Crystal Checking In

We just got through one crazy week. Tuesday, March 24 was Rylee's first birthday and Thursday, March 26 we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary.

For our anniversay, all I wanted to do was go see a funny movie and have an icee and some popcorn. We had babysitters all lined up and we were off for an enjoyable evening. Unfortunately this was also the day of the "Blizzard 2009". Everything was shut down because of the bad weather. We drove to two different theatres and both of them were closed. After driving around, we decided to go home and call it a night.

Tuesday was actually Rylee's Birthday but we had her party on Saturday. My cousin Trish and my best friend Alicia came out for Birthday Party. We had enough time for three wardrobe changes. Alicia bought her the most beautiful pink princess dress with lots of layers of pink organza. Dee got got her a petticoat with layers and layers of tulle. Rylee looked especially cute in the petticoat when we accessorized her with her new pink sunglasses and pink converse tennis shoes. After that we changed her into the dress that Trish bought her. It was a pink and black dress with the Disney Princesses on it.








Rylee's party was a huge success!! Everything went off without a hitch, even Rylee's nap. Well I guess I shouldn't say EVERYTHING...Rylee had a mini meltdown when Daddy shoved a cupcake in her face. Daddy is used to having boys, I think he may have forgotten that princesses don't like to have dirtly little faces!! We got her all cleaned up and we were good to go again.





My good friend Dee, the one who set up this blog for me, hosted Rylee's party. She did such a great job. Everything was so beautiful...the Happy 1st Birthday Banner, the giant tissue balls, the cupcakes and especially the food!! A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Dee for hosting, planning and organizing the PARTY FIT FOR A PRINCESS!!






I wanted to update you on my health. Before I left for California, I had a pet scan to check on my progress. When we got home, we got the results of the test. The cancer has spread to my liver, lymph nodes and other areas of my abdomen. The good news is that it appeared that my cervix has responded to the initial rounds of chemo and radiation. The doctors decided to give me three more rounds of chemo. Chemo is very exhausting. After I have it, I am usually in bed for five days straight due to the anit-nausea medication. This Wednesday I will have the third round of chemo. Two weeks after that I will have another pet scan to see how well I am responding to it. If I respond well to the chemo, I will get three more rounds. If it turns out that I am not responding well then my doctor and I will have to figure out how we are going to pursuee it.

Over these next few weeks please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Crystal

Rylee Turns One!!

Rylee celebrated her birthday with friends and family on Saturday! She looked so adorable in her girly pink shades. More photos to follow...

A big week coming up!

This is my favorite picture of Crystal! She has a lot to celebrate this week. Rylee turns One on March 24, and Jason and Crystal's 4 year Wedding Anniversary is on March 26th. I feel so happy that we can share the big moments and little moments together!

This just about says it all...

*make your own at Wordle.net

Music and Margaritas!

The Drought Busters made an appearance at the Wig Party of the Century last night. The margaritas were poured, dancing broke out, a sing along was enjoyed, and wigs were worn with pride.
Crystal was the only one that looked gorgeous in her brand-new, super fabulous wig! What a great time to celebrate what we have, and not what we don't. If you would like to wear a wig in solidarity, please do so a snap a photo! We will put in on the Wall of Wigs on the blog! Looking forward to seeing you in a new 'do!

We Are All Crystals Guardian Angels

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

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}