I consider myself one of the lucky ones - I get to be in Colorado and help Crystal, Jason, Alma, the kids whenever it is needed. And I often think, I couldn't imagine being a family member or friend who don't live here - how difficult it must be for them to not live close enough to be able to help. I know, because I have felt that way before. I even feel that way with Crystal at times when I can't be there because of other obligations I may have ... and then I am thankful that Alma and Miguel and Dee and Cherie are there for her, or one of her other friends, co-workers or family members. So, with that said, please hear what I am about to say to all who live afar-
Each and everyone one of you are with me when I am helping Crystal and her family. I promise. While I may be the lucky one to be physically present at the time, please know that I am just the deliverer for each and every one of you who simply can't be here but want to be. We are all Crystal's guardian angels!
So I thank you, as does Crystal, Jason and the children.
Please continue to pray and send words that will bring encouragement and strength and laughter, yes ... even laughter!
With gratitude,
Ellen McVicker
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I missed them too much!!
Ok so it was only two weeks ago that the LaGrange's were in California. My heart hurt when they left. My mom was scheduled to be in Denver this week. I missed them all so much, I decided to tag along. So here I am, as happy as can be, writing to you from Denver. We arrived at about 2 o'clock and we had a FABULOUS day....doing nothing but enjoying each others company.
My mom and I scheduled our trip a little late so our airline tickets were going to be a little bit more than usual. That didn't happen though. For both of our tickets we paid exactly $140. This was possible because of two very special friends...our long time friend Renee Rivera gave us a Southwest Ticket that she had and my good friend Melissa Menier gave me a $100 Southwest Gift Card. Melissa and Renee know how much we adore Crystal, they gave me these gifts the instant they found out about Crystal. There are no words to thank you girls for this very special gift. I really, really wanted to be here with Crystal at this time and you both made it happen!
For those of you who have been keeping up with this blog, you know that Crystal had some tests done before she came to California. When she got back to Colorado, she got the results. The tests showed that her cancer has spread to her liver and her lymph nodes. Because of this, she started her next round of chemo a few days early. I wanted to be here with Crystal because she is going to cut her hair on Friday. I know that this was heavy on her mind. I wanted to be here for her to support her and help her be strong.
I ask you again, please pray for Crystal. Pray that her cancer is stopped in its tracks, pray that she is strong for whatever comes her way and most of all pray for the miracle that I know is possible!!
For those of you who have been lurking around Crystal's blog, please post a comment. Any words of encouragement, prayers, positive thoughts, miracles or anything you can think of!!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
{Trish}
My mom and I scheduled our trip a little late so our airline tickets were going to be a little bit more than usual. That didn't happen though. For both of our tickets we paid exactly $140. This was possible because of two very special friends...our long time friend Renee Rivera gave us a Southwest Ticket that she had and my good friend Melissa Menier gave me a $100 Southwest Gift Card. Melissa and Renee know how much we adore Crystal, they gave me these gifts the instant they found out about Crystal. There are no words to thank you girls for this very special gift. I really, really wanted to be here with Crystal at this time and you both made it happen!
For those of you who have been keeping up with this blog, you know that Crystal had some tests done before she came to California. When she got back to Colorado, she got the results. The tests showed that her cancer has spread to her liver and her lymph nodes. Because of this, she started her next round of chemo a few days early. I wanted to be here with Crystal because she is going to cut her hair on Friday. I know that this was heavy on her mind. I wanted to be here for her to support her and help her be strong.
I ask you again, please pray for Crystal. Pray that her cancer is stopped in its tracks, pray that she is strong for whatever comes her way and most of all pray for the miracle that I know is possible!!
For those of you who have been lurking around Crystal's blog, please post a comment. Any words of encouragement, prayers, positive thoughts, miracles or anything you can think of!!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
{Trish}
Kelly Corrigan, The Middle Place
I know this requires tissues, but the words are so perfect. A thank you to everyone who has helped and continue to help. I encourage you to read this book, it is amazing!
http://www.circusofcancer.org/
This is an amazing website for friends of cancer fighters. It specifically deals with breast cancer, but has a lot of great insights for everyone.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
We Love Brothers Paint!
We were so blessed this past week by a group of amazing, generous brothers who happen to paint! Crystal really was looking forward to decorating Rylee's room, but when she got sick it kind of got pushed down to the bottom of the to-do list. Our sweet friend Lisa K. mentioned Crystal's story to Luke (one of the brothers) and he said, let me and my brothers do it, we would be honored!
So the brothers came in and painted Rylee's room a very girly shade of pink, then our sweet friend Tammy Thurston came in to paint in the stripes!
It turned out sooo cute and girly! They also did Aiden's room, and finished up Gaven's. If you are in the Denver area and are looking for a great set of Brothers here they are!
http://www.brotherspaint.com/
Luke can be reached at 303-549-1490
Friday, February 20, 2009
Aiden and Rylee's Baptism Pics
Hi everyone,
Here are a few pics from Aiden and Rylee's Baptism. My husband Gilbert and I baptized Aiden. Crystal's brother Alex and her best friend Alicia baptized Rylee. The baptism was at the historic La Placita church in Downtown Los Angeles last week. It was followed by a really nice party in Pasadena hosted by Crystal's parents.
~~Trish~~
Trish and Aiden _ Alicia and Rylee
Rylee and Alicia ____Aiden and Jason
Crystal, Aiden and Gilbert __Alex and Rylee
The Godfathers! ___ _ The Godmothers!
Here are a few pics from Aiden and Rylee's Baptism. My husband Gilbert and I baptized Aiden. Crystal's brother Alex and her best friend Alicia baptized Rylee. The baptism was at the historic La Placita church in Downtown Los Angeles last week. It was followed by a really nice party in Pasadena hosted by Crystal's parents.
~~Trish~~
Trish and Aiden _ Alicia and Rylee
Rylee and Alicia ____Aiden and Jason
Crystal, Aiden and Gilbert __Alex and Rylee
The Godfathers! ___ _ The Godmothers!
Happy and sin free!_ My Dad and Aiden!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Message from Crystal
I have wanted to write on this blog for so long. As you all can imagine, this has been a difficult time of my life. Being an oncology nurse has actually worked against me at this time. I have seen so much that it makes it difficult to keep a positive attitude but I continue to work on this on a daily basis. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful support system. It never fails that the days that I am feeling "not so positive", there is always someone in my life who is positive for me. Jason, who is my ROCK, is always there to remind me that I need to stay strong and keep a positive attitude.
I started off getting a regimen of 6 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. This was difficult because I went for treatment five days a week. After this, I was scheduled for additional radiation that extended my regimen by a few weeks.
It has been three weeks since I had my last radiation. I have had my ups and downs but overall my energy level is returning. I will start a new regimen of chemotherapy treatment on February 23. There are pros and cons to the new regimen. The pros are that it is only once every three weeks, after going to treatment 5 days a week for 6 weeks, this will be nice. I will have several days where I will be feeling the side effects of the chemo, but the rest of the days should be more tolerable. The worst part of the new regimen is that I will lose my hair within the first 10 days of treatment. I am trying to mentally prepare myself for this. I want to be in control of when I lose my hair so I plan on cutting it before it starts coming out.
I had a Pet Scan on Monday, February 9 to see how everything is looking in my abdomen and to make sure the cancer has not spread any more. I will get the results on Thursday. This Pet Scan will not show if the tumor is shrinking because there is still too much inflammation from the radiation in my pelvis. I will get another Pet Scan in May, this one should give us more information as to whether or not the tumor has responded to the treatment.
I am in California right now. We came here to baptize Aiden and Rylee. When I found out I had cancer that was one of the first things I wanted to do. I wanted to make sure the kids had some spiritual direction. We baptized the kids in the morning at a historic church in Downtown Los Angeles called La Placita. We had planned to have the reception in my parent's backyard but when there was rain in the forecast my dad made a quick move and changed the venue. We ended up having a beautiful reception at the Pasadena Hilton. There was about 70 people there, lots of family and close friends. It meant so much to me to have everyone there to share in this special day.
Another thing that is very important to me is journaling. While I have been on my one month recovery, I have been journaling for Jason and the children. If I am not there for them, I want them to know who their mother is and what my hopes and dreams are for them.
I am still trying to figure out if there is a lesson to be learned in all of this. If I had to say right now....never take one moment for granted. The next time you find yourselves complaining about something, take the time to ask yourselves what is "REALLY" important? Slow down, take time to stop and enjoy life, tell the people around you that you love them. The one thing that makes it somewhat worthwhile is when my story has made someone think about how they can make a positive change in their life.
Thank you so much for your love and support. I am so touched by your positive thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement. Please keep them coming!!
{Crystal}
I started off getting a regimen of 6 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. This was difficult because I went for treatment five days a week. After this, I was scheduled for additional radiation that extended my regimen by a few weeks.
It has been three weeks since I had my last radiation. I have had my ups and downs but overall my energy level is returning. I will start a new regimen of chemotherapy treatment on February 23. There are pros and cons to the new regimen. The pros are that it is only once every three weeks, after going to treatment 5 days a week for 6 weeks, this will be nice. I will have several days where I will be feeling the side effects of the chemo, but the rest of the days should be more tolerable. The worst part of the new regimen is that I will lose my hair within the first 10 days of treatment. I am trying to mentally prepare myself for this. I want to be in control of when I lose my hair so I plan on cutting it before it starts coming out.
I had a Pet Scan on Monday, February 9 to see how everything is looking in my abdomen and to make sure the cancer has not spread any more. I will get the results on Thursday. This Pet Scan will not show if the tumor is shrinking because there is still too much inflammation from the radiation in my pelvis. I will get another Pet Scan in May, this one should give us more information as to whether or not the tumor has responded to the treatment.
I am in California right now. We came here to baptize Aiden and Rylee. When I found out I had cancer that was one of the first things I wanted to do. I wanted to make sure the kids had some spiritual direction. We baptized the kids in the morning at a historic church in Downtown Los Angeles called La Placita. We had planned to have the reception in my parent's backyard but when there was rain in the forecast my dad made a quick move and changed the venue. We ended up having a beautiful reception at the Pasadena Hilton. There was about 70 people there, lots of family and close friends. It meant so much to me to have everyone there to share in this special day.
Another thing that is very important to me is journaling. While I have been on my one month recovery, I have been journaling for Jason and the children. If I am not there for them, I want them to know who their mother is and what my hopes and dreams are for them.
I am still trying to figure out if there is a lesson to be learned in all of this. If I had to say right now....never take one moment for granted. The next time you find yourselves complaining about something, take the time to ask yourselves what is "REALLY" important? Slow down, take time to stop and enjoy life, tell the people around you that you love them. The one thing that makes it somewhat worthwhile is when my story has made someone think about how they can make a positive change in their life.
Thank you so much for your love and support. I am so touched by your positive thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement. Please keep them coming!!
{Crystal}
Thursday, February 12, 2009
They're Heeerrreeeeee!!!
I woke up this morning at 6 am. I felt like a little girl on Christmas morning. I was sooo excited that today I would finally get to see Rylee, Crystal and Alma (Crystal's Mom). They did not disappoint. We had a great day and I got lots of MRT, this is my new acronym for Maximum Rylee Time!!! Crystal says I am biased and that I have my cousin blinders on but I beg to differ. Rylee is definitely the CUTEST BABY ON EARTH!! I just love that little girl!! I could sit and watch her every move 24 hours a day.
My mom picked me up, we got some food and took it over to my aunt and uncle's house. We talked and talked and talked some more. At 7 pm we took off to head over to Michael's (Crystal's Brother) House. He made us one of our favorites...Tostadas. The big discussion of the night was "How do you layer your tostada with all the fixings". We all fought and discussed why "OUR WAY' was the best. It was pretty funny!! We topped it all off with a Red Velvet Cake in the form of a HUGE Cupcake. Yum, Yum!!
Tomorrow we are meeting at the store. I want Crystal to see all of the Fabulous Scrapbook Layouts that have come in from all over the country. So many people have been touched by her story. We are having lunch and then heading to my house to hang out. More excitement to come...Jason and Aiden are arriving Friday evening to join in the Fun Times!!
I will try to post again to let you all know how we are doing!!
Bye for now!!
Trish
My mom picked me up, we got some food and took it over to my aunt and uncle's house. We talked and talked and talked some more. At 7 pm we took off to head over to Michael's (Crystal's Brother) House. He made us one of our favorites...Tostadas. The big discussion of the night was "How do you layer your tostada with all the fixings". We all fought and discussed why "OUR WAY' was the best. It was pretty funny!! We topped it all off with a Red Velvet Cake in the form of a HUGE Cupcake. Yum, Yum!!
Tomorrow we are meeting at the store. I want Crystal to see all of the Fabulous Scrapbook Layouts that have come in from all over the country. So many people have been touched by her story. We are having lunch and then heading to my house to hang out. More excitement to come...Jason and Aiden are arriving Friday evening to join in the Fun Times!!
I will try to post again to let you all know how we are doing!!
Bye for now!!
Trish
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Another Shopping Spree
I am so excited, I can't even sleep!! Crystal will be back in California in 2 days..woohooo!!
Ok so my little baby Rylee is not as little as she was the last time I saw her. She is growing like a weed. After I bought her all those outfits that I talked about on my last post I found out she is now wearing a bigger size. Last night I went back to exchange everything for a larger size and somehow or another I ended up with so many more outfits for Rylee than I started with. I don't know what happened but I just can't seem to control myself. I could go absolutely broke shopping for her. I bought her tons of cute bows for her hair, three more shirts, a pink cardigan, a pair of white capri pants and today I got her these super cute pink "Ugg like" boots with the little fur balls on them. OMG, she is going to look so cute!! I told Crystal to bring Rylee in a diaper, I will take care of making her look super cute. My dad gave Rylee the nickname "DENVER DIVA". She is definitely going to be the DENVER DIVA gone L.A. STYLE!!!
Sad but true. It just isn't as much fun shopping for boys. The clothes are just not that as much fun!! I did buy Aiden his baptismal shoes but I had more fun buying him other stuff. He loves to watch movies, read and put stickers all over his face. I bought him the movies Curious George and The Bee Movie. I also bought him some books, a puzzle and some stickers. I can hardly wait to give it all to him.
I told Crystal she better bring an extra suitcase. I will be sending her home with all the stuff I bought for the kids and tons of Scrapbook Pages. We have soooo many Scrapbook pages, it will be impossible to get them back to Denver in one trip. I plan on sending the scrapbook pages back when anyone travels back to Denver. I can hardly wait to get those Scrapbooks completed. Crystal is bringing me an entire disk of **NEW** pictures so I will have more work to do. I am not concerned though. We have about four baskets full of scrapbook layouts that are just waiting for the right pictures!! I plan on taking hundreds of new pictures when they are here too!!
I am bummed that the weather is not going to hold up for Saturday. It is supposed to be raining pretty bad that day. Miguel (Crystal's Dad) was so concerned we ended up moving the venue for the Baptismal Reception so it could be indoors. To be totally honest, none of that matters. Nothing is going to ruin my weekend!! I have been working like a mad woman to get everything done for the Scrapbook Store for this week and for next week. I plan on spending every waking moment with the DENVER DIVA and Company. I can't wait to see Rylee and just squeeze her. When I was in Denver last November I think I squeezed her a little too hard, she finally grunted to show her unhappiness. Is it bad of me to want to squeeze her until she grunts???
Ok, I know, I am a little chatty today. I get like that when I am excited. I am going to stop know otherwise Dee might boot me from my blogging privileges...hahahaha!!
I will post all the details of our visit along with some pictures as soon as I can.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Trish
P.S. Let's keep the prayers and positive energy going for Crystal. She had some tests taken earlier this week and we are looking for great results!!! The power of prayer and positive energy can bring that miracle that we are all hoping for!! Thank you to infinity!!
Ok so my little baby Rylee is not as little as she was the last time I saw her. She is growing like a weed. After I bought her all those outfits that I talked about on my last post I found out she is now wearing a bigger size. Last night I went back to exchange everything for a larger size and somehow or another I ended up with so many more outfits for Rylee than I started with. I don't know what happened but I just can't seem to control myself. I could go absolutely broke shopping for her. I bought her tons of cute bows for her hair, three more shirts, a pink cardigan, a pair of white capri pants and today I got her these super cute pink "Ugg like" boots with the little fur balls on them. OMG, she is going to look so cute!! I told Crystal to bring Rylee in a diaper, I will take care of making her look super cute. My dad gave Rylee the nickname "DENVER DIVA". She is definitely going to be the DENVER DIVA gone L.A. STYLE!!!
Sad but true. It just isn't as much fun shopping for boys. The clothes are just not that as much fun!! I did buy Aiden his baptismal shoes but I had more fun buying him other stuff. He loves to watch movies, read and put stickers all over his face. I bought him the movies Curious George and The Bee Movie. I also bought him some books, a puzzle and some stickers. I can hardly wait to give it all to him.
I told Crystal she better bring an extra suitcase. I will be sending her home with all the stuff I bought for the kids and tons of Scrapbook Pages. We have soooo many Scrapbook pages, it will be impossible to get them back to Denver in one trip. I plan on sending the scrapbook pages back when anyone travels back to Denver. I can hardly wait to get those Scrapbooks completed. Crystal is bringing me an entire disk of **NEW** pictures so I will have more work to do. I am not concerned though. We have about four baskets full of scrapbook layouts that are just waiting for the right pictures!! I plan on taking hundreds of new pictures when they are here too!!
I am bummed that the weather is not going to hold up for Saturday. It is supposed to be raining pretty bad that day. Miguel (Crystal's Dad) was so concerned we ended up moving the venue for the Baptismal Reception so it could be indoors. To be totally honest, none of that matters. Nothing is going to ruin my weekend!! I have been working like a mad woman to get everything done for the Scrapbook Store for this week and for next week. I plan on spending every waking moment with the DENVER DIVA and Company. I can't wait to see Rylee and just squeeze her. When I was in Denver last November I think I squeezed her a little too hard, she finally grunted to show her unhappiness. Is it bad of me to want to squeeze her until she grunts???
Ok, I know, I am a little chatty today. I get like that when I am excited. I am going to stop know otherwise Dee might boot me from my blogging privileges...hahahaha!!
I will post all the details of our visit along with some pictures as soon as I can.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Trish
P.S. Let's keep the prayers and positive energy going for Crystal. She had some tests taken earlier this week and we are looking for great results!!! The power of prayer and positive energy can bring that miracle that we are all hoping for!! Thank you to infinity!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Countdown is on...
Seven days until the LaGrange's come to California!!
They are coming to baptize Aiden and Rylee. Gilbert and I are honored to be baptizing Aiden. Crystal's best friend Alicia is baptizing Rylee. I braved the rainy streets and headed shopping for Aiden's baptismal outfit. The outfit is so cute. I hope the weather is nice because I bought him a shorts outfit with a vest and a little bow tie. My little guy is going to look so handsome!
I did some shopping for Rylee too. She is like a little doll. I love to dress her up and have photo shoots with her. I know it is only February but I couldn't resist the cutest baby bikini I have ever seen. I bought her that and a beautiful white dress that she can wear after we change her out of her baptism dress. I also bought her some crop jeans with a super cute valentine's shirt. I hope that she is up for a photo shoot now that she is on the move!!
I will post pictures as soon as I get a chance.
Trish
They are coming to baptize Aiden and Rylee. Gilbert and I are honored to be baptizing Aiden. Crystal's best friend Alicia is baptizing Rylee. I braved the rainy streets and headed shopping for Aiden's baptismal outfit. The outfit is so cute. I hope the weather is nice because I bought him a shorts outfit with a vest and a little bow tie. My little guy is going to look so handsome!
I did some shopping for Rylee too. She is like a little doll. I love to dress her up and have photo shoots with her. I know it is only February but I couldn't resist the cutest baby bikini I have ever seen. I bought her that and a beautiful white dress that she can wear after we change her out of her baptism dress. I also bought her some crop jeans with a super cute valentine's shirt. I hope that she is up for a photo shoot now that she is on the move!!
I will post pictures as soon as I get a chance.
Trish
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