Andrew

This last week has been really long and hard. I can only imagine how it's been for my parents and Andrew if it's been this tough for me. Last Thursday, my little brother Andrew was taken into the ER because he was in so much pain. He was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease a couple of years ago, which in itself is rough, and so initially it was thought that this was because of the Crohns. After many tests and him being sent to St. Luke's Hospital here in Boise, Crohn's was ruled out as the cause. More tests were given and on Friday he was diagnosed with cancer. The cancer is in stage four (the worst stage) but hasn't advanced to his bones or brain. He started his first round of Chemotherapy last night and will undergo in-patient treatments for the next four months. (In-patient means that he will have to go to the hospital and stay 2-5 days for his Chemotherapy). We're all scared and worried but we know Heavenly Father loves Andrew and is watching over him. It will be okay. Andrew is being such a trooper - he's already the kindest, sweetest 17 year old kid I know and is being so brave. It's his Senior Year at school and he'll be out quite a bit, but he wants to finish and graduate with his class. I'm so proud of him and how he's handling everything! Please keep him in your prayers.

LEAVES!!!

Matt tackled our leaves a couple of weekends ago. We have gorgeous trees in the backyard which are WONDERFUL in the summer, but boy oh boy! Tons of leaves! By the end of the many hours of raking Matt had 17 large black garbage bags full! Good job Matt!


Note: The kids and I did help a little. It's so rough being pregnant. :)

Trunk or Treat & Halloween Trip

I know this blog is way past due, but as things have been a bit nuts, I haven't blogged very regularly lately...I'll try to catch up!

We had a good time...I was really impressed with how well my kids did on the trip with Matt's choir. I honestly wouldn't have even attempted it if they weren't so good. They did great and although by the last day they were getting close to being downright cranky, it was fun.

The night before the trip we did the Trunk or Treat with our ward and I realized that Keith's Monkey costume, despite my alterations, would not do on the trip. So, with some last minute digging and scrambling and some bribing of Maddi to relinquish the dog-costume, it all worked out.

We got up bright and early on Thursday morning and were on the road with Matt and the choir (yes, on the bus!) by 6:30am.

Keith loved the bus and did his habitual "singing". Sammi got a little carsick in the beginning but was soon used to it.

The first day consisted of stopping at some high schools and BYU Idaho for a very cool Halloween concert. We stayed the night there in Rexburg and the next day, after more colleges and high schools, we got off in Layton, donned our costumes, and headed to Lagoon. It was a little rainy but warm and we had a blast. Maddi LOVED the rides and couldn't wait for the next one.

Sammi loed them too..(although a bit freaked out by all the scary stuff)


I even got to ride the little rollercoaster with Keith, the Merry go Round and the Haunted House with Matt (which I entered very calmly, but spent the whole ride with my eyes shut and ears covered. I didn't like it. :)




The last day I got to visit with Amy and see her adorable family....I wished it could have been longer but it was so good to see her! Her daughters are adorable. Hopefully we can do it again soon!

All in all it was very fun, but we (I) was VERY tired when we got home.