Berglind Blog

Changing Lives @ Hillcrest - Michelle

2011-03-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

March 24, 2011

2011-03-24T15:41:00.002-05:00

Last October I was approached by a friend of my sisters who works for an area hospital. She told me that the hospital was preparing for a new marketing campaign and asked if she could share my story with the marketing department responsible for picking the patients they would feature in their ad campain. Since the first few moments after diagnosis I have wanted nothing more than this tragic episode of life to bring God glory so I gave her my permission. To make a long story short there were lots of different interviews and selection committees but in the end my story was chosen to represent the Women's Center (where my Breast Surgeon practices). The first week of January I went to an area studio, got a professional makeover (so much fun) and then had a photo shoot and video interview (nerve-wrecking!). In the last couple of weeks the ads have begun to air. TV commercials, Radio spots, Web-commercials on You-Tube, and even a huge Billboard in the middle of town. And while I can't stand to see myself on TV or hear my voice on the radio I am brought to tears because I'm reminded of just how much God has done for me, what he saved me from! I remember how scared I was at first and how His love took that fear from me and gave me peace. I remember how weak I was on Chemo and how he was my strength to continue on as a mom when it exhausted me to just get out of bed. I remember the pit that formed in my stomach with the first few handfuls of hair that began to fall out and then later looking at my bald head and realizing my beauty is in Him and not in my hair. I remember having to summon the courage to look at myself after having my breast removed only to find that God's grace so fully abounded that their was no fear or revulsion looking at my empty and scarred chest. So, when I see my billboard I see God's faithfulness, His love, and His blessings. I'm so blessed to be alive today. To get to sing silly songs with my kiddos or go on a date with my hubby. Life is precious and I've been given more time here. My prayer remains the same as it did on the day of diagnosis...Lord may my life bring you glory in whatever comes my way!

March 14th, 2011

2011-03-14T23:23:00.008-05:00

It's Spring Break here in T-Town and since the weather didn't get the memo that we wanted warm and sunny weather we decided to designate today as "Craft Day". I grabbed the bins of craft supplies while the kids gathered old socks, and we set to work making a troop of sock puppets.

Ethan started out making a Karate Kung Fu Master while Christlyn went to work on making an ORU Cheerleader. Jadon wanted in on the action and found on old green sock that was perfect for a crocodile...with a little help from Mama "Crocky" was born and spent the rest of the day giggling and playing with Jadon. By the end of the day we had one ORU Cheerleader, one Waiter in a Tuxedo, two Dinosaurs, one Kung Fu Master, two Zebras, one Alien, one Puppy, two crazy people, and of course one "Crocky". Not to mention a very messy house. All the kids pitched in and helped clean up the mess and get the house back in order before Daddy came home from work...their reward...Incredible Pizza!!!

Poppy Paparazzi...Photographer Extraordinaire!

(she will be going with me to RFKC)

2010-12-03T11:15:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I feel like I’m suppose to have it all figured out. That since I faced death and was spared that I’m suppose to wake up each day with some special purpose. And have an unquenchable zeal to accomplish that purpose. But every day I wake up overwhelmed by the same world every other mom does. With breakfast and lunches to be made, kids to get dressed for school, backpacks to pack, homework to check, a messy house, piles of laundry, stacks of bills, I could go on and on but you get the point. I wonder if what I do even makes a difference, if I’m really impacting the world for Christ, if there is something more I should be doing. I feel guilty that I’m not more involved with ministries at church or taking my children on community outreach projects. Overall I feel ineffective and then guilty for not having the energy to do more.

But then there are these little nuggets, chunks of days, moments really when I realize that I’m right where I’m suppose to be, doing exactly what I was called to do. A simple prayer by one of the kids, an extra big hug, or the sight of my six year old curled up on the couch with his bible and a highlighter searching for verses he wants to memorize. It’s then I know I’m doing something right. I know that in God’s gracious love I was given more time to be a mom, to lead these three amazing children to the foot of the cross.

It’s sometimes difficult to accept God’s call on our lives if it’s not spectacular. If I don’t start a food pantry, move overseas, teach Sunday school, volunteer at rehabs centers, or take in foster kids then I’m not doing God’s will. But for this season at least that’s not what God wants from me or for me. He’s got me here, in the middle of the mundane, to disciple these three amazing children. It’s here really, in the everyday, that we fulfill God’s will for our lives…to live for Him and serve Him in all we do. Then, if and when He calls us to something bigger, we’re already practiced in saying yes to Him, in doing His will, and in drawing strength from Him.

November 5th, 2010

2010-11-05T14:40:00.002-05:00

I can’t do it all! It’s not easy to admit but it’s time I started facing reality. Here’s my track record for the last 27 months (since diagnosis).
- 9 Surgeries
- 3 Months of Chemotherapy
- 3 Months of Radiation
- 5 Months of Weekly Breast Expansions (very painful)
- 3 PET Scans
- 3 MRI’s
- 3 Mammograms
- 17 Various Test/Procedures – Stress tests, X-rays, Treatments for clotted port, etc.
- 113 Doctors Appointments (for me, this does not include all the trips to the pediatrician/ER for sick and injured kids)
- Menopause
- 3 Small Kids
- 1 Husband with two jobs
- 1 New Business that I run – book-keeping, receptionist, and scheduler.
- Home-schooling a 2nd Grader and 1st Grader.

I’m INSANE!!! On paper it’s easy to see. But after conquering Chemo I thought the tough stuff was behind me and that I had to hit the floor running. But life this past year has been the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done. It’s made chemo look easy. I’ve dealt with more depression, mood swings, and emotional breakdowns than I ever thought possible…all while trying to keep a smile on my face and make people believe life was great and it was wonderful to be alive! I’ve wrestled with God over and over again on why he even bothered to save my life, and with the scripture that says He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. What I was experiencing wasn’t abundant life.

The final straw was this past surgery. What was suppose to be my final surgery. I woke up with only half of the scheduled procedures completed and breast implants that were once again crooked. My plastic surgeon didn’t think much of it and just said we’d have to keep on trying. Trying? TRYING? I wanted to scream at him! Didn’t he know what I’d gone through…2 years of extreme pain and having either only 1 breast or two crooked breasts. One so crooked for a 6 month period of time that it was literally 4 inches higher than the other breast and only one inch below my collar bone…it was impossible to hide and his suggestion for hiding it was to wear a scarf (it was summer and 110 outside). Then on top of it all I got another infection, this time just in the incisions but we were all very concerned about it going down to the implant again and losing the reconstruction all over again.

So Monday I had a major breakdown and I began to face reality. I can’t do it all! I have to let things go and get better…truly, fully, healthy! I re-enrolled the kids in public school, fired my plastic surgeon, and opened my hurt and hardened heart back up to God. He saved me for a reason and living in misery isn’t his reason or purpose for my life. I don’t have to do everything to please Him, but everything I do I want to do well for Him.

Fall Break - October 19, 2009

2009-10-19T15:19:00.004-05:00

Here are some various pictures from the last few days. We had a wonderful Fall Break, got to spend lots of time with the kids. Unfortunately Dorian brought home a bug that spread throughout the family and the last half of fall break we were all battling the sniffles, but that didn't keep us from having fun!

Jadon at the Aquarium - October 14, 2009

2009-10-14T14:25:00.002-05:00

Today we headed to the Oklahoma Aquarium for a little field trip. Everyone loved the fish...especially Jadon!!!

October 5, 2009

2009-10-05T15:50:00.003-05:00

I'm again amazed at the love and peace of Christ in the midst of dissapointment and pain. Saturday evening I was sitting in the truck waiting for Dorian, I was tired and decided to rest my head on the dashboard. Unfortunately when I leaned over it caused the infection around the fill valve of my implant to rupture, and after the fluid poured out it left the fill valve protruding from my skin. Needless to say I called the doctor right away! He told me not to eat or drink anything and that he'd get me in to surgery first thing Sunday morning. So we scrambled to get the kids taken care of and things in order for yet another surgery. Sunday morning we headed into the ER and waited for my turn in the OR to have the implant and valve removed. Surgery went well, and my skin is already looking better (it had been bright red from the infection), but I'll have to be on IV antibiotics for about a month. My doctors are trying to get a home health care service in place so that I can do that at home, thankfully! Last Wednesday I was so discouraged and in constant tears over all I was going through; but today, after losing my third breast in a year, I'm completely at peace in the Lord. A peace that passes all understanding!!! I'm just so thankful for His love and goodness to me! And for all of you who have been praying constantly for me...you held me up in prayer when I didn't have the strength to pray anymore, Thank You!

These are the words to a favorite song of mine...when I was first diagnosed my sisters came with me to some tests that were being done and we blared this from the car and sang it at the top of our lungs over and over. My sister reminded me of it today and I wanted to share one of my fight songs because it's so fitting.

One More Round by Barlow Girl

Round One wasn't what I'd thought it'd be.

Round Two I'm struggling to breath

Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven times I wonder why I stepped inside this ring

I may be knocked down and so bruised,

But I'm here to tell you I may be knocked down but not for the count!

So take me one more round

I'll just keep fighting.

One more round, it's messin me up but I'm still here.

One more round I'll come out swinging.

One more round I'm telling you now I'm not going to lose it here.

It's so hard to get up off the floor again.

But I know that victory is when

I'm pushing through the pain that tries to feed me lies that I won't reach the end.

I may be bloodied and so bruised

But I'm here to tell you that I may be knocked down but not for the count.

So take me one more round I'll just keep fighting.

One more round it's messing me up but I'm still here.

One more round I'm telling you now I'm not going to lose it here.

I am not defeated

Though you cannot see it

I have never won a battle on my own

I find strength in weakness

I find hope believing

God is for who can bring me down

So take me one more round I'll just keep fighting!!!

Update - October 2nd 2009

2009-10-02T17:17:00.002-05:00

Thanks for all your prayers!!! I've had so many people call and encourage me...Thank You! It's been a really rough weak for me physically and emotionally. Keep those prayers coming!!! The infection has continued to spread so this afternoon my Doctor drained the infected area...all I will say about the process was OUCH!!! He drained off 200cc of fluid and sent it off to be cultured. He also put in a drain that I'll have to drain a couple of times a day...same type of thing as after surgery. And he also told me that he's sure I've lost this reconstruction, that we're going to have to start over once we get the infection taken care of. The LD Flap (tissue from my back) looks to be okay...that's huge!!! so we don't have to do anything that requires moving around tissue. But I'm going to have to have a new expander put in and then re-expand the breast. It's not as major as the last reconstruction by any means, but still another surgery and a major setback. I was very discouraged at first, but I am drawing on the Lords strength and taking comfort in His words..."For I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

September 30th, 2009

2009-09-30T14:15:00.003-05:00

Please be praying for me. Last week I was struck instantly with a horrible flu and was quarentined for days until the fever broke. Then just as I was beginning to recoupe from the flu I noticed some discoloration on my reconstructed breast. It looks like I have some sort of infection, possibly of the implant itself. My doctor put me on antibiotics right away but this morning I noticed that despite the antibiotics the breast is swelling considerably. I'm heading back to the doctor in the next little bit. I'm in quite a bit of pain and am worried that I will have to have the implant removed. I'm worn out and don't have a lot of fight in me today. I'm discouraged beyond words and have been crying a lot. I keep clinging to the fact that when I am weak, He is strong. Jesus will pull me through this too, I'm sure of it...and today the only energy I have I'm using to believe Him for this and I'm letting Him do the rest. Please pray!

September 19th 2009

2009-09-19T17:33:00.006-05:00

I'm too tired to write anything...it's been a busy busy day! But here are some random pictures from this years neighbornood garage sale. It was a blast, and when all was said and done...the kids' concessions stand made more money than anybody else!

Race for The Cure 2009 - September 19, 2009

2009-09-19T17:13:00.002-05:00

Today Christlyn and I got up way before the sun was even thinking about rising, and headed out to the 2009 Race for The Cure. My very first race as a survivor!!! Now, I'm not what you would call a morning person, in fact I would be perfectly happy if morning just didn't exist and the day began around 11:00 or 11:30. But there was nothing in the world that was keeping me from celebrating this milestone...not even the warmth of my bed on this cool fall morning. So off we went, in the dark, to the race. I was surprised at how many people were already there at 6:30am. The survivor tent was packed and the energy of all the people celebrating life was amazing! I met a woman who is 43 year survivor...wow, God is so good! That was what I needed because recently I've been worried that I would never live to be "old". Meeting and talking with her (86yrs old) and hearing her story and how healthy she's been since beating her cancer gave me hope that this diagnosis doesn't mean that I'll have a shorter life span! Christlyn and I enjoyed a Delicious Panera bagel (cinnamon crunch...my favorite) and fruit before heading off to get our pictures taken in the survivor photo booth. After posing for our portraits I took Christlyn around and introduced her to some of my doctors/nurses that were there manning booths. It was really neat for me to get to introduce Christlyn to them...so that they know who and why I'm fighting, so they have a name and a face to my children not just my file that says I have kids. And I got one surprise greeting from a woman in a pink wig...she came up and gave me a huge hug and called me by name and I was at a complete loss for who she was...come to find out she was a nurse at one of my surgeon's offices who I didn't even know had had breast cancer. I have to say the pink wig was so different from her dark brown hair and reserved personality that I don't feel too bad I didn't recognize her...and we got a good laugh about it! We had a wonderful time and Christlyn has already said she wants to come with me every year...I think she just liked getting all the free goodies handed to her! God is so very good...he's healed me and strengthened me in ways I never thought possible. Today is a celebration of that and his healing power!

Mom's "21st" Birthday! - September 18th, 2009

2009-09-19T16:23:00.008-05:00

Despite a very busy week and weekend we took time out Friday night to celebrate Mom's Birthday! And what better way to celebrate than a "Girls Night Out"!

We were all so excited that mom's sister was able to come in and celebrate with us! Yeah Aunt Christy you ROCK! What a great sister!!!

Even Kathryn joined us Via the cell phone to get in on the girl talk and wish mom a happy birthday!

We treated ourselves to Tei Kei's...one of our favorite Chinese/Sushi restaurants! And while Mom and Jennifer stayed with their favorite tried and true dishes...Aunt Christy and I ordered new dishes. Let's just say that their Kung Pao Chicken is a winner and I'll definitely be getting it again!

After stuffing ourselves at Tei Kei's and talking ourselves hoarse we moved on to the Cheescake Factory for dessert! MMMM...Cheesecake!

(the two Breast Cancer Survivors...whoo hooo)

They decorated mom's cheesecake plate with chocolate to say Happy Birthday and then the waitress announced to everyone that we were there celebrating mom's 21st birthday and everyone sang to her...(that's what she gets for always having them embarrass me like that when I was a kid).

Make a Wish!!!

I'M A SURVIVOR!!!

2009-09-16T10:58:00.003-05:00

This morning I drove down to St. Johns to pick up my Race for the Cure packet, and inside was the most beautiful pink T-shirt in the world...my 'SURVIVOR' shirt! I did my best to make it to the car without crying, but once inside the tears couldn't be held back. I'm a survivor! I made it! This past year has been grueling at best but God's faithfulness has known no bounds. And now here I am donning my medal of honor, this pink shirt, gearing up for my first Race for the Cure as a survivor! Silly I know, but and triumphant landmark for me and a testament of God's faithfulness in the life of someone so common as me. I'M A SURVIVOR!!!

September 3, 2009

2009-09-03T08:52:00.004-05:00

Tuesday was the moment of truth for me...I had a PET/CT Scan to look for cancer cells in my body, head to toe! I wrestled with the anxiety and fears that have been my constant companions the last month and a half as I faced my third scan in a years time. I tried to bribe the tech to give me my results right then but he wouldn't give in and I had to wait until yesterday afternoon to talk with my doctors office. The good news is that the areas I was concerned about and having symptoms (bone aches in my wrist and elbow) was clean and clear! The non-conclusive news is that there was a lymphnode in/by my nose that showed up reactive. My doctor figured it was just a runny nose and so she wasn't worried about it. But I don't have a runny nose...so I'm still waiting to see if she wants to do any more tests. She said that this is not a common area where they see recurrence and not to worry but that we'd keep an eye on it. Dorian being the jokester that he is, and obviously a little bitter about the medical communities approach of treating cancer by cutting stuff off, asked if it was cancer if they'd have to cut my nose off too. I asked him if he'd love me anyway and he said yes...so we're okay either way now. But I was a little discouraged that the scan wasn't 100% clean...I thought thats what I needed to reclaim my peace of mind. But tests don't bring peace...only the Lord can. So I'm continuing to push into him...For he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust'.

Recovery - August 8th, 2009

2009-08-08T16:02:00.002-05:00

I've been remiss in keeping everyone updated...I'm so sorry! I've found Facebook a bit easier the past few weeks because I only have to type out a sentence instead of a whole blog post. But I know many of you have been asking about me and since I'm finally beginning to feel better I'll try and catch you all up.

After wrestling with my fears for hours I finally felt the Lord's peace take over after writing my last blog post, the evening before surgery. I went to bed and slept peacefully before having to wake up and be at the hospital very early on the 20th. My Dad, Mom, and Sister met Dorian and I there and sat with us as they prepped me for surgery. It's always good to have my family around...they understand my coping mechanisms; humor, and joke around with me. But all too soon in was time for me to leave. After a quick family prayer together the nurse walked me, yes 'WALKED' me to the operating room! I have never before in my life (and 12 prior surgeries) walked into an operating room. It was in some ways nice, because I felt somewhat in control of myself instead of lying helplessly on a stretcher, and in other ways very intimidating because I was all the more aware of the details in the operating room. Everyone was buzzing around the room preping things. Mulitple doctors barking orders, nursing drilling me with questions, others taking measurments all over my body and marking me everywhere while shouting the measurements back to someone else. I was overwhelmed by the commotion! Then one of my surgeons came around and grabbed my hand. She looked me straight in the eyes ignoring everything and everyone else buzzing around us and asked me how I was doing. I immediately broke down into tears and began sobbing. I feel so silly admitting it and can't help but think what a baby I must have seemed to everyone in the OR. But my surgeon just held onto my hand with all her might and began to pray over me. I'd like to say that the prayer did the trick and I was perfectly okay after that...but they also gave me some meds while she was praying and I began to feel very relaxed. It took a good 15-20 minutes for them to get everything in order and my epidural started before they finally knocked me out. It's the longest I've ever been awake in an OR.

It was a long procedure, I think my husband said 6 1/2 hours. But everything went well. My first thought when I woke up was...wow, this really doesn't hurt! I had been nervous about having an epidural, but to wake up and not be in excruciating pain was well worth it. But I was very very heavily sedated and slept most of the next two days.

I stayed in the hospital until Friday. It was difficult learning to get up out of bed without the use of either arm. And the epidural only lasted a couple of days so the pain did indeed come. I think the hardest thing for me was the nausea. I couldn't sit up without throwing up for 3 days. And throwing up when you're chest has been rebuilt and all the muscles have been wrenched around is not fun at all!

Recovery has been long and hard...to say the least. Physically and emotionally. I've had to rely on Dorian for EVERYTHING! From getting in and out of bed (actually a recliner), to getting dressed, opening doors, or even holding my glass of water. Anything that involved the use of my arms I found I just couldn't do. And then there was the disapointment of the procdure itself. I knew before hand that I wasn't going to wake up looking "perfect" but nothing could have prepared me for what I looked like. I've now begun to refer to myself as "Franken-boob" (remember I cope using humor)...but it's taken me a few weeks to get to the humor stage of coping. My chest is a patchwork ensemble of flaps of skins and stitches...I'm pieced together this way and that. Then to make matters worse I'm very lopsided. One breast is low (or should I say lower than the other...probably right where it should be) and round in shape...while the other is way up high (almost on top of my collar bone) and looks like it's missing the bottom half of it's rounded shape. The plastic surgeon assures me that it will all settle evenly in the end...but I've had a good number of break downs over the percieved failure of this procedure. It's been a roller coaster to be sure. I've had a harder time accepting my cancer diagnosis and everything that comes with it these past few weeks than I ever have. I've even shook my fist up to the heavens for the first time...well, figuritively because I can't actually lift my arm yet. God has seemed impossible to reach on some days, and then right there holding my hand the next. I've had many sleepless nights recently due to certain meds and I find the only way I can make it through some nights is to read psalms 73:23-28 over and over until I fell asleep.

23 Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.

Finally this past Monday I felt like I had a turn around. The pain began to become bareable and wasn't constant anymore. Every day I feel like I'm getting a little bit better. And now I'm celebrating each one of my little successes. Like Tuesday I dressed myself for the first time! Wednesday I was able to hold my baby (2 yrs old) on my lap with a pillow between him and my chest. Thursday I was able to open the front door myself! And would you believe by Friday I'd gained enough range of motion back in my arms to actaully wash my own hair! It's been a tough road to walk these last few weeks. And I've wanted to be anywhere but here most of the time. But when push comes to shove there is no place I'd rather be then running the race the Lord has marked out for me. I'm going to win this for His glory!!! And hopefully I'll have a nice (and even) rack to show for it someday!!! The next phase of this process begins next Thursday...expansion of the implants!

July 19, 2009

2009-07-19T20:30:00.002-05:00

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalm 116:7

I find myself with mixed emotions this evening as I prepare for surgery tomorrow morning. I bounce back and forth between excitement and apprehension, dread and relief, and peace and paranoia!!! Reconstruction has been my goal! It's been looming in the distance as a finish line of sorts for the past year. And now I'm here...within 12 hours of the procedure. I'm surrounded by the faithfulness of God. Every breath I take is evidence of His great mercy and grace! Yet it's still a tug of war of faith for me tonight, trusting in Him or looking at circumstances and getting afraid. I have to admit it was easier trusting Him a year ago when my flesh was too weak from Chemo to fight me. Now my mind won't shut off playing so many different BAD scenarios. So I MUST refocus...look straight at Him...and run across this finish line with all that I am...for His glory!

Surgery Info:
I will be having surgery at Hillcrest at 8:00am Monday July 20th. They will be removing my left breast and then reconstructing both breast using implants and skin/muscle from my back. I will be in the hospital for 3-5 days and then will be home recovering for the next 4-6 weeks. Thank you for your prayers and support!

A Lesson in Perseverance

2009-07-14T22:24:00.003-05:00

Of course a bigger hammer would have helped too!

Dorian and Jadon Slide - June 25, 2009

2009-06-25T21:57:00.002-05:00

VBS Kids Slide - June 25, 2009

2009-06-25T21:48:00.002-05:00

June 25, 2009

2009-06-25T21:07:00.004-05:00

What a wonderful day to be alive. And what a perfect day to NOT have surgery! This evening was the VBS carnival at church. And I was suppose to have major surgery today...I'm so glad it was rescheduled so that I didn't have to miss all this fun. At last year's carnival there was a dark cloud over my head...I was two days into diagnosis and life was spinning out of control. This year however I/We had a BLAST! It was 102 degrees outside and miserable! So we turned to sno cones and water to make the weather bearable. We were all surprised when the fire department showed up with a fire truck. They hooked their truck up the the fire hydrant and sprayed water over the hill where we had a large slide set up.

Of course the mixture of sun and water made a large beautiful rainbow across the yard. Christlyn was even able to find the end of it...but no pot of gold (other than Christlyn herself).

Jadon needed a little help getting in the water. I was too hot to shy away from the water. So we went running through the spray!

Ethan spent most of his evening slipping and sliding down the hill on the slide. It was hard trying to catch him in a picture...but finally one turned out!

He also enjoyed running through the large puddle forming at the end of the slide.

Pastor James passed out grass hats to whoever wanted them. We grabbed a couple and posed for a quick picture before our sno cones melted (I think we were on sno cone number 3 or 4 at this point).

After a dinner of way too many hot dogs and nachos, Christlyn and I joined in on a parent/child water balloon toss game. We lasted 3 rounds before the balloon slipped out of Christlyn's hands a burst on the grass. I had long since dried off from playing in the water with Jadon and had hoped the water balloon would pop on me, but alas the grass got the water instead!

Jadon and I going through the misting tent, there was really more tent than mist but Jadon loved going through the tunnel! What a wonderful evening...now I'm just waiting for Dorian to get home from cleaning the bouncers up!

June 13th, 2009

2009-06-15T16:26:00.003-05:00

Saturday night was Cancer Survivor Night at Drillers Stadium. I was so excited when the invitation arrived a few weeks ago that I was considered a 'survivor' and not a patient! Woo Hoo!!! I decided it would be a perfect date night for me and Ethan! So Daddy rushed home from doing Jupiter Jump rentals so Ethan and I could make the game on time. Before the actual game they had a huge dinner for us. I chowed down on hamburgers, baked beans, potato chips and cookies...while Ethan would barely eat anything. I finally convinced him to have one hot dog and a pepsi. It's an odd event all together when you find a mom coaxing a five year old to eat hot dogs, chips, pop, and cookies...and even odder when he's fighting her on it. He actually told me "I don't want to eat any sugar today mom!" when I tried to get him to eat a cookie.

After I had my fill of junk food we headed into the stadium. I told Ethan he could pick our seats. He of course went to the VERY top of the bleachers. The good part of the seats he picked was that ther weren't lots of other people crowded around us. Amazingly enough he found his appetite for junk food when the cotton candy vendor walked by!

We goofed off and joked around as we waited for the game to start. And I tried my best to explain the rules to baseball. Unfortunately he hasn't had much exposure to sports and kept calling it basketball. But once the game got underway he started understanding it a bit more.

He enjoyed the new experience...but his interest only lasted two innings. So off we went to find a new adventure. We ended up at the toy section of Wal-Mart looking at all the new Transformers! He now knows what he's saving his allowance for!

2009-05-07T12:25:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it can feels like God is taking forever to accomplish things in my life. Like my hair that can't grow fast enough, God doesn't always do things according to my timing. I'm ready to be a perfectly patient mother TODAY! I'm ready to not struggle with self-doubt and insecurities. And I'm more than ready to be a better house keeper, more loving wife, and better friend. I struggle with the pressure of having everything figured out right NOW (if not yesterday). But I'm realizing this is just another journey, and little by little...sometimes so little I hardly notice...I'm becoming the woman God created me to be, with the faith, trust, and love for Him that he destined all mankind should have. It's like my hair...day to day it feels like it's not growing and that it will take forever to grow out. But when I put the pictures of the last seven months in a row I can see where I've been, how far I've come, and that eventually I WILL reach my goals.

Two New Family Members, May 6th 2009

2009-05-06T12:49:00.005-05:00

Last night Grammy picked up Christlyn and Ethan and went on an adventure!!! They ended up at a farm on the far west side of Sapulpa where each got to pick out their very own baby bunny! Although they were suppose to be picking from the litter of gray bunnies when Ethan saw the white bunnies he was sold! His previous bunny "Not Nothing" was white with red eyes. The farmer was nice and went ahead and let Ethan get one of the younger white bunnies. When he held the little bunny for the first time he said "I'll name you 'Name Nothing'!" I put my foot down immediately and said "NO! We're going to have to find a real name for this bunny". So he started thinking.

Christlyn could hardly contain her excitment! There were so many little fluffy bunnies hopping around...choices, choices, choices!!! She settled on the fluffiest one she could find. She decided to name her 'Ashley Christine' because she's the color of ash and Christine is almost like Christlyn. Ethan finally decided on a 'real' name; Darling, which turned to Darlee, then because Christlyn's bunny had more than one name Darlee became Darlee Snowball Bunny Carlos (I may have left out a name or two, I'll have to ask him when he gets home from school if I did). We call her Darlee for short!

Ethan and Darlee hit it off right away. He held her most of the 30 minute car ride home from Sapulpa. And even pushed her around in the dolls stroller once we got home.

Jadon squealed with delight at the sight of the fluff balls Christlyn and Ethan were carrying. But once they were put on the ground and hopped toward him he got scared and came running to me for safety. The rest of the evening he was conflicted with his emotions of excitement and intrigue of the new pets but fear of letting them touch him...good thing we didn't bring home a dog!

Thank You Grammy for the new bunnies...lets just hope and pray the farmer was right and they are both female or our two bunnies could become 20!

Annual Egg Dying - April 8th 2009

2009-04-10T14:35:00.002-05:00

Thursday evening the family gathered at our house to dye eggs. The big kids could hardly contain their excitement while waiting. Ethan declared he was going to dye 136 eggs (the biggest number he could think of) And Christlyn of course wanted to beat him and said she'd do 137! Jadon wasn't quite sure what was going on at first but dove in with enthusiasim when he realized the whole point of the evening was to drop balls (eggs) into cups of colored liquid and make splashes everywhere!!!

While there wasn't quite enough eggs for Ethan to dye 136 and Christlyn 137. We still had plenty of eggs to experiment with different color combinations and designs. I think the final count was 7 dozen. Now we just have to wait for Sunday to hunt them!!!

Annual Egg Dying - April 8th, 2009

2009-04-10T14:08:00.003-05:00

Christlyn Lost her 1st Tooth

2009-03-28T14:45:00.003-05:00

Losing a tooth is a rite of passage for all kids! One that Christlyn was sure would "NEVER" happen to her. While most of her friends began losing teeth in Pre-K and Kindergarten, Christlyn felt like the odd girl out because here she was 3/4 of the way through 1st grade and she still hadn't lost a single tooth. Then late last week she exclaimed in surprise and exictement from the backseat of the car..."Mommy, I have a loose tooth!" Once we were out of the car and I examined it we found there were actually two loose teeth and a big tooth already cut through behind her other teeth. Thrilled that she was finally going to lose a tooth, my typical drama queen didn't care about the discomfort her loose teeth caused and wiggled them every chance she got. Aunt Kathryn tried to pull it a couple of times yesterday but was unsuccessful. But today while the kids were out playing in the snow it decided it was time to come out. Christlyn was biting some snow and noticed her mouth was bleeding...she kept on biting down on the snow and a couple minutes later was in the house giggling and showing off the new hole in her smile! What a great way to lose a tooth...the snow numbed it so it didn't hurt her at all!!! She headed back out to let the snow work on the other loose one...I'll keep you posted if it pops out today too!!!

Spring Takes a Holiday - March 28th 2009

2009-03-28T11:51:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that less than a week ago we were all in shorts and tank tops enjoying 80 degree weather and the kids were up to their waists wading in Grandpa's pond. Apparently Spring decided to take a short holiday and winter has swept back in with a vengence. I was woken up about 7:45 this morning to excited shrills from the kids..."It's snowing!" Within no time the evidence of spring were covered with a blanket of white and the kids were going out to play!

My Beautiful Children

2009-03-26T14:00:00.002-05:00

Surgery - March 25th, 2009

2009-03-26T03:22:00.002-05:00

I look at the pictures of my three beautiful babies and tear up...I'm overwhelmed by Gods blessings and his perfect timing. All three kids were uplanned and too close together for our liking. But God in His infinite wisdom and mercy gave them too me before this past year...before today! It was with bitter sweetness that I went in for surgery to have my ovaries removed this morning. Glad to be getting on with getting better...yet sad for what other picture I might have been able to add to my trio atop this email. But the Lord's peace prevailed today. He dried my tears and strengthened me. Surgery went well...and now I'm home recouping. I'm not in much pain from the surgery itself but, however they had my right arm positioned during surgery has seriously hurt it. It's still tight from my mastectomy and doesn't have full range of motion. I'm guessing that they had it positioned above my head because my shoulder and back are in considerable pain and having spasms. I've never really cared for taking drugs of any kind...my sister always laughs at me when I complain about having a headache for days and she'll ask what I took for it and I tell her the thought never crossed my mind to take anything. That's just me...grin and bear it. But I'm realizing that pain meds aren't the enemy and they're worth it! Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. The next surgery should be in a couple months and its a big one!

Happy Birthday Dorian and Daniel

2009-03-22T19:05:00.003-05:00

Today we celebrated Dorian and Daniel's Birthdays. A little early, I know, but because of my surgery this week we decided to move up the celebration. After church we headed out to my Dad's acreage for a wonderful afternoon of good food...and loads of fun! Jennifer made the birthday cake...Mocha Velvet...everyone's favorite and she did an awesome job...I had more than I needed to!

We even had the obstacle course set up for the kids to play on. It was rented out yesterday but during the rental got rained on and got very dirty. So we decided to take it out to Dads to it could air out and we could vacuum it. Of course we also had to play on it!!!

Jennifer and I have been plotting and planning for the last year to get the guys paintball guns for their birthdays this year. Dorian's response when he opened it was..."are you serious? this is awesome".

Of course what fun are paintball guns if you can't play with them right away. Jen and I made sure that they were completely ready to go, straight out of the wrapping paper. And we made sure to bring the guys some camo. They played for hours in the back pasture. They had so much fun!

Of course Ethan had to try it out!!! Actually we all got a chance to shoot the guns. Dad even took a turn and I think he just put a paintball gun on his wish list!!!

Ethan relaxing on the hammock...being so cute is hard work! But he didn't rest too long before moving on to the next adventure...

The kids began throwing rocks in the pond while Daddy and Uncle Daniel worked on taking down the obstacle course. Jadon even joined in the fun. Soon the big kids were in the water up to their waists splashing and playing in the mud. They had so much fun...but I hope they don't expect that to be a regular occurance at Grandpa's.

March 22, 2007

2009-03-22T18:37:00.004-05:00

While Nana and Papa are ice fishing in Canada...Christlyn and Ethan find their own outdoor water fun here in the states. By the end of the day they were in up to their waists. Thank goodness for Tide!!!

BINGO - March 13, 2009

2009-03-13T17:09:00.003-05:00

Today the Berglinds aren't the most liked members at Communications Federal Credit Union. Every year our Credit Union holds a business meeting for its members to go over the previous years financials and the current years goals. We've attended every year since I worked there in 2002. And with 300 members in attendance and only 10 prizes we usually go more for the free refreshments and visiting with friends then for the prizes. But this year we hit our lucky streak.

About half way through the evening Christlyn was getting pretty disappointed that she hadn't won anything. After a pretty long discussion on playing for fun and not for prizes Christlyn turned her attititude around and with that her luck changed as well. She won that very game! Although her prize was a set of solar powered garden lights she was thrilled! She wasn't interested in playing the next game because she was to busy planning which flowerbed she would put her garden lights in. Her plans were interupted by her Daddy yelling..."BINGO". He won a 5 quart KitchenAide Mixer!!! We were all shocked to win two prizes but the best was yet to come. At the end of the evening we began playing the final game of bingo...BLACKOUT BINGO...for the evenings grand prize. A flatscreen TV. In the middle of the game I heard some ladies giggling and pointing at Ethan. I looked over at his card and he had only three spots left open...my card was barely half covered. He bounced in his seat announcing that he was going to win. With every number called he would repeat after the caller and then excitedly update everyone as to how many he had left. 'Only two more...Only one more'. Until finally the caller called "O64" and our jaws dropped as Ethan yelled..."I won a TV...BINGO"

I was slightly embarrased to win Three prizes and was afraid of being lynched in the parking lot, but everyone was so happy for us and came and congratulated the kids repeatedly. The kids could hardly contain their giggles and their excitement. Although Ethan was a little disapointed to learn that the TV wasn't going in his room. I think we may be banned from next years Bingo!

Upcoming Surgery

2009-03-03T14:56:00.003-06:00

I scheduled my next procedure today. I'll be having outpatient surgery on March 25th to have my ovaries removed. I don't know why but this surgery is a little harder for me to handle then the mastectomy...and it's a much simler procedure. I guess the finality of it is difficult to handle. The fact that I'll never be able to have another baby. Not that we were planning on have a bigger family...I just liked having the option I guess. Please be praying for me as I prepare for the surgery. God has given me a peace that this is what I'm suppose to do...but it's still hard.

February 27th, 2009

2009-02-27T13:26:00.003-06:00

I have been remiss in keeping everyone updated on my treatment these last few months. But I have a good excuse. I've had so much energy and felt so well that I'm too busy being a mom and a wife to sit down and write every couple of days. But since the kids are napping and I really don't want to do another load of dishes today I'll steal some time to get everyone updated. I finished my 33 radiation treatments in mid-January and have spent the last 6 weeks or so in a peace I'd almost forgotten exsisted. I got to go 6 whole weeks without going in to a single Dr.'s appointment!!! This week of course I've had two and I'm starting to get things lined up for the year. On Wednesday the Radiation Oncologist found a cyst on my left breast that she assured me wasn't cancer. I of course have heard that assurance before. This morning I met with the Breast Surgeon and she did an ultrasound of the cyst and believes that it is benign, but is sending me in for a mamogram to make sure. I'm thankful that she's being precautious but I'm resting in the Lord fully. He hasn't brought me this far to abandon me now. While I was talking with my Doctor it struck me that except for the very first day I was diagnosed no one had ever talked 'stage' with me (what stage of cancer I was in). The first doctor (said I was stage 2a) was less than thorough and I knew that at the time, that's why I switched, but I'd never bothered to ask where all the tests that my new doctors ordered put my cancer stage. And maybe it's a good thing because stage 2 felt beatable to me at the time. And although facing cancer was scary in itself, if I'd know I had stage 3 cancer it would have been a lot harder for me. I always knew it was bad, but stage 3 just would have been harder for me to cope with. And now, I'm in awe! Oh how very good our God is. He's protected me and sheltered me when I've needed it, He's sustained me and strengthened me on the days I thought I couldn't go on, He's cried with me, laughed with me, provided for me, and loved me every day of this ordeal and beyond. He's showed me the beauty He sees in me...a beauty that goes beyond the hair that fell out and the breast that was removed. And He's shown me that there is nothing to fear in death...and what a great gift of joy every day on earth is.

Ethan's 5th Birthday

2009-02-27T12:47:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe my little boy turned 5 last weekend. For some reason I wasn't quite ready for this milestone. Maybe because he's always been my sweet little Ethan, my cuddler who is now almost too big for me to pick up. And his interests are starting to become bigger than me and what's going on around the house. But despite my bittersweet sadness, his birthday celebration is sure to go down in the history books!!! On Friday afternoon Grammy picked him up early from school and took him on a birthday adventure. The went to the mall, had lunch at the food court, played in the play area, and best of all...they got to go to Build-a-Bear.

When Grammy first tried to tell Ethan that they should go into the Build-a-Bear store to look around, he insisted that it was too expensive. Grammy had to talk him into even walking in the store, let alone convince him to pick out a bear. Everything was 'too spensive'. Then he saw a skateboard and he quickly abandoned his frugal ways and embraced the adventure of creating his own skateboarding stuffed animal...a soft bunny name Scooter.

After his Build-a-Bear (or Bunny) adventure he headed home to help Mommy and Daddy build a giant maze out of cardboard boxes for his birthday party on Saturday. I think the chemo must still have been affecting my reasoning abilities because I came up with this idea and nothing could stop me from accomplishing it. We moved most of the living room furniture into our bedroom and spent 5-6 hours on Friday night taping boxes that Dorian had collected from work into tunnels. The tunnels turned, twisted, intersected, deadended, and lead to 3 different rooms that the kids turned into forts. Ethan called the tunnels/forts his Transformers Cave.

On Saturday he had a hard time waithing until 1:00pm for his guest to arrive. He couldn't wait to show everyone his box maze and get to play! By the time the party was in full swing there were 12 little boys scurrying through the box passage ways. What a fun time they all had. And if the maze wasn't enough Dor set up a bouncer in the back yard as well! Maybe that was just overkill.

As the boys left the party...and days after it as well...everyone kept saying it was the best party ever. One boy put it..."This is Freakin Awesome".

January 27th, 2008

2009-01-27T19:27:00.003-06:00

With last years ice storm still fresh in our memories most Tulsans braced for the worst yesterday and today. But thankfully the freezing rain turned to sleet and spared the trees and powerlines from becoming popsicles once again. The sleet however did make the streets slick enough for school to be cancelled. The kids were thrilled to have a day off and mommy was happy to have helpers around the house for chores. Once the bathrooms and bedrooms were cleaned, the living room vacuumed, the kitchen mopped, and most of the laundry folded (I had energy today) the kids donned layers of clothes and coats and headed outside to play 'Penguin'. Christlyn has been studying about penquins at school for the last few weeks and it's they're favorite game to play at home...they were thrilled to get to play it with actual snow. Although Christlyn was a little dissapointed the driveway wasn't slick enough to slide down on her belly like a real pengiun, she quickly found other things to do in the winter wonderland. Jadon has long since mastered the word "hot" but when he walked out into the yard and touched the snow/sleet on the ground he was thrilled and speechless. I kept telling him "Cold" to see if he could pick up on the new word but he was too busy trying to keep up with Christlyn and Ethan. After a nice warm dinner Ethan and Christlyn made a cake (with only minimal supervision from mommy) and had fun eating the leftover batter off the beaters and the bowl while the cake baked in the oven. Speaking of which the timer has just rung for it to be done...so off I must go to eat some of their yummy cake!

Hope Rains - December 30th, 2008

2008-12-30T21:38:00.004-06:00

The goodness of the Lord steals my breath away at times. Just when I feel like I’ve experienced his goodness fully he showers it down anew on me. This walk has been an interesting one. Starting off was scary, with all the unknowns and death lurking in the corner. But God has been so faithful. I’ve felt His love and presence tangibly every step of the way. His strength and peace have kept hope alive in my heart even on the hardest of days. Now He is pouring down on me a new blessing. His abundant provision of my every need! I have been chosen to be the Jeanette Holmes Memorial Foundation, Hope Rains 2009 grant recipient. I've added a link to the organization web site on the right side of my blog. If you get a chance, read about Jeanette and her story...but have a box of tissues on hand. I was in tears the first time I read her story a few months ago. Her love and faith in God inspire me. Dorian and I just finished meeting with her husband, who founded the organization, and I am in tears at the Lords kindness and mercy to me! Basically I have been chosen to be the one person that they focus on for the year. They will cover my medical expenses for the year! They will deal with my insurance company and doctor’s offices to make sure that my insurance is working the best that it can for us. Any disputes between doctors offices and the insurance company their lawyers will take care of. Any travel expenses we might have due to treatment they will cover. Their desire is to take the financial burden and stress off of us to that I can spend my energy on getting better and being a mom! I'm overwhelmed by God's complete provision of my every need. There is no one that compares to Him. To Him I give all praise!

Christmas Day 2008

2008-12-25T22:09:00.006-06:00

After a nice breakfast with Grammy and family we headed home for a nice quiet Christmas Day with just our family. Since we were stuffed from breakfast we skipped lunch and naps to open presents.

Christlyn loves her new camera!

It's reading time! Everyone got new books from Great-Grandpa and Grandma Roberts! Now that everything is opened it's time to play. And boy did they have a fun filled day of play. Ethan got a new train set that has now doubled his exsisting set. It was a family affair building this large track in the living room.

Can you tell everyone is getting tired?

Maybe not Christlyn!

Wow, I can't help but thank God for his abundant blessings this Christmas. Life has changed so dramatically this past year, but the unfailing love of the Lord never ceases!

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-25T20:59:00.007-06:00

Last night we celebrated Christmas "Helmle" style! Since Dad was still recovering from surgery and I wasn't up for hosting a big 'to do' at our place, we headed over to Daniel and Jennifer's house for the family festivities. As per our Helmle tradition homeade pizza was the menu for the evening! This year everyone made specialty pizzas instead of the same old pepperoni and sausage pizzas of years past. Some of the flavors I can remember are...Reuben, BBQ, Curry Chicken, Chicken Alfredo, Spinach Stuffed Pizza, and many dozens more that I can't remember.

The Kids enjoyed making their own little pizzas and of course eating them too...their plates were licked clean!

The kids were all ready and waiting to open the presents. Jadon even tried to pass himself off as one by getting into a box.

Finally it was time for the presents. Jadon loved ripping the paper and playing with all his new toys.

Ethan and Christlyn each made gifts for everyone in the family. They were so excited to give everyone their gifts that they insisted on doing that before they opened any presents themselves. Ethan made birdhouses for everyone and Christlyn made snowflake ornaments. You can tell how enthused Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Daniel are about their new birdhouse!!!

Here Grammy and Grandpa open their presents.

Jadon loves his new firetruck!

Ethan can't wait to rip into this gift!

Aunt Kathryn made the kids a book of their summer visits to Kansas. The kids have loved showing and reading it over and over to Mommy and Daddy. I guess we really missed out on some summer fun.

With all that driving time to and from Aunt Kathryn's house, Kathryn was able to make Christlyn a very stylish hat and scarf!

What fun we all had!

November 15th, 2008

2008-11-15T06:32:00.003-06:00

These last few weeks have been amazing! I've recovered fully from surgery and the Chemo and it's affects are out of my system. For the first time in months I haven't been sick and I've had boundless energy. Needless to say I've been cleaning every nook and crany of my house, reorganizing closets, cooking/baking up a storm, christmas shopping, spoiling my husband, and playing with the kids non-stop! God is so good, I want to cry out from the rooftops of His mercy and love towards me. I feel like I've been given a new life. And I'm so thankful for it...all of it...even the dull things like chores. I used to grumble and hate doing housework...not that it's all the sudden my favorite thing to do...but I'm alive, and well, and I am able to do my chores. I couldn't say that a month ago, or two months ago...I barely had the energy to get dressed and have breakfast in the morning before I had to lay down for a nap. Now everyday is a gift as well as every non-sick and energetic moment! I give God thanks and praise with every breath I take throughout the day, for He saw me and saved me even though I was unworthy.

I will begin Radiation on Tuesday morning. I already got my tatoos this past week. It was kind of fun calling up Dorian and telling him I'd just gotten a bunch of Tatoos. We laughed at my "wild" side and joked that it was too bad they were just dots and not something cool. I'm not nervous or anxious about the radiation at all. I've been told that after going through Chemo radiation is a piece of cake. The side effects are suppose to be mild skin irritation (like a sunburn) for a few hours after each treatment and fatigue (but not as severe as Chemo). What better time for a sun tan then in November and December when it's turning cold! And who couldn't use an afternoon nap...right? Anyway, I'll being having radiation treatments everyday until the first or second week in January. Then we'll be scheduling surgery for an oopherectomy (ovaries removed)...I think we're shooting for mid-January or February. After that life will start getting back to normal until next fall when I will have my next surgeries.

Hallelujah Night - Oct. 31st, 2008

2008-10-31T21:55:00.007-05:00

Sorry these pictures are all out of order...for some reason Blogger isn't posting pictures in correct order so we'll just have to look at them all jumbled. We had a blast tonight at Hallelujah Night celebrating God's Awesome Power!!! Christlyn was an Angel, Ethan was a Cowboy, and Jadon was a ferocious Lion! Christlyn got a Hole in One (the first one of the night on that game).

Ethan and Conner...the two cowboys...dual it out with nerf swords.

Jadon and Aunt Jennifer take a drink break...it's hard work being that cute!

Ethan is helping clean up after the festivities!

Christlyn is ready to rock and roll for Jesus!

I tried taking pictures of her but she wouldn't stop singing..."Gloria, In Excelsis Deo".

Howdy Pardner!

...Roarrrrrrr.....

What fun the evening was! Great Grandpa and Grandma even stopped by for a while to see us. Jadon had fun watching Great-Grandpa blow and spin the pinwheel.

October 31st, 2008

2008-10-31T21:37:00.004-05:00

What a busy day we had today. As soon as we dropped the big kids off at school Mommy, Daddy, and Jadon headed to Daddy's store. Jadon got to trick or treat at the pharmacy and the front register while Mommy and Daddy worked resetting the Halloween section. He happily sat in the cart eating his candy and charming all the girls that work for Dorian. Once the work at the store was done we headed to Grandpa's house for a visit with Grandpa and the Great-Grandparents. Jadon and mommy switched hair do's at one point.

He even helped Daddy mow Grandpa's lawn...He's working hard can't you tell!

After a delicious lunch out with Great-Grandpa and Grandma, Mommy headed to Ethan's party at school. Ethan was so surprised and excited that I was able to be at his party. They played lots of games but his favorite part was painting his pumpkin with melted crayons.

The snacks were pretty good too!

Now off to get ready for the Church carnival tonight...!

Broc Jahnke Wanna Be - Oct. 31

2008-10-31T16:23:00.007-05:00

What's the use of being bald on Halloween if you can't have a little fun with it? And fun I had!!! Eric Baker gave me the idea of dressing up as Broc Jahnke, our former youth pastor. I almost chickened out this afternoon but a phone call and a dare from my sister was all I needed to keep me going. A few coffee grounds, a Seahawks sweatshirt, glasses, and a 'Hello, My Name is...Broc Jahnke' nametag was all I needed to pull off the best costume of the night! Unfortunately the glasses I wore were way too strong so I had to keep pushing them down to the end of my nose so I could see...oh well.

Everyone got a huge kick out of the costume and people were lining up to have their pictures taken with "Broc". It was so much fun...it almost makes me sad I won't be able to do it again next year. Just kidding, I'll be so excited to have my hair back next year. One thing I found out tonight is that Broc is still just as loved by everyone today as he was when he was here.

We love you Broc!

Thank You Mom!

2008-10-24T14:48:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to say a great big THANK YOU to Liz (Dorian's Mom). She spent the last 3 weeks taking care of me and the kids. Thanks so much mom for taking such good care of all of us. I know it couldn't have been easy switching gears from retirement to full time caregiver of three engergic kids, one sick daughter in law, and a very busy son...yet you made it seem so easy! We love you and miss you already!

October 24th

2008-10-21T13:44:00.008-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything, and a lot has happened in the last few weeks. So I'll try to catch everyone up. It's been a rough couple of weeks for us here in Tulsa. I had a mastectomy, my dad had open heart surgery, the pathology report from my surgery wasn't the greatest (7 of the 24 lymphnodes removed were still cancerous), my arm is still in considerable pain from the lymphnodes that were removed and has very limited mobility, the kids having been sick, and my genetic test revealed a postive mutation of the BRCA2 gene (a gene linked to breast and ovarian cancer). My doctors recommended from the beginning that I have both breast and my ovaries removed...but now that the genetic tests are in, they are pushing even stronger for this. It's been an emotional roller coaster, and at times I've wanted to give up. But even with all the ups and downs of the past two weeks God keeps bringing me back to Him, drawing me in under the shelter of His wing, holding me when I cry and then showering me with peace, love, and grace to face each new day. Thankfully my Oncologist said I don't need to go through another round of Chemo! Which means those teeny tiny little sprouts of hair on my head are just the start of a beautiful new head of hair that I will hopefully be showing off by Christmas. But he does say I'll need 30 to 35 radiation treatments. I should start radiation the first or second week in November and am hoping to fit all the treatments in before the end of the year for insurances sake. I can't say 'Thank You' enough to all the people who have stood by us these last 4 months. Your love and prayers have sustained us through some of the roughest days of our lives. We thank God daily for you and pray that God blesses you for the blessing you've been to us. Just thought I'd add a picture of me and my sisters...just to show everyone that bald is beautiful!

Introducing the Future Dr. Berglind - October 10th

2008-10-12T11:59:00.006-05:00

For the last few weeks Ethan has been telling me that he wants to be a doctor when he grows up. I think he's leaning towards being a thoracic surgeon because he always says the reason he wants to be a doctor is so he can listen to hearts. When he came up to visit mommy in the hospital Friday evening I asked the nurse if he could listen to my heart with her stethoscope. She was wonderful in explaining everything to him and helping him with them. The way Ethan's eyes beamed as he listened to my heart was priceless...I think he's hooked for sure now. He also listened to my tummy growl. He got a kick out of how noisy it was!!!

Surgery - Oct. 10th

2008-10-10T14:55:00.008-05:00

My Triathlon continued yesterday with the second of my three treatment regimens for the Breast Cancer I've been battling...SURGERY! Chemo wasn't fun at all...but a mastectomy can be just plain terrifying. Yet in the midst of it all, God is still faithful and loving towards all He has made! Yesterday instead of being afraid I felt such peace and security in His arms. I woke up singing the words to a song I hear on the radio all the time; they were...'this is all part of His glorious design Hallelujah, Hallelujah...Holy, our God, You are worthy of all our praise'. The song brought such comfort to me, I couldn't help but sing praises to my King as I prepped for surgery. I don't know why I'm here, why I've walked this road, I may never know why...but I'm convinced it's part of his Glorious (yes...GLORIOUS) design for me to be right here, right now. He is big enough and good enough to be able to take this experience and use it for His good and His glory. That has been my prayer throughout...for God to be glorified through this! My family surrounded me yesterday with such love and support. Liz flew in from Bonneyville to help take care of the kids while I'm in the hospital and recouping at home. Kathryn came in from Wichita, and Mom, Dad, and Jennifer all took the day off work to sit with me before and after surgery. The surgery was in the afternoon so I was hungry most of the day...luckily visiting and goofing off with my sisters helped the time and the hunger pass by quickly.

I had to wear a very goofy hat into surgery which none of us could quite figure out. Since I don't have any hair was the hat really necessary? It's not like it was keeping my hair out of my face, or keeping it out of the surgery area, or even keeping it clean from surgery mess. But the nurses insisted I wear it so I donned the goofy hat with a grin...if I can pull off being balled I can pull off the goofy hat!

My surgeon was wonderful, as I was being put under she held my hand and prayed for me. I felt so safe and secure knowing that God was guiding her hands. Surgery went well, but I was in a lot of pain when I woke up. Last night was rough, and I don't remember too much of it because I was heavily drugged. But I did open my eyes every once in a while to add my two cents worth into the conversation between the party of people in my room (it was up to 8 at one point). And even drugged I had enough wits about me to tease the orderlies who wheeled me from recovery to my room...when we arrived at my room they asked me my name and birthdate...I of course made up a fake name and the look on those poor mens faces was worth it...we all had a good laugh! Today the pain has been minimal. I've taken a couple of pain pills here and there but am doing much better than yesterday. God is so faithful, and I have no doubt that he's been with me every step of the way. I can't help but praise Him!

IT'S OVER!!! - Sept. 22

2008-09-22T15:27:00.003-05:00

I DID IT!!! I made it through the last Chemo treatment!!! I know the hardest part is the days following...but I can't help but sing and shout praises to God for bringing me through today! When I woke up this morning everything started going wrong. The kids were bouncing off the walls and wouldn't get ready for school. Their ride to school cancelled. Jadon was throwing up. And because he was sick I couldn't take him to the sitter. I spent the morning trying to find someone who could watch a sick baby but ended up not finding anyone so Dorian had to stay home to take care of him. I fell to pieces in Dorian's arms this morning saying through tears that the finish line for this race must be at the top of a mountain with 6ft hurtles every other step, during a blizzard, and I had altitude sickness, and there was an avalanche covering the rest of the course. He just held me as I cried and reminded me of God's faithfulness. For the first time I had to go to treatment alone...but it turned out to be great. All the nurses were so excited for me and couldn't help but tell all the other patients that it was my last treatment so everyone was cheering for me, clapping for me, and shaking me hand all day long. A friend who is in treatment herself stopped by to give me a little gift and card. Mom stopped by around lunch time with Subway. And at the end of the day all the nurses and staff gathered around and sang to me and presented me with a gift and an award! I can't help but have a skip in my step...even if I'm walking slow...I made it! I'm done! God is so good! He never left me, He was with me every step of the way, and He never gave me anything I couldn't handle. Even though there have been things I thought I couldn't handle He has been my strength during my time of weakness.

Race for the Cure - September 20th, 2008

2008-09-21T09:59:00.006-05:00

Breast Cancer or not, I have a hard time believing that anyone could have a dry eye at their first encounter with Race for the Cure. I on the other hand, being in the middle of treatment, was glad for the cover my sunglasses lent me as I cried like a baby most of the morning. Mom and I arrived just as the first few 'Timed 5K' runners were nearing the finish line. Seeing them run with such determination and purpose as hundreds of people cheered and encouraged them to finish strong was inspiring. Then little by little the crowd of runners began to thicken and I was shocked at the sheer number of people running the race. As I looked down the road there was a sea of runners as far as I could see. I didn't know a single one of them and they didn't know me, but I couldn't help but feel like they were running with me against this disease that I'm battling. And in their own way cheering me on to a strong finish just as the spectators were cheering them on. As the timed race drew to an end we met up with the ladies from church who were preparing for the next 5k race. And since seeing people I didn't know run a race had made me cry, you can only imagine the tears I was fighting back as I saw women I did know gather together and pin my picture on their backs to walk/run a race for ME! I couldn't help but be taken back to the first few moments after my Doctor called to tell me I had Breast Cancer. I was shocked, my head was spinning, and it felt like I couldn't breathe...but I pulled myself up off the floor and went outside to pray. I began to jog around the block and cry out to God. It was almost as if God was crying with me because it began to gently rain on me. And as the rain fell on me I began to feel His peace and I felt in my heart of hearts the scripture Hebrews 12:1-3

" 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

I felt from the very beginning that my cancer was part of the race He'd marked out for me life. And while it's not a race I would have signed up to run, I was determined to not only run, but win the cancer race for His glory. Seeing my friends and sisters in the faith come together to run/walk The Race for the Cure in support of me has given me that little extra boost I needed to finish strong. My perseverence had been waivering with the exhaustion I'd been feeling but now I'm refocusing my eyes on Christ as I prepare for Chemo on Monday and for surgery in October. He is my prize! And He is worth it!

Thank you ladies of Christian Chapel for your love and support over these last 3 months. And for Racing for me today...I love you all dearly!

Oh, and for those of you who participated in "Cookies for the Cure" (my sister's bake sale during her garage sale on Sept. 20)...she raised around $220 to help with our medical bills. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I'm overwhelmed with your love and kindness! I wish I had some pictures to share with you but I wasn't there to take any. Hopefully Jen snapped a few shots and I can get them from her and post them later.

Monday September 8th, 2008

2008-09-09T05:59:00.007-05:00

In the month or so before my diagnosis, I read the C.S. Lewis book series Chronicles of Naria. I know that they are suppose to be children’s books but Lewis, being the brilliant author that he was, captivated me as I read one book after another and fell deeper and deeper into the series. Each book seemed to unlock my mind and heart more and more towards the character of Christ, through the books character Aslan. In one book that has been particularly on mind today...The Silver Chair...Aslan calls Jill Pole and Eustace Scrubb out of their world and into Narnia because he has a job for them to do. At first Jill questions Aslan and says that he must be mistaken because it was they who had asked in the name of Aslan to come to Narnia. Aslan's response to her was "No one calls on me, who I wasn't first calling". After a little more discourse he told Pole the reason he'd called them. The task he wants them to complete. And it was no easy task, many narnians died trying to complete the very task that he was giving them. And he told them that they would remain in Narnia until their task was completed or they died trying. That struck in my heart when I read it...that he didn't call them for the task and then guarantee their lives in return. But as they looked into Aslans eyes they saw him, the saw his love for them, his power and his righteousness and although they were only children they were compelled to do anything he asked, until the task was completed or they died trying. At different times in the book they were confronted with failure, disappointment, certain death, and were up against army's that outnumbered them 100,000's to 1. But each time they were faced with giving up, running away, or death itself they would raise their swords or bows and charge head first, shouting and fighting in the name of Aslan. At the time I read this book it just awed me and I thought wow, if only we'd all live that way for Christ...raise our swords and battle through the tasks He'd given us shouting His name. Then came the cancer diagnosis and maybe it's because I'd just finished reading this series but all I could think of was that this is the task He's called me to right now. I raised my sword (of the spirit) and charged into battling the cancer shouting the name of our Lord, determined to win this for Him and His glory. The last two Chemo treatments have really exhausted me to the point where honestly my sword has been dragging on the ground and I haven't been able to find the strength to get out of bed let alone pick up my sword and fight. I cried all weekend this past weekend every time I thought about having to go in for another Chemo treatment on Monday morning. But somewhere between the prayers at home group on Sunday night and the treatment room on Monday morning I felt my strength being renewed with every breath that I took. I felt Him whispering into my soul His love, His encouragement, to let me know He'd enabled me to fight this and that He'd be the strength I needed to pick my sword back up and charge into this battle, this 5th Chemo treatment. And so with sword raised high...through fatigue and nausea, hot flashes and hair loss, loss of appetite and loss of memory, I do this for Him. I fight this for Him who called me...for His glory!

Ha Ha Ha...I finally talked Dorian into bringing me a burger and fries (it only took 3 treatments)Thanks Baby!!!

4th Chemo Treatment - August 25th

2008-08-25T15:54:00.002-05:00

4 down...only 2 more to go...YAY!!! In an ultrasound done on Friday the doctor could not find any tumors...PRAISE GOD!!! And all my lympnodes looked normal...isn't He wonderful!!! Thank you all so much for your prayers! This week is suppose to be pretty rough...my blood work today showed that I'm anemic and the treatment will drop those blood levels even further. So please be praying for supernatural energy and strength for me this week as I combat the fatigue. If anyone is interested in running the "Race for the Cure", Donna Davis is putting together a group, named Michelle's Angels, to do the untimed 5k together. Race day is Saturday Sept. 20th. If you're interested call the church at 250-2575 ext. 11. I'll be there to cheer everyone on but I don't think I'll be up for running the 5k...I am thinking about doing the 1 mile fun run/walk...we'll see.

Ethan

2008-08-25T15:44:00.003-05:00

Ethan has always been our cautious child. But on Friday he threw caution to the wind and decided it would be fun to jump off the monkey bars at school. We iced it on Friday night hoping it would be better by Saturday morning but it was only worse. So we took him to the doctor and had them do an X-ray. Luckily his foot didn't break but he did sprain it pretty bad. They put a splint on it and told us not to let him walk on it. We pulled out my old crutches and went to work teaching him how to use them. He did not pick it up too well and was very frustrated at himself for not being able to use them right. It didn't help that Christlyn has speeding through the house on another old pair of crutches like an old pro.
By Sunday he was done with the crutches and it was more a fight to get him to even try to use them. After a few hours of carrying him around I said enough was enough and told him if he could walk on his foot without it hurting then go right ahead. So he's been limping around since then, happy to be free of the crutches.

Can You Still Sing?

2008-08-22T21:24:00.006-05:00

Today I received a card from a woman who is my hero in the faith. A wife and mother who has been in trenches I couldn’t bear to battle through, yet in those trenches experienced Christ in ways most people couldn’t even imagine. Her own loss is still so very fresh, yet she has faithfully been writing me, encouraging me, and lifting me up in prayer since my diagnosis. In her card today she wrote of Paul and Silas in prison and posed a hypothetical conversation between them, a question that Paul might have asked, and it pierced my soul…”Silas, can you still sing?”

In Acts chapter 16 is the story of when Paul and Silas were thrown into prison for casting a spirit out of a girl. Not only were they thrown into prison, but they were also severely beaten. While chained in their prison cell they began to pray and sing hymns. Suddenly there was a great earthquake that caused their chains to fall off and the doors of their cells to open.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I have definitely felt beaten down and imprisoned by emotions, sickness, and even fear over the past two weeks. The Lord has given me such a peace throughout this journey, but the last two weeks I've been under attack and it's become a fight at times to keep my eyes on Christ. I'd begun entertaining that nagging little voice in the back of my head that was asking all the “what-ifs”. What if treatment doesn’t work? What if it just comes back a couple years down the road? If I got Breast Cancer so young, what other types of cancer am I going to get? What if my husband doesn’t find me attractive after my surgeries? And a dozen other morbid thoughts. To top it all off, my last treatment left me extremely fatigued for a full week, and for the first time I couldn’t take care of my kids. Thankfully my sister was in town to help take care of them, but still, I spent countless hours laying in bed crying because I was physically unable to care for my sweet children. I battled feeling completely defeated and like a failure as a mother. The fatigue tapered off last weekend and I was able to resume my daily activities this week, but I’ve still struggled with all the other emotions. Feeling bound for the first time in a long time. Needless to say, my friend’s card came at the perfect time. And I felt the Lord asking me…”Michelle, can you still sing?” And then the song that I’d been humming for the past two days came to life inside of me and I had no choice but to start singing aloud with tears streaming down my face…

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light
My strength
My song.
This cornerstone
This solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought or storm.
What heights of love
What depths of peace
When fears are stilled
When striving ceased.
My comforter
My all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone
Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save.
Till on that cross
As Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied,
For every sin on him was lain
Here in the death of Christ I gain.
There in the ground
His body laid
Light of the world
By darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave he rose again.
And as he stands in victory
Sins curse has lots it’s grip on me
For I am his and he is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life
No fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life’s first cry
Till final breath
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell
No scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from his hands
Till he returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

I have experienced my own "earthquake" of sorts, and had the chains of fear, doubt, and failure shaken right off of me, I am free! His peace has surrounded me again and I know I can do anything for Him...even Breast Cancer. So, I will sing His praise with every breath that He gives me. And I challenge you, if you find yourself bound by things of this world to start singing His praise and just watch what happens!

Thank You Erin!

Christlyn's Tea Party - August 16th

2008-08-16T16:43:00.005-05:00

This year Mommy wasn't up for throwing Christlyn a big birthday party, so Grammy stepped in and decided to have a tea party for Christlyn and her friends. The girls had so much fun dressing up in big frilly dresses, hats, and lots of costume jewelry. They got to enjoy fruits, finger sandwiches, cookies, and of course tea...on glass plates and cups. They giggled as Christlyn's Grammy served them their tea while speaking in an english accent. A few joined in themselves trying their best to imitate the funny accent.

They all had so much fun! Happy 6th Birthday Christlyn!!!

Christlyn's 6th Birthday - August 15th

2008-08-16T13:31:00.002-05:00

Not even the start of school could keep Christlyn from having the best 6th Birthday possible. She got to take cupcakes and special pictures of herself to share with her class on Friday, as well as a show and tell object...she chose George, the stuffed monkey Nana got her. Then after school Grammy picked her up and took her to Build-A-Bear for a special birthday present event. Together they built a special bear (actually black lab puppy) for Christlyn. She took great care in hugging each animal to find the perfect mix of cutness and softness needed in the perfect pet. Here's Christlyn and her new Build-A-Pup, Hannah, at home for her Family Birthday Party. Since Mommy wasn't feeling well Aunt Kathryn stepped up and put on an awesome party for Christlyn.

Here's Christlyn with her new hand painted umbrella! We saw them making these in Silver Dollar City and Christlyn fell in love! Mommy whispered the idea into Aunt Kathryn's ear and let her creative side take over. Christlyn's umbrella outdoes all of the ones at Silver Dollar City!
And here's the butterfly cake that Aunt Kathryn made...it was gorgeous and delicious!

First Day of School - August 14th

2008-08-14T09:16:00.003-05:00

Today was the first day of school for Christlyn and Ethan. Ethan couldn't get out the door fast enough and was not thrilled to have to stop and take pictures. After watching Christlyn get to go to school every day for the last two school years he is thrilled to finally be going himself. He bounced right out of bed this morning, threw on his back pack and headed for the door. He was not real thrilled when we made him get dressed, brush his teeth and hair, and eat breakfast. He had his eye on the door and wanted to go. Christlyn, the old pro now, knew the drill and fought getting out of bed, lingered over breakfast, and dragged her feet out the door to pose for her picture.
But she got excited about getting to show Ethan the ropes and took upon herself the responsibility of telling him everything he needed to know about school. From the Janitor's name, to how much fun recess is, to the showing him the computer lab and library, and how classroom procedures worked, she tried not to leave a single important detail out.

Ethan was happy to already know one of the boys in his class and they took to playing right away. I could barely get a goodbye hug out of him. Oh how fast they grow up!

3rd Chemo Treatment - August 11th

2008-08-11T16:30:00.008-05:00

Today we hit the halfway point in my Chemo treatment, exciting as that is knowing that everything from here on out is down hill, strangely I found myself angry. As I looked around the treatment room everyone else was easily 30 years my senior. My being there just wasn't "right". I was surprised by the emotion because I really haven't been angry or upset since the first week or so after diagnosis. But there I was, walking into the treatment area and all I wanted to do was stamp my feet, throw a fit, and turn around and walk right back out the door. I mean after all how on earth can "I" be sick...how can "I" have cancer. I eat right, I exercise, I do everything right (anyone notice how many I's were in those statements...I'd taken my eyes off the mark). Then just as quickly as the anger had swept over me the Lord reminded me of Psalms 145:13-14 "The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds those who fall down and lifts up all who are bowed down." I immediately felt His peace and grace surround me anew as I bowed my heart before Him and resubmitted to His will. I don't have all the answers as to why I'm here right now, but I am certain that He has not abandoned me and that He is working this out for good. He always keeps His promises and He is so very good...I have nothing to be angry about. So with that moment passed I settled in for treatment. Everything went smooth. All of my blood levels were great...thanks so much for all your prayers about my platelet levels, they're back up to normal! And the cancer continues to respond to treatment. I'm more tired after this treatment than others...but I was more tired going into it as well. My hair is just about gone and with today's treatment I expect the rest to be gone within the next couple of days...I'm still holding out hope for my eye brows and eye lashes but we'll see. The kids have handled my bald head very well. Christlyn's first comment to me was "Oh! Well you don't embarras me at all". Then a few days later she said that I was still just as beautiful as before. Ethan hasn't really come up with any cute comments, but his indifference to my bald head speaks volumes, as my hair loss had been a huge fear of his and had upset him greatly when we talked about it happening. Best of all, I'm okay with it. I think the hardest part of the hair loss was waiting for it and worrying what it would be like. Now that my hair is gone and the worrying is over everything is great, I'm not at all embarrased or ashamed of my bald head and I don't grieve my hair. The only reason I wear a hat, scarf, or wig in public is really for everyone else...at home I don't usually wear anything on my head. And the amount of time I save getting ready every day is amazing! Mom stopped by treatment today and took a couple of pictures of me, one of the nurses offered to take a picture of both of us but she declined because she was "having a bad hair day" I laughed and told her that was not a good excuse in my presence. I think she felt awful for her slip of tongue but don't worry mom I'm okay and it was actually really funny! All in all things are going well. I am blessed to have a such a faithful and loving husband who has been by my side constantly. When I'm sad he makes me laugh, when I cry he holds me tight, when I'm sick and exhausted and unable to do much of anything he steps in and steps up and runs the house and kids like a pro. He spends countless hours holding my hand or rubbing my feet during chemo and always knows just what to say to keep my spirits raised. He's not afraid to buzz my head...although I think he's just happy he's not the one in the family with the least hair anymore...LOL. And he's made countless trips to the drug store at all hours of the night for whatever I need. All this without complaining and with such an attitude of love towards me and the kids. Best of all...he still thinks I'm beautiful...bald head and all...and I can see in his eyes that he means it. Like I said I am so very blessed. So with three treatments down and only three more to go this is what I've learned so far...the Lord is faithful and His ways are perfect. I can't even begin to write about his goodness and peace that I am constantly surrounded by; and even joy in this difficult journey. He is more than enough for whatever we face in life...and he will give each of us what we need daily if we will just abide in Him. Thank you for your continued prayers and support....we love you.

Branson - August 3rd - 6th, 2008

2008-08-07T10:18:00.012-05:00

Our family vacation to Branson was amazing!!! Every second was filled with fun and excitement. And best of all I was feeling good and was able to enjoy everything! Here we are all at Montana Mikes on Sunday evening just after arriving in Branson.

The kids loved the pool...then again what kid doesn't? Ethan got a chance to show off all the new tricks he learned in Wichita. Like Cannon Balls, and underwater summersaults.
Jadon got to ride around in the innertube and try to dodge the splashes Ethan and Christlyn sent his way!
A Breakfast for champions before a full day at Silver Dollar City...I think this was probably Jadon's favorite part of the day...all you can eat donuts, waffles, and yogurt, it doesn't get better than that for him! And the way he eats he may have put the hotel chain out of business.

Here we are riding the trolley to the park!
Welcome to Silver Dollar City!
Christlyn loved this playhouse...in fact she was asking for it for her birthday...hint hint grandpa, think you could build one?

I'm done with time out corners...I need to get me one of these.
Ethan and Christlyn really enjoyed this ride where we got to ride around in boats and shoot at targets...if you'll look in the background you'll see Dorian really enjoyed it too...LOL!

All aboard the Silver Dollar City Train Line! This was a must see and do for Ethan and all he could talk about the week prior to our vacation...a real train ride! Christlyn was a little nervous because we'd told her that the train was going to be stopped by train robbers...she couldn't understand that it was part of the ride and when we got to the part with the robbers she tried to hide under the seat...Ethan however turned his hand into a gun and tried to defend us all!

Off to the kiddie rides!!!

Hmmmm....what should we ride next???

We took a little break from the heat in the afternoon and went inside to see the Ice Circus. Christlyn was mezmorized by the skaters...especially this Russian skater who skated on stilted ice skates.
Now off for a grown up roller coaster!!! I can't believe Ethan went on this...but he loved it!

Daddy showing Jadon how this ball vacuum worked. After Dor gave him the tutorial he walked around for quite a while collecting balls and putting them one by one inside the tube until they were sucked out of his hand.

Ethan's favorite was the ball gun...he could have spent a week right there and still not had enough time!
Playing around at the farm...here Dorian and Ethan are pulling themselves up the silos...actually I think Dor was doing all the work.
Christlyn's turn.
Time to milk Bessie...Christlyn's a natural.

Time for another Air Conditioner Break...here we're visiting the Kid's Conncotion room where the kids got to play with all kinds of unique toys. Jadon was working on his fine motor skills with these blocks and pegs.
Here the kids made all kinds of creations with Floam!
Another great treat at Silver Dollar City was getting to see Veggie Tales Live! The kids loved the show and loved getting to meet Bob and Larry. Larry, being the prankster that he is, stole Ethan's hat and put it on Bobs head...the kids couldn't stop laughing as they tried to jump up and reach it!

Someone has had a really long day!

Here we are at Branson Landing getting ready for the fountain show.
After a long day what could be better than a soak in the hot tub?

"To Infinity and Beyond"

Here we are at the Sight and Sound Theater. We were all so excited to get to see their production of Noah. It exceeded all of our expectation!
What a wonderful trip we had! But I must admit...it's nice to be home and to get some rest!

Wednesday July 30th

2008-07-30T18:56:00.003-05:00

I just love the way God takes care of things in my life...don't you. Last night I had to shave my head and today I got a call from a neighbor who put me in contact with a place I could get a free wig. I was able to go in this afternoon between my naps and was given a beautiful and very expensive wig for free. I call it my Jennifer Parker Wig because as you can tell it looks exactly like her hair...well except for the bangs. She of course had to come over and see it and we got a picture together for the blog.

Other than that it's been a rough couple of days. During my first treatment I was prescribed a very expensive anti-nausea medicing...$75 for 2 pills (with insurance)...but this time we asked for something different hoping to save a bit and still beat the nausea. But the meds I'm on right now aren't cutting it. I've been taking two different anti nausea medicines and still have been sick for two days straight. Napping seems to help almost more than the meds so I've been sleeping a lot...but this is hard to do even with the older two kids away in Wichita with Aunt Kathryn. It's been nearly impossible for me to eat the last couple of days but I was able to keep a little dinner down tonight. For the next treatment we are definitely going to be getting the better anti-nausea perscription. But the Lord is my source and my ever present help in times of trouble and He is constantly showing Himself faithful throughout these long days. I'm awed by the friends and family who have been reaching out to help us...Thank you so much for your support and love. We love you and couldn't do this without you.

The Sheering - July 29th

2008-07-29T23:36:00.006-05:00

I would like to start out by saying that this post is not for the weak of heart. But for those of you who know me and know my sense of humor you'll understand that there was nothing to do with the lemons I was given today but to make lemonade. I had vowed right after my diagnosis that as soon as the first handful of hair fell out I'd shave my head...well today's the day!!! I made a tray of "Everything" brownies and invited the family over for a party. I swore off sugar right after my diagnosis but a girl can't shave her head without the presence of chocolate so I broke the rules...just for tonight.
Here we go!!!

There's no turning back now!!!

Jen steps in to show off her mad skills with the clippers. Claiming that her years abroad have given her a better grasp on cool hair styles.

Good Morning Angels!
Good Morning Charlie

Righteous Dude!

Practicing for the next guitar hero night at Jen and Daniel's house. I'm so gonna win with this new do...it's all about becoming the character!

I think Daniel is a little shocked to see me! Like I said this posting is not for the faint of heart.

But we cool!

Bye Bye Big Mohawk!

Don't mess with us.

Well, I got talked into leaving the small mohawk for a couple of days for shock value. But here's the rest of it. I made it through the night that I've been dreading for weeks. Unsure if I'd be able to handle shaving my head. But I'm proud to announce not one tear was shed...not even by mom and we laughed our heads off all evening long. And I've been told there's no better medicine than laughter. I'll concure with that...I've been very sick all day and the drugs haven't been denting it this time but as soon as we got into shaving my head and had fun with it the nausea became bareable for the first time today. This was definitely a once in a life time experience and we did it up good.

...I guess I'd better call and cancel my hair appointment for Saturday (it was scheduled before diagnosis)...I don't think I'll be needing it!

Bye Bye Beauty Products - July 29th

2008-07-29T10:19:00.004-05:00

Well today is the day that I've been expecting and dreading since my diagnosis. When I woke up this morning a large clump of hair greeted me on my pillow as well as many handfuls each time I put my hand to my head. So I plunked a hat on my head and started cleaning up and packing away all my hair supplies. Bye, Bye CHI...I'll miss you. So long Paul Mitchel and Bed Head I'll call you later. Farewell Pantene, no amount of Pro-V is really going to help me right now. The good news is that our counter space in the bathroom has gotten exponentially larger (Dorian is grateful) and the time I'll save getting ready in the mornings will be amazing...in fact I may get too used to it and not want to get rid of the wigs! But all joking aside...I'm reminded of the verse in Proverbs that says "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised". In todays culture we do so much for beauty, spend countless dollars on beauty treatments and products, clothes, and accessories but tend to lose sight of what really matters and what really makes us valuable and beautiful. My hope is that in facing this trial, in being stripped of this vanity I will come closer to the heart of my King and others will be able to see His beauty in me.

Second Chemo Treatment and Update - July 28th

2008-07-28T20:39:00.004-05:00

Okay, I know everyone is wanting an update. So here it is...First of all thank you so much for your prayers concerning the allergic reaction I had to the tapes/bandages from my surgery...the rash has finally cleared up...YAY!!! Today they were able to use the port in my chest for the first time for lab work and for the chemo itself. It was completely painless and quite easy to access...so even with all the trouble it's caused over the last couple of weeks I'm very glad to have it now! Anyway, today was a very busy day for us. We dropped the kids off with friends early this morning then headed to the Cancer Center. I had labs drawn first and then met with the doctor to go over my labs and for a quick check up before starting chemo. My white blood cell count was great (WBC 10.5 and NEU 7.8 normal is 8.8-10.8 for the WBC and 1.9 to 8.0 on the NEU), my red blood cell count was basically unchanged (HCB 12.5 and HCT 37.7 normal being 12.0-16.0 for the HGB and 37.0-47.0 on the HCT), but my plateletes were low (PLT 123 normal being 130-400). They were not low enough to delay treatment but please be praying that this level will go up...with a low PLT level the blood doesn't clot as quickly and I can bleed easier. The really awesome news is that the doctor had a hard time finding the largest tumor that still remains in my right breast. Two weeks ago it was the size of a lima bean but after 1 chemo treatment and a whole lot of prayer, today it is the size of a BB...and none of the lympnodes were detectable in his exam. I'm so excited about what God is doing and His faithfulness and goodness to me right now...I can hardly contain it!!! This is definitely not an easy road to be walking but He is walking it with me and making my burdens so very light! The Chemo treatment went smooth again. Dorian was able to take the day off work and stay with me the whole day (well, except for when Mom stopped by on her lunch break) and we had fun sitting and talking without being pounced on by the kids. The second drug that they give me (Cytoxin) was a little difficult to handle, I have had a reaction to it both times now. Today they gave me Benedryl before I started the Cytoxin so that I wouldn't have the reation but I still did...they slowed the drip, which helped, and are going to have to slow it down from here on out. It helped with the side effects but it does lengthen the day quite a bit. Oh, and another side effect that I've been dealing with over the last week is joint pain. Over the past week or so I've had intense pain in my shoulders, especially in my right shoulder. Dr. Keller said it was tendonitis caused by the Taxotere (chemo). It's not a common side effect but it is a side effect that can happen. It's been very painful, and debilitating as I couldn't pick up Jadon with my right arm for the last couple of days. Today it wasn't as bad but he perscribed me some pain meds just in case it gets bad again. But if you could also remember to be praying for that, I'd rather not have to take the pain meds...lol. My hair seems to be thinning a bit. It started out slowly a few days ago but seems to be picking up. I havn't lost any handfuls, there's just aways 4-6 hairs on my shirt or tickling my neck. As soon as I pull them off there's more there waiting. It's making it a little bit more real but I'm not afraid of it. We'll keep you all posted as info becomes available...in the mean time Thank you all so much for your love, prayers, and support of me and the whole family. I cry quite often at how much everyone has been helping out and reaching out to us. May God bless each and every one of you as you have been a blessing to us. We love you and thank God daily for you.

Jadon's 1st Haircut 7/19

2008-07-20T11:31:00.004-05:00

Before
After

Off with the curls. I've been meaning to cut Jadon's hair for the last month or so but finally got around to it this weekend. Daddy had to hold him still while I snipped away. He was very interested in the scissors and the comb...I wouldn't have been able to do it if Daddy hadn't helped. Or maybe Jadon would just be down a couple of fingers.

Sisters 7/17

2008-07-20T11:27:00.002-05:00

We decided to take advantage of the fact that Kathryn was in town and that I felt good despite starting Chemo, so we got fixed up and headed out for a girls night.

July 14th and 15th Fun

2008-07-15T16:37:00.004-05:00

Tuesday afternoon Aunt Kathryn took the kids to Woodward Park...which Ethan likes to call 'The Flower Park'. Although the flowers he's refering too...azaleas...are no longer in bloom the park offered them many different things to explore.

After Chemo on Monday Aunt Kathryn rescued a baby bird that fell out of it's nest and into our fireplace. The poor thing was scared to death but it let Kat pick it up and we of course had to snap a picture before we released it outside. Here Ethan is stuffing his cheeks with the cherry tomatoes from his tomato vine in the back yard. Boy does he love his tomatoes!!!
Looks like Grandpa joined Aunt Kathryn and the kids at the park! Jadon still looks a little out of it but I think he's on the mend.

Chemo Begins - Monday July 14th

2008-07-15T11:50:00.004-05:00

Oh what a difference a month makes...lol. A month ago I was going through life without a care or concern busily attacking each task in front of me and even busier planning every detail of the coming months. I never would have guessed that I'd be diagnosed with cancer and be starting chemo this summer. But God is so very faithful. And I'm so excited about what he's doing in my life. I keep saying to myself that verse in James where it says to count it all joy when we face trials of many kinds...that through them our faith is being perfected (thats not a word for word quote). This is not a trial I would have chosen but I'm excited to see how my faith will be affected and perfected! Okay so enough of the rambling and into the info everyone wants to know. I went in at 10:00am yesterday for my first treatment. But was delayed about an hour and a half because I'd developed a pretty nasty rash on my chest...an alergic reation to the tape/bandages I'd had from my port surgery last week. So I had to go and see the doctor and have him check it out and perscribe some steroids. Although I'm not too keen on steroids I'm thrilled to not be itching anymore. Kind of on a different note...while I was in with Dr. Keller we got off an my Congenital Pseudoarthrosis (the bone disease I had as a child) and he'd been research about it all weekend and actually found that pseudoarthrosis, BRCA1 and BRCA2 (the breast cancer genes) as well as a couple other disorder which I don't have are all on the same gene or are either really close together on the DNA strand (I don't understand all that kind of stuff)...he thought it was all very interesting and is doing more research but believes there is a connection...even if the medical community isn't advanced enough to understand it and figure it out yet. Anyway...back to the Chemo. We got started with the chemo at about 11:45...Dorian got to stay there for the first few drips before he headed off to work. Then Kathryn came and sat with me the rest of the afternoon...except when mom popped in for a quick lunch time visit. Much to my amazement I didn't feel anything different, weird, or even sick. There was one point during the second medicine that my sinuses started feeling a lot of pressure and they gave me a benedryl and some tylenol and everything got better. I felt great the rest of the day. We were able to go out for a late lunch (3:30) after treatment and then headed home to get the kids together so we could go to grandpa's. I started getting tired that evening at grandpas and ended up napping on the hammock until the mosquitos tried to get their share of Chemo blood, which couldn't have been too tasty but they kept coming so I went inside. Overnight I had a couple of rough spots...I had a difficult time sleeping (they said it's a side effect of the steroids) and a couple bouts of nausea. Luckily the medicine they prescribed for the nausea made me drowsy and I knocked out both problems with 1 stone or pill. Today I went in for my shot of newlastin (that's probably spelled wrong) it's a shot I have to get the day after chemo that will stimulate my bones to produce more marrow therefore upping my white blood cell count thus keeping my immune system more stable and an infection less likely. They said the side effect from that shot is that my bones could ache...I haven't had any of that yet and in faith at all. But I am tired today...I can do small things around the house but have to sit down a lot and rest. Luckily Kathryn has taken the kids out to the park!!! God is so good...all the time!!! I woke up singing my favorite song this morning...In Christ Alone...and I thought I'd leave this blog entry with my favorite line from that song which means more to me now than ever....

No power of hell

No scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from HIS hand

Till he returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I stand

Monday July 7th

2008-07-10T20:35:00.003-05:00

An Evening at The ParkOn Monday evening after dinner the kids and I walked to the park to enjoy our evening before the week got too overwhelming for us. Jadon cruised in style in his stroller while Christlyn pushed him (most of the way).
Jadon loved swinging with Mommy and couldn't stop giggling with delight.
Christlyn, my resident monkey, was all over the place climbing anything and everything she could. Ethan just wanted to take pictures with my camera...so thats why there are no pictures of him...and also why I just had to delete about 200 pictures from my memory card...lol. After a while of playing with each other some of Christlyn's classmates came to the park and they all got to play together.

The next morning I headed in for surgery to get a port put in my chest. The procdure went well even though I was awake the whole time...don't worry I was heavily drugged and don't remember too much of it. But the recovery from it has been more difficult than I'd anticipated. I can hardly move my neck or left shoulder/arm. This makes it very difficult to be a mommy (especially of a 1 year old who still needs to be carried quite often). To top things off Jadon has been throwing up for about 2 days now...please remember to pray for him. I didn't get to start chemo this week, there were some scheduling mishaps that prevented me from seeing the oncologist until this morning. But I truly believe it was just another way God is looking out for me...I've been in so much pain from the port I don't think I could have handled Chemo too. But I will be starting Chemo on Mon. morning at 10:00am. I'll be on a 2 week schedule and will do between 6 and 8 rounds. So if everything goes as planned I will be done with Chemo on either Sept. 22 or Oct. 20!!! Please keep us in your prayers!

2008-07-05T15:51:00.000-05:00

Is it possible that I am my own hero? I look back at the faith I had as a toddler/preschooler facing surgery after surgery, casts, braces, crutches and pain. It could be the worst of days yet you could still hear me singing ‘This is the day that the Lord has made’. I didn’t fully understand what was going on, or what my parents were fighting and praying so hard for, only that that was my life, and that the Lord promised to be with me and to heal me. That was enough for me and I was joyful throughout. And He never let me down…some roads I had to walk through, some he delivered me from but He never let me down. Somewhere in growing up I’ve gotten lost in the heartache and pain of the world. I’ve been disenfranchised and lost the sweetest parts of who God made me to be. I stare at this road that lies ahead of me, still in disbelief that I’m here. Breast Cancer? Really? Me? But in the whirlwinds of emotions during the last two weeks since diagnosis I am brought back to what I learned as a child…God is God and He is worthy of our faith and trust and devotion no matter what…and that nothing can happen to us against His will. So in total surrender I lay myself down for Him and His works. The doctors say Mastectomy, Chemo, Radiation, Hair Loss, Exhaustion, and feeling Sick are all what lies ahead. And while these things frighten me, I rest in Him knowing that nothing will happen to me unless God wills it…and if He wills it, He will be glorified through it. So if my being bald will glorify my Lord and King…I will say “may my Lord be Praised” and will take a razor to my head. I am His servant. My body is His. He may use me in whatever way will bring Him glory…I no longer have pride in anything but Him and His works! And somehow I think in this I’ve found that little girl I used to be that I’ve missed so very much!

Update

2008-07-02T17:20:00.002-05:00

...Just wanted to let everyone know what was going on and keep you up to date with the latest information. Liz left early Monday morning and Jennifer has practically taken up residency at our home in her stead. I'm anxiously awaiting just one day with no doctors appointments or tests...but right now I'm being poked and prodded to no end, and Jen has been watching the kids. On Monday morning we met back with Dr. Lockhart (who did the surgery) to go over the prior weeks test results. The cancer is Stage 2 Grade 3 and is everywhere on the right breast not just in the 3 tumors he had already removed. The good news is the left side is clean and clear and the blood work all looks good. I decided to get a second opinion and followed the recommendation of the Medical Director at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and went to see Dr. LaNette Smith later that afternoon. She is a wonderful doctor. She did an ultrasound and found more tumors on the right side and also noticed that my lymphnodes were enlarged so she did a needle biopsy of them and let me know she was certain the cancer was in them as well. She sent me for a bunch more tests and has set me up to see a great oncologist as well as a gentecisist. Dr. Smith called today to let me know the lab results confirm the cancer is in my lymphnodes. She believes I need to be on Chemo right away before any mastectomy. So Tues. July 7th I am going in for a little outpatient procedure to put a port in and then will more than likely start chemo later that day or the next. This is still all very surreal but getting more real every moment. The strength I felt I had last week was shattered on Monday with the realization that this was all real and that I'd be on Chemo so soon and losing my hair within a few weeks. But today the Lord has renewed my strength and I know with Him and through Him I can do all things even chemo. He has sent me such wonderful friends and family who are standing by me so steadily. Thank you all so much for your endless prayers, encouraging phone calls, notes, letters, books, CDs, hats, wigs, and scarfs...I have never been so blessed. I love you all and thank God always for you.

June 24th, 2008

2008-06-24T22:43:00.003-05:00

In the midst of all that's going on around the Berglind House right now there are still so many joys and causes for celebration. Jadon cut his first tooth today!!! And like his Mommy it was well after his first birthday and it was a top tooth (the bottom usually cut first). Despite the discomfort of teething he is an angel and one of my greatest pick me ups right now.

Michelle Turns 29...the World Turns Upside Down

2008-06-24T18:57:00.002-05:00

On Sunday June 22 I celebrated my 29th Birthday. I had a wonderful family birthday party at moms house after church where I ate way to much yummy food and even more chocolate cake. Then Dorian wisked me off for an afternoon of shopping, followed by an evening on the town. The picture above shows me in my new dress with the kids just before leaving for Phantom of the Opera. It was an amazing performance that left us singing it's songs all the way home. After a late night dinner at the only restaurant still open at 10:55 on a Sunday evening (Cheddars) we headed home...and I couldn't help but wonder what this last year of my 20's would hold. The next morning around 8:15 that question was answered for me when I received a phone call from my doctor. I stood there shocked and stunned listening to him telling me that I had cancer. The week before I'd had outpatient surgery to remove 3 harmless benign fibro adenomas from my breast...I never even imagined (and neither did my doctor) that all three could and would be malignant tumors. I am in the process of many additional tests and once all the tests are in we will meet back with the Doctor to formulate a game plan. My hope is in Christ alone and I am drawing my strength from Him. Months ago He began speaking to my heart that nothing can happen to me outside of His will. I am clinging to that now and trusting in Him that His will is perfect. My greatest hope is that He will be glorified in this and that I can bring fame to His Name.

Jadon's 1st Birthday Party

2008-06-02T09:17:00.003-05:00

June 1st, 2008

2008-06-01T14:33:00.003-05:00

Jadon gets a Big Boy car seat! No more of that rear facing, baby carrier car seat for my little guy. Today Jadon got to move up to his big boy car seat which faces forward and is elevated so that he can see out of the window. Although he no longer gets to look back and spy on Christlyn and Ethan in the rear of the van he seems thrilled to get to look out the windows and see the world as we drive by. Just wait until we turn the TV on Jadon...you'll be in for a real treat now that you can actually watch it!

Jadon's 1st Birthday - May 30th

2008-06-01T14:14:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Jadon!!! Well, for Jadon's 1st Birthday we found ourselves with Bouncer rentals in Talequah for our church's kids camp. And since Dorian didn't want to miss Jadon's birthday we all packed into Uncle Daniel's truck and made the drive to camp. We had plans to set up the Bouncer Units and then go out to eat, play in the creek, and float down the river while the church was using the Bouncers. Well, let's just say there were a few bumps in the road and we didn't get to do all we had planned...BUT we did get to play in the creek before everything started going down hill.
Cold as it was Jadon loved walking through the water and splashing it with his feet.

Here he kept tyring to drink the water. I saw many little crawdads flowing down that waterfall, what a surprise that would have been if he'd tried to take a drink but got one of those in his mouth instead. The rest of the evening was not photographed but despite flat tires, missing jacks, fever, diarrhea, blown fuses, tire patches that wouldn't hold and not getting home until 2:00am we had a fun evening and definitely a memorable one!!!

May 17th, 2008

2008-06-01T14:05:00.002-05:00

As the temperatures began to climb we decided it was time to pull out the old kiddy pool for some summer fun! Jadon was excited to be a part of the big kids' play even though the water was a little chilly.

But after a few minutes he realized that he couldn't hold his own with his brother and sister. Especially when the only game they wanted to play was baby bath time in which they pretend Jadon is in the bath tub and they continuously poured water over his head.

Christlyn's Mothers Day Concert at School

2008-06-01T13:33:00.002-05:00

Miss "P"

2008-05-02T11:28:00.002-05:00

Meet Miss "P". After a full year in Kidergarten studying all the letters of the alphabet...Christlyn and her classmates got to choose a 'letter people' character from their curriculum and dress up like them for a parade. Christlyn chose Miss "P" and we worked hard together to come up with this costume where she is covered in PATCHES. We glued patches all over her shirt, pinned some on her shorts, made a patch bow, and even tied rags on her flip flops to complete the outfit. She was the cutest Miss "P" in the world.

Letter People Parade

2008-05-02T11:16:00.002-05:00

Picnic and Grammy's

2008-05-02T11:10:00.003-05:00

Tuesday Evening we headed over to Grammy's for a backyard picnic. We all chowed down on hamburgers and hotdogs and strawberry shortcake...YUMMM!!! Christlyn and Ethan got their own little table. While Jadon ate everything in site at the grown ups table.

Jadon's 1st Step

2008-04-29T12:43:00.003-05:00

So...while I was trying to get pictures of Jadon standing he surprised me even further by taking his first step!!! Sorry it's sideways...i was a little to excited to pay attention to the camera

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

2008-04-29T12:33:00.002-05:00

Okay, so it's been a crazy day around the Berglind House!!! Jadon surprised me by standing in the middle of the room for close to a minute. I was shocked and started screaming and Ethan and Connor to come and see. They were so excited as well and wanted Jadon to do it again and again. I ran and grabbed my camera but couldn't get too great of a shot as everyones excitement was too much for Jadon and he kept wanting to drop down and crawl to all of us who were cheering and praising his efforts. But here are a few blurry pictures that will give you an idea.

Brothers

2008-04-29T12:28:00.002-05:00

Ethan and Jadon had fun playing outside yesterday. Jadon's new found favorite pass time is the slide. He loves crawling up it as much as sliding down it, although Ethan always feels the need to slide down with him.

Baby Blues

2008-04-29T11:47:00.002-05:00

He'll be 11 Months old tomorrow and still has sparking baby blue eyes and a toothless grin. It doesn't get much cuter than this.

To Nana From Christlyn

2008-04-23T15:49:00.002-05:00

i luve you bcause you luve me. popa and nana. christlyn and mom ethan berglinds.
i had scool today. b cuz today is winzday. i luve you.

April 18th

2008-04-21T10:57:00.002-05:00

Ethan and Woodward Park

2008-04-21T10:39:00.002-05:00

The Last Few Weeks

2008-04-12T16:45:00.006-05:00

Ethan is helping Mommy out by feeding Jadon the rest of his bottle...what a big helper and a loving big brother!!!
Jadon loves getting into big brothers things...especially his trains...he loves the way they taste...yummy...lead paint from China!!!

Ethan building one of his Lincoln Log Masterpieces!!!
Ethan and Christlyn playing trains...looks like Jadon is on his way to join them!!!
"Hey...has anyone seen Ethan"
I can't find him anywhere???
Silly Boy!!!

Play time with Daddy
What a sweet pair of Brothers
Watch out Thomas...here comes Jadon

Dorian's Birthday (and Daniels too)

2008-04-12T16:33:00.003-05:00

Uh-Oh...call Child Protective Services...someone isn't happy about getting one year older...LOL. Or maybe she was trying to steal one of Daddy's presents??? Ethan has to get into the picture with the Birthday boys and he's not about to let that cake out of his sight...Daddy and Uncle Daniel might not save him a piece if he's not careful!
Daddy with the kids on his actual birthday

The Birthday Boys opening their presents and cards at their joint Birthday Party!

Easter

2008-03-26T13:14:00.003-05:00

Jadon's 1st Easter

2008-03-26T13:08:00.002-05:00

Annual Egg Dying

2008-03-26T12:47:00.003-05:00

You know the saying..."While the Cat is Away the Mouse will Play"...well for Jadon during the Egg dying it was..."While the family is busy and not watching me, I will play and get into everything" And that he did while we colored eggs to our hearts content...he wriggled his way in to the big kids' craft bin and went to town.

"Oh no, found out by Aunt Jennifer...why you gotta ruin my fun like that?"

Ethan is an old pro this year and thought he was beyond supervision. But his eyes were to big for our mess level...he was wanting to dye 10 different eggs at a time and had to be monitored closely to make sure he didn't dye all the eggs at once without giving anyone else a chance.

Christlyn's so proud of herself. And quite the pro at age 5 that she was able to dye eggs unsupervised and she was able to come up with some pretty unique colors and designs...anything her little mind could come up with she tried.

What Fun...Can't wait till 2009!!!

Our Wichita Trip

2008-03-26T12:30:00.003-05:00

What could be more fun than visiting Aunt Kathryn??? Well, a couple dozen glow sticks all activated at once would be a great start...and then maybe a huge tent set up in the living room for the kids to 'camp' in overnight with said glow sticks!!! All this and more was a great start to our weekend in Wichita visiting Aunt Kathryn and Uncle Chris. Saturday morning despite the freezing temperatures and the harsh wind the kids got to go to an egg hunt sponsored by a Church Aunt Kathryn takes Bible study classes from. We started out with free pop and hot dogs while waiting for the hunt to start. With over 25,000 eggs the kids each got their fair share of eggs...Ethans official count was 55.
We didn't count Christlyn's but as you can see her basket was just as full as Ethan's.
Shortly after the actual egg hunt was over the clouds moved out, the sun began to shine, and the wind died down a bit making the kids' visit to the petting zoo even more enjoyable. They had just about everything at the petting zoo. Ducks, Chicks, Bunnies, Kittens, Puppies, a 4 day old lamb the kids got to hold, plenty of other sheep and goats, a calf, pony....etc, etc, etc....Christlyn looked so cute holding that puppy it almost makes me want to get her one.
Now this is the size of a horse that Ethan can handle...think we can talk Grandpa into something like this?

Quick Synopsis of the Month

2008-03-26T12:16:00.003-05:00

Hey there Dr. Seuess...It's a Jadon Cat in a Hat...Christlyn spent the week reading and having school projects on some famous Dr. Seuess books this week at school and at the end of the week she brought home her very own Cat Hat...We all took turns wearing but agreed it was cutest on Jadon.
After stealing some lemons and limes from a certain citrus farm in west Tulsa Ethan helps me make fresh lemonade and limeade. He also helped drink most of it as well.
Award ceremony time for our church clubs. Christlyn earned and was awarded 4 new Daisy Badges but had a hard time standing still on stage...she thought it was her time to perform a dance number or two since she was up there for all to see...mommy was a little embarrased.
Ethan on the other hand was a perfect gentleman on stage accepting his awards and was even chosen to recite the rainbows pledge!
Off to Aunt Kathryn and Uncle Chris' in Wichita...What FUN!!!

February 26, 2008

2008-02-26T12:45:00.001-06:00

Ethan spelled his name!!! Just wanted to show off what a great job he did!!!

February 24, 2008

2008-02-26T12:12:00.002-06:00

Out at grandpa's on Sunday afternoon the kids took a walk into the back field where they found a tree that had been spit in half by the ice storm. It was the perfect tree for climbing and so off they went. Ethan prefered to stay on the lower branches and was very cautious...while Christlyn's monkey roots came out and she climbed up, down and all around without any fear. Mommy even joined in on the fun and showed the kids how an experienced tree climber does it. It was a blast and I speak for all in the Berglind family who say...please, please, please leave the tree like that grandpa so we can climb on it again.

February 23, 2008

2008-02-26T12:06:00.002-06:00

February 20, 2008

2008-02-26T11:56:00.003-06:00

Here's some bumper car footage...enjoy!!!

February 20, 2008

2008-02-26T11:07:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday to Ethan......
Although Ethan's birthday party was last weekend, we planned on taking the kids to Incredible Pizza for fun and games on his actual birthday. What a wonderful surprise to us that grandpa and grandma arrived in town the same day and what was suppose to be a family dinner/game night turned into a party.

Everyone had fun riding rides, playing games, and just being together as a family.

Did I mention that Dorian likes having a Brother-in-Law in town. He and Daniel were like little kids jumping from game to game.

February 20, 2008

2008-02-26T11:03:00.002-06:00

Off to the races we all went. Jennifer tried her hand at driving Nascar...i think she spent most of the time trying to stay on the virtual track. Meanwhile Daniel and Ethan paired up against Dorian and Christlyn on the go-cart track for race of their own.

Daniel and Ethan won...but a rematch wasn't far off for Dorian and Daniel. Ethan tried to take the skill and knowledge of a winning go-cart race car driver to help Aunt Jennifer out on the Nascar track but was unsuccessful in achieving a win.

Off to the bumper cars went Great-Grandpa, Michelle, Ethan, and Christlyn for a truly memorable ride. We were all quite astonished at Great-Grandpas skillful manuevering of the bumper cars and quite literally 'felt' his top rank experience as he bounced our own cars back and forth on the floor. Ethan figured out quickly how to drive and steer his car, while Christlyn didn't get it together until the last 30 seconds or so.