College Vegas Trip

Fun college Las Vegas trip with roommates and my roommate's brother

Mike

My brother, Mike, finished his first 6 week round of daily radiation treatments last Friday. He was so relieved and is so anxious for the side effects to subside. He gets a short break from the chemo as well but will have to go back on it intermittently for a very long time. He's hoping to be able to start working from home again within the next few weeks. It's been unreal and mind-boggling to go through this again...especially with him. Cooper prays at every meal and every night for "Uncle Mike to get better and for his 'owie' to go away." Ironically, Friday was the 5th anniversary of my oldest brother's death. I've since then lost my Dad and another brother. And now Mike's diagnosis...all within less than 5 years...

He's determined to beat the statistics though, and knowing him, I'm pretty sure he will.

Spring Break 2010

Cooper lying in the sand

Boys on their bikes


My "Coca Light"


Cooper caught a Trigger fish in the Sea of Cortez


Taking the boat down to the beach


Inside the beach house

(you can see me giving Cooper a breathing treatment in the background)

View from the family room

the beach house

Caden loved riding his bike

The Boys at the Beach

Caden feeding the seagulls and then running away

Cooper posing by the beach

~~~

We went to Mexico for Spring Break again this year and enjoyed visiting with Grandma and Grandpa Great. The boys loved the total freedom of the beach and playing in the sand. The water was too cold for swimming, but we found lots of shells and played in the tide pools. Had lots of yummy shrimp and had a blast!

Mom's 70th Birthday Party

the Party!

the cake

the table centerpieces consisted of candy and a book

with info about the year she was born

Mom and Dad's house built in 2003

the party favors (I love these!)

Mom's backyard

the Banner

~~~

My Mom turned 70 yesterday and had the party of parties to celebrate. I took on the role of official "party planner" and had fun coming up with a theme and decorations, favors, and everything. It was a milestone birthday and there were many reasons to celebrate. In spite of me informing everyone on the invitations that it was her 70th birthday, (which she wasn't too happy about), I think my mom enjoyed it. It turned out to be a beautiful day and it was a lot of fun.

Dream Car

I've been promised the day I go back to teaching I will get this car. I've wanted one ever since they first came out. I know, expensive taste.... haha. But it has to be lime green with a sunroof and maybe a spoiler, too. I would trade the Durango in right now if we didn't need the size of an SUV (Gotta love that HEMI!) Every time I see one it makes me smile ... :)

Family

Me, my Mom, and my brother Mike

~~~

My brother Mike was diagnosed with brain cancer in late January of this year. He had surgery and is now undergoing radiation and taking the new chemo pill. His prognosis is good and we're all praying for the best. He is fighting for his life and I admire him and am humbled by his courage and faith through this...

Caden's Hospital Stay

Caden's walk with his I.V. and his nurse

Caden with the hospital therapy dog "Meisha"

Caden checking out his "boo boo"

Caden with Aunt Samantha under the oxygen tent

I had to take Caden to the ER Monday morning and he was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. It was a rough 4 days and 3 nights with breathing treatments, IVs, X-rays, an oxygen tent, blood draws, and a fever that would not go down. He was so brave even though he was so sick. Mommy had to stay the night and sleep under the oxygen tent with him which was "an experience..." What a tough week but we are so happy to be home again and to have him better...

Video of Caden's walk with his IV and nurse during his last night there..

(pretty cute)

Caden and "Meisha"