2012 Annual Gingerbread Fun!

It's that time of year again where we get together to decorate gingerbread houses. We began doing this in 2001- my mom, her daughters (daughter in law too) and the two nieces. Next year we added Ryan and since then have added Mike, Gidget, Nathan and Jason.

We usually do this in November, but waited for Gracie to get home from college. Last year we were wearing tank tops and shorts during a November heat wave and today it sprinkled on us as we drank hot cider in the cold air. All in all- it was a great time!! Thanks for the memories!

 Grammy having fun with frosting!!

 Nathan enjoying hot cider and root beer float- crazy?

 Jason's house- looks like the candy monster got "sick" on it!

 Kalika is quite "organized" in her decorating!!

 Gracie is excited about being with family again!! 

Welcome home sweetie- we missed you!

 Cousins who were here!!

 The "littles" on the trampoline! So cute!

 The "bigs" back together again!

My sweet sisters and me-xoxox

Sing a Song

As a fourth grader in Irvine, Nathan started his music education. He could either have done an instrument or vocals. He chose vocals. This was the perfect choice for Nathan (for many reasons). First, you don't have to rent or buy an instrument. Second, you don't have to carry your instrument to and from the school twice a week (on your bike). Third, when God gave you a voice like Nathan's- it would be a shame not to use it!!

There will be three performances throughout the year and tonight was the first of them. It was really neat to see how much the kids have learned in just a few months- can't wait for the next ones!!

 Our take on "semi formal" attire- with a twist!

 Nathan and the girls

 Combined chorus- 4th, 5th and 6th

My handsome boy!

The end of the journey

My last chemo was on November 9th and on November 27th I began my radiation treatment. I have to go every day (monday thru friday) for four week (thats 20 times). I was dreading the drive out to Ontario every day, but thanks to my mom and many friends- I have had company to and from the hospital. This has made the time FLY by. The time spent at Kaiser is 20-30 minutes. It is so fast I almost forget I went someplace when I have come back home. Also, the staff are really great and make you feel right at home. I have met lots of interesting people- all with their own story!

The side effects have been more bearable than I could have hoped for. My skin has turned red and irritated, but it isn't so bad. I am tired some, but not as wiped out as my worst chemo days. All in all- no complaints here. Praise God!!

 The cows (and smells) of Chino Hills

Ontario where?

 Great Facility- just far away

I get my own special entrance!

 My home away from home

Just a glimpse::

Here are a few glimpses of the season coming up!

Thanksgiving 2012

We have so much to be thankful for this year. This year we spent the evening with members of our family. We were hosted by my mom and her husband on Balboa Island. My brother and his family were there as well as my wonderful mother in law. The food was great and the company even better~

 Nathan, Gidget & Jason

 Jason, Grandma Mary and Nathan

 My sweet sons

 My yummy plate of food

Dan & his mom!

Daily Shot!

Part of my treatment is to give myself a daily shot of Neupogen. Neupogen is a drug that increases my white blood count after each treatment. I would start two days after the chemo infusion and would continue for 10 days (times 6).

I saved all my needles- I figured, just as a child fills a jar of marbles for good behavior, I too would fill up my container and then reward myself for good behavior.

My reward? I am going to treat myself to a gym membership. I figure, I deserve it after all that I went through- right? I have spent so much time at home -ALONE- that I need to get out amongst other people and start getting back in shape (because I am out of it right now).

Last Chemo!!

Yes, we are finally here- today I had my last chemo infusion and this is one HAPPY girl!!  I thought I would walk you through my experience with some pictures:

 My Bag of stuff plus some goodies for the nursing staff!

 Driving down Alton- beautiful Fall morning!

Kaiser Hospital- Sand Canyon, Irvine

 Waiting Room for Infusion Center

 My last chair- nurse Regina working hard

 All plugged in- let the drip begin!

My view from the chair

 Elephant Bar for a celebratory lunch

 A yummy dessert to share

 5 minutes later- all gone!

 Waiting for me when I got home-

a sweet treat from Cathi-thank you!

After I finished up and was leaving the infusion center- several of the nurses gathered and clapped for me as well as rang the bell. It was quite a feeling of joy! There are many patients who have it much harder than I do, but I am so thankful for this positive experience- prayers were answered!!