Tuesday, September 30, 2008

NYC gIRls Trip 2007

Last fall we had the opportunity to visit Taylor and Susie in the Big Apple for a girls dream weekend extravaganza. Shirlene, Shannon, Kristen and I all flew over and spent our days enjoying each other's company in the midst of many Broadway plays, shopping on canal street, riding the Subway and Ferry, watching our backs at midnight in the Subway, eating in Little Italy, and much much more! I just thought I'd post a few pictures to share. We look forward to doing another girls trip next year once Shirlene has finished her treatments!! We love you Shirlene and feel so blessed to have such an amazing Mother-in Law.





Autumn in Utah






This month has been alot of fun as we've welcomed fall. Having two chemo treatments in one month has made it the longest, and shortest month yet. On my good days friends and family have made it great! Here are a few pictures of some fun days I've had with my "Gilbert transplants" lunching at the Citrus Grill, a special day with Emrey, Haley, Abbey and Sofey at Gardner Village, and beautiful Fall in Brighton on our drive up to the Johnson Cabin. The family has enjoyed lots of yummy treats and fresh garden vegetables from neighbors and ward members. The ward has been incredible and we are all so appreciative of their many efforts. I feel so blessed to have such great friends, neighbors, and family members who love and care for me. Thanks to all for your visits, phone calls, and comments. I love you!!!

Monday, September 29, 2008


We love and miss you so very much. Hugs and kisses from all of us!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

We miss you!




Shirlene,
I just thought I'd post a picture of the girls doing their photo shoot for me. We think about you constantly and the girls are always asking about you. It's great to hear how well you're doing through all this. We miss you so much and can't wait to be with you again soon. We love you! Talk to you soon.


love, Brandon, Dawn, Zoe and Tatym

The Huntsman Center





Yesterday was my third chemo treatment which means I am half way through (yeah!!!!) I didn't think I would live through the second one to have to go to my third treatment, but sure enough week three came along and I started feeling better with every day. Mike took me to Deer Valley (thanks to Chuck and Kathie Horman) on Friday afternoon and we stayed in their condo and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and weather, shopped and ate along Main Street in Park City, and had the most fabulous brunch in the world at the Stein Erikson Lodge in Deer Valley. We went to Fast and Testimony meeting at a ward in Park City where the Bishop was conducting and bore his testimony. He and his wife burried their 30 something son just two weeks ago from melanoma. The son left a wife with two small children along with grieving parents and siblings. It wasn't hard for me to put a smile on my face as Shannon drove me to the Huntsman Center for my chemotherapy knowing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Huntsman Center is absolutely fabulous. I can't think there is a better facility anywhere. The doctors, nurses, and staff are the most caring group I've ever seen. Dr. Litton has a great sense of humor and we laugh our heads off about all the things that are happening to me. I've been on alot of steroids this past month and wow, the changes are incredible. Luckily I don't have to stay on them and hopefully some of the side effects will subside soon. Chris wanted to know why he hasn't seen pictures of me on this blog, but I'm not so sure I want my fat red face plastered on here for the whole world to see, except it might give everyone a good laugh. It's bad enough to be bald, and flat, now add the pounds and red face - trust me I'm no beauty in the pageant!
Back to the Huntsman Center. The Infusion room is really interesting. The whole thing is open with a beautiful salt water fish tank, a kitchen stocked with all kinds of snacks and drinks and games and puzzels, and the chairs are lined up about 4to a section and it's great meeting new friends each time I go. Yesterday I met a man who is retiring from Dentistry. He and his lovely wife had lots of plans until last week when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He's taking chemo in hopes of buying a few month or hopefully more. Carol was in the chair next to me. She's about 10 years older than me and was diagnosed with lung cancer in July. She's not sure what her prognosis will be until they can shrink the tumor to do surgery. In the beginning, I wasn't sure I wanted to sit in this big open room with tons of other people all hooked up, but Jon Huntsman has been through cancer twice, and he knew what he was doing here. I've loved meeting these wonderful, positive people who help me realize how blessed I am. Thanks to everyone for your phone calls, notes, food, gifts and especially for your prayers. Mike took me to the Temple Friday morning and it was a humbling experience for me being there and knowing that my name is added to the prayer roll. Thank you, all. I love and miss those of you who are away. Thanks for being in touch.
All my love, Shirlene

Monday, September 8, 2008

Something To Look Forward To

So I've decided that for the next 4 chemo treatments you

have left, I will be posting a new video of the boys. I thought

it would be nice to have that to look forward to. We love

you so much and hope this helps today go easier.

Hope you enjoy it! XOXOX