Happenings

Looking at my bald head and the scars across my chest yesterday, I just wondered... how did this happen? Life is so weird. It is so good, so hard and so mixed all the time. As we prepare our home and hearts for Christmas this year, I have felt like I'm taking a back seat to the 'normal.' Still getting the gifts, planning the meals, and even getting to participate in many of the holiday festivities, but in a weird way I feel removed from it. Emmy said a couple days ago that she didn't "feel happy" like she usually does this time of year... and I feel the same. As we talked through it a bit, we realized that the weekly trips to Stanford, the loss of 'normal' and excitement as I am tired and they can't predict how I'll be feeling from day to day, and I think just the 'fog' of cancer in general that penetrates our daily life... is dampening the 'happy' feelings. But on the flipside, it generates a joy that is so deep and profound, it's hard not to be thankful. Thankful that I am here to celebrate Christmas, that we caught it, that it's treatable, that we have hope for my healthy future. Thankful that there is more to this life than just surviving. Thankful for all the blessings, and friendships, and support, and help, and love. Thankful that we are celebrating a Savior that is more than just a Christmas story, but one that loves and gives and comforts and gives meaning and purpose to this weird life.

I was given a tip from a dear friend at the beginning of this cancer journey to take lots of pictures. For those of you who know me well, this was not a tall task. But it has proven hard to remember! I just wanted to use this opportunity to share some of the happenings around here as of late... not only to share all the wonderful things that are going on, but that I can also look back and be reminded that I am here, I am able to enjoy my children, my home and our blessings in this life... thank you, Lord!

Zeke received the honor of being named Sonora El's Student of the Month for November! It was wonderful to be able to attend the board meeting and hear the amazing comments from his teachers throughout the years...

All three of these amazing kiddos were recognized for their hard work and academic accomplishments this month. Both Em & Zeke made the Superintendent's List with 4.0's and Ethan exceeded his Accelerated Reading Goal and made Super Reader! Proud of them and their efforts!

Bill and my hubby are hard at work with LOTS of house projects... garages being worked on inside and out, electrical panels changed out, a new HVAC system (we have air conditioning now!!!), and the beginnings of our solar panels!!! 

Fun with Emmy's holiday band recital and both Ethan and Emmy in our church's kids Christmas play, "Jingle Bell Beach"

 

Annual Gingerbread House decorating with friends!

Taking care to capture the moments in my heart even more so than in my camera. It's the most wonderful time of the year and I pray I never lose sight of that and all these amazing realities... weird life and all.

Just got round 3 and it's going well!

On Day 3 post 3 chemo infusion... so thought a blog update would serve as a great update to what is going on since I'm in-house for the next few days.

First of all, last week was full of blessings... kids first week of school, Columbia College back to life and Brian back to school with a good group of students!

Also, my dad came for a visit last weekend and helped the kids get their back to school shopping done (yea! I didn't have to deal with Walmart!!!), attend 1st soccer games, and we had a good visit, the first since my diagnosis. AND... my mom is here now with us to help us through these last two rounds of chemo. Helping with school, soccer, treatments and sickness... she has come to help us keep things regular for the kids and keep up on life in general, as well as either attend appointments with me or stay with the kids while Brian and I go. Such blessings from my wonderful parents (and their supportive spouses that let them come!).

Mom driving us back from Stanford through the bay area traffic

On to the medical stuff... had an appointment on Tuesday with my oncologist who was totally pleased with the progress the chemo is making. This is the first time that he hasn't taken a physical measurement of the mass because he said it's too mushy to measure... which is a great sign of it breaking down! He also verified again that no lymph nodes are swollen, so that is a great sign that the cancer is being contained. I received my 3rd round of chemo, along with a dose of Neulasta, which is a white blood cell count booster (that apparently costs as much as a new Tesla--hope insurance picks that up!!!), because again, my numbers were lower than they wanted them to be. Hopefully this will help build me up back higher so that I can recover stronger from dose #4 of chemo and be ready for surgery. I have a surgery consult on Sept 18, the day before my last chemo dose (of this round), with anticipation of surgery 4 weeks after that--so surgery will likely be sometime mid-October.

As we approach surgery, a few weeks ago I was given the news that I tested positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation, which is likely the cause of my breast cancer. This changes treatment options for me, as well as increases the likelihood of me getting another related cancer--either breast or ovarian--(like up to 80%). So, I will still consult with my surgeon for specifics, but knowing that I have to get a mastectomy anyway, I will likely do a bilateral mastectomy, as well as remove my ovaries/tubes. Not sure how it's all going to go down, but again, I have the surgery consult on Sept 18 and will hopefully know more then. In terms of the BRCA genetics, there is a family history on my dad's side of the family with my grandmother and her mother (they didn't know about BRCA genes back then), and on my mom's side I have a cousin who had breast cancer (but tested negative for BRCA). So, I still have to meet with the genetics counselor on what that all means, but will communicate more as I know more, especially to my amazing family members.

Now what... get through this next few days of chemo icky. Enjoy my mom being here and trying to stay cool in this terrible heat wave. Pray for Texas and the mass devastation there and know there are so many who need HOPE in this crazy messed up world. Maybe work a bit over the next few weeks when I feel good.

So many of you have been asking how to help and we thank you so much! With my mom here, we have put a halt on the meal train stuff and the big needs, since she is here and is such a big help. In her words, "what else am I going to do at your house if it's not cooking, shopping, cleaning, etc.?" So... you'll notice the dates are pretty far out for the meal train... and that is for after she leaves and we're dealing with the 4th round of chemo and prep for surgery. Surgery will be another whole beast in itself. Then there will be more treatment after that... so this is a loooonnnnnggggg haul of help that will be needed. So, we definitely appreciate your continued prayers and offers!

The scripture that I read this morning...

Thankful and Blessed

Now on Day #13 after infusion #1 and I am happy to report that I am feeling almost normal... which feels so good!!! 

I say almost because there is still an underlying tired in there--and with a no sugar and light caffeine policy for myself--it's hard to work out of, so a nap a day is helping! Also, acid re-flux is happening easily with random foods, so trying to keep track of what is triggering that. And, trying to be cautious about exposure to make sure my immune system can rebuild itself for the next round... thus, my family is at church and I am writing this blog post. I'm learning that I can't see all these people that I love and not want to receive their hugs! So far, I haven't started losing my hair, which they said would start sometime after days 10-14. My head is pretty itchy, and I have been given some really cute hats, and I still don't like the short hair cut... but I imagine that I will still wish I had it when it's gone.

Kids came home from Hume yesterday, with dirty and tired bodies, but great stories and hearts bursting with joy! So thankful for the counselors that took on the week with these kids, the Hume staff serving these kids with their lives this summer, and for the God-led ministry of Hume Lake Christian Camps. This is where I heard the message of a God who loved me and for the first time, accepted the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to die for my sins--the reason for the HOPE within me! Then, I got to work there two amazing summers while I was in college. Now, my kids get to experience it, too! So fun!!!

The love and the gifts and the encouragement that continues to pour into our family is just... incredible. Jesus with skin on for me... even if you aren't believers yourselves. Every single card, call, text, message, visit, gift, meal, offer of help and prayer is felt deep in my soul and is very uplifting and significant to me. I feel like if I were to list it all, this post would go on and on and I would probably forget something, so I will just show you one of the blessings that came to me this week...

These baskets were put together for us by my Columbia College family--we were blown away! My favorite gift in the basket was a framed picture of many of my co-workers (whoever was around on that particular summer day) with a thumbs up for me, but also included were cards, hundreds of dollars in gifts cards for anything from Starbucks to gas, books to read, fresh fruit and eggs from gardens, home canned items, bible verse coloring book and pencils, and more. I said to Brian, "now do you understand why I love working where I work?" He always has, but this even blew him away! Many of you have asked if I will continue working this year with all that is going on, and the short answer is "when I can." I have an amazing boss that cares about her people and does whatever she can to make things work on our behalf (within the district HR limits, of course!). I have an amazing job that while it takes a lot of brain power, is not physical in nature, so it won't tax my body too much (and I will have a Germ-x bottle in my office for everyone I meet with!). I also have a lot of flexibility doing online counseling and teaching, so that will be part of the mix. I also really feel like it will be beneficial for me (mind, heart and body) to be involved with 'normal' life, when I can, especially when Brian and the kids go back to school. The job I do is so meaningful that it makes it worth it, and then of course the people there are so great to be around, it will be good for me (and being alone too long or too often is not!). So, when I feel like I can be there, I can be there. When I feel like I can't, there is no expectation, just support and encouragement... which is another gift in itself.

So, in the progression of the chemo effects, this week before my next infusion (scheduled for Aug 8) should be a good one, as they say after day 12, the immune system is back on the rise. As I'm already feeling good, it's quite likely that it will continue. I am living today so thankful and blessed!

"... I have hope because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness... The Lord is good to those whose HOPE is in him, to the one who seeks him" - Lamentations 3:21-23, 25

Fun at Cover's Apple Ranch

With our beautiful weather, the day off, and Brian out of town for his World Cup of Beer Competion Results, the kids and I busted out of the house and headed up to Cover's for some outside fun.  A couple of friends were able to meet us up there, so it was a great couple of hours, complete with friends, picnic lunch, train ride, apple juice and cookies!

 

Emmy with Erilynn and Kierstiana

Train Ride!

Big kids still like trains!  Zeke with his friends Adam and Logan.

Ethan in 7th heaven on a train! :)

Golf!

The Tuolumne County Recreation Department was offering some pretty fun (and affordable) things to do this summer.  Between everything we have going on, we were able to sign up for swimming lessons (happening later this month) and golf lessons from a pro at our local course, Mountain Springs. 

Today was Zeke and Emmy's first experience with 'real' golf.  They had a great time... and looked super cute, I might add :).  One down, 3 more lessons to go.  We'll see if they take to it!

Emmy's birthday present

Emmy has asked for a couple of years now if she could get her ears pierced, and we decided that it would be a fun birthday surprise to let her do it.  So, for her birthday, she unwrapped earrings that went with an appointment at a local salon.  That appointment was yesterday.  We (my mom and grandma) picked up the kids early from VBS (they are attending Calvary Chapel's VBS this week since we will be missing SBC's this summer) and headed there. 

The gal, Julie at Studio 3, was absolutely wonderful with Emmy.  She let her pick out the studs (apparently it's not just the standard gold balls anymore!) she wanted and then talked her through everything.  She even sounded the piercing gun close to Emmy's ear so she wouldn't be scared of the noise.  Emmy was super brave and only cried for a minute or two afterward.  As soon as someone doted on her about how beautiful her new pierced ears were, that smile came through and she was on the mend. 

She is loving her new look and can't wait to show them to everyone! :)

Our new kitty

Emmy was surprised and over the moon when she found out that some friends of ours had found some baby kittens and wanted to give her one of them for her birthday present!!!  So, after her party on Sunday, we went to the Crawford's house to pick up the newest member of our family.  Emmy named her Oreo.  We're guessing she's about 5 weeks old or so, super tiny and fluffy, super cute and loves to snuggle.  While keeping her safe inside, we are also playing with Oreo outside as much as possible to keep her comfortable so that she'll be ready for that transition better than our last little kitty. 

Emmy has her little buddy and she couldn't be happier (everyone else likes her, too)!!!

Field Trips!

I am so blessed that my semester at Columbia College (work) ends at the end of April so that I have no work schedule during all of May!  Because of this, I was able to attend all of the end of the year field trips for both Zeke and Emmy's classes.

Emmy's class trip to Safeway.

The manager of our local store is a dad of one of the boys in her class, so it was even more special that we got some personal attention throughout our tour.  They had yummy treats in every department (but stickers from the butchers!!!) so everyone loved that.  We went to the store today and Emmy thought it was very cool that she'd been 'back there.'

Zeke's class trip to the Stockton's Children's Museum.
It was a beautiful day and after the long bus ride with two classes full of 2nd graders, we were ready for some lunch and then some great fun exploring.  The museum is set up to help children learn about life in the Central Valley, popular careers in the area, and everything is hands on and fun. 
The bonus about this field trip was that we went on May 24, which is Zeke's birthday!  Super fun way to spend a birthday school day!

Emmy's class trip to the Sonora Library and Heaven for Kids Park.
This was a walking field trip, as these places are right next door to the school. Neither of these places are new to Emmy, as we go to both regularly, but it was still really fun to go with her class, have story time, and playtime with her classmates.  It was a beautiful day and it was fun for me to get to hang out with Emmy, and the parents on the trip, too! :)

Zeke's class trip to Baskins & Robbins.
This was also a walking field trip, as 2nd graders can make it a bit farther to the nearby shopping center.  They got to walk into the deep freezer where they store all the ice cream and learn to make their own ice cream cone clowns.  It was a fun and low key trip!

Performance Week

Well, I'm a bit delayed in the posting of this (what's new?), but now with my semester at the college done, I can turn my thoughts toward other (and more fun!) things... including downloading all my pictures off my camera and updating our blog!  Also, I'm looking forward to being able to go on field trips this month with each of the kid's classes as well as catching up on things around the house.  Hopefully, many more fun posts to come soon! :)

In March, we had what I called 'Peformance Week'--super fun!

Zeke's class (along with all the Sonora El 2nd graders) put on the annual 2nd grade "Garden Hoe-Down" on March 21. They practiced for weeks and each class had a part of the action.  This was so very cute and it was great to see Zeke up there on stage.  I video taped the performance, so the pictures are all from after the show, but here are a few of the shots I was able to get.

 Then on Friday, March 23, Emmy's dance class through the Mountain Youth Children's Theatre put on their Spring Recital. Emmy's class performed three routines. Again, I video taped instead of taking picutres, but I have to tell you this was absolutely priceless. 

Emmy LOVED being on-stage and stole the show!  She had a smile, she did her very best, and she was glowing!!!  There were many acts from the other classes they offer--the whole show was so impressive and it was so fun to watch all these kids, it got me excited for Emmy to continue with this organization--everything from voice lessons to acting to dance, all age appropriate and encouraging. 

So afterward, I asked Em if there were any other classes she would want to do.  Her response?  "You know those girls who stood up and sang by themselves with the microphone?  I want to do that."

My kitchen floor this week--train mania for little Ethan :)

March 4- Table Mountain w/ the Pfeiffer's & Moberg's for Keely's birthday.  Beautiful and fun!

Many of you may know that our little kitten, Anakin, who was only 6 months old, got ran over by a car a few weeks ago.  These pictures were taken just before that happened.  It was a common sight for Anakin to be snuggled up with Emmy where ever she was.  She drew lots of pictures of him, too.  This one was one of her best.  She addressed it to Mrs. Braga, her teacher, and the writing to the side says, 'Anei is my cat' (in her best spelling on her own :).  We miss our little Ani, Em keeps asking when we can go get a new one.

Zeke has got his nose in a book almost every free moment.  March is 'Hat's off to Reading' and he gets a prize for every 2 hours of reading.  He has pretty much turned in a page every day!

January in Pictures

I realized that I've been severely lacking at picture postings... sorry parents! 

The start of a semester is always a little rough!

Our weather has been absolute incredible for January, so we've gotten to spend lots of time playing outside and soaking it up before the rain and snow make their entrance for real.

I got to go on a field trip with Zeke's second grade class.  They went to ATCAA Food Bank first and got to do different tasks sorting and packing food for distribution. As a family, we have served there multiple times, so Zeke knew the drill and I could tell he felt good about his handprints already being on their wall (every volunteer does this). 
Then next door, they visited the Humane Society and learned how they care for and adopt out the animals.
Lastly, the bus dropped the kids off at the park next to the school where they ate lunch, got to play out their wiggles, and then walk back to the school.
Great day!  So glad I got to join in on the fun!

Our princess and prince =)



Daddy and Bubby at Sullivan Creek School



This kid has got mad ball skills already!

Emmy got an American Girl doll (Kirsten :) ) for Christmas.  She LOVES her!

Bike riding

Off-roading