A great day

Today Trav took the day off and we went to the Zoo. We went this same weekend last year and it is beginning to be a great tradition for the fam. It turned out to be a great day! The weather wasn't too hot, all the animals were out and about, and it wasn't too crowded.

The girls loved the zoo, but I think they loved having the whole day to spend with daddy. It's almost embarrassing how much they prefer him over me...I love this picture. The girls are really bonding together and have a really beautiful friendship. They were swinging like monkeys while we were waiting for that super awesome train ride.
And speaking of the super awesome train ride...Here we are. I believe this was their favorite part of the whole day. And it was a buck, and if you haven't ridden the train, I will let you know that it is only worth a buck. But they loved it-so whatever.

Daddy and Sienna.
Mom and Adyson
After the zoo we went to lunch and then took the girls to temple square. We weren't sure if they would really enjoy it, but we really underestimated them. Adyson was in awe of the flowers, and it didn't hurt that we saw 5 beautiful brides there. Sienna just loves being outside and was loving roaming free! While we were there we went into the visitor center and walked around and looked at all the beautiful paintings. I loved listening to Adyson tell us about them, and it was beautiful to find a little peace during the craziness of the day. It was great to just spend the day together, but we are all exhausted now, and ready for a relaxing weekend.

A work in progress.

Freaking Cancer. It makes me all sentimental sometimes. Forgive me once again.

When we got the results the other day from the CAT, we were both a little bummed. I know, I know, call us greedy, but we wanted MAJOR shrinkage...We wanted a miracle. We were happy things haven't spread, but you know, we wanted just a little bit more.

So at church on Sunday one of our friends was asking about the results. When we told them there was no change we slipped in our usual "we were really hoping for a miracle." To which he replied, "Isn't it a miracle? I mean really, isn't it amazing that the medicine is working?"

Yes. I guess it is. And while I have been thinking about how maybe this is our miracle, I realized maybe we have had many.

We found out Trav had cancer because he was feeling too tired to golf and losing weight. He had no pain. In a matter of a week they were able to diagnose him, and take his right kidney out. Miracle. They found that the tumor was contained to his kidney by a margin of 2mm. Miracle. If we would have waited longer it would have spread much quicker.

After the kidney was taken out we had 2 years cancer free. Since his cancer has come back I haven't really thought, until tonight, how amazing those 2 years were for our family. They were different than our first couple of years of marriage because all the sudden we were cherishing every second together. We started looking at life differently.

So now, as you all know, it's back. And as much as I have tried to have positive attitude about all of this, I've had my moments...:). But I am realizing tonight that maybe we have had our miracle. It is amazing that my husband has stage 4 cancer and the medicine is working. Maybe instead of waiting and hoping for a miracle to come, and to be cancer free, I should be thankful that there is a treatment that, for now, is working. Maybe this is our miracle.

So once again, I am hoping for a better attitude in all of this and a better outlook on life. Instead of hoping for more I am going to try to be thankful for what we have been given. Don't judge me if I am back to my complaining self in a future post, I am a work in progress you see.

Appreciate these please

3 adults
7 kids
2 photography sittings

What were we thinking?

Please appreciate these pictures. They were pure h*ll to get. Seriously.

Heather and Jody came for a quick visit on their way to Lake Powell. They were only here for a few days and we had much to celebrate. My Grandmas birthday, Brielle's Birthday and Breje's birthday. My mom really wanted to squeeze in the yearly grandkids photo too.

So Saturday morning we woke up and got the kids as cute as possible in their clean new clothes and headed to Kiddie Kandids. Of course there was a wait, so we let the kids burn some energy running through the mall hallways. If you were there, I'm sorry. They were out of control! Finally they got there pictures done, and actually did really well. All smiles, no tantrums, darling pictures. Success, or so we thought.

We sat down to view the pictures and the photographer totally screwed up, there was a curtain in a picture and to zoom away from it we would have to chop Trayson face off or half of Kutter. And hey, we like those 2 boys.

So we had to schedule a retake photo for later. Ugh.

So we went to a birthday lunch for everyone and just prayed no one would spill, and then drug them all back to kiddie kandids where the tantrums were plentiful.

I think they all turned out pretty cute, but please I ask you once again, appreciate these pictures. Don't mind the carpet being in them, they did edit that out in the prints we got.

I also wanted to wish a happy birthday to Grandma, Brielle, and Breje. I am so bummed I didn't get any pictures of the party. Brielle dug into her cake and I swear she almost ate the whole thing! It was great to all be together for a little while this weekend, and I always love to watch Adyson and Kutter play. They are seriously inseparable. BFFS.

One more thing. This weekend I asked Adyson what she wanted to be when she grows up, and she said a mom, so she can get mad. The mother of the year award goes too....

She's growing up, and I'm slowing down

Okay, seriously. Someone stop my Adyson from growing up!

This week has been a good one for Miss Ady, but has made me realize how grown up she is! Yesterday Adyson was invited to an Ice-skating Birthday party. I'm sure I have blogged about Adysons complete fear of...well everything, so I was a bit worried about this party. First they went to cute little "N"s house to eat pizza, cake and ice-cream and to do the gifts. So I walked her over there and she got a little nervous, and I just felt the meltdown coming, but then all of the sudden she calmed down and was just fine.

Apparently I don't have a lot of faith because I was positive they would bring her back crying before they went to the rink, but she went, and she had a blast! She asked if we could go back again today. I'm thinking maybe I will sign her up for lessons...:).

Then today Adyson had her last day of 1st year pre-school. Pre-school has been amazing for Adyson. She has made so many great friends and learned so much. Her seriously amazing teacher made each of the kids yearbooks with pictures of them throughout the year. While I looked at it I couldn't help but tear up. She was soooo tiny when she started, and has really grown in size and spirit this year.

My great friend Lorinda had her baby yesterday, and today I got to go see her. (Rin, she is a beauty!) I couldn't help but think back to when my girls were born. It feels like months ago, not years ago. I have decided that due to my girls growing much to quickly, this year I am going to slow down and soak in every moment. My summer is going to be dedicated to walks, swimming, parks, picnics, chalk on the sidewalks, buying warm lemonade from lemonade stands, camping, running through sprinklers and just loving my kids. I'm slowing down, and I think I'm gonna love it.

More

We did speak to the Doctor on Monday, and he wasn't super worried about the growth of the met to his lung. He said his main concern is that it doesn't spread, and while we don't want it growing, it was a very small amount and nothing to be super worried about.

So 12 more, and then we get to do another scan. Fun!!!

Sorry I didn't post about it sooner. I kind of forgot. :)

Outside fun

For Sienna's Birthday Heather gave her a new Ariel sprinkler, and on Friday I let the girls try it out. Heather, it was a hit! It cracked me up to watch them because they both went at it in their true spirit. Adyson was nervous and cautious, but loved it, and Sienna dove right in. Thanks Heather for the fun gift, just so you know they have asked to run through the sprinklers everyday since!

We had a great weekend. My mom offered to watch the kids for a while on Friday night and we were able to spend some quality time together, which was needed after the CAT. Olive Garden, Borders, Lowes...Romantic eh? :).

Saturday morning Travis put in some time on a flower bed that has turned into a huge eye sore. He put down mulch and put in a nice stone path, (the girls dig it, btw.) It turned out super nice, and he is so proud he actually asked if I took pics to put on my blog. Vain T. Vain. :)

We are excited to finally talk to the doctor tomorrow and hopefully he will be able to explain the results a bit better. We will keep you posted.

A little news

So at noon today we still hadn't heard from the Dr., and I may have been freaking out a big...Everytime the phone would ring I would get the nervous tummy...and then when it turned out to be someone else, I would get a little mean. Sorry mom, dad, Cody, and Grandma..yes I was even mean to my Grandma. I wont apologize to the Dish network people who wont take the freakin hint to stop calling us. Maybe this time I was mean enough...

So I called Trav and made him call the office. Apparently the Doctor wasn't there today, meaning we wouldn't get our results till Monday. So he called the hospital and they let him come and pick them up.

So these results are as much as we can understand about the report, I'm sure on Monday the Dr. will help us understand more.

Almost everything was Stable, meaning there was no change at all. There is one spot in his lungs that has gone from 8mm to 1 cm, and I'm not sure how concerned the Dr. will be about that.

We are happy that things seem to be stable, but admittingly a bit bummed that there wasn't more shrinkage. :). We were sort of hoping for a miracle.

Maybe next time. I'm hoping that on Monday we will know a little more.

Thanks again for all the phone calls and visits.

No News

Trav had his CAT scan today, but we still haven't heard results. It's been a crappy long day, and every time the phone rang I was dissapointed that it wasn't the Dr.

Hopefully tomorrow we will have some news. Keep sending good thoughts are way! And thanks for all the phone calls checking in. We have good friends!

Fantastic

A few weeks ago we had a mother daughter dinner for Acheivement days. One of my friends had the recipe for sweet pork, cilantro lime rice, and the dressing..you know the dressing...all from Cafe Rio.

We tried to make it on Mothers day, and it was a success.

So I made it tonight for Bunco, and promised to share the recipes, so here you go. For all you out of staters that miss your Cafe Rio, I hope this helps you get your fix.

Sweet Pork

1 pork roast

1 can of coke

1 bottle of red taco sauce, I had never heard of this but it was by the enchilada sauce. It comes in medium and mild.

1 cup of brown sugar

Put the roast in the crockpot and fill the crockpot 1/3 full of water. Put on low overnight. In the morning the roast should be tender and you should be able to shred it with a fork.

In a bowl add coke, red taco sauce, and brown sugar to blend. pour over roast and let simmer all day. It thickens up much better if you leave the lid off.

I doubled this recipe tonight and it made oodles of pork. I bet I could have only used one.

Cilantro lime rice (my favorite)

Cook your rice in chicken broth and lime zest. I used a whole bag of rice, 3 cans of broth and the zest of 2 limes. After the rice is cooked chop up some cilantro and mix through.

Easy as pie.

Dressing. mmmmmm.

1 cup mayo

1 package dry buttermilk ranch

2 tomatillos

1 jalepeno (I take most of the seeds out so it isn't too hot)

1/2 bunch cilantro

a dash of lime juice

Mix it together in your blender or food processor and enjoy. I tripled the recipe tonight and it is almost gone.

I served it in these, but I know that you can buy those same containers they use at Cafe Rio at the grocery store, and layer a tortilla inside it and that would work great.

Serve it with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, cilantro, and a lime wedge, and it really tastes just like Cafe Rio. It is delicious!

Make-up Face

Adyson's bedtime routine is as follows

Potty
Drink
Teeth
Prayers
Tuck in.

After a few minutes she usually calls out from her bed that she wants a toy to sleep with. It usually consists of a barbie, Polly pocket, or a princess. She talks to it for a second, and then falls asleep.

I guess the other night her 'toy' was make-up. It is all over her sheets. I mean, everywhere.

I guess next time we better check what 'toy' she has. :0

Mothers Day Weekend, and it's CAT Scan time.

This weekend was crazy busy. I can't believe it is over....Here are a few things we did.

We planted a whole bunch of these on the side of our house...(a smaller version.)


This one got her hair straightened for the first time. I realize this isn't the best pic, but I sort of forgot to take pics this weekend....she is currently sick. Fevered, terrible cough...doesn't she know it is spring? We should be healthy in the spring.

Heather and Jody came for a quick trip. This one (Brielle) stole Adyson's twinkie. Doesn't she look like she enjoyed it? (She's perfect.) This one played much to hard with her cousins, and felt asleep at 6 p.m. at Grandmas house. She has a dbl. ear infection. Seriously, what is wrong with my kids? I'm tired of them being sick, and I imagine they are too.
My dear husband, under specific instructions from me, got me this shelf to hang on my freshly painted walls....Thankyou T.

And he surprised me by getting me this movie. It's a personal favorite, and he did GOOD!
We had a great time celebrating with my family. I think mothers day is a great Holiday and it makes me realize how divine my calling as a mother is. I am thankful for the example of both my mom and my mother in law.

Travis worked super hard on Saturday planting the trees, painting, and taking care of the lawn. It was nice to have him feel so good on a Saturday. He still has 3 cankers right now and his mouth feels pretty terrible.

This week is the big one for us. Thursday he goes in for his CAT scan, and we are praying for good results. I'll admit, I am scared. I need a little more faith. It's hard to have to do this every 12 weeks because it seems like we just get to the point where we are used to our lives again, and this reminds us of our situation.

We would really appreciate your prayers headed our way. And if any of you faithful people want to teach me how you got that way, I would appreciate it! :)

Battle at Kruger

This video is about 8 minutes long, but totally awesome. We were on the edge of our seats the whole time. Nature lovers will totally dig it. The rest of you may think I'm lame...whatever.

Noel posted this link on her blog and I loved it. It is perfectly written, and totally inspiring. It made me want to savor every second on my childrens lives. Read it. Love it. Live it.

Words of WIsdom

Adyson is sick this morning. It's raining outside, and we are all feeling lazy. I spent this morning sitting here letting the kids watch "toons" and have been blog hopping for a while. I haven't had the time to just sit and read strangers blogs for a while....(is it weird that I do that?)

Anyways, I stumbled on a post about mothers and in the comments section you were supposed to write your mom's best words of wisdom (the best one wins a prize.) I, who loves free stuff, tried to think of my mom's best words of wisdom.

Before I give them to you, I have to say that I had plenty to choose from. But these words are the words that I will use with my kids nightly. I am sure that they are the strongest and smartest words my great mom has ever said to me.

"I'll wait up for you."

And she did. Whether I got home at 10 p.m. or 2 a.m. my mom was always in the front room waiting. Sure, sometimes she would doze off, but as soon as we opened the door she would sit up and talk to us about our night. Sometimes it was nothing more than a few words, but she was always there and I always had to look her in the eyes.

It helped me make better choices because I knew if I made the wrong choice, she would know instantly. And trust me, when I did make wrong choices....she knew.

So now that I am a parent, I am going to use this one! So in honor of the approaching mothers day, I would love to hear your mom's best words of wisdom. What are you taking from her and using on your kids?

Sorry there's no prize for this one, but it should be fun anyway!

I also have no idea who's blog inspired this, so I can't give credit. But if it was yours, thank you.

More Birthdays

Yes more Birthdays...this time of year is crazy for us!

I just wanted to give my mom a Birthday shout out. My mom is an amazing person through and through. She would do anything for me and is always there to take care of us. She is an example of the type of person I want to be and has always raised us with love and warmth. Instead of just being my mom, she is also my friend, and I pray that my girls will think of me in the same way.

Mom, thank you for always doing so much for us. You are an amazing mom, friend, and grandma and I hope your day is wonderful!

Today is also Ashley's birthday (so head over to her blog and give her some b-day love). Ashley, I love you and can't imagine a better friend! I hope your day is wonderful too!

Our weekend in review

Our Weekend was pretty wonderful. We celebrated Trav's Birthday numerous times by playing monopoly, watching the Jazz win and then watching them lose, and eating out one to many times.

Adyson and I made Travis his very favorite dessert, banana cream pie. Adyson was so proud ans so excited to surprise her dad with it. She layered all the banana's in the bottom and then managed to lick the pudding spoon and the whipped cream spoon, lucky kid. Travis has felt pretty crappy for the last couple of weeks. His incredibly large canker (which we have nicknamed Joe), is finally starting to go away and thankfully this weekend he started feeling better. He had a great day on Saturday getting some yard work done and of course, more painting. :) Thanks for all your birthday wishes to him!

Sienna managed to get herself quite a scrape while playing outside this weekend. She had a huge bump on her forehead and has a nice scab on her nose. The worst part is neither Trav or I are sure how it happened. Yes, we are parents of the year.

Before church on Sunday Adyson and Sienna were fighting over the infamous Dora chair. They both really wanted to sit on it. When I finally got fed up enough to come and break up the fighting they had found their own solution. Sienna was sitting on Adyson's lap and Ady was rubbing her back. I love those moments when they are such great friends!

Happy Birthday T!

Today Travis turns 33.

I wont write my usual birthday letter. It would be tearful, mushy, and I would have embarrassed myself.

Instead, you get a few fun facts about my love. 33 to be exact. I know the list is long, I mean he is 33 :), but enjoy.

1.He is competitive, not just a little, but a lot. He can't lose, even at Monopoly. (This makes life interesting because I hate to lose too!)

2.His laugh is contagious. It's a full belly chuckle. I love it. Really, really, love it.

3.He loves to golf. And has gotten a whole in one once. So he says.......Just kidding. He really did. he still glows when he talks about it.

4.He shares my total detest of tomatoes. :)

5.He adores his girls. I mean really adores his girls. They have him wrapped right around their fingers. He would do anything for them, and does his best to make them smile. And the girls love him in the same manner. They can't wait for him to come home from work, and love using him as a jungle gym. He's truly an amazing dad.

6.He loves me too. I like that about him. He always makes sure that I am okay. I like that about him too.

7.He is patient.

8.He can make pancakes much better than me. Adyson says moms are too crunchy.

9.He is honest.

10.He has a strong testimony, making mine stronger.

11.He is a fighter.

12.He served his mission in Madrid, Spain. Someday we hope to go back!

13.He loves a good roast. Which makes vegan life a bit hard.

14.He can sing. Sadly, much, much, much better than me.

15.I cut his ear once while cutting his hair in Beauty School. He kept coming back.

16.He loves to take his wedding ring off and spin it and I just know one day he will lose it.

17.He loves to watch sports. I mean all sports. And ESPN. Always ESPN.

18.He's colored my hair once. That's a whole other post. Stick to computers T. Stick to computers.

19.He very rarely swears. I wish that would rub off on me.

20.He is selfless.

21.He talks with his hands. Especially while driving.

22.He loves to work.

23.And he works for everything we have.

24.And we have plenty.

25.He hates shrimp. Crazy boy.

26.But he loves Dr. Pepper. Crazy boy again.

27.He sucks at doing the laundry. I think he may suck on purpose so I stop asking him to do it...

28.He has loads and loads of faith. I wish I could have some.

29.He is a morning person.

30.He is seriously amazing.

31.He truly is a computer geek.

32.He kisses me goodbye every morning. I seem to sleep through it most of the time. But he still does it. I dig it.

33.He obviously is going through a lot right now, and does it with the most amazing attitude. He never acts too tired or too sick to be with us.

I love you Travis and can't wait to spend MANY more Birthdays with you.