Chemo Goes ON and So Do WE

I have promised the sisters in our ward that I would share a picture of my hero using the blanket they so lovingly made for him. The pain doctor gave him a magnetic blanket to help with loss of heat which he uses at home, but at chemotherapy it is always this blanket of love and caring that he uses. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for such sweet charity given to us. They provide cushy recliners and television to help fill the six hours we have to sit while the chemo drugs are infused. Last time, two week ago, they added Avastin to the group of drugs infused. These seem to be having a positive affect although the pain did not decrease.
A week ago, we went to the pain doctor who has started acupuncture therapy. She is an awesome person. We were just discussing the positive affect the treatment has had on him. Two days later and frequently since, we have observed him having a belly laugh or two and his energy level has been up. He is still having a hard time facing the man in the mirror because he perceives that he has aged years in appearance. I tell him, NO, he's actually getting younger...which caused another belly laugh when his voice cracked later in conversation.

This is the hero's high five. He wears warm gloves to prevent
shocking himself during the treatment and for four days afterward. He can not eat or touch anything cold and must stay warm during that time. He lives for when the time is up and he can have an ice cream brown cow. Some people look at him a little strange when we are walking into the store, the temperature is 75 to 80 degrees, full sun and he has on his gloves, and jacket. He can't handle the cold around the cold keepers.

Last week he had the fun of having our second oldest with her new baby come work a half day. He was impressed how quiet the baby was and how pleasant he was when playing. How do you like the way he winks to flirt and say "you want to pick me up"...Too cute.

We finally got the pictures of my fourth daughter's son's second birthday. The two shared the wonderful chocolate cake and the joy of being together. It is so fun to be in our room in the evening and hear the pitter patter of little feet running through the house and a knock knock on our door with sweet voice calling out our names. This little boy is a special critter that bringing a swelling of the heart and a big smile when he reaches up those little arms to his grandadE.

God is good.

Next is the result of a couple of hours of fun on the Internet by the hero with his two granddaughters. They are in order of age. First is Venus's and the second is Iris's.

Iris gathering apples in a basket for her granddadE and grandmomE. How thoughtful.

Venus and GranddadE sailing in the ocean. He asked for a picture of a tall ship on the ocean. She obliged. What good would a ship be without passengers. And what fun would a trip be alone?

These drawing were done on a doodle pad while they talked on yahoo im with the hero.

This is a motivating factor to the hero to continue the fight to overcome. He loves his children, and his grandchildren.

We are still praying for a few miracles and blessings to occur. I know it will happen.

New Life

WOW...twins!!!!
My #1 daughter had challenges with her pregnancy and I had to go and stay with her and her family. What fun. There are 3 girls and 2 boys. We have had so much fun. I have never been away from my husband in 35 years for more than 4 days and this has been a whole month and 2 weeks! If it were not for Nextel's and email, I don't know if we would have been able to have made it for the entire time. Technology is great!

On the 19th of February, the twin boys were born. A red head and a blond head. A major adjustment for the 2 year old boys already in the home and the mom and dad. Russ likes to hold both babies at a time and they love it.

The mom had a uterine infection develop 3 days after and scared me to death with 104+degree temperature. We made an emergency run to the doctor's office who ordered IV antibiotic therapy at home. [That was fun doing IV push and IV drip for three days.] The wonderful thing was as we arrived home, her Relief Society members brought by a meal for the family. Since we were so exhausted, that was a real blessing.

This weekend, my husband comes to fetch me home. I look so forward to seeing his loving face.
While I was at my daughter's, I took my first exam and began preparation for my term paper as well as turning my son-in-law's house into a greenhouse full of cuttings.

Life is all good. The Northwest is enjoying rain and snow. The South is enjoying a lovely spring. The best is that, I get to enjoy the best of both.

My #3 daughter has become twitterpated and my #1 son is graduating in May. My #2 daughter's son was dog piled in a physical education class activity and broke his clavicle.
My adopted daughter has lost over 30 lbs and dropped a whole dress size. How cool is that!


[The boy on the right is the one who broke his clavicle. This is a picture of when they visited Idaho. Note the Darth Tater shirts. LOL]










My understanding of life is growing every day. I hope that we will learn the direction that I and my husband are supposed to be moving in as we move into our middle age years. We are praying and seeking guidance so that we can make good decisions and not just act on impulse.
Listening to a living prophet helps more than I can ever explain.

"I believe the meek and the humble are those who are teachable. They are willing to learn. They are willing to listen to the whisperings of the still, small voice for guidance in their lives. They place the wisdom of the Lord above their own wisdom."(Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, January 2001, 2)