Today my mom went in for her regular chemo treatment when she got some surprising news...SHE IS DONE! The doctor decided that she has been through enough and no more chemo is needed. She will however have to undergo radiation of the lymph nodes now but hey anything is better than injecting your body with poison every week.
Her fingers and toes are numb, she has lost all of her fingernails on her hands, she is constantly tired and worn out, and she is still in pain from the surgeries so she is a little irritated with everyone. Now it is over. Her hair will grow back, her fingernails will grow back, she will finally have her body back.
She has been going to a physical therapist to help with the pain in her arm and underarm. Although she doesn't feel it is working I know it is because she is getting regular messages of the area, stretching, and her reach has already improved.
Tomorrow she is going to the chemo place one more time to take some pictures for a scrapbook and say goodbye, hopefully never to be back again. I am so happy for her. She is an amazing women, been through more than her share of trials and now she has overcome yet again. There is still a lot of recovery to go through over the next few months. Radiation, breast reconstruction, and a hysterectomy. It is a long road but the worst is over.
MOM as you know and I will always remember:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim 4:7
I love you and couldn't be more happy and proud!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Christmas Review-Part 2
As I said before we had a wonderful Christmas eve with our family. Brandon's dad told the story of the Savior's birth, a family tradition, and we shared our thoughts. It is really amazing to me how I can hear that story over and over, every Christmas, yet every Christmas I learn something new or have a new insight. I love that about the Church and the scriptures, no matter how many times you read it you will discover something new if the spirit is with you. Elizabeth spent the discussion bopping around from Aunt and Uncle. She just loved all the attention. Jackson was passed out, which actually made it a little easier because I wasn't distracted by little children. (They are just still so young and have short attention spans).
Elizabeth really loved spending time with everyone but I have to say Grandpa is by far her favorite. She loves him so much. He bought pirate and princess costume stuff for the swing for bling so naturally Jackson and Elizabeth took everyone's costumes. Lizzy actually put all the princess stuff on, even the clip on earrings. It was really cute.
Finally it was time for us to head home so we stuff our car and drove back to Albuquerque. The ride was surprisingly fast. We didn't even stop just straight though and it took us a little under 6 hours thanks to Brandon's new radar detector. When we got home we ordered some pizza, put on our jammies, and opened the presents that we left at home and that Santa brought. The kids went to town. It is truly amazing how quickly they learned how to unwrap! Jackson's favorites were his new Geotrax train sets and his Pirate's of the Carribbean ship. Elizabeth just loved everything, she couldn't decide.
And I made sure to give them each a new ornament for the tree. Jackson's was a spaceship and Lizzy got a dog. She thought of it more as a toy and of course was running it around the house which took about 5 minutes to break. (Reminder to myself, never buy anything glass no matter how safe you think it will be.)
It really was a wonderful Christmas and I am so grateful that we could spend it with the ones we love.
Elizabeth really loved spending time with everyone but I have to say Grandpa is by far her favorite. She loves him so much. He bought pirate and princess costume stuff for the swing for bling so naturally Jackson and Elizabeth took everyone's costumes. Lizzy actually put all the princess stuff on, even the clip on earrings. It was really cute.
Finally it was time for us to head home so we stuff our car and drove back to Albuquerque. The ride was surprisingly fast. We didn't even stop just straight though and it took us a little under 6 hours thanks to Brandon's new radar detector. When we got home we ordered some pizza, put on our jammies, and opened the presents that we left at home and that Santa brought. The kids went to town. It is truly amazing how quickly they learned how to unwrap! Jackson's favorites were his new Geotrax train sets and his Pirate's of the Carribbean ship. Elizabeth just loved everything, she couldn't decide.
And I made sure to give them each a new ornament for the tree. Jackson's was a spaceship and Lizzy got a dog. She thought of it more as a toy and of course was running it around the house which took about 5 minutes to break. (Reminder to myself, never buy anything glass no matter how safe you think it will be.)
It really was a wonderful Christmas and I am so grateful that we could spend it with the ones we love.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Christmas Review-Part 1
I know it has been forever since my last post. What can I say, I have been busy! Anyways, I will give you a review of the wonderful Christmas we shared this year. We traveled to Arizona to Brandon's parent's house where all of his family joined us. It was so much fun spending time with EVERYONE and it was a really long break almost 12 days off. A much needed break. Jackson and Elizabeth were super excited to see all their aunts and uncles and they were not disappointed. I think Jackson was his Uncle Justin's miniature shadow and Elizabeth was often found spending quality time with her Uncle Filipe.
The Stokers always plan fun activities including miniature golf, hiking, shopping, wally ball, playing Just Dance 3 and the Kinex and swimming at Great Grandma's house. 
Jackson really enjoyed miniature gold, he took it very seriously concentrating on each hole and he is actually a really good shot. We might have a future golfer on our hands. We even participated in the annual Stoker Swing for Bling. Justin was the raining champ and he succeeded in winning again but I think Jackson had the most fun adjusting the flags and picking up all the balls with Grandma's kitchen tongs.
We also went to Goldfield, AZ and visited the Ghost Town. It was a really amazing place to visit with old west buildings, large wagons and barns, and they even perform an Old West showdown. Liz wasn't too into the load gunshots and yelping but she loved the train.
We even had a Harry Potter themed New Years with all Harry Potter themed foods and a jelly bean tasting contest. I know the kids were devestated when everyone had to go home. The only thing that got them out the door was knowing that all their presents were waiting for them under the tree at our own house. It was a great vacation and holiday. Nothing is better than family.
The Stokers always plan fun activities including miniature golf, hiking, shopping, wally ball, playing Just Dance 3 and the Kinex and swimming at Great Grandma's house. 
Jackson really enjoyed miniature gold, he took it very seriously concentrating on each hole and he is actually a really good shot. We might have a future golfer on our hands. We even participated in the annual Stoker Swing for Bling. Justin was the raining champ and he succeeded in winning again but I think Jackson had the most fun adjusting the flags and picking up all the balls with Grandma's kitchen tongs.
We also went to Goldfield, AZ and visited the Ghost Town. It was a really amazing place to visit with old west buildings, large wagons and barns, and they even perform an Old West showdown. Liz wasn't too into the load gunshots and yelping but she loved the train.
We even had a Harry Potter themed New Years with all Harry Potter themed foods and a jelly bean tasting contest. I know the kids were devestated when everyone had to go home. The only thing that got them out the door was knowing that all their presents were waiting for them under the tree at our own house. It was a great vacation and holiday. Nothing is better than family.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
a child's 10 commandments
I just found this on Pinterest and had to share it:
A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents. Reading this just makes me want to do everything to be a better Mom.
1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.
2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely: don’t restrict me unnecessarily.
3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little such a short time—please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.
4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.
5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.
6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.
7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.
8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.
9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.
10. Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.
A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents. Reading this just makes me want to do everything to be a better Mom.
1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.
2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely: don’t restrict me unnecessarily.
3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little such a short time—please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.
4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.
5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.
6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.
7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.
8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.
9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.
10. Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.
Christmas in the Stoker house
I am finally feeling better, thank goodness. Now I can get back to life, clean my house, and get ready for Christmas which is only 10 days away...what? I know, Dec is flying by. So other than being housebound we haven't really been up to much. It has been rainy here and cold which is just a constant reminder of why we lived in Arizona (lol). I don't mind the rain but the kids go a little crazy being stuck in the house all day. I guess we are going to need to branch out and find some fun places to go inside in ABQ. We have been enjoying the lights and the Christmas spirit right now. The kids love looking for the Elf on the Shelf every morning. I am not always creative with the placement of the elf but he does bring a gift once in while which is kind of a take off from a tradition in Brandon's childhood.
Jackson is very excited about Christmas, asking me every day if it is Christmas yet. And Elizabeth is so excited to go to Grandma Stoker's house. She names everyone she is going to see each day including the dogs. It really is amazing how much the kids remember and take in. Everyone says they are like little sponges but it isn't until you have children of your own that the saying really comes to life.
I decided to make a few gifts this year which is really fun and gives a little personal touch on Christmas. One item that I made recently is Elizabeth's Christmas dress. I have been thinking about this dress for a long time, like 4 months. Finally I knew what I wanted and I made it. It turned out exactly how I pictured it. I just wish it fit a little better on the top, but better bigger than too small.
Jackson will be wearing a sweater, tie combo that I bought from Children's Place with matching colors (black, white, red, and grey). He looks very dashing in it. He is really getting to be such a big boy. Taller, older, smarter. I just can't believe how fast time flies. I have a picture of him sitting on Santa's lap when he was a baby and it seems like a lifetime ago. I am so happy to have him and Elizabeth in my life, I thank God everyday for bringing them to me. But mostly it brings a spirit to Christmas that is so sweet, it brings joy to every day.
Last week we had a Christmas party for Joy School and the kids re-enacted the birth of the Savior. Jackson was a wise men. He wasn't into the Christmas song singing but when it came time to praise the Lord he wanted to be right there. I told him that his part was to bring a gift to Jesus...his response, "But he is up in the clouds."Kids are so pure of heart. All of the kids were great in the play and it was fun to share the story of the birth of the Lord with them.
Jackson is very excited about Christmas, asking me every day if it is Christmas yet. And Elizabeth is so excited to go to Grandma Stoker's house. She names everyone she is going to see each day including the dogs. It really is amazing how much the kids remember and take in. Everyone says they are like little sponges but it isn't until you have children of your own that the saying really comes to life.
I decided to make a few gifts this year which is really fun and gives a little personal touch on Christmas. One item that I made recently is Elizabeth's Christmas dress. I have been thinking about this dress for a long time, like 4 months. Finally I knew what I wanted and I made it. It turned out exactly how I pictured it. I just wish it fit a little better on the top, but better bigger than too small.
Jackson will be wearing a sweater, tie combo that I bought from Children's Place with matching colors (black, white, red, and grey). He looks very dashing in it. He is really getting to be such a big boy. Taller, older, smarter. I just can't believe how fast time flies. I have a picture of him sitting on Santa's lap when he was a baby and it seems like a lifetime ago. I am so happy to have him and Elizabeth in my life, I thank God everyday for bringing them to me. But mostly it brings a spirit to Christmas that is so sweet, it brings joy to every day.
Last week we had a Christmas party for Joy School and the kids re-enacted the birth of the Savior. Jackson was a wise men. He wasn't into the Christmas song singing but when it came time to praise the Lord he wanted to be right there. I told him that his part was to bring a gift to Jesus...his response, "But he is up in the clouds."Kids are so pure of heart. All of the kids were great in the play and it was fun to share the story of the birth of the Lord with them.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tis the Season
Tis the season to be...SICK. I swear we have been sick for almost two weeks. It goes around the whole family and then just when I think we are over it the next one comes. I thought flu shots are suppose to protect us to an extent? Anyways, right now I am in sanitation mode cleaning the whole house of the germs that have invaded our lives. Hopefully it will pass soon and we can enjoy some holiday activities before Christmas passes. (BTW only 12 days till Christmas). Good thing I got my shopping done early.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Let it Snow
Yep it snowed here. The perfect amount in my opinion. Sat and Sun it snowed a light fluffy frost. I looked out the window Saturday morning to find my backyard covered in a beautiful untouched blanket of white. There was a little drizzle of fluffy white flakes drifting down melting just as they hit the ground. Seriously so gorgeous I stopped everything, sat on the couch and just admired the sceenery for a few moments of peace. Then came the kids, lol. They were so excited to see the snow. First time ever that they can remember. We got bundled up and went outside. Jackson made a snowman instantly, not at my request (it must be innate). Then we proceeded to make a snowman. Lizzy lasted about 10 min before she took off her gloves and cried that she was cold, proceeding directly to a nice warm bath. Jack and I continued with our snowman. When he was formed Jack had some very specific ideas for the type of snowman he was going to be. Can you guess?....
A pirate of course. We got out the hat and eye patch. Jackson made sure he had all the needed appendages (he really is a perfectionist) and we snapped a few shots before going inside.
Then we had our ward Christmas party on Sat. night where Santa came to visit. Jack talked about meeting Santa all day long, but when the time actually came to sit on his lap and shake his hand Jackson chickened out of course. He wouldn't even get in the picture with Elizabeth and me. He really is such a whimp sometimes.
A pirate of course. We got out the hat and eye patch. Jackson made sure he had all the needed appendages (he really is a perfectionist) and we snapped a few shots before going inside.
Then we had our ward Christmas party on Sat. night where Santa came to visit. Jack talked about meeting Santa all day long, but when the time actually came to sit on his lap and shake his hand Jackson chickened out of course. He wouldn't even get in the picture with Elizabeth and me. He really is such a whimp sometimes.
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