Mrs. Schiess

I'm so grateful for good teachers!  Not only do they teach reading, writing, and math, but they are a powerful influence to building character, self-esteem, and helping children understand the world they live in.  Mrs. Schiess has been just perfect for Gavin.  Every year I pray for Gavin to be put with a teacher/class that is just right for him, and I'm sure Gavin was meant to be in Mrs. Schiess' class.  She has been helping him learn to be more flexible and not get frustrated as much when something doesn't go the way he thinks it should.

Gavin's First Grade class!

Back: Isaias, Dae la, Jessica, Sam, Kolby, Josie, DeAnndra, Ty, Mrs. Schiess
Middle: Lydia, Jaden, Kat, Addison, Mack, Ben, Zach
Front: Aliya, Ellie, Lynlee, Bryken, Caleb, Gavin, Jax
Not pictured:  Connor and Titan

Laynie Bug - age 3 and 2/3

The morning Gavin was getting ready for school pictures, Laynie told me she wanted to have her picture taken as well.  I happily agreed.  For our mother/daughter date, Laynie got all fancied up and we went to the Silver Lake amphitheater.  The camera only had a bit of battery charged on it, so we did the best we could with the time of day and not much time with the drained battery.  

But oh how I love my Laynie Bug!

Izumi and Mitsu

My beautiful friend, Izumi, and her new husband, Mitsu, came to visit us from Okinawa.  Izumi and I became friends when we lived in Southeast Provo.  We've shared some happy times together... and also some sad times together.  I'm so glad we've been able to stay in touch through the years.  Izumi married Mitsu 2 years ago when she was 45.  She had waited soooooooo long to find someone to marry.  Mitsu isn't a member of our LDS faith, but Izumi felt God's hand in her marriage and knows everything will work out for the best - in God's own way and in His timing.  Mitsu is an amazing fella and I'm so glad Izumi found him to be happy with - after all the many years of searching!

Making dinner: Grilled cheese sandwiches and salad.

Mitsu teaching the kids to play guitar and fold origami.

Izumi and Mitsu

Me and Izumi

Remember September

After my third chemo treatment, we took a drive out to Ophir to show mom the old mine.

Gavin watched Toy Story 3, got out daddy's tools, and tried to see if his Buzz toy had a "Spanish mode."

Went to a park with Laynie and had a picnic once my taste buds started coming back.

It was the last Two Buck Tuesday in August at Thanksgiving Point so I took Laynie to the Dino Museum.  She loved it and wanted to go again for one of our "mother/daughter dates."

Once my taste buds come back, I want to eat... everything!!  We went to Wendy's and the kids got super hero masks to wear as their toy in their kids meals.

Round Four

On September 7th, I had my 4th chemo treatment.  So glad Matt has been by my side through each one.  And so thankful for the help from friends/family.  This whole experience has taught me how to help other a little better.  I've been thinking I should make a list of items that are helpful for chemo patients in case I can help someone go through this in the future.  So, here goes:

Things that have helped me through chemo:

1. Epsom Salts/Baking Soda - for detoxing baths
2. Foods that I can handle after a treatment: oatmeal, pears, cottage cheese, salads, veggies, chicken, eggs, soups.  Nothing spicy, greasy or red-meaty.
3. A nice soft blanket to take to treatment each time.  I get super cold - even with the provided heated blankets.
4. Lots of water bottles - I've found I can down the water better if I have a disposable bottle.  It makes me feel like I've accomplished something big once I've finish one and gives me a goal to drink a little bit more.
5. Cute hats/turbins
6. Biotene Mouth wash - used for dry mouths, sores.
7. Kleenex - for runny nose and sinus infections.
8. A massage stone - used to massage sore muscles.
9. Socks - just a new pair of socks made all the difference.
10. Thank you cards - for being able to send a little note of thanks to everyone who's helped me.

My ministering sister organized a bunch of freezer meals and along with my SIL, Karen, stocked our freezer full of food before the first treatment.  This has been so nice because we use about 2 meals each time and can get them out at our convenience and don't have to waste food.

ABCs and 123s

On Sept. 6th, Laynie started a little preschool co-op.  I really wanted her to have this experience even though chemo seemed to be in the way.  So I put a feeler out on fb to see if any other moms would be interested.  I couldn't believe six other moms were!  So far, it's worked out beautifully.  I already had a curriculum map we could all go off of, each mom only has to teach 4 weeks in a row, and I don't have to teach until March - once I've recovered.  

I don't doubt that Heavenly Father is continuing to bless my life.  As small as this seems, it was something important to me and Laynie, and He understands.  He makes things possible even when circumstances seem impossible.

So excited on her first day!

Showing off her backpack.  This girl loves purses and bags!