Weekend Update

Great news!  I'm about halfway done with treatment and I'm feeling good, great actually.  This has been a journey, for sure, and my lunch dates have been beyond therapeutic.  Also, the kind words, thoughts, prayers and simple little acts of kindness from others has been a pleasant, unexpected surprise.  I truly never expected so much compassion!  I can't tell you how much each text, note, phone call, etc. mean to me.  Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

FRIDAY:

On Friday I got to go to lunch with a great friend of mine, Diane Linford.  I had the opportunity to get to know Diane better many years ago as we served in Young Women's together.  It's so true what they say... as you serve in callings with others, you truly learn to love and appreciate them.  I learned then, that this gal knows the true definition of service.  She was always the first one to volunteer to do whatever needed to be done (and in YW there is always something to be done!).  She never once complained, judged, spoke badly about anyone or shirked her responsibilities.  She just served!  She is currently our Relief Society President and I can't think of a better woman for the job!  She truly loves and cares about each one of the sisters in our ward.  In fact, she reached out to me immediately to see what she could do.  So, what did I say?  You guessed it, "Come to lunch with me."  Her reply... "How soon can we go?"  What a great friend! 

One more thing I have to mention about Diane is that this woman is a walking library!  She reads more books than anyone I've ever met and can give you a thorough review of any book you are considering (you can also check books out of the Linford Library).  Her license plate even says, 'BOOKS'.  Enough said, right?   Thank you, Diane, for being such a great friend, leader and example over the years.  You are 'da bomb diggity!

Diane suggested CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) and I was all, "Oh ya baby!"  We shared the California Club Pizza.  Look at that beauty.  Have you ever seen lettuce on a pizza before?  Me neither.  It was California-good! 

California Club Pizza

SATURDAY:

Saturday I got to watch Summer play a soccer game. In the rain.  Unfortunately, her team lost this time, but it's always fun to watch her play (even better when she scores).  We left, cold and wet, but not before both Steve and I stepped in the same pile of dog poop!  Good times. We got a good laugh out of it, though.  Still kinda makes me giggle.  Hey, it happens, right?  Hehehe.  

I wish!

On Saturday night we doubled with a couple-friend of ours, Glen and Janna Hubert.  Over the last couple of years, Glen and Janna have become our dear, close friends.  We have been to Costa Rica as couples and families, to Vegas, to Oceanside.  I'd go just about anywhere with these guys... they are so fun and easy to be around.  Plus, Glen carries a gun (and sometimes knives) wherever he goes, so I always feel extra safe ;)  And Janna and I are 'shopping compatible', so we can have a good time wherever we go.  We went to dinner and saw the new Tom Cruise movie, Oblivion - which I thought was awesome, btw - and then to U-Swirl for my favorite frozen yogurt treat.  Perfect date-night if you ask me.

Loved this movie!

Loved the company!

Loved this treat!

(Who recognizes these canvas prints?) 

SUNDAY:

Sunday was a miracle day.  All my kids played together and got along... all. day. long.  Hallelujah!  The day started with Macy making French toast (she loves to make breakfast for everyone.  How cute is she?).  Church followed (with some awesome missionary-mom speakers) and then dinner and family movie night where everyone snuggled on the couch in the basement.  Gotta enjoy these kind of days.  I'm definitely re-charged and ready for another week!  How was YOUR weekend???

Double The Fun

Today I was tired.  Today I was dragging.  Today my treadmill workout was harder than usual.  Today I was grumpy at having to drive the same route, get stuck at the same stupid 5-minute lights and feel the pressure of being somewhere at the same time, at the same place every day.  But then... I went to lunch with 2 super awesome and classy ladies and literally my mood improved immediately.  For real.  Amazing what a 2-hour gabbing session, a plate of good food and endless Diet Coke can do for one's spirits.  And THAT'S exactly why this crazy lunch idea is without a doubt saving my sanity!

Couple of hot mamas right there!

This is Jodi Russell (on your right) and Tammy Ogden (left).  These ladies are my dance-carpool-mom-friends, and I couldn't - probably wouldn't - do dance without them.  To be honest, I didn't know these gals too well before today, but now I feel like we are 'Sisters in Zion', on the path to BFF's for sure.  These ladies were so much fun and interesting to talk to.  Our conversation was much like a $100,000 pyramid show, with topics ranging all over the board ('things that make you crazy', 'things that start with the letter T', 'things that teenagers say' - remember that show?).  We talked and laughed about everything from the pros and cons of living in Utah (we agreed there are more pros, which is why we are still here, because it sure ain't the snow in April that's keeping us here!), kids on missions (Jodi has a son serving in Sacramento), children growing up and having to make big life decisions, accidentally texting the wrong people (you've all done it, haven't you?), college vs. beauty school (Tammy does hair and from what I hear she's amazing... my roots and grays could use her expertise) and a bunch of other random subjects.  But the common, underlying theme I noticed with both of these ladies is that they are tender-hearted moms - who want and give nothing but the best for their kids (did I mention they each have 5?!), and also tender-hearted friends - who would willingly and graciously do anything to help a friend in need.  Such sweet women... both of them!  I hope we can do another lunch soon and pick up where we left off.  We didn't even begin on the topic of 'things that sag after age 40'!

We went to a gem of a restaurant/bakery that I have just recently been introduced to, called Food For Thought, located in the historic part of Draper (corner of Fort Street and 12600 South).  This place is obviously a converted old house, with charming original hardwood floors and a quaint old-fashioned feel.  The food is good... really good.  We all ordered the same thing - a Caprese sandwich with a Carmelized Pear and Gorgonzola salad.  I'm pretty sure I licked my plate it was so tasty!  And, again, I had to turn the other cheek when walking past their glorious bakery section... because my willpower will say no, but my eyes will say, "Oh ya. Bring it!" Haha.

Aly

Three Guesses

How are my blog friends doing (all three of you)?  I'm hoping that you find my updates interesting and not too monotonous, because they sure are fun to write (ya know, it wouldn't kill you to comment now and again... I'm learning that bloggers really appreciate feedback).  To me, every day and lunch date is absolutely fascinating!  It is so awesome for me to learn more about the wonderful people that I get to call friends. Sometimes, I even forget the reason behind it all (aka: boring and mundane daily radiation treatment), because I just look so forward to each new lunch date.   I'm gonna double up on my lunch date post today, because, well, I'm just plain gettin' behind.  Thanks.  I knew you wouldn't mind...

1.  Guess Who Came To Lunch on Tuesday?
Let me start with some hints about who came to lunch on Tuesday (no peeking).  She is young, vibrant and full of energy - even while pregnant!  She works out faithfully and will impart her fitness wisdom to anyone willing to sweat alongside her.  She loves to smile and have fun and she throws the best [and most unconventional] parties (luaus, fight-night, gender-reveal, General Conference pit stop parties to name a few).  Oh, and she is 'model' beautiful... seriously.  Like, she really models for magazines and stuff.  Yes, I am talking about Miss Aja Kayser.  Aja moved into our ward about a year ago and is a breath of fresh air!  She is so much fun to be around and is just so accepting of anyone and everyone.  It's obvious that this girl enjoys livin' life and her zest for it is contagious.  She once almost had me convinced to go hiking and camping at the Grand Canyon.  And I hate tent camping.  But I love this girl!  (And she makes the cutest babies... another baby girl to come in about 9 weeks... woohoo!)

Aja and 'Kika'

Isn't she precious? And very polite, too!

Aja is always up for an adventure so we picked a new Thai place in Draper called Thai Siam.  I've been wanting to try this place and am glad I did.  It was Thai-licious. Hehe.  Such a unique mix of flavors and fresh food.  We ordered some uber-fresh spring roll thingy which came with 3 different dipping sauces.  Oh my, was it good.  Especially the peanut sauce. And the sweet soy sauce.  And the spicy chile sauce.  Just go try it why don't you?

2.  Guess Who Came To Lunch on Wednesday?
On Wednesday I got to have lunch with a longtime friend from my neighborhood, Aleis Merrill.  Aleis and I have known each other for probably close to 10 years, and I am totally confident in saying that she is one of THE sweetest people you will ever meet (her 3 darling girls are a close second!)  Aleis and I have a lot in common and I'm sure we could've stayed and gabbed for another 3 hours!  Aleis has been through some serious life challenges (probably the biggest being her oldest daughter's brain cancer ordeal - thankfully she is cancer-free today), but you will never see her hang her head in defeat.  No sirree!  This gal is a fighter!  She will fight for what's right any day of the week and twice on Tuesday!  I love that about her.  She is currently the Primary President in our ward and I can't thank her enough for all she does for the kids (2 of which are mine) in our ward.  She loves them to pieces and it shows.  Thank you, Aleis, for being my dear friend and supporting me over all these years.  Don't I just have the best neighborhood???

Don't let her petite frame fool you. 

This is a tough mama!

We went to an ever-faithful ladies lunch joint, Kneaders Bakery.  That place never gets old.  A soup/sandwich combo is what I ordered, but I should have just gone straight for the desserts.  Oh, Nellie!  If you're in the mood for some sweet baked goods, come to this place!  Oh, and if you haven't tried their all-you-can-eat french toast for breakfast, you're just plain stupid missing out.  You will NOT regret it (until you DO regret it after eating so much!)  But invite me first.  Because this chica loves to eat all she can eat!

3.  Guess What I Did Tonight?
Finally, I just have to share a picture of what we did tonight with my Young Women's Mia Maid group:

Aren't these the cutest little crafts you ever did see?  They were easy to make and all the girls finished them in about an hour.  I'm pretty proud of myself I must say. Another fab day.  And now I'm pooped.  Night, night!

Aly

Sad Day

Wow!  My heart is sad today thinking of the events that happened at the Boston Marathon.  

It was during my lunch date that my friend and I learned of the bombings.  As fellow runners, we both just sat in disbelief for a moment, questioning how anyone could do such an evil thing.  What a tragedy for the runners and spectators alike - especially those badly injured or worse, killed.  It's hard to even comprehend.  And sad, too, for the running world as a whole.  How can you not think of this every time you cross another finish line?  Just wow!  Many prayers to all those involved!

It seems almost disrespectful in some way to even talk about anything else, but there is still much positive to focus on... and that is exactly what I am choosing to do these days!  So, I still want to spotlight my beautiful friend, Michelle Relyea.  Michelle and I have become better friends recently through our daughters, who started dancing in the same dance company together.  What fun it was getting to know her better!

I need to start bringing a tripod with me.  

The worker pics just aren't cutting it.

Dancing Queens:  Seurette (Michelle's 2nd daughter), Aubrey and Jentri

Upon first meeting Michelle, you might be intimidated by her supermodel looks (I know I was!) - she is tall, blonde, skinny and not a wrinkle to be found!  But this beauty is a true and genuine sweetheart!  I loved hearing about her growing up in AZ, how she met her cute hubby, her love of running (4 full marathons in one year, people! Who does that?), the way she lets each of her four daughters discover and nurture their own unique talents, and how warm weather and sunshine make her happy.   Well-rounded, organized, thoughtful, down-to-earth, driven, classy, positive and just plain nice are words I would use to describe Michelle (I'm also envisioning neatly folded laundry piles, vacuum lines and the scent of fresh-baked cookies permeating throughout her house.  Heaven on earth if you ask me!)  Just an all-around amazing lady and friend!  So, thank you, Michelle, for taking the time to have lunch with me and allowing me to dive in deeper to get to know you.  I loved every minute!

Paradise Bakery in Sandy (and conveniently close to Nordstrom Rack ;) 

Crumbly Blue Cheese Salad

Fire-Roasted Tomato Soup

We went to another one of my fav's - Paradise Bakery.  It's hard for me to stray from the Crumbly Blue Cheese Salad and Tomato Soup Combo, so I didn't!  It always hits the spot!  I was a little disappointed that they have moved over to Pepsi products, but I suppose a water here and there won't kill me.  It's just the lack of Diet Coke that will! Haha.

Aly

Talk About Inspirational!

Hiya!  Another week down and I'm still doing good!  Oddly thirsty all the time, but good!  Thank you, thank you for your continued love and support.  Yesterday was an awesome day.  Look who I ran into after my treatment:

This amazing and beautiful lady is Stephanie Nielson.  If you don't know her story, you can check out her blog at nieniedialogues.blogspot.com or read her ultra-inspiring, New York Times Best-selling book, Heaven is Here.  Seeing her today was the highlight of my day! This woman was thrown a serious life curve-ball and took a horrible situation, and turned it into something incredibly positive and inspiring.  Her message inspires all (especially me) to see the positive in things, be grateful for the simple and wonderful blessings in your life, have faith in Heavenly Father's plan for you and never give up hope.  She's simply fabulous!  Think she would come to lunch with me???

Another highlight of my day was going to lunch with this hot mama-to-be:

Isn't she the cutest prego lady?

Erick and Addie on their wedding day

This darling gal is my sister-in-law, Addie Green (she's married to my little brother).  Addie and Erick have been married for not quite 2 years and they are expecting their first baby boy (who will be named Emmett... how cute is that?) in about 2 weeks.  When Addie came into the family, she was a breath of fresh air.  Not just cause she is the youngster among all these old ladies, but because she is vibrant, peppy, happy and full of energy.  This girl also loves to be silly and laugh, and I love that about her!  For such a young girl (she's all of 21 people!), she has a maturity beyond her years... in a good way.  It just means she can see both sides of situations and doesn't get petty or catty about things.  She is level-headed, hard-working, kind, a ton of fun and stunningly beautiful (being tall, skinny and blonde doesn't hurt either! Well, skinny after the baby. hehehe).  Oh, and my kids all LOVE her and Erick!  She is the aunt who will take my girls shopping, paint their nails, sit and read to them or just listen to their crazy stories. And Erick is the uncle who will play basketball with Parker, instigate a ping-pong tourney with Steve, challenge the girls to a Just Dance competition or agree to watch our dumb and annoying energetic dog.  I am thrilled to have Addie as part of our crazy family and can't wait to welcome baby Emmett.  Oh, and I promise I'll wash my hands before holding him (inside joke).

In case you were wondering, 

it's pronounced chee-POAT-lay (I googled it!)

We went to Chipotle (see above for correct pronunciation, because I guarantee you've been saying it wrong!) in Sandy, which is known for their super fresh, super simple menu.  They basically have 4 items to choose from - burritos, tacos, salads and bowls.  For a person like me, who has a hard time deciding whether to buy name brand or generic salt, their simplified menu is much appreciated.  Wish they would have more salad dressings to choose from, but their chips are tangy and crunchy, with hints of lime salt.  T-t-t-t-t-t-tasty, tasty (Fergie? Anyone?)

Finally, we had a date night with some awesome (and good-looking, I might add) couples in our neighborhood.  We went to Joe Morley's BBQ which was super yummy if you're a brisket and beans kind of individual.  The live banjo band playing in the background really added to the experience.

This is not the best pic (taken by the hostess).  

But hey, her job description said seat people and wipe tables, not take pictures

Anywhooo, a great Friday altogether.  By the way, I would love to hear who is inspirational to you?  Comment and tell me who and why.

Aly

Tender Moments and Friends

Yesterday at treatment I got to witness a tender moment.  I heard a loud bell ring and all the nurses began cheering and whistling.  That's when I noticed this:

This is the 'Celebrate Bell' which hangs in the hallway on the long walk to one of the two radiation rooms in the cancer center.  Each day, I see many of the same patients.  Yesterday, one of those patients got to ring this bell, which signifies the end of her treatment.  I had no idea who she was, yet I was so happy for her!  I wanted to give her a big hug and only wish I knew her story.  I'm assuming that she, like most of the patients there, was probably undergoing chemo, in addition to the radiation.  It's a humbling site to see both men and women - young, old, black, white and all other races - silently and valiantly fighting their battles.  I say little prayers in my heart for them, and all those, who need extra blessings right now.  The spirit is definitely present there!

Afterward, I got to meet up with two of my all-time favorite people, Carrie Merrill & Barb Jensen.  And can you believe, we just chatted so much that I forgot to take a single picture?!  Oh, but don't you fret, I drummed up some old ones:

Our Women of Steel Relay team (From left: Me, Barb, Carrie, 

Andrea and Aja - Rebecca must've been running her heart out)

Carrie and her hubby.  Yes, he always smiles that big.  

His laugh is even bigger ;)

Barb and her hubs, Mike after the St. George Half Marathon

Jan. 2011.  She rocked it!

Barb and her twins.  We love those crazy boys! 

Aubrey and Eden are best buds!

These two awesome ladies have a special place in my heart.  We live in the same neighborhood and became friends because of our kids, but have remained friends because they are like my 'adopted sisters'.  Together, the three of us have been involved in carpool groups, bowling league, lunch bunch, running races, school volunteering, ethnic date-night group (yup, you read right!), birthday parties, swapped kids too many times to count, served in callings together, vacationed together, and I could go on and on.  They are the kind of friends who I could chat with for hours and hours and never run out of things to talk about (and those of you who know Barb know that girl can talk. haha. But she is just as good of a listener, too).  I look up to these ladies as mothers, as faithful latter-day saints, as intelligent women (the amount of books they read is insane!) and as friends.  I'm lucky to have them in my life!

We went to Smashburger in Draper.  If you haven't been to Smashburger, you really should try it (FYI - It got its name because it literally smashes their ground beef just before grilling).  They serve burgers and chicken sandwiches, salads, and some unique sides like veggie frites and fried pickles.  Carrie and I decided to each order a sandwich and share.  She got the Goat Cheese and Cucumber Chicken sandwich - all healthy and stuffed with spinach, balsamic vinaigrette on a whole wheat bun.  It was super excellent.  I, however, ordered the Beehive Chicken sandwich topped with cheddar cheese, bacon and extra greasy [and glorious] fried haystack onions.  Cuz I love me some good 'ol greasiness every now and then.  

Anyway, Carrie and I had to rush out of there to make it to the 5th grade girls Maturation Program.  Let me tell you what a bundle of fun that was.  Let's just say that some things are always funny!  Bahahaha!

Thanks, Carrie and Barb. Love you girls to the moon and back!

Aly

  

Callware Ladies

Treatment continues to go well.  For the first time to date, I noticed the warm feeling on my skin where the radiation is given.  But I'm fully prepared with aloe, lotions and my "ain't gonna knock me down" attitude.  Bring on the heat baby!!!

Yesterday I got to go to lunch with a dear group of friends who I refer to as "The Callware Ladies".
Callware was the name of the company where my hubby took his first 'real job' right out of college.  As a pleasant surprise, Callware recruited lots of other young guys who were in the same boat as us - fresh outta school, newly married, few (if any) kids and zero money in the bank.  Over the next 5 years or so, we all became great friends as we starting living 'real lives'.  We added kids, bought our first houses, some took different jobs, others even moved to different states or countries.  But we remained in touch over the years and they will forever be a part of my heart.

Who says old ladies can't be 'duckface girls'?

May I present to you three of my favorite ladies:  Kristi Jeppson (far right), Brittany Lewis (right) and Angie Atkinson (left - she's actually an adopted Callware Lady).  These ladies and I have been through a lot together.  We used to have a mom's group, which morphed into a scrapbook group (really just an excuse for us to leave our husbands home with the kids), which slowly converted over to a jewelry-making group, which led to a [failed] attempt at starting up our own girly-business, which finally turned into a "let's just get together to eat lots of food and talk about how old we are getting" group.  Haha.  Let's just call it what it is!

But I love each of these ladies so much and their friendships are priceless to me.  They are the kind of friends where, it doesn't matter how much time has passed, we just pick right back up where we left off.  They will be my forever friends and I'm grateful for each of them.  And a quick shout out to those who couldn't make it today - Stacy, Colleen, Michele, Emily & others - we missed catching up with you!

We went to another one of my favorite places - Rumbi Grill.  Rumbi is a Hawaiian-themed grill and is right up my alley.  Decorated like a tiki hut, they serve rice bowls, gourmet salads like the Aloha or South Seas, teriyaki sandwiches or burgers and fish tacos or Mahi-Mahi.  The best part is that nothing is over $10 and you order your food yourself and then find your own seat.  (I'm so over the sit-down-and-be-waited-on restaurant thing).  Love, love, LOVE Rumbi Grill!

Rumbi Draper

The insdie transports me to a tropical location

A few other pics of these ladies:

Our Vegas Ragnar Group (Brittany, Angie and me w/ the hubs)

Kristi, her daughter Jessi and her hubby JD just last weekend

Back in 2003 we went to Hawaii w/ the Reaghs

So thankful for lifelong friends like these gals.  Let's do lunch again soon!

Aly