Chemo Begins

Today I went in for my first cycle of chemotherapy. This is 1 out of 6 which will hopefully end in November. For an unpleasant circumstance- it wasn't too bad!

Kaiser Infusion Center

Resting at Home (with Chloe)

 

Emerald Bay Beach Fun 2012

Fun with the Wades on July 19th!

 July Birthday Babies!

 Fun with Cousins on July 26th

 

Happy 7th Birthday Jason!

It is hard to believe that 7 years ago I gave birth to this boy who is now so BIG. I look at pictures and know that it happened, that he grew bigger each year, but it is still hard to believe that we are here today.


To celebrate Jason's birthday, we went to Fudruckers for dinner and then had a grand celebration on Sunday at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor.

Jason isn't the only July birthday in the Crout house. My mother in law, Mary, had her birthday on the 16th and I had mine on the 17th. Mary was in Portland and I was in Georgia during our birthdays--now we are all together again and ready to CELEBRATE!!

Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow Part 1

Since finding out I was going to have Chemotherapy, I knew there was a good chance I would be losing my hair. They recommend before you lose it that you cut it shorter. When I got back from my trip to Georgia I went with a new shorter do, but knew that I wouldn't have it for long. I let Jason help me cut it initially and then went to my stylist to finish the job- love it!!

 Long Hair (before Jason cut off pig tails)

 Before getting it cleaned up and cut off!

 Look at all that hair!

Love the new hairstyle!! Why did I wait so long?

When my hair grows back I am definitely going back to this style!!

New Hairstyle!

Since I will most likely be losing my hair once chemo begins- I decided to cut my hair short and have a fun new hairdo that I have always wanted!
I let Jason help my cut it before I had it finished by a professional. I love the end result and wish I would have done it sooner!! Oh well, I will enjoy it while I have it!!

 Pony tails that Jason cut off!

 After pony tails were cut off (not bad, but the back is gone)

 Look at all that hair (so much grey too)

I love it!!

Nathan at camp

Here are a few photos of Nathan at YSSC. He came home today- dirty, lots of mosquito bites, memories and stories to last a life time (or at least till next summer). Needless to say, Nathan and his Lost Arrow Cabin had the time of their lives!!

Sweet Savannah Time!

I had the great privilege of spending 5 days with my dear friend and her family in Savannah, GA. The Conatser Family moved from Irvine at the end of 2011 and I have missed them every day since. As soon as Julie left, I was determined to get out her way for a visit. I signed up for a Delta Sky Miles Credit Card just so I could earn miles that would get me there and not cost an arm and a leg.

While Nathan was at camp and Jason spent time with Dan and my mom, I flew out on Friday morning and stayed through Wednesday. I even celebrated my birthday there. This was made even better since Julie's mom, Beverly- aka "Shug", shares the same birthday as me. Julie really treated us well with a delicious breakfast in downtown Savannah and a wonderful homemade dinner.

My most favorite times were just sitting around their home and being with their family. I just missed spending that time with all of them: Rob- her amazing husband. Emma, Ethan and Maddie- her three adorable kids. Beverly- her awesome mom. We took walks when it wasn't too hot, ventured to South Carolina and Hilton Head. We attended their great church, Savannah Christian Fellowship. I got to meet lots of their new friends and we talked about dear friends back in California.

Views from Conatser Home in Pooler, GA

Hilton Head, SC

Birthday Fun - July 17

Fabulous Conatser Kids!

 Downtown Savannah, GA

 

 Friends Forever!!

All in all, it was a trip of a lifetime and I can't wait to go back again!!