A Week's Worth Of Fun...

A quick glance as we skipped school, enjoyed the warm California sun and surrounded ourselves with family. 

{ Thankfully the flight over went without fit or frail. All of Myriam's friends survived as Addison colored and entertained next to me while the boys watched a movie. }

 { After a classic breakfast at Busy Bee's Diner we walked down Ventura Pier and played a bit on the beach. Myriam had seen two gals swimming and immediately called out through the rail, "Mommy, look it's mermaids!!!" There was a fabulous play set on the beach where the kids played and wished Lynden could duplicate the scenery! }

 { After a stretch on the beach, we traveled through the twisty mountain roads to Taft, CA to visit Myriam's birth Great Grandma Betty and Great Aunt Jan. This was our second trip through the Grapevine to visit with them and a great visit it was. We drove through down pours, sunny skies, hail, snow capped hills and were witness to many vibrant rainbows...all in a drives worth of time! After Betty and Jan blessed the kids with sweet treats and gifts we went to get some pizza lunch. 

Always a pleasure visiting and cherishing Myriam's heritage. }

{ Finally, we arrived at the house where we unpacked for the week. The kids and Daddy were quick to get in the pool for a night-cap swim. They loved having the pool right out the door! Charlie improved on his swimming skills and Myriam overcame her fear of slides by finally going down the slide by the end of the week! }

{ Day 2 we went to The Aquarium of the Pacific where Charlie pet some sharks, we saw a saw head shark and walked through tunnel tanks of tropical fish. A fantastic aquarium! A short drive down the road to Long Beach and the kids let loose running through the waves and playing in the sand. Charlie had no problem with the cool water temps! }

 { Day 3 Tim and I split the party up as he and the older kids went to Universal Studios and I introduced Myriam to Disneyland. What a great day we had focusing on each kid and having the individual time. Charlie realized that movies really aren't real, Myriam was enamored with real, live princesses and Addison enjoyed seeing all the movie sets. Surprisingly, Myriam walked all but an hour the entire day as she didn't mind wearing her monkey harness as I thoroughly enjoyed watching other parents chase their kids throughout the park. I would say the Tiki Tiki Room, Pirates ride and anything spinning were her favorites. }

 { They do love each other! }

{ Day 4 we stuffed ourselves full at the over-priced Goofy's Kitchen where multiple characters graced our table, danced through the kitchen and gave many photo opportunities for the kids. 

{ Tim took the older kids on the bigger, more exciting rides while Myriam and I continued to meet more princesses and play on the younger aged rides. We met up to ride the Pirates which seemed to be a favorite for us all.  }

 

{ End of the bus on the Screaming' ride! Charlie LOVED the thrill! }

{ This enormous turkey leg fed our family of five for an afternoon snack. }

( Day 5 legs were a little more tired than before, but Myriam managed to tackle her first car ride and the girls saw a few more pretty ladies. We attempted a family picture as we were leaving but as you can see, not all things are as easy as they seem! A forced smile as the little one yanked my earring out and a quick exit back to the house to tuck our tired kids in bed. A great few days with Mickey and Minnie! }

{ Day 6 was a day to rest and relax as the temperature was in the high eighties and the pool just too inviting. Later after the rest of the family headed home, Tim and I took the kids back to Downtown Disney where we did a little shopping and celebrated Charlie's birthday once more at the Rainforest Cafe. }

{ Day 7 and it's time to go home. Tim dropped me off to run a quick 5k race as they cleaned the rental car and gassed up for our drive to the airport. Unfortunately, Myriam did not do as well flying home. The girl couldn't sit still and we all were tired from the time change and being up early for a 7am start time. We managed after a stop at Starbucks before heading home where all three kids zonked for the two peaceful hours to my mom's where she had a homemade dinner waiting for us.  The laundry started after suitcases were unpacked and showers were a must for us all. Addison said the next morning, "It was SOOOO good to sleep in my own bed!" }

Thank you to Grandpa John and Grandma Judy for blessing us with a few days away at the happiest place on earth! 

Our little family made many memories and are grateful for the gift. 

A Cancer's Journey to Defeat

When faced with hard transitions and physical mountains to climb, 

sometimes it's easier to enjoy a little humor on the incline. 

Grandma Van Dyken did just that when she unexpectedly started to loose her hair due to the intense chemotherapy treatments she is under going every Friday afternoon. It came as a complete shock to us when she was diagnosed with cancer in her liver, both lungs and the lymph nodes. 

Gigi is 87 years old, stubborn as dutch can be, independent and self sufficient on her own, but also human battling her emotions. Nothing breaks me more then to see my Grandma tear up as I shaved her fine hair into clumps on the floor. She was given two free wigs from the Cancer Center, but with her hair being so thin the wig in place looked foreign, abnormal and uncomfortable. Wearing a scarf looks natural for Grandma and allows her to have more options in matching her outfit for the day. Currently, Gigi is getting a shot every Monday and Wednesday to boost her immune system in order to get her chemotherapy treatment on Fridays. She will get a port 

surgically put in place so she doesn't have to get poked every other day! Huge relief!

I believe the biggest struggle of all with Grandma is to get her to not do everything on her own. Forcing her to let others drive her to the doctors, mow her lawn or accept a gift towards gas is challenging for her to accept. 

I would do it all in a heartbeat just to spend more time with Gigi and 

cherish the moments left on this earth. 

Please pray for Gigi to find energy, strength and purpose as she faces harsh treatments. Pray that her worries of finances will be dismissed with peace and trust that God will provide in all ways.

{ Granddaughters and Gigi }

Grandma Haak continues to get her chemotherapy treatments on Friday as well. A normal tumor marker range is anywhere from 0-35. Grandma Haak's tumor markers began in the 1000 range and now is 37 after her debulking surgery and a couple rounds of treatments! Praise God! 

It is a blessing for Grandma to not experience very many side affects too. One lost lunch is nothing compared to the laundry list of other symptoms caused by chemotherapy. She is currently half way through her treatments and is feeling relatively good. Recently, we celebrated Grandma's 80th birthday with cake and family which is always a blessing to see all their faces in one small room. 

We know Grandma Haak is doing well when her and Great Aunt Fanny can do their weekly shopping to Bellingham! Got to get the best deals on jam and chips...

Please pray that Grandma Haak remains upbeat during the final treatments and her tumor markers continue to fall into the normal range. 

{ Addison helping pass the time during Grandma Haak's treatments. }

Dad is doing great as well! His melanoma was given a stage 0 making it a non-treatment cancer with follow-ups throughout the year. Trust me when I tell you I'll be looking at Dad's head every haircut from now on! His biggest challenge is old age, the stubborn trait passed down from Gigi and the arthritis pain in his ankles. 

When Dad was down at the UW for surgery 8 years ago, the doctors came across a blood platelet disorder which he now watches with lab work regularly making sure his platelet counts are in a normal range. The kids keep my Dad going as they have learned his soft spots for spoiling his grandchildren. Game over Dad! I can't remember very many times when Dad said no because he's just that...A big ol' soft teddy bear! 

Dad and Mom have a tropical trip planned soon which will be a nice break to the run-around of treatment schedules and work for everyone else. When you are always giving to others, you need a break to refill, do nothing and relax in the warm beauty of creation. 

Please pray for both Mom and Dad as they support their mother's and daughter through treatments. Pray that they will find rest when needed and joy in the busy schedules. 

My Hero (my sister Traci) is now a few weeks into the new clinical trail she was approved for with her doctor in Portland. It's an extensive three chemotherapy pills a day pill regimen and weekly lab draws as well as scans periodically too. So far, the biggest compliant is fatigue, but after 8 years of being on some form of chemotherapy I would imagine you'll always feel tired! Traci has a gift of not letting that keep her down for too long. Thankfully, she got the local lab office to coordinate with the Portland offices so she can still come home for a weeks time. Her last tumor marker results showed that they had come down by 8 points which gave reason to celebrate! The new treatment plan is working! Traci's biggest hurdle is her heart which is showing signs of extreme strain. Please pray that God would touch her heart and sustain it through the remainder of the trail, her fatigue would not consume her and her faith would continue to be the true hero in her journey. 

{ Oldie from Seaside..but a favorite for sure. }

So, there you have it. 

The journey for all our family members is very different and yet similar. 

We know that God promises us defeat over our physical battles as it 

states in Revelation 21:4, 

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

We will never have the answers to why one family battles so much cancer, why good things happen to good people or why some suffer more death than others. Loss is a part of life. It's how we deal with these challenges and obstacles that speaks of our faith and the foundation we have in Christ. The only thing that makes it easier is knowing that my family will be standing whole in Heaven because of their hope in 

eternity and acceptance of salvation. 

Thank you for your support and prayers for ALL of our family!

"It's My Brains Fault!"

Monday afternoon as I was driving Addi and Charlie to their campus classes, I asked a simple question every mother asks at least twice a day:

"Charlie, did you brush your teeth this morning?"

His witty, seven year old response, 

"No, I forgot. It's my brains fault!"

We all immediately erupted into laughter from the quick passing of blame on a simple task and chore. I will be blue in the face reminding this boy child 

to brush his teeth everyday. 

Somethings, such as LEGOS and playing, are more 

important then cleaning those pearly whites.  

After my dentist appointment today, Charlie informed me that every kid at Kid's Place (our Sunday school program for kids) has a cavity...ummm...

Well, son...just those that forget to brush their teeth have cavities!

Here's to our multi-cavity mouthed son! Hope his brain works tomorrow morning...

{ Enjoying a birthday cupcake at the Rain Forest Cafe. }

Fourth State...Check!

Four down. 

Forty-six to go.
Another race for the sisters!

Overwhelming to think about, but I still have many years to go until
my deadline of 50 by 50 expires. 

When we booked our extended family trip to California, I quickly checked all race schedules in the area to find something I could register for and get the state colored in. I found one no more then ten minutes from our location at Knott's Berry Farm sponsoring youth with speech and language delays. 

I had everyone packed the night before, enjoyed a bowl of ice cream to fuel up as it "had" to be eaten not wasted in the freezer and woke the kids up an hour earlier due to the time change to make the race by 7am.

I've never been at a race where the National Anthem was sung so it was a first when all the men removed their hats and our country was honored before thousands ran through the theme park. I was a little bummed that the family stayed behind in the car but due to the amount of people and time crunch of catching a flight, they missed the start and finish.  As I waited in Wave 3 before the race began, I got talking to a gal standing next to me who was a two year breast cancer survivor. My shirt gave it away as to who I run for and why which gave the two of us plenty to talk about before we took off. 

I'm not sure how many waves of people went across the start line but when I crossed the finish line, the MC sent the last group off! 

I do plan to toot my own horn as I managed to obtain my personal record for a 5k finishing at 24:48! I was 6th out of my age range for 5k females (6 out of 253) and 36th overall for all 5k-ers (36th out of 2856). There was also a 10k race in the same herd of people so the crowds were HUGE!

Toot, toot!

The funny thing was I was so concerned about making our flight that I hurried past the boysenberry pie that awaited me at the end of the race and booked it to the car. Can I just say how impossible it is to change in the front seat of a car with kids in the back and a sweaty sports bra tangled up in your business? Not too mention the oncoming traffic getting a front seat show! 

By the time we made it to the airport I was changed and ready to go home...
as were our sleepy children!

Now to figure out which state and what race is next!

Our Chuckles Turns Seven

Being three weeks early, gave Mommy and Daddy a little scare as you spent the first 24 hours connected to wires and machines with attentive nurses by your side. I saw pictures of you before I was able to hold you in my arms for a few minutes then had to be wheeled back to my room again, away from you. When you were cleared to come to my hospital room, I didn't want to let you go...that is until your older sister came to meet you and I had to share you with your proud sister. You two can fight with the best of them, but deep down you love each other so much! 

You are going to be an amazing, protective little and big brother. 

Hard to believe you are now seven years old??? 

Mommy and Daddy are extremely proud of how you are growing into a little man who loves Jesus and your family. God has given you a compassionate heart and quite a soft spot for others. You have been Auntie Traci's biggest cheerleader sitting through hours of treatments giving her snuggles and many healthy distractions. You have also been Nana's car buddy for years as she has put endless miles between Portland and home listening to kid movies and your, "Are we there yet?" I love listening to you sing in the car to our Praise and worship songs and can't wait to see if you follow in Daddy's steps in music. You have amazing basketball skills and I love watching you improve your dribbling and shooting.  Your favorite food continues to be steak and ribs. Favorite toys are still LEGOS and have now moved from Star Wars to Seahawks becoming quite the football fan. 

{ seven months }

 { two years old }

Our prayer as your Mommy and Daddy, is for you to embrace your faith and eternity as a child of God. We pray that you will continue to grow into a respectful little man and challenge yourself in everything you do. Don't ever stop smiling as your eyes light up and dimples show your cuteness. You light up a room! You will always be our little Charlie no matter how tall you grow. We are so proud of you and love you to pieces! 

Happy Birthday Chuckles!

Kisses to Medals

A year ago yesterday, both Tim and I were toes deep in sand as Kim and Anne baptized us in the ocean shores of Kona, Hawaii. It was a marking of a new beginning for both of us as we recommitted to the Lord and each other later that afternoon. 

We shared tears, scriptures, vows and prayers. 

A year later, we continue to share tears, speak scriptures, 

live our vows and say daily prayers together.

God has been very present in the last year as we have opened new doors of opportunities both in business and in our personal lives. Many changes have already been adapted into routines and visions have been organized and implemented. 

God has been so good to us and our family!

So, as the one year anniversary of us saying "I do" (or singing it too) approached, I thought to myself, "Do we do anything special?" "There are already so many dates for Tim to remember, do I make him remember another one too?"

I marked it on the calendar and simply sent up a little prayer of thanks for ALL that has come and gone over the past year. The new friendships, the new windows of opportunities and journeys, the ups and downs of health and accomplishments, mini celebrations and immense blessings in every day. 

Friday night, I was committed by dear sweet friends to run the Fragrance Lake 10k. I was NOT planning on this and have not been training much at all on any trails of this latitude. All I noticed on the website was an evaluation change of 3300 feet. Whether that was for the 1/2 marathon or 10k, it didn't matter as my bum cheeks were already screaming from future torture. Tim had busy plans working in the yard all day,
so off I went to run in the hills. 

A stark contrast from the beach, tan sand, warm sun and ocean water lapping at my toes a year earlier were the due glistened ferns, moss covered trees and rushing water falls as I made my way through the trails above Larrabee State Park. God, in all His splendor, created not only the beauty of the repeating waves, but the stillness of the forest. Christie and I gracefully powered our way up and up...and up some more as we ran through the 6.5 mile course. As we crossed by the waterfall it was God filling our lungs with, "streams of living water" and when we ran passed the Fragrance Lake God held still our hearts so we could take in the beauty around us. 

I may have been a little nervous for allowing others to talk me into running,
but I'm so glad I did. 

From kisses on the beach saying I do's; to steep hills and free falls earning medals...I'm proud to make My Love remember yet another date in our journey together. 

Happy One Year Renewal Love!

EEG: Normal!

With two seizures in the medical records, Myriam was advised to have further testing to find out if any disorder or long term damage had been done. I was given very strict instructions as to how to prepare for an EEG and was terrified of the outcome. That is the outcome of the preparations! 

~ Put child to bed 1 -2 hours later than usual

~ Wake child 1 -2 hours earlier than usual

~ Make sure child does not nap in car or morning of test

Sure. No problem. That sounds like a fabulous morning with a busy three year old. You see, when our darling toddler becomes tired and worn out she becomes feisty, vicious and sometimes, down right mean. 

I would never recommend this experiment unless otherwise directed. 

Wednesday night, Myriam was pooped. No nap during the day and a normal bedtime of 6:30-7:00pm turned into...yep, you are reading that correctly...9:18pm!

I don't have the proof of the time I woke up Myriam, but I'll just tell you that 5am was too early for both of us! My Dad blessed Addi and Charlie with a hot lunch date during the appointment, but watching the older kids stay with Papa gave way to the first exhausted meltdown from the young one. I was showered with words of hatred for anything, shivers of love and screams of sarcasm until we reached the Bellingham office. This left me TERRIFIED for what was to come! By the grace of God, Myriam was an angel. She became friends with all who walked by us and those at the front desk. If my jaw wasn't on the floor yet, it soon got there as this calm attitude continued when the technician began marking Myriam's head for all 27 wires. 

We both laid under three warm blankets as 'Finding Nemo' played on the DVD player. After 30 minutes of marking and apply the wires, Myriam was ready for her head wrap and last two wires on the cheek and over her heart. After the stress and worry of having to bring an exhausted child in for a test that requires her to lay still for over an hour, I myself was ready for a snooze!

Myriam had packed her Mickey Mouse in her bag and was cozy under the warmth of all our blankets. She snuggled up close to Mommy and began the long test. First, was the lights off with flashes of bright lights. Secondly, was the game of blowing quick breaths on the pinwheels. Thirdly, was the attempt of laying still while listening to soothing music and lastly, was the impossible task of talking Myriam into resting our eyes and taking a nap. That didn't last very long so we went to the go to of Nemo again. I had to bring out the big guns and elaborate on Daddy's bedtime stories with the sleeping dinosaurs under the bed that when woken up become grumpy. That kept her legs in bed, arms still and focus on staying quiet...for about 15 more minutes. The napping part never happened, but Joshua was satisfied with what he did get. 

The real miracle was keeping this one still for as long as I did! After unwrapping our little mummy, all the wires were removed and marker was washed off. On our way out of the office Myriam shouted out with glee, "Bye Doctor!" 

That got quite a few chuckles exiting the office. 

That afternoon, she finally crashed and had a much deserved nap while Mommy got some more snuggles and resting too. 

This morning we got the results back from Myriam's EEG and it's...

NORMAL!!!! 

Praise God for watching over her little life during the seizures and the test!!!!!!

This mama continues to pray for no more seizures or stares but rejoices knowing that God has Myriam in His healing hands. 

Like her shirt says..."Create Happy"

That's why God placed Myriam in our family. She creates HAPPY. She brings joy to anyone she meets and interacts with no matter the person, color or place she meets them in. I know that if these seizures do continue, she will find a way to make us happy. 

Thank you Jesus for creating this JOY, blessing us daily with an over abundance of it and for keeping us healthy and in Your care.