park City on the way to the Outlet mall. It was driveable, at least to home. Meg also said that the girl that she hit and her mother were very nice. I looked at the car last night when she came home, it didn't look to bad. Then this morning when I went to take kids to school I saw it and started crying. It's not pretty. Even my dad said that he wouldn't work on it - she "shifted" everything six inches, too much work needs to be done and not sure if the frame is bent. (ya, crying again:) Called the insurance company to talk with them about this being Megan's second ticket (last one was speeding) and now an accident. How much is are deductible and how much are the monthly payments going up to? It's a $500.00 deductible on Meg's car and we won't see an increase in our insurance until August. Insurance agent told us also to let him know when Meg leaves for China then he can take her off for six months. So, when she comes back we will reevaluate what we are going to do about her and insurance. Meg no longer works at McDonald's. Chris and I will drive her to wherever she needs to go. Thank goodness she has a job interview today with a friend who owns a fast food store. Meg is sad but with our families situation things are different. She just needs to earn money and will soon be going to China. We keep telling her to keep her goal in sight. Things will work out. We love her soo much and are sad that she has to learn things "the hard way." Just another bump in the road:) I told her to look on the bright side - she can now spend more time with her dad while he drives her places - hee, hee. Everything will be fine as soon as she and I stop crying. LOL

Chris and Rye are at the Jazz game right now. Fun for them:)

Tomorrow (Thursday) I get to chaperone lunch at the middle school and Friday I feed the entire elementary staff (60 people) breakfast. I'm being lazy this year and buying french toast and "to die for" syrup and a fruit tray from Kneaders and serving drinks. Not to hard:) Then finally it will be a week of being lazy, lazy, and more lazy. Only a week - rats!!

"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Merry Christmas. We love ya all, Ricki

2011-12-13T08:35:00.008-07:00

Chris continues to lose his hair and very strange he is also loosing his toe nails!!!! He says that it doesn't hurt - which is good. He has also had cramping and swelling in his right foot. We are curious to see what will happen next:) He took Meg out shopping Friday afternoon, went to Uncle Bud's party (which we had a great time at - fun to see all the relatives). Saturday Tay's bball game was at 8 am. Chris didn't make it, he was very sick all night (didn't get a lot of sleep) thanks to all the good food he ate Friday night (taco soup HATES him). He went to the ward Christmas party Saturday night (fun to see and talk with ward members), played Dungeons and Dragons with the boys - who had been begging and begging to play. Tithing settlement and church Sunday and we celebrated Jacob's 10th birthday with cake, presents and family. Monday, for Family Home Evening we drove around and saw the Christmas lights. Went to two streets that are known for their lights and having Twas the Night Before Christmas story boards in each yard. Saw a reeallllyyy cool house that was decorated and had music to it. You tuned your radio to the station it had posted in its yard and then watched the lights dance with the music. Soooo cool. We then headed to get scones at Winder Dairy but we were to late so we are going to go tonight after school.

Jacob was suppose to get his braces off yesterday but the dentist decided that the front teeth weren't close enough together. 3 more weeks and lots of pain. They put bands on to pull them closer. Poor boy! He was sooo sad. When we got there he ran into the dentists office yelling that he was going to have a Twix bar soon and he stood by a poster on the wall that said "bye, bye braces Jacob" to get his picture taken (without complaining:). Are tradition is to take the child out to lunch to have ribs after they get their braces off. Jacob was sooo sad and in so much pain that we took him to get noodles for lunch before returning him to school.

A couple of times during the day I thought about all that happened three years ago and how are family has changed. What's important and what's not. How we've grown and how grateful I am that Chris is still with us. How nice this time of year feels thanks to him being here.

They changed the city that Megan is going to in China. she is now going to Changzhou. She is still verrrryyy excited. Changzhou is bigger and is closer to a lot of other cities so she will be able to travel more. It is also warmer. Most of the year it stays around 60 degrees. We are now in the process of getting her her physical and extra shots:) she's not worried she gives blood all the time. She has five finals this week and then will move back home and start working again so she has spending money in China.

We again have a busy week. Right now I have two sick kids. Tonight is bball practice for Tay (which Chris will help out with). Wednesday, orchestra for Jacob, scouts, and Tay has his band concert. He loves playing the trumpet and he is doing a great job.

Thursday, Jacob has three orchestra concerts. 9am, 2pm and 7pm and Tay has CAP. At 4pm Chris and Katie are having a "Hot Chocolate Party" with 9 girls from the ward. Chris made invitations and he and Katie delivered them yesterday to each of their homes. Hot chocolate, food, watching the Grinch movie and a craft. What a fuuuuunnnn dad:)

Friday, we get to breath:)

Saturday, we have a Jr. Jazz game at 11am and 7pm. And are family won tickets to see the movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks." Chris, Tay, Meg and Rye aren't going. Jacob is going under protest so I told him we'd find some friends of his to take. Hey, we never win anything!! I'm all about a free movie and free popcorn. Then if the movie is lame I don't feel bad - I didn't pay for it.

Hope ya all are almost done shopping.:):)

Love ya, Ricki

2011-12-06T08:38:00.015-07:00

Meg is headed to China next month!! Weihai. Just saw a video of it from a guy who is there now (he was eating scorpions). Oh, Meg is going to love the bathrooms:) Makes me soooo grateful for what I have. Last week when I called the ILP (we gave Meg a "loan" - if she paid full amount by a certain date she got $300 off) I told them about Chris and if there was going to be a problem with her coming home for a (if there is one) funeral. They told me that it was a good thing that I said something because now they could get Meg a special visa. If she came home she wouldn't be able to go back until she paid for a new visa and she would have to wait for that visa. They also said to call their office and they would have their travel agent help me so that I could get a better rate on airfare. She is sooo excited to go.

We continue to have a broken washing machine. 12 days later!! We went to the laundry mat last Thursday and did 13 loads of laundry! 2 hours and $45.00 later.

The repairman came and decided what he thought was wrong. We waited for parts to come. He installed them, still doesn't work. Try replacing more parts ($162.00 later) or buy new washing machine? Today we are going shopping. And today, we had better come home with a washer!!! Soooo, grateful to have a washing machine in my own home. Wash when I want, what I want, and not have to sit there and watch my laundry - and Katie crawl all over the dirty floor looking for money - as I yell at her "Get up, we can't wash the clothes you're wearing at home and take off your coat you're getting it dirty!!" Grateful knowing that "this isn't a forever thing." Nice to get it all of it done at once instead of doing it for hours at home. Chris, Katie and I ate lunch, talked, did homework (with Katie:), and read the newspaper. I will say folding 13 loads of laundry at once "is not fun!!!"

Chris continues to lose his hair. He says that "the roots of his hair hurt." He doesn't have any side burns. His foot has also been hurting him for the past couple of days so he has been limping. He wants to put one more string of lights on our house and he finished putting the lights on the tree. He has been busy coaching Jr. Jazz practice. Last week both coaches (and tonight Tay's coach) need him to take over practice. Which he loves:) He has also been busy helping with homework (typed up a big assignment for Rye) and helps Katie everyday with her alphabet sounds and sight words. Still craves Slurpees. He also loves beans and mexican food from Del Taco (went there Saturday) and you can always find a bowl full of mint M&M's on the table.

Last night we celebrated Jacob's birthday. His bday is December 24th - to hard to do anything. We had a great time playing laser tag, go carting, bumper cars, bowling and playing miniature golf. Oh, and eating the buffet dinner:) We will have the family bday party on Sunday. Poor Chris was totally exhausted after that. What a trooper:) Crazy to think that two years ago we were celebrating Chris being able to baptize Jacob. He was baptized on his bday and a luncheon and bday cake were provided by a special family for us to enjoy afterwards.

This week is moving fast. We are very busy. Jr. Jazz practice for Tay and Jacob, pack meeting, orchestra practice, I have two PTA meetings this week, work in Jacob's classroom, CAP, we have are favorite Christmas party - Uncle Bud's party (my dad's brother) we eat, Santa comes with presents and the kids play games and make crafts (I'm in charge this year of the crafts:) and the adults talk. Tons of fun to see everyone. Then Saturday morning Tay has a bball game at 8:00am, scout service project at 9:00am, Chris will take Meg out to eat and shopping (last kid) and then we have are ward Christmas party. Tis the season for fun:) No resting until after the new year.

Last Thursday was Civil Air Patrol's 70th anniversary celebration. It was neat to see all the cadets in Air Force uniforms and marching. Tay did a great job.

Loved the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Can't wait to watch the videos they are producing. Feeling very happy and blessed.

Love, Ricki

2011-12-01T08:37:00.005-07:00

Chris is doing O.K. It's been five weeks since he had chemo. Last week his hair started falling out by the handfuls. He has very thick hair so it might be hard to tell but it is alot thinner. He wants to shave his head. We find his hair in the food and on the kitchen counter etc. First I thought it was the cat. His fingers are almost healed and he has been able to do things that he wants to do. He put up Christmas lights on our house (he was to sick to do it last year). He has taken Ryan, Taylor, Jacob and Katie each Christmas shopping and out to eat (he will take Megan next weekend when she comes home). He pulled my washing machine apart to see what was wrong (with the guidance of "British James" on u tube) - we are going to the laundry mat today, we've been without a washing machine for a week!! The repair man said the part will be in on Friday or Saturday. It was cheaper to repair the old one then get a new one (darn it:) I wanted a pretty red front loader) And he is helping coach Tay and Jacob's Jr. Jazz bball teams.

Katie and Jacob have been sick this month. Jacob will get his braces off on Dec. 12th at which time he will get a retainer that will have a fake tooth on it. He is missing a tooth (just like Chris). When he is older he will have braces put back on but for now the dentist was fixing his bite. He is excited to get all that metal out of his mouth:)
Took Rye to the foot doctor. He hurt his foot during cross country and it has been hurting him a lot. Thank goodness nothing serious was wrong. They took xray and found that he isn't done growing - he was very excited. His foot was hurting because he is growing and needed some arch support. Easy to fix. We also enjoyed going to his cross country banquet. We also celebrated him receiving his Eagle Scout award. Chris was ill that night and we started late so we could wait for him. It was a wonderful evening. Rye gave one mentor pin to Chris for being a wonderful father and scout master to him and the other mentor pin went to the young man that helped Rye with his Eagle - the young man is on his mission right now (in Brazil) so we asked his family to come so that Rye could pin it on his mom and we would send it to him. Chris worked hours and hours on Rye's video. It was sooo much fun to watch. Chris did a great job - like always. I must say I am sooooo glad to have it all the way over.
We had are Primary program this month. It was wonderful and we were soooo blessed to have a special visitor "pop" in to see us. Dallin H. Oaks came and watched. He was so fun to watch. He smiled at every child after they finished their line. He also spoke to us. Katie and Jacob both had their lines memorized - so proud. After the meeting Chris, Meg, Tay, and Rye went and shook his hand. Very cool. I know we live in Utah but we really don't get many opportunities to shake a General Authorities hand and sit so close.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving. Chris wanted to have a real tree for xmas so we went and bought one. Tay, Jacob and Katie have never had a real tree before. Smells so good. It's tall and bushy.
Meg got her passport last week and is still very excited about going to China. she moves back home Dec. 18th. She will work, work and work so that she can pay for her trip and extra spending money there.
Chris and his two friends decided that they wanted to teach their sons how to play Dungeon and Dragons just like they used to play as kids (get them to use their imaginations:) It's sooo fun to watch and listen to them play. They are having such a good time. They have been playing once a week for the past month. Nine people total - makes for a lot of noise:)
Can't believe it's December!! On December 12th it will be 3 years since the social worker came out and took me into a room with him, the doctor and a large box of kleenex to tell me that Chris only had 6 weeks to live. I can still remember the whole thing as if it was yesterday. My how our lives have changed!! We just keep adjusting to the different situations that come at us. Sooo grateful to still have Chris with us. Life will be sooo awful when he is gone. I've gotten used to having him around 24 /7 (I didn't think I ever would:). I know he would rather be at work but sure has been nice to eat dinner as a family at 5:00 pm if that's the only time we can eat because of everyone's schedule or eating lunch with one of the kids at school, Katie and him going and getting a Slurpee, helping with homework and typing projects, making an Eagle Scout video for Rye and many other things.
Oh, and he learned to appreciate me more this week!! LOL When he was taking the washer apart he kept telling me he was "sorry that I had to work in these conditions" You know how it goes all around the machine is lint, lint and more lint. No matter how often you clean it, it comes back:) and mounds of dirty laundry all around. I couldn't stop smiling, he had such a good time watching those videos and then going downstairs and doing what the guy said. He was like a kid in a candy store. And he and the appliance repair man "talking shop." I did video tape him. It was fun to see him having fun. Oh, how I love him:)
Love, Ricki

2011-11-06T09:41:00.010-07:00

Sorry, been crazy. Chris finished his chemo. Only took one poke:) Lost 2 lbs. Chris was sick Friday morning so we didn't go to all of Megs classes. We made it for her afternoon classes she gave us a tour of campus and then we took her and our nephew out to eat. Saturday, Chris was a real trooper. He didn't feel well but he came with us to the Idaho/BYU game. We were seated wayyyy at the top and it was extremely hot!! I went and bought sun screen and a hat for Chris. After the game we took Meg to eat then headed home. I drove home Chris was sooo worn out poor guy. We didn't end up going to church with Meg on Sunday - she had regional conference. She said all they talked about was "marriage." "So boring"

Lots has been going on since then. Chris' fingers are so badly split and bleeding that he can't even hold a piece of paper. Hard to watch him be in so much pain. He puts neosporin on them and band aids and he feels like his face is going to fall off - it's so dry. Even after lotion. His stomach seems to be getting worse. Food digesting in less then 24 hours. He eats constantly but doesn't gain weight. Friday, night (Nov 4) threw up. Food not liking him. He's tired usually takes a nap during the day. We've had fun with Jacob and Katie off track. Don't know what Jacob is going to do without a Slurpee everyday:) (this is the last week:(

Ok, now it's Monday morning:) Chris took kids trick-or-treating on Halloween. He "drove" them but that was better then last year when he couldn't go at all. Katie was Bell from Beauty and the Beast, Jacob was a pirate (shocker:), Tay was a Utes fan - ha, ha, and Rye was just Rye (he went to a party and then went trick or treating to a few houses, people still gave him candy - people way to nice or just scared of teenagers. Lol). Meg came up and her and I handed out candy.

On Friday, (Nov. 4) Meg decided that she's going to go to CHINA for five months to teach English to elementary students!!! She leaves either January or February. When we talked she had some hurdles- like, getting rid of her apartment contract and money. Meg has a job interview today in Provo so that she can earn the money to go and she had her interview with her Bishop yesterday and is getting a letter of recommendation from her high school coach. And as of yesterday her best friend from high school is going also. Until she leaves she will now take a class a couple times a week on the culture, what to expect, etc. While there they will get to travel. Meg is sooooo excited!! Chris talked with her yesterday telling her that if he dies while she is in China that she isn't coming home (that's when I like to remind him that he doesn't have a say, hee hee). Too much money and "she doesn't need to see his dead, cold body in a box." My dad told her "he'll tape it." Kind of crazy how she has done a 180. Just a couple of weeks ago she was begging to come home to be with him - now she's off to China. Chris has been having a great time with this - all weekend he looks at me, says the word "China" and I start crying!!!! Funny boy!! I know she will have fun and learn a lot. A friend told me "that we should all go to a third world country so we can be grateful for what we have." I did tell Chris that I should go with her. He can hold down the fort:)

Tay and Jacob are doing Jr. Jazz again this year. Ahhh, I was hoping that they would forget:) Chris is signed up to be the assistant coach to Tay's team -the coach is a good friend who knows that Chris may or may not be able to help.

We continue to keep busy. This week FHE, orchestra, Rye driving with his driving instructor:), orthodontist appoint, scouts, relief society, ptsa meeting, feeding the teachers - thank goodness my assistant isn't sick (quick knock on wood:), CAP, and Tay and Rye have a scout campout - Turkey Shoot. Chris said he will try and go. last year he went for a while and then had to come home. Hope he can go:) Chris is also starting to take kids out to dinner and Christmas shopping. Because Katie and Jacob are off this week he is going to take each of them separately during the day - should be easier on him:) So much to do:) Bought the Michael Buble Christmas album love it:) Tis the season. Sooo grateful.

Love ya all, Ricki

2011-10-14T07:25:00.006-06:00

Chris had chemo yesterday. Weight again stayed the same. White blood cell count 2.7 - that's still ok but blood cell count going up also means that your body is trying to fight something. ahhh. The nurse finally got the IV in on the third try but after just one bag (he gets five today) his vein decided to close. Chris was in a TON of pain. He has a very high pain tolerance so it must have been just awful. It was hard watching him. They took the needle out and found another vein. A smaller vein that we monitored closely and Chris kept a warm rice pack on his arm the whole time to keep it open. He slept the whole time. My dad came at 12:30 and stayed with Chris, took him to eat and then home so that I could help at the middle school. When I got home he was resting. He told me that "he wished he hadn't done chemo today." He was very sick all night (I can hear him throwing up right now), he is using a wet washcloth on his forehead and drinking a lot (one of the medicines gives you dry mouth).
So glad we had SEP's for Katie and Jacob yesterday so that he could attend. I'm sure other parents think I'm crazy taking pictures of the kids with their teacher and Chris but I want the kids to remember how important they were to him - that he came to everything even if he wasn't feeling well. Chris bought them books at the book fair for doing well in school:)
Jacob came and helped me with the teacher dinner. I had him place the bread sticks in the oven to keep them warm and he burned his arm on the top of the oven!! My poor boy. It still looks bad. He was a big help.
Yesterday, Tay and I did the fun run at the middle school it was fun but crazy - 1400 kids walking/running a mile and a half through the neighborhood. The kids did a great job. We had three policeman at different locations, lots of teachers and parents and a school bus all helping contain the kids:):)
Later I had Rye drive me to do my errands. He did a good job I just wish i would stop holding onto the door handle so hard - it's not going to save me:) Tay went to Civil Air Patrol for the first time alone. Tomorrow we will go and get his uniform - Blues - just like they wear in the Air Force.
Glad it's Friday. The next couple of weeks will be much slower. I would love to sit down:) Saturday, we have a primary activity, and get Tay's uniform. Sunday, are friends are blessing their baby (hopefully Chris will be well enough to attend). Monday, orchestra, FHE, and I work in Katie's classroom. Tuesday, Jacob scouts and Rye goes driving with his driving instructor (Ahhhh). Wednesday, orchestra, scouts for Tay and Rye and early out day for Jacob and Katie and. . .. we go off track Yeah!!! I say it half happy - I still have a high schooler and middle schooler that I have to get up for school. But, I will make every attempt to get back in bed after I get them out the door:) No school Thursday or Friday for anyone:) Next Frid, Sat and Sunday are parents weekend at BYU. I bought us tickets to the BYU vs Idaho football game. Tay keeps saying he's "wearing his U of U shirt" to the game. ha, ha that's what he thinks:)
"The Lord does not always heal the sick, nor save those in hazardous zones. He does not always relieve suffering and distress, for even these seemingly undesirable conditions may be part of a purposeful plan." President Spencer W. Kimball
Love ya, Ricki

2011-10-08T08:57:00.010-06:00

Chris had chemo Thursday. Weight stayed the same. White blood cell count 2.4. They only had to stick him three times to get the IV in. He has sooo many bad veins:( They talked about him getting a port again but Chris doesn't want to. We spoke with the doctor this week and he would like to continue to do the Erbatux (which is the drug that doesn't make Chris as sick but gives him a rash) every Thursday til "he dies." Chris said that he would "think about it." Chris has two more weeks. Next week is the long day, realllllyyyy bad drug (Eraniteacan) which we are sooooo done with. Makes him soooo sick and exhausted. Sooo glad this is almost over. But then what?

Meg came home Tuesday to say "hi." She kept crying. I asked her "what was wrong?" and she told me that she didn't realize how bad Chris was. I guess when you are away for awhile and then come back you see things differently. For almost three years Meg has denied that he was going to die. She would say to me "stop saying that, he's not going to die!" She felt differently when she left.:( I had to kick her out at 11 pm. She did the same thing on Thursday. Ditched her class and came home to be with us. She met us at Rye's cross country meet. Chris had just had chemo an hour before. He ran all over that field yelling at the team:) I had either Meg or Rye stay up with him in case he needed anything. Rye, came in 9th in region - go Rye!!:) Meg asked if she could quit school and come home. I told her "no way." It's very difficult - we've been dealing with this for almost three years. she gave up Disneyworld and being a princess because she was worried Chris would die while she was gone. Guilt of not being there when he dies or living. It's hard. I feel guilty running around doing all that I do while Chris stays at home - sick. And the crazy thought of "will he be alive when I get home?" Wayyyy to many emotions. After the meet Chris was exhausted. We came home and he slept. Pizza was brought into us (thank you), my mom watched the kids and my brother took Tay to Civil Air Patrol.

No school Friday because of SEP's for Tay and Rye. They are both doing well in school. We just stuck around here because the other two are in school and Chris was sick. Saturday, Chris and I went to the Temple to watch are good friends have their adopted daughter sealed to them. Veryyy cool. They had a luncheon after for everyone but Chris was to tired and sick to go. He made it for the most important part:) Then we had a family bday party. Meg called later crying. she got a speeding ticket coming down Provo canyon. I still don't know exactly what she said she was crying to hard. I wanted to go and see her but Chris said that we needed to let her work it out herself:( (This is when a mother is on bended knee begging Heavenly Father to send someone to help her daughter.) So, Sunday we took a drive to "see the leaves" in Park City (where Meg works - hee, hee) and we checked on her.

Ok, so now it's Wednesday and I am now going to finish this post hee, hee. It has been a crazzy couple of days. Monday, I went on a field trip with Taylor and 500 other 7th graders to This is the Place Monument. While poor Chris stayed home with Jacob who had stomach flu - later I would find out that Chris didn't even realized that Jacob was home because Jacob is pretty independent and he just took care of himself!! Stayed in his room - didn't want to get Chris sick. For FHE we went and picked pumpkins. Chris felt realllly sick but he still came. Tuesday, I took care of Chris' speeding ticket that he got in Missouri this summer - we forgot about it until the State of UT said that if we didn't pay it by Oct. 24th they would suspend Chris' license. Ahhh!! Went shopping and started cooking for the teacher SEP dinner later today. My co partner called yesterday and told me that she couldn't do anything because she is way sick. so, I called Olive Garden to help with one of the soups and the bread sticks. Today, PTSA meeting, cooking, running around (went to the closet and found only three bowls - good thing I looked!!!!), feeding the teachers, Jacob and Katie's SEP's, YM's, cross country,orchestra, driving practice, . . . . . Tomorrow, Chris has the long chemo (Erbatux and Eranateacan). I will stay with him until 12:30 and then I have to leave. The middle school is having a fun run (1 1/2 miles) that I was asked to help with so my dad is going to come and hang out with Chris and drive him home afterwards.

Chris has had a hard time walking. He has a lot of cramping in his muscles. Tuesday, he had a hard time getting in the car. Tay and Katie are almost over their coughs. Just in time to give it to me:) Gotta go. Life is crazy but good. I'd fall apart if I wasn't busy. Don't like to have time to think:)

Love, Ricki

2011-09-30T07:08:00.012-06:00

" Years ago we had Ronald Reagan, Johnny Cash and Bob Hope. Now we have Obama. No Cash, and No Hope." Love it!! Chris and I heard it yesterday in the hospital from the nurses and then I saw it this morning on face book. It was great to see everyone in the hospital laughing - doesn't happen to often. Chris gained 2 lbs. White cell count 3.5. His potassium was low so he is now yet on another medication. They gave him half the Benadryl and he slept. They also had to only poke him once today instead of like last week when they poked him five times (two different nurses). Chris teases about his veins knowing that they are going to get chemo so they hide:) Because it's a long day I go and get us lunch from the cafeteria which he usually downs. Today, he could hardly eat. He did well last week. Was tired and a little wobbly but nothing like the week before and not nearly as bad as he is at this moment. He threw up most of the night!! He has leg cramps, his mouth is sore (wonder if that could be from him eating sooooo many pickles?!) the skin at the tip of his fingers is splitting, face is "falling off" it's so dry and very red. Nurses gave him a lecture about using lotion on his face. I think he just doesn't want to use lotion because he wants sympathy:) He continues to crave Swedish fish, Slurpee's, Panda (yuck!), hamburgers (went to Apollo burger 3 times last week), pickles, and chips.

This week I was reminded that "I never want to be pregnant again" and reminded of the things that Chris is going through. Sometimes I forget how awful it is to always have your stomach swirling, smells and throwing up. Well, the Lord was kind enough to humble me:) I got reallllyyyy sick Monday morning 6 am while trying to get Rye to school. Got everyone school, barely. After that Chris took over. He took them to their ortho appointment, picked kids up, fed them, helped them with homework. . . . Tuesday afternoon I could at least move enough to do laundry- couldn't vacuum got queasy (moms can't be sick to long:) etc but food is still "gross" to me. I haven't run all week, just can't get my stomach to stop screaming at me. Now, my left ear all the way down to my neck hurts (especially my throat-no fever) Grrr. Grateful, that Chris wasn't chemo sick to badly and was able to take over and again grateful for the "gentle reminder."

Loved Women's Conference!! President Utchdorf's talk was AMAZING!! He started talking and I started crying. He so nailed me. Especially, about family home evening. hee, hee. Afterwards my mom, sister, Megan (Meg came up) and sister-in-law went out to eat. We had a ton of fun. They put us in a room all by ourselves. We laughed soo much. Thanks girls!!

Can't wait for Conference tomorrow and Sunday. I am once again grateful that Chris is here to take our sons and the other boys whose fathers can't take them to the Priesthood Session and out to eat. I'm sure that it will be hard on Chris tomorrow but with his adult friends a long to help him and his determination he'll do it. What an amazing man!

Today, Rye has a cross country meet (which we will be going to even if Chris is sick - can't keep him away from the race:) We continue to do pretty much the same thing each week. Orchestra practice, math lab, scouts, fhe, PTA, chemo, cross country practice, Civil Air Patrol (Tay is enjoying it - went last night. Thanks again Bro for staying with him:), teaching Rye to drive and homework. This week Tay has parent teacher conferences at the middle school and next week I feed the teachers. Have no clue what I'm feeding them (there will definitely be chocolate somewhere in the menu). I guess I'd better start planning:)

"I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers all of the trials and hardships that any of us will encounter in this life," he said. "At times when we may feel to say, "Hope you know, I had a hard time," we can be assured that he is there and we are safe in His loving arms." -Elder Quentin L. Cook

Love ya, Ricki

2011-09-23T06:54:00.015-06:00

Chris had chemotherapy yesterday. Lost 3 lbs. White blood cell count 3.6. Still good but going down:( He had a verrryyyy difficult week. He was extremely exhausted, threw up, could hardly walk at times without tripping and craved Swedish fish, Noodles and Company, mustard, rice krispy treats and Slurpee's. I have also been cooking dinner out on the deck. Either barbecuing or using the crock pot. The smells make Chris very sick. I laugh lifting the lid to the crock pot outside. Thank goodness it has a locking lid. Hee, hee. Because he was soooo weak this week I asked them to run a potassium test on him to see if it was low. I remember something similar to this happening one of the many other chemo times and it was because his potassium was low. Hoping that's it. It's an easy fix. It takes 24 hours for that test to come back so will know later today. If it is low they just prescribe medicine or he would go in and do an IV. Yesterday, was a shorter day due to doing only two drugs. He has to have a bag of Benadryl first to help the itching that the other drug causes and it usually puts him to sleep (in May that's how it was) but these last two sessions have made him very restless and agitated. I spoke with the nurse and asked what was happening she said that she would put a note in his chart to only give him half the Benadryl. Thank you to the two different families that have brought us pizza for dinner the last two Thursdays. Helps a lot. Thank you, thank you.

Even with Chris ill we still had some fun:) We had a BYU vs UofU party here. Katie and I were the only BYU fans and Chris wore yellow so that he could be "neutral." Sooo much screaming!!:) The last part of the game I went upstairs and cleaned the kitchen. Just couldn't take anymore of their razing. All in good fun.

Sunday, Chris' Mission President from Brazil came over and spoke with Chris. It was very nice of him and his wife to stop by. They were in town visiting family. Kind of crazy how we found him. . . at back to school night for the middle school Tay, Chris and I were standing in line waiting to talk to the band teacher. The people in front of us were speaking Portuguese so Chris had to speak to them and come to find out the lady that we were speaking to was Chris' mission presidents daughter-in-law. How cool is that????!!!

Meg is still struggling with getting a balance of school, work and play time. Hates chemistry. She came home one night this week to say good bye to a friend entering the MTC and to say "hi" to us:) Meg received a calling - - ward missionary. hee, hee in Provo??!!:)

Rye, had his 24 hour cross country fundraiser. They ran over 200 miles. He also had a cross country meet Wednesday. Chris was very weak and sick and he exhausted himself even more by yelling at Rye at different spots in the course. Can't keep the boy down:) Rye, is also learning to DRIVE!!! I must say, and don't tell Meg but Rye is a better driver!! He doesn't swing the wheel into the curb as we turn:) He knows his left from right and he listens, doesn't argue. Meg used to tell me all the things I was doing wrong when I was driving. Thank goodness Rye hasn't gotten to that point yet. Poor boy, he looks so small behind the wheel. He has to lift the seat all the way up and forward.

Tay, went to his first meeting last night for the Civil Air Patrol. He has told us for years that he wants to be a pilot and we've told him that it cost a lot of money to learn to fly. I happen to be talking to a friend and he told me about his son being in CAP and how on his 15th bday he got to fly a plane!! They have scholarships they give out to members for flying lessons and if Tay wanted to someday join the Air force he would be a higher rank because of being in CAP. Because it was chemo day I knew that I wouldn't be able to go with him so I asked my brother if he would take him. Come to find out my brother was in CAP when he was younger. He used to go and rescue "dumb snow mobilers." Lol. Tay has to go for a month before he can join which is good. He needs to see if he wants to work and learn. It's a lot like boot camp. Last night they practiced drills, had a lesson on Job, learned about fire extinguishers . . .next Thursday they are doing an obstacle course relay. Should be fun:) and he continues to enjoy school.:)

So.... we can now say that we have had a child in the principals office for bad behavior. Child number FOUR (can you believe it - Not Ryan:):) decided to get angry at something someone said to him and he let them have it. He feels badly for how he acted:( We had to talk with the principal (who is wonderful), he had to write a letter saying he was sorry, and miss Fun Friday. Poor boy. still loves playing his violin:)

Katie and I started putting up Halloween decorations yesterday - are favorite holiday:)

Tomorrow Rye has a school alumni 5k that he has to be at. Sunday, Chris will ordain one of Ryan's friends a priest. Tay, will have a board of review for scouts. Thanks to his determination and his leaders hard work he is getting closer and closer to his Eagle. I look forward to Women's Conference tomorrow. The "girl's night out." This time the girls will eat out and watch conference in Provo so that Meg doesn't have to come here and so that her roommates can come also. Fun. And, of course excited for General Conference next weekend.

"We can't predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come." Elder L. Tom Perry

Love ya, Ricki

2011-09-16T07:02:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Chris had chemotherapy. He weighed in at 188 lbs. White blood cell count 4.3. It will be interesting to watch that number, see what it does. So, please NO sick people near Chris:) It was a long day - six hours!! Five different drugs. Back to the drug being in a glass bottle because it would eat through the plastic bag!! This will last for five more weeks, every Thursday beginning at 9:30 am. My mom has kindly volunteered to pick Katie up from kindergarten and then take care of the other kids after school. I made my "medicine charts" yesterday to keep up with times and doses. Just like last time he has to take an antibiotic twice a day to control infection. He will soon have a rash all over and possibly lose his hair - he was suppose to last time but it just became thinner and right now it is nice and thick again and less gray!!! He also needs to take his lovenox shots twice a day to keep those darn blood clots away. I have done wayyyyy to much crying the last couple of days (ok, the last month:) knowing that I am going to become a single parent and caregiver to Chris. Not quite ready to do this again but I know that it's really the only way to keep Chris here longer. Just sooooo hard to watch him suffer. Last night he slept sitting up on the couch. It has already started!! My heart aches knowing that there is nothing that I can do. If only I could take a little (only a little - I'm not good with pain, hee, hee) of his pain away. And knowing that his pain and suffering are only going to get worse and that he at any time could end up in the hospital with an infection or blood clot. 14 years ago on September 18th we found out Chris had colon cancer. One of those days you remember just like December 12, 2008 we were told Chris only had 6 weeks to live.
Meg is adjusting to school, working and being away from home. She came home last weekend for two of her friends farewells, to do her laundry (I mean have ME do her laundry - she was off playing:) and raid the pantry. Rye, got his learners permit. Now we just need to take him out driving Ahhhhh. Anyone up for a challenge?? Tay, still loves school especially Friday late start. He gets to stay up late Thursday night and play the computer with Chris while everyone else has to go to bed. Jacob has started playing the violin. Monday and Wednesday morning before school he has practice. He loves walking around the house "playing it" and Katie she is NOT a morning person so every morning is a struggle to get her out of bed. Loves school once she gets there.

2011-09-04T09:24:00.010-06:00

Chris went to the doctor Thursday. Dr. couldn't believe how great Chris looked. He told us that he expected Chris to be much thinner but instead he had gained six pounds since his last visit. Dr. was very excited:) Chris has decided to do chemo again. He will start on Sept 15th. He will have the same chemo as he had last round. Maybe this time he will lose his hair. It seemed to work. It made the tumors smaller. Right now he has three tumors that he can feel and they are big. He has been having a lot of trouble with his stomach. Chris told the dr. that he didn't want to do any scans so we are just using his neck as a guide to what is happening. I wish that he would do a scan just so that we knew where else the cancer has spread. Might give us another time line - that Chris can out live - hee, hee:) So, soon I promise to keep the blog up to date:):)

It has been a crazy, crazy month. Did lots of playing at the beginning and then BAM! Lots to do to get kids ready for school. Took Meg to BYU Provo (Go Cougars:). She has three roommates all sophomores who roomed together last year. She has had a hard time. Been homesick and been sick. She came home last Sunday sick so I took her to the doctor - thinking it was strep. Dr. thought it was meningitis and so he sent us to the ER where they did a CT scan and a Spinal tap. thank goodness no meningitis. But the whole thing was scary. She is going into nursing, wants to be a Physicians Assistant. Oh, and she found out the day she started school that she is a SOPHOMORE!!! Thanks to her hard work and the high school offering college classes. Way to go Meg!!

Rye, started 10th grade - High school. He has struggled this week. We let him drop his AP classes. I was sad but "he's not Megan" and so what if it takes him a little longer to get through college. Better to change classes then he and I being at each others throats all year:) And of course who knows when Chris will die, those classes would be hard on him during that situation. All week, every day I have had at least five people crying.

Today, Rye will have his Board of Review to get his Eagle. I know it's about time!!!:) He is running cross country - which he is good at and enjoys. He had his 16th bday. He blessed the Sacrament last Sunday. I couldn't stop crying seeing him and Taylor blessing and passing the Sacrament - makes a mother soooo proud. He hasn't been interested in getting his license but he is taking driver's ed so he needs his permit. We are doing that Tues. He went to his first dance Friday night. Can't believe he can date if he wants to:)

Tay, started middle school and loves it. He can't wait to learn how to play the trumpet in band and his favorite class is math ( he is in Algebra). He's one of the two that didn't cry this week. Chris was the other:) I've been a blubbering idiot. I am just sooo proud of my children and excited for the things that are going on in their lives.

Jacob started 4th grade. He's cried because before all the rest of the kids went to school he kept getting left out of the "Slurpee run" or the "Chick fila run" and of course having to go to bed earlier then everyone else and having homework. Poor boy. He wants to play the violin in the orchestra at his school so we are in the process of finding him one. Ahhh, what music will be filling our home, hee, hee.

Katie, started Kindergarten!!!!! That was tough one. Last child entering school. Wow!! what am I going to do with 2 1/2 hours to myself, five days in a row?!!

Chris, painted the deck and made a fancy pad for the trailer to sit on. He goes slowly and he gets frustrated that it takes him so much longer then it did when he was healthy. But, hey the rest of us are just so proud of him and so grateful that he is still around. It was neat to have him here to send off each child on their first day of school. I am not looking forward to having a very sick husband again. The throwing up, nausea, rash, possible blood clots, loss of appetite, and just plain tired/sleeping all the time.:(

We do continue to count are blessings. Life could be sooo much worse. We love you all and are so grateful for your friendship.

Love ya, Ricki

This Summer

2011-07-27T09:47:00.007-06:00

Yes, Chris is still "on this side of the grass":) We have been verrryy, verrryyy busy. Meg graduated from high school and then we took her on a seven day cruise to the eastern Caribbean and then spent two days hanging out in Miami seeing friends, going to the Keys, riding an air boat, and going to the Everglades. Chris left with a blood clot in his lungs and stressed me out the whole time. I spent a lot of time listening to him breathe at night. I also know what they do if someone dies on the ship - just in case I needed to know. He didn't get to snorkel much because of not being able to get enough air. We did have a lot of fun. Two other families and their graduates came with, made it even more fun:) Thanks to my mom for babysitting for nine days and others who helped her. My mom got really sick after we left, poor girl. Grateful, we didn't have phone service or I would have come home.

June 26th Chris decided that we were going on a road trip to play at four Six Flag Amusement parks. You could buy a season pass for $49.00 a person and go to any of them in the United States. So, that's what we did. We left June 28th and headed to New York. We saw Mt. Rushmore, Wind Caves National Park, St. Louis Arch, Six Flags, Nauvoo, watched fireworks in Washington DC sitting at the feet of President Lincoln, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (made me want to do my geneology to see if I had any ancestors come through there), Lincoln Tunnel, Ground Zero and my favorite Cake Boss' bakery- Carlos Bakery from TLC (Chris wouldn't let me out - the line was tooooo long and he had had it with New York), Six Flags, ate at a restaurant that was owned by a woman who was Bill Clinton's White House Chef, Palmyra Pageant, Joseph Smith's home, Sacred Grove, Niagara Falls, Six Flags, Kirtland (saw School of the Prophets), then we went to another Amusement Park (change of plans suppose to go to Six Flags in Chicago but changed) called Cedar Point suppose to be the "Coney Island of the West" surrounded by Lake Erie on three sides. It had a indoor water park at the hotel we stayed at (seen it on the travel channel:). Nauvoo again (didn't have a lot of time the first time got there to late at night), Carthage jail, Winter Quarters, and I'm sure that I forgot a few places:):) We camped some in a tent and other times (like in New York, Washington DC and New Jersey:) we slept in a hotel and one night we slept in the car - they forgot to tell us the campground was closed. We had a wonderful, wonderful time. Lots of driving. 6,251 miles in 18 days. Some fighting among siblings but for the most part kids wonderful, no one likes to sit in the car for 12 hours:) Tay and jacob were in heaven being able to play their DSi and watch tv (remember they are still grounded from those things). Chris did really well. At the parks he would usually take a one hour nap on a bench while I took the kids to the line to ride the rides:) Hee, hee I HATE roller coasters!!!!!!!! I really did enjoy seeing everyone else have fun going on the scary, scary rides. In New Jersey they have the tallest roller coaster in the world and the fastest roller coaster in North America!!!! I felt sick just watching them ride it. Katie and I had a good time. They always had plenty of rides for her to go on. Chris had his ups and downs on the trip, and I had my plan ready to go if he decided to die on the trip:) I am soooo thankful to know that I have a "church family" anywhere I go. (I would have called them for help while I waited for my mom and dad to fly out). How grateful I am to have been able to go on this trip with the kids. We saw soooo many things. We did sooo many things. Wonderful memories. Only took a thousand pictures. hee hee.

Got home July 16th just in time for Tay to go to scout camp for a week and Jacob to go to cub camp on Monday and Tuesday. Chris went with Jacob to cub camp Monday. They had a great time but Chris came home verry tired and his legs were swollen. Jacob wanted him to go Tuesday but Chris just didn't have the strength so I went. Wednesday, Chris went up to scout camp to hang out with Tay till Saturday. He looked exhausted when he left but he knew that Tay needed him. Tay has cried quite often about "not getting to have daddy as his scout master" The Lord has let Chris live a lot longer then expected and hit mile stones with his kids. Tay will always remember being with his dad:)

Since coming back from scout camp Chris has had a hard time breathing. His shoulders hurt really bad and he has a spot in his back that he says feels like someone is stabbing him with a bunch of needles. He has been taking pain medicine. He believes that it's just from being at such a high altitude (9,000 feet). Who knows. I told him he has made it this far that he has to keep going. Meg goes to BYU Aug 24th, Rye turns 16 Aug. 2 and will be ordained a priest and goes to high school, Tay goes to middle school, Jacob to 4th grade and Katie to kindergarten - can't miss sending them off for their first day of school:) Such excitement at are house:)

This week we head to Bear Lake for Chris' family reunion and then we are headed to Yellowstone. Chris has informed me that we will be sitting and waiting "hours" for some of the geysers that are not predictable. He loves the place:)

One of these days I will finish all the projects that I started this summer. Painting the deck, painting the inside of the house. My bathroom is half painted and I've been doing the base boards. Ten years we've lived here. Walls looking loved:)

Thanks for worrying about us. You all are to kind. We love you tons.

Love, Ricki

2011-05-28T09:57:00.004-06:00

Thursday, (May 19th) Chris had his last chemo for awhile. He continues to have a rash on his face, verrryyy dry finger tips (bleeding), but still has hair:) Other chemo patients didn't think that was fair:)
That night after chemo Meg and I headed to BYU where we had tonnss of fun. Learned how to register for classes, sang the fight song so that we could get free t-shirts for her and her room mate (room mate lives in New York), saw Meg's dorm, went out to eat, got warm Krispy Kreme donuts (no store by us) and just got excited about school. My mom was kind enough to stay with the kids so that Chris could rest.
Friday, we went and saw Pirates. Sooo good. We have to go and see it again. Tay's camp out got cancelled because of mud (been raining here a ton). Rye, went on his. Tay and Jacob stayed home while Meg, Katie, Chris and I went to are brother-in-laws mother's viewing. I don't do viewings. I refuse to go and see the "body" in the casket. When I go to a viewing family members are always so kind to come and visit me out in the hall:) Viewings bring up a lot of emotions for me. Seeing funeral homes. Cemeteries. Too much. After the viewing we went to Rodizio Grill (Brazilian restaurant) because we were close, fewer of us, and Chris had a craving:) We told them it was Chris and Katie's bday. They gave them each a piece of flan (yuck!)
Saturday, Tay went to scouts and worked on merit badges (thanks leaders:). Meg and I went shopping and got her her graduation dress (I got one also- hey, I had to put up with her, hee hee). Then off to Chuck E. Cheese for Katie's party. We had lots of fun. Chris' sister from AZ was in town running a marathon so her and her friend came - good to see them.
Sunday, Chris' bday. Rye spoke in Sacrament (he remembered that morning after helping prepare the sacrament:). He did a fine job for about 10 minutes of preparation. We had carrot cake (Chris' favorite) with the family. Celebrated another year:):)
This past week we had FHE, did some spring cleaning and I worked in the HS selling Senior Sunset tickets, putting labels on yearbooks for MS, making phone calls for volunteers, . . . (end of the year). Tuesday, we went to a special senior dinner for parents and students that have excelled through their high school years. It was verryy nice. Chris was extra tired but made it through. Wednesday, Rye had a choir concert and Chris' mom and dad came for a visit. Friday, Katie graduated from preschool:( Hard to believe that's the last child to go to preschool. After Jacob and Taylor got home I immediately put them to work. Cleaned inside of fridge, washed blinds, windows, folded clothes, . . . (alot of work for me:). Oh, and sorry to all of you who got a naughty email from me - someone hacked my facebook account. I'd like to speak to the people who have nothing better to do then wreak havoc on other people. I have plenty of chores for them to do!!!!!!!!!!
So, this week is CRAZYYYYY!!! Tomorrow, Meg speaks in Sacrament. Monday, FHE and hanging with family (and eating). Tuesday, handing out yearbooks at the MS and helping with the 9th grade dance during the day. Jacob has scouts and that night and Meg has yearbook signing, Seminary Graduation, a viewing for a member of are ward who died this week and we have the Track banquet!!!!!!!!!!!! Not sure how that will all work out:):) Wednesday, Rye goes to Lagoon for his 9th grade graduation and Meg graduates!!!!! WOW where has the time gone???? I will be like a leaky faucet this week!!:) The faucet started leaking at preschool graduation. No, it started when I took Meg to BYU. OK, I can't remember when. Hee, hee.
What an exciting time in our lives!!! Fun, fun and sooooo happy and grateful to still have Chris with us to celebrate these times. Chris will sometimes say "Why am I still here?" Don't know but I'm glad the Lord is letting him stay here and drive me crazy for awhile longer:):):) Chris had something weird happen to him the other day. He was drinking soda and took one of his pills. Then awhile later he burped and smoke came out his mouth and nose!!! Not sure what happened. Scary!! But not scary enough for Chris to let me call the doctor.
"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Pres. Hinkley
Love ya, Ricki

2011-05-16T07:08:00.004-06:00

Chris had chemo Thursday. Lost 2 pounds. White blood cell count 1.8. After chemo Chris and I headed to Megan's track meet. For once it was a warm day so I had Chris sit under an umbrella as he cheered for r school (not suppose to be in the sun). He lasted four hours. We watched Meg run one of her races, the other she called and told us about. While there I got a parking ticket - I swear I was parked in a legal spot on the street but I guess a police officer felt differently. (I dropped Chris off then parked farrr away). Chris' hands are verry dry - bleed at the finger tips and his face continues to be red and have acne. He has been tired but he couldn't resist helping us clean the yard on Saturday:) Rye mowed the lawn and the rest of us weeded or cleaned out the garage.
Friday, Meg had her Senior Ball she looked gorgeous. Sunday, she had her interview with the Bishop for Seminary Graduation!!! Time is going way to fast!! Sunday, Chris also found that when he washed his hair he had a lot come out in his hands. His hair is thinning you can see his scalp but he still has some.
Sorry, it's now Tuesday morning (started writing Monday morning) life got crazy-no time to write:) For FHE are cousins came over. They brought us Grandma Wach's famous tamale pie. Chris ate a ton!!:) So much fun to visit with them and Meg practiced her seminary presentation on us, we learned about Pres. Kimball and Rye taught us about Pres. David O McKay.
Today, we are going to go and get Chris' new driver's license. He wants to get it before all his hair falls out. Expires on his bday May 22. Crazy to have to pay to get a license for a guy that isn't going to use it long:( We also have a JV Region track meet for Rye. It is raining and cold. Going to be hard on Chris, and not fun for the rest of us.
This week feels extra, extra crazy. So many errands. Tomorrow scouts for Tay and Rye. Thursday, chemo and Meg has BYU orientation. I asked my mom if she could stay "a long time" on Thursday so that I could go with Meg (poor mom - dealing with homework:) Friday, Tay and Rye each have a camp out for scouts, and I'm going to be a "bad mom" and let Jacob and Tay stay home from school so that we can go and see one of the first showings of Pirates. We are way excited!! We also have a viewing that night for my brother-in-laws mother. Saturday, is Katie's birthday. Princess cake and Chuck E. Cheese:) and Sunday, is Chris' birthday. The big 44. We are very blessed to still have him around.
Love ya, Ricki

2011-05-09T07:04:00.005-06:00

Chris didn't have his chemo on Thursday. Toooo sick. Chris barely had enough energy to walk into the dr.'s office. When we got there we met with the dr. Poor Chris threw up several times in his office. Dr. ordered labs to be drawn, fluids and Zofran in IV form, and to wait on the chemo. He said that Erbitux the one that he would have received that day (short day) wouldn't have made any difference in his white blood cell count but because he could see that Chris was miserable he said that we would wait. Chris dropped five pounds. White blood cell count 0!!! For the first time in two-in a half years Chris had to sit in the "quarantine" room. Chris is on Levaquin (the verrryyyyy expensive medication- no generic). We are waiting for lab tests to come back. While Chris was getting his fluids I ran to Costco and finished spending the last of the cash from Rye's Eagle project (or so I thought - Rye's ym's leader told me yesterday that at his work he had collected $400!!! Back to Costco I go - smiling all the way. Veryyyyy cool!!!)

As of Saturday he is doing much better. He was still tired. But he had enough energy that we took the young man that helped us a ton with Rye's Eagle project and got his mission call to Brazil out to lunch at Rodizio Grill (Brazilian food). We had fun listening to Chris' mission stories (I told him to keep the scary ones to himself:) and watching Meg, and the young man eat a chicken heart (Rye claims to have eaten one the night before when he came with his school:). After that we went to IKEA (that place is HUGE!!) to get a dresser and then another store to get a computer desk. R furniture is showing it's age. Hee, hee (thanks to five kids). Sunday, he went to church where he, Ryan and Taylor sang a song (other priesthood also) in Sacrament meeting (Katie and Jacob also sang), helped Katie give her first talk and helped in Jacob's class so that the mothers (me -I'm Jacob's teacher:) could go to Relief Society as a Mother's Day gift, made mac and cheese for lunch and put the dresser together. Thank goodness he is feeling better.
This week we have FHE, orthodontist for Tay and Jacob, scouts, working in boys classrooms, Relief Society, track meet, chemo and Meg has Senior Ball. Will pick up the fancy dress on Thursday. The biggest challenge of the week is cleaning up the boys bedroom so the new dresser can fit in, and I think it's that time of year where we change winter clothes out for summer but I'm not quite sure!!!! (rained yesterday and suppose to rain for the next two days!!) Ahhh.
Tay and Jacob still have about 500 chores to go. Any time they whine we just remind them "15 holes in my back fence" that quiets them up:)
"Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we're on our knees but while we're on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits, remove the scales from our spiritual eyes, and open the windows of heaven. By becoming the answer to someone's prayer, we often find the answer to our own." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Love ya, Ricki

2011-05-03T07:35:00.008-06:00

Chris had chemo Thursday. They said he needs to start drinking Ensure (or something like that) because he is loosing to much weight. He hates that stuff, we've tried all different kinds but Chris says that they all taste awful. His white blood cell count was at 1.3. Not good. Anything below 1.5 they have to go and talk to the doctor to see what he wants to do. He said to "go for it - full dose." He has been verrryyy sick. Thrown up alot - even with having taken anti-nausea pills. His face is getting redder and drier. Still has plenty of hair:) And veryyyyy tired. He was only able to come to Ryan's Eagle project for a few minutes and then he just didn't have the strength to come with us yesterday to deliver the stuff to the hospital.:(
Which takes us to Ryan's Eagle project. . . . Friday, we collected the stuff and organized it at the church. Tied blankets, sorted, put boxes together, ran to the store for things we were missing. Had to run to Harmon's and ask for 100 more reusable grocery bags. R goal was that we would make 100 kits then the goal was we would make as many kits as fleece blankets that came in. They just kept coming:) We had lots of great help to get us ready for Saturday. Saturday morning we started making the kits. Had lots of helpers. We finished making 200 kits in 45 minutes. We still had stuff left over soooo my mom ran to Harmon's and asked for 50 more bags. A friend was kind enough to let us use his truck and trailer. There was NO way 250 kits (40 boxes) and 100 (12 packs) of soda (100!!!!!!!!) were going in my van:) As of today we have made 271 kits!!!!!!!!! Items just keep coming. R friend and his family came with us yesterday (Chris stayed home he was reallyyyyy sick and tired) and helped us unload. I called the hospital earlier in the day to warn them to find room and see if there would be some people that would be able to help us. Also if they could round up any carts. We arrived at 4:00 and started unloading. My dad organized all the boxes as the rest of us carried them in. One of the nurses organized the 100 cases of soda and all the snack foods that had been donated and we gave the secretary at the front desk all the hard candy that had been donated (the sweet secretary has been using her own money to buy candy since their budget got cut). It was exciting bringing it all in. Gave the patients something to watch (hee, hee). They are on the second floor so they watched us out the window. We had some extra kits that we had made since Saturday (had to go back to Harmon's and ask for more bags:):) and Ryan walked around and gave those out to patients having chemo. I hope the kids will remember what they saw and heard today. It was verry touching. One man that we gave a bag to had been a scoutmaster for years and he told the boys how proud he was of them. That Rye needed to remember to "pay it forward" to his brothers when they work on their Eagle projects and how much the kit meant to him and the others. Two ladies cried and hugged Rye. We had r doctor sign Rye's eagle paper to say that he had completed his project. Usually, the manager would have but I asked if Dr. Whisenant could do it. Now the paper has r doctors signature on it and it has Chris' (he being on the scout committee). Cool paper to keep forever. Thank you. Thank you to all those who donated, whether time, money or both:) We have to thank also the family who tied 40 blankets for us. As we received them we would take them to their home and they tied and tied and tied. And a big, big thank you especially to r friends that let us use their truck and trailer. Couldn't have done it without you guys!!! (the dad took off work early and man did he have that trailer protected from wind and rain:) Taylor says that he wants his Eagle when he's thirteen. He told me I have ten months to recover:) What's crazy is that now we have to make more then 271 kits. Will probably put fliers on every door in the community and start asking companies for donations earlier (I mean Tay will delegate this to someone - hee, hee).
After the last two weeks this week is a piece of cake:) Today, I take Meg to the dentist (she has a cavity!!! naughty girl). Lunch with my brother and sister-in-law to celebrate their bdays, pack meeting, track practice and a meeting about Senior Sunset - the after graduation party, I'm on the committee:) Tomorrow, PTA meeting, and Tay has scouts, Thursday, chemo, track practice and math lab. Friday, Rye gets to go on a field trip to Rodizio Grill (a Brazilian restaurant) and eat and eat and eat:) Lucky him. May is always a crazy month. All the schools are doing fun things before letting out. Can't believe Meg is almost done with school.
Thank you also to those who have mowed my lawn, fertilized it. The beautiful blanket that was sent to us from all over the United States (very cool!!). Brought us dinner . . . always one less thing off my shoulders. I think today I can finally stand up tall - the Eagle has taken flight:):) (just have to do paperwork - which will be like pulling teeth with Rye)
Thanks again for the wonderful memories that so many of you helped create. We love you!!!
"Though it is often difficult to endure, truly, we ought to rejoice that God considers us worth the time and trouble to correct." Elder Christofferson.
Love ya, Ricki

2011-04-26T08:09:00.003-06:00

So, first r internet is down. We get a new provider. Then, r computer decides to freak out. We have been without a computer for a couple of days. Thank goodness Chris is still around, he fixed it. If it breaks again I won't know what to do. Told him I'll just buy a new one:)
Chris had chemo on Thursday. Only four drugs so it didn't take as long (four hours instead of seven). One of the drugs that Chris receives comes in a glass bottle instead of a plastic pouch. I asked them "Why?" They said that the drug would eat through the plastic pouch!!!! Yikes!!! Kids were off for spring break so they came for awhile and then my mom took them home. Katie was sooo cute with all the "grandma's and grandpa's" she sang songs to them from Tangled and played "guess which hand the item is in." I enjoyed watching people smile who usually don't smile because the chemo room just isn't the "happiest place on earth." We colored Easter eggs Wednesday night thinking that he would be to sick to do anything after Thursday but, he hasn't been sick. (even went to Meg's track meet on Saturday) Just tired and his face hurts. He is beginning to get acne. He has fun squeezing them and watching the puss come out (ohhh, Ricki you are so dead for telling!!!) He of course doesn't care about scaring up his face like he would have if he was younger (and of course not dieing:) His face is splotchy red and he says it hurts:( He continues to take antibiotics twice a day for infection and for itching. He also CRAVES things!!! Right now he can't get enough PICKLES!!!! He eats an entire jar in two days!!! He also can't stop eating Taco flavored Doritos chips!!! (the ones they brought back from r childhood). He eats a bag or two a day (depending on how many helpers he has). My food storage is now stocked with jars of pickles and Doritos:) Chemo, again this Thursday. Seven hours!! Pizza for dinner:) Grateful to my mom.
Jacob and Tay r still punished but I would have to say "I'm punished also" I hope that I can endure this and follow through. It is sooooo hard having to stay on top of them - no tv is the worst. Sometimes you just sit down and watch out of habit (Rye is really good at making sure that I know if they r watching tv - hee, hee). Having chores ready for them to do and of course listening to them whine about how they have nothing to do "We're bored" especially over spring break. Ahhh, I wanted to pull my hair out!! I don't know how we will make it through the summer. They have only completed 25 since last Saturday. I am even giving them an easy one - bring your scriptures to the table when we read and follow along (earns them a point-which is something they should be doing anyways- I'm such a softy). I was worried about them going to friends houses to play electronics but I called parents and told them. They have all been wonderful to uphold the punishment also:) All I can do is pray that this always stays with them. That they learn from it.
This week is crazy. We r finishing up Rye's Eagle project. 13 wards. Friday, we will collect the stuff and take it over to the church. Saturday, we will assemble the kits. A very sweet young lady and her family in r ward have kindly volunteered to tie the fleece to make it into a blanket. So far, they have done 11. It has been really helpful. Other wise the scouts would be doing it on Saturday. Thank you. Thank you to all of you who have donated to Rye's Eagle project. What a great cause. Can't wait to see the faces of the people who work at the hospital when we bring in the kits and the soda pop (you should see my living room!!!). And of course I will smile really big when I see a cancer patient with a kit (I will also be sad - bitter sweet).
Don't forget Wednesday, April 27th is Baskin Robbins .13 cent scoop night starts at 5pm -10pm. We usually travel around to each of the BR stores in r area until we make ourselves sick (that's dinner and dessert-sometimes they have limits on how many scoops. I'm a chocolate fudge and bubble gum-yes together:). Tons of fun!!!:)
Love ya, Ricki

2011-04-18T08:39:00.007-06:00

Sorry, I know many of you are wondering how Chris is doing but r internet has been down for four days (we are getting a new one on Thursday:) and I have been verryyyy, verrrryyy busy. (and we went to Disneyland and the beach for 7 days - one last fling:) Chris had chemo last Monday (April 4th). Chris lost 7 lbs since the last time he had been weighed. Saw the doctor. He gave Chris antibiotics to take twice a day to help with the itching from the rash and also to prevent the rash from getting infected. He is suppose to look like a teenager with bad, bad acne. It will take about two weeks for his hair to fall out. First he will notice his hair thinning. We were at the hospital from 9:30-4:00. It was a verry long day. Every other week will be like this. Chris will have treatments every week for six weeks. One week he will receive 3 drugs. Next week 5 drugs. Chris has had a very hard time with this chemo. He has thrown up a lot and been nauseated the whole time. Wednesday, he had me call and get him anti-nausea medicine (which he hasn't ever taken before). He has stopped walking - to tired. Sleeps. Plays computer - when it's working. It was hard watching Chris not have an "outlet" for his pain/boredom and to help him keep his mind off of the nausea. His face is splotchy and red. Hair feels a little thinner. He is almost completely gray:( Soon bald:( He is also very weak. Stumbles a lot. He hasn't been able to go to Rye and Megs track meets, too sick and tired. Rye has officially started his Eagle Scout Project!!!! We put posters up Saturday and Sunday. We are doing 2 stakes. 13 wards!!! Rye spoke in 7 wards. It has been a crazzzyyy couple of days. I keep reminding myself two weeks of utter craziness and then we will be done. Rye, delegated the posters to different women (and 3 to Megan's guy friend:) in r ward. They did a fantastic job. Thank you, thank you. They looked incredible. We passed out sign up sheets (Rye, had Meg make them) yesterday. Items r to be taken to ym president's homes, we will pick up on the 29th and then assemble kits on the 30th. I made A LOT of phone calls this weekend (Rye delegated this part to me:) to YM leaders (and their wives - so they would know to expect stuff coming to their homes) and RS leaders (I can always count on the RS to go above and beyond to help:) If any of you want to donate we'd love it. We r making kits for the newly diagnosed cancer patients at Huntsman Cancer Institute (where Chris goes). We r needing: bottles of lotion, purse sized Kleenex packages, card games, chapsticks, adult puzzle books, reusable water bottles, and fleece blankets (50"x60") or fleece material to create blankets. We hope to make at least a hundred kits. We r also asking for donations of soda pop. When Chris was there on Monday they ran out of soda. No big deal for us, I was there and could go to the vending machine down the hall but for others who don't have someone with them, "what do they do?" Broke my heart:( Chris doesn't have chemo until Thursday of this week. I asked to change it back to Thursday because that is a better day for my mom, and since we need her help, which we appreciate soooo much. Especially with the chemo treatments being so long. Thank you. Thank you. Last Friday, Katie had kindergarten orientation:( Am I really getting that old???? Chris was able to come. After the orientation the three of us went out to eat to celebrate. We tried to make it really special knowing that Chris might not be around when Katie actually starts school. Saturday, Tay, Jacob and some friends decided to play golf in r backyard. 15 golf ball holes in r vinyl fence!!!!!!!! Punishment!!!! We had Tay give us his $100.00 that he was saving. No electronics until they pay back 600 chores (each equally $1.00). Tay and Jacob have it figured out that if they do 5 chores a day then they can be done in 3 months. Also, chores done on Saturday and cleaning the cat box don't count towards the 600. We think they did about $700 worth of damage. Neighbor boy who also helped (Chris saw him) said that he didn't do anything. Parents believed him so Jacob and Tay r wayyyy mad at him and of course he isn't welcome at r home (for awhile). We weren't asking them to help pay, just wanted him to know that what he did was wrong. Chris and I r still trying to figure out "WHAT WERE THEY THINKING????" You would think that after the first hole in the fence you would stop - knowing that you were going to get in trouble!!! Meg, has decided to not work at Disney World. She is afraid of missing Chris, not being here when he dies. I told her we would fly her home if it looked like he was going. She said "no." Mixed emotions - want her to live her life and enjoy opportunities that come along but I also understand her not wanting to miss "the end." She is going to get a job in Provo so that she will have it when school starts. (haven't heard if she made princess yet). Chris and I celebrated r 21st wedding anniversary on April 13th. Chris has been to ill to do anything but that's ok we had a ton of fun last year and just still having him here is good enough. Thursday, Friday and Monday the kids r all home for spring break. You all know how it goes the last two months before school ends becomes verry, veryy busy. This year especially with having a senior. Can't believe that school is almost over!! Life just goes way to fast. The ancient Roman philosopher Horace admonished, "Whatever hour God has blessed you with, take it with grateful hand, nor postpone your joys from year to year, so that in whatever place you have been, you may say that you have lived happily." Love ya, Ricki

2011-03-26T10:11:00.005-06:00

How about a recap of last week?:) Monday, for FHE we went to see Tangled at the dollar movie (comes out this week:). Katie and I have seen it three times. Still love it:)
Tuesday, Jacob and I went to the eye doctor. No glasses for Jacob. We just wanted to make sure that his eyes were OK since when he reads he gets the first part of the word correctly but not the last. Now, we will "keep on him" and have him slow down. Later, Jacob had scouts.
Wednesday, Meg and Rye were suppose to have a track meet but it got cancelled. Tay went to scouts and passed out bags to every home in r neighborhood for the annual scout food drive. We also got to hang out with two of Chris' sisters sons. They came down from Oregon for spring break. It was fun seeing/talking with them. Crazy to remember when they were little, now they are so grown up. We took them out to eat, where they got to see "bad manners." Katie was all over them. They spoiled her with attention. We also had them help us look for trumpets (for Tay) on line. One of them plays the trumpet so I knew he'd be able to help us:) Also found out that one of them is going to BYU Provo this fall just like Meg. So, now Meg knows two people:) (the other is the girl she is rooming with - have to pay that fee next week.)
Thursday, Jacob and Tay had ortho appointments. Rye went to math lab and Meg track practice. I also called about a trumpet I saw on line for $45.00. Called and spoke with owner, asked the questions r nephew told us to ask (big one- "Does it have a mouth piece?" - kind of important:). We decided to go and look at it. I bribed one of Rye's friends who plays the trumpet to come with us (hamburger:). He said it was a good one. We paid for it and left. When we got out to the car Rye's friend said that it was a better one than his. I feel very blessed to have found a trumpet for so little money. Don't know if Tay will stick with it for more than a year but if he quits "no big deal." Tay has had a great time "blowing it." He has done everything Rye's friend said to do to take care of it (including cleaning the mouth piece:) We might have to start lessons before school starts because Tay is so excited. Came home and finished watching BYU game:(
Friday, everyone was home. I took kids to trampoline place for awhile to play. Chris wasn't feeling well so he stayed home. After trampoline place we went to an ice cream shop (Chris met us there) called Sub Zero. They put ingredients that you want in a bowl then add liquid nitrogen to it. Kids loved it. Comes out like Dip-n-Dots. Yum!! Poor Chris still wasn't feeling well so he just watched us:( Chris' shoulders aren't hurting as bad anymore (thank goodness). But he still feels weak and tired. He needs a haircut but says he isn't getting one because he wants to watch it fall out. Rye said that he would shave his head and give Chris his hair so that he could glue it on:) Ahhh.
Saturday, tonight is my last YW broadcast (trying not to cry) for eight years (when Katie turns twelve). Meg and I always go out to eat before conference and then to broadcast. I know, I know I can still do that just when it's the Women's broadcast but that will just remind me that I've gotten older (it's all about me:).
I got my list of books that I have to read for the Middle School Literary Committee that I'm on. Not to crazy about two of the three books. One, called Last Child in the Woods. So, far is about kids not playing outside, not in touch with nature. I don't know what 9th grade biology student is going to want to read it, I'm bored:) Tomorrow, Tay speaks in Sacrament on honesty.
Next week, pretty much the same as last week. Will just add a few fun things in because Tay and Jacob are home.
"Never give up, Never surrender!!"
Love ya, Ricki
Do you know what movie this quote is from? Hee, hee

2011-03-20T09:53:00.011-06:00

Last week was extra, extra busy. Sunday and Monday we enjoyed visiting with Chris' mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, two nephews, and ma and pa's Chinese granddaughter. They came up to visit us on their way to Logan to take their Chinese granddaughter back to school (spring break over).
Tuesday, Megan had Disney Princess try-outs. While I was waiting for her I talked with other mothers there and found out some interesting things. Disney only does auditions in fifteen states (one girl had flown in from New York!). Found out about Walt Disney World University and how it works to go there. At this point all those auditioning (including Megan) have a job at Disney World, Land, or on one of the cruise ships. They are just wanting to be a prince or princess. If you don't make prince or princess you work at the attractions or concessions or wherever they assign you. Shuttle buses that take the kids to and from the grocery store once a week and shuttle buses that will take them to and from church. The women that I spoke with were all from different states (and I had been complaining about how far I had to drive:). We won't know for six to eight weeks how she did. She didn't feel to good about the dancing part. Meg told me that I better put Katie in dance now and not let her quit (like she did) so one day she can be a princess:) It was a very long day but we had a lot of fun (and I learned a lot). Came home to homework, scouts for Jacob, dinner and going to the grocery store to buy ingredients for teacher dinner.
Speaking of, Wednesday, fed the teachers (parent teacher conference),and Tay scouts. This is were it gets crazy- Rye and Meg had a track meet (while I was feeding teachers) in Syracuse. Chris went to the track meet where it was raining and very cold. Chris then brought Rye and Meg home before the meet was over because Rye had a choir concert. Rye quickly showered then Chris took him to the concert. I met up with them at the school. Chris looked awful!!! It was very hard on Chris to be out in the cold and rain. Hopefully, kids will always remember how their dad supported them even when he was very ill. Don't forget getting ready for St. Patrick's day. Making sure that everyone has green so they don't get pinched and call me crazy but I always give the teachers, bus driver (which Rye absolutely hates- giving the bus driver the gift, not the bus driver:)), and crossing guard a gift, which I hadn't finished putting together. Ahhhh. It was an extremely crazy day, one you hope doesn't happen very often. (I'm exhausted just typing it/remembering it:)
Thursday, Chris was still cold and exhausted from Wednesday. Katie and I went to the DMV to license Meg's car (now has UT plates). Having heard horror stories I packed "heavy" lots of treats and things to color. We went inside and there was no one there!!! They called my number just as the lady handed it to me. It took me longer to drive there then it did to get the plates. Katie was bummed that she didn't get to eat and play there:) Then Katie and I went home and made green jello, and started on all the other green food for dinner. We had our traditional "green" dinner. Corned beef and cabbage, green rolls, green milk, green mashed potatoes, green jello and for dessert green ice cream (choco chip mint). What we do to ourselves!! OK, what I do to myself hee, hee.
Friday, last day of school for Tay and Jacob for three weeks. Our family attended a friends wedding open house. She lost her husband two and a half years ago and he lost his wife less than a year ago. They will be joining two families - total twelve kids!!! I was hesitant to go. Too many feelings. When it was r turn to talk to them she started crying. She asked Chris to say "hello" to her husband and he asked Chris to say "hello" to his wife. I'm not sure how Chris is going to remember everyone that he is suppose to say "hello" too:). It was a hard evening, probably should have stayed home.
Saturday, Rye had a bball game, we did chores and then we went and saw the movie Rango. DO NOT go and see this movie with kids!!!! It is rated PG but they swear-ALOT!!!!! There is also a scene where he uses a bad phrase which we have all heard but the squawking of the hawk covers up the bad word. I was very disappointed in the movie. Enjoyed my popcorn and soda but that was it. Chris and I had a good discussion with kids after movie and how the swearing wasn't OK. After the movie we ended up at Chili's. Chris has had a craving for Chili's queso for a couple of days. I keep teasing Chris that he's like a pregnant lady he gets these cravings. Of course he tells me "I'm dieing, I get do what I want:)." Katie and I didn't eat anything, her and I ate a lot of popcorn. Later, I went to the grocery store and Chris helped Tay with his talk for Deacon's quorum, it was on Temples (Sacrament meeting next week-on honesty:). Chris is very good at writing talks.
Sunday, thank goodness a day of rest (for some:) went to church, home teacher came over and we just laid around. Finally:) The Lord knew we would need it.
This week isn't nearly as painful as last week. I will even have "helpers" for three weeks. Yeah, no unloading the dishwasher for me:) We have. . . Monday, FHE. Tues., eye doctor appointments and Jacob has scouts. Wed., track meet and Tay and Rye scouts. Thurs., orthodontist appointments. Frid., no school for anyone. I'm sure I am forgetting somethings (like carpool and math lab). I just keep reminding myself that someday when kids are all grown up I will miss these days - at least that's what older moms tell me:)
President Thomas S. Monson recently counseled: "Often we assume that the people around us must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; We should let them know...we will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."
Hope you know we love ya!!
Love, Ricki

2011-03-12T21:13:00.005-07:00

Thursday, spent alllll day Prom shopping with Meg. She had a doctor's appointment and then decided that she would like to finish getting ready for prom instead of go back to school:) We had Chris and Katie meet us for lunch. Shopping is hard work.
Friday, Chris had a doctor's appointment to follow up on how he was feeling. He still feels rotten. He also decided that he was going to do the other chemo. He will start April 11th. He told doctor that we wouldn't do a PET scan before starting. I can't keep up with the boy!!:) I had my first mammogram. Not as bad as I had heard. Stinks turning 40!! After Chris and I's doctor appointments I took Meg to pick up her prom dress. She tried to change dresses!!!! I pacified her by putting a down payment on it for Senior Ball which is in May. I told her it wouldn't match her corsage (red flowers, silver and black ribbons). Dress silver and black. New dress she wanted HOT HOT pink and black - she will look gorgeous - IN MAY:) Then she made me take her to the mall to do "more shopping" she still needed accessories. I finally arrived home around 8:30pm. This prom thing is killing me:)
Today, was a great day! Started out eating breakfast with two wonderful friends. One lives in Vegas and came into town. Time got away from us and we realized we had been there for 3 1/2 hours!!!!!! (they like to talk - hee, hee) It was soooo fun. I am very lucky to have such wonderful friends. Love ya.
Came home and took Meg to get her hair done. Looked beautiful. She was very pleased. Started to rain before we left salon so I pulled car up as close to the door as I could and then walked her to the car with a piece of paper over her head :) Did I say I was going to be happy when prom was over? hee, hee. Came home she got ready. WOW!! is all I can say. Her date arrived in style - in a limo!!!! So, glad that his family (his name is Ben) and our family are friends. I told them to come over and take pictures. So, when the limo pulled up it was fun to see he and his sisters jump out:) Ben gave her a beautiful corsage - red flowers:) Ben had given me the agenda yesterday. He would arrive at 6 pm and that I was "allowed" to take pictures until 6:30 at which time the limo would leave:) We took TONS of pictures. They were both very good sports. Had video camera going and two cameras plus cell phone cameras going. Fun for the whole neighborhood-don't see a limo and two beautifully dressed people very often. From the "agenda" (I'll get more details in a couple of hours) Ben was taking her to the Roof in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and then to the dance which is at the State Capital. FUUUUUNNNNN!!!!! Can't wait to hear all about it.
Also, grateful to Tay's scout leaders who took the troop to Clark Planetarium where they earned their astronomy merit badge. Way to go. Tay was very excited. Thanks guys:)
Meg has decided that she would like to work in Disney World for the summer so Tuesday, Meg is trying out to be a Disney princess. They are having auditions in Ogden. We think she would make a great Snow White:)
Even amid the sadness we continue to have wonderful times. Life is good:)
"To hope when life is going well is admirable. But to choose hope when surrounded by despair; that is extraordinary."
Love ya, Ricki

2011-03-09T20:48:00.005-07:00

Hard to believe but two years ago today Chris was having surgery. The whipple - something that would change our lives drastically. In fact last week when Chris was in the hospital we were only a couple of doors down from where we stayed for 9 days. March 3rd of last year was Chris' back surgery and the anniversary of Megan's SECOND car accident:) March 3rd was Chris' first night in the hospital. Told Meg to drive verryyyy carefully. Quick knock on wood it's been over six months since the last one!!!
Today, Chris, Katie and I went to a store. (Saw one of Chris' old employee's). Katie "tried" to throw a fit because I wouldn't buy her cheese balls. Thank goodness Chris didn't give in this time, he just went and bought her a drink instead:) He also picked up Rye and friends from middle school and took them to high school for track practice. I am trying to get Chris out of the house at least once a day. He is bored and very sad that he isn't at work. So, I say to all of you who are working - enjoy it:) Chris really misses it.
Love, Ricki

2011-03-08T21:45:00.004-07:00

Chris still continues to be in a lot of pain. His arms especially hurt. Right arm because of the mess up with the CT scan and his left because of the pick line. Today, he has kept himself awake all day not allowing himself to nap due to trying to get his body back on night/day schedule. Hospitals have a tendency to mess you up. Last night was CRAZY. Neither he nor I slept much. He paced around the house. Tossed, rolled, moaned and groaned, when he was in bed. Me being a light sleeper I didn't do well with this and frankly you know me I looovvveee to sleep in the middle of the bed so I had to get used to "being on my side." I did try to sleep on the couch but I didn't find it as comfortable as Chris does:) I can only hope tonight is better. I can honestly say that I am not a nice person (no wise cracks from the peanut gallery!) when I don't get enough sleep.
I left Chris for about 45 minutes to watch Katie today while I worked in Jacob's classroom. Then I asked him if he wanted run some "easy errands" with me:) He said "yes" so we went to the gas station first for a drink. Katie ended up getting a bag of cotton candy and an icee!!! Thanks Chris!! Drive up bank window, I dropped off dry cleaning and we all went into the grocery store (for a few items). Katie put pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in my cart. I took them out, she screamed and Chris bribed her with a princess book instead of cookies! Last time I take him to the store!!:) (or gas station!!:) My mom came over and watched Katie and Chris (hee, hee) while I went to the temple. Chris walked up the block to meet the boys after school. Chris also took Tay and Jacob to a used game store that they've been wanting to go to. What a nice dad:) Chris says that he feels like he is getting a sinus infection. Hope not. I do have two boys with yucky noses. Ahhh.
"It is our duty to be better today then we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we are today." Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Love ya, Ricki

2011-03-07T21:39:00.003-07:00

Chris came home this afternoon. He looks terrible!! Tired and in pain. We picked up his pneumonia medicine. Way expensive! $10.00 a pill (that's r portion, pharmacy says r insurance paid a lot). Hopefully with a few days rest he can start to feel better. He slept as much as the "house" would let him. LOL. It was nice we ate dinner together, had FHE, read scriptures and had family prayer. Much easier then it has been the last couple of days.
I have missed my babysitter:) this morning Katie threw a royal fit because she didn't want to take the boys to school she wanted to stay home and watch tv. I took her kicking and screaming to the car. Ahhh.
We have a "normal for us" week. Saturday is the big day for Meg - Prom.
Hopefully, Chris will start feeling better soon. Thank you for all the prayers. We love ya.
Love, Ricki

2011-03-06T22:02:00.003-07:00

Chris walked around the floor today, took a shower:) and even watched TV (more like my Chris). Meg said that last night was very, very noisy due to a patient on the floor a couple of doors down from Chris that has a brain tumor. Not a lot of sleep going on. Lower CT scan showed that the spleen looked good (that's what they did scan for). He is off the heparin and is back to Lovenox. They are just trying to get rid of the pneumonia now. He is still in a lot of pain (no more pain in his throat). The pain is on the left side of his chest. Hurts when he breathes. Could be due to pneumonia or possibly cancer in his lung. The only way to know if the cancer is in his lung is to have a PET scan and Chris has told them he doesn't want one. "Doesn't care, he's going to die either way." He also decided that he isn't going to do the other chemo. He says that he is "ready to go," "tired of being in pain," "tired of this body," "ready to check out!!" I don't blame him I would want to go also. Pain ain't fun. My mom brought the kids up to the hospital so that we could read scriptures and say family prayer. Poor Chris slept through most of it:) My dad is spending the night with Chris tonight. Tomorrow will be easier for my mom - just Katie for most of the day. Pretty uneventful - Thank goodness:)
Love ya, Ricki

2011-03-05T22:50:00.003-07:00

Chris had another hard day. CT scan was hard on him - this was his third one in two days. He threw up a couple of times today but nurse thought it was because of all the contrast from the tests. He still continues to be in pain - chest and throat. He is only taking Tylenol for pain, doesn't want anything else, and DON'T ask him "why?" :) Hopefully tomorrow we will get results of today's scan. He did walk around the floor a couple of times today and he showered:)
I have to thank a friend who is going through her own pain but helped me out today. She helped Rye with his Spanish project for school. They had to cook a food from South America, take pictures and make a power point presentation all due Tuesday (Rye tends to wait til the last minute:) My sweet mother went and got the ingredients needed at the store and my friend helped Ryan. I asked him how it went and he said he had a great time and the whole family said the empanadas were really good. Thank you. Thank you. One very large stress off my shoulders because of two great women:)
Tonight is Megs last night sleeping at the hospital, tomorrow night my dad will take over. Megs got school. I appreciate her sleeping at the hospital so that I can come home and give other people attention and get a little sleep. I don't like thinking of him alone.
Love ya, Ricki

2011-03-05T09:16:00.005-07:00

Chris is still in the hospital. Yesterday they did a CT scan (went much better). Found that he doesn't have a blood clot in his lung!!!!!! He does have one in each of his legs. He has a bad case of pneumonia. They will keep him on heparin due to the clots in his legs. Today, they are going to do a lower abdomen CT scan. He continues to be in a TON of pain. Very hard to breath and his throat is still "on fire." Yesterday, he slept most of the day. I know he is very ill when he doesn't go for walks around the floor, shower, or watch TV. Kids came up last night to see him and after thirty minutes he was starting to have alot of pain and asked me to take kids home. We said family prayer and left. Meg spent the night with him again last night. I asked Rye if he wanted a turn but he said "no," "he never wanted to go to hospital again" it has been verrrryyy hard on the kids - ALL of them. Rye and Tay are experiencing a lot of anger, and of course taking it out on the rest of us. I am feeling overwhelmed by their emotions and my own. Being pulled 6 different directions is not easy.
I have been shown many times in the last couple of days how much Heavenly Father loves each of us and is looking out for our family, by just simple acts that either others have done for us (neighbor came over and cleaned my bathroom - spotless- hasn't looked that good since we first moved in!!! and brought over her vacuum and had her son:) vacuum our house- mine is somewhat broken - sucked up to many Lego's:) a package from Chris' Brazilian friends- yum!!! Thank goodness he's in the hospital. I don't have to share, hee hee - just kidding:), visits, prayers from all of you (holding me together. prayed realllyyyyy hard today for patience and to be a good mother), biggest one - (don't laugh) but Rye is on the high school track team but is still in middle school, so he has to be picked up every day from ms and taken to hs for practice. It is a sacrifice because Tay and Jacob get out during that time and Katie doesn't like sitting in the car that long every day. So, when Chris stopped working it was his job to pick Rye up. Now, Thursday morning friend calls and says that her kid wants to be in track and can we carpool. What a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I didn't know then that Chris wouldn't be able to drive. I just feel very blessed, one less thing to have to work out. Now, we only drive 2 days a week instead of 5 and I'm sure that she would drive all 5 if we needed her to.
Yesterday, after spending the night at the hospital Meg came home and slept and will probably do the same thing today. She said that she didn't get much sleep because of nurses and Chris making a lot of painful sounding noises. Thursday night I was very scared to leave Megan at the hospital, just afraid of Chris dieing and that being Meg's last memories. I didn't fall asleep until around 1:30am then at 3 am Katie got sick and that was the end of my sleep:) I continue to remind my children that in the premortal existence we said that we would do this. Never said it would be easy but that we would learn and become better for it. We are sooo blessed to have the gospel to know that we can return and live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again. Chris once said to me, "We cry when someone dies, do you think that when we were in the premortal existence waiting for our turn to come to earth that when someone left (born) that we cried?" I believe that we probably did. Cried because we were excited for them and that we wanted them to continue to choose the right so that we could see each other again. I have a very strong testimony of this gospel. I know who I am, who I want to become and where I want to go. It isn't going to be easy. I have to exercise faith (which I'm not always good at - because I am a "control freak").
Just another "bump in the road" getting us ready for the "REALLY BIG bump in the road"
We love all of you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you are doing for our family.
Love ya, Ricki

2011-03-03T23:23:00.002-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that Chris is in the hospital. We went around 2 pm. His throat was killing him and he could hardly breath due to a blood clot that started hurting Monday. ER did ultrasound on legs (found blood clot), chest xray (found pneumonia in lower left lung), blood tests and tried to do a CT scan but hit an artery instead of a vein which caused TONS of pain. They decided not to try again because they just couldn't find any veins (and Chris said "no way"). They will try a different way to do the CT scan tomorrow. He is in sooooo much pain. He kept telling the nurses that pain level (out of ten - ten being the worst) was a nine!! The morphine wasn't doing enough to take away the pain. They believe that his throat is hurting because there are blood clots rubbing up and down his throat every time he breaths. But of course can't confirm that until CT scan is done. He is on a heparin drip to try and dissolve the clots. Megan is spending the night with him tonight. Chris had kids all come to hospital so that he could say "good bye" to them. He wants to go and says that he feels like it's time. Toooo much pain he says. I say just another bump in the road. He'll feel better soon.
Love, Ricki

2011-02-27T11:30:00.007-07:00

Thursday, was a veryyyy exciting day for our family. Megan was accepted to BYU!!!! and . . . asked to Prom!!!! What a day to remember!!!
Friday, we went to Chris' appointment and Chris decided that he would like to hold off on making his decision for another month. He feels pretty good right now and would like to continue to feel that way for awhile longer. We will see the doctor again March 22. Doctor does want to do a PET scan before starting chemo (if Chris decides to do it) so that we will know if it's working or not. Chris continues to walk every day about four miles. He doesn't make breakfast every morning like he used to because kids waste it. I've trained them yogurt, fruit, toast. . . anything simple is good (and a lot less work for the chef:) He continues to spoil me by taking care of Katie while I run errands, meetings, work in kids classrooms or go running. He asked me what I would do if he died. I said "same thing I've been doing for years." Take Katie with. Friday morning Taylor and Jacob were on the morning announcements broadcast at school and it was fun for Chris and I both to be able to go in and watch them (Tay was interviewing students and Jacob was one of them that he interviewed). Not something dad's usually get to do. Friday, Meg and I went out looking for prom dresses. She chose a pretty black and silver dress. She looks beautiful!! Prom is March 12th.
This week is another crazy week, thank goodness last week was slow! Monday, FHE and I help in Tay's classroom. They have been working hard on preparing themselves to perform a Shakespearean play. Tay has been working hard on the scenery and is in charge of lights. They will be performing twice Tues. Once during the day and then at night. Last week I ironed costumes for hours. Chris and I got a good laugh out of it. I ironed more last week then I have in the twenty years we've been married. It took me awhile to find the ironing board that we got when we got married (same pad on iron board:) when I did find it I had to move a lot of stuff to get to it. I didn't iron Chris' shirts because I didn't want him to look to good at work. He's always worked with a bunch of cute girls.:) (You thought I was going to say "lazy" hee, hee). Tues, Jacob scouts. Wed., Tay play, PTA meeting, scouts, and Rye has his SEP (parent teacher conference). Thurs., Jacob has a book report due (biography). His is on Milton Hershey. They are having a "wax museum" that day so that parents and students can come and see the 3rd graders dressed up like the person they did their report on. Jacob is excited to wear a mustache. Friday, no school for Meg and Rye. I'm sure things will come up that I forgot to write down (like last week). Last night I was up with Katie who decided to be sick (throw up), Chris slept on the couch. I don't think that there is anyway to keep germs away from Chris since he is here now 24/7. But will try:) He went to church with the boys. It is sooo wonderful to watch Tay pass the Sacrament. How time has flown. So, many proud, wonderful, exciting, moments. Makes my heart swell with joy:)
Love ya, Ricki

2011-02-19T19:25:00.004-07:00

Yeah, we made it through the week (just barely-by Thursday I was dragging:) Monday, Chris was a lot of help at the Valentine parties, he helped with the games:) I must have looked really tired because he took us out to dinner at Famous Dave's (his favorite restaurant) and our families traditional Valentine dinner spot (just not usually on Valentines - too crowded) but because he isn't working we were able to go right after school. Then he took us to Target where each child got to pick out his own Valentine's Day present. Kids loved it. Tuesday, I ran around town doing lots of errands thinking how lucky I was that Katie could stay home with Chris. Not only did I have a lot of errands but it was soooo cold outside - no fun!! Tax lady came and then Taylor and I headed to middle school orientation. He has decided to try playing the trumpet next year - he'll be good at it. Wednesday, I picked up the food for the teachers dinner (Rumbi Island Grill). It was sooo windy that while attempting to get the food into the school we lost a dinner. Flew away!! Thank goodness it landed upside down in the lid. Friends inside the school saw me struggling and came outside and kept the rest from flying away:) I was lucky it was Jacob's teachers meal hee, hee (way to make brownie points - NOT:) Next time I am buying an extra meal just in case (next one March 16th). My friend and I made them homemade crepes and they filled them with all kinds of yummy stuff. I ate two! My favorite combo - apple pie filling, sliced bananas, whip cream and caramel sauce. I made a roast for my family which Chris was in charge of. Came home and piled everyone in the car so that we could go and see Taylor receive scout awards. Thursday, I was suppose to work in Tay's classroom but I just couldn't leave my house, it was a disaster!!! Laundry as tall as me. I cleaned and cleaned all day. I also made play dough for Katie (what was I thinking?! LOL) Tay and Jacob are doing well in school. Jacob's teacher rewarded Jacob for reading so much on his own with a gift card to the book fair. So, of course Chris spoiled the kids and let them each pick two books (buy one get one free). After that we were headed home and Chris decided that he had a craving for Olive Garden!! We stopped at home to see if Meg and Rye wanted to come, they said "no." Crazy kids. Food was yummy, we had fun and we got to see my step-brother and his wife who happened to be eating there also. Friday, was an emotional day. About 9:00am UPS man delivered a letter to us. It was Chris' life insurance money:( I cried and cried - not with happiness. I would rather keep my best friend then pay my house off!!!! It makes me feel sick inside knowing that other people (doctors, insurance company) realize that he is going to die. I was hoping that maybe we just hadn't been listening correctly to the doctors, bad dream - when am I going to wake up?! I went running to try and lessen the pain. Some days I feel like I just get slapped in the face and this is real and other days it just seems like everything is ok. I feel emotionally drained. And to add to my pain- my curling iron broke!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL I really did scream after that!! I wasn't to happy going to the store with straight, straight hair (not even my bangs curled!) I tried Megan's straightener but just burned myself and made weird kinks in my hair which I then tried to straighten. Luckily, I didn't see anyone I knew:) So, needless to say I have cried too much and have given myself a headache:) Tomorrow, Chris is speaking in Sacrament meeting - should be wonderful, he is a great speaker, and our family is singing a musical number - "I Love to See the Temple." So, if you feel like you need a good cry, church starts at 11:00:) That is Katie's favorite song. We are putting her close to the microphone so she can be heard because she sings it sooooo cute.
This week is not going to be as painful as last week. No school Monday and FHE. Tuesday, work in Jacob's classroom, Jacob scouts. Wednesday, scouts for Tay and Rye. Thursday, dermatologist for Meg, Me hair coloring (LOL) and we feed the missionaries (no clue what). Friday, doctors appointment with Dr. Whisenant - Chris will tell him his decision. Overall a very relaxing week:)
We are also working on Rye's Eagle project. Thanks to Harmon's Grocery store we have the bags to put the items in for the "Newly diagnosed cancer patient kits." Now we just need to get the posters and flyers done. Chris wants us to get permission to set up a booth outside of Walmart and Harmons to ask for donations. People see us and what we need, go inside, buy it and then hand it to us. Sounds good to me.
"It is not the design of heaven that we be rescued from all difficult situations. Rather, it is the Lord's will that we learn to handle them." Joseph Fielding McConkie
Love ya, Ricki

2011-02-10T08:15:00.005-07:00

Chris has been spoiling us this week. He has made us a fancy breakfast every morning this week. Pancakes, waffles, french toast . . . (I make toast, fruit, yogurt easy stuff:) and he walked the kids to school. Yesterday, he went on the 6th grade field trip with Taylor to Clark Planetarium. He has also taken Katie out to lunch and done some Board of Reviews for scouts. Monday was a little rough on Megan, the boys got up earlier then they usually do because of Chris wanting to walk them to school so there were bathroom issues. Shouldn't three bathrooms be enough?!:) Boy, can girls be mean when they need their stuff in the bathroom:) Also having Chris home after school has been different for the kids because dad doesn't take any gruff about getting homework done. Usually someone is complaining and trying to get out of it. It's been nice to have him help me with individual reading, spelling, math papers, and disciplining.
He is very tired after walking the kids to school. He usually comes home and takes a two hour nap and then another nap later in the day. I'm OK with that because then he is ready to help when all the kids come home. Also been nice to leave Katie at home with Chris so that I can run my errands (I know she likes it also). When I come home from errands I usually find the two of them laying on the bed watching TV - very cute:)
Monday, Megan had a doctor's appointment with the neurologist (because she has been shaking a lot - and we have Parkinson's disease on my side) so it was nice leaving Katie home while we talked to the doctor and Meg had a CT scan. Doctor called Tuesday to let us know that results looked normal - Yeah!!! She did mention when she was examining Meg that stress can cause shaking. She asked if Meg was experiencing any stress. Ya, I started to laugh!! Meg just has to adjust to the shaking - happens to some people.
Last night Rye and I went to High School orientation!!!! Boy, am I getting old. It felt a lot different last night then it did when I took Meg. I cried and cried with Meg - I was scared for her:) Because Rye has been on the cross country team and we have "social Megan" he knows a lot of the high school kids. Hard to believe but Rye will be 16 when high school starts!! He will probably take drivers ed during the summer so that he can fit in everything that he needs to do to graduate (Graduate!!!!!! -Ahhhh). Next Tuesday I take Taylor to Middle school orientation!!! I think that he'll be OK because he has helped me a lot over the years with activities in the school. Big thing of course will be keeping track of homework.
This week we still have ortho appointments, Rye bball and math lab, Tay last Jr. Jazz bball game, YM activity and Meg has Sweet Hearts dance.
Next week we don't slow down at all. Monday, 3 valentine parties- only one am I in charge of (other 2 just there to help) - 6th grade we are having my famous "chocolate fountain" mmmmm.... For dinner my traditional valentine dinner were everything we eat is either pink or red (including milk and rolls:) and FHE. Tuesday, work in Jacobs classroom, Rye bball, Tay middle school orientation, Jacob scouts, and the "tax lady" comes to do our taxes (we've been in trouble for doing them wrong before so now we hire someone - she does all the work and if they are wrong she answers to the government:). Wednesday, Court of Honor for Tay and Rye and. . . it's that time of year again when I feed the teachers (SEP-parent teacher conferences). I had a lot of money left over in my budget so I am taking the easy route and buying them dinner, I still need to come up with dessert - something chocolaty. Thursday we will have Tay and Jacobs SEP, work in Tay's classroom, and Rye bball. Man, am I tired just typing this!!!:) Thank goodness I have Chris to help me. Life has changed again - new phase. We are adjusting quickly and I know that I will be way sad when this phase comes to an end. So I will enjoy every moment of it:) Happy Valentine's Day! Love ya, Ricki

2011-02-05T08:50:00.006-07:00

Yesterday was much rougher than I thought it would be. Chris texted me all through the day telling me how hard saying "goodbye" was. Chris is a very loyal employee. He loves his job and the people he works with. He loves knowing what's going on in the company, especially statistics. He came home a lot and would tell me how much better Verizon was and how they are everywhere. He yells at other companies cell phone commercials on TV, and tells us all about the miss information they are giving. We can't go anywhere without Chris talking to someone about their phone (even on the cruise we took last year!) He can be found helping someone in the hospital with their phone (especially nurses and other chemo patients/family members). He would show them features that they either didn't know they had or didn't know how to use (lots of us don't read the instruction manual - hee, hee) or which phone they should buy. When Chris was having his port put in he and the doctor talked phones during the whole procedure (most people are knocked out:) His enthusiasm has of course rubbed off on the rest of us. He also enjoys solving problems/making things run smoother. Always looking out for the customer and employee. This morning Katie showed me how she could make a V with her thumb and pointer finger. She said it was for Verizon (the check mark). It will be hard for him not knowing what is going on in the company.
Chris seemed so sad that I thought that our family would meet him at Verizon after work to help him with his stuff. No one is allowed inside of the building except employees, so I had are friend Nate (from the cruise) help me with my plan. I parked the car in front of Verizon and we all got out. I positioned my camera and camcorder ready for when he came out. I'm standing there when a large security guard comes up to me and asks "What's up?" I tell him that it is my husbands last day of work and we are here to support him. he asks "Is he moving up? Going out?" (I'm thinking in a way "yes") I told him that my husband was dieing of cancer. He swore, then said sorry. He reminded me that I'm not suppose to take pictures of the building but as long as I didn't post them on the web then he'd let me do it. (sorry, you'll have to come over to see the pictures:) During that time Nate came out carrying Chris' personal items and a gift from Verizon. Chris came out a little bit later - later we would find out that he was talking to another security guard who was not happy with me. He was telling her that I was his wife and that it was his last day and that he was "going home to die." Told ya, we love to shock people:) She told him that he had better be lieing to her. Nate would tell us later when he went back into work that she was crying. I think she was crying because of the beautiful moment that she saw outside the building. As Chris walked out of the building the children ran to him with their arms wide open and they all embraced. I have it on video and will watch it many, many times. It was an amazing sight. There is no way you could have seen it and not cried. Verizon has been such a part of our life for seven years. They have been so good to us that I want to always have those memories. I video taped Chris walking to his car, driving in front of building and waving "good bye" and then exiting the parking lot. As I'm filming Katie can be heard in the back ground yelling "bye, bye Verizon I love you" then she says "Is daddy going to die now?" (all on video) I turned off the camera and told her "no, not yet." It hurts to close this chapter in our lives. If you didn't love your job than this would have been a blessing, but for Chris it hurts. Now we begin another chapter - "Chris bugging Ricki:)" He already has plans for us. I guess he didn't get the memo that says "Chris' to do list" I plan on having him help me in the kids classrooms (I work Tues and Thurs) and babysitting Katie so that I can run errands alone, or he and Katie can come along. Always easier to handle a four year old when there are two adults hee, hee.
I cancelled hospice yesterday because Chris decided that it was his last day so I didn't want to add another thing onto him. Hospice will come to our home Tuesday instead.
Ryan's Eagle project has been approved!! The project that he picked is helping the Huntsman Cancer Institute (where Chris goes). We will be collecting items for the bags that they give newly diagnosed patients. The bag includes: chapstick, lotion, puzzle books, water bottle, card game and a fleece blanket, all in a fabric grocery bag. We will also be collecting soda and individually packaged snack foods (chips, oreo cookies, gold fish etc.). By the end of the month they usually run out of these items. If you are interested in donating items or money we would love it. More details as to dates of collection soon coming. Ryan is having a meeting today to delegate responsibilities to his fellow scout friends:)
All I can say is "What a journey!!"
Love ya, Ricki

2011-02-03T19:35:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow is Chris' last day of work. We met with the doctor today to discuss the PET scan results. The tumor in Chris' neck and back are bigger and there is new cancer growing where his surgery was (whipple) where they put together the stomach and intestine. He also has a large blood clot in his lung which gives him a great deal of pain. There is nothing that they can do for this, he is already on lovenox (blood thinners). The tumor in his neck/back (especially neck) is giving him a great deal of discomfort. Dr. talked about perhaps radiation to help alleviate some of the pain/pressure in his neck and back. We talked about the other chemo but decided that we would like some time to think about it. Chris would have to have the port put back in his chest. He would carry around a pump like he did before. The treatment would last 48 hours. He would be sick, tired and he would loose his hair. (he has already talked our boys into shaving their heads if he does the treatment:) Dr. said that he would not add the medicine that would give him a rash and make him itch (thank goodness!) Dr. also referred us to HOSPICE:( Tomorrow is r first appointment. When speaking with lady on the phone I told her that I needed someone who could deal with five children and would be LDS. We don't want anyone coming in here talking doom and gloom. We have been dealing with this for two years. We know where Chris is going thanks to the Plan of Salvation and that we can be with him again. I am sad about what has happened today, but I have known that this day would someday come. I am most sad about Chris quitting work. He enjoys his job and the people he works with, and I think he will get bored at home (and drive me crazy - hee, hee). So, here we go on a new journey. We appreciate all the prayers. Love, Ricki

2011-01-17T10:41:00.003-07:00

Chris had chemo Thursday. His white blood cell count was 1.5 very low for not having chemo for 3 weeks. We met with the doctor because Chris was having trouble breathing and a pain in his side (no, I'm not talking about me:). Chris believes that the clot dislodged from his lung and went into his back because - on Tuesday for my birthday we went to Boondocks and he exerted to much energy (possibly during laser tag or bowling, hee hee:) Doctor said that there wasn't anything that he could do. Just keep taking the lovenox shots and if he gets to a point where he can't breath then he needs to come to the hospital. Doctor also gave Chris a less potent dose of chemo. You would think that getting a less potent dose would make you less sick but Chris has been verry, verry sick. Very tired and throwing up. Chris got ready for church Sunday but just couldn't make it:( you know Chris is sick when he doesn't go to church. Chris will have his PET scan on the 27th - no chemo and then on the 3rd we will reevaluate. Doctor again suggested possibly one last treatment but it would be awful - Chris would loose his hair, have an acne like rash that would itch (they would give him medicine to try and stop the itch) and of course be more tired and sick. Doesn't sound fun to me. If it was a cure that would be different but it is just to prolong his life - possibly. Quality vs. Quantity.
Yesterday was Meg's 18th birthday. Ahhh!! Tomorrow for her bday party she is taking some friends to have a manicure/pedicure done and then we will take them to lunch. Not to exciting but she is happy:)
Found this in a friends bathroom (hee, hee) thought you might enjoy it - I did:) It's called Living Tree "Life is not a race-but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you," "I love you," and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental - search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself - plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment." by Bonnie Mohn
Love ya, Ricki

2011-01-06T20:31:00.007-07:00

Two blogs in one day?!!!:) Chris was suppose to have chemo today but his white blood cell count was at a 1 - to low to treat. We are stunned!! He hasn't had chemo for two weeks. Not sure what is going on. He will try again next Thursday. It's dumb but I feel like it's a blessing/birthday present from above;) that he didn't have chemo. The next few days are very busy and it's my birthday coming up (January 11th - #40 Ahhh). Now Chris won't be ill:) I told him for my birthday present I wanted to eat out 4 different nights:):) For a mother that's a big treat. Everyone is happy because they order what they want and NO mess to clean up. I wasn't sure how it was going to work (actually it probably wouldn't have worked. Chris is a trooper he would have tried but after working all day and being tired and sick - not fair to him). So yeah for me:)
I also now have the privilege of cleaning the Oquirrh Mountain Temple tomorrow night. We will also get the results of Katie's tests and make sure that the infection is gone. Saturday I have to be up at 6:30 am to get Taylor out the door so that he can go to his scout shindig event. My nephew is being baptised (now Chris can go:), 2 Jr. Jazz bball games and a party for a friend that evening. Sunday church and family get together to eat cake for my bday. Monday FHE, and eating out hee hee. Tuesday Tay Jr. Jazz practice and eating out:), Wednesday YM/YW, scouts for Taylor and Jacob and Jr. Jazz practice for Jacob annnndd eating out:). Thursday chemo and a very tired, sick husband:(
If any of you have any ideas for an 18 year old's bday let me know I'm at a loss. Meg says she doesn't want anything. Too bad!!!! You are only 18 once!! The other day she told me that she was thinking of attending community college (instead of BYU) so that she could stay home and help me. I told her "No way, you are only a kid once! and that I could handle it (I think:)" I didn't say what else I was thinking - What if she has the cancer gene? Will her life be cut short? Live life to the fullest. What a very kind girl - I'm lucky to have her.
Chris was telling me about a dream that he had the other day. He told me that he was sitting in a chair next to my bed and that I had gray hair. I asked him if he had gray hair. He said "no.":(
Earlier this evening Chris was going over all of the "dating rules" with Katie and he told her that he would be there in spirit in the Temple when she got married. He also told her that he would ask Heavenly Father if he could come and see her baptism. Katie said "but you'll be dead" and Chris told her how she wouldn't be able to see him but that she would feel his presence. Now, I have a headache (read previous quote-hee, hee). Sorry, but I mostly type these things for myself so that I can read them someday. It's hard thinking about losing your best friend.
It's r reality and every day things are said and done to prepare for the future. I'll stop writing before I give myself an even worse sinus infection. I just love having a red nose - call me Rudolph:):)
Love, Ricki
P.S. love the pictures:):) Obviously a mask isn't going to protect you from pink eye, but hey we had fun being rude to Ryan:) Oh, and are masks have Disney characters on them:)

2011-01-06T08:11:00.004-07:00

We have been very busy keeping the doctors in business. Over Christmas break Rye had pink eye. I have had a sinus infection that just won't go away. Katie has had a bladder infection - doctor was worried that she might have Reflux just because four year old's don't usually get bladder infections so she had an ultrasound and other tests done to make sure that she is ok (we find out results tomorrow- when she is checked again to make sure infection is gone). She also received 4 shots for kindergarten and she had some warts frozen off (poor girl!!!) Then our family decided to go swimming on New Years Eve. A couple days later Taylor shows me his chest which is covered in a rash and he has open sores. Ahhh!! Take him to the doctor and he contracted a bug from the POOL! Doctor not sure why only Taylor got it but I have been thanking Taylor for "taking one for the team!":):):) He is now on medicine. At one point in time I had four people on medicine plus Chris. I had to make charts to keep up with all of them. Some were twice a day, others three times a day. Ohh and yesterday I was lucky enough to have 2 cavities filled:( We have been very blessed. I'm not sure how Chris has escaped getting any of these things (except bladder infection-hee, hee). We did ban Rye from Chris and the kitchen, and he had to carry around a box of sanitizing wipes which he used often.
Chris didn't have chemo last Thursday. We went to his appointment and he asked the doctor if he could skip so that he could feel well enough to hang out with his cousin from California (we had a great time - it was fun:) and have a nice New Year's. Doc said "sure" and he said that "he was very surprised that Chris was still alive" he "expected him to be dead by now." Chris and I just about hit the floor we were very shocked:) I told the doctor that Chris is a fighter and that he is afraid to leave his kids because he knows I'll screw them up:) hee, hee
So, today we have chemo. No getting out of it. Chris has a PET scan scheduled for January 27th.
We did have a wonderful Christmas. Chris took off 4 days during the break, it was fun having him around. And YIPEEEE Chris made it!!! He will receive his bonus:):) He now has a new goal. If he works til January 31st he will receive another bonus (one that he has been working toward for three years- don't understand all of it, but hey, it's another goal - oh, and more money).
Now it is time to get ready for Meg's 18th bday!!! Ahhh, where did the time go?!
I will try to write sooner so that you can be updated on Chris' chemo today. Taylor and Jacob are off track right now so they are going to come with us to chemo. We will play cards and afterwards go and get yogurt.
"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache." Marjorie Pay Hinkley:)
Love ya, Ricki

2010-12-20T08:49:00.003-07:00

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

2010-12-10T08:43:00.006-07:00

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

2010-12-06T13:02:00.003-07:00

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

2010-11-22T13:51:00.003-07:00

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

2010-11-13T15:31:00.002-07:00

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

2010-11-07T14:25:00.005-07:00

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

2010-10-11T07:57:00.005-06:00

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

2010-10-04T07:55:00.004-06:00

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

2010-09-29T07:52:00.006-06:00

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

2010-09-28T14:17:00.002-06:00

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

2010-09-27T07:59:00.006-06:00

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

2010-09-20T08:56:00.007-06:00

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

2010-09-07T09:08:00.008-06:00

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

2010-08-17T08:51:00.007-06:00

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

2010-08-10T07:26:00.028-06:00

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

2010-08-06T16:21:00.004-06:00

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

2010-08-06T07:22:00.005-06:00

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

2010-08-02T11:55:00.002-06:00

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

2010-07-27T09:14:00.003-06:00

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

2010-07-16T18:10:00.006-06:00

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

2010-07-12T09:32:00.004-06:00

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

2010-07-06T11:53:00.002-06:00

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

2010-06-25T20:39:00.003-06:00

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

2010-06-17T21:47:00.002-06:00

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

2010-06-16T10:49:00.005-06:00

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

2010-06-14T16:22:00.004-06:00

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

2010-06-07T07:12:00.006-06:00

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

2010-05-25T09:52:00.002-06:00

Sorry I couldn't write yesterday I just couldn't stop crying so I gave myself a day to "try to compose" myself. It was a busy yet enjoyable weekend (hence the crying). Friday, we played at Chuck E. Cheese (I can't stand the place). Chris always has a great time trying out machines to see which one will give him the most tickets. He found one and proceeded to get over a thousand tickets so that he could buy Katie and her girl cousins each a Tinkerbell bag. He was tired but had a great time spoiling his family. The place brought back lots of memories. We started going there when Megan turned one and Chris has begged one of our children to go there every year since:)
Saturday, we had Chris' bday party. I was at the place setting up while one of Chris' friends brought him to the party. It was a lot of fun to see so many people that we don't get to see very often (and that we do:) We just talked, ate and signed bday cards for Chris. He was verrryyy tired. Thank you to all of you who helped me (food, set up, clean up, balloons, cards etc) I couldn't have done it without you!!! Thank you, thank you! After the party our family decided to go out to eat. Poor Chris wasn't really up to it but I know he didn't want to be a party pooper. At the restaurant they brought Chris and Katie each a big slice of ice cream cake. After that we went home and I went and rented us a movie to watch as a family. It turned out to be a nice day/evening. I just felt bad that we completely wore Chris out. I did hold myself together pretty well. I think it hit me at the restaurant that at some point in time if I wanted to go out to eat I would be taking 5 children alone and that this was the "last bday" celebration for Chris.
Sunday, I was OK until in Sacrament a women bore her testimony about eternal families. Then watching Chris try to get up - he was in sooo much pain and is now walking lopsided because his back is hurting him. That started the flood gates. Then in Primary Opening Exercises Katie gave her first prayer which Chris helped her with. Then we sang "I Love to see the Temple" -one of our favorites, Katie knows every word and sings it loudly:) After that I was a mess. But then of course we are practicing for Father's Day a father's day song that the kids will sing in Sacrament. Just thinking about this being the last Father's Day and what next year will bring (we won't be going to church -sorry) and how Taylor and Jacob are feeling being older and knowing what is ahead made me cry harder. I had to leave Primary to get myself together. It is amazing how EVERYTHING is connected. Chris and I have been together for over 20 years. EVERYTHING means something. I won't be able to listen to the radio, look in our closet, drive his car, smell Polo. . . .
He wanted me to get a job where he works but I told him "No Way!!" He has worked there for about seven years. I would wonder if I was parking in a spot that he had. Or at the cafeteria knowing that he had gotten a drink at that same dispenser. Knowing the same people. Did he ever sit at this desk? Ya, No I would be a mess everyday before I started working.
So no one knows exactly when our "6 months" started. The way Chris has been feeling the last two days makes us think that it started at least 2 months ago. From what the doctor told us at month 3 and 4 his back would start hurting and he would be in pain. It breaks my heart to watch him move around. It looks so painful.
Just for a good laugh ("I will not cry!!") I got my test results back. Everything is fine except that something (can't remember what) is to high in my liver so they want to run more tests. So next week I get to hang out at the doctors office. I am going to call the nurse today and ask her exactly what she said to me. I was kind of in shock. The word "liver" and "more tests" kind of scare me. I'm sure that it's nothing. There is NNNNNOOOOOO WWWWAY I am leaving 5 children here on earth without a mother or father.
For Family Home Evening last night we watched a video specifically written for children who have a parent with cancer and how to cope. Older kids were ornery about watching it but I believe that the information in the DVD was important for them to hear. Then we had a discussion and answered questions. I was pleased to hear that they know a lot more "correct" information than I was thinking. They are all a wreck in their own way but we will get through this and be better people for it. I appreciate those of you who have lost a parent when you were young sharing that information with my children. I think that it helps to see that others have gone through it and been successful in their lives - made it through. Not easy. But you made it.

Tonight Meg has her track meet banquet (more tears from me) and tomorrow night Ryan has his school choir concert (more tears). Thursday, Chris will do all that he can to play at recess with the kids -they think that is just the coolest thing (more tears). Friday, I think I'm OK, nothing happening. Saturday, the Walk for the Wach's - TONS of tears!! It will be alot of fun I am looking forward to it. So much time and energy has gone into this. Words can not express how I feel. You all are AMAZING!!! We love you tons and are sooo grateful to have friends like you.:)
Love always, Ricki

2010-05-21T08:41:00.004-06:00

If you don't have a face book like me then here are the details for the Walk for the Wach's: Saturday, May 29th 9:00am Copper Hills High School 5445 W. New Bingham Hwy Price $20 adults, $5 Children $30 Family. Please come 20 minutes early to register. We are going to be dressed in Disney attire. (from the flyer)Megan's track team friends and a wonderful adult are sponsoring this. (This time and place are accurate. Face book is wrong will fix as soon as possible- sorry) GO GIRLS!!! Thanks!!! We can't thank you enough:)
Yesterday Chris had his 2nd chemo treatment. It was a long afternoon 1:30-6 pm. Chris and I played cards (I won both times:), talked with our friend from the cruise, Chris took a nap and I read Helping Your Children Cope with Your Cancer-light reading, hee hee. Chris' next chemo is June 3rd. We meet with Dr. Whizenant and we will meet with the social worker to set up hospice counseling for our family. Boy, do we need it. I have been overwhelmed this week by the kids emotions. Each acting out in a different way. Jacob is always getting hurt and even though it's very minor he acts as though he broke a body part. Taylor cries over very small things that usually he wouldn't cry over. Meg continues to go to the Temple twice a week but doesn't want to talk about it- I say something and she shuts me down. Rye is taking it out on others so that gets him in big trouble. Katie screams and cries a lot especially if I leave her. And they all seem to want me at the same time. Last night after we read scriptures I told them that I wanted to make sure that they knew that after daddy dies that we will still have this home, food on the table and clothes on our backs. I explained about Social Security and Life Insurance and how daddy has helped prepare us. I was reading in that book that, that is a very scary thing for kids, and our situation does look scary - I don't work. How do you pay bills? They all know that daddy makes the money and I sit around and watch TV and eat bon bons:) I didn't say anything about medical insurance. They don't need to worry about that. I have faith that this will all work out. I had paperwork sent to us this week so that we can put things in my name. Chris looked at his Life Insurance policy and found that you can take out half of the money before he dies (have to have letter from doctor of course). He wants to do that so that he can pay off the house and then use the rest to go places this summer. I believe that it will give him a sense of peace if he knows that he is leaving us totally debt free.
I went and had a physical this week. I told the doctor that if there was anything wrong with me that he was to "lie and tell me I was fine." I am lucky enough to have a sinus infection. Kind of ironic after me telling everyone else that "we can't get sick" that I end up sick.
Last night we went to a store (won't name names) to go birthday present shopping for Katie. I took my video camera in and was filming the whole thing when a manager came up and told me that "if I didn't stop filming he would take my camera" (Ohhh you messed with the wrong woman!!!) I told him why I was filming he told me to stop because it was store policy. Now did I listen - HECK NO!!! I was ready to pull the lawyer/media card. Media would love a story like that:) My heart was pounding the whole time so going bday shopping for me turned out to be more stressful than anticipated. The older kids were unhappy because Katie walked out of the store with a lot of bday presents. Than we went and got a chocolate milkshake - Chris was craving one:) I hope he isn't to sick and tired for tonight or tomorrow. We're keeping him kind of busy this weekend. Hope to see ya tomorrow.
Love, Ricki

2010-05-18T14:08:00.006-06:00

Details: Chris' Birthday Open house will be at the Daybreak Community Center. Address: 4544 Harvest Sun Lane South Jordan, 84095. Come in and listen for all the noise:) It will be from 2-4pm. I decided to not make it to long because I don't want him totally worn out. We will still have some partying to do afterwards as a family. Also Chris doesn't know I'm doing this. If he did he wouldn't show up:) You know him he doesn't like to be the center of attention. Hey, he gave me a surprise birthday party on my 30th so now it's his turn. Can't wait to see ya.
Love, Ricki

5K Walk for the Wach's

2010-05-17T21:57:00.002-06:00

On Saturday May 29, some of our friends are hosting a 5k to raise money for our family to go on a trip. Its from 9AM to 10:30AM or whenever you finish;). We are starting at Falcon Ridge Elementary. The address is 6111 West 7000 South and its in West Jordan. For all those who know where we live that is just a little above our house:). It will end at Copper Hills High School, Megan's high school. The address for that is 5445 W. (Grizzly Way) New Bingham Highway and its in West Jordan too. The cost is $20 for a single person, $5 for children, and $30 for a whole family. Please come, it'll be tons of fun:) and if you're worried about how long it will take you don't worry no one really cares;) love you all. Here is a website for more details for more details on the run:) http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123427884343473&ref=ss

2010-05-17T14:42:00.004-06:00

Just so you all can plan. Chris' bday is this Saturday (May 22) and we are going to have a Birthday Open house Party for him. Open house because he is going to be ill. So come one and all to have cake, say "hi" to Chris, and sign a banner for him. NOOOO presents!!! This is just to celebrate a great guy. He has been very ill this weekend. Slept a lot. So I suppose that this next chemo treatment will be worse on him. I haven't got all the party details set yet. I was going to do it at a park but I saw the weather report last night - bad weather of course. I am looking into renting a place in Daybreak. If I do that the party will be in the afternoon (cheaper-hee, hee). If you've got any ideas send them to me my brain is tired and doesn't want to make any decisions:) Katie's bday is Friday (May 21). Chuck E. Cheese here we come. Hey, I made a decision! Actually she did:) It will be a busy weekend - Poor Chris.
Please pass the word around for me. And keep checking back to see if I've made a decision. I better have one by tomorrow.
Love me?! Hee, hee Ricki

2010-05-14T11:00:00.003-06:00

Wednesday night the Stake President came over and gave Chris a blessing then Chris gave me and the children each a blessing. It was a very special time. I of course couldn't stop crying especially when he gave me mine. Megan and her friend then went to the Temple.
Thursday morning Chris and I had a hard time getting to the chemo appointment. We just kept "dragging our feet" we left late and then stopped and got a soda at the gas station. As we pulled into the hospital we both sighed. . .
It was hard seeing everyone that we knew there and they were sad for us. Each told us how sorry they were. That after they saw us on Monday (me blubbering) they needed to find out what was happening. They adore Chris. Always so positive, uplifting and funny.
After we were settled Chris, my brother-in-law and I played cards. We brought back lunch for Chris and we were privileged to eat lunch with one of our "cruise buddies" We met her and her wonderful friends in the airport on the way to Tampa (she works at the hospital and has actually done some of Chris' tests-small world). Good times. Wonderful girls (I say "girls" because I'm old enough to be their "older sister" hee, hee).
Chris is taking Gemcitabine , Cisplatin, anti-nausea medicine and he had a bag of potassium (to help his liver). It's heart wrenching to watch the color of the skin change. And so quickly. He came in with pink skin and left with a sickly-yellow color. Not a good color on him:) After chemo we arrived home just in time to get Tay and Jacob from school. We decided to walk to the school not to far but uuuppphill from our house. What a trooper! Kids enjoyed walking home with him. A dear friend brought us dinner last night which was very nice. I figured I could handle making dinner - but it sure was nice just to "hang out" with everyone. Thank you. Thank you. It's amazing how tired you feel after just sitting in a chair all day.
This morning Tay asked me about "freezing" Chris, and then "unfreezing" him. How it might work. He asked me to buy some gold fish today so we could try it (no I haven't. I thought we'd use the cat-hee, hee I can hear some of you screaming right now, you know me and cats!!). He wants to know if after being frozen you can come back to life. Hey, I think I might get my scientist! I keep telling my children I need them to work on finding a cure for cancer. Too late for dad but they could save one of their siblings. They look at me and ask "which one?" Ahhh, sibling rivalry:)
Tomorrow we will show Tay and Rye how to mow the lawn so they can help us out. They are excited. Chris has always done it because he enjoys it. Gets mad if we do it. But I think it's about time that they learn and I will be standing there with the video camera as Chris teaches them.
Now that I've made myself cry.
Love, Ricki

2010-05-12T14:48:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I wanted to keep my children home from school and make them hold me (and me hold them:). I didn't only because they have CRT testing and I can't do that to their schools. The testing is to important this is one time I can't be selfish even though I realllyyy wanted too. Instead I tried to stay in bed all day but sweet Katie kept me hopping. It was very sweet she made me lunch, a glass of water and a peeled banana. Everything reminds me of what is to come. Today I started crying during my aerobics class because of the song that was playing. Hard to "release tension" when you're crying. And I cried reallyy hard when I realized that my Verizon phone is probably the last fancy phone I will get and soon I will have a "plan" just like the rest of you. No more being spoiled by employee discounts. Jacob has already showed his teacher that he is upset. He was goofing around in class and his sweet teacher teased him and told him that if he didn't settle down he wouldn't be able to go to Fun Friday activity. Well usually he would have just smiled and then stopped but instead he burst into tears.
Yesterday I did call and schedule dentist, orthodontist appointments and physicals for scout camps. Got to be done while Chris is somewhat well. It's hard to believe that he looks so good you would never know that something was wrong with him That there was a horrible monster attacking his body inside-taking it over.
Our Stake President is coming over tonight to talk with our family and give us each a blessing of comfort. I sure could use one.
Thank you for all your comments (even though they make me cry). They mean a lot to us.
love ya, Ricki

2010-05-10T21:41:00.005-06:00

I'm not sure how to start this blog. It has been a verryyy loooongg day. My heart feels like it's about to break. Dr. Whizenant told us that Chris only has 6 months, maybe a year to live. There is no cure for the cancer that he has now and it is VERY aggressive. He has cancer in his back and neck. Soon it will attack his stomach or liver or both at which time it will be fatal. He explained how "the end" usually goes and made us an appointment to meet with the Hospice/Social Worker to discuss questions we have regarding what is going to happen and get counseling. Dr. Whizenant is having Chris do chemotherapy. He will do 2 weeks on 1 off. He will do this until he dies or can't take it any longer. The Dr. told Chris that he doesn't need to be a "hero" that when he needs pain pills or shots that all he needs to do is ask. He said that his back will start hurting soon. His first chemo is this Thursday, he said that it will take 5 hours and than after that they should take about 2 hours. I have cried and cried all day. How can I raise 5 children by myself? All I ever wanted to be was a stay-at-home mom who volunteered at the school and every once in a while cleaned house.
We told the children tonight. Some cried, some ran and hid. Meg went to a friends house to cry. I can't image what is running through their heads. I told them that if they needed to talk or cry to come to us and that if they felt like they couldn't that I would take them to whomever they wanted to talk too. I told them what strong, special spirits they must have been in the premortal existence. This is a reeaallyyy tough trial that they are going to go through. They don't just have a "dad" they have an "amazing dad" who makes a difference in the lives of everyone that he comes in contact with, a positive, full of life, let's play, devoted, hard working, spiritual, stubborn, great example of the church and how to live a righteous life, loves children, funny, (thinks he) knows everything (don't tell him I said that :), full of energy, a fighter, ....
It's going to be hard watching Chris become weaker and weaker.
So many of you ask what you can do for our family, what I ask is that you be patient with each of us especially my children. They are probably going to act out in negative ways or clam shut and not want to participate. Please I beg of you to put yourself in their shoes. The unknown is scary (just ask me). Be patient and loving. This "adventure" for our family is going to be long and difficult. We will get through it. I pray that we will be stronger and will learn what Heavenly Father wants us to learn. We probably won't be very reliable- please forgive us, we used to be. But I'm learning to be flexible and "go with the flow."
I have a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for me and my family. I know He loves each of us and is there for us. (He's going to get pretty tired of hearing from me:)
Please enjoy Chris. Thank him. Let him know how much he means to you. This has to be verryy tough on him to know that he won't watch his children grow up (I told him he had to fight hard to make it to Meg's graduation this time next year). Katie makes him the most upset, knowing that she will likely not remember him.
For those of you who work with him. Don't let him tell you that he can't go out to lunch because he "has to save money". I told him we will manage. He wants to be at work. He is a hard worker and enjoys his job. He needs to be at work that's how he copes. He wouldn't want to sit at home (I'd just nag him with a "honey do" list). It will be hard on him when the time comes that he can't work.
Pray that Chris and I can help our children (and ourselves) cope with the "adventure" that we are on. We love you all.
Love, Ricki

2010-05-08T09:24:00.013-06:00

Just so you know we decided not to find out until Monday. I didn't want the on-call doctor telling me I needed to wait until Monday (then it sounds like bad news), or the doctor tells us the results but can't tell us what the "plan of action" is (chemo, radiation ?) After we get the news we want to be able to make a plan of action, whatever that maybe. Don't leave us hanging! Thank goodness we have a very full weekend and I have such a bad sunburn on the back of my legs that all I can think about is how can I get rid of the pain - more spray, aloe, etc etc. Yes, I used sunscreen but last Saturday I was laying out on deck reading a book and I used the spray sunscreen which I now know "blew" away in the wind. The lady next to me got mad about my sunscreen hitting her, that should have been a clue to me that I didn't have sunscreen on. All week I put sunscreen on first in our cabin - no sunburn (I don't tan, only burn). It's been a miserable week. When I have to go somewhere I wear a skirt. And the cold air and getting in and out of the car just about do me in. I don't tolerate pain well.
For our 20th wedding anniversary we flew to Tampa, FL, boarded a Carnival ship and headed to Grand Cayman where we swam with the sting rays. I fed one (had to hold a piece of squid -ooooh) and the guide put it on my back. Then we went snorkeling. Then to Cozumel where we boarded another boat and went to Tulum to see the Mayan ruins. Next, Roatan where we had the most fun. We did 15 different zip lines through the jungle. Tonssss of fffuuun!!! I held a monkey for $2.00 :) and then we went to the beach where we swam and snorkeled. Last stop:( Belize where we went Cave Tubing. We had so much fun just being together. Being able to take a nap, staying up waaayyy late, getting our own food first, and hanging out with our other adult friends that we took with us and that we met on the ship. (Hope you still like us - hee, hee)
I tried a lot of new foods. That's ONE fun thing about cruises is trying foods that you would never try because of the cost and worry that you wouldn't like it. Which for me would have been a lot of foods. I'm a Food Network junkie so it was fun trying foods that I've heard/seen them using but wasn't into dishing out the money to try them. Wasabi is "nasty" and I don't think I will ever like sushi, lobster bisque, shrimp, the big never again "Escargot" can you believe it?! I tried a SNAIL! Ahhhh ..... I did like Talapia because it doesn't really have a flavor:) Chris and I despise fish!
My dear, sweet, wonderful mother (she definitely deserves a nice mothers day) babysat my wonderful children for 9 days. Thanks Mom, you're absolutely, positively, wonderful!!!!
Thank you so much to everyone who has been praying for our family. This may sound dumb but I seriously felt the prayers, I felt comforted about leaving my children and that Chris would be able to enjoy himself. Which he did. Can you image missing one of those excursions because you were sick? It would have been awful! (and most of the excursions didn't have a bathroom close by or you had to pay to use it). Prayer is a powerful thing. Whatever happens Monday I know Heavenly Father will help us through.
Enjoy your weekend. Happy Mother's Day, to all women!!! Those of you who don't have children of your own remember you do make a difference in other children's lives! (my childrens teachers:)
Love ya. Ricki

2010-05-05T14:16:00.002-06:00

We are back from our cruise. We had tonnnss of funnn! Chris did a great job, he was able to go on all of the excursions. Every morning we "drugged" him up and then he was great all day. Saturday which was a sea day he was sick and Monday he was reeallly sick (thank goodness he had taken it off). Tuesday Chris went in for his PET scan, ultrasound and biopsy. I have been reading up on the PET scan, it stands for P- Positron, E- Emission, T- Tomography. I copied a paragh from an article I read so that you can know how it works - pretty amazing! "In cancer, cells begin to grow at a much faster rate, feeding on sugars like glucose. PET works by using a small amount of a radioactive drug called a tracer in combination with a compound such as glucose. Once you are injected with the tracer and glucose, the tracer travels through your body. it emits signals as it travels and eventually collects in the organs targeted for examination. If an area in an organ is cancerous, the signals will be stronger since more glucose will be absorbed in those areas." Chris drank the medicine they gave him and then 45 minutes later he went and laid down with his hands over his head for about another 45 minutes. After that test he went and they did an ultrasound on his shoulder where the lump is. Then they numbed his shoulder where the lump was and took samples from different lumps. They took 5 samples. The Doctor said that Chris was his best patient. Too many people freak out about the length of the needle:) The test results should be done by Friday but our doctor is out of town until Monday. I may call the doctor-on-call and see if he'll tell me anything, but I don't know if I want to know over the phone.
Love, Ricki

2010-04-20T08:40:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Chris' doctors appointment. Doctor Whizenant asked questions and then did a physical examination on Chris which led to him finding a lump on Chris' left shoulder. Immediately the dr told us that that was not a good sign especially for how hard the lump was. He reminded us that research has shown that getting a blood clot (which Chris had in December) so late into chemo is a sign that another cancer is forming so.... on May 4th Chris will have a PET scan (full body scan), ultrasound, and they will biopsy the lump. He says it doesn't look good. Since he said that I haven't stopped crying (except when I'm in front of the kids) and have hardly slept. We aren't going to tell our children until we meet with dr again on May 10th. There is no reason to worry them especially since who knows maybe it will be really easy to fix:) He talked about radiation and other options but since we don't even know where the cancer is located (could be lymphoma) it's all just speculation. The tests and dr's visit are "far" away because Chris and I leave Sat. for a cruise to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We will be gone 8 days. It is a blessing in disguise because then my children don't have to see me weep at everything. The week we have the tests done our dr is out of town celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary so that is why everything is sooo far away. Last night I video taped Chris and Rye working on Rye's Spanish project and I let the boys stay up till almost midnight watching the Jazz game, I taped them screaming at the tv and jumping up and down. I would not usually allow that on a school night but that is a memory that will be precious to us all. I know some of you have thought that I was crazy for not wanting to go on this cruise but I would like to explain myself, first of all when life changes like it has for us you see things differently. I feel guilty taking 8 days away from my children that they could be spending with Chris and I am a "worry wart" I feel that I have to take care of myself, not put myself in any danger because my children need one healthy parent. In case you are wondering how Chris is doing I don't really know, even the dr asked and he told him "it is, what it is" and then at the car he told me that "it might be time to checkout" We all know him positive and upbeat no matter what. He will do all he can to prepare us and make sure that we are going to be OK. Just another bump in the road.
I know that Heavenly Father doesn't give us anything we can't handle. "I never said it would be easy" but I have been given the greatest gift. To have the gospel- to KNOW who I am, to KNOW God's plan, to KNOW that I am never alone. I KNOW I signed up for this and therefore will put my best foot forward (after I'm done crying).
Keep those prayers coming!:) Love ya, Ricki

2010-04-13T10:29:00.003-06:00

Chris' back is doing well. No basketball, lifting etc. for 3 months (ever if I'm in charge!!). We were suppose to have an appointment with Dr. Whizenant on the 9th but he went out of town so we have been rescheduled for the 19th, at which time we will ask him for a stronger pancreatic enzyme. The insurance company said "no" to seeing the oncology dietitian so I am filling out a petition that will go before a panel to see if they will approve Chris. If not I will probably ask the oncology dietitian if she will meet with us on our own and we will pay for it. Chris would really like to not be sick any more. He is wwaayy tired of it.
Both car accidents are now done and over with. Rye is doing better, he still has headaches once in awhile. We are grateful to his wonderful teachers at school who are looking out for him. Just takes time.:( Meg is doing great and enjoying track, she was so blessed to not get hurt either time. We still haven't found a car for Meg but grandpa is letting her borrow another one of his cars (Ahhh!)
All is well here, life is just moving along. Hard to believe the school year is almost over! And today Chris and I celebrate 20 years of marriage!!! Chris and I were married on Friday the 13th! In the Manti Temple. Chris was early and I was late-hee, hee. (poor guy little did he know what he was getting himself into:)
Take care, we love ya. Ricki

2010-03-22T08:58:00.002-06:00

We are now officially looking for a car for Meg. Received check, rental car returned, car towed away- no more insurance company calls thank goodness. They were terrible to work with (2nd one-hee, hee).
We asked Dr. Rich to send a letter to the Jury Clerk to ask that Chris do Jury duty another time because of his back. They were OK with it. They said they will just put his name back in the drawing for another time. We didn't want to miss are follow up appointment with Dr. Rich this Thursday and it is still hard for Chris to sit for to long, and his intestines are giving him trouble. Which brings us to. . . Chris got a speeding ticket. He was trying to get home fast because he was going to be ill. He told the policeman his story. The police officer was kind enough to hurry. He didn't look up registration just asked for Chris' license. Then came back with the ticket. Chris tried not to speed away. I told Chris we should go and explain to the judge to see if he will lower the money amount but Chris said he just wants to pay it - will see who wins:)
Friday I went up to Huntsman Cancer Research Library and looked up "whipple" to see if I could figure out how to help Chris. While I was there a lady asked me if I needed anything. I told her what I was needing. She told me that they have a oncology dietitian who has worked with alot of "whipple" patients. I spoke with her only briefly because of legal issues. She said some things that I hadn't thought about and are other doctors haven't suggested so I am going to see if my insurance will pay for me to see her. I was excited to talk with her, she gave me hope. The Huntsman Cancer Center is amazing. Mr. Huntsman spared no expense. I walked around the Hospital and the Research Center, we are so blessed to have such a wonderful facility so close to us.
Rye is still suffering from his concussion. Poor boy is verryyy emotional and is still suffering from head and neck pain.
I have to smile. This is all I have to write. We are boring! Yeah!!! Quick knock on some wood!!:):):)
Love ya, Ricki

2010-03-16T09:43:00.009-06:00

Last night I took Rye to the ER because he kept complaining of neck pain and having headaches. They did a CT scan (we were in the same CT room as 2 years ago when Rye threw up all over me and kept screaming that he "wanted his Mommy!" ahhh good times-incase you forgot May 2008 head trauma 5 days in ICU- 3 of it he didn't know who we were, he was, or where he was) and neck x-rays. Nothing was broken - thank goodness but they found that he did have a concussion. They call it post concussive syndrome. The headaches, crying, anger, memory loss, exhaustion etc. all caused by the concussion. This makes number 4!!! Don't know how many more his poor brain can handle- where's that helmet??!! He told the ER doctor that "he was probably going to die young because his dad was." Big gulp and then tears. Kids say the darnest things. I told him he wasn't going to die that he was suppose to become a researcher and find the cure for cancer.
Chris is doing OK. Still in pain, food not digesting like it should. Has a bulge in his back that he showed me but won't go to doctor, says "it will be fine." AHHHHH!
Chris has also been selected for Jury Duty next week. Should be interesting.
I took Katie to the doctor Frid. because she had blisters all over the palm of her hand. Again doctor said it was eczema it just reacts differently in the palm of the hand. He gave us a stronger medicine. Last night when I came home from the ER around 11:30pm Katie was still awake. Poor thing is having separation anxiety lately. She cried for me and insisted that she sleep with me. She told me she was glad that "I wasn't dead" (again- kids say the darndest things)
Insurance company totalled car. It was towed away Friday:( We are just waiting for check to come. We still have the rental, not sure when they will stop paying for it. Meg looking for new car.
We have a craaazzzyy week. Scouts (Tay, Rye and Jacob each a different night of course), I feed the teachers at the Elem (SEP's-chicken cordon bleu), Rye and Chris go to the Wed Jazz game (Jr Jazz tickets), Relief Society, we feed the missionaries (not sure what yet:), make snow cones for Tays class (I'm ok with that, that means I can make a Dr. Pepper snow cone - Yummy! And I am called the "Snow cone Queen" - to many years doing it for field day:), work in Tay and Jacob's classrooms, etc. etc. and maybe, just maybe I can clean the house and do laundry hee, hheee.
Life is crazy but great, new adventures everyday! I'd be sooooo bored:) "Be thankful for what you've got it could be worse" (Pres. Eyering)
Love ya, Ricki

2010-03-10T10:54:00.003-07:00

So today we continue to fight with the insurance company who has decided to "total" the car but is giving us less money because "their" appraiser didn't look at the car well enough. They are saying that the car doesn't have automatic windows and locks and that there weren't any floor mats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The car has ALL of these things! The appraiser was here for about 5 minutes. She didn't even bother to open the car! On the other hand she didn't write down that the car looked like it had been in an accident-the bumper and hood colors don't match and that the bumper is being held together with screws.
The police officer was in training all day yesterday so we still haven't resolved the occupant thing. I'll try again today.
Chris is still in a lot of pain and food isn't staying in for very long. Less than 24 hours.
Ahhhhh....
Love ya, Ricki

2010-03-09T09:56:00.003-07:00

WOW!! It has been ONE year today that Chris went in for the Whipple. Time flies when you're having fun:)
Yesterday was hard on him but he got up and went to work again today. He's a trooper! (and he knows he has to pay for my "new toy" in the garage:)
Today's saga is that I am having to call the police officer that wrote up the report at the accident because on the police report it only lists 1 occupant. So now I need to have that changed. You maybe wondering "Why does Ricki have the police report?" Well yesterday went reeaalllyy bad with the insurance company (this case seems pretty cut and dry to me - you don't stop at a red light and you hit someone it's YOUR fault!!!) so my dad got on the phone and let them have it. He went to the police station to pay $5.00 to have the report sent to the insurance agent and to receive a copy for us (usually it takes a week and a half for the agent to receive a copy). And what a blessing it was that we saw that it lists only 1 occupant. I don't know how ugly it would have gotten if the agent had received the report first, I'm sure he would have accused us of being dishonest and who knows who would have paid for Rye's ER visit. Poor Meg once again had to give her statement to the insurance agent-she was sssooo nervous, but at least she knew what he would be asking:) We finally got a rental car about 5:30pm. I can't tell you how nice the other insurance agency was (from Megs first accident) letting us rent a very nice van. The car we have now is bare minimum!! It has been years and years since we had "crank and blow" windows (roll yourself!:), doors that you have to unlock one by one yourself (no lock and unlock clicker). Not complaining, just realizing how much nicer the other company was. We still don't know what the outcome of the car will be but at least we have a rental for Chris to drive to work. Hope he remembers what the car looks like after work-hee, hee. (He won't be able to find it by clicking a button and the lights flashing:)
I'm sure that everything will work out fine. Just another bump in the road, another learning experience. Ahhhhh :)
Love, Ricki

2010-03-08T08:53:00.005-07:00

Chris came home Thurs. morning. He's doing OK but still in a lot of pain. He says that his left leg tingles and of course where the incision is hurts also. He can't sit, stand, or lay down for any length of time. I told him to take one more day off but he said that "he had to get to work." Hope he does OK.

Thurs. and Frid. I dealt with insurance companies, car dealership and our mortgage company. Frid the insurance agent that has our case was out of the office so I spoke with the manager. She gave me a lot of grief. Still no rental car. "Still investigating." The appraiser did come out and take pictures of the car. Today I will probably just go ahead and get a rental car. Since Chris wasn't working we weren't to inconvenienced but now we are. Tried the insurance agent today but he isn't in until 10am and the manager is out all week. I've decided that perhaps this is how I am to learn patience:) Not sure what Meg is suppose to learn from all of this:) Rye is having headaches and his neck hurts. Chris and I decided that if he was still in pain today that I would take him to the doctor. Meg is doing well, she just has hurt knees from jumping hurdles (or missing them:)
I did forget to tell you how her accident happened. She was stopped at a red light on 6200 S. when a car hit her from behind. Rye and Meg said they saw him coming and braced for impact. The air bags did not go off. The ER nurse said that they were very lucky. No one under 100 lbs (Rye) should be sitting in the front seat. She sees children that are hurt badly because of air bags. So now no one is allowed to sit in the front seat (after that Rye didn't want to anyway). The driver that hit Meg accused her of being on her cell phone (which she says she wasn't-she was stopped anyway!!!!). Rye said that when he turned to see the car coming at them he saw the other driver on his cell phone and smoking!! And that when he got out of the car a lot of smoke came out. I am getting really tired of dishonest adults. What kind of example are they showing my children?! Trying to pin "the accident" on a teenage driver!!! And may I say they look even "dumber" for trying to blame someone else!
We are now in the process of looking for a new car for Meg. This car has "Hit Me" written all over it!!:)
Drive safe, and always be honest (I'll do the same:)
Love ya, Ricki

2010-03-03T23:57:00.003-07:00

It's been a longgggg day/night. They had us come to the hospital at 10:45am, Chris had surgery at 1:00pm. It took about 90 minutes. Dr. Rich came out and told me that it went well. They removed the bulge. Everything looked great. Dr. Rich had him stay over night which was good since his incision started bleeding to much. The nurse called the Dr. and he told them to put extra gauze on it and watch him.
My mom was bringing up the kids to see Chris. Megan was driving her car so that she could spend the night with Chris. Wellllll, that's not how it worked out. Meg and Rye were rear ended!!!! Thank goodness grandma was just a couple of cars ahead of her. Meg and Rye are ok. I took them to the ER at the hospital. It was a lot easier than going to an insta care. Meg, Grandma and the driver in front of Meg helped Meg fill out paper work and wait for the police. Again I am very grateful for an adult being there for my daughter (grandma) because the driver of the other vehicle tried to pin it on Meg. Police officer was very blunt with the other driver who was smoking and on his cell phone (Rye saw him as he hit them) that it was his fault. ER doctor told me to watch Rye and Meg through the night so they both came home with me and Uncle Jim spent the night with Chris (thanks buddy:) Poor grandpa had just spent alot of time and $ fixing up the car. We don't know what the insurance will do. I will fight for the $that we spent on buying the car back, parts, gas, and grandpa's time. It's ironic that this person has the same insurance company as the last person that hit Meg. Oh.... and I am still not done with Meg's other accident, waiting for medical bills so I can give them to insurance company. I also told Chris that he should be excited he is going to get to drive a rental car:) No one touches my car. So Meg will drive Chris' car and Chris will drive rental. All I can say is at least we are already experienced with this kind of trial and I look forward to seeing if I will be working with the same people from the insurance company. You gotta laugh!!!!!
I again have to say how grateful I am for family. My mom has gone above and beyond taking care of her grandchildren, Chris and myself, there is no way I could make it without her-You're the best MOM!! and my dad who just started laughing when he was told what happened.
Tomorrow Meg will place pictures on the blog. I got some great pictures today of Meg and Rye in hospital gowns, her car and of course the star... Chris. (to bad I'm not computer savvy or you would have them now:) We will also pick up Chris and he will recover til Monday when he insists that he "goes back to work." May tomorrow (I mean today) be QUIETER!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya, Ricki

2010-03-02T08:54:00.007-07:00

Well, tomorrow is the big day. (The doctor changed the date from March 2 to March 3). Chris is excited he will finally be out of pain. I told him he should wait to have surgery until March 9th - the one year anniversary of the "whipple" surgery, but he told me he wasn't willing to wait that long.
Last week we enjoyed going to AZ (where it was cold and raining) for Chris' award banquet. The place was amazing and the food even more amazing. We had a great time "hanging" just the two of us. Chris didn't go golfing he was in to much pain before he even started. I went to the spa - amazing!! Where I had a pedicure and manicure for the first time. I'm totally hooked, I told Chris he now knows what he can get me for Mother's Day:) I laid out by the pool, (with a jacket on and towel over me as a blanket, but hey there wasn't any white stuff on the ground!!) read my book and drank an $11.00 smoothie (Ahhh, won't complain about Jamba Juice prices again:) And worked out in a beautiful fitness center that had windows that looked out at the cactus, flowers, and hills. Bottled water, towels and head sets provided. Met lots of neat people and hung out with some old friends that used to live in UT but moved to AZ. They came and got us one night and we went into Scottsdale (Snobsdale, as they call it :) Lots of fun.
We went ahead and bought Megs totalled car back from the insurance company and my dad who is great at fixing cars fixed up Megs car so it runs and looks pretty good for being totalled. My dad wanted to give us time to find a good car for Meg instead of rushing. We had also talked about buying a new van and car at the same time. Megs accident was the best thing that ever happened to me!!!!:) Chris got to see first hand how cold the car was without a heater and defroster (never got fixed all the way). So he started looking for a new van. Saturday afternoon the dealership gave us to good a deal so we now have a new van!!! Guess what kind? hee, hee. Of course a Chrysler Town and Country Stow-n-go!!! It is exactly like the one I rented (few more things just because it wasn't a rental). Love the trunk space, heater, defroster, windows that roll down, and no more crawling over the seats (it only holds 7 instead of 8). I did feel "a little" guilty about leaving my old van there but I'm sure I'll get over it:) Sad, I had to leave my Mickey Mouse stickers on the back window- guess we'll just have to go to Disneyland/World to get me some new ones:) It is "Clearwater Blue." And having heat is not over-rated!!! We will be parking in the back of the parking lot where ever we go and of course "NO food or drink" are allowed. And you must take your shoes off when you get in and hold them on your lap:) And no Chris and Meg are not allowed to drive my new van!!:) Oh.... one stipulation was that the van would have a hitch put on it for towing a trailer. For WHO??? the Scouts!! He "thinks" he's taking it on scout trips! I did agree to it, but I had my fingers crossed behind my back:) Still haven't given Chris the other key-hee, hee.
Saturday night Chris received an award for Scouts. The District Award of Merit. He was nominated by are Stake and one very wonderful man who did all the leg work (thanks). He had even invited Chris' scoutmaster! They showed a picture of the recipient on the wall as they read about them. Chris leaned over and asked me what picture had been used for him, I told him I had "no clue" When it was his turn the picture here on the blog of Rye in his scout shirt holding his merit badges and Chris came up on the wall. What an appropriate picture. Immediately I started crying. That's what this is all about honoring a man who even though ill still did his best taking care of others "his scouts." It has been a rough road but our family has learned so much. I wouldn't change anything (Chris might-since he's the one in pain:) But I have learned how much the Savior loves each of us and how we can't do this on our own, we need each other and Heavenly Father.
Last night while Katie and I were watching TV (food network - Unwrapped) she says to me "I'm going to miss daddy when he dies." I told her it was going to be along time before she would have to "miss him."
Love ya, Ricki

Thursday Doctor Visit Results

2010-02-14T13:32:00.002-07:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!
Well, Chris has officially hurt his back. Thursday morning he and I went to the back doc to look at the MRI film. Luckily he did not hurt his L5/S1 disk (the one that has been fixed 2 times before). He has a small rupture on the disk above it, L4/L5. The doc said he would leave it up to us on how we wanted to handle the injury. The rupture is not big, but perfectly placed on the disk to be pressing up on his nerve. This is causing pain down his right leg, especially around his hip. At night I can hear him roll over because he moans from the pain when he moves.
Anyway, the doc said we could wait it out and see if it gets better or have surgery to remove the rupture. The doc described the incision to be less than an inch and to be a same day procedure. So Chris and I chose to schedule surgery for March 2nd and do both, wait and see if it gets better or fix it then. The doctor said we could cancel the surgery the day before if we liked. Either way, Chris should get over this quickly and then hopefully get back to being active like he wants. He is talking about riding his bike to work again, crazy boy.
We still plan on going to the conference next week. The doc said Chris should play golf and then he would fix his back after. Funny! All is well with us, hope all is well in your families too!

2010-02-09T09:15:00.004-07:00

A lot has happened since I last wrote but because I gave our computer a virus I couldn't write:) My brother was kind enough to save our computer before Chris "hung me by my toe nails" I was surfing the web looking for Valentine ideas, ooopppss.
Took Rye to the neurologist they said he looks good even after hitting his head so many times. Jr. Jazz basketball is over but now he is playing intramural bball at the middle school. I think that when playing basketball players (especially Rye) should have to wear a helmet!! Now we will just ask him to work harder on his homework because his "brain" is just fine:) No more excuses.
The insurance company decided to total Megs car so we are now in the process of looking for another car. They called me yesterday to tell me that I needed to return the rental car on Friday:( I'm not looking forward to Friday "I want to keep the van!!"
Chris and I meet with Dr. Rich Thursday morning (8:50am) to go over the MRI and see what Chris needs to do. He is still in a lot of pain. He has a very hard time walking, sitting, getting up etc.
Katie has been sick since Saturday night. Runny nose, fever, coughing like a seal, and all that good stuff. Miserable enough to keep Chris and I up during the night.
Pack meeting was a lot of fun it was the Blue and Gold Banquet. Jacob got his Bobcat award and Tay his Webelos badge and the man that performed the Arrow of Light ceremony did a great job. I took a big sigh afterwards knowing one more boy down, only one more to go:)
This morning we went to Breakfast with Books at the elementary school. We were running late and Tay was upset that there wouldn't be anymore donuts so I bet him that if they were out I'd buy him a donut at the store and do his chore, but if they had donuts than he had to do an extra chore. Of course they had plenty of donuts it's run by the PTA:) Yeahhh for me!!
Tonight is New Beginnings and scouts. Tomorrow the tax lady comes. We decided that we might need help with them after having such a crazy year. Lots of questions, let the pro do it then she can get in trouble not us:) Thurs. is Chris' doctors appointment, Rye goes on a field trip - he is singing at a bunch of elementary schools for choir (hope to watch him perform), Tays valentines party - we are doing are traditional chocolate fountain. I provide the chocolate and the kids bring in stuff to dip. I was smart enough to assign 2 other mothers to come up with entertainment:) What do you do with 5th graders?? (that's how I got a virus-looking for games) And that night Tay has his first 11 year old den meeting. Jacob was suppose to give his 5-15 minute report on Neil Armstrong Thurs but I spoke with Jacobs teacher and she was kind enough to let us reschedule. Jacob wasn't happy with that he was looking forward to having it done. I think he just wanted to eat the freeze dried ice cream I bought:) Do you think Thurs looks crazy??!!:) We all have crazy days that's what keeps us going, (for me it's that and Dr. Pepper).
Hopefully I can write Friday morning and let you know what's up with Chris.
Love, Ricki

2010-02-03T07:25:00.007-07:00

I have a new "love!" The rental company gave me a 2009 Chrysler Town & Country. Both side doors are electric! It's amazing! "I want it, I want it!!" :) Chris looked up the price it's only $33,000!!! I did learn that the heater in my car is still broken. This car heats up so fast and it is soooo warm. The kids had a great time "exploring" they found a built in flashlight and tons of places to store stuff (it's the stow-n-go model). The kids were telling Chris all about it and they kept referring to "our car" Chris put a stop to that:) It will be hard to give it back. I've never seen such a beautiful trunk I could put sooo much stuff in it:) Insurance company take as long as you want:) "Grass is always greener on the other side"
Chris had his MRI yesterday. He was in sooo much pain after because of having to lay on his back for so long and being jostled around. I will call the Dr. today and see what they have to say. I was told that the Dr. likes "film" so I will have to take them to his office.
Love, Ricki

2010-02-02T07:26:00.006-07:00

Happy Groundhog Day!!
Just got off the phone with the insurance agent. She took Megs statement. Meg handed me the phone afterwards and it was wet!! Her hand was sweating so bad - poor girl. They have ruled that it was the other drivers fault and so they are going to give us a rental car. The rental company doesn't allow 17 yr olds to drive so I told the insurance agent that we would have Meg drive one of our cars and that I would need a van so that I could fit all of my children in. I wanted to be more specific and say I want a van that has both side doors electric (that's the kind I had when someone hit me, I didn't want my old van back after that:) Yesterday the insurance adjuster came out and looked at the car, she believes that it is totaled. She loved what I did to the car:) And how clean Meg had kept the inside:) I told her not to look in her room - that's a different story!!
Chris had a hard time on the campout. The other leaders tried to keep him from lifting but my stubborn husband did it anyway. He also would not sleep on a bed - he thought floor would be better for his back, he also walked the one mile to his car from the cabin (one of the men drove him up to the cabin as close as he could then Chris walked). Rye also said that Chris was up alot being sick. Chris came home exhausted. I let him rest for awhile and then we took Tay out for his b-day dinner and then went and let him pick out his present. Chris was in soooo much pain. He was verryyy grumpy. I sent him to the front of the store to wait for us:( He couldn't make it to church Sunday he was in too much pain. I feel bad he wants to play and fulfill his calling as young men's leader but he needs to rest and not make things worse for himself. Tonight the boys are going to the pool to work on the swimming merit badge and Chris told the other leader he'd be there to help. I told the other leader to not plan on him because today at 4:45pm Chris has an MRI for his back. Hopefully he can go but yesterday I called an ortho doctor the one that I was told was wonderful by some friends and thank goodness he was on our insurance. They said that they will not even see Chris until he has an MRI then they will review it and decide how quickly they will set up an appointment to see him. I decided to pull the "cancer card" I called are oncologist and told him what was happening and he ordered an MRI for us. Chris is still in a ton of pain. We haven't slept well for three days. I'm a light sleeper and the poor guy has moaned and groaned a lot especially when he tries to get up. I hate to see him in soooo much pain. I know that it must really be hurting him because he isn't one to complain. The trip that he won is scheduled for Feb. 22 but who knows what will happen. He can't play golf and we can't go on the Hummer excursion too much bouncing around and will he be having surgery???? Don't know ahhh the unknown (hate it!!!)
Meg is feeling better she went to school and track practice yesterday. She is doing the hurdles and loves it! I told the insurance agent that we took Meg to the doctor and that she had been on prescription medicine for the pain. She said that if this is all the claims that we send in then she would just pay are health insurance directly instead of us having to bill my dads car insurance. Sounds way to messy!
Just got off the phone with Enterprise I begged for a van that has electric side doors heee,hheee. Hey if I'm going to be inconvenienced than I should do it in style:) Meg will drive Chris' car and Chris will drive "my baby" (he'd better be careful:) Meg will soon (Feb. 10) be able to drive friends around so it's better that she have a 5 passenger car than an 8.
I will write as soon as I know what the MRI says.
Love, Ricki

2010-01-29T21:29:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to update you on Meg she has alot of pain in her neck and shoulder. She went to school but couldn't do anything at track practice because of the pain.
The insurance adjuster never came out today she was kind enough (can you read the sarcasm?!)to call about 3:30pm to tell me she wouldn't be coming today. Monday instead.
Got Rye and Chris out the door for their camp out. Chris was reeealllyy struggling to walk. When he was changing his clothes he fell. Not sure what to do about him. Which doctor do we go too?! What is causing it? He has had two back surgeries in his life and lots of physical therapy. I went and told the other men that were going about Chris and how he's hurting and to pllleeeasssee not let him carry anything. From what I understand they have to walk a mile up to the cabin. They said they would have Chris ride one of the snowmobiles up - poor baby:) They have a lot of food and snow gear to pack in. Hope my boys stay warm:)
Love, Ricki

2010-01-28T14:50:00.007-07:00

The other day when I wrote I was thinking "we need a new picture for our blog" Well now we've got one:) So who knew I would be writing again so soon!!:) It's not Chris this time - it's Megan. This morning I received a phone call from a woman that I didn't know that told me Megan was ok but that she had been in a car accident. She then put Meg on the phone I couldn't understand what she was saying she was crying so hard, so the woman got on the phone again and told me where she was. I left Tay, Jacob and Katie at home because they weren't ready to go. I told them that I would take them to school later after I took care of Meg. One of the first things that came to my mind was "Please Heavenly Father let someone that Meg knows help her until I get there" I was very worried about her after hearing her on the phone. Heavenly Father heard my prayer and blessed Meg. One of her best friends mothers happened to be driving by and pulled over. She helped Meg fill out the police report and she called me to update me on Meg and how the accident happened (since I still wasn't sure what happened because I couldn't understand Meg). This car belongs to my dad he has just been letting Meg borrow it, it has Idaho plates and just Tuesday my dad renewed the plates that had expired ahhh...timing. Poor Meg was very worried about grandpa's reaction to a "smashed" car. When I got there Meg was a wreck. I'm sure that if you are reading this it might be bringing back memories of your first accident so you know how Meg feels (I know I do- all to well hee, hee). I finished filling out the paperwork and hugged my Meg a ton, reassuring her that "life is an adventure" and that she is now a teenage statistic (first year of driving- get in an accident), and that at least it wasn't her fault. My first accident was my fault - I hit a Pimps car in Washington DC (very scary).
Chris got there while the policeman was still there. We took this picture of Meg - love the mascara running all the way down to her chin:) After reading the police report I laughed because the other drivers car was not hers she was borrowing it from a dealership while her car was in the shop!!!!
Ohhh... you want to know how it happened well..... Meg was going south and the other driver was at a stop sign, the other driver "says" that Meg was slowing down so she thought Meg was going to turn right so she pulled out (DAAHHHHHHH!) T-Bone! (she was going less than 35 mph). There was not alot of damage done to the other car but as you can see Megs car is toast. I drove it home. Which was dumb I should have had them tow it. Half way home I had to pull over- something from the wheel well was wrapping around the tire. I pulled over and tried to rip it off but it wouldn't come, I also found this black box type thing that was just hanging down dragging on the ground so I ripped it off. Also you can't use the driver side door so I was crawling back and forth over the passenger seat. A dear sweet neighbor saw me and pulled over to help me. The first thing he said was "What tree did you hit???!!" Haaa, haaa!! I reversed the car and he pulled the black thing from the tire. Then we proceeded to pull the bumper off and a couple of other things (don't know what they were) and we also shoved the headlight that was hanging down that I couldn't pull off into a hole that I found. We were having a great time. I finally got the car home. Poor Meg just about died when she saw it she said "What have you done to the car?" Haaaa, hhaaaa What have I done?? Got Jacob and Tay to school. Meg didn't want to go to school so she ran errands with Katie and I. Went to the Boyscout store and then Sam's Club and Harmon's to get groceries for the Boyscout/Young Men Camp out tomorrow (Chris is in charge of making the taco salad dinner) then grandma, Katie and I took Meg out to lunch. She keeps complaining of different body parts hurting - especially her head will just watch and see if I need to take her to the Dr. Just got off the phone with other drivers insurance they are trying to pin this on Meg!!!! Don't talk to me right now I'm steaming mad!!!!!! The other driver is claiming that there was another car in front of Meg that turned right and that Meg went around it and that's when "Meg T-Boned her." I will remain calm!! She received the ticket. The insurance company is saying that because of the discrepancy between statements that they have to investigate further before we can get a rental car. Also the agent is suppose to come out tomorrow to look at the car. After that phone call we received another phone call that Chris' great aunt passed away. At 6:30 pm I took Meg to the doctor she was having pain in her neck and back. Doctor gave Meg medicine. She said that this will help with the pain that she's going to feel tomorrow:)
High note: Chris won the West Area Award!!! He and I will be going on a much needed trip for 2 days. Chris was telling me that he only got picked because "he's going to die" but I told him no way that is so not true. People at work know how hard he works, how devoted he is, how much he cares about his work and his fellow employees. How many guys do you know that try to go back to work 4 weeks after having a MAJOR surgery or go to the ER Sunday night and then go to work the next morning? I don't know of any! Thank you to all that helped in anyway to get Chris nominated. He and I are looking forward to being in the sun!!! (already asked grandma to babysit:))
Tomorrow is Tay's b-day and Chris and Rye go camping. May tomorrow be quieter.
Chris has hurt his back somehow and is finding it hard to walk. I think I feel my eye twitching!!!!!:)
Love, Ricki

2010-01-25T09:35:00.005-07:00

I was planning on writing sometime soon just to say "hi" and that everything was quiet but Chris decided to throw me a curve ball so I'm writing to let you know that Chris was in the ER last night. He started throwing up and had a reallllyyy bad migraine around 3pm yesterday. At 7pm he asked me to take him to the hospital. I called my mom and she was kind enough to come over and help with the kids. Meg does a great job but I didn't know how long we'd be there. They re hydrated and drugged him up. They wanted to do a CT scan to see if there was any bleeding in the brain but my "bad patient" told them "No." Chris hasn't been taking his shots like he should (he was already against taking them) so I of course worry that the clot moved from his lung to his brain - who knows ("negative Nellie"). I would like to call the Dr. but I know Chris would have a cow. We arrived home around midnight and Chris went to work today. He has too much to do he says- he probably just doesn't want to hear me nag him:) So we will just see what happens.
Meg celebrated her 17th bday and I celebrated my ? bday. Tay has his bday this week turns 11!!. He will receive his Arrow of Light and Webelos award for Scouts. Jacob finished his Bobcat for Cubscouts. Feb. Pack Meeting will be exciting with Tay and Jacob getting "big" awards. Chris' mom and dad came in from China and spent a couple of days with us, love hearing about their life over there. We've got it so good:) (they go back at the end of the month). I went to the eye doctor last week to get a new prescription (I like to see clearly) and to inquire as to why my left eye was twitching- a lot - very annoying! He told me that it could be a number of things then he started naming them off, I can only remember the first 3 after that I stopped listening because I was laughing so hard. 1- To much caffeine (that's me and Dr. Pepper) 2- Not enough sleep 3- Too much STRESS!!! See why I couldn't stop laughing. I did tell the poor eye doctor my whole story so that he could laugh along also (I'm sure he was thinking I was crazy). We have been off-track since Dec. 23rd today is are last day to play, tomorrow school starts again. Now I'll have to unload the dishwasher, fold laundry and vacuum, oh... and entertain Katie. I'm sad when they leave me:) And, yes we still have Aladdin he has only jumped on the table twice that I know of and continues to use his cat box so I haven't gotten rid of him yet:) Chris always wonders how he, Chris has survived this long, how come I haven't gotten rid of him, hee, hee:)
February 5th Rye has a doctors appointment with the neurologist to check out his brain. Chris has doctors appointment April 9 (unless he makes me mad and I call the doctor- hee, hee).
Love, Ricki

2010-01-05T18:58:00.003-07:00

Today we met with Dr. Whizenant he told us the CT scan looked good - no cancer and blood work looked good so, cancer is GONE! Right now we are dealing with the blood clot. The Dr. wants Chris to stay on Lovenox or Cumadin for a year but Chris refuses. He says that he's been down this road 12 years ago and he doesn't want too. The Dr. got Chris to agree to take Lovenox (which is more money and work -shot every12 hours versus a pill) for the next 2 months then will talk again about it. Dr. says that sometimes a clot will form somewhere else if he doesn't continue to use a blood thinner. The Dr. said that being on Lovenox will make it easier for Chris to "romp around" than Cumadin, that's another reason Chris wants to stop any blood thinner- he is ready to run, jump, ride his bike etc., etc. which the Dr. said he could do.
We did address the "dumping syndrome" he told us to try all the pills (pancreatic enzymes etc.)Chris has been taking for awhile longer that things might change after chemo is out of his system. Chris will have another CT scan in April and then one in Dec. Chris asked the Dr. if he had to have a colonoscopy and of course the answer was "yes." One thing that the Dr. said that made my "Negative Nellie" the "glass is half empty" attitude come out is he said that he "wanted to warn us" that a blood clot could be bad. Studies show that a blood clot can be a precurser to cancer! However, 12 years ago, when Chris was dong the same chemo he had a blood clot caused by the chemotherapy and not by cancer. It happened 6 months into that old treatment and here we are 6 months with the current treatment and a blood clot again. He thinks it has nothing to do with cancer and everything to do with the chemotherapy. I still worry though.
This is when I get to tell myself over and over again that I will be positive that I can handle anything. To not think about it. The "glass is half full" (so not me). Thank goodness I have Chris who is a positive thinker :).
We have another appointment in 3 months. We sure do appreciate all your, love, support, and prayers that have carried Chris and I through this time in our lives. THANK YOU ALL!