Extraordinary Housewives

International Dance Festival

2010-03-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

Okay ladies I know summers get a little crazy and busy with everyone, so I am giving you all like a 4 month heads up to think about hosting dancers for this year's festival. Hosting or helping with team guides , or even splitting homes for the week . The festival this year is July 26-July 31st. the teams slated to come from India, Egypt, Mongolia, China, Japan, Armenia, Italy and Panama. There are other teams we are waiting on. If anyone wants to help out this year with anything please let me know! Sarah

Ty David Shirley

2009-12-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

He is here!!! Ty David arrived this past Friday. Yay - Steph rocked the labor room delivering her 6th baby with yet again NO pain meds!! He is just a little doll, thanks Steph for sharing your baby with us!

2009-12-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

It's a Birthday Party from Her to THEM!!!Lola's Birthday was on Thanksgiving Day so SHE IS THROWING AN EXTRAORDINARY PARTY!!!! READ ON BELOW IN THE NEXT POST AND FIND OUT HOW IT WORKS!

Lola throws a party.........

2009-12-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

These are literally the children this party is being thrown for! The kiddos left behind! Lola is the cutie in the red jacket. When I asked what her favorite toy was, they said there were so little toys they wouldn't have any idea! This CAN CHANGE!!! Help Lola leave behind all we can! Join in on the party! Read below how it all worksa and have fun playing momma for a day to these kids by sending them comforts of any home!

Little Lola Mallory has an idea! She will soon be with her family, so in essence, for her Birthday ( which was Thanksgiving Day) she gets a family, a warm home , a mom and dad who are CRAZY about her and all the food she can eat. She will soon no longer sleep alone in an unheated building. She will have clean clothes and plent of snuggly sox. She will have her choice of coats hanging in the back hall to throw on as she goes out to play and hot chocolate waiting for her as she comes in shivering. Her friends however who are left behind ( the 97% of Chinese orphans who will never be adopted) are not as fortunate. Somehow we just know that she can't just leave her Chinese family (the kids in the orphanage where she has been for the last 4 years) without helping them with a "birthday party" from her to them! The gifts will be a varity of things they need and would love to have......more blankets, hats and gloves, formula, toys, books, sox, warm jammies, possibly a heater of some sort... and food. Lola's family is donating 100% of the proceeds of this party to her orphanage for much needed supplies. Lola's family will be physically taking this money to China and will purchase all the supplies they can and take it all to the orphanage. US dollars go a long way over there ...and with no shipping , alot can be accomplished! So here's the menu! Have fun helping Lola throw them a party the likes of which they have never seen. The look on the childrens' faces really do reaveal just how excited they are to feel SOMEONE cares for them and their little lives, comfort, hopes and dreams.....What perfect gift to yourself! The family will post photos of it all being delivered to the orphanage......Can't wait!! Give yourself the opportunity to play Mom to a wonderful child for just a moment! It will make a huge difference in their day I can promise you!

A coat...................................................10.00

A can /pouch of formula .................5.00 ea.

Hats and glove set for ten kids..........10.00

Box of blankets...................................15.00

Safe toys that are age appropriate...15.00

Diapers and wipes...............................20.00

A heat source.......................................50.00

A box of Non parishable food items that will last a good while.................25.00

A set of books for older kids................30.00

Just choose a gift and pay the given amount here at the chip in. Be sure to leave a comment on this blog and share what you have given . We all want to know!! Let's throw an "Extraordinary" party!!!

Fa la la la la...la la la

2009-11-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Remider Ladies...

Christmas Boutique with lots of shopping and food!

Lana's house this Saturday Nov. 14th

374E. 150S. Burley

10 am till 2 pm

Be there!!!

Lana has worked what tush she has left OFF to be ready and so have I(Mare M.) so come out and have fun!! I will be selling Cheesecake Factory's recipe Pumkin Cheesecake and some pretty handmade by me jewelry..! Lana is selling LOTS of way cute stuff and there's more! Jenna Guiles will have hair bows,..yada yada yada just come!!

Love you my friends:) See ya Saturday!

PS.........tell all your friends and neighbors..the more the merrier!

New Moon Movie Premier Dinner

2009-11-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

Beware : Lots of Pictures. . ..
We got together for a New Moon Movie Premier Dinner, where Stephenie Meyers book - New Moon was the theme. Sarah, Steph, Mel and Marilyn - it was our Christmas present to the Extraordinary Housewives . . . Life has gotten so busy, and there are babies, babies and more babies, it has been a very much needed treat and night out for the ladies. We had tons of fun talking, eating waayyy to much, and just being out for a few hours and enjoying ourselves at a candle lit dinner.
StephSarahMarilyn LisaEmilyJenLana and her baby capeMarianneAdria The strawberry daiquiris were a hit, thanks Steph!No Jen, you did not just get busted for something :)All the ladies left with our gifts to them, The New Moon soundtrack , yay.
Fun memories, thanks everyone for coming. . .

Happy Birthday Steph

2009-10-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is waayy, way overdue, but such is life, right? We were finally able to get together for Steph's birthday lunch at Uppercrust. Everyone (except mare) was able to make it, and we missed you Mare! We had fun getting together, everyone has been super busy since school started, and we all agreed we need ALOT more girl time, so see you all next month ladies :)

Gettin' Skinny for my Mei Mei

2009-09-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

I have a new Orphanage Fundraiser started this week. I know you all have been so supportive and I DON'T want ANY of you to feel like you have to donate AGAIN if you have already!!! BUT I am just posting about it so you can spread the word! It's a great offer to anyone who wants to lose some weight or just feel better and be healthier! I am offering a "Complete Weight Loss" plan in a binder ....it's a culmination of all the information, recipes, and the "template" for using your food to help you burn fat.....all day and all night! (Using your fork!!!!) It's what I offer clients in 4-6 weeks of visits . It's a 225.00 package, but in this form.....condensed but thorough "packet" you pay only 25 dollars!!

Go check out the details on my blog!

http://www.jonahsfamily.blogspot.com/

Of course all proceeds go to her Orphanage Donation in Nantong , Jiangsu, China!

Feel free to put this post and the link on your blogs! This is a win win for anyone! OR should I say "Lose Lose!!! :)

Anyone need their car washed?

2009-08-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

ok I am on the downhill slide.............just 3 months or less to flying to China for our little china doll! My heart is getting so sad without her! .........but I digress:) I still need some dough for the orphanage donation. It went up by 2 thousand dollars since Jonah's adoption. Thank you so much for helping me with my garage sale. Lana, and Lisa , you were invaluable. Everyone who donated shtuff to it THANK YOU!!!! Steph thanks for sitting with me! Mel and Sarah, thanks for the donated items and for the brownies for the bake sale! I have the BEST band of friends.... PERIOD!!! oh and btw a certain family who wants to remain anonymous have donated frequent flyer miles for our travel to get our precious little girl. Honestly there is no way to repay all the generosity they have shown in our last two adoptions. They act like it's not a big deal to donate those miles, but trust me IT IS!!! THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU!

I am doing odd jobs (food coaching), have had a garage sale, am making jewelry to sell, and am still quite concerned about the last chunk of money I need to get her home. ie.. the 5,000 orphanage donation!! So, I am having a slew of service oriented fund raisers starting with a CAR WASH!!! If you would like to help me wash cars I would really appreciate it. If you would like to donate a baked goodie or two for the bake sale I will have there, I would love it! Come have a ball with me and get wet! It's at Stokes.....:)It's supposed to be 85 degrees!! It's from 10-1 THIS SATURDAY AUGUST 29........ So be there or be square!! Jarrod can't go so I will NEEEEEED your muscle desperately!! I know it's late notice but I found out this afternoon that I will be having knee surgery next week so I will be out of commision for a little while. BAD timing I know but it's all good. Anything for my little empress:)

Just a thank you......from this Mare (the one with the rack as Mare P. says:)

2009-07-28T19:00:00.001-07:00

Hey girls,

This is just a thank you note. I have had one of the worst days of my life so far ...... and you know what? I survived........let me tell you why. I was greeted by my neighbor this evening(Adria) with a flower..............okay so it was a dead radish that had gone to seed, but that is beside the point. The conversation, the ear and shoulder were nice and of course a smooch from Sal made my night.!!!!

I then started to consider all my blessings big and small. Right away all of you came to mind. All of you mean something special to me...........Mel for example.........I walked in the salon today for a pedicure and she had that zaney smile on her face. Has that girl ever frowned? I doubt it! Lana and I had a moment this morning on the phone and we agreed ANY woman to survive her year of cancer mahem AND do a freaking triathalon on top of that needs to be on Oprah and write a book.....!!! My point is, I am blessed beyond measure by my circle of friends. You have all taught me compassion, selflessness,courage and and peseverance. Crappy days will come and go but you all are here to stay! I know any one of you would drop anything to help me or any of us for that matter and for that I am soooo grateful. Life sucks sometimes.........but nothing would suck more than not having you all in my life. I love you so much and hope someday to repay all your kindness.

Yard Sale for a China Doll

2009-07-16T21:05:00.001-07:00

Marianne is in the black tank, and I am browsing in the denim jumper.

Lisa's fancy grease car is in the background.

I would so buy the blue lamp on the front table.

Calling all extraordinary housewives or ordinary housewives or just housewives or even houseboys... Marianne is having a garage sale to raise money to bring her new addition home to Burley. We are having the sale on Saturday, July 18 at 1121 E 17th St in Burley (Lana's old residence).

So we really need you to dejunk (hurry, you only have one day) and bring all of your "treasures" to the house. We will price them and put them out on Friday evening or you are more than welcome to drop them off on Saturday. Also, if you would like to patron the sale, we do have some really nice stuff. ALL of the money goes to save the Chinese. Well, not exactly but it does go to the orphanage where Marianne is getting her baby. Every little bit helps as a small amount of money goes a long way over in China.

We would also love some baked goods as most garage sale buyers are hungry and need some fuel and nourishment. So if you don't have any special junk to donate, make some junk food and bring it over. We usually make a killing on the treats.

We will be having a PARTY so don't miss out!

Leave a comment if you are willing to help. Again, every little bit helps.
Call me with any questions.

-Lana

Ava Elena Farfan

2009-07-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

New Baby

2009-06-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

Congrats to our friend on her baby bundle yesterday!! :) From what I hear Jen was quite the wonder woman , making it look easy to deliver a baby. I don't know how many kids this makes for our little group but I do know with the addition of Slade, Ava, and the next Shirley, it is ALOT. Wow, baby making women we are. Who's next?.............................I will go 1st, my bet is on Emily......we really should put some money down and see who guesses who
-S.Stokes

No Rest for the Weary (or is it Wicked???)

2009-05-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Despite her best efforts, Jen is officially on bed rest for the duration... She did great though, and hopefully will only have to endure 3 weeks of "rest" (which of course means keeping her other kids fed, occupied and happy from the comfort of her couch...). Her ward is bringing in some meals, but it would be helpful for her to have some FREEZER MEALS to fill in where her ward leaves off. SO... if you want to just drop something off to her, or bring some Taco Bandido (ok, they should seriously buy advertising from us...) I'm sure she would appreciate it. You can also call me (Adria) to make arrangements to get dinners to her. Whatever would be great!

Telethon

2009-05-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

Emma and I rocked it on the Radiothon back in December so they called us to help with the telethon on Sunday. Yes, we are going to be on television on KSL TV Sunday sometime between 8-9 am. This could really be our big break. You never know, maybe Jerry Lewis will be calling us next.

Calling all Movers (and shakers)

2009-05-19T09:31:00.001-07:00

Me and my stuff.

Well, it's officially here.

The Gibbons (not to be confused with Emma) are moving on Saturday, May 23rd. What an exciting, stressful and somewhat sad day. I will be home (thanks so much to Amy Young and Tami and Madi Taylor who are taking care of Emma) Wednesday evening. Thursday will start the festivities! We (I'm using the word "we" hoping that YOU will include yourself) will be packing the house pretty much full time Thursday and Friday. Anyone who wants to stop by and have a pack party... feel free (even if you only have a couple of minutes, new blood is always good).

This looks so real to me and somewhat familiar... it's scary.

Saturday we will be moving into the new house. Anyone with trucks, trailers, muscles or pom poms (for cheering) are welcome to be there. Again, even if you only have a few minutes to spare, I'll take it. I'm desperate and concerned because as you know I have so much "stuff." Needless to say, stuff I love, or is it, I love stuff?

Any questions you can leave a comment or give me a call.

-Lana

If you have any boxes or packing materials bring them along!

Garage Sale is this Saturday for Geanie

2009-05-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

OK it's happening, hopefully without rain !!!!!! We are getting rid of all the junk we can find to raise some funds for this sweetie from Ethipia who is LUCKY enouph to come home to Geanie...........can you imagine??? AHHHH good things are happening!!!:) Let's show her all our support and drop off any misc. items you don't need anymore for our garage sale. It's at Amy Mallory's house. On the corner of 18th and Hiland (I'll double check that) You'll see us there! Bring it over Friday night if you can! We would love some baked items too to sell, so if you want to donate some yummy items to sell, every dollar counts!!!!Thanks so much! Call me or Geanie if you have any questions!
Mare

William Slade Page

2009-05-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

I hate to brag, but Mel's kids are gorgeous !! Mel brought over her little baby boy and let me do whatever I wanted with him, it was so much fun. Way to go Mel, he is so stinking cute :0)

2009-05-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted. I guess no news is good news.

Emma got out of the hospital March 25, but had to be admitted again on April 1st. She had picked up RSV and had to be treated for it so it didn't get into her lungs and cause serious problems. We were there for a week. She had ribaviron breathing treatments three times a day and each treatment took about an hour and a half. She had to have a mask on and breath in medicine for that time. It was no fun.

Emma on Ribaviron

We got out of the hospital on the 9th and have been out ever since (knock on wood). We have loved being a Karma's house. It is perfectly comfortable and cozy and everyone around here is super helpful.

Popcorn Popping. Springtime at Karma's

The family came down on April 18th to celebrate Easter. We colored eggs, hid baskets and killed the dragonfly pinata. We invited over our cousins, Karen, Chris and their kids Tyler, Luke and Jarret for the pinata. My boys think that we have found some long-lost hidden treasure by introducing them to these new 2nd cousins. We played a lot of basketball and loved spending the weekend together. Kind of like a normal family. (That's what Ethan prays for all the time, that our family will be "normal again," as if we ever were.)

Karen making Emma's favorite deviled eggs.

Easter was a success!

Emma and I spend our days sleeping (oh, am I in heaven?) and doing whatever we please. She has about 20 pills to take a day and has to be hooked up to either food or fluids for 10-12 hours. We go to the clinic every Wednesday, sometimes to get a check up on her counts, etc., sometimes to get a bone marrow aspirate and spinal tap. On those days we swing by Meredith's house and visit with her or stop and get something to eat.

A few weeks ago we broke every rule (shhhhhh) by going to the Hannah Montana movie. I went on a Monday night because I figured most good Mormons would not go the movies for FHE. It was a good call as there were only 9 people in the theater. I anti-baced the seat and we sat alone. It was super fun and we felt like we had just eluded the doctor police.

We have, of course, been keeping up with our reality TV. We want the deaf kid/mom to win Amazing Race, Melissa to win DWTS (although we love Ty), Tara to win Biggest Loser (or Mike), Danny (although the weird makeup guy will win) to win Idol, and JT (or Taj) to win Survivor. We have it all figured out and spend serious amounts of time on the subject.

The hole house (Ty calls it this because it was a big hole) is coming along nicely. Jeff and his dad spend a lot of time out there getting it ready. Jeff said I should worry about his relationship with the new house as he spends more time with her than me and that he might possibly be in love with her. We should be moved in by the first of June! Mark my words people, the first of JUNE!

Of course, Emma and I won't be there, but hopefully we will not be far behind. We will most likely get to move back to Burley around the first of July! I am so excited and can hardly wait. I just have to keep reminding myself, "one day at a time." (Remember that show with Valerie Bertinelli and Schneider? Oh gracious!)

Thanks again for everything.

Did you know that Jeff and I don't ever pay for gas because an anonymous gas contributor meets us at Maverick to fill up our tanks every time we leave town?

Did you know that someone bought Emma a Christmas tree from the festival of trees and it still stands in my living room to this day?

Did you know that my dentist's wife is picking up Ty and taking that 4-year old to the dentist to get his teeth fixed, holding his little hand and giving him a treat when he's finished being brave?

Did you know that someone brings my family dinner (enough food to feed us for the entire week) every Friday and Sunday?

Did you know that Emma gets $5 from her Grandpa every time she is brave? It's her bravery money and Ty gets Donor Dollars.

Did you know that a friend sacrificed her ENTIRE Christmas and donated it to my family?

Did you know that I have a list a mile long of people I can call for AN-Y-THING?

Did you know that I can call Diane in the middle of the night and she'll pretend to be awake waiting for my call (you know, not an inconvenience) and talk to me for hours?

Did you know my Aunt Karma and Uncle Koyle donate their house to us and let us run the heat and call long distance and use the internet? We love our half-way house.

Did you know my cousins cleaned and polished my Aunt's house to get it prepared for us (as if it were dirty)?

Did you know that Heavenly Father listens to me and answers my prayers?

Did you know that there is not a day that goes by that Emma's (or mine or Jeff's or all of our family's) name is not on the temple prayer roll. Thanks to my temple worker peeps.

Did you know there are angels among us, each displayed and pronounced in a different, but very valuable way?

Did you know there are too many people and too many services rendered to count?

Thank you.

-Lana

Pea to the Ess. I thank my God upon every remembrance of

Y-O-U, yes, YOU! (Philippians 1:3)

Change of plans...................

2009-05-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

we are changing the date of the garage sale for Geanie's adoption!!!! Lots of us are out of town or busy so we will have it in a couple weeks or so. I will let y'all know!!!! Lots of love,
Mare(m)

Garage Sale

2009-04-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! We are having a garage sale to help Geanie and The fabulous Mr. Zaid on May 2nd at Amy Mallory's house on Hiland. You know "Garage Sale Row". We need ALL the stuff we can get so we can raise some serious money. So dig up all the things you won't even miss and we'll do some good in the world!
Bring your stuff to her house the night before, May 1st. We will be setting up. Call me or Adelle Astin for details. Bring it already priced. We will have lots of other things to sell like baked goods and lemonade and hot chocolate. I personally know how wonderful it felt last year when Lana's friend Merideth baked all night the night before Lana's garage sale when I was trying to find the travel/food/hotel money to go get Jonah. She donated all the proceeds to my fund which truly made me cry! So, if you want you can bring your best culinary creations !!!! It will be SOOOOOOOO fun! Call me for the address when it gets closer. It will be the best day!
Ready set, go get started on your spring cleaning and shed those items!

With Gratitude

2009-04-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! To all who took part in Zaid's Birthday !!! The Party was a success and it is obvious he is coming home to a wonderful village of people who already love him. I don't have a total yet but stay tuned beacause I will later today!
On another note, I can't waitto see Lana tonight! Jr miss and dessert for the Birthday girl!!!
MareM.

William Slade is Here!

2009-04-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Little William Slade Page has arrived! He weighed a woppin 6 lbs 13 oz. and was 20 inches long. Both mom and baby are fine. He likes to scream. We peeked and it really is a boy! Good job Mel and Billy!

Birthday party and shower!

2009-04-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

(Not edible)
Diaper Cake

Do our faces really look thinner even after
eating Cafe Rio and DQ ice cream cake?
We missed you Lana.

Happy Birthday Marilyn and Happy Shower Melanie!
Ok Mel you can have your baby anytime now!

MEL?????????

2009-04-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

Anyone heard from Mel? Last I heard, she was at a 4 but not at the hospital!I just don't want it to happen and she not have enouph help and stuff ya know???

ALSO>>>>>>>>> I need help for my friend! She has all boys and she found out she is having a girl! So...... she needs a name! Any ideas???????? Different is ok..... She is starting a list and I want to contribute! The name she picks will get cash!!!

Mare

Cute Boy.....has a family

2009-03-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

This beautiful peice of art sums it all up perfectly............ It is called "The Worth of a Soul"

Ok girls, remember this cute boy I was worried about? I posted his picture on this blog a couple of months ago? ( I had to take it down because it is forbidden by his birth country to post it) Well, some of you know HE HAS A FAMILY!!!..... and they are among US!! No, it's not me ,but I am thrilled to say that after much work and prayer and more work AND MORE PRAYER,, his family has done all the paperwork and been officially declared as the lucky family to proceed with his adoption. I can't put into words how happy I am that this child of God gets to grow up in a family and not in the streets. I am thrilled he has a kindhearted, beautiful Momma to care for him instead of a nanny at night when he needs a drink of water. I can't wait to see him grow up nearby(YEA!!!!!!!!!!!) AND do all the things local kids do like go to the Cassia County Fair, go to our own little Storybook Park, go pick out a treat at Maverick.......get all dressed up on Sunday for church, drive his sisters crazy, and love on his forever family. All the things we and our families take for granted. You know, the list could go on forever! Miracles happen every day and this is one of them!!!

So, now it's time we support this little guy in a real way....... I want to have a Pasta Pig Out! I want to have a huge dinner in honor of this family and in honor of him. They have had to take a real leap of faith to do this ( financially and otherwise) and have been determined to bring him home no matter the sacrifice. This makes me cry! They have sold some pretty big items already to help get their little guy home and still have a long way to go in a short amount of time. SO .......let's try to help raise the 7,000 orphanage donation that will be mandatory. I know this sounds like an insane amount of money... but think about it! If just half the residents of Burley gave 2.00 each ,that would do it! The cost of the adoption is way higher than this goal, but we can do THIS. His birth country is very strict about not putting his info on the internet, so I am not even posting where he is from, or his name but we all know we want to help so it doesn't much matter. All that matters is we get him home! So, I am throwing a huge pasta pig out where we all can have a great dinner and visit. I will have a whole array of fun things to auction off and lots of food:) The cost to get in will be way cheaper than taking the family out to a restaurant and WAY more fun! SO STAY TUNED! THIS WILL HAPPEN IN A COUPLE WEEKS! I will keep you posted. If you would like to help, please call me! We need helpers with food and donations for the silent auction. I am donating some food coaching and some food coach meals. Yummy!

We will also donate sod. If you have any service or gift to donate it will be so great!

Other ideas for the silent auction are
gift baskets
hair cuts
airline miles ( wait, she might need those to go get him:)
babysitting
house cleaning
gift certificates from local stores

It is so fun witness something so wonderful like this sweet boy coming home! It's bigger than you and me and it's an honor to be a part of it! My email is marem@safelink.net

LUVS

Mare M.

Official Engraftment AKA Best Day Eva

2009-03-23T16:12:00.001-07:00

" I'm Engrafted!"

March 23, 2009

Yesterday was a beautiful Sunday morning which couldn't be a more appropriate day for rising blood counts! Her ANC count (we want 500 or more) was 400 on Saturday, by Sunday morning it had bolted to 700! It felt like that Christmas day that you got every toy you'd asked for. Instantly I said a prayer of thanksgiving, thanking my Heavenly Father for this amazing gift.

It worked!

Ty and his fancy, dancy bone marrow won!

Monday morning (The true test is to have above 500 for two days in a row.) came, and again posted on her board, were counts of 700. What a relief! We are now planning our escape from the hospital. She has to be able to take her meds by mouth which means she needs to eat to be able to keep them down.

Also I have to go through rigorous training to be able to take home a bone marrow transplant patient.

Training includes, but is not limited to:
* Suggested Home Cleaning Routines. (This should be interesting.)

* Preparing Food Safely. (Do I have to cook?)

* Hygiene Routines (How many times a week do I have to shower?)

* Nutrition Guidelines (Oh Marianne Save Me!)

* Medication Schedule (What, When, How Much, Side Affects, etc.)

* Transition Back to Home Life (It will be weird. She's been in the hospital for 33 days straight.)

This girl is one of the bravest people I have ever met. She has endured so much, and I am grateful to have been a witness to the resilience of her spirit. I am so incredibly proud of her. She is an inspiration to me, and I love her dearly and deeply.

Tears....

-Lana

Movie Reviews

2009-03-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

Spoiler alert: This post mentions who recently got kicked off of Idol. If you don't want to know, don't read on.

We have wasted away another few days here at the hospital. We have watched several movies of which I will give a report. Take my report with a grain of salt. Remember I am desperate for entertainment. Possible stars: ***** (5)

1) College Road Trip, Rated G: A dad doesn't want his "baby" daughter to grow up. Hilarious, laughed out loud on several occasions. Also shed a few tears as the daughter (Raven) went to college. It reminded me of when I left home. Emma said, "It's not like she won't ever go home again." To which I replied, "Yeah, but it won't be the same." Remember when you went back after you left the nest? So good to be home, but you're "older/wiser/something."
L*****/E****

2) Baptists at our Barbecue, Rated PG (Mormon show): I actually thought this was kind of cute. Emma didn't understand some of the religious exaggerations, but I thought it was a clever show. Super cheesy acting was its downfall. L***/E***

3) Wall-E, Rated G: Does this movie have a story line? I don't really get it. Emma says she only gives it two stars. I think it's weird. L*/E**

4) Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Rated PG: A boy has dreams that come true about superheroes, etc. Dumbest show ever. Lavagirl wants to be good and find out how she can be a better superhero, but Sharkboy is violent and angry (bugs me.) L*/E**

5) Ella Enchanted, Rated PG: Ella was given the gift of obedience as a child. She has to do everything she's told. I really like this show and think it's very funny. I think the end is lame where they start singing, "Don't go breaking my heart." "I couldn't if I tried." Blah Blah Blah. Then she rips off the bottom of her dress to find a miniskirt and go go boots. The director should've cut that part. L****/E****

6) Beverly Hills Chihuahua : Rated PG: A pampered dog gets lost in Mexico and tries to find her way back to So. Cal. Pretty darn funny. I love when the dogs talk in their little Hispanic accents. It cracks me up. L***/E ****

7) Everyone's Hero, Rated ?: Cute show about Babe Ruth's bat getting stolen and the little boy who tries to recover it. The bat and a ball talk to the boy. I recommend this show for both young and old. L****/E****

These were our latest and greatest movies. We are patiently anticipating the arrival of Bolt. It comes out on Tuesday, and I will post a review then (riveting). We are also going to watch Ant Bully.

Emma's counts are slowly rising. Today her ANC (which needs to be minimum 500) is 400. Hopefully tomorrow or Monday she will be at 500. This means that we will be going home (to Kaysville) soon. I am hoping it will be by the end of the week.

I don't know if I've told you this, but we will be living in Kaysville at my Aunt Karma and Uncle Koyle's house. They are on a mission at the Washington DC temple and said we could live in their home. What a blessing this will be for us. There will be very little traffic which means very little germs to get sick off of. Plus it's furnished and comfortable. I always remember going to Aunt Karma's house and thinking how tidy and organized it was. Plus, she is a fantastic cook and makes everything look so yummy (presentation is everything).

Wish us luck (and prayers) in the next couple of days for rising counts. Emma also needs to start eating and drinking. It's still not anything she's interested in doing.

-Lana

BTW: Emma and I had nothing to do with Alexis getting kicked off of Idol. We would've booted Anoop (which we call A-poop) or the blind guy. We think the judges are being soft on the blind guy just because he can't see. Waa! Waa!

Update

2009-03-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

So, just an update.

We're here in Salt Lake City doing the usual. I start the day out with a nice blueberry bagel with strawberry cream cheese and a chocolate milk (I have a highly unusual addiction to the dark creamy stuff!) I usually eat this around 11:00 am (the perfect time to start a day). I help Emma with her mouth cares (which consists of a lot of swishing and gagging) and then we take her pills (which are crushed up and look a lot like cocaine, not that I've seen cocaine in real life, but I have watched CSI). Remember when I asked the workers to come and move Stephanie's bed and I would give them some coke?

I usually head over to the Jewish Community Center sometime during the day. I like to ride the bike and run the treadmill. One evening I went to a Zumba class ("Latest Latin dance trends from Miami from marenge to mambo, flamenco to salsa, you will feel the core connect and quads burn from continuous dance play.") This was great fun, and I felt like a candidate for Dancing with the Stars. (I could so wipe out Denise Richards.)

I try to shower at least every other day. This is more for the comfort of others and sometimes I smell a little ripe.

We have taken to watching all of the reality shows. Of course during the day it's all Disney, all the time, but in the evenings we have a strict schedule that we adhere to. Sunday: Amazing Race, Monday: Dancing with the Stars, Tuesday: Biggest Loser, Dancing with the Stars results show, American Idol (talented channel changing), Wednesday: American Idol, Thursday: Survivor, Friday: Movie Night, Saturday: Movie Night. It's tough keeping track of all the stars and celebs so Emma has a notebook that she busts out when we watch the shows. She writes down the names and the scores, weight loss, etc., of all of the contestants and then we write down our scores as well. At the end of the night we decide who is going home or getting kicked off. This has been highly entertaining and something I would never do in real life... but since I'm living in a dream (or a nightmare, I'm not sure) what the heck.

We top the evening off with another round of mouth cares (which she usually barfs up) and then her pills (which she keeps down). We read the scriptures and ponder them and discuss them (also something I would never do in real life). We can do this because it's just the two of us and not the eight of us. It's usually lights out by midnight after we've giggled and talked about the incredibly interesting things we've done that day and plan the equally incredibly interesting things we'll do the next day.

It's tough living here and keeping this schedule. The cafeteria closes from 10-11 and if I don't get my bagel before then, well I have to walk all the way across the hall and get it at the other cafeteria (yes, I have a favorite). Also it's closed from 4-5. What if I'm hungry? The gym closes at 6:00 on Friday, and so I always have to bust a move on that day. The parent shower is only open some of the time so I have to try to squeeze my shower in on top of all of the things I already have to do. I also make sure I get an afternoon nap and maybe even an evening nap. This is difficult when you don't wake up until afternoon. I'm telling you it's not as easy as it looks.

My children are in Pocatello this week. Playing with cousins and enjoying spring break. Jeff will get them on Friday and have them for the weekend and next week. My sister-in-law Jeni will be there next week and take good care of them.

Emma's counts are rising everyday. They fluctuate a bit so I can't say when she will engraft. Her ANC needs to be 500 for two days in a row to be considered engrafted. It's at 200 today and hopefully it will rise tomorrow. I will let you know.

They also took away her best friend today. The morphine pump was off when she woke up and she acted as if someone had shot her dog. She kept saying she needed it which was weird detoxing an 8 year old. I'm pretty sure it was all psychological as she did fine, but weird anyway. They also unhooked her from her "food" for 8 hours. They want her to be hungry and start to eat on her own. She took a couple of bites of chicken noodle soup (Tuesdays: my favorite soup day... so good) but lost it during mouth care. She promises she will never eat chicken noodle soup again.

We will keep trying to eat and enjoy each day. Can't wait for tomorrow. It's always fun to kick someone off of Idol.

-Lana

The Pros and Cons

2009-03-05T06:42:00.001-08:00

I've decided to make a list of the pros and cons here at Primary Children's Medical Center.

Pro: Dwelling in room 4421 AKA the room with the "retro-yellow, faux leather couch." (You can't just say couch, it comes as a package deal.)
Con: Waking up every 20 minutes in which case you remember every cock-eyed dream you've ever had. Which even if it's a good dream, it becomes a nightmare.

Pro: Not having to cook, prepare or clean up any food.
Con: Hospital food.

Pro: Having a housekeeper come in twice a day to clean.
Con: Can you die from the smell of bleach?

Pro: Having cable TV
Con: Not having any of the normal TV channels like HGTV or Lifetime (I'm a sucker for Lifetime), but we do have Disney Channel. Oh gracious!

Pro: Calling the staff whenever we need assistance.
Con: That dam (Oops, I did it again. Yes that is Britney Spears and you should be ashamed that you know that.) beeping noise!

Pro: Seeing those beautiful Utah mountains everyday.
Con: They aren't my mountains.

Pro: MORPHINE (It really has saved our life. She's in hardly any pain.)
Con: A daughter who's not always "there." One minute she wants to do something by herself and the next minute she's crying because I'm not helping her. I guess she's just a sloppy drunk.

Pro: Everyone here is so nice and really wants to help.
Con: I am never alone. (You know I like my alone.)

Pro: Parent accommodations.
Con: Hair in the showers. (If you threw up just a little bit right now, I am sorry, and I promise I will not say anymore on the subject.)

Pro: Fantastically wonderful things happen to me everyday.
Con: Trials!

Sometimes it's almost worth it. The Pros of life out way the Cons any day!

Thanks for EVERYTHING.

-Lana

Happy BMT Birthday to You

2009-03-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

Well the last week ended up being a super success.

Emma had radiation. The rad people would set her lung shields just right so her lungs wouldn't get damaged and then we would all leave the room. It was a huge room, chilly and loud, and I hated leaving her in there alone. I went out and sat with the radiology peeps and watched her on a tv screen. She had to get zapped on the front for 15 minutes and then turn around to the back for 15 more. I was so glad to get this over with. It always looked to me like she was getting tortured, however no pain involved.

Friday morning Ty had to be at the hospital at o' dark o'clock. I was sick to my stomach but tried to pretend that we were going on some fantastic fun adventure. He was in surgery for an hour and a half, and I used my usual coping skills by sleeping that time away (What? You didn't know I had these skills?). The doctors said the surgery went well. He woke up in postop mumbling something about how someone had taken off his jammies.

After two sleepy hours and two grape popsicles he was feeling a bit better, just groggy. He slept all the way home.

His back hurt the rest of the day and on Saturday he woke up and announced that he couldn't walk. He kept saying, "I can't walk" over and over again. He wasn't panicked, just wondered why I wasn't doing anything about it. By the end of the day he was walking with only a little limp.

We waited the rest of the day Friday for Ty's bone marrow to be counted, cleaned, filtered, checked, etc., etc., and around 6:00 the man from the clinic arrived. It was very exciting to see him. He had a cooler labeled as a donor cooler and looked very official. After the doctors got there, many nurses and hospital staff came in the room and sang "Happy BMT Birthday To You" to Emma. The "donor cooler guy" had all sorts of official paperwork and numbers that he and the doctors went over to verify that the right "stuff" was going to the right person.

Then they hung it! Instantly the marrow (through gravity) started pumping down the tube and into Emma. It was a very surreal moment for me as I thought of how Ty was helping to heal Emma.

Emma was happy and smiling. Everyone at the hospital loves her and thinks she's so pretty and super fun. (Hello, have you seen her motha'?)

Emma's special Bone Marrow Transplant Birthday was a miracle. Many miracles happen everyday in my life. Some are open and some are private, but it impresses me that many of you are serving the Lord. What a testimony builder it has been for me to see this in action. I have no doubt that you would be shocked if I listed the many services that my family has received. The amounts of money, the amounts of time, the vast amounts of food (Mormons know food) the amounts of prayers, fasting and love that have been sent my way is phenomenal.

May you all be blessed for your sincere service and your truly pure hearts. I pray.

Lana

What can we do?

2009-02-24T11:53:00.001-08:00

Friday is the big day. The day when Emma gets a bone marrow transplant, thanks to her little brother Ty.

Ty is a hero. The one who will save Emma's life. But in order to do so, he will undergo a surgery where they drill into his bone and draw out the marrow. He will be great, and Emma will get better!

I know the Gibbons family is probably in your thoughts and prayers, as they are in ours. And many of us wish there was something more we could do. But there is something we can do. We would like to invite anyone who wishes to do so to join with us in fasting for Emma and Ty this Friday (or Thursday). The surgery will most likely take place Friday morning.

Together we can be a mighty force for good! Keep praying. I know they feel your love and support!

T Minus 4

2009-02-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

Today is Monday and we have been here for almost a week. It seems like much, much longer, however we are super excited for the week coming up.

Emma finished 3 days and six treatments of radiation. I'll post the pics later. It looked barbaric, but she was a trooper and did them all without complaining. She watched movies while she was getting zapped (Bugs Life, Pocohantas and Wizard of Oz) and she smelled like she had done some intense tanning under some super strong bulbs when she was finished.

She's now getting some chemo that drips into her for four hours each day. The chemo wants to escape from her skin so she has to take three baths a day and wipe off the outer layer of her skin so it doesn't get rashes or infection. After each bath, her bed linens have to be changed and she can't put on the same clothes without them being washed. We're going through lots of towels and sheets, but I think she enjoys soaking in the tub.

Everything is going according to schedule and so tomorrow and Wednesday we will have more chemo with Thursday as a break. Ty and Jeff will be coming down on Thursday afternoon to have Ty's "stuff" done on Friday (the big Bone Marrow Transplant Birthday). I'm sure everything will be fine, but I can't help thinking of Ty in the operating room. He is so one of my favorite children, and I really don't want him to have to go through this. I'll try not to think about it or I'm afraid I might have to be medicated myself.

I'll take Ty home and stay for the weekend. I can't wait! Heidi, my sister in law will be at my home this week playing mom to my children. Unfortunately all of these substitute moms are spoiling my children, and I'm pretty sure they won't want the real one back. They actually cook and clean like a bonafide mom should do.

Emma feels good so I feel good. Thanks for all of your prayers. Keep them coming, especially on Friday.

-Lana

Ps. Guess who's sleepin' in Room 4421?

update on darling girl

2009-02-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

The little girl I spoke of earlier has 3 families fighting for her! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
Mare

T minus 9

2009-02-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

There are 9 days before Emma gets her bone marrow transplant. They call this day (2/18) day -9. She will have "minus" days until transplant day which is day zero and then we start counting into the positive.

Today she had surgery to replace her port-a-cath to a broviac catheter. This catheter is a triple lumen which means she has three different intakes/outtakes to her body. The port had only one which is not enough for the doctors to push everything through for the transplant. The pros of this type of cath is that they can get so much in, the cons are that it hangs out of the skin which is kind of gicky and makes her more susceptible to getting infection. Also, the catheter is about the circumference of a pen and the doctor described it as "putting in a garden hose."

I was super nervous about the surgery this morning. You know when you tell yourself not to worry, everything will be fine and there's nothing you can do about it anyway... but your body and mind take over and you just panic. The hardest part about this is not letting Emma see me panic. My cousin Angie came to the hospital to be with me. It was a great diversion. She's funny, witty and good for some uplifting conversation. The surgery took about an hour which doesn't seem that long, but is plenty of time to think about too many awful things. Angie and I had cheesecake (always a good thing) and passed the time.

The surgery went fine. She is pretty dopey and watching Cheetah Girls 2 (nightmare). My sister-in-law, Becky, is at my house and Jeff said she's wonderful. She has organized my storage room (Holy Crap - can you all applaud?) and has loved on the babies, of this I'm sure.

I'm so grateful for friends, family and the help, love and support we receive from all. We couldn't do this alone, thus the reason our Heavenly Father blesses us through all of you.

Thank you.

-Lana

And They're Off

2009-02-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

Well Emma and I are off to the great Salt Lake City, Utah (doesn't she look so excited to be going?). I really do love Primary Children's. They do their best to make things comfortable, but it's not an easy thing to do.

I have shopped around (lots of spare time) and have found the two best rooms on ICS (immunocompromised services) which is where we will be living for approximately 6 weeks.

And the winners are... Room 4404 and Room 4421. Both of these rooms have a couch (faux leather of course) which is better than a chair that folds out into a cot (besides I like the retro yellow color). I have great hopes that I will get one of these rooms as I have kissed so many charge nurses' fannies that I'm planning on getting whatever I want. It is my talent you know.

So... we have more of this...

and this... (the glow sticks were a big hit)

and less of this...

and this...

Please wish us lots of luck and offer many prayers. We need them so desperately.

Emma's class has sent her many cards and well wishes and this is one that has stuck in my mind. We are headed into a very dark time, but there will be light again.

I'll keep you posted.

-Lana

Jen? Baby News?

2009-02-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Ok Jen, seriously, do we have to have an announcement party for real? I know you know what your having? We can have a Lana Luncheon this week sometime and you can bring your sealed envelope and reveal it at lunch. What day works for you? Lets have a coming out party!:) -Sarah

Beautiful Kids

2009-02-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

Yes I love to brag, and usually it is about how gorgeous my kids are. This time I couldn't resist, these kids are so dang adorable, and that baby- I could just keep her :)

My New Zip Code 83411

2009-02-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Mount Timpanogos Courtesy cjane

Emma and I are still here in Utah. You know it was never my goal to live in Utah. Being born and raised in Idaho required you to have a small disdain for the Wasatch Front. Not that I didn't love to visit and not that I didn't love many people known as Utes or Zoobies, but I was perfectly happy in my own little zion (and they say Utah is zion?! Please~!) However I am enjoying many Utah advantages. I am minutes away from Gateway Plaza (I love, love, love the Apple Mac store) and Trolley Square. I can grab a Cafe Rio pork salad every day if I wanted, but what's the point... it's not home!

Many of you have asked for our address in Utah (pathetic that I have an address here). Emma does love letters and getting mail here at the hospital. It really boosts her day and we hang things all over her room. So anytime you want to drop her a line, feel free:

Primary Children's Medical Center

c/o ICS Emma Gibbons

100 N Mario Capecchi Dr

Salt Lake City UT 84113

I am happy to report that for this weekend this will (most likely) not be our address.

After transfusions and medications and lots and lots of prayers, her counts finally came up. The ANC (absolute neutrofil count, don't know if I'm spelling it right) has to be between 1.5 and 8.0. Since January 26 it has basically been non- existent, AKA zero! Well a miracle has happened and today it is up to 2.2. Also, she hasn't had any Tylenol in two days and has kept her fever at bay. I talked to the doctors and they expect her to go home early Friday. This would really bouy her up as she has to be back on Monday 2/9 and a few days home would do her soul good.

Thanks for all of your prayers. Keep them coming. I'm trying not to jinx things, but I really hope to be home this weekend.

Thanks for everything.

-Lana

Help Wanted

2009-01-27T12:34:00.001-08:00

Hey one and all. Just a quick update on Lana and Emma. They are STILL in Utah, hoping to come home some time tomorrow. Emma has had a fever and they can't release her until they get that under control. Meanwhile, they need help for one more day (at least). Marianne and Lisa are helping with their kids today, and I will hopefully be taking them tomorrow (if my kids would get better already!) If I still have sick kids, can anyone help with kids tomorrow? They could maybe use a meal or two, as Jeff is being the mom and the dad in the home. If anyone is up for taking in dinner, or helping with kids, give me a call. We definitely have a friend in need!

Emily

Review of the Five Stages of Grief!

2009-01-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

I hadn't checked the blog for a few days and in reading Lana's post was so proud of her! She went from DENIAL (Emma doesn't have cancer, she just has leukemia), to ANGER (this sucks, I'm mad this is happening to me, I sleep in stupid places dealing with crap I shouldn't have to), to BARGAINING (if I have enough faith, God can help me through this), ALL in one journal entry. So for Lana and everyone wanting to help, this means DEPRESSION is next if it hasn't hit already and then ACCEPTANCE. We're almost there! Way to go Lana! Keep the anger comin', it just moves you quicker to the next stage! Interesting how predictable we are when it comes to textbooks and the study of humans. Remember we are spiritual being having a human experience-and life pretty much sucks sometimes. Jen

Sending Love From Home

2009-01-23T13:11:00.000-08:00

Dear mom and Emma,

Come home soon! We miss you, and we love you VERY much!

Love,
Ty and Carly

HOT

2009-01-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am hot. Not H-O-T - hot, but hot under the collar, steamed, spicy, on fire.

Sometimes I have these moments that it really hits me that my daughter has cancer. Leukemia sounds so much better, less threatening, however they talk around here like she has cancer. Whatever the crap that means. Anyway, often in my head I validate it by repeating, "Emma has cancer." "My daughter has cancer." "Remember you've heard of cancer, you have it."

I know we are not the first to experience these things, but I really feel ripped off.

Right now Emma has a sore on her bottom the size of Grenada (you know a small country). This is something she should have to experience only at an older age and only after she's pushed a small, living human being out of her (which won't happen anyway). Do I sound bitter? I feel bitter. I am bitter.

I feel like hitting something. Maybe tomorrow I should go work out at the Jewish Community Center (free membership to all parents who have a kid with cancer). If only my legs would work after sleeping on this dam (ha, ha I spelled it wrong, doesn't count) faux leather couch. Has it only been two nights here? For the love!

Right now Emma is getting chemo called Methotrexate (google that one). It is bright yellow and makes her pee look like limeade. I will never drink limeade again... ever! She has to pee this out every two hours. It is toxic. She gets drops put in her eyes every three hours. You know, because the drugs could make her go blind. Nothing big. Stop the Madness!

I could go on and on because this was not my plan.

Did you know He talks to me even when I'm angry? He loves me and has a greater plan.

I will trust. It's soooooooo (remember when we wrote "so" like that in jr. high? ex. I like you sooooooo much) hard. H-A-R-D, hard!

The greater plan He has for me... I don't know, but I know Him, and that's enough.

Of this I testify.

Goodnight (or is it morning?).

-Lana

Ps. HUGE thanks for loving my babies while I'm gone. Oh how I miss.

Mel, you're HOW old?

2009-01-21T21:15:00.000-08:00

We need to do this more often! I haven't laughed this hard in a long time (Lisa and her cat nip tea). We all got together for Melanie's birthday after rescheduling many times. It was so worth it and a greatly needed break.

Emily? Why not just eat plain M&Ms if you don't like the peanuts?

Mare's "Quote Du Jour"

2009-01-20T07:26:00.001-08:00

OK,
You all know how I LOVE quotes. Well, Martin Luther King said something that I can't get out of my mind!
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

I thought it spoke to so many things we see wrong or right in the world everyday!
So ,here's to what's right.. and here's to what we can do for that which is wrong or needs some attention!
Speaking of attention, anyone want to play maid with me at Lana's on Wednesday? I am watching the littles and I am going to lysol the crap out of the joint- heehee
call me!
Marianne

LETS GET IT TOGETHER!!!

2009-01-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

Okay so after all of Steph's hard work to arrange a get together, alas, Monday won't work either because all your kids have school SO........For one last attempt, BE at Stevo's at 6:00 on Friday, then we will be going to a movie or hanging out on a corner laughing our guts out! Be there if you can, if not we will miss ya but catch ya next time. I'm a little behind on the presents so I will be bringing gifts for Mare, Adria and Mel. Y'all better come cuz I miss you like crazy! Marilyn

We all need a good laugh!

2009-01-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

MySpace Graphics & Free Myspace Layouts

Hey guys! Let's try getting together again. Mel has recovered and is ready to party. Let's plan on lunch on Monday at Stevo's at noon. Our kids should be out of school so we could have sitters. Does that work for everyone? I think we could all use a good laugh! Steph

Abort Mission!

2009-01-09T11:00:00.001-08:00

A kidney stone
A thing so small
Is hardly worth a mention
Unless your trying to pass the things
They quickly get your attention
There is a cure
I promise you
That this is not a joke
Puree a bunch of asparagus

And chase with a liter of coke

Due to an unexpected guest, Mel's party will be postponed until later. Actually I don't think Mel would call it a guest. But she is home now and doing better. Whew!

Party for Mel.

2009-01-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mel!

How about dinner at Stevo's Friday night at 6:00pm? I will make reservations. If we need more time to be together there are some good flicks coming out or we could come back and chat at my house. Steph

Just a recap

2009-01-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

We spent last week at Primary Children's getting her ultra doses of chemo. Emma did very well and was not sick at all (just tired). She and I had a good time together... lots of crafts, reading, movies and a 12 hour (no, not 12 episode) marathon of Wizards of Waverly Place (medicate me please).

The days seemed super long this time around, but certainly not without traffic. Everyday we'd meet new doctors, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, child life specialists, parent helpers, nurse's assistants, sleep therapists, dietitians and more! These people would come in at all times (even interrupting Wizard episodes, the nerve) and ask questions, want to check on Emma, or just hang out. You would think this might be fun, but it's exhausting.

Emma needs to get an injection everyday while we are at home. It's just to get her white blood count back up so she can try to fight off any illness she might get. Stephanie will come over to give it to her. The hospital staff trained me how to give a shot on an orange, but seriously, it's not my thing. Thank goodness for Steph. Even though it's not her favorite thing, she's at least done it before.

We will be home until January 20 at which time we will go back to PCMC for the same regimen (does that sound like I'm in the army?) that we just finished.

Until then she will be getting her shots, taking her pills, staying away from germs and losing her hair.

Thank you for all, all, all of your help. I want you to know that miracles happen every single day in my life and in the lives of my family members. I know Heavenly Father is watching out for me and loves me and each of you.

Thank you for everything.

-Lana

Picture This

2008-12-28T09:01:00.001-08:00

They say a picture says a thousand words,
yet I can't come up with anything to say.

Ty Asher Gibbons - Bone Marrow Match 10 out of 10

Circle of Friendship

2008-12-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

"Ours is a circle, a circle of friendship,
And just like a circle, it goes on and on
Endless, eternal, this circle of friendship
Enter our circle, for here you belong.

Laughing and singing our good times together,
And sharing the blessings sent from above,
You and I sharing this circle of friendship,
Join as we open our circle of love."
-Marilyn P. Adams

This is an OLD Young Women's sons (like 1978) that I remember from when I was little (I think my mom was the YW prez...). This was the inspiration for the gift from Jen and me, and so I wanted to share the whole song with you. If we could have fit this all onto those blocks, we would have!

I try to count my blessings all year, but of course, more so at Christmas. Our friendship is one of my most cherished blessings! I am so glad to have all of you in my life!

Merry Christmas!

Love,
Adria

We Are a Chain...

2008-12-23T05:23:00.000-08:00

Stokes Fresh Food Market has recently opened up another grocery store in Aberdeen, ID making our little family business a chain!! Steve and John have pretty much been M.I.A. for a little over a month now. All their hard work and dedication has given them the opportunity to watch the family legacy continue to grow. Don't worry about not seeing one of the Stokes brothers upon entering the Burley store, right now as things get going in Aberdeen both will be there to get it up and running. Once the new store is on it's feet, Steve will be working the Burley store, and John will be working the Aberdeen store. So just wanted to let ya'll know - It's Official!! Way to go Stokes Bros.

It's Time For Our Annual Christmas Gift Exchange!

2008-12-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

How does Morey's on Monday at 8:00 for dessert and presents sound? But remember last year they kicked us out nicely because they closed at 9:00? For once 8:00 means 8:00, unless someone else has a better idea. It's getting down to the wire, so we know Marianne has already left for Cali.... Mel, Steph and Sarah are one step ahead of the game but we still need you guys so we can shower you with our gifts. Marilyn doesn't think she'll make it before Christmas and says her central exchage is Jeff's office next week. Lana, you need to sneak away for an hour to feel normal. So spread the word and decide if this will work or not. Cheers-Jen and Adria

Writer in our midst

2008-12-18T06:53:00.001-08:00

Lana's good friend wrote this. I thought it was so beautifully written, it needed to be shared with everyone... Thanks Kresta

Have you ever learned something and immediately wished that you could turn back the clock just two minutes? Back to when you didn't know? Back to when life was uncomplicated and mostly good? It is true that ignorance is bliss. And yet, too often, the secret is out before we realize that our lives are going to be irreversibly changed forever. My dear friend learned just such a truth this week. She was going along with her merry little life; chasing kids, selling a house, building a new house, spreading joy and sunshine like she always does. I think she was probably like me; fretting over little things like what gifts to give for Christmas and how to find time to clean her house before the holidays and what she was going to make for dinner. Suddenly the "secret" surfaced and now she is worrying instead about her darling little girl and chest ports and IVs and spinal taps and chemotherapy and hospital recliners that never let you sleep. Instead of baking for Thanksgiving, she is struggling to put on a happy face for her little daughter as she brushes her long gorgeous hair and tries to find a way to tell her that all this beautiful hair will soon be found in big clumps on her pillow each morning until there is no more. Now she is curled up and crying in a hospital room by herself in the dark, wee hours of the morning only when she is sure her daughter will not see her fear. She is far from friends and family, worrying about her other children farmed out among relatives, worrying about what the next months and years will hold. And I wish that there was some way to take it all back, because, trust me, the road back to before seems so very much shorter than the long, long road through. And my heart breaks for her.Then I think about the "secret" that I just discovered and wish that I, too, could go back. Back to yesterday when life was great as I knew it. And yet, the secret was still there. Not a menace that could hurt me physically, but an ugly monster just the same. I was blissfully oblivious but that doesn't mean that the damage wasn't done. It just means that the stench was not yet apparent, like the dead mouse under my freezer in the basement. Just because I couldn't smell it, doesn't mean it wasn't there, preparing to knock me down with its odor the next time I opened the door. And I have to wonder which I hate more, secrets or surprises. Then I realize that there is no reverse button on this roller coaster called life and that the only way past is right through the murky middle. So, my friend, I will gather my courage and brace myself for the journey, praying for angels for me and for you. Angels to carry us through.

Posted by Kresta

Breaking News (as in breaking my heart)

2008-12-15T23:59:00.001-08:00

Today... Monday... always the day, the big dance, the show.

Emma and I showed up at Primary Children's this morning for her treatments. I was so excited because we were only there for Chemo, basically in and out in an hour. I could handle that, Emma could eat (no fasting for tests) and we were happy.

Dr. Phil (seriously, but not the real Dr. Phil) came in and checked on Emma. She said she was happy, but gassy (quite hilarious description) and hungry.

The doctor then turned to me and said, "Well, we probably need to talk." The blood instantly rushed to my face as this statement brought back terrible memories of two specific occasions. I mean when has, "Well, we probably need to talk," ever meant anything good?

The first of these occasions was when I was a sophomore in high school. I was dating a severly attractive boy (he could bench 175, that was a lot). His name was Brad (the coolest name eva') and we were H-O-T! Anyway, one evening he takes me on a drive and completely unbeknownst (yes, that is a word) to me, he was breaking up with me. I mean usually I could tell if we were drifting apart as a couple, or I was the one doing the dumping, but no! He said, "I think we need to talk," and WHAM (not the singing group) it was over. Heartbroken.

The second occasion was just a couple of weeks ago. Dr. Graham called to let me know the results of Emma's blood draw. She had been sick. I was expecting something... but not that! Dr Graham said, "We need to talk, (this sentence is becoming a theme here... see?) You need to sit down." To which I responded, "I'm hanging up now." At which time WHAM (again, not the singing group, however I would like a reunion)... Leukemia.

As you can see this "talking" is not a good thing for me.

Anyway, Dr. Phil said that Emma has philadelphia chromosome translocation . Long story short (click on the link if you want some biology) two chromosomes (#9 and #22) have cross breeded, which is against the rules! This makes it harder to treat leukemia. These two cells had an affair (shame, shame) and as a result have caused lots of mutant DNA throughout her cells. In the end, Emma will need a bone marrow transplant. In the beginning (I act like it was so long ago) this is what we were so thankful she didn't need.

Her siblings (all five of them, thank goodness for proliferation) have now been tested to see if they are a match (we will know the results in two weeks). They each have a 25% chance that they will match. No this does not mean that we have a 125% chance of matching. Come on, where were you during statistics? But, with so many siblings, the chances are obviously higher that a match will be found.

This is what we are praying for... that a match will be found within her siblings. Please, please, I am pleading with you (I have lost all pride) to join me in prayer as we ask our Heavenly Father to help us through this time.

Of course it is late at night. I can't sleep and everything seems darker than it really is. The light will come tomorrow. The christmas trees and the season give me hope. I will head over to Emily's house tomorrow because her house sparkles and it makes me happy. You all make me happy and you all give me hope.

Tears... amen.

-Lana

Another Day of Treatment

2008-12-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

We left for Utah after church and had a nice visit with our friends Beverly and Keith. My neighbor, Diane, chauffered us down which was very comfortable.

Our treatment wasn't until 1:30 which makes it hard because Emma can't eat before and since she's on roids she thinks she's starving to death.
They got her in at 11:00 which I so appreciated because then she could eat.

She was incredibly brave. Last week it took 45 minutes to access the port in which she gets chemo and they draw blood. This week it only took 10 minutes because she wasn't fighting it so much. It actually doesn't really hurt her, she just works herself up and thinks it's going to hurt.

The snow started about 8:00 am and never let up which means we're staying another night in Utah. We heard the roads to get home were nasty and to tell you the truth, Diane doesn't drive after dark.

We ended up spending over six hours at the hospital. Emma's red blood count was so low that she needed a blood transfusion. Transfusions take several hours so Emma painted and did crafts while Diane and I visited and made fun of celebs in the People Magazine. Can you say BOTOX?

Hopefully we'll get home tomorrow. Until then, Jeff will have the fort held down (hopefully)!

-LANA

Welcome Home

2008-12-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to be home! Emma and I arrived home on Monday.

We actually left the hospital Friday afternoon and went to stay with my cousins in Draper. That night Emma had a bloody nose that lasted for 35 minutes (chemo patients aren't supposed to bleed for more than 10 minutes). I was so nervous we would have to go back to the hospital because the bleeding lasted so long, but as we loaded into the van, the blood stopped. Thank goodness!

We went in on Saturday for a blood draw, had Sunday off and then went in Monday morning for Chemo and more blood draws. Also she had another spinal tap and bone marrow aspirate. We haven't got the tests back from either of those, and I am quite anxious to hear if there is leukemia in the bone marrow. We're wishing no!

So we got home Monday night and it was so great to see the family again. Ty kept saying I missed you Emma and Carly kept staring at me and then cuddling and then staring again.
The house was decorated with a huge Welcome Home banner from her school and lots of fun activities, treats and gifts awaited her arrival.

She's loving the activities because she's bored sitting at home and she loves the treats because she thinks she's starving to death (the meds make her hungry). She can eat!

For the most part Emma is optimistic and happy. Every once in awhile she'll cry because she knows she's going to lose her hair or she'll be disappointed that she's missing out on something at school or church.

Amazing people and amazing things have happened in the last couple of weeks. I can't believe the outpouring of service, love and prayers.

Thank you. Thank you.
-Lana

Sick Joke - got outta hand...

2008-12-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Due to overwhelming phone calls (1 from a verry hopeful mother in Mexico) in regards to a Congratulations on Steph's big news...We regret to inform you all that the previous statements leading to the assumptions of an upcoming birth from Steph have all been False. Her friends -.(a.k.a Sarah, and Mel.) apologize for any inconvenience these false statements have caused.

To set the records straight - There is no bun in the oven with Steph

Meals on wheels calling

2008-12-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

Lana,
I know you are super busy and I pray every day for you and for Emma. I was just wondering if there was a good time to drop off some freezer meals for you. I have tried calling but I am sure you are flooded with that kind of thing. Sending lots of love from "Mallory Lane"
Mare

Time for Jen to be official!

2008-11-30T19:52:00.000-08:00

I know I told a few of you at Lana's the other night about my "news" but now that I've officially told my family we're having a baby, it's time to tell everyone else now that they're allowed to know officially there is a bun in the oven. I'm not Mel so I'm 9 weeks instead of 19 weeks, but I'm not as freakishly able to hide the misery like Mel is-because she doesn't know that kind of misery. So gossip away, we'll see how fast we can spread the news!

Emma Update

2008-11-30T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone, It's Adria here...

I'm in Portland at a conference for work and for two days I've been trying to call Lana to see how everything is going but her phone goes right to voice mail. I was actually getting a bit worried so I called Jeff to see what the deal was... Lana can't find her charger!

I think Jeff is sick of everyone calling him, because when I offered to post an update, he was ALL for it! LOL

So here's the 411... Emma got out of the hospital on Friday. She goes in for another round of chemo tomorrow, and if all goes well, they'll come home to Burley on Tuesday. Jeff wasn't sure about the exact schedule, but it will be something like SLC once a week for 4 weeks for chemo, then maybe once or twice a month depending on how she responds, blood tests, etc...

I asked about her pain and fever, and he said when he talked to her today, she sounded pretty much like herself, so that is GREAT news!

Well, there you have it...
Lana, let us know if this is at all correct :-)
We're all thinking of you and Emma and your family and hoping and praying for the best!

Many Thanks on Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

With grateful heart I write this post to say thank you for all of your love and support. We have had a heck-of-a-week and it hasn't even been a week.

I am grateful for my family. The love that I receive from them.
I am grateful for my friends and the extra support that they give in time of need.
I am grateful for medicine and the miracles it can perform.
I am grateful for Emma and the extended "date" that we've had these last couple of days.
Mostly... I am grateful for my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. It is through the people listed above that He has blessed me. It is through the hands and spirits of His children that I am buoyed up and can continue forward.

My heart is full and my tear ducts are exhausted as I say thank you for everything.

-Lana

Mutiny in Primary Children Rm 4408

2008-11-25T17:57:00.001-08:00

So apparently we are in the protesting phase. She's NOT happy. This morning she had to take 6 pills and she gritted her teeth and screamed.

At times like these I go back and forth between trying to be understanding and loving to wanting to ground her. She's old enough to understand and to realize it must be done, but then again, who wouldn't want to throw a fit.

Today they had to change the dressing on her portacatheter (don't know if I'm saying it right) and I think that was painful for her. Bandage burns are the least of her worries, but they hurt.

No fevers for almost 24 hours which is a true blessing. They were so high and made her super uncomfortable and cranky.

The pee has gone back to it's original color which cuts down on the bathroom excitement, but we know she's clearing out the drug. Have I told you that her waste is a biohazard? If we come into contact with it, it must be rinsed off immediately. Which means I have to wear rubber gloves and make sure that Emma and I both stay clean. Crap, where's my HAZMAT suit? I swear I picked one up at DI.

Lots of well wishers and love. I feel it coming from every direction.

Many, many thanks.

-Lana

Utah is Beautiful but I'd rather be in Idaho

2008-11-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

Another day at Primary Childrens. Such nice people, super great doctors and nurses. Really wierd oncologists. What a perfect combination!

Emma had surgery yesterday (Sunday 23) and everything was successful. They did the spinal tap and found no bad cells, but put chemo in the spinal fluid to kill any just in case. The bone marrow draw was full of leukemia and looked very text book for what she has. They also put the catheter port in just below her left breast and it's plastic not metal. I was sad she wouldn't be setting off any metal detector alarms. They put her on narcotics which made her super strange and kind of funny, but also quite bossy and angry.

The port area is in a lot of pain today and she's had a headache, back ache and serious discomfort. Her left hand and both of her feet are super swollen. The hand looks like you took a rubber glove and blew it up like a balloon. It's really cute, but also sad. The swelling should go down soon. I think it's like having a baby. The day you deliver you don't feel as bad as the day after you deliver. I'm hoping tomorrow she's a bit better and stronger.

They gave her her first round of chemotherapy this evening. One has a name that starts with a V, one is a steroid, and the other is called donnarubison (I'm sure I spelled it wrong). I remember this one because I think it sounds like someone's name. Anyway, it's pink and they call it "little red." It makes her pee pink. Princess Pee I call it.

Jeff is catching a ride home tomorrow with Brek & Emily. I will miss him, but am happy he'll be with the boys. I think if I were them I would feel lonely... people talking about their family, knowing their sister has cancer, etc.

It doesn't sound like we'll be home until next Tuesday. Can I last another week?

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. Pray that the chemo will work because if it does, she should have a full recovery! That's the hope and that's the plan.

-Lana

Ps. Remember how I was getting super buff and physically fit? Well I just climbed up to the fourth floor and I think just possibly I might pass out. Atrophy bites!!

I Believe

2008-11-22T23:42:00.000-08:00

My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.

Always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.

It's 12:44 am. Nights are very difficult. I am scared. Pray for many angels.

Thank you.

-Lana

Angels from Heaven Here on Earth

2008-11-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

So... where do I start? After announcing the perfect news about Melanie, this news is no fun. I promise I'm not trying to poopy her party.

As most of you have heard, I took Emma to Primary Childrens yesterday 11/21. Dr Graham called me and wanted some more blood from Emma because she had spiked a high fever the night before. The blood showed high levels of white blood cells and so we came to Primary to comfirm Leukemia. After more tests, Leukemia is what she has. It's hard to see her suffer as she's in a lot of pain, but I'm excited to have a plan of attack and know what we are dealing with. She has ALL which is the best kind of Leukemia to get, meaning it responds the best to the treatment.

Basically what the drs are going to do is give her chemotherapy until there are no messed up white blood cells. I asked how long this would take and the standard gold star treatment is 2 1/2-3 years. The time frame on this disease causes me more stress than anything. I have no doubt it will be treated properly and will be cured, it's just disheartening that it takes so long. The doctor (who is quite the little oncologist nerd, who else would I want on my team?) said for the most part, she will still go to school and do normal things.

She will be going in tomorrow for a spinal tap (remember the movie?) and a bone marrow draw. This will determine how aggressive the treatment we will start off with. If it's in her spinal fluid, they will be very aggressive. Her high white cell count puts her at a high level of aggressiveness (is that a word?) already so I don't know if it will be any different. She will receive her first blast of chemo tomorrow.

Also tomorrow, she will get a small disc put under the skin above her chest. This will hold a catheter inside of her that will be used to draw blood and inject chemo. I guess you only see a small buldge under her skin when it's all put in. As far as I know it is metal which will be quite fun because maybe she'll set off metal detector alarms and also she can match Jack and Ashton.

She seems to be in high spirits. She was in a lot of pain this morning, but we busted out the oxycotin and she's been out, I mean totally stoned, hilarious! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love narcotics.

We will most likely be here for a minimum of another week. The food's not too bad and maybe we'll get something special for Thanksgiving like Cafe Rio (it's just down the street).

A super huge shout out to all who have called and expressed concern. Please, please pray for her to have strength and be about to fight this bastard! (can I use that word in the same sentence as pray?) Also please pray for me to have peace as I am having a real struggle finding any calm in this storm.

I love my angels that are surrounding me and am thankful that they were plucked from heaven to be placed here on earth to help me.

I will write more when I know more.

-Lana

ps. Love flowers, but can't have them in the room as they might carry germs.

Hey, I didn't make the dumb rule. Dont' shoot the messenger.

Go girl! Go girl!

2008-11-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

Introducing the latest offspring of the Extraordinary Housewives! Can you tell - boy or girl?? It is a boy and you may be surprised to know this baby boy belongs to Mel! She had her ultrasound today. She is 19 weeks 4 days along. Her due date is April 17 . Go Mel, Go Mel!!

Happy Happy Birthday Stephanie Dear

2008-10-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Stephanie! How old, 40, 45? Just kidding (however it's not far off for us). Hope you're having a great day.

Top Five Things I like about Stephanie:

1. Her house is ALWAYS clean. I mean ALWAYS!

2. She's a good cook and feeds her family daily (this is harder than it looks).

3. She's very physically fit and takes this seriously!

4. She has a very kind heart.

5. She's a good mom and loves her children very much and it's evident.

-Lana and Emily

The Food Coach is in...

2008-10-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Food Coach ... it's not your mother's cooking!

Family Pics.

2008-10-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Adria I have your pictures ready...call me and I can get your disc to you. :)

In your Honor...

2008-10-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

Marilyn came for the night so of course we had to have a big showing! We called up the ladies and made a night of it, out to eat at the drift inn. Thanks for giving us a reason to partay Mare:)

The EXTRAORDINARY TRIATHLON !

2008-09-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

So, I was talking to my Education Professor/Advisor the other day, and she described my life perfectly... Three spinning plates. Well, she only knows about three... She knows about Family, School, Work. There are really a few more. Church, Friends, TRIATHLONS... Because of all the spinning plates, I haven't gotten around to posting pics from our big day until now (when I should be studying about joints-the body kind, not the marajuana kind-sometimes I WISH I had the marajuana kind, but, I digress...). So here they are... Thanks, Jen for your awesome support and photography!

Getting our transition areas set up. This was actually really fun. We met a woman named Rhonda who was about our same age, she had FUSHIA lipstick on- she said it pumped her up... We also met Leah, a youngster with a rich boss. She tried to play it off like she wasn't that serious, but she said they had practiced the swim to bike transition like 15 times in one night, so, whatever...

Almost time to get ready...

Body Marking... they put your number on your left hand so if they pull you out of the water, they know right away who you are... VERY reassuring...

Apparently it's important to have your age listed on the right calf. This is great when you are passing a 16 yr old boy. Not so great when a 55 yr old woman is passing you...

Seriously though, the numbers look AWESOME! I admit that I only scrubbed half-heartedly to get them off for church :-)

Ready for the start... The energy here is really amazing!

2 minutes to start...

1 minute to start...

Go!

One down... What you can't see is the very steep boat ramp we had to run up to get to the transition area...

Emily was a true friend and swam with Lana to make sure she didn't drown...

Not only did Lana NOT drown, she and Emily saved two people from drowning. That's not a joke, they really did get help for two people. We should start a tally of actual lives saved this year by the Extraordinary Housewives... I think this puts it at three or four!

Lana or Emily off on the bike...

Emily off on the run- that was fast!

Lana off on the run...

Adria off on the run... Yes, Lana passed me at the transition area...

Emily headed to the Finish Line! Even with her extra long swim :-), she still finished in like
2 hrs 2 mins. Emily is a Triathlon Rock Star!

Lana working the crowd as she heads to the finish...

Adria making it to the finish...

We all made it!

Someone get this girl a bagel! Oh- she got it herself...

Lana made us wait FOREVER to see if we won a door prize. We DID win... At the VERY end... Neoprene Socks....

Back at Holly's... Looking pretty good... This was an Extraordinary Event! We can't wait for next year! And Pete, whoever you are, remember that even though we completed this event, our definition of "Extraordinary" encompasses the "Ordinary" things we do every day... Raising good kids and husbands, working, furthering our educations, serving at church and in our kids' schools, running triathlons, and staying somewhat sane! I'd say THAT'S Extraordinary!

Go Girls!

2008-09-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

We did it! Here are some photos of Lana, Adria, and I (Emily) as we are leaving to go conquer the world! (Or at least conquer the Ogden Valley Triathlon.) We had a great time!

We would like to give a big thank you to the other "members" of our team not pictured above. Jen came along to cheer us on, and cheer us on she did! Jen was the coach, photographer, AND cheerleader! And then there was Holly, who housed and fed us. It was great to see Holly again. We shopped, we ate, we laughed, and we were awesome! (At least we thought we were.)

Anyone who wants to join in on the fun next year, feel free! Jen has caught the fever. Next year she will be there with us, running across the finish line!

Go Team!!

Official Plans

2008-09-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

G.N.O - For everyone wanting dinner 1st meet at Stevo's 7p.m. or if you want to skip the dinner meet at Stephanie Shirley's house at around 9p.m. Bring any games you can think of ... and bring your happy faces for some good ole' fashion fun with the housewives!!!

Girls Nite Out...

2008-09-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Alrighty then!! The next Girls Nite Out has been scheduled for this Friday night September 19, 2008. Place? What to do? Please leave your suggestions, Steph has offered her house and Marilyn is going to be here for the big party!!!

Who's up for a cruise

2008-09-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

OK who wants to go on a cruise? I was talking to Jarrod Sat night and we decided we need to just set a date like in the next year or so and just do it! So let's take a poll. Tell me where you want to cruise and when would be best for all of us to go. I know Jeff P. and Jarrod have busy seasons. So think about it and give me your time frame and where you want to go. We could even rent a beach house somewhere. (But then we would have to cook:( ) So what do you think?

Marianne

PS This is Mare and Mare walking (IN BURLEY) deciding where we want to go!! HeHe

I feel a Girl's Night Out coming on

2008-09-14T18:39:00.001-07:00

OK, I think we need to get together and have a gno in honor of our triathletes!! (Good excuse to get together anyway right??) I say, this week, maybe Tue or Thurs night? Who is in? Let's go somewhere "kidless" like a restaurant or an all night convenience store, ya know so we don't get kicked out? How about the Bent Bean? We could try the hot cocoa or herb tea and gossip.........uh....... I mean ponder the complexities of life!! Anyone in? Orrrrrrrrrrr we could go watch the season finale of Derek's Anatomy (oops I mean Grey's Anatomy) so we are all ready for the season premier!! (Did I really just say that?) Whatever, as long as we are together right??

Mare Poulsen, I think you should come for a visit soon. We miss you like crazy girl!

Marianne

Racing Into the Future

2008-09-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Well, wish us luck!

Adria, Emily and I (Lana) are off to Ogden this morning to do a triathlon. It is actually a triathlon sprint which is only half the distance as a regular triathlon, but believe me you I have tried to drop the fact that I'm racing in a triathlon in every conversation I've had in the past few months.... I am so cool!

We will post pics and info after the race (if I survive the swim).

Pray, pray hard!

-Lana

PS>>>>>>>>> The Food Coach is in the Building

2008-09-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

OK , I forgot to announce in my last post that I have started a business! I am now for hire as a Personal weight loss counselor!! The name of my business will be "The Food Coach!!!" I figured I have a degree, and I feel a huge need to help defray the expenses incurred during our adoption so my husband can um..... sleep at night!! Good idea right? Well, I wrote in detail all about it on my Jonah blog so just click right on over there and SPREAD THE WORD FOR ME!!! I probably won't advertise much so word of mouth is very important for me :)
Love you girlfriends!
Mare- ( Mallory that is)

I have a new phone #

2008-09-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

I don't know how smart this is putting this on the blog but I have a new phone #. So .......... call my cell and ask for it! Hee Hee! It is not the previous # I have had for 15 years so call me on my cell this week and I will give it to you!
Mare

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

2008-09-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

A big thank you from us to you for Stephanie!

Bidding is closed and the winners are...

broomes - Stitchery ($25)

liz - Quilt/Sham ($80)

liz - small favors picture ($40)

jeanbean - baby blanket ($25)

julie - Mrs Meyers cleaner ($26)

sue & mickey - Give Thanks tile ($25)

For a grand total of: $221.00

Please pay through paypal to https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=v-cfOBS2Fr5sVzylE08RQDUPosgL9NVjAPb0tdMD39RhEvbbyG3hrYlVsyO&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f80512b0980fcab74f8f86a7539c796f168d210c4948de0f4

If the link is not working, just go to paypal and donate to nieniefund@gmail.com. Forward the receipt to hondavan at cableone dot net along with your address and I will send your goodies off ASAP!

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." Maya Angelou

Thank you for giving!

Nie Nie Day Comes to Idaho

2008-08-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

* Picture by Blue Lily Photography

Welcome to Nie Nie Day! We are auctioning off several fun, great items that we think are Nie Nie worthy (or at least trying to be Nie Nie worthy). Anyway, I will list them in 8 different auctions. If you are interested in purchasing an item, just comment on that post and name your price.

1) Please place your bid by leaving a comment with your Bid Amount in the comments section of the item you are bidding on. Check the comments to see the most recent High Bid.

2) Following the close of the auction, I will contact the winner (make sure your comment bid includes an email address or link to your blog or some way to contact you). The winner will pay the amount of their winning bid to the Stephanie and Christian PayPal account.

The winner will then forward the PayPal receipt to me at hondavan@cableone.net, and I will send you your winnings!

3) Please bid in increments of whole dollars. The auction will end at Midnight PST on Sunday, August 31, 2008.

4) Thank you for participating!

Remember, 100% of the proceeds go to the Nielson's recovery fund. Please be generous!

For a great list of items go http://designmom.com/. You won't be sorry.

Item #1 Thankful Heart Stitchery

2008-08-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

"A Thankful Heart is the Greatest Virtue" stitched onto a black background with a red-black frame. Measures 9 1/2 x 11. A great reminder to be so grateful for all of our many blessings!

Item #2 Perfectly Patriotic Placemats by Crate & Barrel

2008-08-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

These stars & stripes placemats would be perfect for any patriotic occassion. For example 4th of July, Flag Day, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, President's Day, Armed Forces Day, etc., etc. Really you could use these all year! They were purchased at Crate and Barrel and never used (I guess I'm not very patriotic.) They come in a set of six.

Item #3 Quilt and Sham

2008-08-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

This quilt and sham set are sure to be a treasure! Varying shades of green with a soft touch of pink thoughout. Ladybugs, dragonflies, snails, bees and all sorts of flowers are stitched on the quilt and sham. The quilt measures 84" x 84." It could fit on a full size bed or hang longer on a twin bed. This was displayed for about a month, but is in otherwise brand new condition.

Item #4 Mary Engelbreit Small Favors Framed Picture

2008-08-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

This is a sweet Mary Engelbreit picture! The frame is a classic antiquey gold. There are a couple of pieces of the frame that are chipped off, but I think that just adds to the charm! The frame measures 15 x 17 1/2 total. The glass measures 7 1/2 x 10.

Item #5 & 6 Darling Perlimpinpin Baby Blankets

2008-08-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

These are darling baby blankets by Perlimpinpin. These blankets were purchased at a child's boutique and have never been used, washed or played with. The blankets each measures 27" x 27." One has a fun blue and green patch, green patch and a couple furry soft patches in cream. The other one has a red, green and yellow patch, green and cream checked patch and a couple of furry soft patches in cream. The backs are a nice cream fleece material. So cute and fun. You will be bidding on these seperately.

Item #7 Mrs Meyers Clean Day Household Cleaners

2008-08-28T12:01:00.001-07:00

I love this stuff! Mrs Meyers makes aromatherapeutic household products in all sorts of fragrances. This auction is 4 Hard-Working household cleaners in the Gingerbread scent. You will receive:

8 oz Countertop Spray

8 oz Liquid Dish Soap

8 oz All Purpose Cleaner

8 oz Room Freshener

You will love these great working products with a fresh scent.

Item #8 Give Thanks Autumn Tile

2008-08-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

This tile will remind you to "Give Thanks" always! Tile is 6x6 roughly-textured, rust-colored tile with Chocolate Brown vinyl saying "Give Thanks." Two lovely maple leaves in the brown and cream make up the background. Tile comes with a darling metal scroll easle to display the tile. Perfect for fall!

Heartfelt Thoughts

2008-08-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been putting this post off for a week and a half now, so I thought I would finally get it over with. I guess I haven't posted it because I just don't know what to say or how to say it. A week ago last Saturday, one of my blogspot friends was in a fiery plane accident with her husband. Both are severely burned with as much as 80% of Stephanie's body burned. Her husband Mr. Nielson (Christian) is not burned as badly but is in critical condition. They have both been chemically "sleeping" since the accident. I know it sounds ridiculous because I've never really officially "met" these people, but I have been reading both her blog and her sister's blog http://www.cjanerun.blogspot.com/ for sometime now. These people have a way with words and also have very bright spirits, and they let them shine through in how they live and write.

Some of my favorites of Nie Nie are:

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005/09/pat.html

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/search?q=proc+week

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2008/05/treasure.html

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2007/06/father-week-day-two.html

She has a beautiful life and a beautiful way of sharing it with others.

Stephanie and her family have a tradition of letting balloons go on special occassions. These balloons have messages in them. Last Saturday people all over the world released balloons with special get well wishes for Stephanie, Christian and their family. We released them over the Snake River. It was actually a very moving experience to think of all of the prayers and wishes for these people.

The blogworld has declared tomorrow to be Nie Nie Day. There will be silent auctions going on all over blogdom. I will be putting some things up for auction on the Extraordinary Housewives blog and hopefully will be able to make some money to donate to the recovery fund.

-Lana

OK girls................

2008-08-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

OK girls, 'I have had a sad week as I got news of my cousin (who is like a sister) who is 30 and has 2 small kids , has been declared a hopeless case at this point. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 after the birth of her 2nd child. She has a smile that lights up a room and a laugh that doesn't quit! She is a valiant woman who is being so brave for her family as she fights for her life. PLEASE do self exams friends!!! Don't think that because there is no BC in your family that you are immune. ONLY 5 PERCENT of ALL breast cancer is hereditary!!!! 1 out of 8 will get this disease. It is curable if caught early so start the fight NOW by being your own advocate. Every month do a self exam. Do it at the same time of the month every time, preferably not around your period. If you don't know how, I will come over to your house and show you!!! It's an important habit to establish!!! I often wonder why it's her dying and not me. I don't want to sound morbid or weird but life is just so precious. Every day is a gift. Everything I get to witness with my children, every conversation I have with a dear friend, every walk I take by my mountains out here at dusk, every episode of Grey's (haha)all of it is a gift. I would simply want to curl up and die if any one of you were affected so do your part! You owe it to your husbands, your kids and of course ME!! Ha Ha!

Start now, be proactive with your health and remember how many people love you. It is more than you can count!!

Entertainment at the Park

2008-07-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun at the park tonight, free entertainment, free ice cream, and lots of fun bouncy things to play on. The dinner was only $3.oo, it was a nice relaxing evening with friends! There were plenty of things for the kids to do so we actually got to sit and have some adult conversations - rarely happens these days. Brek was handing out money, so even Jack got in on that action. By the way Brek I need some!

We have a bunch of cute kids - Ben loved the cotton candy

Some of our kids waiting in line for the bungee run... They were so happy to play together you would have thought that they didn't just spend half the summer together out at the fields...
I told Em. I had better take a picture of this because no one would ever believe me that she actually ate sugar!!

Girls Night Out

2008-07-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Anyone wanting a girls night out for a chick flick? Tommorow night (tuesday) 7 p.m. at the theatre. Write something if you are coming so we can meet outside, or save ? seats.

Missing Mom!

2008-07-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

These two darlings are missing their mommy and can't wait for her to come home. Can't wait to see you Mare!

Skid Row

2008-07-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

I think everyone knows Billy - Mel's husband is in a band, Redline. They performed last night, Redline opened for SkidRow at the Twinfalls Fair!! Redline was awsesome, and SkidRow ruled...

Mel and I waiting for Redline...
Melanie's 85 year old grandma joined us for the concert:)
Todd is the singer Mel's brother in law, in the background Rock'n the drums is Bill...

I am leaving for China in 3 hours

2008-07-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

OK gals, I am officially out of here! I am packed and repacked and didn't sleep a wink last night. I am having a nervous breakdown though. I am really having a mommy melt down about leaving Mia and Ashton. It is hard to be on the opposite side of the world as you kids. Something about being SO far away is just hard. SO I am asking a huge favor! Please , I know it may take lots of courage on your part to invite them to play for a couple hours (they are after all "diablo and diabla"), but if you have a morning where you don't have much going, could they maybe come over to your house to be hugged and kissed by one of the extraordinary housewives? You are all Mommies and are like sisters to me, so it would give me comfort knowing you are loving on them for me while I am away. Ok , I am off now to call Dr. Graham for some Zanax! Alicia's cell is... well maybe I shouldn't put it on the blog but just call my house or Lisa for Alicia's #. Thank you so much. OK..... I need medication!! I'M CALLING BREK

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This pic taken YESTERDAY

2008-06-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

OK in case you haven't had enouph (you all probably want to gag by now) but yesterday my friend went to Jonah's orphanage to pick up her new daughter Autumn and took some very precious pictures. I am just posting my favorite here in case you haven't checked my blog! I know I am a little obsessed and I love you for letting me be kind of a psycho mom , but our boy is almost home!! I MIGHT return to normal after he's home-maybe!

Also I have to say , I can't wait to introduce JOnah to all his "extraordinary Aunties"! You Rock!!

This one is for Lana

2008-06-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Recipe for "Winger's Salad"

2008-06-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

OK here it is. I am not a real freak about measuring but here are the proportions and you can make as much or as little as you want.

1-2 pounds of chicken breast cut into tenders-brown lightly then sautee them in the following sauce until cooked all the way through and the sauce is cooked down and the chicken is caramelized.

THE SAUCE

two parts brown sugar to one part Hot Sauce (I like the Western Family "louisiana Hot Sauce") You can get it at Stokes near the catsup and pickles. A big bottle is only 1.29!! Last time I made it I put about 1 1/2 cups brown sugar and about 1 cup of hot sauce, but I like it spicy. If you like it sweeter put more sugar. Pop it in the microwave for 5 minutes and stir. The sugar will be dissolved. Pour 3/4th of this mixture over the chicken in a fry pan and simmer until the chicken is nice and gooey! Take the rest of the sauce and make your dressing.

Dressing
Remaining sauce mix (hot out of the microwave)
about a half a bottle of light Ranch to taste
Stir well

Salad
half romain and half spinach-as much as you want
grated cheddar/jack cheese to taste
a cup of craisins
diced cilantro (I like about 1/2 a bunch)
chicken on top

Just assemble as such-
salad
cheese
craisins
chicken
cilantro sprinkled on top
Serve dressing on the side so it doesn't get soggy
EAT YOUR HEART OUT!!!!