blog is moving to new address

I'm trying to streamline my contact info and that includes our family blog which has been moved to sixstephens.blogspot.com. If you wish to follow our goings on, please make a note of it as this will be my final post at this address. Thank you.

Tour de France

chalkbot

We Had a Visitor

Dad, it was great to have you out here. Kaden was right, though -- it felt like you were only here for a half hour. We were all sorry to see you leave so soon, but are grateful you made the trip even for a short weekend. And even more sorry that you're dealing with the repercussions of yet another basement flood!

For those that weren't aware, because we're moving next week, there will be a farewell gathering hosted by the Speases this Friday night from 6-9. We'd love to see you all before leaving even though we do intend on having lots of visitors up north, right?? We better not hear of friends driving through Sacramento without making a phone call! You don't want the wrath of Bri -- be very afraid -- I may come hobbling after you on my good leg and clobber you with my good hand. :0

Update

Without having mobility/dexterity of my left side, it takes forever to type one-handed so I’m less motivated to get online to correspond with people and update the blog. I’m taking physical, occupational, and soon speech therapy to overcome all this. Even though I’ve already seen a bit of improvement, a full recovery may be a long road from my perspective because I’m not a patient individual. Occupational and physical therapy are good for me; though, again, I struggle with patience. I want to see results yesterday.:)I think maybe the stroke was Heavenly Father’s way of saying, “Slow down. You have more to learn. Don't be in such a rush to do what you want to do.” I know I need to start each day asking God, "Okay, I'm here and handicapped. What would you like me to learn and do today?"

After running several tests, doctors don’t know what caused the lack of oxygen to my brain. One doctor said we all took for granted that I was doing so well and not acknowledging that I still have four brain tumors and cancer in the body, so I still shouldn’t jump back into a full exercise regime. He said we probably created a perfect storm with brain radiation, chemotherapy, and a week in the mountains for girls camp at high altitude rock climbing, hiking, & mountain biking. (The stroke took place at camp.)

In the meantime, I'm not allowed to run (even if I could). It seems the most actvity my body is getting is through gaining weight, not lifting weight! haha

Health Status

Went in for chemo today, but they wouldn’t treat me w/o a MRI. MRI shows no more tumor growth and very little edema (yay!), but I still have 4 small tumors. However, turns out I suffered from a stroke while at girls camp this last week. I go in for testing with a neurologist tomorrow morning to discover if stroke was caused by blood clots in neck or brain. Cancer patients have thicker blood, so it’s very likely. As for lack of mobility in my left side, it looks like I’ll have to face rehab to get back strength and functionality which appears to be getting worse by the day. So much for restarting my running career next week. All I can say is how blessed I am to have Mom’s help right now. I’m an emotional wreck which most of you have been privy to, and I apologize for my weakness that doesn’t help the situation at all. I’m pulling myself together, but I am not looking forward to the trials that lie ahead. When it rains, it pours, that’s for sure.

Deepest gratitude for your continual prayers and endless support.

I love you,
Bri

Could we live without moms?

Mom, this post is a tribute to you who has proven to be the grandest of mothers in the world! Mom's not only been dishwasher, laundry maid, and babysitter; she's a woman of strength, compassion, humor, selflessness, and patience -- the ultimate peacemaker and help!

Like the debt I owe the Savior, I will never be able to repay you for your generosity and daily sacrifices you make on our behalf. You've made it possible the last few weeks for our kids to visit Sea World, several beaches, Universal Studios, La Brea Tar pits, Disneyland, and Knott's Berry Farm. It's been an amazing summer that the kids will never forget, despite my absence due to medical treatments, house hunting, and girls camp.

Mom, you mean the world to me. I couldn't have gotten through the last 2 years without you, and admire your ability to love and serve like no other! I love you!

On the road....Again!

We've been here in Simi for just over 2 years now, so you know what that means.... In 12 years of marriage, we have moved every 2 years. Six houses later, we are preparing for yet another move to Roseville, CA as Eric has taken a new position for work up there. Can you believe we're packing up again? I never would have thought that the pharma industry would move us as much as the military. On to new life adventures -- because obviously we don't have enough here. ha ha

Seriously, though, we know the Lord's hand is in everything. Facing cancer, chemo, brain tumors, a stroke, physical/occupational/speech therapy, renting out our home, moving into another home, and getting our kids adjusted to a new life and school,in addition to daily household responsibilities -- all could be overwhelming to some, but angels (seen and unseen) are surrounding us and helping to manage it all. We've loved every place we've ever been, but no place conjures the warmth in my heart like Simi; a family and community that will be deeply missed.

We would be drowning in disabilities if it weren't for Mom who'll always have a permanent room in our house. :) Friends, neighbors, ward members, even strangers continually show their support through prayers and service. I'll forever be indebted to you all. Remember that and allow me to serve you whenever I can -- anything to make me feel useful and less handicapped!

To all my girlfriends out there, start saving your pennies because an annual girls trip is a must and will be happening! Sept 9th, my birthday, is our official move date. Know anyone interested in renting our Simi home? We'll be just a half hour from Tahoe, so know that our doors are always open to house anyone should you decide to vacation up north. :)

Sea World

Thanks to Eric's accumulated Marriott points, we were able to get a hotel near Sea World and spend two days there. Sea World is definitely my favorite amusement park --I love watching the gracefulness of sea animals, and am always amazed at the ability they have to train and develop relationships with whales, dolphins and sea lions. Kami kisses Shamu told Mom this is the only time I'd allow her to say she looked like a whale Shamu show is awesome!

Shamu Rocks

Wild Arctic Zone Beluga Whale

Sea Lion Show Kami the Magician

my temporary new family Shipwreck Rapids at least I don't have to worry about drying my hair Journey to Atlantis, here we come! kids couldn't get enough of the Atlantis ride!

Teacups
Cirque de Le Mer (incredible strength)

Playful Dolphins

Bat Ray Exhibit

LA Zoo

Yay! Mom's visiting us again.She came out to help while Eric's in Europe since I'm having two chemo treatments in his absence, but we're trying to squeeze in as much fun as we can, as well. The weather's been beautiful, but the day we opted to visit the zoo it was soooo hot -- go figure.

Jurancon Winery

Mammoth Lakes - 07.05.10

Happy Independence Day - 07.04.10

Marlee Matlin (deaf actress) is sitting behind Leyna

This moment with Deena Kastor, US Olympic Marathoner, fulfilled my entire trip! Look how tiny she is; she makes me look like a heffer. Joanne and I drove down to the Mile Race that was being put on by Deena's husband, just to meet her. We drove to the finish line area and were told we were at the wrong spot, so drove to the start area and were redirected back to the finish area --only to be told she wasn't going to run and be at the finish zone. Unfortunately, the roads were closed for the race and the parade to follow at this point, so we couldn't drive back to the start to find her. I was so disappointed! We sat at the parade and I was just joking about how maybe I could call her up and ask her to lunch when she walked right by!! I yelled our her name -- she turned around and so warmly engaged in conversation with me. I was so stupidly starstruck that I didn't get to tell her how I was there cheering her on in Boston for the Olympic Trials or how much I enjoyed her movie or how inspiring she is. Instead, she was asking me questions about my trip and what I had planned and what I should do. Anyhow, it was a great moment for me that I'll cherish.


Devil's Postpile
Kami, keep playing hard to get for another 15 years!



Easton & Wayne
Fireworks at Crowley Lake were a little disappointing, but what was lacking in entertainment we made up for in friends and fun. How lucky that we were able to be with great neighbor friends from Simi in Mammoth!



On our way home from the fireworks, we bypassed a highway that was lined bumper to bumper with cars. Leyna looked out the window at them and said, "What the hell?" "What'd you say, Leyna?" I asked. She repeated, "What the hell?" I explained how we shouldn't say that and quickly turned around to laugh silently with Eric. Seriously, how can you not love 4 year olds? Little kids are so innocently hilarious.

Mammoth Lakes - 07.03.10

Bodie Ghost Town - Remmi, Kami, Jaydin
Kaden's holding up the building. Can you tell?
Old Firehouse
Mosquito Attack! We tried to take a picture, but the mosquitoes were relentless; we had to run back to our cars for safety. Unfortunately, Larry had gone back to the car through the woods to get the camera and didn't know we went back to the cars, so some were locked out of the vehicle for a while until Larry could be tracked down.
Kristi & Gary Larry & Joan Larry, Joan, Eric, Kristi Warming up after swimming in freezing June Lake June Lake