Walking with Big EZ

EZ Loves Projects!

2012-02-28T12:26:00.004-05:00

If you know EZ, you know he loves projects! One of his latest was to enclose a smaller area of our yard, and then install a doggie door in our mudroom. When we had indoor cats this wasn't a good idea, but now that we are a dog-only family, with dogs that are 11 1/2, hard of hearing, and now need to go out more often, it was time. He measured our dogs, we headed out to PetsMart and Home Depot, and the rest is history!

The dogs got the hang of it right away and we are all happier for it! Always wonderful to see my man with tools in his hands cuz it means he's feeling good and back in the saddle!

More Moments to Remember

2012-02-24T00:01:00.004-05:00

Mom Baker was very focused on doing her exercises both with her physical therapist three days a week, and with her occupational therapist two days a week. This made for a very busy schedule, especially considering that she wanted to do them on her own as well, which really impressed me! We were glad to be able to witness first hand how hard she was working to regain her strength, stamina, balance and use of her right arm, following her accident. Not many patients have such a sweet smile while doing their exercises!

Before we headed back to Wake Forest, we wanted to accompany Mom for her MRI. Once again, she followed the directions to a tee and laid perfectly still in that big donut hole. At 104 pounds fully dressed, she had a tad more room than EZ does for his MRIs! We were pleased to find out that she does not have a torn right rotator cuff as expected, but simply has some nerve damage and immobility that should come back over time if she uses her arm and doesn't "baby" it.

EZ and his Dad always enjoy their time together, walking on the land, solving computer problems, working on projects, or just talking. Dad also loves dessert after dinner, so I had to have him try Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings. They were a hit!

Before we knew it, over a week had passed by and we had to head home for medication refills, doctor appointments, and other commitments. We always treasure the time we have with our folks and are so grateful to be a part of their lives. Until next time, have a blessed weekend everybody!

Moments to Remember

2012-02-23T00:30:00.005-05:00

I really can't believe it has been so long since we posted. Thank you to those who were concerned about us and wrote to be sure everything was okay. We are fine...life just took a very busy turn when we went to check up on EZ's parents over in the mountains, and we stayed longer than first anticipated.

As you might remember EZ's mother, Erna, fell and fractured her pelvis on January 8th. He was able to spend five days with her, and we have been in daily contact since, but we just wanted to see with our own eyes how she was doing a month later. At 87, an injury like this is not easy to come back from, and we had reports from EZ's Dad and their caregiver, Lisa, about increased confusion, and problems using her right arm. So off we went.

Unfortunately we arrived to learn that Lisa had been using a pressure cooker that morning and opened it while still under pressure. The top flew off and hit her in the forehead, and the steaming hot green beans and water splattered onto the right side of her face, causing second degree burns. Thankfully, she had closed her eyes, so they were not injured. She is one tough cookie and we were so happy that her injuries weren't worse and her burns healed really well with each passing day. While we had some tough times during the week, we also had some very precious and tender moments caring for one another.


Linda and Lisa

Erna beaming and beautiful after we took her to have her hair done for the first time since her fall.

EZ loves to hug his mom.

On Sunday morning we prepared and enjoyed a nice big breakfast together, and of course monkey bread had to be a part of it. Erna was very proud of the fruit salad she helped me make, and I was thrilled to have her in the kitchen, being able to do what she loves. I was definitely trying to put a few pounds on her while I was there!

We celebrated Valentine's Day together and Mom helped me gather dishes from her two china cabinets to set the table. We used crystal pieces and silverware she hadn't seen in quite a while and everyone commented about how nice it was to enjoy a candlelight dinner, at home, in our "5 star restaurant". From the time our children were little, I always tried to make this day extra special for my family as a way to serve them and show them how much they were loved. We brought out our best china and the children felt like royalty, often eating in the dining room not the kitchen, even if breakfast was the only meal that we could all gather for. It was fun to do this for EZ, his Mom, Dad, and Lisa. Last year on Valentine's Day EZ had surgery to place a pin in his femoral neck and a rod in his femur, requiring a three day hospital stay for us. This year was a whole lot more fun!

Lisa is a lover of puzzles and has a quite a few to choose from. At first Mom was hesitant, but once we got the table out and asked for her help, she was all in. This is the second one we completed together...a great feeling of accomplishment for her.

When the weather cooperated we enjoyed many walks outside and were so proud of Mom's progress from a walker, to a cane, to holding an arm and walking a big loop. We all love to be in the great outdoors and it blesses my heart to see EZ lovingly, tenderly and with great joy, spending time just walking with his mom. How well I remember the days in April of 2010 when he painstakingly took his first steps after spending a month bedridden. He too had to progress from walker to cane, building up his endurance by walking loops around our driveway...just like his mom. Sometimes having been there gives one a sensitivity others find hard to understand. It was a beautiful thing...mother and son walking arm in arm. As you can see, their dog Charlie was also happy to have her outside again!

There was much more to our week, from home physical and occupational therapy to an MRI. Progress was made and questions were answered. More sweet memories were created. Tune in tomorrow!

We Have a Future Dentist in the House!

2012-02-08T01:30:00.002-05:00

It is with great joy that we celebrate Nick's acceptance into the UNC School of Dentistry! Some of you may remember his journey up to this point, but I thought it might be fun to look back at some memorable steps along the way.

Nick took his first dental mission trip to Honduras in the summer of 2007 and by the end of the week, actually got his hands in people's mouths, confirming that this was what he wanted to do. The setting was primitive to say the least, but the people were brave and grateful for relief from the pain many of them were experiencing due to rotten teeth.

Here he is graduating from UNC in May of 2009 with his degree in Biomedical Engineering, minoring in Chemistry. It DID take him five years, but he loved it and did very well.

Wanting to travel a bit and explore the west coast, he moved out to Oakland, CA in August of 2009 and earned a good living as an amateur online poker player.

Unfortunately Multiple Myeloma entered our lives in January of 2010 and Nick came back east to work from home and help out as his dad underwent treatments and a stem cell transplant.

In the Fall of 2010 he began diligently studying for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) in order to take it in December. Here is the schedule he mapped out, and a picture of him after he dominated the test, despite exhaustion and a terrible cold. We were so proud of how hard he studied and how disciplined he was, deeply desiring to do well.

In January of 2011 off he went to Cuzco, Peru for three months to volunteer with with IVHQ, eventually working under a Peruvian dentist. Here is the lovely extraction chair...yikes!

He became much more fluent in Spanish and met lots of interesting people from all over the world, of course traveling whenever he had a free moment. The highlight of the trip was his hike up to Machu Picchu with three friends who had flown over. Amazing...

In April Nick returned home to begin getting all his materials together for applying to dental schools. Unfortunately for him, the FBI froze all the poker sites and went after the executives for tax fraud, so Nick suddenly found himself without a "job" or source of income.

So what did he do? He decided to work as a lifeguard and began the process of certification, eventually landing a sweet job less than a half mile from our house.

As the end of the summer drew near, Nick decided it was time to look for a "real" job as he waited for word on interviews and hopefully acceptance to one of the four schools he applied to (UNC, ECU, Midwestern, and VCU). Enter a pharmaceutical services company whose global headquarters is in Durham. Nick was hired in November as a simulation analyst on a joint venture, working in Indianapolis Monday-Thursday, and either from home or in Durham on Fridays. He finds it challenging and thoroughly enjoys working in both cities (no he didn't get tickets to the Super Bowl) and feels like a perfect fit for the job he is doing. He felt blessed to be where he is, should he not be accepted to dental school, but definitely hoped he would get interviews. Here he is (reluctantly posing for a picture) on his first day of training as a bonafide full-time employee with a Blackberry, laptop, office space, benefits and badge!

He heard first from ECU and spent a morning in late September at their facility interviewing with faculty and dental students. He was impressed with their program and just waited to hear whether or not he would be accepted. Then came the interview on January 7th at UNC...totally at home back on the campus. Then all he could do was wait. On January 26th, he got the call from one of the members of the admission committee that had interviewed him at UNC. HE WAS ACCEPTED and would become part of the Class of 2016, the first class to graduate from the new state of the art dental school facilities...a far cry from Honduras and Peru! He sent in his deposit last Saturday and will begin orientation in August (hopefully he will be able to continue working at his current job until then!).

And so he will begin another exciting chapter in his life, back to the books and a campus he loves, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We are so grateful for his help, love and support these past two years, as his dad battled multiple myeloma. He unselfishly gave up his independence and new life in California to move back home, and get us up on our feet again, and we have thoroughly enjoyed spending this time with him. We are thankful he will be just up the road and look forward to great things in his future. We love you Nick and are so proud of you!

Mom and Dad

Thankful Thursday: My Dad's Testimony

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday was a very special day in the life of our church and family. It was Baptist Men's Day, and for this year's service, my Dad was asked to share his testimony. I was so proud of him as I listened to him share about the difficulties that he has experienced over the last two years, but also about the joyous contentment that he has in Christ. I was brought to tears as I watched my father share from his heart, not only about his fears but also about his faith. I'm so thankful for the spiritual and godly legacy I have in my Daddy.

In addition, my heart was filled to overflowing when Nathan and Natalie wanted to stay in "big church" (instead of going to Children's Church) so that they could "hear Grandpa talk about Jesus." As I watched them listen to him speak, I couldn't help but think of the verse in Deuteronomy 4:9, when God is talking to His people: "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that YOU DO NOT FORGET the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. TEACH THEM TO YOUR CHILDREN and to THEIR CHILDREN AFTER THEM" (emphasis mine)."

I have watched my Daddy closely over the last two years, and I have seen him on good days and bad. He has never once complained, and has been an encourager to all those around him. He has clung to Christ and found his joy in Him, despite health, financial, and emotional difficulties. And on Sunday, he taught his children and their children; spiritual heritage if there ever was one. May you be blessed by his testimony as much as I was:

And just in case you are not able to watch all three parts (about 20 minutes total), here is an almost-complete transcript:

"Good Morning. It is a JOY for meto be here with you this morning. I love to see all of your smiling faces. I see a few visitors that have come to support me thismorning. Thank you forcoming. I would like to startwith a word of prayer. Let’s go to theLord:

Father, I thank youfor this beautiful day. Thank youfor this time when we can gather to worship you. I would ask that you would help me share the many blessingsthat you have provided me and that everything that I say and do be honoring toyou. I ask this in theprecious name of Jesus, Amen.

When Jamie asked meto share my testimony, I asked him how long I would be speaking. He said that it is Baptist Men’sDay and I could go as long as I wanted, but there was an evening service thatdid start at 7:00pm. You don’t need toworry, I am just hoping my feet, legs and back hold out for 20 minutes…so youare safe.

If you have your Bible, please turn with me to Philippians 4, verse 11. This has become oneof my favorite verses as I have lived my life with cancer these past two years. This is from Paul’sletter to the church in Phillipi. He was in prison at the time of this writing:
11 “I am not saying this because I am inneed, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12Iknow what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I havelearned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether wellfed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13Ican do everything through him who gives me strength."

Seven years ago, I spoke up inthe sanctuary on Baptist Men's Day. On that day I shared the importance of being an encouragement to thosearound you.
Seven years ago, this was thescenario:

·     I wasCEO of a small software company at RTP
·     I hadone daughter, Tara, married to apreacher
·     Myother daughter, Leah, and my son, Nick, were in college
·     Thisbuilding was just in the planning stages
·     Jamieand Tara did not have any kids.  Zero

Anyone Remember? A lot has changed in seven years!

Two years ago, my world wasturned upside down. In late 2009, I was having backproblems…..lower back pain that the doctors and chiropractors all said it was adegenerative disk disease, a common condition that comes on as we age..... I was not improving, so myorthopedic doctor recommended an MRI,…..which I had on January 4^th,2010.

I remember Linda and I being inthe orthopedic doctors office here in Wake Forest, on a Tuesday morning when wefirst heard the words “PRIMARY TUMOR, ABNORMAL CELLS and BONEMARROW CHANGES”, The doctor also used some otherunfamiliar terms: Lymphoma,Leukemia, Myeloma….he did not know exactly what it was, so he scheduled abiopsy a week later.

By the time we left his office,we were pretty certain that I had some sort of cancer. Two days after this appointment,and having shared my condition with my employer, my job was terminated and Iwas told my services were not longer needed.

Cancer, such an terrifying word……bya show of hands, how many here have cancer or have had someone in their familydiagnosed with some form of cancer?……Each of you know how it canchange your life in an instant.

Overnight I had gone from anexecutive in a small company with a stable income and a ‘normal’ life to someone who was unemployedand in for the fight of my life with cancer……Linda and I knew a bit aboutcancer….we had lost Linda’s dad only seven months before and knew first hand all the trialsand tribulations cancer treatment. I remember Linda and I returninghome and making a list of all the things we were going to have to address:

·     How dowe tell our kids and family?
·     CouldI ever work again,
·     Couldwe stay in our home?
·     Couldwe afford insurance?
·     Whatwas the outlook for my cancer
·     Whatabout the future?

Linda and I began earnestly askingthe Lord to guide us, to help us, and to let us be an example to others of howto handle a situation when life throws you a curveball. Needless to say, the Lord had alreadybeen working on our behalf. As we awaited the biopsy results, ourown Cindy Coats, a lymphoma survivor, was talking to Linda one night and said “If you ever need a hemotolgyoncologist, you have to call Dr. Kritz”. When the biopsy revealed a tumor called a plasma cytoma, my doctor askedif I had an oncolgist. I looked at Linda with a blankstare and she cooly said “We’d love it to be Dr. Kritz”.
The very next afternoon, we weresitting in Dr. Kritz’s examination room. He is recognized as a leading oncologist, and one of the top 100 doctorsin America. It is hard to get on hiscalendar….but the Lord had miraculously opened up a window for us. Dr. Kritz spent over 2 hours withus that afternoon, immediately doing a bone marrow biopsy, and orderingbloodwork, long bone x-rays, urinalsys, vaccines and radiation for my tumor.

So, on January 29^th,2010, exactly two years ago today, the test results were back and Dr. Kritztold me that I have Multiple Myeloma. MULTIPLE MYELOMA. Multiple Myeloma is a bloodcancer that affects 20,000 people in the US each year. The bone marrow ends up making abnormalplasma cells that multiply out of control causing lesions or tumors thatdestroy the bones. Unfortunately, at this time, itis not curable but treatable.
In my case the Myeloma had alreadydestroyed the lower 70% of my sacrum. The sacrum is that bone on the lower part of yourspine that connects the backbones to the pelvis. The top portion of the sacrum is the load bearing bonethat transfers the weight of your upper body to your legs.

The lower part, the part in mycase that was destroyed, is the part that shields all the nerves of the lowerhalf of your body from any upward or twisting pressure…..like when you bend orsit.

In short, I can’t sit orbend. Many of you have seen melaying down or walking there in the back ….it’s because I can’t sit up herewith you…..believe me, I would much rather be sitting up here with you thanlaying down and looking at the back of your heads!
By the time March of 2010 rolledaround, I had already had a dozen or so radiation treatments, had a infusion portinstalled, was on chemotherapy and daily pain medicine. The pain in my lower back and legs wasincreasing. On March 29^th, the siaticnerve pain was so intense in my back and legs that I could not get out of bed. Linda called 911 and the StonyHill Fire Department transported me to Rex hospital.

For the next 26 days, I wasunable to get out of the hospital bed. I had daily radiation and chemo treatments as the doctors tried eveything from morphine to snail toxin torelieve the pain. Nothingworked. A friend commented then that perhapsthe Lord had put me on my back so all I could do is look up to Him……so true. The doctors were out ofsolutions….however, Linda and I learned of the many people that were prayingfor me….believers in North and South Carolina, Tennesee, Georgia, Florida and even in Africa. This church body and others were alsopraying for me.

And the Lord answered thoseprayers. On the 27^thday, a young physical therapist helped me out of bed. I was up, learning to walk again and I came home on the 31^stday.
An additional difficulty withwalking is the nerve damage done by the chemo drugs. This nerve damage, called neuropathy, usually affects thefeet and hands. In my case, thedrug damaged the nerves so that both feet are completely numb with severetingling and false pains, making walking difficult.

This church body has stood withme and my family constantly over the last two years. I cannot say thank you enough. Your prayers are felt every single dayas I work to recover.
The Lord has continued to sustainme through this trial:· Hewas working on my behalf before I even knew we had cancer.
Hewas with me everyday in Rex hospital…granting his comfort and peace
Hewas with me every trip to the cancer center for radiation and chemo
Heraised up Christian friends to host a fund raiser for me in July 2010 thatallowed us to stay in our home
Hewas with us for my Stem Cell Transplant in August 2010 at Duke.
Hewas with us in March of last year when I had a pin placed in my upper femur tostrenghten the area where the myeloma had eaten a 1 inch hole through the bone.
Heprovided a loving and dedicated caregiver in my wife that has been with meevery step of the way.

He continues to bless me as themedicines are working for me, my cancer is for now complete response, and withhis help may I stay there. I want to continue gettingstronger so that I can again serve this church. I miss teaching Sunday School, being on committees,serving as a deacon and helping with Awana.

On this journey, Linda and I havemet many others, some walking with Christ and some hopelessly lost without Him. We have hopefully been anencouragement to them and a witness of how to run this race with Christ by ourside. I can’t imagine battling cancer without Christ……

So when you see me with a smile,or you see me “looking good today”, it is because as the verse says: I am content. I am content that the Lord he hasequipped me with whatever I need to walk in this world. He has raised up many friends andfamily that continue to pray for me and to be there when I need something. I am content whatever thecircumstances because it is the Lord who gives me strength to carry on, tocount my blessings and to serve Him in any way I can. I am not content because I havecancer, I’m content with Christ. Let us pray: Lord help us be content. Help us to be aware of the manymany blessings that you bestow on us. Thank you for the safety you provide, the substanenceyou provide and the many brothers and sisters in Christ that walk with us. Lord, give us your strength towalk the good walk and fight the good fight in order to glorify you and be anexample and encouragement for others in need. In your Holy name, Amen."

I love you, Daddy! Thank you for exhibiting contentment in Christ, despite all circumstances. I am so very proud of you.

The Nats Sleep Over

2012-02-01T00:01:00.006-05:00

Nathan and Natalie have been asking to sleep over for quite a few months now and we finally made it happen last week. To say they were excited is an understatement!

It's always so much fun to plan out what we will do, where they will sleep and what we will eat while they are here. (Here is a link to our sleepover back in March of 2011.) We try to give them our undivided attention, and many special memories are always made in the process. It's nice to occasionally give the "Bigs" an opportunity to enjoy time with Grandma and Grandpa apart from the "Littles". Such is life with two sets of twin grandchildren! Can't wait till the Sams and Emery are old enough to join in!

After a nice walk near the lake, we headed home and began making our pizza. The Nats are both great helpers and love to be in the kitchen. Natalie washed all our mushrooms, Nathan sliced them, and they each created "a masterpiece" that was delicious!

Nathan decided to take a break and race Lightening McQueen on my phone, while Natalie helped with the salad.

After dinner it was time for the traditional bubble bath, pjs and a game. This time we played "Hisss" a kid's version of dominos and it was alot of fun.

Soon they were fast asleep...and so were we, knowing they get up a bit earlier than we normally do!

A "must have" according to these two is Monkey Bread, so when we got up it was back to the kitchen to get started!

Natalie helped make a yummy fresh fruit salad and we also scrambled some eggs. The Nats are excellent chefs, and everything was delicious. Can't wait to do it again!

Two Years Post Diagnosis

2012-01-31T01:20:00.001-05:00

On January 29th, 2010, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. On January 29th, 2012, I stood before the congregation of my home church and testified to God's faithfulness in my life. What a privilege it was to share, from my heart, what the past two years have meant to me.

My brothers and sisters at Stony Hill Baptist Church faithfully prayed for me when I was hospitalized for a month, endured chemo and radiation treatments, had my stem cell transplant, and recovered from my hip pinning surgery. I have been blessed beyond measure by their compassion, kindness, sacrificial acts of service, and prayers. I love the people of this church and was humbled and honored to stand before them on that beautiful Sunday morning.

Two years ago my world was turned upside down in a matter of days, and I went from being an executive in a small company with a stable income and a "normal" life, to someone who was unemployed and in for the fight of my life with a blood cancer. However, with the love and support of my family, my friends, my doctors, and my church, I have gotten through some really rough times and been blessed in more ways than I can count. My prayer is that God would use me to glorify Him and encourage others who are in need. I cannot imagine cancer without Christ.

For me these verses summarize what I have learned on my journey thus far:

I'm not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives my strength. Philippians 4:11-13

To be 'content' means to be satisfied. I am content that the Lord has supplied all that I need. I am content that whatever my circumstances, it is the Lord who gives me strength to carry on, walking the good walk and fighting the good fight. I am content...not with cancer, but with Christ.

Update: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Co-Pay Assistance Program

2012-01-27T16:43:00.001-05:00

Linda and I just returned from the Cancer Center after again paying the doctor's co-pay. We dropped off a prescription (again), then waited (again) for it to be filled and then (again) said "yes, please" as the pharmacist (again) asked us if we wanted to use express pay for the prescription co-pay. Medical insurance covers the bulk of treatments and prescription costs, but the continuous stream of co-pays really creates a strain on any budget.

For the past two years, I have received a grant from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Co-Pay Assistance Program. Myeloma did not make the group's title, but it is a significant part of their program. Here is a quick review of the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program:

Approved applicants can offload/get reimbursed for certain expenses up to $10,000.00 each year. The LLS calendar year runs from July 1 to July 1 and candidates need to apply each year, but you can apply anytime during the year and coverage is retroactive back to the prior July. Candidates must meet the following guidelines to apply:

Candidate must have a confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. (Oncologist will provide this)
Candidate's household income needs to be at or within 500% above the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. (An example: A family of two has a gross income less than $72,850.00)
Candidate must reside in the US or Puerto Rico
Candidate must have prescription insurance coverage

The co-pay program provides reimbursement for:

100% of Medical Insurance Premiums
100% of Medicare Insurance Premiums
100% of Pharmacy Prescription Co-Pays
100% of Cancer Related Doctor/Hospital/Treatment Co-Pays

If you have Multiple Myeloma and meet the guidelines, please look into this program by clicking on the following link and reading more of the details: LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program. It certainly has been a huge blessing to Linda and I as we try to stretch every retirement dollar and survive on disability. I hope you find this helpful and if I can be of any assistance navigating, just let me know.

Take care and have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday - Story Time With Grandpa

2012-01-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

What's For Dinner? Shrimp Pasta in a Foil Package

2012-01-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

(Take two on this post...I got it all done Sunday night, scheduled it for Monday morning and when I woke up it was nowhere to be found. Virus! Needless to say, very frustrating! Big EZ got me up and running again this morning, so here we go again. Anyone else ever had that happen?)

Seems like I have been on a Pioneer Woman recipe kick lately and this one was too good not to share. It's called Shrimp Pasta in a Foil Package and it was delicious. The sauce was tasty and the shrimp were very tender. I pretty much halved the recipe (except for using 2 cans of diced tomatoes, and 13.5 ounces of Dreamfield's pasta) and it still made 6-8 servings!

Shrimp Pasta in a Foil Package

1/2 cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 whole 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes

1/2 cup white wine

2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, minced ( I used dried)

1 pound linguine, uncooked

Red pepper flakes, to taste

Cook pasta for half the recommended time (it should be somewhat firm), and drain. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for a minute. Dump in the tomatoes and wine. Stir the mixture together, season with salt and pepper, and allow to cook for ten minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare a large parcel of heavy duty aluminum foil. It should be large enough to hold the entire pasta dish. Throw the shrimp on the top of the pasta sauce. Throw the drained pasta over the top, then pour the whole dish onto the foil. Tightly wrap the foil into a parcel. Get some good crusty rolls and wrap them in foil as well. Bake both packets at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil on top of pasta when opened (I didn't find this necessary). Unwrap your warm rolls, serve with a tossed salad, and enjoy!

Our Little Winter Wonderland

2012-01-20T01:10:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that just one week ago my Mom and I were enjoying snow for the second night in a row over in Boone. Having EZ there to enjoy it with us is the only thing that would've made it better!

I have always loved warm temperatures, ocean waves and sand between my toes. On the other hand, EZ loves chilly temperatures, fresh mountain air, and a nice winding trail beneath his feet. (I have to admit I am gravitating over to his side a bit more as we grow older.) Unfortunately his unexpected departure earlier in the week, due to his mom's fractured pelvis, meant he missed out on the beautiful snow. Mom and I were treated to three nights in a row of fluffy flakes and were like children who could hardly sleep waiting to see what the morning would bring. Here are a few shots I captured:

It was so beautifully serene, and we wished we could have stayed longer to soak it all up, but the time had come for us to head out and rendezvous with EZ in Old Fort. Reality set in as we realized that somehow we had to get our packed, non-four-wheel-drive car up this slippery driveway, a task EZ would have been much more comfortable with than me! Upon failing to find any of our male neighbors home (I was certain that they had much more experience driving in this kind of stuff than I did), we realized we were on our own. After what seemed like an eternity (probably 40 minutes or so), we made it up. I was too shaken to even think about snapping a picture of my tire tracks, but let me just say we were slipping, sliding, spinning and praying our way to the top! (EZ was actually on the phone with AAA to have them come pull me up when I called to say we had made it.) Next time I think we'll just stay put until it melts!

As we were leaving Boone I captured this picture, a scene that repeated itself numerous times as we traveled south. Just gorgeous...

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, wherever you might be! And if you happen to be getting a bit of snow, I pray you stay safe and enjoy every minute of it.

PW Chili with Kim's Corny Cornbread

2012-01-16T12:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know what else hits the spot on a chilly winter evening like chili. Just warms you up from the inside out, and when paired with some moist and delicious cornbread, chips, salsa and guacamole, you just can't go wrong! We even threw in a fruit salad just because we love fruit.

While at the cabin recently I decided to try Pioneer Woman's Chili recipe and it did not disappoint. Just the right amount of seasoning... thick and tasty. As for the cornbread, my all time favorite recipe came from my friend Kim. Unlike most cornbread, it is not dry and crumbly. It is moist and light like cake. Here are the recipes. Hope you enjoy!

Simple Perfect Chili

(Makes 6 servings)

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 pounds ground beef, cooked and drained

1 teaspoon ground oregano

1 Tablespoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 Tablespoons chili powder

One 8-oz. can tomato sauce (I used 15 ounce can)

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup masa (corn flour, found in Mexican food section)

Optional Ingredients:

1 can pinto beans, drained

1 can kidney beans drained

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced

1 can diced tomatoes and chilies (Rotel)

(I added all the optional ingredients except the jalapeno. I may get brave next time I make it!)

Measure all the spices into a small bowl. Cook ground beef with garlic until brown, then drain off excess fat. Pour in spices, tomato sauce, and salt. Stir together well, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If mixture becomes overly dry, add 1/2 cup water as needed. After an hour, plce themasa in a small bowl. All 1/2 cup water and stir together with a fork. Dump the masa mixture into chili. Stir together well. Taste, adjust seasonings, and add more masa paste and/or water to get the chili to your preferred consistency, or to add more corn flavor. Add the beans, jalapeno and tomatoes if desired. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with shredded cheddar, chopped onion and Fritos or Tostitos.

Kim's Corny Cornbread

2 boxes Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

1/2 cup oil

1 can creamed style corn

3 eggs

8 oz. sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

Mix ingredients together in a bowl hand. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

EZ Goes From Patient to Caregiver

2012-01-13T20:39:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, January 8th, EZ's Mom, Erna, had a fall. She was in her stocking feet, changing clothes after church, and attempted to step up on a piano bench to reach a shelf in her closet. Needless to say, she slipped and toppled over along with the bench. She got a nasty bruise on her right temple, and was very sore in the area of her right hip, with pain in her right leg when she bore weight or laid on her right side. A real concern for someone who is 87 years old. After an all night visit to the ER, a CT scan, X-rays, and an MRI revealed a fractured pelvis, but the bones were not displaced and would knit back together over time. Miraculously, she was able to return home early Monday morning with prescriptions to help manage pain, and instructions to take it easy.

We happened to be in Boone (after our visit there with Leah and Emery), so we were less than two hours away from the Bakers' home when the accident occurred. After a sleepless night, a quick check of the calendar, a call to reschedule an appointment, and a couple of prescription refills for key medications EZ takes, we were on our way to Black Mountain to drop him off. In order to transport a lift chair/recliner that either he or his mom could have available to use, I had to leave my Mom and our dogs back at the cabin and return to Boone later that afternoon. We thought it best not to head home, but to stay in Boone in order to be closer to Black Mountain. Just part of being in the "sandwich generation" I suppose...enjoying our daughter and granddaughter in the morning, and worrying about our parents in the evening.

EZ loves his mom, and it doesn't surprise me that, along with a neighbor and friend Lisa, he has been taking excellent care of her, helping her make great strides in just four days. She has mastered the walker, the bump on her forehead is healing, she is eating and sleeping well, and best of all she is only in a little bit of pain when she bears too much weight on her right leg or twists getting in and out of bed. We praise the Lord her injuries weren't worse, perhaps requiring surgery or a lengthy hospital or rehab stay. Just look at her smile as she walks laps in the house...precious! Please keep her in your prayers for a complete recovery.

A loving son with a caring heart, a selfless attitude, a willingness to go and be a caregiver in spite of issues he suffers himself...that is EZ. I miss him here in Boone, but know he wouldn't want to be anywhere else if he could help his mom. Just more reasons why I love him so much. Mom and I plan to load everything up and head over to get him on Sunday, if Erna continues to do so well. I am betting he will sleep ALOT when he gets home! I can't wait to pamper him a bit.

French Onion Soup and Blueberry Cobbler

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

When the weather turns cold, French Onion Soup accompanied by a fresh green salad seems to be the perfect dinner. Here is our favorite recipe from my really old Total Woman Cookbook published in 1980. My mom made this batch while Leah, Emery, EZ and I headed out to the park for a chilly walk. Believe me, it tasted as delicious as it looks and did it ever hit the spot when we got home!

French Onion Soup Gratin

5 cups thinly sliced sweet onions (about 5)

¼ Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp oil or bacon drippings

¼ cup sweet butter

1 Tbsp flour

3 10 ½ ounce cans condensed beefor chicken broth, undiluted (we used beef)

3 soup cans of water

1 tsp salt

Freshly ground black pepper totaste

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (*we used 3 tablespoons)

Dash of nutmeg

1 glove garlic, minced (*we used 2)

2 dozen slices French bread, cutvery thin and toasted or dried in oven

1 ½ cup Swiss or Gruyere cheese,grated (*we used Swiss slices)

1. Early in the day,sprinkle onion slices with sugar.(*No need to do this early in the day) Sauté slowly in oil and butter until golden.Sprinkle flour over onions and blend in. Add beef or chicken broth, water,salt, pepper, Worcestershire, nutmeg, and garlic. Cover and simmer gently 45minutes.

2. Put 4 or 5 slices of bread in each individual 12-ounceovenproof bowl. Fill bowls halfway with the liquid. This is important as breadwill soften and absorb some liquid. Keep adding liquid gradually to the bowls,making sure they are filled evenly to the top with liquid. This is very important,as the cheese crust must not sink into the bowl.

3. Sprinkle cheese on top, without pushing it into liquid,about ¼ cup of cheese per bowl. Press the cheese all around the edges of eachbowl so that when it melts it sticks to the sides and forms a crust. Placebowls in 400 degree oven for approximately 35 minutes.

And now for dessert...

I had been wanting to try Pioneer Woman's Blackberry Cobbler. However, blueberries happened to be on sale, so I made Blueberry Cobbler (she also suggests peaches or raspberries). It was scrumptious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A perfectly satisfying meal for a chilly night in Boone, or anywhere for that matter. You will have to give these recipes a try!

Time with Little Em

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

We recently spent a very special three days with Leah and Emery at the cabin. It is amazing how quickly little ones grow and change. Em was already doing new things since we had seen her at Christmas less than two weeks ago! She has a wonderful disposition and is such a happy baby, babbling, pointing, sharing and smiling all the time! Here are pictures I snapped with my iPhone, which was usually more readily available than our SLR camera, though certainly not as clear. There was a bit of snow on the ground when we arrived...the first of 2012 for us!

(Note the monkey feet - Leah's gloves keeping her tootsie's warm!)

Blog Changes in 2012!

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

So much has happened in our lives since our daughters began this blog in 2010 to chronicle Ernie's journey with blood cancer. We thank both of them so much for working together to design "Walking With Big EZ" and for teaching us how to use it as a vehicle to not only communicate our "goings on" to family and friends, but to connect with others who are battling Multiple Myeloma.

The above photo, taken on July 10, 2010, remains very special to our family, but our newest granddaughter Emery isn't pictured, the other grandchildren have really grown, and EZ no longer needs to use a walker. Obviously it was time to change our header and attempt another family picture over the Christmas holidays.

Many thanks to a wonderful family friend, John Carter, who came over on December 22nd and 23rd, when we realized we only had a two day window of opportunity where all of us would be together.( John runs a successful DJ, Videography, and Photography business in Raleigh called A Perfect Day DJ). It was a very overcast afternoon, with rain off and on, but we persevered and are so thankful John got some great shots. As you can see by this first picture, it's not easy to get five little ones to smile, look at the camera and walk where we want them to walk. Samuel obviously had other plans!

At 88 and 87 years old, we were so thankful to have EZ's parents come over for Christmas. Just love this hat on Mr. Baker!

My mother moved in with us about a year and a half ago and is a huge part of our family on a daily basis. At 81, we are so thankful for her wisdom and presence in our lives.

EZ's brother Marvin came over to pick up the folks just in time for John to capture a shot of the two of them.

Many thanks not only to John for the pictures, but to our daughter Leah, a graphic designer who spent hours making changes to the blog this past weekend. We are so happy with the way it looks! The information on the tabs is still a work in progress, but you can learn more about us and see additional pictures under "Our Family". We appreciate those of you who comment, send emails, pray for us, and take the time to follow our story as we continue in the battle against Multiple Myeloma. God has truly sustained us and blessed us, and we believe the future looks bright! Out with the old and in with the new...Happy New Year!

Fellowship, Food, Fun and Family!

2012-01-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to flashback to a fun night we had over at EZ's brother's house during the holidays. Twenty four of us gathered for dinner at Marvin and Laurie's and we all had a blast catching up. Decided to make a few collages that would help share more of our Christmas memories. (Click to make them bigger).

Lots of talking and posing for pics...

Time to eat some delicious ziti...

Don't forget the games...

Alas, the family pic...all 24 who were there!

Many thanks to the Marvin Baker bunch for hosting us and for the delicious meal!

EZ Heads to the Dean Dome

2012-01-04T02:08:00.001-05:00

We had a great start to 2012! Jamie and Tara had a scheduling conflict, so they were kind enough to offer us tickets to the UNC/Monmouth basketball game (courtesy of Jay Bailey) for Sunday, January 1st. We decided to give it a try, but definitely wondered if EZ would be able to sit for any part of the game, or would most of his time be spent standing/walking, catching only glimpses of what was happening on the court. Regardless, that man of mine was pretty excited to be heading to the Dean Dome, so he popped an extra pain pill and off we went.

We invited our good friends John and Barbara Carter to join us, knowing they love Carolina basketball and would understand if EZ wasn't in his seat much, or if we had to leave early. The tickets included a parking pass for the lot closest to the Dome, and admittance to a pre-game gathering in the Tarheels' Practice Facility, complete with snacks and party hats to celebrate the New Year. Thanks Jay for hooking us up!

We were thrilled to be able to walk through "the tunnel" right onto the court before heading up to our seats. You quickly realize just how tall most of those basketball players are!

This next picture is our pitiful attempt to capture ourselves sitting. We haven't yet mastered the knack of self-portraits, but had to show EZ in the seat.

Much to our surprise, EZ was able to sit for a good part of the game, except for a few laps around the Dean Dome and a trip or two to the concession stand. The Tarheels won and a great time was had by all. To top things off, they scored over 100 points, which meant Bojangles sausage biscuits for $1 the next day if you showed your ticket. Oh yeah!

It felt so good to be able to go out on a date, with another couple, and actually sit beside each other just like old times. We even went to dinner afterward and SAT at a table! Maybe "sitting" is improving and a date to the movies for the first time in two years is in our future. Oh the things we take for granted...

Gigi's Surprise Gift!

2012-01-03T00:30:00.000-05:00

Yep, my Mom is the proud owner of a new Kindle Fire, and is she ever happy! EZ & I, Johnny & JoAnn, Debby & Van, Summer & Jeff, Tara & Jamie, Sarah & David, Leah & Kyle, Ben and Alli, David M. and Nick all contributed and we gave it to her for Christmas. She had no idea we had schemed together and here is her reaction:

The smile says it all. She is an avid reader and very high tech with Facebook, her iPhone and MacBook Pro, so we thought she would enjoy doing away with the old Kindle and bringing in the new! Merry Christmas Mom and many hours of fun on your Fire!

New Year's Eve Day

2012-01-02T13:07:00.001-05:00

There is never a question around the Baker house as to how we will spend December 31st as it is EZ's birthday! This year we treated him to some of his favorite food requests, and a day spent enjoying family. The morning began with a visit and Happy Birthday song from four very special little people, followed by breakfast that included bacon, eggs, cinnamon rolls from Tara, and some glazed KK donuts!

It was a gorgeous day, so we decided to head for a park and enjoy the great outdoors. EZ and I remember the days when Nick played soccer on these very same fields when he was Nathan's age!

Before we knew it, lunchtime was here so EZ drove us through Bojangles for another one of his favorites, chicken wings and unsweet tea.

After the kiddos (and some of the grown ups!) napped, we re-convened for some snuggles and movie time, birthday dinner, opening presents, homemade dark cherry ice cream pie, followed by our New Year's Eve toast (at 7:45!). You know we have to include some food pictures...Samantha was particularly fond of the sparkling grape juice!

What a special day we had closing out 2011. (Now back to salads and dieting.) Happy New Year everyone, and may 2012 bring you much blessing!

A Nice Walk With the Family

2012-01-01T00:01:00.003-05:00

We love to take walks with the dogs and the family, so we made sure to include this as much as we could while EZ's parents were here visiting for Christmas. Unfortunately we had to deal with a few days of rain, but on this particular day it was beautiful. The dogs almost outnumber the people!

EZ's mom was so happy to be arm in arm with both of her boys! Marvin (EZ's younger brother) and his family live just down the road from us!

Hey everybody, wait for Mickey and me!

Happy walking and Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday EZ!

2011-12-31T01:32:00.001-05:00

Photo by our good friend, John Carter

I can't believe my college sweetheart is 60 years old today! He was born Ernest Baker, on New Year's Eve, at home, in Buffalo, New York in 1951. He is everything I ever dreamed of in a husband, best friend, father, and grandfather. He is generous, kind, thoughtful, loving, funny, strong and smart. He loves the Lord and models what it means to walk by faith. He has worked hard and provided a wonderful life for our family. He has shown us all how to overcome adversity and make the most of what we have. He has made us so proud in his battle with cancer.

On this day I wanted to share some of my favorite photos of Ernie back in his 20's when he first caught my eye. Though he majored in Electrical Engineering, he loved to be outside playing racquetball, fishing, four wheeling (and getting stuck) in his Chevy Blazer, and exploring the great outdoors. Handsome then in his long shag, and handsome now with a buzz cut. Love you Ern and Happy Birthday!

Happy 60th Birthday, Dad!

2011-12-31T00:15:00.001-05:00

On this day, the 31st of December 2011, we celebrate a very special man and his 60th birthday!!!

We are so glad that he was born!

And though he is called "Big EZ" by many...

... he will always be DAD to us!

We love you so much, Dad, and wish you the best 60th birthday ever!!!!

~ Jamie, Tara, Kyle, Leah, and Nick ~

A Christmas Wedding

2011-12-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

Christmas weddings are indeed special to our family. On a beautiful Saturday morning, the 18th of December, a good friend to both of our daughters, Robin DeLoach, married her longtime love, Tommy Koonce, in Chapel Hill. Robin was a gorgeous bride and Tommy a handsome groom. It was a picture perfect day, complete with a horse drawn carriage ride from the Chapel of the Cross, to the reception at the Carolina Inn, and then a grande exit in a very sporty getaway car. Congratulations to Dr. and Mrs. Koonce! Here are a few pictures from their glorious day:

(From A Perfect Day Images)

Who is That Bearded Man in the Red Suit?

2011-12-30T00:01:00.002-05:00

Kids react in all kinds of ways when they meet Santa. Some are too young to be scared of that jolly old soul with all the white hair wearing a soft red suit. Some don't mind a bit because they know who he represents and they have a few Christmas wishes to share with him. Others are in the "stranger anxiety" stage and they let mommy and daddy know they don't like sitting on Santa's lap. Hope you enjoy these pictures I found of my siblings and I, Nick, and the Nats through the years, and then most recently Emery's first introduction to Santa.

Linda's older brother David, not too thrilled with Santa

Linda at 9 months. So bundled I can't move, but at least I'm not crying!

Linda and her brother Johnny...happy kids!

Nick doesn't look scared at all

Nathan and Natalie at about 8 months...poor Nathan!

Natalie doesn't seem to mind Santa in 2011, though he doesn't look very jolly!

Leah, Kyle and a happy Emery at 9 months

Uh oh...who is this guy?

Waaaaa...

Kids just love Santa!

Shingles Still Not Much Fun for EZ

2011-12-29T13:36:00.001-05:00

Just a little update on EZ's health and some information from PubMed Health on shingles:

Expectations (prognosis) - Herpes zoster usually clears in 2 to 3 weeks and rarely recurs. If the virus affects the nerves that control movement (the motor nerves), you may have temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis. Sometimes, the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last from months to years. See: Postherpetic neuralgia

Complications - Sometimes, the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last for months or years. This pain is called postherpetic neuralgia. It occurs when the nerves have been damaged after an outbreak of shingles. Pain ranges from mild to very severe pain. It is more likely to occur in people over 60 years.

Well, in spite of taking prednisone to hopefully ward off any long term side effects, EZ seems to be experiencing postherpetic neuralgia in the area on his torso where the shingles were. Though he was cleared back on December 17th to be social again, he continues to experience itching, deep pain, and burning making it difficult to sleep and get comfortable. He says it feels like someone is dripping hot wax onto his side....ouch! We are trying different remedies such as Benadryl Gel and tablets for the itching, and additional oxycontin for the pain, but he is always reminded of the fact that he had shingles. As always, he continues to carry on though he is hurting, and few can detect his pain. Please pray for complete healing from this postherpetic neuralgia.

On the plus side, taking the extra oxycontin every day has enabled him to drive (reclined like a gangsta!) and sit for a bit longer than previously. Here is a picture of him driving for a total of 6 hours (really miraculous) to bring his parents to our house for Christmas:

On another note, our monthly visit to the Cancer Center for labwork and Aredia went well, with all his numbers holding steady in spite of the hit to his immune system from shingles. He is receiving the bone strengthener every other month now. He will remain off of daily Revlimid for six weeks, assuming his M spike doesn't creep up, so that his immune system can receive a boost and hopefully better fend of infections or illnesses of any kind in the future. So is life with Multiple Myeloma...

Go Tar Heels...Oh, I Mean Go App State!

2011-12-29T11:43:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, December 18th Nick took us out to the ballgame...I mean basketball game! It was a ladies night out for my mom, Leah and I to watch UNC vs. ASU. What's a mom to do in order not to show favoritism when one of her children graduated from UNC and the other from ASU? Here is what you do:

With Nick spending 5 years at UNC, and Mom and I never having been to a basketball game in the Dean Dome, we were very excited!

Leah was on the dance team at ASU and they performed at the men's basketball games, so we got to cheer the Mountaineers on during many home games. Very proud of how they hung in there with the top ranked Tarheels!

The Tarheels were victorious and a great time was had by all! Thanks Nick (and the Hagan family who provided the tickets) for our ladies night out!

Wordless Wednesday - Our Little Santa Baby!

2011-12-28T09:48:00.003-05:00

Emery's first Christmas

With Grandma

With Gigi

With Grammy

Merry CHRISTmas Everyone!

2011-12-23T00:01:00.005-05:00

Blessed is truly how we feel as we near the close of 2011. We have a wonderful family, amazing friends, a loving church body, a warm home, and a faith that has sustained us. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the humble birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. May you cherish every moment, never taking life for granted.

The Baker/Stout household with Nick, EZ, Linda and her mom Ginny

The Dews - Samantha, Jamie, Tara, Natalie, Nathan and Samuel

The Guenthers - Emery, Kyle and Leah

Mary, Joseph and Jesus

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

36 Years!

2011-12-21T00:50:00.001-05:00

Tuesday was our 36th wedding anniversary, and honestly I don't know where the years have gone. For a look back at our first 35 years together you can go here and read my blog post from last year. We decided to celebrate a few days early this time by stealing away to Boone, just the two of us! We drove over Sunday afternoon, unpacked, watched some football, and began decorating the cabin for Christmas. Breakfast dinners are one of our favorites, so we made pancakes and enjoyed them that night with thick crunchy bacon, strawberries and bananas. It was a wonderful day spent with the man I fell in love with way back in 1973 as a freshman in college.

The next morning we slept in until 10:00 (always a treat) and fixed cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate before taking a nice walk in beautiful Valle Crucis Park. And what's a trip to Boone without a stop at the Mast General Store for candy! We were both in the mood for steak, so we made reservations at The Peddler for dinner. Ernie was able to "sit" for 1 1/2 hours and we both really enjoyed our meal and time together, as dining out had really become a thing of the past these last couple of years.

One of the highlights of the trip for both of us was the fact that EZ drove for about two hours on the way there, and a total of six hours on the way home! We left Boone in the morning and headed over to Black Mountain to pick up his folks for Christmas. We both kept waiting for things to start hurting, but he felt great. The seat is still reclined, but he has good visibility and is so happy to be behind the wheel again. I snapped this shot from the back seat:

When we arrived home Tuesday, we headed over to the Dews for a specially prepared anniversary dinner. Tara and Leah made stuffed shells, salad and garlic bread for 12 and it was DELICIOUS! We capped off the evening with a sparkling grape juice toast, apple pie and ice cream and/or turtle pie...yummy! Many, many thanks to our sweet daughters, their hubbies and Nick (who pitched in with the kids, serving dessert and helping with dishes!) It has been a wonderful three days celebrating our marriage, and I am so very thankful for my husband and the family we are blessed to be traveling this road with!

Christmas in the Old Days...

2011-12-19T01:49:00.000-05:00

Recently we were looking through stacks of old pictures when I came across this one of me as a little girl on Christmas morning, probably when I was about three years old. My father was in the Army and we were living in Seattle where my younger brother and I were born. My how things have changed since the 1950's!

We obviously used to get all dressed up for Christmas morning...black patent leather shoes and all! Buggies or carriages have now been replaced by plastic strollers. Televisions today are so sleek compared to the one in this picture, and there was no such thing as a remote control. You actually had to get up and change the channel using a big dial. That sparkly stuff on the tree is called "tinsel". anyone remember that stuff? We would meticulously hang each foil strand one by one on the branches. My brothers were very impatient and would often begin throwing it at the tree and my mom and I would have to go back and fix it. Glad we don't use tinsel on our tree any more! Looks like I got a teddy bear and a tea set which are timeless and treasured by all little girls at some point in their early years. I have many fond memories of Christmas morning with my brothers...walking out and staring in wonder at the gifts around the tree.

How about you? Are there pictures that take you back to happy times long ago? It's hard to believe we are less than a week away from another Christmas morn. Joy, joy, joy!

Happy Anniversary to Tara, Jamie, Leah and Kyle!

2011-12-16T01:37:00.001-05:00

I never dreamed our two girls would get married on the same day, six years apart, but they did! On December 16th, 2000 our daughter Tara Baker married James Dew, Jr. Here is one of our favorite pictures, snapped when the honeymooners returned from Aruba on Christmas Eve, and Jamie carried his bride across the threshold of their first home.

On December 16th, 2006 our daughter Leah Baker married Kyle Guenther and the ceremony was performed by Jamie! They spent their honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta. This picture of Kyle and Leah is also one of our favorites...so playful and full of love.

We are so proud of our daughters and the accomplished women and mothers they have become. We couldn't have asked for more wonderful son-in-laws...men of faith that love their family and work so hard to provide for them. As husbands and wives they are dedicated to one another and have strong beautiful marriages. As parents they have made wise decisions in child-rearing and dedicated themselves to raising their children up in the way they should go. They put in the hours together as a family and love every minute of it.

The Dews 11 years later

The Guenthers 5 years later

On this day we want to wish them all a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! We love you!

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh...let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:31, 33

The Stockings are Hung...

2011-12-15T00:01:00.003-05:00

Wow, only 10 more days until Christmas! Really don't know where the time has gone, but finally the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, most of the Christmas cards are written, and the house is decorated with lots of nativities.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Now we try to relax, hopefully get a good report from EZ's doctor on Friday, and prepare for family that will be arriving over the next week. May your days be merry and bright!

Carolers, Christmas Dishes and Cookies!

2011-12-14T02:08:00.002-05:00

Certain things just signal Christmas and carolers are one of them. This year we were once again treated to carolers and cookies from the children of Stony Hill Baptist Church. What a thrill it was to have these little ones (and their adult "helpers") arrive on our doorstep with their goodies in hand to spread a little Christmas cheer. Having Natalie and Nathan, two of our very own grandchildren, in the group made it all the more special. Jesus loves the little children and so do we!

When they left our house they headed across the street. We joined them in singing Christmas carols to our special neighbor, Charlie. Like us, he was touched by their smiling faces.

Getting the Christmas dishes out is another thing that signals the beginning of the holiday season for me. I can only use them once a year so they usually make their appearance right after Thanksgiving.

And who could forget the Christmas cookies! I used a new recipe this year for Candy Cane Blossoms that was not only delicious, but full of Christmas color as well.

For those who want a healthier option, try slicing some fresh strawberries and kiwi. Add bananas at the last minute if you want. Easy, good for you, and naturally sweet.

Bringing the Christmas books out stirs many happy memories. The special children's stories that have been a part of this season for years with our own children, are now being read to the grandchildren.

I also have a few adult favorites that I read and refer to during this very special time of year.

Oh how we love Christmas! More to come...

Shingles Update

2011-12-13T02:12:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to those who have left words of encouragment and prayed for EZ as he battles shingles. Oxycontin, Lyrica, Prednisone and Famvir seem to have gotten the pain and severity under control early. It's been a week now since the rash appeared and sleep isn't quite as elusive as it was in the beginning, the rash is less raised, the blisters are drying out, and it seems to be running its course fairly quickly. There are areas that are very sensitive to the touch even though nothing is visible in those spots (tops of hands, triceps/elbows, left shoulder blade)...very strange. It is uncomfortable to be sure, but we are very thankful the rash was confined to one dermatone with just a bit of overlap. We will see Dr. Kritz on Friday and hopefully EZ will be given the all clear to go out and enjoy the rest of the Christmas holiday with the family. Until then, he will continue to take it easy and lay low. He did enjoy an outing tonight when he drove himself, gangsta style, to Bojangles while I was at bible study (drive thru of course). Below is a picture of him, behind the wheel for the second time in 21 months, driving me home about a week ago. Progress on a few fronts this week for sure! Thanks again for the well wishes.

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree...

2011-12-13T01:13:00.002-05:00

Christmas is our favorite time of year. Christmas trees, colorful cookies, carolling, storybooks, nativities, music, family and so much more. Let's start with the tree. For the past two years we haven't had the best luck when it comes to Christmas trees staying upright. You can take a look back here. We purchased an eight foot tree this year and had high hopes it wouldn't fall over again. We placed it in the plastic stand EZ had "engineered" last year with wooden wedges and long screws. Here is what happened:

It was definitely time to go in search of a new tree stand, preferably metal with a nice wide base. We found it at Lowe's...the macdaddy, heavy duty, "Lifetime Welded Christmas Tree Stand" for trees up to 12 feet. It did not disappoint!

We left the tree alone for two days with lights only, just to be sure it wouldn't become the leaning tower of tree again. It passed the test! Finally the decorating could begin. Here are a few of my sentimental favorites along with some new additions:

Place the angel on top and viola`!

The smell of evergreen fills the air and somehow it's all worth it.

Shingle Bells, Shingle Bells, Shingle all the way....

2011-12-08T01:08:00.001-05:00

When I had my Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) in August of 2010, they warned me that my immature immune system would make me susceptible to colds and viruses such as shingles. Over the last fifteen months, I have had more than my share of colds, but managed to dodge the shingles.....until now. Monday night after dinner I asked Linda to look at the left side of my torso as it was feeling very sensitive and she took one quick look, winced and said "You've got shingles". Tuesday morning we traveled to the cancer center for confirmation and without hesitation any other diagnosis, such as an allergic reaction to my latest antibiotic, was put to bed. SHINGLES!

This last year Linda and I have followed the blogs of many fellow myeloma sisters and brothers, many of whom contracted shingles after transplant. My PA today confirmed that they see many cases post SCT in those of us battling myeloma. In many cases, we really did not 'catch' shingles, rather our immature immune systems simply let the dormant varicella-zoster virus, that has been with us since chicken pox in our childhood, to reactivate.

Shingles is no fun. This painful rash can occur anywhere on your body, but it most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of your torso, making the nerves ultra sensitive to being touched by anything or anyone. This condition will last two to four weeks as the virus runs it course, and the blisters scab up, the rash goes away and the nerves on the torso skin return to normal. It is very very important to have shingles diagnosed within the first three days after the rash appears. Antiviral drugs such as Valtrex and Famvir are very effective in minimizing the rash and duration if taken within this early period. Failure to quickly diagnose and address this virus can cause permanent nerve damage (postherpetic neuralgia - PHN) and even blindness if it spreads to the eyes.

I remember my grandfather, an old dairy farmer in northwestern Pennsylvania, who refused to go to a doctor when he contracted shingles. The drugs we have today were not available, and without any medical treatment, his shingles caused permanent nerve damage to his torso. For the remainder of his life he could not wear clothing that touched the affected area. He was often shirtless and in constant pain.

For those of you that have never had shingles, keep your immune system healthy. If you find a reddish rash on 1/2 of your torso, see your doctor and get treatment immediately. For those of us that currently have shingles, I pray that your healing time is quick and that you suffer no permanent nerve damage.

I leave you with my new theme song for the holiday season (sung to the tune of Jingle Bells):

Shingle Bells, Shingle Bells, Shingle all the way.
It is no fun to have this rash, I wish it'd go away!

Another Step Toward Wellness

2011-12-06T00:25:00.001-05:00

Many of you may recall my post about EZ's aquatic therapy. While this form of therapy definitely proved to be enjoyable and beneficial to him, the cost was quite prohibitive considering our insurance did not cover it. So we began to look for other alternatives for him to be able to exercise, get his heart rate up, increase flexibility, and tone his muscles (and I certainly wanted to join in as well!). The solution? Rex Wellness Center of Wakefield.

With the warm water therapy pool, lap pool, hot tub, sauna, as well as all state of the art exercise equipment, classes both on land and in water, proximity to our home, and excellent facilities, it was an easy decision and seemed the perfect place for us. Our whole household, including my mother and Nick, could join as a family, and the monthly fee was only $10 more than the weekly fee at the aquatic therapy center! Combine that with a Groupon that covered a trial month and part of the joining fee, and it was too good to pass up. Now to get in a routine and keep it up!

On the left is the hot tub, front is the warm water therapy pool, and in the back is the lap pool.

I am proud to say that we are getting up earlier and made it there three times last week, which is our minimum goal. We participated in three different classes in the pools, taught by three different teachers. The Zumba teacher was definitely our favorite. As EZ said, "she is easy on the eyes" and provides a vision of perfection when it comes to the benefits of exercise (and genetics!). We really liked the way she incorporated the Zumba moves for anyone who wanted to attempt them in the basic Range of Motion class.

Getting up, moving, and strengthening the body and bones, are all pretty critical when it comes to living with multiple myeloma. Many survivors are actually running marathons or tackling triathlons...wow! For EZ, being in the water really feels good and provides a wonderful avenue for exercise since he doesn't have to sit, or get up and down off a bench or the floor. We'll see how consistent we can be as Christmas approaches...

Stepping Up.

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

About a month ago Jamie came to me with a project request. "We need some steps" was his simple request. He was officiating a marriage and the couple wanted to have the ceremony in our FLC (Family Life Center). Unfortunately, there were no central steps for the couple to use when they walked down the aisle. It wasn't a big request, but it was one that got me back in my shop building something. Normally, my feet and legs would start aching after an hour or so, limiting my activities to smaller projects. For some reason, on this project they seemed to do much better. Here are some pictures from the 'steps' project:

The stringers are cut and installed

Adding the treads

Hidden, retractable casters make it easy to move

Ready for carpet

Carpeted and ready to move

Jamie came over and helped with the carpeting and then he, Nick and I moved the steps into the FLC the day prior to the wedding. In all, a great little project! (Oh, the wedding came came off without incident and the steps worked perfectly). My building services have been requested once again for two additional sets of steps and I am happy to oblige.

More Fun and, of Course, Thanksgiving Food!

2011-11-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

As the little ones napped the afternoon away, we ladies were busy in the kitchen. Gigi showed Tara all about preparing a turkey, and then she made her first Waldorf Salad. We substitute light or sugar free Cool Whip for the mayo, as quite a few of the men in our family aren't fans of mayo. Just love having three generations of ladies in the kitchen!

Next we set our rolls out to rise, then prepared our stuffing, sweet potato casserole and spinach souflle`.

Gigi had been busy Friday making some deviled eggs to have as appetizers in the afternoon, along with artichoke dip (not pictured), little smokies, and cheese/pepperoni crackers. Certainly a bountiful harvest of food!

Our resident artist, Natalie, spent quite a bit of time designing our dinner place cards while the boys were playing with the train. She carefully chose a sticker for each of us, then decorated our cards, front and back. They turned out so beautifully and were definitely made with love!

Children love to be helpers, so we got them busy setting the dining room table for our special meal. Even the Sams could carry silverware from the buffet.

Once the table was set we had some time for blowing bubbles and enjoying the beautiful fall day outside.

Then it was time to carve the turkey, put the food out and enjoy the fruit of our labor. What a feast!

Twins certainly enjoy a special bond as evidenced by Nathan and Natalie considering considering one another their best friend. At this age, they really wish they could marry each other when they grow up.

We were all tickled when Samuel wanted his shirt off after dinner. Think he got hot. Well Samantha spotted him and wanted to do the same. So here they are, playing a little game together by hiding in a corner, totally "twin play"!

Finally, it was time to retire to the couch and recliner to watch some football...well sort of.

It was a wonderful day filled with family. From breakfast (with monkey bread of course) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, to a dinner filled with traditional fare, we count our blessings and give thanks to the Lord.

We Give Thanks to the Lord for He is Good!

2011-11-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

As we reflect on Thanksgiving 2011 we have much to be thankful for...faith, family and friends being on the top of our list.

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God..." Psalm 95:2-3

For our family, this is what Thanksgiving is all about...coming into His presence with thanksgiving and shouting joyfully to Him for His provision and blessing. It's about acknowledging all that He has done for us, individually and collectively.

Our day began with a scrumptious breakfast with the Dews. We count it as such a blessing to be right next door! (Unfortunately we were missing 4 of our family members as Nick was away and Leah, Kyle and Emery were celebrating down in Georgia...we sure missed them).

We look at EZ and can see answered prayers every day regarding his health and stamina. We look at our children and are so very proud of the adults they have become. We look at our home, and the fact that we are still in it, and stand amazed. We look at our five healthy, beautiful grandchildren and see them as gifts from God. We look at our church and reflect upon the special people who teach us, pray for us and come alongside us. We look at our parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, neices and nephews, cousins, and friends, and feel so blessed to have them in our lives.

After breakfast EZ, aka Grandpa, unpacked his beloved train set. Were Nathan and Samuel ever thrilled! They dove right in as his assistants and got it all set up and running, with Natalie occasionally becoming a human bridge and Nathan helping out as an "engineer" driving the train. The Sams loved placing toys in one of the train cars as it stopped right in front of them. Our granddog Buddy wanted to be right in the middle of things...literally!

At this point the little ones had to head home for a nap! Stayed tuned for tomorrow's post all about THE MEAL, our tiny helpers, some time outside, twin bonds, and food comas!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-24T10:17:00.002-05:00

Servant Hearts and Helping Hands

2011-11-23T01:23:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday morning we awoke to frost on the ground and a brisk 29 degrees. However, that did not deter the youth, parents and brotherhood of Stony Hill Baptist Church! They showed up bright and early to rake, blow, and move some leaves. By the time I grabbed my camera they had already done so much work, and it was only 8:30am. We were amazed! Note the gorgeous green grass that emerged from under the leaves.

Carol, Pops and Novlen

That is one full tarp of leaves

Bobby and Derek hard at work

Nick joining in

Lee tackled the side yard

Novlen

Mollie, Sophie and Rebecca

EZ joined in this year!

Every country girl needs a t-shirt like this:

Beautiful Sophie

As everyone worked their way to the front of our yard, I grabbed a group shot.

Now...time for jumping in those huge piles of leaves and indulging in Krispy Kremes, hot chocolate, and coffee

Carol showing the youth how it's done!

Sophie, Suzanna and Monica followed suit

And now for the big reveal:

During this season of thanksgiving, we are so very grateful for those who were willing to brave the cold, and give up their Saturday morning, in order to help us. We sure do love the body of Christ at SHBC! Many thanks to them and we hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

An Afternoon at the Farm

2011-11-21T01:06:00.000-05:00

Two dear friends, Kim and Jay Humphrey, are resident caretakers for a farm about 20 minutes north of our house. Tara and I have been wanting to pay them a visit with the children for quite a while now, so when a new lamb entered the picture, we set a date! Here the Humphreys are relaxing in front of the old farm house.

When we arrived, the children headed straight for the barn. It was so special to see them peering through the fence taking it all in...the sheep, the goats, the horses, and of course, the kitty.

The children weren't the least bit afraid and they loved every minute of exploring the pasture and the barn, and going up to all the animals. Gigi came along as well.

Natalie and Nathan even got to help with the chore of filling the giant water buckets.

Tara and I turned around to see this...Samantha and Samuel heading out all by themselves to say hi to the sheep!

No fear!

Eventually Jay put a saddle on sweet Maya and we all got to take a little ride.

And to end our fun afternoon we got all four kiddos up on Maya for one last picture.

Many thanks to Kim and Jay for helping us make memories we will not soon forget. We all had the most wonderful time!

Barn Quilts?

2011-11-18T14:56:00.001-05:00

On our recent scenic drive in the Appalachian Mountains, EZ and I noticed the abundance of quilt patterns on barns. We found ourselves saying, "Look there's another one!" and off the road I would go to snap a picture in a moment's notice. If anyone knows the particular significance of these, other than tourist pleasure, I would love to know. They certianly made for a pleasureable and colorful drive, as well as a sort of a "quilt treasure hunt" trying to see which barns had one displayed for all to see. Here the ones we captured on one particular afternoon drive in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee:

Happy Fall, enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to appreciate the beauty around you, including colorful barn quilts!

Man's Best Friends

2011-11-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

About 8 1/2 years ago we got involved with English Springer Rescue America (ESRA) when we rescued Abby and three months later added Milo to the mix. Though they came to our home at 2 1/2 years old with some definite issues...i.e. heartworm positive, not house trained, afraid of riding in the car, not spayed or neutered, no leash training. We worked at it and thankfully got them healthy, socialized, and integrated into our family. Springers are beautiful dogs with sweet temperaments and a loyalty that never ends.

Abigail, affectionately known as Abby

Milo, affectionately known as Mr. Mi

They are now eleven and serve as constant companions to EZ (and me!). I have no doubt that after his diagnosis, radiation, and chemotherapy, and the month he spent away from them while hospitalized, they had a sense about his cancer. They don't want him out of their sight and follow him around from room to room, watching his every move. For senior dogs, except for some occasional stiffness, they still have boundless energy and love to swim, sniff, go for rides in the car, take walks, and run through the woods!

What a handsome boy

Out for a walk in the park

Someone loves his new bone

Trying to get some exercise and wear these two out

Sweet girl

Woah, look at those jowls!

Sometimes fighting cancer involves more than medicine. How about a loyal canine friend that provides unconditional love, endless companionship and a reason to get out and walk even when you hurt? Check out the rescued Springers available for adoption in your area on the ESRA website. Can't adopt right now? Provide a foster home. We think you'll be glad you did!

Almost Wordless Wednesday - The Battle of the Leaves

2011-11-16T00:12:00.002-05:00

Fall is here and it's raining leaves!

Where's the driveway?

Ahhh, there it is!

Before

After

EZ - The Secret Weapon!

The front yard

View from the front door...momentarily leaf free!

MMRF Race for Research in Atlanta

2011-11-15T01:26:00.002-05:00

For us, Multiple Myeloma has been a family affair. From day one we were in this together; learning, loving, helping, encouraging, praying, crying, putting one foot in front of the other, and giving thanks for blessing in the midst of hardship. Hence we are...Walking with Big EZ!

We are so very proud of how our children have handled adversity, more specifically a cancer diagnosis for their Dad. It's something we never dreamed we would face, let alone seven months after losing my Dad (their Grandpa) to cancer. They have been there for Ernie every step of the way, supporting him and remaining hopeful and positive. So it shouldn't have come as a surprise when Leah, our daughter, and her husband Kyle, decided to run in MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) 5K Race for Research in Atlanta last Saturday morning. Our little eight month old granddaughter, Emery, went along for the ride.

Little Em thought it was the perfect time for a nap

We love their "Dominate" t-shirts from CancerKicker.org. This was Leah's second 5K and she bettered her time by six minutes. Talk about DOMINATING!

The beautiful Atlanta skyline after the race.

Leah expressed her thoughts this way: It was so special for both of us to run a race that funds research for a cancer that my dad will continue to fight until there is a cure. Until then, we feel blessed that he is in "complete response" to the chemo drugs and are diligently praying he stays that way! Dad dominated the MM, so we had no other choice than to dominate that run! Love you Daddy!

Words really can't express what this meant to EZ, but our heartfelt thanks to Leah, Kyle and Emery for going out and racing for research to find a cure for MM. Our goal...walk or run it with you next year!!

Soup's On!

2011-11-11T00:36:00.001-05:00

The temperatures are once again dipping here in North Carolina, so why not warm up with Pasta E Fagioli soup! This is a recipe that caught my eye on the back of a box of Ronzoni Small Shells, and it did not disappoint. Filling, tasty and easy!

Here is the recipe with my modifications noted:

Pasta E Fagioli

1 cup Ronzoni Small Shells, uncooked

6 bacon slices, diced (I used two Mild Italian Sausage links, sliced and sauteed)

2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

3 cups (two 14 oz cans) Great Northern Beans, drained

3 1/2 cups (two 14.5 oz. cans) chicken broth

3 1/2 cups (28 oz. can) whole plum tomatoes, undrained and chopped (I used two cans diced tomatoes)

1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce (my addition)

2 cups (19 oz. can) red kidney beans, drained

1 bay leaf

2 tsp. dried oregano leaves

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well. Meanwhile in 5-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, cook bacon or Italian sausage until it starts to brown. Add onion, celery and garlic; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. meanwhile, with a fork, mash 1 can Great Northern beans. Add chicken broth, mashed beans, cooked pasta and remaining ingredients to bacon or sausage mixture, heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. (I actually put in my crock pot on low and cooked a few hours) Discard bay leaf. Makes 12 servings (1 cup each).

Have a wonderful weekend...make some soup and stay warm!

Our Day at the Classic and Crazy Car Show Fundraiser

2011-11-10T00:40:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday we attended our very first Classic (and Crazy) Car Show at Stony Hill Baptist Church, as a fundraiser for the Seneri family, whose son Paxton battled medullablastoma for 11 months. Our church, once again, stepped up and stood in the gap for a family deeply affected by cancer. (How well we remember the outpouring of love we felt at Standing in the Gap for Ernie Baker)

It was a beautiful Fall day and there were cars galore...every shape and size, in pristine condition, on display and hoping for our votes. How fitting that even the little ones got involved!

Car owners paid an entry fee, attendees bought ballots for voting, raffles were held, hot dogs were sold, and a silent auction took place for items from tools to floral arrangements. A live auction was held for a handmade Hungary Catepillar quilt. Fight Like PAXTON, a non-profit created to benefit other families battling childhood cancers, was accepting donations and selling t-shirts. It was a glorious day where everyone came alongside the Seneris and celebrated the life and legacy of Paxton. From race cars to VW Bugs and Corvettes, these cars were gorgeous!

Mom's favorite, a Ford like the one she road around in as a little girl.

This Jeep was the big winner for the day!

Amidst all the NC State red, we had to love this Carolina blue!

EZ thoroughly enjoyed taking little grandson Samuel around to see all the "beep beeps".

Mom was very excited when her raffle number was called and she took home a brand new Vizio 19" HDTV!

It was such a joy to be a part of something we know, from personal experience, will benefit and bless the Seneri family. We are also very grateful to be part of a church body that loves and cares for others.

Donuts with the Dewdrops!

2011-11-09T00:01:00.005-05:00

Last Friday, Mom treated us to Krispy Kreme donuts, a North Carolina tradition. Every once in a while you just have to splurge and have a little donut party! The Dews came over at 9:00 in their pajamas (it's so wonderful to live next door), and we all enjoyed coffee or hot chocolate, and best of all...DONUTS! They were grabbed up before I thought of snapping a quick picture of them in the box, but I think you can see that we thought they were mighty good. From Pumpkin Spice to Bavarian Creme, we love KK. Thanks Gigi!

(Don't you just love Nathan with no shirt on? His black shorts are now his pjs so he can be just like Daddy...luckily he is warm blooded!)

IMF Raleigh-Durham Regional Community Workshop at UNC

2011-11-07T00:01:00.012-05:00

On Sunday, October 30th I was able to attend my second International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Regional Workshop. It was held at UNC's beautiful Rizzo Conference Center at Kenan-Flagler Business School in Chapel Hill from 8:30-2:30.

Unfortunately due to his inability to sit, EZ could not join me for this VERY informative and helpful workshop. The IMF does a top notch job in choosing a venue, providing delicious snacks and meals, bringing in top professionals in the the world of Multiple Myeloma, and giving us access to new materials. I know Ernie would have loved to 'sit' under the teaching of Dr. Robert Kyle from the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Christina Gasparetto from Duke (his oncologist!).

What a distinguished man Dr. Kyle is, with the kind of calm, clear voice you could listen to forever. He has the rare ability to teach very difficult, scientific concepts in a way that a novice can somewhat understand. As he taught "Myeloma 101" and "Options at Relapse" I found myself writing furiously so as not to miss a word he said!

In addition to discussing transplant eligibility, classification of Active MM, survival rates, and response to treatment, here are a few facts shared by Dr. Kyle:

1. The incidence of MM is 4/100,000 in Caucasians and 8/100,000 in African-Americans. Surprising...
2. There is usually a price to pay for treatment in the form of adverse events such as neutropenia, anemia, GI problems, fatigue, pneumonia, and peripheral sensory neuropathy. One patient suffering from PN put it this way..."I'd rather be here with numb feet than not!" Very true!
3. There are more than 100 novel agents now in clinical trials. Dr. Kyle is impressed with Pomalidomide and Carfilzomib.
4. There is no link between the polio vaccine given in the 1950's and multiple myeloma.

Dr. Gasparetto spoke next on "Options at Relapse". She explained what relapse is, what treatment options one might have, and important things to consider. Studies using Carfilzomib and Pomalidomide in relapsed MM showed a great response. Patients should seek out such clinical trials and make life as normal as possible under the circumstances. LET OTHERS HELP YOU. Participate in healthful activities - regular exercise, proper rest and a healthy diet.

Here are some of the materials that were made available to workshop participants:

Many, many thanks to the IMF for providing this very informative, free workshop. EZ and I will be digesting much of this material for a long time to come. There is still so much to absorb and learn about the blood cancer that invaded our lives 22 months ago.

14th Annual Patient Reunion for the Duke ABMT Program

2011-11-04T01:06:00.005-04:00

Saturday, October 29th was a day of celebration. A day to look back on difficult days, and to look ahead to better days. A day to catch up with new found friends who shared a common experience at the clinic. A day to once again thank the amazing staff at the Duke Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic. A day to share a meal and rejoice with patients and donors. A day to look around a ballroom full of survivors and find hope.

This event has been taking place for 14 years and it was a joy to be attending for the first time. I pray we will be in attendance for many years to come. It took place at the beautiful Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club on a drizzly Saturday morning.

We checked in, got our nametags, stood as a boutineer was pinned on Ernie's shirt, received a free raffle ticket, grabbed a muffin, and began to search for a few familiar faces. Here we are with Cookie and Paul, friends from Charlotte who we met at the Clinic following Paul's allogeneic transplant for a form of leukemia. He is doing wonderfully and although Cookie and I keep in touch by e-mail, it was great to see them and enjoy a delicious lunch together.

October 2011

September 2010

We also re-united with Rick and Nena, from Charlotte. Rick had an autologous transplant shortly after Ernie, for Multiple Myeloma. He is in complete remission, back to work and feeling well. We have kept up with Rick via his Caring Bridge sight. What a difference a year makes!

October 2011

September 2010

And here EZ is with his oncologist at the Clinic, Dr. Christina Gasparetto, the leading Multiple Myeloma researcher at Duke. We feel very blessed to have her as his doctor.

One cannot walk down the hallways of the ABMT Clinic without noting the photographs of survivors that line the walls. Ernie and other first year survivors proudly lined up for their individual photos, and then all survivors posed for a group shot. What a blessing to see so many smiling faces gathered in one place, dominating blood cancers!

Stephen Gray, a caregiver for his son, Kyle, who underwent a transplant for aplastic anemia as a college student, was the guest speaker. He educated and entertained us as the caregiver and parent of both a patient and a donor (Kyle's 16 year old brother, Evan, donated his stem cells). Kyle looked fantastic and praise the Lord he, and his brother, are doing well! A few things Stephen said really struck a chord with me as a caregiver:

The pay for a caregiver? The health of your loved one.

Never stop learning...keep your spirit young.

Live your new life to the best of your ability.

If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart!

Laugh more. Children laugh on average 200 times a day. Adults...30-40 times a week.

There are four kinds of people in the world: current caregivers, those who have been caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who need a caregiver. (Rosalyn Carter - Helping Yourself Help Others)

A wonderful buffet awaited us, which made everyone chuckle since transplant patients are often told to steer clear of buffets! I guess this could be an exception since there were no children at the event who might be prone to touching everything. Of course I had to take some pictures of the desserts...

A special moment occured when 47 year old Linda Davis, fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia three years ago, met her donor, 26 year old Ryan Dunham. Ryan was an Air National Guardsman who joined the registry in 2007, getting the call just one year later that he was a match. He said his family always taught him that if you have something, give it! It was said that 60 percent of patients who need a transplant can't get one and will most likely die. Willing donors are critical as 70 percent of patients do not have a tissue match in their family. Though Ernie was able to have a transplant using his own filtered stem cells, many don't have that option. If you are healthy, please take the time to register with Be The Match and perhaps you could give someone else the gift of life.

Various baskets and items were raffled off throughout the day, and our ticket proved to be one of the lucky numbers. We received a $20 gift card to Jason's Deli (one of the sponsors for the reunion), and look forward to trying it for the first time! Any recommendations?

Many thanks to the staff from the Clinic for a wonderful reunion. We are forever connected, and indebted!

Thankful Thursday - It's Just a Cold/Sinus Infection!

2011-11-03T01:04:00.004-04:00

About 10 days ago EZ started with a sore throat. He seemed to feel better for a few days after gargling with Listerine...his secret weapon for fighting germs! We were visiting his folks when the nasal congestion and cough began, and he didn't take too much time to rest and take it easy. He was loving being able to work on projects, take long walks in the woods with his mom and dad, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Fortunately he never ran a fever or felt short of breath.

We got home last Friday, just in time to get up early Saturday and attend the 14th Annual Survivors Reunion for the Duke Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic (More on that tomorrow). No rest for the weary. The "cold" took it's toll...the cough worsened, the energy waned, and the voice started to disappear. Pneumonia is always a huge fear for someone with a baby immune system, so we were being very diligent with medication to treat the symptoms. I even broke out the incentive spirometer (remember having to use one of those following surgery anyone?) and made him take deep breaths to hopefully keep his lungs clear. (Dr. Kritz, EZ's oncologist, cracked up when I told him I did this. He said no one, in his 25 years practicing, has ever told him they did that unless it was right after surgery or something. Oh well, hopefully it helped!)

EZ was due for bloodwork only at his appointment yesterday, but Dr. Kritz was kind enough to work him in for an office visit as well. I was definitely wanting those lungs listened to after his bout with walking pneumonia last May.

GOOD NEWS: Lungs were clear! I was ecstatic! The doc prescribed an antibiotic to knock out the possible sinus infection, told EZ to continue taking the Mucinex and cough medicine as needed, discontinue Revlimid (his maintenance chemo pill) for 2 weeks to strengthen his immune system, and stay away from anyone with green lines coming from their nose (gross, I know). A definite answer to many prayers and they are deeply appreciated.

I Am My Father's Son...

2011-11-02T00:01:00.004-04:00

This past week Linda and I spent time with my folks over near Black Mountain. Every time we go I realize all over again how much I love the same things as my dad. He always has a project list going, and this trip was no different. I love to tackle the larger projects with him, spending time with him and of course doing anything with tools. My stamina is improving and I was feeling good, so it was wonderful to be able to be outside in the mountains, using tools, and working on projects!

Here are some pictures showing how I spent some of my time:

Dad already had plans for a woodpile shed roof

James (Dad's workman) and I building the frame out of rough cut 2 x 6 s

Then adding the plywood, tar paper and corrugated aluminum.

With a little leveling and post support, this project will be done.

I assisted dad with seeing why mom's range was overheating.

Hmmm...reading 344 degrees and set to 325 degrees

Dad and I spending time outdoors walking on the property.

Dad hired a portable sawmill to cut up some lumber he had recently taken down.

I could watch them cut lumber all.day.long!

Beautiful, clear 12" wide hemlock boards over 12 foot long.

I am so blessed to be able to spend time with my dad. At 88 years of age, he is amazing in so many ways. My engineer's mind, love of projects, tools, and being outdoors enjoying the land, are all from him. Linda often catches me saying and doing things like him. When we work on projects together grunt language will suffice...no words needed. We just know what the other is thinking. Well, what should we expect as I am my father's son! He has been a hero and role model to me my whole life. Love you dad!

The Sun Sets in Black Mountain

2011-11-01T01:01:00.002-04:00

We had beautiful weather almost every day during our visit with EZ's folks last week, so one night we decided to head up the mountain to snap some pictures of the sunset. It's a really long, steep walk, so Ernie's mom hadn't been up that far in years. However, a new road meant we could drive all the way to the top, so we were really happy when she decided to join us. I love the look of excitement on her face in this picture:

It was a clear, cool, crisp night in western Carolina, and we were in awe of the beauty that surrounded us. In a matter of minutes the golden sun descended behind the mountains, creating a gorgeous display of color in the autumn sky.

Thank you Lord for the beauty of your creation. For mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. For wispy clouds and a sky that displays so many shades of color. For the fiery orange sun that bids goodbye to another day. For family to experience it with. For life, and love, and knowing that every day is a gift from You.

Thankful Thursday - Giving Thanks for...

2011-10-27T01:01:00.000-04:00

Freedom

Family

Fall foliage

Father-in-law's endless project ideas

Finishing projects

Feeling good

Finding time to dance

Fantastic sunsets in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Fall + Mountains = BREATHTAKING!

2011-10-26T00:01:00.010-04:00

We are delighted to be spending the week with EZ's parents in beautiful Black Mountain, NC. Though we are probably about a week or so too late for peak leaf color, it is still absolutely breathtaking. I wish the pictures did the mountains justice, but guess you will just have to believe me when I say it is gorgeous here. The sky has been cloudless and Carolina blue, the air perfectly cool and crisp, and the trees all shades of orange, yellow, green and red. We snapped these shots today as we walked to a scenic overlook, all on Baker property. We will never get over the magnificence of the mountains, the enormity of the boulders scattered throughout, or the beautiful color palette displayed...all the work of a mighty Creator. We stand amazed...

Fall is quickly becoming our favorite season. For those of you who don't experience much of a change, just live vicariously through us and enjoy!