Mother's Day

Today was a beautiful day full of sunshine, love, laughter, and family. Bruce and the boys made breakfast in bed for Grandma (she got out of bed too early) and me. It is a tradition we all love. The boys love playing waiter and I enjoy hanging out in bed a little while longer. We had a nice time at church and then went to my brother, Paul's house for dinner and play time.
On the way home from Paul's house, Bruce asked me what my favorite part of the day was and oddly enough, the cards from Bruce and the boys were on the top of the list.
The card I got from the boys featured a bunch of kids yelling, "Mom", "Ma", "Mother", etc. over and over and then, "Happy Mother's Day!"-- very appropriate.
This is what Bruce's card said: "Once there was this guy. A nice guy really. And he met this girl. An incredible girl. So naturally this guy falls head over heels in love with her, and much to his surprise, she feels the same way, too. But that's just the beginning of the story... A few years pass and the guy and the girl have built a pretty good life together. They're a family with all the usual stuff thrown in. One day, between all the to-do's and have-to's, the guy stops and looks at his wife and he thinks- WOW. How did life get so good? And then he looks back at his wife and there's the answer... He met, fell in love with, and married the perfect girl. (What a lucky, lucky guy.) Happy Mother's Day!
It was a great day and I love all of my boys!

The Race for the Cure

A couple of weeks ago Brooke mentioned that some friends from work were planning on participating in the Race for the Cure in SLC and were wondering if I felt up to joining them. I was a little hesitant because I would be just one week out from chemo and probably wouldn't have the energy to walk 5K. I was assured that a wheelchair would be available if needed, so I happily accepted the invitation.


I then asked my family, including Sue, to join the festivities.




The race was a huge success, with an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 in attendance. The energy and spirit were incredible. It was great to feel the unity and power of so many people fighting the fight. Stories were told through signs, shirts, banners and cheers. It was a life-changing day and I am grateful to have been able to share it with family and friends.

Rick and Page Race for the Cure

My brother, Rick, and his wife, Page, participated in the Race for the Cure in North Carolina last week. Thanks to both of you for racing your hearts out and for supporting me in this fight!



And here is a picture of their baby, Everett. He is so cute!!! Suzette and I are going to meet him at the end of the month.

Done with Chemo Forever?!

How nice would it be to never have to have chemo again?! It is hard to let myself go down that road because of the heartache that accompanies disappointment, but... When I think about life without chemo, suddenly I have so much more time in my week and so much more energy to live. I think of nice long walks, playing outside with the boys, going to the gym, working, mowing the lawn, having the strength to actually 'scrub' when I clean, going up and down the stairs without a second thought -- basically having energy to do whatever I want to without having to take a break or having to prioritize my activities. I also think about having my hair back and wonder if my skin will ever be back to normal. I wonder how I ever took my health for granted. I think about the future. I think about my boys in school, graduating, getting married. I think about family vacations, missions, and grandkids... Life without chemo- what a wonderful thought!
Today I am taking it easy. On Friday I had my 20th chemo treatment and I do best if I do nothing at all for 3 or 4 days. Remarkably, I have kept most of my hair during this last round of treatments. It has thinned as the weeks have gone by and now it threatens to fall out with every turn of my head. I have been incredibly blessed with energy and minimal nausea. I have kept my finger nails, my hands don't itch, and I have my parents helping me this week while Bruce is at a medical conference. Even with chemo, I've got it good!
Thanks for your love, support, and continued prayers!
Jeanel

Picture Perfect Day?

Ryker turned 2 in January. It is now May. This week Brooke and I took the boys to Temple Square in an attempt to capture a picture that would be '2-year-old-portrait-worthy'. That was a high stress day for me because I was trying to get things done around the house before my last chemo treatment. When I came downstairs, after sorting through the boys' winter clothes, I found Xander with a butterfly stamp in his hand that he stamped all over his arms and face, as well as Ryker's face. As the boys can probably tell you, I was not happy and I didn't have time to get myself ready... Anyway, after the scrub down, the 30 minute drive, and the military march to the photo shoot (to avoid any wrinkles or dirt) we made it to the chosen spot. Landon decide he couldn't remember how to smile, Xander chose not to smile, and Ryker either looked like he was in pain or didn't want to pay attention. Some how Brooke managed to get some good shots and hopefully I won't burn in 'bad-mommy-dum'.
On a more positive and less stressful note, this week I was able to go to Women's Conference at BYU with my sister and mom. We had a great time. The speakers were great and focused on being able to do all things with the strength of the Lord. It was nice to be back on campus and see how things have changed over the passed 13 years.

Time Spent

It seems like the hours of the day just fly by. While looking at the state of things in my house, I thought of some of the ways I spent my time this week in an attempt to justify.
First of all, Monday was still a sick day and I didn't really have energy to do much until Tuesday/Wednesday.
1 hour on the phone with our new mortgage lender because they told us to send our payment to the wrong place-- resulting in waving of the $91 late fee.
1 hour lesson at the Apple Store learning to use iPhoto on my MacBook.
1 hour at the fabric store picking out the perfect material for a tote (see 5.5 hours below). I had a really hard time deciding on a fabric and I kept knocking down the bolts of material that surrounded the tables, so I was late picking up Xander from pre-school. Thanks to Janene for grabbing him.
1 hour at Landon's soccer game. They actually scored a goal! I need to get a megaphone because I have to cough every time I yell.
2 hours spent planning summer activities for the boy- soccer, baseball, swimming lessons, Arts-in-the Park, tennis lessons, Lagoon...
2 hours at Lagoon on Saturday. It was a beautiful day! There were no crowds and the boys were able to walk on all of the rides without a wait. Xander's favorite is The Bat, Landon's favorite is Wicked, and Ryker giggles and giggles on Lady Bug Drop.
3 hours spent making and decorating cakes that in the end weren't all that great. (Next time Michelle!)
4 hours spent on the computer researching breast cancer vaccines. This is going to be my next attempt at fighting my breast cancer. The vaccines are still experimental, aren't all that effective, and the side effects are still unknown, but anything to boost my chances at surviving...
5 hours on the phone with Direct TV over the last couple of weeks. We had the installation man come 4 times (4 hour blocks each time) before our upgrade to HD was complete-- resulting in 2 free HD DVRs.
5.5 hours spent making the most spectacular tote bag. Thank you Tonya. I am really enjoying becoming more crafty.

5.6 hours hanging out at Kim's...
6 hours on the computer researching and planning trips. Suzette and I are going to go to NC to visit my brother, RIck and his family in May. They just had a baby 2 weeks ago and we are going to meet the newest member of the family. Then, in June we will be going to Wisconsin for family vacation. I haven't been back in years and I want Bruce and the boys to see my hometown. I am also planning a 5th anniversary get away in July. Also, Bruce and I are planning a trip to Peru in the fall. Bruce served his LDS mission there and has been back several times on medical missions. He is excited to be the tour guide. I'm hope my sister and her husband will be joining us on this adventure. (No pressure!) Living with cancer just makes me want to take advantage of every day. There are so many things I want to do and experience in this life that require physical abilities and energy, so we are going to take advantage of my break from chemo and live it up this summer.
7 hours keeping Landon in his room. On Friday he came home from school at noon because of a cough and having the chills. The office lady informed me that his temperature was 97.8. In the car on the way home he asked me what the chills were and said, "Listen, I think my cough is gone." Needless to say, he was not sick, but at our house, if you come home sick you are in your room for the rest of the day with just books to read. I don't think he'll try pulling that again any time soon.
And my favorite... Last minute mailing of our state taxes on 15 April because we owed money this year. I found the check that was suppose to be in the envelope on the floor of the mini van 3 days later. I wonder how much that is going to cost!
A promise to our house: You will get some attention this week.

Easter Egg FUN!!