As I sit here Jacob is peacefully sleeping. He has been through the wringer, but is doing amazingly well.
The surgery yesterday was a success. In fact, when the surgeon came out to talk with me afterwards he said that things couldn't have gone any better.
They were able to remove all the visible tumor, and it had not yet encroached on an important language center of Jacob's brain. He said that it was possible that upon waking Jacob would be stunned- unable to move his right side or communicate. I tried to prepare my heart to see him that way, so when we walked into the recovery area and he said my name and squeezed my hand I was overcome with gratitude.
I know that the thousands of prayers offered for him yesterday were answered favorably and mercifully by our loving Heavenly Father.
His brother Matt and I were able to sit with him for an hour after he woke up. He was in pain and nauseated, but they were able to give him medications that helped to alleviate his symptoms. He was tired and groggy, but fighting so hard to show us that he was ok. That he would be fine. That he was still himself.
He had a chance to call our kids and talk with them for a few minutes. I could see how hard he worked to let them know that he was well. I could hear the relief in their voices.
His parents spent the day driving here from Utah and arrived an hour after he woke up. They were able to sit by his side for an hour and pour their hearts and concern into him. They truly love him. He is and will always be their boy.
Matt was my companion for the whole day. He listened to me, hugged me, encouraged me, and was just there lending constant support. I was uplifted by his presence and told Jacob that I couldn't have asked for anyone better to sit by my side.
Our sister in law Jessica (Matt's wife) did the most imporant job of the day. She lovingly cared for, tended to, and looked after our children. Their hearts were heavy and we hated to leave them, but were so comforted to know that they were in her care. Jessica is an angelic, giving person and loved and cared for them in our place.
I am grateful for every message of support that was shared throughout the day. I read every blog comment, every text, every Facebook and Instagram post and comment and was so moved to know of all the prayers being said and the faith being exercised in Jacob's behalf.
A scripture from the Book of Mormon kept running through my mind all day. It is in Alma 34:18-19 and states, "Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save. Yea, humble yourselves and continue in prayer unto him."
We gratefully acknowledge the merciful hand of God in Jacob's surgery yesterday and are indebted to all of you who, with us, continued in prayer unto Him.
Thursday, April 30
Tuesday, April 28
April 28, 2015
I don't even know how to begin.
We had a follow up MRI today, and it revealed a large tumor (2 inches diameter) in the frontal lobe where Jacob had the laser ablation treatment.
He had been having some difficulties over the last 10 days and we felt that something could be amiss.
By a true miracle, he is able to have an operation tomorrow so that they can get this thing out and stop its destructive path.
After the surgery they will make determinations on the next treatments that we will pursue.
Jacob and I are both so grateful that he can have surgery tomorrow. It is a mercy from God.
Many people have asked what they can do. We feel overwhelmed at the prospect of another surgery, recovery, and treatment and don't know how to respond. I am sure we do and will have needs, but I don't even know what they are yet.
However, there is one thing that everyone can do that would truly help Jacob in this time of need. Please pray for him. Please pray for the surgeon and his attending team. Please pray that they can safely remove this new tumor. Please pray that Jacob will wake up and be functional. Please pray for our children. Please pray that our Father in Heaven will continue to be merciful to us.
We had a follow up MRI today, and it revealed a large tumor (2 inches diameter) in the frontal lobe where Jacob had the laser ablation treatment.
He had been having some difficulties over the last 10 days and we felt that something could be amiss.
By a true miracle, he is able to have an operation tomorrow so that they can get this thing out and stop its destructive path.
After the surgery they will make determinations on the next treatments that we will pursue.
Jacob and I are both so grateful that he can have surgery tomorrow. It is a mercy from God.
Many people have asked what they can do. We feel overwhelmed at the prospect of another surgery, recovery, and treatment and don't know how to respond. I am sure we do and will have needs, but I don't even know what they are yet.
However, there is one thing that everyone can do that would truly help Jacob in this time of need. Please pray for him. Please pray for the surgeon and his attending team. Please pray that they can safely remove this new tumor. Please pray that Jacob will wake up and be functional. Please pray for our children. Please pray that our Father in Heaven will continue to be merciful to us.
Monday, April 27
February happenings
February was a great month. We had many reasons to celebrate and were grateful to have so much family time together.
Jake and Tommy got new head shots. We knew that Jake would be starting the Optune treatment and Tommy needed some one year (plus a few month) pictures so we got to capture this moment in time. I love my two handsome men.
At the beginning of the month our stake and ward boundaries changed. We got an influx of many families, youth and children and are so glad to have that growth. The neighborhood where we live was incorporated into a different ward (or congregation) than we had been attending for the last eight years, and although it was sad and hard we are grateful for the opportunity to have a new ward full of people to love, and that to live close enough to still see and associate with those from our old ward that we love already.
I got to go with Ada to her preschool field trip to the zoo. It was such a fun day to hang out with her and her classmates and their parents and I've never seen a more organized or fun zoo trip. We love her preschool teacher and are so grateful for all the ways she has blessed Ada's life through this school year.
We had our traditional Valentine's Day breakfast and ate delicious waffles, eggs, and fresh squeezed OJ while sharing gifts and cards with each other. Our girls are just so sweet and wrote us the kindest little messages. Jake gets into the spirit of the day and gives each child a card and personal message, and bought me a beautiful orchid with the perfect note. It is an allover feel good time around the table.
Ellie was the star student at school and loved being in the spotlight. At the end of the month she participated in her school's Chinese New Year dinner and program and we were so lucky that her grandparents were in town to see that event. We love our girls' school and are so grateful for all the teachers and staff who are so good to us.
Jacob's parents came down for a week to help with the kids while we were in the hospital for his laser ablation procedure. Their help was indispensable and they took such good care of our kids while we were away, and all of us when we got back. They cooked, cleaned, shuttled kids to and fro, and left us with a fridge full of food. Jacob's dad celebrated his birthday while they were here and we loved being able to celebrate him. His mom also took the girls and I for a pedicure and the girls loved getting their first spa treatment in these darling little chairs. My in-laws have always been so willing to help us in any way we need and we really enjoyed our time with them.
My aunt Lee was in town with her daughters and grandson and we appreciated the time they took to come out and visit with us. They have all been so supportive and it was great to catch up.
Jake took some time to train the kids on the finer points of music and Ada and Tommy had a fun park day with a few of their favorite friends.
Finally, at the end of the month we spent an afternoon turning over, buying greens, and planting our spring garden. We've had this little grow box for over 5 years and have loved watching things grow and eating fresh produce from it. I love seeing our garden out of my kitchen window as I cook and wash dishes and count it as a little spot of beauty in our backyard.
Jake and Tommy got new head shots. We knew that Jake would be starting the Optune treatment and Tommy needed some one year (plus a few month) pictures so we got to capture this moment in time. I love my two handsome men.
At the beginning of the month our stake and ward boundaries changed. We got an influx of many families, youth and children and are so glad to have that growth. The neighborhood where we live was incorporated into a different ward (or congregation) than we had been attending for the last eight years, and although it was sad and hard we are grateful for the opportunity to have a new ward full of people to love, and that to live close enough to still see and associate with those from our old ward that we love already.
I got to go with Ada to her preschool field trip to the zoo. It was such a fun day to hang out with her and her classmates and their parents and I've never seen a more organized or fun zoo trip. We love her preschool teacher and are so grateful for all the ways she has blessed Ada's life through this school year.
We had our traditional Valentine's Day breakfast and ate delicious waffles, eggs, and fresh squeezed OJ while sharing gifts and cards with each other. Our girls are just so sweet and wrote us the kindest little messages. Jake gets into the spirit of the day and gives each child a card and personal message, and bought me a beautiful orchid with the perfect note. It is an allover feel good time around the table.
Ellie was the star student at school and loved being in the spotlight. At the end of the month she participated in her school's Chinese New Year dinner and program and we were so lucky that her grandparents were in town to see that event. We love our girls' school and are so grateful for all the teachers and staff who are so good to us.
Jacob's parents came down for a week to help with the kids while we were in the hospital for his laser ablation procedure. Their help was indispensable and they took such good care of our kids while we were away, and all of us when we got back. They cooked, cleaned, shuttled kids to and fro, and left us with a fridge full of food. Jacob's dad celebrated his birthday while they were here and we loved being able to celebrate him. His mom also took the girls and I for a pedicure and the girls loved getting their first spa treatment in these darling little chairs. My in-laws have always been so willing to help us in any way we need and we really enjoyed our time with them.
My aunt Lee was in town with her daughters and grandson and we appreciated the time they took to come out and visit with us. They have all been so supportive and it was great to catch up.
Jake took some time to train the kids on the finer points of music and Ada and Tommy had a fun park day with a few of their favorite friends.
Finally, at the end of the month we spent an afternoon turning over, buying greens, and planting our spring garden. We've had this little grow box for over 5 years and have loved watching things grow and eating fresh produce from it. I love seeing our garden out of my kitchen window as I cook and wash dishes and count it as a little spot of beauty in our backyard.
Saturday, April 25
Lauren is 9!
Our sweet Lauren turned 9 in February. I can't believe it. It seems like just a few weeks ago she had her 8th birthday and was baptized.
Lauren continues to be an amazing kid. She is honest, generous, patient, helpful, fun, creative, kind and good all around. We love her so much and couldn't have asked for a better oldest child.
On her birthday we did all of our traditional stuff. Opened presents in the morning, hung the birthday banner, took her out to dinner at Village Inn (her pick), and went around the table saying a few things we all love about her. Then we ended the day with our traditional "happy birthday" song and dance. This year we were lucky enough to get her aunt and uncle to come to dinner with us. Lauren also got a box of donuts from her activity day leaders on her birthday and loved that surprise.
Since this wasn't a party year for her, Jake and I took her on a parent date and we had a great time golfing 9 holes on a course downtown. She is a good little golfer and sticks with it until the ball goes in the hole. We also had some adventures on the golf cart and let her try her hand at driving it.
We love our Lauren girl so much.
Monday, April 20
January happenings
I realized last week that most of my blog this year has been cancer related.
Which makes sense because Jake's had a few set backs and new treatments in these four months.
However, we're still living normal life and have had some fun family happenings going on around here.
In January we...
Watched our sweet boy sleep,
went on lots of bike rides, jumped on the tramp, and played outside at the park,
worked on lots of art projects and crafts,
hosted Charlie, the stuffed elephant, during Ada's star student week at preschool,
watched and cheered for our soccer star Ellie and our volleyball star Lauren,
attended two Suns games, one thanks to free tickets to some awesome friends and one with some great friends who moved across town,
hosted our Washington Seminar friend Whitney and her husband Drew and their kids as they graced us with a weekend visit,
ate several times at one of our favorite restaurants, PV burger,
hiked the short but steep trail up North Mountain,
made cookies, played soccer in dresses, spent a fun day playing at Jambo park,
and finally had a wonderful weekend visit from my mom, complete with grandma kid dates, dinner at Oreganos, shopping, pedicures, and great talking time together.
Which makes sense because Jake's had a few set backs and new treatments in these four months.
However, we're still living normal life and have had some fun family happenings going on around here.
In January we...
Watched our sweet boy sleep,
went on lots of bike rides, jumped on the tramp, and played outside at the park,
worked on lots of art projects and crafts,
hosted Charlie, the stuffed elephant, during Ada's star student week at preschool,
watched and cheered for our soccer star Ellie and our volleyball star Lauren,
attended two Suns games, one thanks to free tickets to some awesome friends and one with some great friends who moved across town,
hosted our Washington Seminar friend Whitney and her husband Drew and their kids as they graced us with a weekend visit,
ate several times at one of our favorite restaurants, PV burger,
hiked the short but steep trail up North Mountain,
made cookies, played soccer in dresses, spent a fun day playing at Jambo park,
and finally had a wonderful weekend visit from my mom, complete with grandma kid dates, dinner at Oreganos, shopping, pedicures, and great talking time together.
Friday, April 17
Resurrection
A dear friend from church asked me to give a short talk about the Resurrection of Christ this week. I thought it would be appropriate to also share it here. I was so grateful for the chance to prepare and felt such a closeness to the Savior as I studied. I have felt great peace ever since and am grateful for the increase of love and appreciation I feel for Him.
The Resurrection of Christ
Christ died on a Friday. In a 2006 conference talk given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, entitled Sunday will Come he stated,
“It was a Friday filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored the Son of God. I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, that Friday was the darkest.
But the doom of that day did not endure.
The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind.”
Christ had triumphed over death. The bands that bound Him to the grave were broken. For Him and for us all.
Jesus rose on the third day with an immortal and perfect body of flesh and blood. The tomb was empty. He appeared to Mary, he ate fish and honey, He taught his apostles, people touched him and angels witnessed of his resurrection.
Then the 12 apostles went forth to testify of his resurrection- the most fundamental doctrine of their preaching because without the resurrection- the reunification of our spirits with our immortal and glorified bodies, the atonement and His teachings would have been in vain.
Christ then came to the New World to let a whole nation see, touch, and testify of his resurrected body so they could bare witness of His triumph over death.
Latter-day prophets, beginning with Joseph Smith have testified that “He lives- for we saw Him even on the right hand of God.”
Witnesses abound in the scriptures of the reality of and hope that springs from His resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is the most glorious of all messages to mankind. It dispels the darkness of death and the fear of the adversary.
Death is a part of life. If we have not already, we will each lose loved ones- our children, our spouse, our parents, our grandchildren, our siblings. Death is certain for us all.
Elder Wirthlin says,
“Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.”
I had mine. On Friday, January 24, 2014 when I went from thinking that my husband had the flu to several hours later finding out that he had a tumor growing in his brain that could prematurely take his life.
I experienced a terror that night that was so dark and so consuming I thought all was lost.
But like Elder Wirthlin, I testify that Sunday will come and because of the Resurrection of Christ all will be made right again. Resurrection is certain for us all.
He states,
“I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come. No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come.
Because of our beloved Redeemer, we can lift up our voices, even in the midst of our darkest Fridays, and proclaim, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
I testify of the resurrection of Christ. I know that He lives. I believe the witnesses who testified of His resurrection and know that their testimonies are true. The hope of the resurrection has dispelled the darkness of the past year and gives me comfort that because of the resurrection of the Savior we will ALL live again.
The Resurrection of Christ
Christ died on a Friday. In a 2006 conference talk given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, entitled Sunday will Come he stated,
“It was a Friday filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored the Son of God. I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, that Friday was the darkest.
But the doom of that day did not endure.
The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind.”
Christ had triumphed over death. The bands that bound Him to the grave were broken. For Him and for us all.
Jesus rose on the third day with an immortal and perfect body of flesh and blood. The tomb was empty. He appeared to Mary, he ate fish and honey, He taught his apostles, people touched him and angels witnessed of his resurrection.
Then the 12 apostles went forth to testify of his resurrection- the most fundamental doctrine of their preaching because without the resurrection- the reunification of our spirits with our immortal and glorified bodies, the atonement and His teachings would have been in vain.
Christ then came to the New World to let a whole nation see, touch, and testify of his resurrected body so they could bare witness of His triumph over death.
Latter-day prophets, beginning with Joseph Smith have testified that “He lives- for we saw Him even on the right hand of God.”
Witnesses abound in the scriptures of the reality of and hope that springs from His resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is the most glorious of all messages to mankind. It dispels the darkness of death and the fear of the adversary.
Death is a part of life. If we have not already, we will each lose loved ones- our children, our spouse, our parents, our grandchildren, our siblings. Death is certain for us all.
Elder Wirthlin says,
“Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.”
I had mine. On Friday, January 24, 2014 when I went from thinking that my husband had the flu to several hours later finding out that he had a tumor growing in his brain that could prematurely take his life.
I experienced a terror that night that was so dark and so consuming I thought all was lost.
But like Elder Wirthlin, I testify that Sunday will come and because of the Resurrection of Christ all will be made right again. Resurrection is certain for us all.
He states,
“I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come. No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come.
Because of our beloved Redeemer, we can lift up our voices, even in the midst of our darkest Fridays, and proclaim, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
I testify of the resurrection of Christ. I know that He lives. I believe the witnesses who testified of His resurrection and know that their testimonies are true. The hope of the resurrection has dispelled the darkness of the past year and gives me comfort that because of the resurrection of the Savior we will ALL live again.
Wednesday, April 15
Spring break cruisin'
We had the best spring break last month and took our whole family on a cruise.
It was magical.
A no cooking, cleaning, dish washing vacation....yes please.
We drove over to CA on a Sunday and stayed the night with my aunt and uncle. Then Monday morning we woke up and drove to Long Beach, our cruise embarkation location.
We parked the car, got our bags, and walked up the gangplank onto our giant cruise ship.
The kids were in heaven. We spent the afternoon exploring the ship, eating ice cream, and enjoying our first meal in the dining room.
The girls had their own room and loved their kid paradise. Tommy slept in a crib in our room, and after the first rough night, he slept like a dream.
Our first day included a stop at Catalina Island. We were all napping the morning away, but got off the boat for a few hours in the afternoon to walk down the main drag in Avalon and splash in the water. Then we got back on the boat and played for the whole afternoon in the water park area at the back of the ship.
Our second day we stopped in Ensenada Mexico and we were up bright and early to take advantage of the whole day. We got off the ship without any firm plans, and ended up on the main road getting bracelets with each girls name on them. As we waited, a taxi driver pulled up and offered us a steal of a deal to drive our whole family out to the blow hole.
What a ride.
We crammed all 6 of us into a little Nissan Altima, Jake in front with the driver and me and the 4 kids in back. No seat belts needed. Thankfully he drove slow and we were safe the whole 30 mile round trip journey. It was awesome to have our own driver and he was a nice guy who let us practice our Spanish on him.
We enjoyed our time in the car and got to see a lot more of Ensenada than we'd anticipated. It was very fun to take our kids to a new country and listen to their observations about what was the same or different than the states. It is good to open our eyes and expand our horizons.
At the blow hole the kids blew threw their hard earned (and grandma gifted) spending cash and got a few fun prizes that they love. We saw the blow hole, ate awesome Mexican food, and came home with two hammock chairs.
Our third day was a "fun day at sea" and we made the most of it. Jake and I took turns with the kids to allow the other person to work out/lay out and then the girls went to the kids club activities on board the ship. We learned how to fold towel animals, swam in the on board pool, and played mini golf. It was wonderful to be out having fun.
The final day you woke up and got off the ship, and we drove to the beach to spend the day in the water and waves. I love the ocean. It was a beautiful day.
We stayed with my aunt and uncle on our way out of town, and were back in time to buy groceries, unpack and attend church the next Sunday.
The cruise was such a dream vacation. There were things to do for all of us, food a plenty, time to really relax and talk and just be together. We woke up early and watched movies, played games, explored the ship, ate, ate, and ate again, and then retired to our rooms earlier for the kids to get to bed. We loved eating out on the patio with the fresh ocean breeze and appreciated having time to talk, laugh, and play as a family.
We knew this would be Jake's last trip with hair and it was so nice to just leave cancer and all of its associated stresses at home while we just vacationed our hearts out.
Cruising is awesome. It may have to become our spring break tradition.
It was magical.
A no cooking, cleaning, dish washing vacation....yes please.
We drove over to CA on a Sunday and stayed the night with my aunt and uncle. Then Monday morning we woke up and drove to Long Beach, our cruise embarkation location.
We parked the car, got our bags, and walked up the gangplank onto our giant cruise ship.
The kids were in heaven. We spent the afternoon exploring the ship, eating ice cream, and enjoying our first meal in the dining room.
The girls had their own room and loved their kid paradise. Tommy slept in a crib in our room, and after the first rough night, he slept like a dream.
Our first day included a stop at Catalina Island. We were all napping the morning away, but got off the boat for a few hours in the afternoon to walk down the main drag in Avalon and splash in the water. Then we got back on the boat and played for the whole afternoon in the water park area at the back of the ship.
Our second day we stopped in Ensenada Mexico and we were up bright and early to take advantage of the whole day. We got off the ship without any firm plans, and ended up on the main road getting bracelets with each girls name on them. As we waited, a taxi driver pulled up and offered us a steal of a deal to drive our whole family out to the blow hole.
What a ride.
We crammed all 6 of us into a little Nissan Altima, Jake in front with the driver and me and the 4 kids in back. No seat belts needed. Thankfully he drove slow and we were safe the whole 30 mile round trip journey. It was awesome to have our own driver and he was a nice guy who let us practice our Spanish on him.
We enjoyed our time in the car and got to see a lot more of Ensenada than we'd anticipated. It was very fun to take our kids to a new country and listen to their observations about what was the same or different than the states. It is good to open our eyes and expand our horizons.
At the blow hole the kids blew threw their hard earned (and grandma gifted) spending cash and got a few fun prizes that they love. We saw the blow hole, ate awesome Mexican food, and came home with two hammock chairs.
Our third day was a "fun day at sea" and we made the most of it. Jake and I took turns with the kids to allow the other person to work out/lay out and then the girls went to the kids club activities on board the ship. We learned how to fold towel animals, swam in the on board pool, and played mini golf. It was wonderful to be out having fun.
The final day you woke up and got off the ship, and we drove to the beach to spend the day in the water and waves. I love the ocean. It was a beautiful day.
We stayed with my aunt and uncle on our way out of town, and were back in time to buy groceries, unpack and attend church the next Sunday.
The cruise was such a dream vacation. There were things to do for all of us, food a plenty, time to really relax and talk and just be together. We woke up early and watched movies, played games, explored the ship, ate, ate, and ate again, and then retired to our rooms earlier for the kids to get to bed. We loved eating out on the patio with the fresh ocean breeze and appreciated having time to talk, laugh, and play as a family.
We knew this would be Jake's last trip with hair and it was so nice to just leave cancer and all of its associated stresses at home while we just vacationed our hearts out.
Cruising is awesome. It may have to become our spring break tradition.
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