Friday, April 26, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Raingutter regatta... And moving on up!
Cam enjoyed his 1st Raingutter regatta at Scouts... Much more low key than pinewood derby ... And took 4th place.
He also moved on to become a Bear. He has loved Scouts and had great leaders!
He also moved on to become a Bear. He has loved Scouts and had great leaders!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Just another day in paradise... or at chemo!
Kind of strange -- I had chemo this morning. I didn't obsess about it for the last few days, Dave is out of town and oddly enough it just felt like another day. (Not sure this a good thing by the way.)
But it is nice to have it be familiar. I've gotten to the point these last couple that the only time I actually get nervous is right before they start my drip of the study drug. I just have a different reaction each time so I'm not sure what to expect.
Last time was normal.
The time before I got sick to my stomach and hard to work hard not to barf.
This time I seeemed to have a bit of an allergice reaction to it. As soon as the drip started my face went flush and hot and felt swollen and I had a lot of pressure in my chest. Not panicky - I can't breathe type pressure, just tight and swollen. My eyes got red and my head got all stuffed up.
It did worry me a bit so I stayed for a few minutes after to make sure I could still breath. And took a Claritin just to be safe... my arms were getting a bit itchy.
Cute Sue and I then went to lunch to celebrate her birthday.
I do think Sue (and my sisters or whoever takes me) is part of why it seems so "ok" right now (that and I'm not so dang sick and am in remission I hope).
But Dave called this morning when I was on my way in and said "Oh you'll be great. You always come home in such a good mood cause you and Sue have so much fun."
True.. .wish my fun "girl time" wasn't while I was at chemo.. but true!
But it is nice to have it be familiar. I've gotten to the point these last couple that the only time I actually get nervous is right before they start my drip of the study drug. I just have a different reaction each time so I'm not sure what to expect.
Last time was normal.
The time before I got sick to my stomach and hard to work hard not to barf.
This time I seeemed to have a bit of an allergice reaction to it. As soon as the drip started my face went flush and hot and felt swollen and I had a lot of pressure in my chest. Not panicky - I can't breathe type pressure, just tight and swollen. My eyes got red and my head got all stuffed up.
It did worry me a bit so I stayed for a few minutes after to make sure I could still breath. And took a Claritin just to be safe... my arms were getting a bit itchy.
Cute Sue and I then went to lunch to celebrate her birthday.
I do think Sue (and my sisters or whoever takes me) is part of why it seems so "ok" right now (that and I'm not so dang sick and am in remission I hope).
But Dave called this morning when I was on my way in and said "Oh you'll be great. You always come home in such a good mood cause you and Sue have so much fun."
True.. .wish my fun "girl time" wasn't while I was at chemo.. but true!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
You're a Good Red Head Kenzi Hess
You're a Good Man Charlie Brown was great.... And you are definitely "a great red headed little girlI" Kenzi Hess.
Go Kenzi!
Yay kenzi... New 8th grade officer!
She had a great theme and did a super fun 30 second "skit/intro" -- I think the basketball player one if my favorite.
Love this year how she has tried so many new things, takes risks and works so hard (and thanks Grandpa and Wendy Steenblik!!).
Kenzers you really have been making the world, and my world, a better place since 1999.
She had a great theme and did a super fun 30 second "skit/intro" -- I think the basketball player one if my favorite.
Love this year how she has tried so many new things, takes risks and works so hard (and thanks Grandpa and Wendy Steenblik!!).
Kenzers you really have been making the world, and my world, a better place since 1999.
One handsome mini Dave... Love the Beckstead fam
Easter Sunday... Love the Becksteads. Loved the bow tie. Reminded me of Dave when we were dating.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
How Do We Know it is Spring?
When Lauren was 6 months old, I bought Dave a hammock for Father's Day. For 15 years the sure sign of Spring is Dave breaking out the hammock and enjoying the sun.
When the kids were little he would rock them to sleep in the hammock, and the kids still beg for "hammock night" with Dad.
This year Zoe was the one catching some Vitamin D with Dave -- we snuck these pictures through the screen of the kitchen window.
Easter 2013
Few photos from Easter -- amazing how much a difference a year makes. Last Easter was right after my stomach hole opened up and infections started... I was pretty frustrated and not feeling great to say the least.
This year I got to enjoy a neighborhood hunt, some YW egg dying and door bell ditching Easter eggs, a couple of family Easter parties, some super cute eggs dying chicks, and a great Sunday morning brunch with crepes and Strawberries and Cream (probably best Kenzi and I have made yet), a wonderful day at church and Peeps Wars... Kenzi's microwave game with Peeps.
This year I got to enjoy a neighborhood hunt, some YW egg dying and door bell ditching Easter eggs, a couple of family Easter parties, some super cute eggs dying chicks, and a great Sunday morning brunch with crepes and Strawberries and Cream (probably best Kenzi and I have made yet), a wonderful day at church and Peeps Wars... Kenzi's microwave game with Peeps.
Monday, April 1, 2013
My Favorite Valentine
On Valentine's Day Lauren found this slipped into her locker.
The envelope was made of a piece of sheet music titled "Valentine's Day." It was a lovely ballad... we played it on the piano.
The inside read:
"Even with the Liahona I get lost in your eyes."
"Are you a Gadianton Robber?
Because you stole my heart."
She never figured out who it was from -- but we all had a great laugh! With the very thoughtful musical score envelope and the cheesy inside -- probably my favorite valentine ever.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Small Acts of Kindness
We always hear how little small acts of kindness -- even from a stranger -- can make a huge difference.
I've been surrounded by small and large acts of kindness this past year too numerous to write here and now.
I keep thinking I should have kept a journal of all of the acts of kindness. This morning I experienced one of these -- and it really struck me. .
For the past month I've been going to the Rec. Center -- finally feeling good enough to really start an exercise program.
On Friday mornings I go to a yoga class -- this was my 3rd time. I'm definitely the remedial student, but it feels so good and is just what I need.
The instructor is super kind, and calm and gentle -- just what you would want from a yoga instructor.
After the 1st week I was talking to her and she told me there was a beginner class she taught ... obviously my poor yoga skills shone through. I told her I was just back to exercise after a bad year of chemo and cancer and that I really felt like yoga would help me. She was very sweet and kind.
So today when I walked in I got a mat and she came over and said "I want you to use my mat today." It was a lovely purple mat -- that was extra long. I thought she gave it to me since I am so tall and last time I went I kept going off the mat.
After class I rolled it up to give it to her and told her thanks. I told her I really appreciated the longer size. She said "aren't you in the middle of chemo? I want to minimize germs you are exposed to so when you come I want to give you my mat so it isn't so germy."
So simple, but so kind. I was so touched. I was reminded that thinking of others doesn't have to be huge. It can be as simple as remembering a stranger, worrying about her being exposed to germs and sharing a yoga mat.
The world is full of good people!
(And thank heavens that happened this morning because Dave's car window got bashed in today while we were at his aunt's funeral and my purse was stolen. By the time we found it they had already made 2 purchases on my credit card -- one for $700. Really?!?! At a funeral?!?!?! Ok... but at least I started the day off on a good note.)
I've been surrounded by small and large acts of kindness this past year too numerous to write here and now.
I keep thinking I should have kept a journal of all of the acts of kindness. This morning I experienced one of these -- and it really struck me. .
For the past month I've been going to the Rec. Center -- finally feeling good enough to really start an exercise program.
On Friday mornings I go to a yoga class -- this was my 3rd time. I'm definitely the remedial student, but it feels so good and is just what I need.
The instructor is super kind, and calm and gentle -- just what you would want from a yoga instructor.
After the 1st week I was talking to her and she told me there was a beginner class she taught ... obviously my poor yoga skills shone through. I told her I was just back to exercise after a bad year of chemo and cancer and that I really felt like yoga would help me. She was very sweet and kind.
So today when I walked in I got a mat and she came over and said "I want you to use my mat today." It was a lovely purple mat -- that was extra long. I thought she gave it to me since I am so tall and last time I went I kept going off the mat.
After class I rolled it up to give it to her and told her thanks. I told her I really appreciated the longer size. She said "aren't you in the middle of chemo? I want to minimize germs you are exposed to so when you come I want to give you my mat so it isn't so germy."
So simple, but so kind. I was so touched. I was reminded that thinking of others doesn't have to be huge. It can be as simple as remembering a stranger, worrying about her being exposed to germs and sharing a yoga mat.
The world is full of good people!
(And thank heavens that happened this morning because Dave's car window got bashed in today while we were at his aunt's funeral and my purse was stolen. By the time we found it they had already made 2 purchases on my credit card -- one for $700. Really?!?! At a funeral?!?!?! Ok... but at least I started the day off on a good note.)
Thursday, March 21, 2013
I Think You Are Hot
Conversation at Yogurtland after School Play.
Cameron: Mom I had a super scary thing happen at school today.
Mom: Oh no, what happened?
Cameron: Sly smile -- well it happened when I walked over to the red table. There was a girl. Oooh I get shivers when I even think about it.
Mom: What did she say?
Cameron: I can't tell you, I'm too embarrassed.
Mom: Ok, text it to me.
Text: I kniht uoy era toh. (Apparently too embarrassed to even txt it correctly.)
Cameron: It just made me shiver. And then Austin who overhead walked up to me and said "I'm really sorry dude."
Ok... this story made me laugh for so many reasons. But mostly, cause I don't think my girls were like that and this is all new to me. Cameron tells me about a list that the girls made of boys they think are cute, or a few times when a girl has told someone else they thought he was cute or someone else was cute.
Maybe the girls were like that and I just didn't know, or maybe Cameron is in a class of boys and girls that are more into boys and girl.
Cameron has told me about a few girls he thinks are cute -- and of course he always loves Addie Baker -- has since he was 3.
Although on Valentine's Day he did tell me he had an extra special valentine -- Kenzi!
Makes me laugh -- but this whole stuff also makes me a bit nervous for the future.
Cameron: Mom I had a super scary thing happen at school today.
Mom: Oh no, what happened?
Cameron: Sly smile -- well it happened when I walked over to the red table. There was a girl. Oooh I get shivers when I even think about it.
Mom: What did she say?
Cameron: I can't tell you, I'm too embarrassed.
Mom: Ok, text it to me.
Text: I kniht uoy era toh. (Apparently too embarrassed to even txt it correctly.)
Cameron: It just made me shiver. And then Austin who overhead walked up to me and said "I'm really sorry dude."
Ok... this story made me laugh for so many reasons. But mostly, cause I don't think my girls were like that and this is all new to me. Cameron tells me about a list that the girls made of boys they think are cute, or a few times when a girl has told someone else they thought he was cute or someone else was cute.
Maybe the girls were like that and I just didn't know, or maybe Cameron is in a class of boys and girls that are more into boys and girl.
Cameron has told me about a few girls he thinks are cute -- and of course he always loves Addie Baker -- has since he was 3.
Although on Valentine's Day he did tell me he had an extra special valentine -- Kenzi!
Makes me laugh -- but this whole stuff also makes me a bit nervous for the future.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Life if Great -- A lot because I'm Grateful
I woke up yesterday morning and took a shower. So... my future great grand kids are saying to their parents as they are reading this book at FHE one night.
Well I stood in the shower the whole time, I didn't have to use a shower chair. I didn't cringe with pain the whole time. I didn't have to wear a huge plastic covering to cover my 3 surgical wounds. I didn't have to avoid the water on the 3 holes in my stomach. I didn't look in the mirror and say "Oh yeah -- I'm bald."
I can't tell you how great it is to take a shower and take a bath -- WITHOUT HOLES IN YOUR STOMACH.
A couple of mornings earlier and woke up after a full nights sleep. Again my future great grand kids are saying... so.
Oh my goodness. I never realized how amazing it is to have a full night sleep. For the past year I can count on one hand that times I have slept through the night. The majority of the nights were me being awake in pain, or nauseau or itching or kicking or even doing yoga with the tv ... so when I wake up refreshed in the morning I am soooo happy!!! (Funny I think Dave appreciates my sleeping nights as much as me.)
I was talking to a fellow cancer survivor yesterday and we were talking about the perspective we have. (She is a 12-year survivor.... yay for her and I hope to be just like her someday). I was telling her that a few years ago if I had a bad night sleep I would be cranky the next day and mad about whatever kept me up all night.
Now, if I have a good nights sleep I am grateful... and happy!!! And a bad nights sleep is just part of life.
My friend was telling me that every once in a while when she looks in the mirror she says something bad about herself -- her husband reminds her how beautiful she is and that she is alive.
I know I may go back to the old days when I'm not grateful for the ability to drive, or sleep, or eat or go watch Lauren play soccer, or go to 3 hours of church or to cook dinner for my family, or go to the temple without a turbin, or cry when I stand on a scale and I've lost more weight... or take a bath (which I do every night and love every minute of it) and be able to take a shower without covering holes... the list goes on and on.
I recently heard a talk that said the best way to be happy is to be grateful. I guess the last year has been a real life science project that shows we are happiest when we are grateful!!!!
Well I stood in the shower the whole time, I didn't have to use a shower chair. I didn't cringe with pain the whole time. I didn't have to wear a huge plastic covering to cover my 3 surgical wounds. I didn't have to avoid the water on the 3 holes in my stomach. I didn't look in the mirror and say "Oh yeah -- I'm bald."
I can't tell you how great it is to take a shower and take a bath -- WITHOUT HOLES IN YOUR STOMACH.
A couple of mornings earlier and woke up after a full nights sleep. Again my future great grand kids are saying... so.
Oh my goodness. I never realized how amazing it is to have a full night sleep. For the past year I can count on one hand that times I have slept through the night. The majority of the nights were me being awake in pain, or nauseau or itching or kicking or even doing yoga with the tv ... so when I wake up refreshed in the morning I am soooo happy!!! (Funny I think Dave appreciates my sleeping nights as much as me.)
I was talking to a fellow cancer survivor yesterday and we were talking about the perspective we have. (She is a 12-year survivor.... yay for her and I hope to be just like her someday). I was telling her that a few years ago if I had a bad night sleep I would be cranky the next day and mad about whatever kept me up all night.
Now, if I have a good nights sleep I am grateful... and happy!!! And a bad nights sleep is just part of life.
My friend was telling me that every once in a while when she looks in the mirror she says something bad about herself -- her husband reminds her how beautiful she is and that she is alive.
I know I may go back to the old days when I'm not grateful for the ability to drive, or sleep, or eat or go watch Lauren play soccer, or go to 3 hours of church or to cook dinner for my family, or go to the temple without a turbin, or cry when I stand on a scale and I've lost more weight... or take a bath (which I do every night and love every minute of it) and be able to take a shower without covering holes... the list goes on and on.
I recently heard a talk that said the best way to be happy is to be grateful. I guess the last year has been a real life science project that shows we are happiest when we are grateful!!!!
Is Fido left or right pawed....way to go Kenzi!!
Kenzi loved her project this year -- testing dogs for paw dominance. And she did great! She made it to the District Science Fair -- was a finalist and won 3rd place.
Good job Kenzers.... my advice to all moms out there -- make sure your kids find a project they are really interested in. Makes it so much more fun and so much easier!!!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A Tale of Two Cities... or at least different parts of the cul-de-sac
Saturday was one of those incredible early spring Utah days. Tons of snow -- but 50 degrees (man I wish I were skiing this year).
I had to laugh in the afternoon as various activities took place in the circle.
* Hess House -- snow clothes (well at least gloves) and building a snowman.
* Lyman House -- sundresses, no shoes, planting flowers.
I love spring in Utah!!!!
But can I say I don't love being the back end of the cul-de-sac where they plow all of the snow and it never melts!
I had to laugh in the afternoon as various activities took place in the circle.
* Hess House -- snow clothes (well at least gloves) and building a snowman.
* Lyman House -- sundresses, no shoes, planting flowers.
I love spring in Utah!!!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
3:56am.". Dang steroids
I think I write this post every month... I'm grateful for chemo pre meds... I'd be a barfing mess without them. I just wish they weren't so darn sleep disruptive. Anyone have a wide awake baby they want me to tend?
And yes.. I needed the steroids today. Got sick when they started the xyotax.... A quick run by Sue for the nurse and a quick slowing of the drip saved the day. Haven't felt that instant awful nausea for months. Had a slight reminder of how terribly awful the round of ip chemo was.
And yes.. I needed the steroids today. Got sick when they started the xyotax.... A quick run by Sue for the nurse and a quick slowing of the drip saved the day. Haven't felt that instant awful nausea for months. Had a slight reminder of how terribly awful the round of ip chemo was.
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