health update

Friends and family are continually wondering how Travis is doing. How's he feeling? What's the latest on the tumor and treatment?.....etc. We met with our radiation oncologist last week for him to go over the MRI results from the previous week.

According to him and the entire tumor board, the tumor, as I've stated before, appears stable. That's great and exactly what they want to see. For some reason, I thought that perhaps it would have shrunk or miraculously disappeared. That didn't happen, but hopefully the tumor has been stunned into submission and will no longer grow. The doctor explained that it took a long time to grow. This means it could actually shrink over time but we may not see anything for 9-12 months. Because it is low grade, it divides and grows very slowly. The growth cycle is very slow so as cells go to divide, they will not be able to because of the radiation damage. That's what we hope for and expect.

Travis feels great. He looks great. He's still got the same symptoms on the right side of his face. They don't really bother him or affect him in any way. If the tumor were to shrink, there's a chance that his facial nerves could return to normal. But, honestly, that's not my biggest concern. He will be monitored with MRIs every 6 months. That's it for treatment. Life has basically returned to a new normal. 

I really don't dwell on the fact that Travis has a brain tumor. Many friends ask me how I function normally. Trust me, you adapt. I don't think about it constantly. We live our life, take care of the kids and our home, work, play, you know, live our life. I can't say that I don't worry. Wonder what the future holds. Don't we all worry and wonder? None of us can know for certainty. The only thing I'm certain about is that life is uncertain. In a way, it keeps me grateful, humble, and keeps me in the moment. I can only control me, the way I deal with the circumstances. My faith is strong and I have a testimony that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of us. This is part of the plan. I'm sure I agreed to this a very long time ago. How am I learning from it and what will I do with it? These are some of the things I think about. 

My Birthday Week

Well, lots to update.........

First of all, last Thursday I celebrated my 36th birthday. (that number scares me a bit) I guess there's really no way around it. It's just weird that I don't feel like what I used to think a 36 year old would be like. Does that make sense? 

I got to spend the day at the Arizona Dental Convention with my dear friend, Cara. We both need the continuing education credits for dental hygiene. Being with her made it such a fun day. For lunch we met up with two other great friends, Lisa and Jill at Claimjumper in Tempe. (a meeting point between Phoenix and Gilbert) It was really sweet of them and I enjoyed myself immensely!

Later that evening, my family celebrated with me. The kids and Travis are always so thoughtful on my special days. I asked for a guitar and Travis delivered. I think I'll learn to play. He also got me some beautiful custom jewelry made by my friend, Noelle. Olivia bought me some cute silver earrings and fancy pens with her own money. Darling!I baked my own cake......totally my choice! If I was going to indulge, I didn't want a store bought one and Travis doesn't bake. I don't hold this against him in any way. Really.

My cute parents, Rollin and Juanita:
My darling sister, Emily and her babe, Paisley:

The next day we were off to Pinetop for the weekend. Our friends, Teresa and Delbert, let us stay in their charming cabin.  We hung out with the kids and enjoyed the cold weather for one last time. It was a quick trip, but a fun getaway.

My next adventure took me to the Marquee theatre where I saw David Archuleta (from American Idol) perform. He was absolutely adorable and amazing. It was worth standing for 3 straight hours. (standing room only) My mom and I had a good time together. We were supposed to meet up with my aunt and cousin but couldn't get to them in the front. We would have gotten beat up by some serious fans if we'd tried. I do think I'm a fan now. He's so talented and such a nice boy! I really sound like a mom, huh? My mom pointed out that technically I could be his mom. Scary. 

My last and most recent adventure took me to the Sun's game against the 76ers. It was a fun and fast-moving game. Suns won! It was a blast to see Nash and Shaq play. They are all just awesome to see in person. My brother and sister-in-law joined us and it was oh, so much fun!

Travis had his MRI last week and results show a stable tumor that remains unchanged. Nothing unexpected. He's doing fabulous and we will continue to monitor it. 

Life is good, what more can I say?

Ragnar Relay

My latest adventure happened last weekend when I participated in the Del Sol Ragnar Relay, a 202 mile race from Prescott to Mesa. I was on a team of 12 fun people organized by my friend, Kori. I ran over 15 miles from Friday to Saturday afternoon. It was a crazy, sleep-deprived, adrenaline-pumping experience and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait until next year to do it again.

This was my final leg in Fountain Hills. It was a short but brutal run. I spent the middle mile running straight up an insane hill. I should say I ran/walked. I am not that tough.

This is our team. We called ourselves the "Yoggers" , I think, from Anchorman. I don't get it. There were 5 girls and 7 guys. (Our first runner is already running and his wife is standing in.)

We had 2 suburbans with 6 people in each one. I was in the second car and was runner #7. Tessie and Garrett brought "Bettie," their motor home. It was great to have a place to rest and hang out when our group of 6 wasn't running. We watched movies, ate and slept. Kori and I even managed a couple of quick showers between runs. We had a new running outfit for each of our 3 runs. I don't think the guys changed once. Big surprise.

One of the most interesting and freaky parts of the whole experience was my 8 mile midnight run on a dark highway outside of Wickenburg. I ran with a reflector vest and a flashlight. I could hear coyotes in the desert that I was running next to. It was a little strange and scary. My team shadowed me so I was never completely alone. They had a blow horn and would yell encouragement to me. It was great. 

Here I am with Kori at exchange 7 where I was waiting for Julie (Runner #6) to pass the baton to me. It was a little nerve-wracking and I was anxious to get started.

This is 10 of us at the finish line. We ended at Riverview Park in Mesa around 3:30 pm on Saturday.

This was one of the coolest, most unique experiences I've had. I loved the whole thing. The people on my team were a riot! They kept the weekend super exciting and fun. I seriously want to do it again and can't wait until next year. Kaley, I should come up in June and join your team!

Our newest addition

Introducing Ruby, our 12 week old little white fluff ball. 

She came to us all the way from Georgia just last week. I gave in after endless begging and pleading from my husband and 4 kids. I feel like I've been thrown back into new motherhood with an infant. She wakes me in the morning, she pees and poops on my floor and she puts everything in her mouth. But I do admit, she is as adorable as dogs come and I think this time will stick. (we have a bad track record with keeping dogs....our longest stretch is 2 months) My four year old, Ryan, says we'll keep her until she dies. Hopefully that means about 14 years. 

She loves to play! She can run faster than anyone in the family. She can't even keep up with her own speedy little legs. She usually ends up doing a somersault. She's so little and light, only about 4 pounds.  She nibbles toes, she chews shoes, and she drags everything from dish towels to bras around the house. She is a Havanese, which are very social, affectionate dogs. That also means she wants to be with us ALL the time. She cries in her kennel but hasn't ended up in our bed at night. YEAH! My friend, Kath, has a new pup and warned us about that. She loves to be wrapped in a blanket and snuggled on the couch. It has forced me to stay home and slow down just a bit.

My kids are completely in LOVE!

Skiing Sunrise, Chillin' in Greer

Travis and I spent the weekend at Greer Lodge Resort with some great friends, Kelee and Robert. We had a gift card to use at this charming resort from Travis' dad and decided after one year, it was time to redeem it. We stayed in our own little cabin amidst snow and icicles. It was literally freezing and I loved it! 

My darling husband on top on Sunrise Mountain...he was a bit nervous about how the skiing would be since the surgery. He struggled a little with his balance and coordination. It took a little while, but it came back to him quickly.  At first I was out skiing him, but an hour into our day, I was having a hard time keeping up!

Whoa! Action shot:

Me zipping down the mountain:

Kelee and Robert in the lodge at breakfast:

Our cabin was right next to the Red Setter Lodge where we were served breakfast each morning. It was delicious! 

It was a quick weekend, but so enjoyable. I loved curling up in sweats, wrapped in a blanket, drinking hot chocolate, watching movies, and visiting with some of my favorite people. I loved skiing again after an 8 year break. It wasn't too bad...kind of like riding a bicycle. Although, 3 days later, my legs are still feeling it! I definitely need to get back on the mountain sooner next time. 

A couple funny moments on the mountain.......I took a wrong turn and ended up at the top of a black diamond run (for experts) about an hour into my day. I made the decision to remove my skis and hike down the hill until I could handle the slopes. I did NOT want to go home in a cast!

It was humbling and a bit humiliating, but I know my limits. I wasn't about to push it. From that point, I paid close attention to the signs.

Towards the end of the day, while on the lifts, Travis' feet went to sleep. When it was time to get off the lift, Travis went spread eagle and landed on his face. His skis fell off and he laid there for a minute. The operator asked if he was okay. Travis said, "My feet are asleep!" We all started laughing and he got up and put his skis back on and away we went.

Fabulous weekend. We need to do more of that.

Travis update: We continue to have friends and loved ones wondering what the latest is concerning Travis' health and the tumor. Travis has an MRI at the end of the month to see how the tumor looks since radiation ended in November. Life has moved forward for our family and we don't dwell on or think too much about all of this. We love life and enjoy spending each day with one another and our kids. We continue to feel strong and positive about the outcome. Travis is doing great and feels wonderful. 

Our Disney Cruise

   Aboard the Disney Wonder Cruise ship, we discovered the best family vacation destination!

We flew to Orlando on Saturday and boarded the cruise ship on Sunday morning. The kids were dying to swim so we hit the pools first. The Mickey pool had a water slide that all four kids enjoyed. Next it was time to eat......something we did more times than I thought possible. The kids loved the idea of sleeping on the ship. We had 2 adjoining rooms and it worked perfectly. One night was Pirate Night. We all dressed up like pirates and hung out with Captain Jack. The kids wouldn't stop dueling with their plastic swords.

Travis and I spent the last night in the best restaurant we've ever eaten at, Palo. It requires reservations and is the only restaurant that isn't free. They served the most delicious Northern Italian cuisine. I had halibut and Travis had a shrimp pasta and lobster ravioli. We shared 3 (yes, 3!) desserts, including chocolate souffle. Amazing!

A huge highlight included a dolphin excursion on a private island off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas. We got to pet, hug, kiss, and dance with "Goombay" the dolphin. Ryan was terrified and Ethan was hesitant. The girls were so into it!

Olivia waiting for a kiss.

Ella going in for a hug.

They original pirate ship from "Pirates of the Caribbean" is beached in the water.

The girls really wanted their hair braided with corn rows. It was a bit painful and they didn't know what they were getting into.

But what a cute result. It was quite expensive, though. The braids can last 3-4 weeks so I'm going to get my money's worth. The girls still have their cute braids today...a week and a half later!

We absolutely loved every minute of our trip. Travis is all ready to plan another one. (we'll try to wait a year or two) We thought Disneyland was great, but this was phenomenal! And the ship didn't even have rides. We highly recommend it to any Disney fans. You won't regret it. It was wonderful to be together as a family and have everyone enjoy it so much.

Christmas Morning

Our kids woke us up early...we told them not to get out of bed before 7 am but by 6:45 they couldn't wait any longer. Apparently they had all been in Olivia's room playing a game waiting for 7 am to come. How funny is that? We ceremoniously walked downstairs to see what Santa left everyone. The kids immediately ran to each of their piles by their stockings and opened presents from Santa. The excitement level was so high! Travis and I love to hear the screams and shouts of delight as each of our kids see what they got.

My silly boy, Ethan. Such a sweetheart. He can't contain his excitement.

Ella in her new skates and eating a treat from her stocking.

Remember the Big Wheel? We couldn't resist.

All the kids in their new jammies on Christmas Eve.

Ryan kept asking for a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Happily he found one in his stocking.

Another classic...remember the 2 car race track with the toggle handles? Keeping your car on the track around the curves is a challenge.

We gave Olivia a mystic topaz ring to match one I got in Cozumel. She loved it and wears it constantly.

Ella kept asking for the Dora that turns into a mermaid. Santa didn't disappoint.

I do love to see my kids showing the love to each other!

We followed the present opening with our traditional breakfast burritos with the rest of my family later that morning. We do the whole spread....huge flour tortillas from a taco shop, scrambled eggs, honey-baked ham, cheese, my dad's homemade salsa, guacamole and homemade cinnamon rolls. YUM! It's a family favorite that we all look forward to. The kids ran around playing with their new things and hanging with the cousins. It's blissful mayhem! We love it all and Christmas wouldn't be the same with out it.