FUGERE FAMILY FUN

31 and still younger than me

2012-02-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Today Ross can no longer say I’m 2 years older than him. Heis now officially 31 (13 months younger than me.) Even though I just barely madethe cut off for a 1979 baby Ross loves that he married someone born in the‘70s. I am so grateful for Ross and all he does for our family. He is a hugeblessing in my life. A year ago, as of yesterday I was diagnosed with breastcancer. I don’t think that I would have survived 25 rounds of radiation and sixrounds of chemo as well as I did if he wasn’t apart of my life.

I am glad Ross wasassigned as my home teacher when we first met otherwise we may not have hadmuch of a opportunity to date and he wouldn’t think to stalk me early on and findout that I started college at Ricks in 1998 (when he was still in high school)this happened way before we dated. I’m also glad he decided to come to Rexburginstead of finishing up his degree at WSU. When he told me he only had a semesterand a half left of school I thought ‘I better get on with it or else he may leavewithout a chance for a relationship.’ The Lord works in mysterious ways andknew the road in front of me. We are now blessed with a great marriage and two sweetchildren.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSS!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

June 2008

November 2011

Fugere Family Happenings

2012-01-30T11:56:00.000-08:00

It snowed! Well 2 weeks ago anyhow (above picture was taken before EVERYTHING was covered with snow) right around the time I had a hysterectomy. Surgeon's office called the day before surgery and asked if I still wanted to have surgery in the morning. I was over half way through my 48 hour clear liquid diet at the time and hating it, (food never looked so good to me in those 48 hrs) I didn't want to start over. I told his assistant that we would chance the roads. I was told that the hospital would call if anything changed. I prayed and prayed and prayed that I wouldn't get a call telling me the surgery is canceled because the roads are so bad. The roads were bad, but we got there safely and the surgery went as planned. When I first started to get hooked up to an I.V. I told the nurse that I have a port hoping they can use that, but I was told they only use ports as a last resort. I've never had someone have such a hard time getting a vein, but amongst 2 nurses I was poked 6-7 times and they finally got the I.V. nurse. I told her I have a port "oh you have a port. We can use the port." They still needed a back up vein. Once I was in the operating room the anesthesiologist said "I see a nice big vein on her neck that I can get in three seconds." Thankfully he waited till I was knocked out to get it. Aside from getting a full hysterectomy at 32 years old a benign tumor was taken out as well (reasoning for surgery.) Apparently now that I have had this surgery my oncologist will be able to put me on a different medication that is better for treating breast cancer. All around my surgeon said the surgery is a good call. At this time I am so grateful for my 2 little darlings and to have such a wonderful supportive husband who I love more and more each day.

2 years/ Health update (more for me)

2012-01-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

It has been 2 years since my wonderful Mom left mortality.Countless times I’ve wanted to talk to her so very much to tell her aboutthings that are going on in my life and getting advice. I know she is stillnear (I've felt her spirit many times), but certainly it is not the same. So many times I’ve needed her. I don’tknow how she (and my grandma) battled cancer for so long. She was in her lateforties into early fifties way, way too young. Now I’m facing the same thing at32 and have been for a year. I have been blessed, but like my oncologist saidI’ll be going through a lot of chemo regiments in the future. No fun in deed.Did I sign up for this? It is said amongst my family members that we were toobusy talking in the pre existence when we seemed to of accept this gene mutation. Anyhow, I miss my Mom so verymuch, but so grateful I’ll be able to see her again.

I’m sure no one cares, but thisentry is more for me to get my frustrations out…

I would love to be able to have 3children, the whole idea of not being able to be pregnant again, to experiencethe birth of a miracle child and to hear the sound of a newborn baby cry makes mesad. I’ve known for almost a year now, when I was diagnosed with stage 4 breastcancer that I won’t be able to have any more children, but come January 18^thit will completely finalize the whole idea. I found out last week that I need ahysterectomy. A "lesion" the size of a tennis ball is on my right ovary, there isalso something on my left ovary that isn’t as big and the surgeon said to takeeverything out. I’m confused as to how my surgeon saw a tennis ball and myoncologist and OB/GYN saw something that is a millimeter in size. I know my surgery last year was necessary, but part of me wonders if my surgery in 6 days is necessary since they don't know exactly what it is. Guess I'm just making excuses on how to get out of it.

I must say how grateful I am tohave 2 wonderful children, one boy and one girl and each day I appreciate themmore and more and count my many blessings. I still say “what if?” Looking backit was so obvious and I should have been especially cautious since my family iscancer over achievers.

California Pictures!

2012-01-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

Sisters (Michelle and I are a little too close)

(Notice the big picture at the top of the blog. That is what my hair looks like 4 months after chemo!)

Been awhile since I've done a post. We spent Christmas in CA. It was nice to be in my home town, when my mom was alive I was there all the time, but since she has passed away almost 2 years ago I had not been there since Aug 2010. The above picture is taken at the cemetery.

Waiting to see what Santa brought

Still haven't figured out how to flip these pictures eve though they are the right way on my computer

"Tiana movie" is the only thing Emeline specifically asked for from Santa

Sylvester's in Atascadero

Mama and baby Elephant Seal in San Simeon- A great attraction

My nephew Tanner and I have the same birthday!

My jacket is so big because it was my mom's

My Growing Babies

2011-11-12T20:41:00.001-08:00

As of October 30th Dallin was official in nursery. I say "official" because he has been going to nursery for a few months now. One day Ross was out in the halls with Dallin during Sunday School and one of the nursery workers told him that Dallin could come into nursery if he wants (Dallin was about 15 months at the time.) Our nursery had only four children at the time and now there are nine and only one child in the nursery will move to Sunbeams next year. Anyhow within the last couple days I've noticed Dallin doing hand movements to "popcorn popping" and saying "pa cor pa cor..." Saturday night he was doing movements to "Book of Mormon stories saying, "boca boka" to the tune of "Book of Mormon Stories"

As far as Emeline she had her first primary program yesterday. For the past couple of months just before going to bed we have been going onto YouTube and watching videos of songs she will sing. I'd tell her to sing along and to do so with a loud voice. She did a very good job. My complaint is that I'm too short. We were towards the back of the chapel and I had a very small view of her and if someone moved their head then my very small view was blocked. I could see her looking around for me. She did sing the whole time. I noticed some of the boys about Emeline's age wasn't getting into it as much as the girls and can imagine that Dallin may end up like one of those boys. Hopefully not. In the past Emeline has told me that she wants to get up and talk (on fast Sundays during testimony meeting we've never taken her up though) Saturday she told me she gets to talk in Sacrament on Sunday.

October 2011

2011-11-10T13:23:00.001-08:00

October Pictures: Better late then never. I have a lot more, but I'm just posting the better ones

2 month hair growth

2011-11-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

I've got a picture overload over the month of October, but I don't want to take the time with it now so I'm just posting these three pictures. My family has been wanting to see what my hair looks like so this is for them. The first picture is what my hair looked like after chemo. The hair I was able to keep grew. The second picture is after Ross cut my hair down to a size 3 blade so my hair could grow about the same length and the bottom picture is me now. When we went to our ward trunk or treat on Saturday I was taking my hat off so others could see my hair. Guess you can say I'm excited.

My Little Mermaid Under the Sea

2011-10-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Oh the creative mind of a child. Emeline has told me that she wants a fin like Ariel because she doesn't have a fin she improvises, she gets pants that are stretchy and puts both legs in one pant leg and swims around like a mermaid on the floor quoting lines from "The Little Mermaid". She does this on most days.She was doing it after dinner last night and I had to laugh. One day I saw that she took her jeans off heading to her bedroom and I told her to get her pants back on so she did, but the next time I saw her she had changed her pants to somethings more stretchy so she can act like a mermaid.

Would your husband do this?

2011-10-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

So I haven't figured out how to rotate the below picture even though it is saved on my computer correctly that is why it is the way it is...

I have to agree with my sister when she told me to just buya $5-$10 Halloween costume for Emeline. Before she said that I didn’t even knowI could get one that cheap all the costumes I looked at were $15-$20 at thecheapest. Ross is adamant on his opinion and refuses to buy any Chinese madecostume. Ross’ idea was that WE should make a costume. I cannot even believe Ientertained the idea especially since I’m not a sewer. I’ve wanted to learn,but haven’t got to it and I don’t think sewing a costume is the way to start. Iwent to a thrift store and found a Snow White costume, but it is more than 3xtoo big for Emeline. I got it thinking I could size it down, it would lookterrible, but Emeline wouldn’t care. After getting home I got to thinking aboutit and thought it was too much and I would just save it till Emeline grows intoit. I would follow the advice of my sister. Emeline is already excited to dressup as Snow White, but she’ll get over it. When I talked to Ross about this hetold me again that he didn’t want a cheapo costume that would fall apart andhave toxic chemicals on it he proceeded to tell me that he would sew the dressup himself…. And “sew” he did (I helped with cutting, but it is hard for alefty to use a rotary cutter made for a righty. At the very end of cutting Ihad Ross help.)

I literally dusted off my sewing machine that my mom boughtme over 4 years ago. We used it once together after getting it and I haven’tused it since. (I want to change that though. I want to make my mom and grandmaproud.) As dumb as it sounds I got a little emotional when I was cutting thefabric. I was thinking my mom and grandma were there watching what I was doingprobably thinking that I’m crazy. It is times like this when I wish that my momand grandma were alive and we lived close to them so they could help me withthe sewing. (BTW the sewing job is not good in fact Ross said it looks like a drunk person sewed it, but he did it.)

On another note as far as my hair growth 2 months afterchemo goes my hair is growing fast!! I was able to keep about 1/3 of my hair sothere are some areas where it is not as thick as others, but it is filling in!!Its great Emeline notices that my hair is growing just like she noticed when Ihad very little hair. Throughout chemo I told her that it would grow back, butit would take time. It is wonderful looking in the mirror and noticing that myhair is growing more and more. Not quite like the 1985 movie “The Peanut ButterSolution” which is a good thing (I had not heard of the movie until Ross toldme about it. IMDB.com gave it a 6.2 rating which I was surprised I would havegiven it a 1, maybe.) If I’m lucky I won’t need a wig by 2012.

Fugere random pictures include Dallin's 1st hair cut

2011-10-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

These pictures are totally out of order and some of them are not rotated correctly. I've been having a hard time with blogger. I haven't posted any pics since the settings have been changed and it has goofed me all up and has taken up too much of my time. Dallin had his first hair cut Saturday night and the pics are certainly mixed up as I've said. The above is an after shot.

A smile!

Before the hair cut

didn't like the buzzing sound

Not amused

Fugere Family 2011

Grandpa Bruce with Estella and Adria (two months old)

Grandpa Bruce with 5 grand daughters (I left Dallin out of the picture)

Last 2 pictures were taken in Portland last month (these are the only two that turned out okay)

Grandparents with 4 of 6 grand kids

Entry by Dallin

2011-09-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

"Do I need a hair cut?"
Dad says I don't need one or else I'd lose my powers and mom says I do. Mom put a clip in my hair and Emeline's pink jacket on to prove to dad that I really do need a hair cut. I am a boy after all not a girl. Luckily mom didn't have any 2T dresses on hand or else she would have put that on me. I had Emeline's jacket on when dad came home from work and he wasn't amused (like me when mom tried to take pictures of me.) We went to Portland over night for my cousin Ali's baby blessing this past weekend and my Uncle Willie told mom and dad he would give me a Marine hair cut. Uncle Willie just got back from boot camp. He joined the Navy to help him pay his way through dental school. He had lots of good stories to tell us, but he is very glad it's over. It's a good thing he wasn't gone as long as those who enlist in the military. It would have been a lot harder plus when he left Ali was only a week old. Any how, mom said, "No son of mine is going to have a Marine hair cut." I have to agree, but really do you think I need a hair cut?

p.s. Portland pictures to come

Emeline's first day of Preschool

2011-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

It is Emeline's first day at preschool today. I can't believe that she will be in kindergarten next year. She's much like her mom because she was shying away when we got there. I'm sure once she gets to know the people she'll be very outgoing. We've been talking to her about preschool for awhile "how many times do I have to wake up for preschool?" She would ask. It went from 30 to 15

to 10 and then 1.

Chemo is Over!!

2011-09-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to have a long 3 day weekend with Ross for Labor Day, but thanks to hurricane Irene Ross has to work today luckily for only 6 hours. The office he works at in Bellevue has received over 100 claims from the hurricane (all resolved over the phone of course.)

Today I’m resuming my motherly duties and caring for my children on my own. Ross reminded me on Saturday that I haven’t changed a diaper in over a week so I probably forgot what it’s like. On August 26^th I had my last round of chemo so for the last week I’ve been recovering from that while Emeline and Dallin had play dates all day Mon-Fri. The day before chemo Ross and I had an early celebration and saw Les Miserables it was fantastic in fact that night I couldn't sleep because I was singing the songs in my head.

It is a great feeling to know that I am done with chemo. I definitely think that my mom pulled some strings for me. My thoughts and feelings are that she told Heavenly Father it is okay I get cancer if I got a type that has one of the highest rates of people recovering from (such as breast cancer like I have) and that I don’t get sick with chemo. I count my many blessings one by one. I certainly felt God’s tender mercies throughout chemo. I was expecting to get really sick, but I never did. I did get a lot of fatigue so much I didn’t even want to get up to eat, but I can deal with that nausea on the other hand is horrible.

Ross reading a "Mama Book" (AKA Berenstain Bear book. Emeline loves them I always wanted a girl who loved them as much as I did. I had most of them collected as a child, but we are collecting them all slowly, but surely.)

Dallin fell asleep like this at dinner

Happenings

2011-08-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

I have a really hard time getting this boy to smile for the camera

...Contrast with Emeline "Take a picture of me"

He's smiling!

I told Emeline to open her eyes. She kept closing them for each picture. (Like mother like daughter)

Flying a kite at the beach

Dallin, Uncle Rex, and Emeline

Walking around

Last week Ross' sister had her twins Estella and Adria (3.11 lbs and 3.6 lbs.) prematurely. They will be in hospital I think till official due date. Ross' parents doubled their grandchildren in less than a week (Cousin Bella has a new baby sister, Ali born a few days before twins.) It seems as though we are the only persons that know how to have a boy and a girl. On my side of the family Emeline is the only granddaughter (6 grandsons) and on Fugere side of family Dalllin is the only grandson (5 girls)

Emeline performs another primary song

2011-08-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

After church I always ask Emeline what she sang in primary and this is one of the songs she sang. One I've never heard her sing before.

Picture update

2011-07-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Quick update: Dallin started to officially walk on July 13th at 14 1/2 months. It was much like when he sat up for the first time. I was talking to him last week and asked him when he was going to start walking (been taking a couple steps here and there) after that he took about 5 steps and then 12. He still crawls more than walks, but he is two weeks ahead of Emeline, Emeline was 15 months when she walked for the first time. My babies like to take their time in walking I guess.

My baby blue eyes boy

Emeline is wearing her Halloween costume from when she was 2 (it was too big on her at the time.) Awhile ago I was sending it to the goodwill and she saw it in the pile of giveaways and wanted to wear it. You can't tell because she's sitting, but it's a little too short on her.

My big girl I love her so much!
Often Emeline will put her hand on my face and say "how are you feeling?" With a concerning voice. She knows somethings up, but to what extent?

Dallin's fake/mocking laugh

scripture power

2011-07-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

I love that Emeline is in Sunbeams at church. She learns so many new songs than she did in nursery she randomly sings "Hello, Hello", the birthday songs.... One of her favorites is "Scripture Power" I love that songs I first heard it when I was in primary presidency/teacher 8-10 years ago.
Oh and something random she's always telling me she needs to bring her scriptures to church. Hope she always has this attitude.

My new look and then some

2011-07-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my natural look lately. Surprised I still have some hair to be proud of, (but not enough to go out in public without something on my head)

I chose to post the pictures that look better of me than of Emeline. The look of Emeline is saying "It's after 4 p.m. on a Sunday, I haven't had a nap and I'm tired" (so tired she fell asleep on the floor in her bedroom with just underwear and a tank top on. She didn't care about the clothes I told her to change into.)
My new wig. Not quite sure of it. I needed a sister to critique it instead I was on my own with the lady that sold it to me

June 29th Ross took kids to Mariners game while I recovered from last round of chemo. I'm half way there! The next one July 15th.

Pictures by Michelle

2011-06-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a week behind on this post due to my second round of chemo. My sister Michelle came into town last weekend with her adorable perfect baby who is only 3 1/2 months old. I think Dallin cried more than Tallen. The trip was quick only one full day with her, but grateful she was able to come at all. While she was here I took the opportunity to have her take updated pictures of the family. Thanks Michelle!

I waited for Michelle's visit to buzz my hair off. I was getting sick of hair on my pillow, in the shower, and on the floor in every room. Emeline would often pick the hair off my back. Strangely it looks like I have more hair the bald spots are not as noticeable and even more strange is I haven't lost a whole lot of hair in the last week since Michelle has been gone.

Another wonderful year

2011-05-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I'd feel well enough to do this post since I had chemo last Friday and to be honest I'm not feelings perfect, but a lot better than I thought I would (I've had no nausea thus far just tired and have a lot of bone pain from my Neulasta shot last Saturday to boost white cell counts up) My dad has been here to help and I'm grateful for that (I was in bed most of yesterday it didn't help I had a seizure the night before, haven't had that in over a year.)
I did want to recognize today as a mark of another wonderful year of marriage. I'm so grateful for Ross and his huge support especially during this time of experiencing breast cancer I don't know what I'd do without him. The top pictures were taken on our first date at the "Enchanted Garden Ball" I thought it would be our first and last date, but he surprised me and came by the next day (when I wasn't home) after that he just kept coming!

A little goofy, but we went to Hawaii with my family a week before we got married (community I grew up in raised money so we could go)

Well this is about as much as I can post at this time with how I'm feeling
Happy Anniversary Ross!

1 year old Dallin

2011-05-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that my 9 lbs 2 oz baby is now one year old. Saturday was his official birthday and we spent some time of that day at the park. Yes it was warm enough for it! The last time it was warm enough for the park Dallin was a little young for the swing, but as you can see from the pictures he loved it (just like his mama) Dallin had his 1 year check up today. Stats are in:
height:30 inch. (50%) weight 25.5 (50%) head 19" (90%)

We celebrated Dallin's birthday at the Fugere's Thursday night

My poor attempt at my first creative cake, a Dino cake. You may not be able to tell, but the Dino has spikes made out of Hershey kisses.

Dallin didn't get into his cake as much as Emeline did, but he still enjoyed it

As for my cancer treatments I'll be done with radiation on Wednesday! On Friday the 13th I will start the hard chemo (I've been getting a chemo every week since March 11th, but it is one that has no side effects, only attacks a certain cell) Hard chemo will last till end of Aug (every three week for four months) People ask if I'm ready I say "ready or not..."
Hoping to celebrate the end of chemo with seeing Les Miserables at the 5th Ave Theater in Seattle

Been awhile so it's a long one

2011-04-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Today my wonderful mom would have been 54 years old. She has been on my mind a lot lately especially since my radiation treatments started last Thursday (Today was treatment 5 of 25 I go in 5x a week till May 4th though it takes less than 10 minutes start to finish with the radiation part taking less than a minute it is very repetitive. Hard chemo starts in May so I’m sure once that gets started I’ll be wishing for radiation instead) I know without a doubt that my mom is there for me. I have felt her spirit several times including during my doctor appointments I am grateful for this, but it never seems to be enough. My mom and I have gone through a lot of similar trials and I have counted on her so many times for advice because I know she is aware of what I am going through. Currently there isn’t anything I would love more than to talk to her about this whole cancer experience. I wonder at times if my mom can do more for me beyond the veil than on Earth. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me as he does for all of his children and I do have the faith that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to it always does.

“Dearest children, God is near you, Watching o'er you day and night,

And delights to own and bless you, If you strive to do what's right.

He will bless you, He will bless you,

If you put your trust in him.”

There have been times in my life where certain Hymns have “spoken out” to me “Be Still My Soul” is the first song that comes to my mind when I think of such songs. “Dearest Children, God is Near You” is a Hymn sung at church recently suddenly when the first line began I choked up and couldn’t sing. It was only the first verse that impacted me and it hit hard with all the things that are going on in my life right now. People keep asking me how I’m emotionally feeling and truthfully the breast cancer doesn’t bother me what bothers me more than anything is finding myself depending on other people with child care and other such things. Since I was a little girl I was always the “I can do it myself” kind of person. Even with limited use in my right hand I can do things that amaze people. Every day Emeline will ask me “where am I going when I wake up?” referring to who’s house is she going to, to be babysat. I think she’s surprised on the days I tell her I don’t have an appointment. Truthfully I think that this is good for her because she gets to play with kids from church (not so good for me.) My doctor said that I have an interesting family medical history. I’ve heard this before several times. He also said (I think) the first positive thing I’ve heard since my diagnosis. I was told that my cancer must be slow growing since I had it 5+ months without knowing it and it has only metastasized to my spine. However I’m not sure how a tumor that is very aggressive could be slow growing. A random story about Emeline happened when she was talking to herself and said something about getting Dr. Zhang’s card. Dr. Zhang (pronounced Zen) is my oncologist and I ask myself how in the world does she know my doctors name?

1st time in the infusion room

2011-03-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

With all that has been going on I haven't taken very many pictures, but I took the above picture last night (after I fed Dallin of course I forgot to wipe his face. When I did he stopped smiling) by the way he is now 10 1/2 months old and weighs 22 lbs. he is a lunker. The pictures of Emeline were taken last month on her fourth birthday. I realized a couple weeks after her birthday that I forgot to blog about her birthday. I blame it on all the doctor appointments I had (one on her b-day) and still have (this coming week I have an appointment everyday and so far 2 next week.) Keep in mind I did have surgery 5 days after her b-day.

On Friday, March 11, 2011 I finally started my first chemo round of Herceptin. Herceptin is considered a chemo drug, but it is not a “bad” chemo drug that will make me sick instead it is a designer drug to attack HER2 which is a gene (not inherited) that produces rapid growing cells causing cancer if there is too much. I tested positive for this when I had my surgery 3 weeks ago which is one way that makes my cancer aggressive. It took 90 minutes to get the infusion, but that is just for the first time around all other times take 30 minutes. On Thursday I have an appointment with a radiation oncologist to determine if I should do radiation or the “hard” chemo first (there is a metastasis on my spine near my lower neck that is in the marrow and is obviously a concern.) If I do chemo first I’ll be starting the “hard” chemo shortly there after. I will be given Taxotere and Carboplatin which are 2 drugs my mom had when she was fighting cancer. The treatment takes about 4 hours and I will be doing this every 3 weeks for four months (6 times) and then I'll be evaluated. I will also get Herceptin once a week during that time and after the 4 months it will be every 3 weeks. In the mean time I’m still dealing with a little bit of pain from my surgery which is a problem mostly at night when I’m trying to sleep.

A Cancer Update

2011-03-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

I’ve come to know more now than ever that everything takes time; PET scans, MRIs, scheduling surgery, recovering from surgery, getting an echo gram, figuring out the best course of action and taking it to a tumor board (where a bunch of doctors get together once a week and come to a consensus of what’s best for different patients)…
I was released from the hospital last Tuesday night (Feb 22nd). I was only there over night which I’m so grateful for those hospital beds are so uncomfortable and apparently I was getting out of bed by myself too many times that they activated the bed alarm to make sure I didn’t do it again. During surgery 13 lymph nodes were taken out and all of them were involved and there were 3 tumors taken out (I thought there was 2 the second one I felt suddenly showed up the day I made an appointment to get the original checked out. It started out small enough to where I wasn't sure if it was a lump, but it quickly got bigger and unmistakable.) As of now I feel in many ways things are not going quick enough, but at the same time tests take time and getting the results take time too. Right now the only cancer treatment I’m getting is in pill form that I take once a day at least this is better than nothing as I recover enough from surgery to get chemo. Monday I had a post op appointment and an appointment with my Oncologist in a nut shell I was told I at least have stage 3C breast cancer. I have a spot on my spine (lower neck) that is most likely cancerous and related to the breast cancer. If this is the case than my “disease” is stage 4 and treatable, but not curable (patients in my potential condition are treated for many years) I will have moments where I’m in remission, but the cancer will come back. If the cancer on my spine is not related to the breast cancer it is curable and I will be treated for 16 weeks and I’ll be hit hard with 3 different Chemo drugs by way of IV and it sounds like I'll need radiation too. To know for sure if the spot is related I either need a biopsy or see how the spot reacts to treatment. This is what I know so far. My doctor called me Monday night and told me that she is going to take my records to the tumor board next Monday and see what all the other doctors say is the best way to treat me.
The fact that I have breast cancer is finally sinking in, but still I can’t believe this is all happening. I’ve been told that it is all in timing and it is the Lord’s will. I wonder sometimes if it was the Lord’s will for me to think my lump had to do with nursing and it would go away. I wonder if it is the Lord’s will that I waited far too long to check out my lump therefore have encountered a very aggressive form of cancer at 31 years old.
My insurance called me yesterday thinking I needed to talk to a social worker for depression due to all that is happening. I chuckle at the thought and told them I’m not depressed and I have a great support group of family and friends. The gospel makes this whole thing so much easier as well as all who support me; a great family, friends including my ward family at church who have already done so much.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS AND FAST

A journal of what's happening

2011-02-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

On February 7, 2011 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am only 31 years old so to say that I have cancer seems strange and unreal to me. Unfortunately I come from a long family history of relatives that have had cancer including my mom and grandma. Plenty of family members who were diagnosed with cancer were young and in some cases younger than me so I should not be surprised. I guess it is one of those things when you think that it will never happen to you though with my extreme history some have said “It’s not if you get cancer it is when you get cancer” Well that might be a stretch.

What I’ve been told for sure is that I will be having surgery and I will be needing chemo therapy. Sadly for me I waited a little too long to get my lump checked out, but since I’ve been nursing it threw me off and I thought I had a blocked duct or something having to do with nursing thinking it would go away it never did and instead continued to grow. I’ve said things like “When I have chemo…” When I talk about it I feel like I am talking about someone else and when I asked my dad if I could have my mom’s turbans that sounds weird to me also. I suppose reality will sink in once I have surgery and go through chemo treatments. In short I think I’ll use this blog as a journal for me as I fight off breast cancer as well as the other things that go on with our family.

A Tribute to my MOTHER

2011-01-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

This post is an excerpt of my deleted post that a friend recovered I've edited it and added to it.

I'm so very grateful for the many years we had with mom because I know her odds were that she would not live as long as she did. Much like my grandpa said about my grandma "we had five great years just wish we could have had five more years."
"...I am so thankful at this point to have lived to see 2010. I'm trying not to say why me at 52 years old. But deep down I can't stop..." (mom's journal) more is written, but I'll stop there. After a year I have felt her spirit so many times and I'm so grateful for this though I will always want her in person where I can see and talk to her. I know I will be able to see her again. She has been such a great influence in my life and I'm so grateful for this. She has been there for me through my hardest times in life. She would always tell me "what are your options?" when faced with certain things in my life to where I just have to deal with what I've got instead of dwell on it. I was always able to go to her for advice and she would give the best. I hope that I can do the same for my children. I'm grateful for the week we had together last December just us before the rest of the family came for Christmas. Though we didn't leave the house and a lot of the time we just watched TV. (she told me at one time she just wanted to sit and watched TV and not think) She lost too much energy if she did any more than that. A month before my mom died she asked what grandma was like a month before she died if she just sat around like she did.

I love her so much. It has been a very hard year, but in some ways it has gone by quickly. I hope the coming years will go even faster. I've depended on her so much for so long. One of the last things she told me in the middle of the night when I "slept" (not much at all) in my parents room in case my dad needed help with her is that she was the mom and was supposed to take care of me (and not the other way around). Also in the early morn she was some how aware that I didn't sleep well that night because she told me that she didn't want me to have a seizure. So typical even at her state of mind she was worried I was going to have a seizure because of lack of sleep. Though I was up all night two nights before she died in part because I was worried about her and also my dad's snoring I'm grateful for my chance to lay by her. she is such a special person more than anything I want her here to help advise me with my kids. She is an amzing mom if I can be half the mom she is I'd be happy.

Christmas then and now

2010-12-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

I wrote a big long blog post and accidently deleted it so this one is condenced. This holiday season is both happy and sad. It makes me think more about my mom and how it has almost been a year since she passed away. I prayed last year that she would live past the holidays and she did she was able to live through 12 days of 2010 when she was supposed to only live to see maybe 2005. Miracles do happen and I'm grateful for the extra time we had with her even though it is never enough. I'm grateful for her willingness to undergo countless chemo and radiation treatments. She is my hero I can't imagine how horrible it was. I'm grateful she is no longer in pain, but oh how I want her here in the flesh though I have felt her spirit and influence many times this past year. I'm grateful for my family and how close we are. Though 2010 started out to be a difficult one through out the rest of the year we have been truly blessed.

In the hospital Dec '09

Christmas '09

Christmas '10 in WA

We were very spoiled this Christmas. We opened so many gifts I think Emeline had enough before all the gifts were opened

Dallin is now 8 months old. Though I missed having my mom with me in the flesh when he was born I know she was there in spirit even in the O.R. when I had my c-section and getting a spinal. I know she was there ushering him in to this crazy world (and maybe in some cases crazy family.) we are so grateful to have him in our home.

When Ross is in charge...

2010-12-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

Dallin ends up in the tub

...Unable to properly feed Dallin

Havin' Fun

2010-12-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago was our ward Christmas party (this picture is a little late) the above picture is courtesy of the ward clerk and his wife since I forgot my camera. The below pictures are just random I took.
I was hoping his 3 teeth would shine through, but it didn't work out that way

happenings

2010-12-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

On December 4th (Ross will remember it as the day of the Apple Cup when the team he roots for, WSU lost by one touchdown. I'll remember it as the day "Eclipse" came out on DVD) Dallin sat up for the first time at 7 months. It was kind of funny actually I sat him up and said "Dallin when are you going to sit up?" and he did. I've been waiting for this moment. I was thinking he was slow only because Ross' cousin's son (born April 20th, 10 days before Dallin) has been sitting up for awhile now. Since Dallin rolled over for the first time at 5 days old I thought maybe he would go through most milrstones early. I think he's just average though. Ross said he has such a big head (95th percentile) that he couldn't hold it up to sit up.

Dallin is also getting a bottom tooth and a top tooth. Emeline had her first tooth at 5 months and third tooth by 8 months. Dallin rolls and rolls and does an Army crawl too. Sometimes he'll get up on his knees and hands, rocking back and forth looking like he is going to take off.

What he has on his right foot is not a sock, but a bandage. About a week ago Dallin got a 1st and 2nd degree burn from our heater. All is well now. When we had it checked out we also found out he had an ear infection. We never even thought he had one because he wasn't acting any differently.

Family Pictures/ Trip to AZ for Thanksgiving

2010-12-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks to sister Michelle for taking great pictures

Tyler and Emeline

Dallin and Jackson

Grandpa Jim with 6 grandkids

Halloween

2010-11-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

These pictures are not the best. I had to use a back up camera because the battery on my regular camera died and I forgot to charge it back up (that and I need to find the charger). The one I usually use has a bigger view finder the one I used has a small one and it is hard to tell whether the pictures turned out or not that and the kids were not in the mood to get their picture taken. Bad combo. These were the best though and I thought I should post some. I didn't get any pictures of Emeline trick or treating at the church truck or treat. When we talked to her about going she seemed excited and talked about it a lot, but when it came right down to it she didn't get into it. After a little while she told me she was done and she wanted to go home. Ross isn't into Halloween so he was pleased to hear she said that.

A lady in the ward sent out a sign up sheet at church asking if anyone was willing to accept trick or treaters on the 30th since Halloween was on a Sunday this year and many people didn't want to do it. There were about 25 houses that were accepting trick or treaters. I thought about going to a few houses, but in the end didn't Emeline thought Halloween was going to the trunk or treat and that was fine by me. Though we did get one knock and 4 kids at the door Halloween night. The only candy we had was what Emeline collected at the trunk or treat. We gambled that we would not get any trick or treaters because we never do. I think Emeline was a little confused on why 4 kids were dressed up saying "trick or treat" since she thought Halloween had come and gone. I felt bad for taking her candy and giving it out, but didn't know what else to do. She was sad to see me do that, but got over it.

Do We Look Alike?

2010-10-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

Do we look like brother and sister? The above picture is Emeline at Dallin's age. Do they look alike? I think they totally look alike

2010-10-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

I finally took Emeline and Dallin to Sears to have their pictures taken on Oct. 11th. I didn't notice it when I ordered the pictures, but Dallin is drooling in the below picture. He did that a lot in the session. Obviously he's teething though I don't see any teeth coming through. Emeline had a tooth at Dallin's age.

Emeline Tess 3 years 8 months

Dallin Ross 5 1/2 months

Weekend Fun

2010-10-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to the pumkin farm we went to the same one last year too. At the time I was about 3 months pregnant with Dallin now he is 5 1/2 months old.

Having some fun after picking pumkins. Emeline is always wanting me to take a picture of her and Dallin. They are laying on a blanket my mom made

I lay Dallin down on his stomach on a blanket with toys in front of him, but there is really no point to the blanket he always rolls off of it. I'm glad he is able to roll around because it keeps him happier longer, but I have to be extra careful in making sure everything is picked up off the floor which isn't so bad. When Emeline was a baby she rolled from one end of the room to the other. Dallin usually stays around the same area he just rolls from his stomach to back and then his stomach again and repeats that. I'm sure he'll be rolling across the room soon. When Emeline did it for the first time Ross and I were in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner we were not aware she could roll like that, but suddenly she was on the other side of the room.

Fugere's

2010-10-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post these 2 pictures real quick and then I'll get better ones later and with Emeline (I'm not a photographer like my sister is) it's hard to get a picture of Dallin and have him smiling at the same time. At least when it is just me trying to do both. Dallin is now 5 months old. I'm not sure where the last 5 months have gone, but it seems like he was just born. By Halloween he'll be half way to his first birthday. It is interested in seeing the difference between a boy and a girl. Emeline wore these pj's 3 years ago. The size is 9 months and Emeline was 7 months when she wore them and they did not fit her at all, but I wanted her to wear them in the month of Oct anyhow. Dallin is 2 months younger than Emeline was so I thought for sure he'd be way too small for them, but still wanted him to wear them. I guess I didn't take into consideration that Emeline is average in size and Dallin is 90% in size so they fit him perfectly with a little growing room. A few days ago I was going through my closet where I have Dallin's clothes sorted in boxes and bags according to size. I went through the 6-9 month clothes and found a lot of the clothes he has already grown out of it. Who would have known he's 5 months and I thought I was doing pretty good in taking them out before he is 6 months.

I must admit it can be a challenge to parent Emeline, but at the same time she is a joy. Last night when I was making dinner I was listening to a compilation of songs from the seminary videos. I often like to sing when listening to music though I'm a horrible singer. The song "I've got to find out who I am" from the Old Testament video was playing when Emeline came in and heard me singing to it. She left the room singing over and over "I've got to find out who I am" She went into the bedroom where Ross was doing work and was singing it to him then came back into the kitchen and she was still singing it just that one line. Emeline and I love to sing together (and dance) We have 5 classic Disney Cd's I don't like a lot of them, there are over 20 on each disc so I put them onto itunes choosing the songs I like so I would not have to skip the songs I don't like. I like more than half of them. Emeline loves listening to them and I do too.

4 month stats

2010-09-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Dallin had his 4 month check up this week this is how he checked out:

length: 26 3/8 (90 percentile)

weight: 16 lbs 7 oz (77 percentile)

head cir: 17 1/2 (95th percentile)

Enjoyed our last days of what felt like summer a week or two ago at the park we seemed to have had a short summer that didn't start till mid July (not sure why these horizontal pictures turned out vertical normally I would try to fix it, but I often have a hard time with it)

Dallin is 4 months old!

2010-08-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Dallin could be a very serious boy. Ross is a WSU Coug fan hence Dallin's shirt

Father-Daughter trip to the M's game on Saturday
Mama let Emeline and I go the Mariners/Minnesota Twins game on Saturday 28 August 2010. I like to go to at least one game of a different sport each year, which with our busy lives, it's about all I can spare. People who know me probably wouldn't believe that I would write such a thing!
Because it's only one game, I like to make the most of it. Being that the M's are in last place, and were still in a down economy, I like to drive a hard bargain when it comes to tickets from street sellers (read: "scalpers"). This year, I demanded a 2 for 1 deal, at face value. The couple of scalpers I talked to were puzzled at my request, and blew me off. Not to be foiled, I went from one corner of the stadium to another, looking for someone with spare tickets. Just as I was able to give up, and get nose-bleed seats, I saw a youth walking by. He was about 11 or 12 years old, and he had just rebuffed a scalper, who probably wanted him to practically give them his spare pair. I caught up to him, and we negotiated a deal. These box seats, which retail for $130 a pair on game-day, were sold to me for $45. Better than a two for one. Our good fortune didn't end there.
I could see from his description and the specs that these were good seats. Emeline and I eventually arrived there, and found that these were awesome seats! We were on the third base side, first row behind the camera well. The visitor dugout was four seats to our right, and we were close enough to truly heckle the players (While I've always dreamed of this moment, I was caught off-guard. Not only are the Twins in first place in the Central Division, but I hardly know any of the players enough to really get under their skin.)
In the top of the fourth inning, Twins DH Jason Kubel was up to bat (He replaced aging star Jim Thome, out with back tightness). Kubel hit a foul down the third base line, which Twins third base coach Scott Ullger picked up and tossed to Emeline (With Dad assisting in catching, although I dropped it.) Thus, at 3 and a half years, Emeline Tess has her first ever Major League baseball. But, as they say in infomercials: "But wait, there's more!"
Just before the start of the bottom of the seventh inning, Mariners third base coach Lee Tinsley tossed Emeline a practice ball, her second baseball of the game! Most people go their whole lives without getting a baseball during a game, but Emeline manages to get two. (The author managed to snare a foul ball, on the fly, from Mariners back-up catcher Joey Oliver, at a game at the former beloved Kingdome in '98. *Sniff* May the 'Dome rest in peace). I guess when your a gorgeous, blue-eyed girl in a Mariners jersey, these things happen.
Of course, being this close to the action puts you on edge. There were a couple foul balls that whistled over our heads at a high rate of speed. I had to be ready to block a foul ball with my chest, if needed.
It also provided some humorous moments. There were a couple of teenage girls sitting on our row, close to the dugout. A bat boy for the Twins gave them each a ball (I couldn't tell if it had his number or email address on them.) That is a great way to pick up women! I'm not sure this would have worked on Kimberly, though, she's more of a Shakespearean traditionalist.
The Mariner Moose, our fine mascot since his birth in 1990, even waved to Emeline, between dance moves on the dugout. She was a little shy, since she's always asking about "Cool Bird", the mascot for the Seattle Thunderbirds, our semi-pro hockey team.
Even though the M's lost 1-0, it was a very memorable afternoon. Also, the events staff for the M's were great, and one member gave Emeline a Mariner Moose trading card. She loves that card, and likes to show it around. Special thanks go to the coaches mentioned above, for giving a toddler some neat souvenirs to bring home to Mama.

Emeline was thrown 2 balls

Brittany Green and Scott Greenman's Wedding

2010-08-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'm delayed a week in posting these pictures. I can't take credit for anyone except for the last two. They are from my sisters camera therefore most if not all are on her blog so the people who have access to her blog has already seen these pictures. I am bummed that since the pictures were emailed they were reduced in size and hard to see.
My brother Scott got married in the Manti, Utah temple on Aug 12th. It was a wonderful experience. Ross and I were the only 2 in the family who had never met Scott's beautiful bride, Brittany until the day of their wedding. I wasn't even able to talk to her until shortly after they were married. I gave her a hug and told her who I was "...your new favorite sister in law." Even though I had never met Brittany before I heard so much about her I already loved her like a sister and knew that she was amazing and that her and Scott were meant for each other including the fact that she went from being Brittany Green to Brittany Greenman.

Greenman Clan of brothers and sisters

Dad and Scott I so wish my mom were alive to be in this picture

Best brothers

Bride and Groom with nephews and niece

Groomsmen

Bridesmaids

cousins Jackson and Dallin 7 weeks apart in age

CA reception

matching Greenman grandsons

Does Emeline look a little misplaced? My sister is pregnant with her 4th she feels a little pressure to have a girl after 3 boys we can't wait to find out the verdict in a few weeks

Just before we left town we stopped by the cemetery. Long enough to take a picture. My mom doesn't have a headstone yet, but my dad picked it up in Utah when we were there for the wedding so it will be there soon. We are between where my Grandma, Uncle and Mom is buried mom is buried at their feet and my dad already has a plot next to my mom and grandpa has one next to grandma. It is a joke that in the resurrection it will be a big Atascadero 1st ward reunion because so many people from the ward I grew up in is buried in this same area

laughable Dallin

2010-08-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Wedding Celebration

2010-08-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ross' sister got married yesterday. Emeline had the honor of being one of two flower girls. I was concerned at how well she would do. During the rehearsal both girls ran instead of walked. In the end she did pretty good.

Emeline and her cousin Bella "Bellella" as she likes to call her

Emeline was a little confused on what to do. Neither one of them threw the rose peddles on the ground. Maliah who walked down with Emeline wanted to keep the peddles Emeline was probably following her lead. As you can see from the picture all eyes were on them and got a little distracted. They were later told that they did a good job.

After the fact the girls decided it was time to throw the peddles

Grandpa Bruce and Emeline dancing. Ross took me out on the dance floor once before we had to go and certainly made ourselves known with all the twists and turns we made I think I heard someone call out "yeah Ross" or "go Ross" something like that it didn't help that we were dancing right by the live band. I was laughing the whole time. I took a social dance class in college, but I'm still not the greatest dancer luckily Ross is a good leader. I goofed up a bunch. Of course he had to end it off with a dip.

Grandma and Grandpa Fugere with their grand kids Bella, who will be 1 year old Set 13th (same as Bella Swan for all you "Twilight" lovers), Dallin and Emeline

Happening with the Fugere's

2010-07-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

Dallin is coming up on three months old, a very fun time. He sleeps well at night going to bed at 10:15-11 and wake up between 7-8. Dallin is still a great baby it is fun to be able to interact with him more. Unfortunately the earliest time we go to bed is midnight. I feel like the nights are when I get the most done as far as house work goes and yet it still never gets done. So many times I feel like some of the comic strips of "For Better or For Worse" apply to me I tried to find last Sunday's comic on the internet to post, but couldn't and when I tried to scan it it didn't come out clear, but basically once house work is done that takes hours it takes seconds to mess it up again. Only with me I feel like it is never done to begin with.

My motto is "CLEANING AND SCRUBBING CAN WAIT TILL TOMORROW, FOR BABIES GROW UP WE'VE LEARNED TO OUR SORROW. SO QUIET DOWN COBWEBS DUST GO TO SLEEP I'M ROCKING MY BABY AND BABIES DON'T KEEP" my mom embroidered this saying long ago and I have it up in Emeline's room. All in all I'd rather spend my time with my children for I know they will grow up fast. Emeline is already 3 1/2 and still a great big sister. My compaint is Emeline coming into our room in the middle of the night sleeping on our floor (that's not bad) the bad thing is when we wake up at an early hour to her reading Berenstain Bear books today she was doing it at 4:50 this morning. I was so tired I didn't hear her until Ross told her to go back to sleep. I love that she loves those books I kept them from when I was young hoping I would have a girl that enjoyed them as much as me although I think she learned to bite her nails from "The Bad Habit" I tell her not to do it and she says "that's what Mama says" referring to Mama Bear. They are "Mama books" to her.

2 Months!

2010-07-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

When we went to Chuck-E-Cheese a week ago this past Saturday I was asked by a man I walked by, who was eating with his family how old Dallin is. I told the man that he is two months old. He mentioned how small Dallin is and bragged about what a big boy his son was when he was born (6 oz. more than Dallin.) Well we found out last Thursday that Dallin is no small boy. He weighs 13 lbs and 13 oz. this is 90 percentile for his age he is also 90 percentile in height and 75 percentile in head size. No doubt he will be towering over me in no time, but that isn't hard to do since I'm 4' 11 1/2 (I claim 5' though.) Dallin is my roly poly. When I change his diaper I have to go through each roll to make sure I got everything. He brings so much joy into our life.

Visit with my Dad/Dallin's blessing day

2010-06-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

I was able to have my dad around for the past 4 days and it has been great. He left this evening and we miss him already. Just before leaving and my dad told Emeline he was leaving she said, "you have to go back to Grandma Nellie?" It breaks my heart some day she won't remember my mom and she won't be asking that.

Unfortunately my dad was cheated out on a day because of a long plane delay. This was my dad's first visit with Dallin. He would have come earlier, but a month before Dallin was born he had hip replacement surgery that put him out of work for a month and he couldn't take any more time off. He had to wait till school got out (HS math teacher) he then had to wait a week after that because my sister had a baby boy (she only lives 10 miles from my parents) though the time has gone way too fast we filled every day to the fullest. It has been so enjoyable and the best thing is that I truly feel my mom's spirit was with us often. I really wish that she could be here in the flesh. I have missed her so much and have shed some tears because of it.

We went to Chuck-E-Cheese with my Uncle and Aunt and his family and my cousin and his 3 kids. We live less than an hour from them yet only end up seeing them when family comes. Yeah it is pretty sad.

We also went to northwest treck with my cousin and saw many different animals

On the tram looking at the animals

(Dallin is lying on a blanket my mom made)

Dallin was also given a name and a blessing while my Dad was in town. Unfortunately the microphone wasn't working and I was sitting in the second to the last row and heard a few words here and there. When Emeline was blessed my mom wrote down things that were said in the blessing. Since she wasn't there to do it I did it, but didn't get much except for a few words here and there so I had to ask around to jot down those things that were said.
Afterwards a lady came up to me and felt bad I couldn't hear the blessing "At least he was blessed that is all that matters." She told me.

Emeline with my cousin Merrick they are 6 weeks apart

Dallin Update

2010-06-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Dallin is changing so much. We now enjoy watching him smile and coo. Emeline is really good at mauling him with hugs and kisses I have to tell her constantly that she needs to be more gentle with him. I do have to keep an eye on her when she is around him and sometimes that is hard to do when I'm making dinner even if Dallin is in his bouncy seat in the kitchen I need eyes in the back of my head. The next thing I saw was sidewalk chalk on Dallin's face. Emeline was previously playing with it and touched his face before washing her hands. Emeline has only picked Dallin up once. Hopefully it was the last time. She took him from his swing in the kitchen and walked him towards my bedroom where I was. We have decent nights where we sleep some and others not so good. It doesn't help that Emeline comes into our room and ends up on the floor in the middle of the night.

Dallin at one month

2010-06-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Our little Dallin is now one month old. In the last month I feel like he has really changed. (The above picture is his birth announcement done by my sister.) At Dallin's two week check up he was up to his birth weight and 75% in height, weight and head. Things have gone really well in the last month. Emeline loves having a baby brother and is a good big sister. When she hears him cry she will run to him. I must admit Dallin is a better baby than Emeline was. Ross says that he has my facial expressions which isn't the best thing. It is when he makes those facial expressions I feel like he is asking "where am I and who are these people?" Ross tells me I look quizzical.

Four years and 2 kids later...

2010-05-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today Ross and I celebrate our 4 year anniversary. It has been the greatest years of my life and I look forward to the years ahead. Ross came into my life at a time when I least expected it, a time when I wasn't even looking for love. We were college students at BYU-I. Six weeks after Ross and I met we went on our first date although I had my eye on him since he first came by my apartment at the beginning of the summer semester May 2005 to introduce himself and get to know the people in the ward. Though I asked him on our first date to a school dance (I wasn't alone in asking a guy otherwise I would not have done it) he made all the moves after that starting with the next day. The next night we had a DTR (determine the relationship) I had never heard of a DTR until my roommates told me about it when I talked to them about my conversation with Ross. In the end he asked "What's next... with us?" and I told him I would like to get to know him better. Though I knew only 2 months later that I wanted to spend the rest of eternity with him it wasn't until 4 months later, 5 days before he graduated were we engaged and 5 months later we were married after being apart (1,000 miles away) during that whole time while Ross interviewed for several job positions with me only making one, 1 week long trip to WA from CA. We now have a 3 year old daughter and a 2 1/2 week old son and are so glad to have them apart of our family. I'm eternally grateful for Ross and the great blessing he is in my life.

Yellowstone July 2005

Outside my apartment summer 2005

2 week old Dallin

2010-05-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

My sister Michelle who lives in AZ came to visit us this past weekend and took these amazing pictures. Thanks Michelle! It was fun having you for the weekend. Emeline cried for a very long time after you left because she didn't want you to go. First thing she asked this morning was "where's Chelle?"

Dallin Rolls Over

2010-05-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Proof that Dallin can roll over onto his back. He was 5 days old when he did it for the first time, but it was only today at 9 days old he did it for the camera.

Dallin Ross Fugere

2010-05-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Dallin Ross Fugere was born April 30th, 2010 at 8:03 a.m. by way of a c-section. Dallin weighed 9 lbs. 2 oz. 20 1/2 inch. long. I can't even believe that I was carrying a 9 pound baby. I thought at most he would weigh 7 1/2 lbs. he was so big the doctor had a hard time getting him out. Since his birth just four days ago he is much like any other newborn and sleeps a lot literally only getting up to be changed and fed. The great thing is that he sleeps well even during the night. Half way through the night he does end up in our bed, but truthfully I don't mind. I love having him by me. Though he is still so little I am already sensing a sweet, special spirit about him. I call him my little ol' man because I think he looks like a little ol' man and I love it. He has such big cheeks and is chubby, already having some rolls on him. It is the first things I was told about him. We are so happy to have him in our home. Emeline has even warmed up to him. I was concerned the first time she came to the hospital she wasn't herself and was saying nothing, like she was in a room full of strangers. We have been so greatly blessed.

38 Weeks!

2010-04-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

I had my 38 week appointment today with my O.B. after today I only have one more appointment to go before I have my c-section (April 30th). We can now say that next week the baby is coming. I'm trying to prepare for the inevitable, getting peed on, something I never experienced with Emeline. Luckily Ross will be around for the first couple of weeks after the baby is born so he will be the one who will get shot at for the most part (Emeline pooped on him a lot, to him pee should be better since he's always saying that pee is sterile.)

What I'm about to say might seem off key at first, but tonight I had a temple recommend interview with a member in the stake presidency (who's in our ward). Before the interview I was asked how I'm holding up with my mom's passing. We then went on to talk about the connection with birth and death and the reality that my mom likely already knows who my son is. This brings much comfort to me. I know for a fact that my mom will be right there when our child is born she wouldn't want to be anywhere else and wouldn't miss it for anything. She always said that she would crawl if she had to, to be at an important occasion like a birth. I'm so grateful for the gospel and the knowledge of the plan of salvation.

2010-03-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

ry ry rrbvbb
bvhbv fvbbvhfv

I was going to delete this post, but decided to keep it. Emeline was the one who posted it without me knowing it. She likes to look at the pictures on the blog and often clicks around and does things I'm not aware of. She looks at it so often she starts singing to the songs on it.
I've been meaning to post an updated pregnancy picture, but haven't gotten around to it, but it will come soon.

Happy 3rd Birthday to Emeline

2010-02-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Emeline's third birthday. Wow has it been three years already? It seems like she was just born at 2:41 a.m. on Feb. 16th, 2007. Time flies when you're having fun I guess. This year we celebrated Emeline's birthday at Ross' parents house. There was a room full of people there who loves her very much (so many others love her too who were not there of course.)

Emeline isn't a typical child who unwraps her gifts as fast as she can instead every time she opened a gift she enjoyed it whether it was a book, something to color, or even clothes. We had to remind her that she had other gifts that she needed to open.

Emeline got lots of clothes for her birthday which is great because she is out growing a lot of the clothes she has now. Every time she opened a gift with clothes in it she would lay them out just as she is doing in the above picture.

Even though Emeline can't identify each Disney princess (because she has never seen the movies) she loves pincesses. When she opened this gift of a colection of Disney princess books she was thrilled "Pincess!" she said so now I guess I can read about them to her. A quick funny story when I got around to reading a couple of the stories to her she was sitting on my lap and the baby was moving. She felt him kicking her in the back and she jumped right up saying "Baby's moving!"

Taking a break in opening gifts by enjoying one and doing a little drawing

...and then enjoying a book she got...

admiring herself in a mirror she got

looks like she really enoyed this book she decided to give it a hug

...taking another break to color

trying on a coat she got

Oh Emeline is such a girl when she opened the gift of a rocking chair just her size she wanted to grab a baby and rock her singing "rock a bye baby", how maternal.

Birthday cake time! Emeline had her very own. The laptop is there because Ross' parents have Skype and Emeline's Uncle Willie who lives in Portland was online to see Emeline blow out her candles not to mention her cousin "Bellella" (Bella) who was getting a bath.

28 Weeks!

2010-02-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

For the record I hate having my picture taken with just me I like to at least have one person in with me so does my baby boy count as a person? I haven't been very good at taking pregnancy pictures. The last one Ross took of me was in October when I was showing just a little. I had my 28 week appointment today. I can hardly believe it. The baby's heart rate was 160 my doctor said he must be enjoying all the sugar I drank (Glucola.) Everything seems to be going well. At the end of the month I will be scheduling my C-section CRAZY! I feel like I just found out that I am pregnant. Emeline keeps saying "mommy's going to have a boy next week" well "next week" will come faster than I think. There is always so much to do and hardly enough time. Emeline loves to feel (and see) the baby move "baby's moving!" she says. I'm due May 4th, but will be having the baby at the end of April. Even though it is just a week apart April seems so much more closer than May.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ROSS!

2010-02-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

Today Ross turns 29 so I thought I would make a special post for him, yes this means I'm 13 months older than him apparently he is very puffed up and pleased with this. The above picture was taken when Ross and I were dating. Notice the cinder block I'm standing on. It stayed outside my apartment door at all times. Every time we said good bye I would stand on this block. (apparently another girl thought it was a great idea and she did it too.) The purpose of this is so that we can be at eye level (he is close to a foot taller than me.) I was really embaressed about it at first, but then it became our trade mark.
Why I love Ross so much (in no particular order)

1. He knows how to make me laugh.

2. He is very understanding

3. He is very patient

4. He is a great husband and father (I love to see him with Emeline so willing to help always)

5. He is very good at hand washing the dishes (I don't mind putting them in the dish washer, but I do not like hand washing.)

6. He is a great example to me

7. Ross is very loving

8. The first thing that attracted me to him was that he is very spiritual and he was beyond 100% home teacher (to my aparentment.) oh and very dedicated in his calling as a Sunday School president (seaching for teachers before he was sustained in other words he was scoping out the girls at the beginning of the semester. He said I was on his "short list" of girls he was interested in, but I asked him out on our first date another thing he is pleased with.)

9. Ross is a very hard worker.

10. Always willing to help.

...Okay so I can go on.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSS!!!

AND THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A GREAT HUSBAND AND FATHER!

My Wonderful Mother

2010-02-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

(picture out of order not sure if worth putting in had it in the right spot got deleted and not sure how to put it where it's suppose to go. It's a picture of Emeline and Tyler at cemetary)

I've been wanting to make a post on my mom for awhile now, but have needed to get copies of photos since the pictures I took didn't turn out very well so that is why this is a bit late. As many of you know my mom passed away on January 12th after a 5 1/2 battle with non smoking lung cancer. These are just a few pictures I selected there are many other great pictures I don't have copies of them yet though. The above picture is of a display that was at her funeral if you can't read what the frame says it says "Sorry I can't be there I'm swinging on a star please help yourself to a candy bar." hence the basket of candy on the left. It is a display we also had at my grandma's funeral my mom and grandma always had some kind of candy in their purse and loved getting loads of candy after Christmas, Easter and Halloween not that they ate it all, but they loved a good deal.

My mom was only 52 years old when she passed away too young to have her life end. We are all so grateful that we had 5 1/2 years with her a miracle in and of itself. I'm so grateful that my mom was willing and able to fight after so many years something I'm not sure I'd be able to handle though I might think differently if I was in the situation. She has always been a great example to me. I can't imagine living the rest of my life without her especially since I am only 30. However I'm grateful for the plan of salvation that allows us to be an eternal family. My mom still lives and I know that she will still play a major part in my life. I'm so grateful to know that I will be able to see her again.

35 out of 37 grandchildren attended the funeral. It's sad that a funeral has to bring us together. Many cousins I hardly ever get to see since we live in various places.

Family at the burial

My mom is buried at the feet of my grandma and her little brother Mark. My grandma died 7 years ago of the same disease fighting it just as long as my mom did. Mark drowned when he was 2 1/2 in neighbors pool.

Some Great Pictures

2010-01-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to post these pictures, but things have been kind of crazy the last couple of days. My sister took these pictures for me and edited them during our visit to California for Christmas. I was able to be there for just over 2 weeks and it was great especially since my mom was hospitalized a week before Christmas and is still really sick. I have a feeling I will be back pretty soon. I feel bad for being away from home so much, but I don't regret making so many trips to California to be with my mom as hard as it is to be away from Ross. These pictures were taken at the Charles Paddock Zoo.

our family by the Macaws

Cousins

WE ARE HAVING A BOY!!!!

2009-12-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

I'm a day late on this post, but I wanted to note that we found out yesterday that we are having a boy! We are so very excited!!! I'm excited to experience the boy thing though I'm not looking forward to when he is potty trained and he ends up peeing on the toilet and around... anywhere, but where it is supposed to go. Yes, I got a glimpse of what that is like when I was with my sister and her boys for 2 1/2 weeks in November. I've heard mixed reviews of what boys are like (easier, harder, they are just different) I guess in due time we will find out for ourselves. Ross and I both knew we were having a boy before we were told he certainly made himself known.

catching up some

2009-10-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

It has been over a month since I've posted anything on this blog. Instead of blogging I've been working on a blog book. I'm trying to finish it in the next couple of weeks. It is almost done mostly I just have to edit it which will include Ross. I've been intending to follow through with this task for a long time now and I think this time I will really do it. I've had a lot on my mind though and thought I'd share some of my joys of life (adding it to the book too).
These are just two pictures of many that I've taken over the last month (the others are in my book), just two pictures of my little sweet Emeline Tess who I love so much and I'm so grateful for beyond measure. As I'm writing this my eyes are filling up with tears. I know I can do so much more for her and at times I feel unworthy of her if that makes any sense.
One of my favorite times of the day is in the morning when I lay in bed with Emeline. She wraps her arms around me, kisses me a couple times and says, "I love you so much" with a great big smile. She'll repeat this over and over and it melts my heart to pieces. This morning she said, "say 'I love you so much'" as though she were telling me to tell her that I love her so much and I do more than she knows or will ever know. Life is not always easy I can attest to that I've had my share of trials, but some of those times of trial have brought me to where I am today where I have a wonderful husband and daughter. I'm so thrilled to be expecting a second child. At this time I'm only 13 1/2 weeks along and barely in the second trimester, but still it's gone by fast and I know in no time at all we will have a second child in our care. Double the task, but twice the reward. I'm up for it!!!

Follow the Prophet

2009-09-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

On September 13th we had stake conference that was broadcasted so we were able to listen to some of the general authorities including President Monson and Elder Nelson. When Elder Nelson spoke he asked 10 of his grandchildren to come up and sing "Follow the Prophet" He also asked the primary children in the 63 stakes that this was being broadcasted to in Washington and Alaska to stand and sing if they want to (and if they couldn't see then to stand on a chair). It was probably my favorite part of the broadcast. Since stake conference Emeline has been randomly singing "Follow the Prophet" and who said 2 1/2 year olds don't listen to conference? Well she does love to sing. This evening at dinner I was able to capture this.

Picture Update

2009-09-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

If anyone has looked at my blog as of 2 days ago please excuse the post that was made (deleted it right away when I first saw it moments ago) I do not know where the post came from. I know my sister knows what I'm talking about because she left a comment it is quite an embarrassment don't wonder too hard about it though if thankfully you didn't see it you might jump to a wrong conclusion. Here are a few new pics since I haven't blogged in awhile.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear

2009-08-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

Emeline loves Greg and Steve. She is always telling me that she wants to dance which means she wants to listen to Greg and Steve. We have listened to it so many times she knows what the next song is before it even begins. It is so cute to see her dance around and sing. This time I've captured Emeline proving she knows "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" I love this little girl so much she is such a huge blessing and turning out to be a great little girl. I can't believe that she is already 2 1/2 years old. It's the best feeling when she gives me a hug and a kiss and says "I love you" She still loves books and has her favorites. When I'm not reading to her she reads to herself. She knows them well too. She knows how to count to 13 and her ABC's and catching on to things that we say. I have a habit of saying "oh man" so now she says "oh man" and a lot of other funny sayings. She enjoys praying though when I help her she just says the last word I say. She likes to be a big helper like when it comes to putting away laundry or putting dishes away. She insists on getting on the counter to put the glasses away herself. Sometimes instead of napping she'll talk to herself saying that she has pooped (we are starting to potty train her, but not as persistent as we should be) "mom where are you" darting from one end of her bed to the other saying "ready set go" or "One, two, three, go" At least she's not complaining and I get to get more done. Today I was having another one of my dizzy spells to the point where I couldn't walk straight. I was hoping Emeline would nap, she hasn't been the best napper this week) she wasn't napping and it was hard on me. While I lay on the couch Emeline read books for a little and then climbed on the couch with me and we both fell asleep. Okay so there is so much more, but this is getting long and I need to finish dinner so I'll record more later when I remember everything.

Sabbath Day

2009-07-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest things in serving in the church is when you get to serve where your child is.

I'm so grateful that I get to be with Emeline in nursery for two hours. That may seem a little odd. Some might feel that those two hours are a releif on their part to have someone else take care of their toddler, but I have to admit I'd rather be there than anywhere else. Today was a very good day in nursery. We had nine children, but it went smoothly a lot better than some weeks that is although by the last ten minutes of church the children were definitely ready to leave and so were we.
I've been in charge of singing time every Sunday. Luckily these are just toddlers because I'm a bad singer, but I enjoy singing with the children even though I can hear my cracky voice more than the children's quiet sweet voices. I am very amazed at how well they know the songs at such a young age. Emeline is really into the songs and sings them all throughout the week. She'll grab our Primary Hymn book and say "Sing sing." she'll then turn to the first song, "I am a child of God" and start singing it. Her other favorites are "Wise man and foolish man", "Popcorn popping", "do as I'm doing", "Once there was a snowman" "I love to see the Temple..." (I've actually made up a song to the tune of "I love to see the temple" when Emeline was really little. I would sing it softly to her when I rocked her to sleep and still do,)
"I love my Emeline, my Emeline Tess. She is the very best in the whole wide world. I love my Emeline my Emeline Tess she is the very best- in the whole wide world." (OK so that might be a little much, but the words are for my record. It's not a perfect match of the tune, but it works) So a lot of times she'll start singing that song, but she does know the real words too.

White Coat Ceremony

2009-07-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to Portland to see Uncle Willie receive his white coat as a future Dentist. In the first two pictures Uncle Willie is teaching Emeline to play nice with the cat. She didn't quite get it and she paid the price for it and ended up with cat scratches

Tired Emeline with Grandpa Bruce after the ceremony. Her nap that day was less than an hour uncomfortable on my lap during the ceremony with a lot of clapping involved that made a lot of noise. It was very hot in the room too so she was sweating and even got her sweat on me.

Emeline, Uncle Willie and Ross. Ross tried to take his brother's white coat from him, but it didn't work (he wore it for a little bit, but he wasn't who the coat said he was, William Fugere)

Brother's plus a baby
Rex, Willie, Ross and Emeline

The Family:
Kimberly (the shortest one in the bunch), Uncle Rex, Ross, Emeline, Great Grandma Rogge-Boyd,Grandma Ann, Uncle Wille and Grandpa Bruce

There was a nice big oak tree, Emeline enjoyed hanging on it.

June Trip

2009-07-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

In June Emeline and I sadly left Ross behind to go on a road trip with my family. We flew to Oakland (because it was cheaper than flying into Vegas) the next day my parents, my grandpa, my sister, Emeline and I drove to Vegas and met my sister there and stayed the night. We left the next morning for Emery, Ut taking my sister Michelle and her boys with us and her husband drove back home to AZ. We were all so glad once we got to Emery. Here is a picture of Emeline in front of the infamous home where my grandma was raised.
It rained in Emery quite a bit. Here is a picture of the family watching TV in the house. We were not in there for very long because there is so much black mold and it just wasn't safe because everything is falling apart. Trevor is in the front looking up at the ceiling, or what is left of it.

Emeline, Ryder (cousins son), and Trevor in the Rec Room we rented because of the rain

4 generations in front of the Minchey temple

Siblings at the Minchey temple

Emeline and I are at the cite of where my grandma's grandma lived (Emeline was named after her daughter in-law.)

Memorial of Pleasant Minchey and other family members. Pleasant was married to Emeline DeGraw Minchey (who Emeline is named after)

Family at Memorial

In front of the home of Grandma Tess

my Grandma's Grandma lived here after her husband passed away. My Grandma would come here and stay with her

School house where Grandma went to church. It is owned by the city now and is a historical cite

Museum in Provo

In Orem at my Aunt's

Cousins at Island Park (AKA the place where Ross met my family for the first time)

Yellowstone. I haven't been here since Ross and I were dating (4 yrs ago)

Mesa Falls

At the cabin in Island Park, ID belonging to brother in-laws grandparents

Does this mean it's time to potty train?

2009-06-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

This morning Emeline decided it was a good idea to take her PJs off and go to the bathroom. When she got there she motioned for me to help her onto the toilet "pee pee" she kept saying. I asked her if she need to go potty. "Potty book, potty book" she said. We have a potty book for girls that we have read to her a few times. I then went to find the book and she flipped through it while on the toilet. When she was done she said "Oilet paper" for toilet paper. Better than "ruff' I don't know where she gets "ruff" out of "toilet paper"

I figure if she's old enough to tell me when she has pooped (though sometimes it is a false alarm) or she takes off her wet diaper and hands it to me (that or take it off without telling me when I'm making dinner and puts her pants back on and Ross comes home and wonders why Emeline doesn't have a diaper on and her pants are wet.) then she is old enough to be potty trained... Well she doesn't fully get it so I guess I'll have to wait a little longer.
Before putting Emeline down for a nap today I put pants on under her dress so she wouldn't be as temped to take her diaper off and use her dirty diaper as paint like my uncle did when he was Emeline's age.

Do as I'm Doing

2009-05-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

While we were getting ready to leave the "Miller Tree Inn" in Forks, WA Tuesday morning Emeline started singing "Do as I'm Doing" on her own. It is funny because she won't do a whole lot of singing at church, but she does all the time at home. (turn music off at bottom)

Highlights of "Twilight"

2009-05-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

For our wedding anniversary we took a tour to some of the "Twilight" points of intersts. We were gone for three days and just got back today we had such a wonderful time. I never thought I would be a "Twilight" fan, but I am now. Many know that I even dream about the characters. For the few that have not read the books these pictures might not seem so exciting, but I had a blast! I took so many pictures, but I think I picked the best to post though there are so many good pictures (Emeline in her yellow rain jacket at 1st beach in LaPush)

Bella Swans truck "...A good car... really cheap..."

(right) outside diner Bella and dad went to

Forks high school, where Bella and Eward went to

Miller Tree Inn (AKA Cullen's house) where we stayed one night. It was a huge treat

Home of the Swans

Outside Bella Italia where Bella and Edward had their first date

Popcorn Popping

2009-05-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Despite Emeline needing to see the doctor for pink eye today (He noted that this was the first time Emeline has come in for a sickness. We've been lucky.) she was still in good spirits and demonstrated her knowlege of "Popcorn Popping" (turn music off at the bottom of screen) I tried to get her to show off some of her other songs, but she wouldn't so hopefully I'll be able to at another time.

What's up with the Fugere's?

2009-05-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I've updated this blog. I feel guilty every time I do update it, thinking I could be doing something more useful. I do eventually want to turn this into a book and I've started, but I don't have the stamina that my sister has who has made I think 3 books out of her blog. I suppose I feel guilty working on that also. One thing I have been doing that I don't feel guilty doing is working on the "novel" I've been at for far too long and maybe when I'm 90 it will be published- haha I hope it doesn't take that long. I know I'm no Stephanie Meyer who can write a book in three months and writing a whole series based on a dream (if that was the case I'd have to copycat her because I dream about vampires a lot though I haven't for a week or so, but even so I'd never be able to write a book on it let alone 4)

Instead my writing style is from my personal experiences. The following is a portion of what I've been working on I hope it doesn't bore anyone. Any feedbacks would be great...

"Many years ago I began to walk down a road less traveled. I haven’t always had a positive outlook on life. My greatest challenge in my earthy experience has been overcoming the way I have felt about my relationship with others and myself. I was just an ordinary girl who lacked a lot of self-confidence. In fact, it was about sixteen years ago when I thought the world turned against me. Towards the end of grade school my mom repeatedly told me I was a humble person. I couldn’t comprehend the idea of possibly having such an admirable quality.
In the pre-existence I accepted the challenge to have a stroke before I was born. When I was six months old doctors noticed that I was somewhat delayed in motor development so they proceeded to do a CT brain scan showing an 1/8 of the left side of my brain, damaged and a cyst grew in its place causing me to be born with cerebral palsy. The doctors were unsure of what triggered the disturbance to the brain, but if an adult had the type of stroke I had they would have had a slim chance of surviving, because babies have a strong resilience I surpassed the trauma. It has partially paralyzed me on the right side of my body so I cannot mobilize my right hand to the fullest, I have a visual field cut, I walk with a slight limp, and I am epileptic. Doctors broke the news to my mom and told her I would never be able to walk or talk and was advised to see someone who could teach me sign language. A lady came to our home to teach me how to sign when she went on maternity leave another lady took her spot, she noticed whenever I wanted something I pointed to the object making a grunting noise instantly my mom rushed over to get it for me. It was then the lady motivated my mother not to respond in such a way, it just gave me a reason not to talk..."

Well that is enough on that. Emeline is loving nursery and is catching onto a lot of the songs along with the hand motions like to "popcorn popping", "Book of Mormon Stories" and many more. Oh and she knows where to find the snacks she gets in nursery. When I'm in the foyer with her during Sacrament meeting she'll walk down to the nursery and say "eat eat..." she doesn't care about the diaper bag with food she wants nursery snacks. She's looking more like an outside girl with scrapes on her legs from falling. And right now well, the song "Return to Pooh Corner" is playing and she's singing a long to it that's a first. She knows a lot of the books we always read, It's so fun watching her grow up, but she's growing way too fast I can't keep up. Now she is singing "gether" to the song "Better Together" by Jack Johnson

I debated posting this picture or not. I went into the bathroom when Ross was bathing Emeline and this is what I saw. Well Ross didn't have that look on his face, but he was in the bath with her I was a little scared I thought he didn't have trunks on at the time, but maybe that is a little TMI.

UPDATE

2009-03-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

So Ross fed Emeline her breakfast this morning and took this picture. I think she decided she liked the bowl better as a hat instead of what it is intended for.
A few days ago, Emeline's car seat was temporarily put on the floor in our home. Emeline, in the mean time decided that she wanted to strap her baby in. From behind, I can hear Emeline saying "buckle, buckle", getting me to turn around and help her with something. There I could see her baby in the car seat and she was trying to buckle her baby in.

Emeline laying with her baby on the floor she is wrapped up in a blanket that my Grandma gave me when my little sister was born. From my recollection she made all of us blankets at that time. I think it was because she didn't want us to feel neglected with the new baby, but I could be remembering that wrong; it was 19 years ago.

Emeline certainly likes to climb into things I suppose that is normal. She likes to empty things out and than climb in, in this case it was the end table.

So Emeline really likes to climb into things. Tonight when I was making dinner, she decided that she wanted to climb into the kitchen cupboard. It is the only cupboard that isn't baby proof because when she was a year old we collected yogurt (and other dairy item) containers and put them in there so she could play with them when I was making dinner. Since then, we have cleaned most of it out, because she isn't interested in it any more. It is all for the best. Usually she would just empty it and walk away.

LATEST ON EMELINE: I found out in the last couple of days that Emeline knows how to count to ten. It came on suddenly; for the longest time she only counted to three. I was moving up and trying to teach her how to count to 5, but when I was doing that; saying "one", she said "two", I said "three", she said "four", all the way to ten.

Emeline also sings "rock a bye baby, on the tree top..." a lot. Usually she will grab the doll and get on the rocking chair, rocking her baby.

Emeline continues to change her dolls diaper saying that they have "pooped".

Emeline also puts her doll in her crib and says "night night"; she is always having me wrap her doll up in a blanket.

Oh, how much we love our little girl! We must be doing something right because on Tuesday she got on her knees saying "pray, pray". She gestured for me to get down on my knees so I did. She bowed her head and mumbled a prayer and said "Amen". (She did something similar to this last Sunday also). She then got up, grabbed the family Home Evening manual lying around and gestured for me to sit on the rocking chair and then handed me the manual. Every Monday night we do this only Ross is the one to sit in the rocking chair and reads out of the manual.

Snow Baby

2009-03-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

As you can tell from these pictures Emeline and I had lots of fun this afternoon in the snow. We figure we need to enjoy it while it lasts. Since it is March it wont stick around very long like it did in December. We missed most of it because we went to CA. Ross said it was a good thing Emeline and I left before the big storm because it was COLD. In fact Ross worked from home with a big down jacket on and a beanie.

"Snow Snow." Emeline kept saying

More Emeline

2009-02-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those mornings where I woke up to the sound of Emeline calling out, "Ross, Ross, Ross..." Ross had not left for work yet so he went in to get her, change her diaper and bring her into our room. "Did you hear that?" he asked. No doubt I heard her calling out Ross' name.

This morning when I was getting ready for the day I caught Emeline trying on Ross' pants that he left on the floor. It is hard to say if she is partial to one parent or the other, but Ross thinks that she is partial to me because whenever he takes her away from where I am she cries and calls out for me. Can't complain about that.

On her birthday when I was quickly trying to finish reading "Twilight" Ross eventually had to bring her into the bedroom with me because she wanted ME. I wish I had a picture to capture the moment, but Ross was in the other room so I'd have to yell to him to get the camera and the pose would more then likely be lost and if I got up it would be lost all together, but while I was on my bed with Emeline she was beside me hanging on tight to my hair though this time she wasn't yanking it. So just imagine us laying on the bed me reading and Emeline sucking her thumb and hanging onto my hair.

I ended up cropping me out of this picture and the one above. The two pictures were taken last night when we were having Family Home Evening. I was sitting up against the couch and Emeline got on the couch and scooted up to me with one leg on each side of me like she was getting on my shoulders this isn't the first time she has been positioned this way.

Happy Birthday "2" Emeline Tess

2009-02-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

As of Monday 16th of February Emeline is now two years old. Unfortunately it wasn't that eventful, but Emeline doesn't know the differance. Since her birthday was on Presiden't day Ross had the day off so I was happy about that. To celebrate we got up early to go to Emeline's two year check up. She is 28 lbs. (75% a huge jump from her last two check ups when she was 25% we figure all the weight is in her gut because it is so big. Her pants are either too long or too tight around her belly and we can't buttom her pants up.), she is average in height she may end up being taller then me one day, but that isn't hard to do. We got back from the appointment around 9:30 and as sad as it sounds I went to the bedroom and read "Twilight" for a couple hours until I finished it (it took me 4 days to finish. As pathetic as it sounds this is the first time I read the book.) After Emeline's nap we did some shopping and then briefly celebrated by singing "Happy Birthday" to her

This picture was taken when we were singing "happy birthday"

and I was bringing the cake to her

I ended up blowing out the candles for her she had no desire to blow them out though she blows off her hot food all the time not to mention food that is meant to be cold

Mommy Emeline Tess

2009-02-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

(turn music off)

Ahh- So Motherly

2009-02-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon Emeline went into her room, grabbed a diaper and wipes, and went into the living room. It looked like she was going to lie down to get her diaper changed, but she then got her doll and grabbed a wipe and started wiping the doll "poop". She said: "Ewww- Keeyuck" (you can tell what we do when we change a poopy diaper although we say "yuck" and not "keeyuck"). She then got the diaper and tried to put it on the doll (we have done that before). Oh yeah and she knows where the diapers and wipes are. Whenever I need to change her diaper I will always ask her to get a diaper and she does as well as the wipes.

So Emeline.

2009-02-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

So when Ross isn't around and I need to take a shower I put the high chair in the bathroom and Emeline in the high chair with toys that end up on the floor. Yesterday after my shower I found Emeline like this. She had taken her hairthing out and onto her wrist. She then took a string from it and pulled it and used the string as my hair. For those that don't know already Emeline LOVES my hair. She is always yanking it, holds onto it really tight and sucks her thumb. Luckily I have a tough head. I'm hoping she'll break the habit soon, but there are no sighs of it. I know she wont want to use my hair as a blanket her whole life... I'm assuming.

Growing, Growing, Growing!!!!

2009-01-27T16:58:00.000-08:00

I love being a Mom to Emeline Tess. Hopefully one day she'll be grateful that I am her Mom. She brings so much joy into our lives and I could hardly believe that she will be two in a few weeks. I enjoy being in the nursery at church. I'm told that she is getting a personality of a two year old, but being with her day in and day out I do not see it (at least the stigma of a two year old that everyone talks about where it is known as the "terrible twos".) I suppose it is because when she first got into nursery in August she was shy and didn't do much except for suck her thumb and now she is getting comfortable with her surroundings and is more social.

A few recent funny and cute stories I have told some people happened on Saturday when Ross and I were doing some clean up. In a conversation I was having with Ross I said to him, "...I know, I know." Emeline mimicked me and said "I know, I know"
A second cute story was when Emeline woke up Monday morning. Usually Emeline will cry to let us know that she is awake this time she called out, "Ross, Ross, Ross, Ross..." with different tones in her voice. She calls Ross by name a lot, but she still knows that he is her Dad. Ross tries to get her to say "Kim" or "Tess" (middle name) but she doesn't go for it, well at least she is not calling it out all the time instead she calls out "Mommy" like she should. Our little girl is so precious. I love getting together as a family every Monday night. We always start Family Home Evening with a prayer. We get on our knees before the prayer, ALL of us including Emeline. There is nothing cuter then watching our little girl get on her knees, fold her arms and bow her head and be that way for most if not all of the prayer (I must admit I do peak)

Christmas and Birthday's

2009-01-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

These pictures are severely over due and the first few pictures are out of order, but it will have to do. This is Emeline with the gift Uncle Scott gave her, pants and a shirt which she is attempting to try on.

stroller Emeline got, her and Tyler fought over it

Christmas Eve Grandpa always tells the account of Jesus' birth here is Emeline and Grandpa

4 years ago I spent my birthday in the hospital waiting for the doctors to tell us that Tanner James Melvin was born and that we can go and see him. The C-section was planned so it was on purpose that Tanner was born on my 25th birthday. What a great gift! to celebrate Tanner's birthay we went to Chuck-E-Cheese the day before since our true birthday was on Sunday. The next day we recognized my birthday and it was great.

I can't figure out why this picture won't turn the right way for me, but I've given up after trying several times. It is a picture of a picture that was sketched at Chuck-E-Cheese

Picture taken on the way to Chuck-E-Cheese. Pay no attention to Emeline's snot dripping down her nose.

Emeline wasn't too thrilled with any of the rides for toddlers, but she loved the slide

Cousin's playing, Emeline and Tyler

Emeline after a long evening at Chuck-E-Cheese

Out of order, but I've been trying to catch Emeline dancing and Ross finally was able to when we were doing another tradition Christmas Eve and that is to sing Christmas carols.

An early Christmas gift

2008-12-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

We are in California for Christmas this year so Emeline got this dog early and we left it at home. Emeline loves this dog and rides it like a horse. She loves dogs, but we don't want to get one for her (she just has to enjoy our neighbors dog) and this will be the closest she'll get to having a dog. At least for now.

getting into the Christmas spirit

2008-12-24T15:40:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the month we took my high school friend to a church Christmas party. We didn't come dressed up, but when we were walking into the party there was a couple there dressing people up who were not.

like mother like daughter

2008-12-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

So I have not blogged in over a month, but I have taken pictures in the mean time so I wanted to take the time to do so. This probably isn't the most attractive picture of me, but I think that it is so cute when Emeline sees me brushing my teeth she'll say "teeth, teeth" and reach for her tooth brush. She does this when I'm brushing my hair also. She'll reach for another brush and say "brush, brush"

Emeline shows off

2008-11-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

So Emeline has known the parts of her body for awhile now, but I just recently took these pictures.

Emeline's favorite is when I ask her "where's your tongue?"

Emeline shows that she knows where her nose is...

...and her mouth...

...Eyes...

...and ear

Me being the preschool teacher I used to be I saved all the music I used on the job. I couldn't wait to use them when I had children of my own. We have listened to them many times she knows when to put her hands up in the air, on her nose and on her toes...

Caught in the Act

2008-11-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures I forgot to post. They are the last pictures I took when I was in CA. Emeline loves make up just like any kid her age including boys. I would get her play make up, but it isn't as good as the real thing. They know the difference. When I put lipsick on her or even chapstick she will say "Mmmm"

Trunk or Treat

2008-11-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Emeline is still young enough to not get the concept of halloween, but she still needed the costume and to show it off so we went to the trunk or treat at the ward building I grew up going to that was combined with two other wards. I think Emeline was a little scared of all the people dressed up as Witches and various other costumes. At first she started crying if I wasn't holding her, but then she warmed up to it.

Emeline loves make up here she is glossing it up

trick or treating to great grandpa's

Uncle Brian and Aunt Kaitlin with Emeline at the trunk or treat at the stake building in Atascadero

Enjoying the candy she got at the trunk or treat

Emeline's first bit of candy

Welcome home Elder Greenman!!!

2008-11-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

My brother Scott came home from his mission to Cuiaba Brazil on October 23rd. Ross, Emeline and I flew in the night before Scott came home so that we could be there when he got home. I must say I'm so grateful every time I'm able to fly with Ross because it can be very hard with a 20 month old. Last time I flew home to Washington Emeline cried and cried and cried most of the way to SeaTac. I was in a window seat which I thought was a good thing, but it wasn't in the fact that I was trapped and couldn't get up with Emeline (the lady in the isle seat was sleeping I couldn't believe that she could sleep by a crying baby) I figured that everyone was thinking 'shut that baby up' but then when we were filing out of the plane people were smiling at Emeline and saying "hi sweetie" usually Emeline is a crowd pleaser, but I don't think she is in moment's like this. Ross left for home earlier then Emeline and I. I'm not looking forward to being on a plane with Emeline for a total of 4 1/2 to 5 hours plus a 3 hour layover, but it is still worth it to stay in CA a little longer.

church in Brazil

Clan that was at the airport when Scott came home: Taylor (friend), Dad, Scott, Mom, Josh (friend in the back), Chris (brother who surprised Scott and flew in from BYU-I), Emeline on Ross' shoulders, little ol' me in front of Ross, grandpa, Kaitlin, Brian, and Lindsey (friend)

Us waiting for Scott's plane to arrive

I don't think that Scott was much into holding Emeline because he was trained to not hold babies on his mission, but we told him to any way for the picture. When he was released from being a missionary he held Emeline many times.

A Quick Decision

2008-10-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

(This picture was taken when Emeline and I were goofing off when we were at my parents house- home alone. She always gets on her hands and feet and peeks through her legs)

Emeline and I took a last minute trip to CA. We plan to go there Oct 22nd when my brother Scott gets home from his mission. My intention was to wait till then to go to CA even though my mom was having brain surgery and Ross asked if I wanted to go to CA. my mom had a tumor in her brain that needed to be removed. a few days before my mom had brain surgery I had a break down and told Ross I couldn't wait six weeks to see my mom so we made plain reservations a week and a half before we left for two weeks. Unfortunately without knowing before hand when we got to CA my parents were not home but in Stanford where my mom was having cyberknife for three days which is a type of radiation. When we got to my parents house it was completely empty and I think Emeline was confused we didn't even have Alli to greet us (the dog that needed to be put to sleep a month ago.)