"Cousins"

Hunter and Grace have the BEST time when they get together.

Hunter wanted to have one more "summer" sleep over. So we made sure it was a couple days full of FUN!

We all went to the mall, played and ate lunch, got pictures taken and explored the mall playing eye spy!

No princess dresses here ONLY super hero's like buzz and firefighters. We sure love our cousin Gracie!

Horrible First Hair Cut... Poor Henry

It was time for little man to get his first hair cut. His little curls are so adorable, but really, he was starting to have a mullet! Poor Henry had the hardest time,he was so ticked off at the stylist. He had the cover completley taken off within 5 minutes of the cut. We had to give him 3 different lolly pops to keep him happy long enough to finish the cut. Wow, what an ordeal!

"See A Good Day #25" - Heaven Sent Henry

I love taking pictures of my little Henry! This kid has me wrapped around his fingers. I just adore him to pieces.

Wo wo wo mom... I so did not do it!

Henry was busted getting into mommy's paper and he has that... "It totally wasn't me Mom, expression"








Look at those BLUE eyes!!! My heart melts every time he looks at me.





















Oh No!!!


Look mom I can fly...





















Henry LOVES spaghetti!
















Henry loves to push his walker around. He seriously looks like a old man sometimes. He has become very vocal. So cute and funny.

"See A Good Day #24" - Amber and the kids come visit.

Oh how I adore my Amber! Amber is such an amazing woman, mother and friend.

She has a heart of gold, patience of a saint and anytime I'm around her I feel nourished. I love talking with her about kids,bouncing around ideas and thoughts. Our conversations never have a dull moment, we just go from subject to subject. She truly is one of my earthly angels!

I was so excited when I found out she was passing thru G'ville. We played lots, went to the Towers for a BBQ and had movie night with the kids. Hunter was so excited to have a sleep over with his friends.

We finished the time off with a mini girls night, good convo with Lauren and pancakes in the morning.

I MISS YOU AMBER!!!

"See A Good Day #23" - Celebrating Our Independence - Church Party

Our Church had a 4th of July celebration. The morning started with a yummy breakfast, small program from the primary kids, some fun games that I was in charge of. The kids loved the hula hoop game. Steve even got in there and won a candy bar for being able to last the longest. The Bike Parade was a hit with all the kids!!! The kids did a great job decorating there scooters and bikes... so cute, creative and Patriotic! It was a fun morning.

"See" A Good Day #22 - In Trying Times, Just Keep Trying

This Book is so AMAZING.. it is a MUST READ! In Her book Mrs. Merrilee says she would love to hear our experiences. I felt so thankful to her for taking the time to write this book that I wrote her a letter. This book changed my life. Here is some of the letter I wrote her. If you ever get a chance read it.

http://deseretbook.com/Trying-Times-Just-Keep-Merrilee-Browne-Boyack/i/5035866


Dear Mrs. Merrilee,

As I lay in bed recovering from my surgery, your book came to my mind. Over and over I thought about the weekend in Orlando that I went to Time Out for Woman. I’m not a huge book reader, but I decided to glance over the books that they had on display and your book was the winner. Your energy, sense of humor and love for the lord, drew me in. Who knew that book “In trying times, Just keep trying” would give me so much peace. It answered so many questions I have been searching for, and it called out to me on this week.

(I cut out the middle of the letter..)

Which brings me to YOU! As I read your book, my heart was so full, I felt like I was there with you thru your journey. This last surgery really set me back mentally. I was afraid of eating something, that could cause me to have cancer, and your chapter talked about nourishment and how to nourish your body. I realized that I DO have the gospel in my life but I wasn’t REALLY using the tools the Lord has given me. Reading my scriptures, praying regularly not just with the kids, but really praying. Listening to positive music, really nourishing my SOUL. Being positive, loving life. And my biggest struggle for me was feeling like “what was I suppose to learn”. What was I suppose to learn from my daughter dying? What was I suppose to learn from getting cancer? My husband loosing his job, many years of stress and struggle? And then I read your chapter on Choosing to Lean and Grow. Oh I just want to HUG YOU! I’m crying at I type this letter. You will never know really how much, just by you sharing your experience it has given me a whole new light. You have given me a peace that I never knew I could find. You have given me ideas, inspired me and really helped me to understand that I do have a BIG purpose here. My daughter is FINE, GREAT, GOOD; she got the real good end of the deal. She is perfect! Now it is my calling to raise my boys up in the gospel, nourish there souls, body and mind with good things. I have a huge purpose for living and my Heavenly Father sparing my life. I loved how you named off all the lessons learned. Wow, it really is a lot. When I look at it that way, I have learned a lot, touched a lot of people and my Heavenly Father has used me as a tool to help others.

Thank you for being part of my healing, my week of recovery was hard, physically and mentally and I’m still healing.

But mentally you have given me a peace that I’m so grateful for. I’m grateful that Heavenly Father and Jesus used you as a tool to reach out to others. I firmly believe that I have many earthly angels and that my dear friends and loved ones are the way that that lord talks to me. You have been that angel this week. As I wipe away the tears, and I wish I could give you a big hug, I’m ready to step forward and use the knowledge and spiritual energy that I have gained. I have gone back to the basics... I have started my day and ended my day with prayer real prayer. Listened to uplifting music, turned the TV to positive history channels, decorating shows, cooking or not on at all.

It feels good, it feels really good. I could feel your love for our Heavenly Father. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for sharing your journey in this book, it has uplifted me, calmed my thoughts and given me peace.

Alicia White

THIS WAS THE AUTHOR'S RESPONSE TO ME!!!!

I'm so very glad! It was wonderful to hear from you and yes, you've had a BOATLOAD of challenges! THe Lord must have much in store for you!!!
I gotta admit, I know how you're feeling a bit after surgery. I just had my fifth (and hopefully final!) surgery and it kicked my butt. It just hits you physically (again!) and emotionally. I just have to keep learning and relearning that it takes TIME to heal. I'm so impatient with that! I keep asking the Lord, "Can we get going again?" and He keeps answering, "Be still and allow yourself to heal." And that healing needs to take place on the INSIDE as much as the outside. I know I've always told others to allow at least a year or two after trauma to heal inside but heck, I want to be faster!!! :)

So I'm glad that my book could help you during your time of healing.
Your boys are DARLING. What a joy!! So while you're down, read my parenting book! :) HAR!!

Sending giant HUGS to you with all kinds of virtual encouragement along your journey in this mortal life. I can tell you're doing a wonderful job handling all of this mortality adventure. I'm so proud of you for your endurance and faith!!

Great to hear from you!!

Merrilee Boyack
(858) 748-6703

Warrior

As I was looking up something about Thyroid Cancer I came across this shirt that reads "Thyroid Cancer Warrior". A warrior huh that is pretty cool!

'war·ri·or –noun
1. a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier.
2. a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness, as in politics or athletics.



I have realized over the past couple of weeks that ALL of my true emotions of having cancer came out. I think I just kinda down played all of my emotions for the past years.

Doctors told me oh it is so curable, Thyroid Cancer is the best kind of cancer to get. So really I thought o.k. this is nothing.

It isn't breast cancer... so I really can't die, it isn't THAT bad... but REALLY it was something. It is CANCER.. I had freaken Thyroid Cancer.

It was my body falling apart, it was me crying at night and spending hours and days away from my family, my 1yr old baby.

It was me sick and in pain from surgery. I DID do radiations AND surgery's, and continue to do PET Scans. I can UNDERSTAND all of my emotion NOW.

So I didn't loose my hair but I sure did go thru a ton. Wow and now... I'm Cancer free... it is taking me a while to wrap my head aroud it. 4yrs of a roller coaster emotions has come to an end.

Oh heck yeah, I'M A WARRIOR!!!!

For some reason this past surgery brought up so many emotions that I didn't even think I had. It also gave me time to PONDER. Really Ponder!

I have to say this has been a growing experience. It really made me exercise my faith and strength. It is hard to for me to truly have faith, to find faith and to really believe. It is a process for sure. I know the lord loves me. I know he is aware of me. I sometimes think he has a funny sense of humor when it comes to me.

I have soul searched a lot over the past months and I started reading this book while I was recovering – “In trying times, Just keep trying”. The author came to Time Out For Woman and I bought her book.. Merrilee Boyack!

This book gave me all the answers I had been searching for. I was so comforted it gave me love that I had been searching for. I KNOW I needed to read that book at that exact time in my life... that exact week. The lord used this book as a tool to get through to me. I actually sent the author a letter. ( I will have to post again soon about the book)

I went through a period where I was almost afraid to eat something because it would give me the cancer back, I didn't want to have to ever go through another surgery or radiation. So I wouldn't eat alot of food. This surgery was very mental for me. Food was the only thing I could control in this situation, because REALLY with cancer you have NO control of what it will do next. I have worked through some of my emotions. And thanks to my dear friends and family, i'm not afraid to live life and enjoy food. :)

It is funny so many people have told me… wow Alicia you are so strong and you continue to smile during trials. I guess that is were the "WARRIOR" part comes in and shows my courage. Sometimes I just don’t feel strong, but I do know that the lord gives me trials so that I can learn. And I think I’m finally learning, FINALLY. I do have a purpose in the life… a big purpose. The lord kept me alive and provided doctors to help me remove my cancer because he has a plan for me.

So many people asked me ... "oh are you so happy and so excited to be cancer free?" REALLY I haven't thought about. I want to be excited, but i'm kinda numb to it. It hasn't hit me. I still cry sometimes thinking about it all. It is kinda overwhelming.

I'm trying to get excited!!! I know this must all sound crazy... As of today all I can remember is the emotions that I felt over the past 4 years and the uncomfortable recovery from my surgery.

Over time I know my mind will switch gears and it will fade from my memory. Just like many other experiences, this also will be a small blink in the big scheme of my life.

I know my Heavenly Father will give me peace over all of this, and my heart will be healed. That is my prayer. Untill then i'm going to continue to be that "Thyroid Cancer Warrior" and just keep smiling.

My theme song.... "I'm Alive"

Ugly Duckling or Beautiful Swan

peek a boo

Bruschetta Chicken over risotto..... it was yummy!

This was a "simple meal" card that I picked up at Publix. It was so yummy and Hunter even liked it. Have fun cooking.

http://www.publix.com/aprons/meals


Bruschetta Chicken Over Risotto

Ingredients:

1/4 cup roasted red peppers
1/2 cup baby arugula leaves
4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
1 (8-oz) package risotto Milanese mix
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 cup fresh diced tomatoes
1/4 cup lite olive oil vinaigrette
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 (5-oz) Italian herb chicken breasts
2 teaspoons roasted garlic



Prep
Chop peppers, arugula, and cheese into small pieces.


Steps

Prepare risotto following package instructions, using 1 tablespoon olive oil instead of butter.
Combine tomatoes, vinaigrette, peppers, arugula, cheese, salt, and pepper; set aside.
Preheat large sauté pan on medium 2–3 minutes. Combine breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese in shallow bowl. Coat both sides of chicken with breadcrumbs; press with fingertips to evenly coat (wash hands). Place 1 tablespoon oil in pan, then add chicken and cover; cook 5–7 minutes on each side or until golden and 165°F.
Stir garlic and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese into risotto and cover. Cook and stir 2–3 more minutes until rice is creamy and tender. Top chicken with tomato mixture and serve over risotto.

See A Good Day # 21 - Sweet Gavin's Birthday

Happy Birthday to YOU, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to Gavin, Happy Birthday to You.

It was fun celebrating Gavin's 3rd birthday. He loves Lightening McQueen on "cars". This little guy has a sweet spot in my heart. I love how he comes and hugs me when he sees me. His smile that just melts your heart and the light in his eyes just brightens your day. We had fun playing twister, blowing out sprinklers for his candles and watching his excitement while he opened his presents. He got his first BIG BOY bike. It is a cool birthday being born on the 4th of July!!!
Gavin checking out his new bike
Hunter gave Gavin the first tips to riding his new bike. :)
Hunter and Henry gave Gavin a new Lightening McQueen fishing pole.
Such a sweet picture... Ashlea's little dude.
Cute.....
Grace and Hunter got into the cupcake CAKE... they so got busted with chocolate ALL over there mouth.
Auntie and Gav playing twister...
Watch out Hunter, Gavin is a pro at this.... they had so much fun playing.

Food Nanny

This is a neat show I started watching while I was chillin in bed recovering. Have fun checking out the website and watching the shows. It is on BYU TV, I love her energy, thou it can be a bit overwhelming. She has great ideas and I know for me, it is hard to really PLAN meals. I'm excited to get started. ENJOY!!


http://www.byutv.org/foodnanny/

The best medicane ever to make me feel better- Henry's Laughter..

Today is a good day- a slow recovery

My recovery has been slow but good according to the doctor. No infections and all my symptoms and reactions have sounded normal.. it has been a couple of crappy days for sure don't get me wrong. BUT it is getting easier!!!

My first day home I slept alot, then Saturday, I thought wow I can really do this. NO problem this will be a easy recovery, well by Sunday I was bad. Bad to where Steve called the doctor 3 times because the only place that I was comfortable and didn't feel like I was going to pass out was on the bathroom floor. I was so pale, dizzy, nausea's and thinking Lord, really just take me now or PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make this pain go away, it was so sad. My sweet Steve brought me a pillow for my head and he just felt so helpless.

After many hours of Steve running to the store for different things to help, I finally slept A LOT. I would have to say that was the worst day. The pain meds help, but they "stop me up" so then my tummy hurts from that. Oh that is just a whole other blog post... To much info thou... ha ha. I would rather have the pain from the surgery, than be sooo constipated, so I stopped taking pain meds.

Monday they took the drain out of my neck, Steve was there for moral support but when they took this LONG tube out of my neck he made the worst face and I just broke down. Seriously I wasn't sure if I should cry or laugh. I thought my word what is going on with my neck. It turned out fine... note to self.. leave Steve is the lobby. ha ha ha.

My night was better since I could sleep and not worry about pulling or tugging on the tube. It was painful but at this point what wasn't. My throat, well even that felt good the first day and ever since then it has been sore. It is bad cycle, I'm hungry but I can't eat cause it hurts, so it makes my stomach hurt, then I'm nausea's because of the pain pills... and on and on and on. Finally after talking to the doctor, he said just drink milkshakes, so Steve went and got me a smoothie. Yummmmmmm! Lauren brought me a Slurpee... oh yeah that hit the spot! Surprise, surprise... Kim came and brought me a delicious cookie and cream milkshake... loved it along with some girl talk time. :)Anything cold and liquid was so yummy.

So today is Tuesday! Last night I took my nausea medicine and it helped me sleep. I slept from 11 to 10:30am. Nice!!! I felt real rested, a little stiff but rested.

They take out my stitches on Thursday, I'm kinda anxious to see what the scare looks like.

This for sure has been a harder recovery, I'm taking it easy, and really trying to relax. I'm glad it has been a good day today. One day at a time........ :)