My journey

FIVE YEARS!

2011-10-12T22:59:00.003-05:00

Just got back from M.D. Anderson for my 5 year check up/ 4 year post stem cell transplant check and still have ALL CLEAR SCANS!
Thanks be to God!

Back from MD Anderson

2010-10-13T21:27:00.003-05:00

We got back from Houston this evening and this time we came back with my scan reports. All scans were CLEAN AND CLEAR of cancer!!!!! WhoooHoooooooo! This was my 4year since diagnosis and 3 years post stem cell transplant check up.
I don't have to go back for 6 months. I am so happy, relieved and thankful!!

Back to Houston

2010-10-10T14:08:00.000-05:00

We are heading back to MD Anderson today for my checkup this week. Can't wait for this week to be over.

M.D.Anderson

2010-09-20T12:37:00.001-05:00

My check-up has been rescheduled until Oct. 10-13. So, I get to have a couple of extra weeks of "scanxiety" :)
Ohh, the joys of being a cancer patient.
Kasey

Goodbye summer, I'll miss you!

2010-08-18T13:58:00.005-05:00

With the start of Football means summer is coming to an end. The kids stayed VERY busy again this summer with baseball, swimming, theater, gymnastics, etc. I can't believe they are back in school already (well, Larson started Monday and Raisa will start tomorrow). Fall I have a feeling will stay just as busy with football, cheerleading, gymnastics, theater and so forth lol. This will be Larson's first year doing the tackle football. He did flag for 2 years. He is SOOOO excited (I may not have added enough OOOOOOO to that haha!). He has weigh in this Friday. He has all his gear ready to go! Raisa is going to keep up with gymnastics for her cheerleading. She is mastering her roundoff back hand springs now!
'

As for me, my 6 month break from MD Anderson is about to come to a close :(. We already have our tickets and room reservations. We head back the 3rd week in September for my 4 YEAR check up/ 3 YEAR post stem cell transplant check up. It feels so good to keep adding years to that each September!

If you're on facebook, look me up! I keep that WAY more updated than this blog :).

Where we went last week.......

2010-06-10T01:43:00.003-05:00

We just came back from another FABULOUS vacation in Maui! Here are a few photos from our trip!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2070711&id=1223271865&l=ff8815c684

First Communion

2010-04-06T11:13:00.004-05:00

Larson is gearing up to take his First Communion this weekend. I am so proud of him!

Larson's Grandpa also joined the church and took his First Communion last week.

While they were all dressed up, I took them to the studio for a 3 generation photo of just the boys!

Skiing at SnowCreek!

2010-03-07T16:26:00.010-06:00

What a fun day we had! I think we are all a bit sore today, but it was SO worth it!

Raisa on the ski lift

Larson riding the ski lift on his own!

Larson with his Snow Monster's Class

Raisa heading down the hill! I was right behind her. This was the hill we rode the most. Raisa never fell at all! I only did once, while trying to avoid someone else who fell. Well, I fell once more, but not while skiing lol, I was at the top of the hill and got one ski over the other. Larson rode this hill about 100 times!

This is one of my favorites pictures--it was Larson coming down the fast slope! I was so proud of him for going down it! I only did that slope once and Kevin rode down it a few times (and had a few good falls lol!)

For you, Joe! Thanks for the email!

Scan Updates..............

2010-03-05T08:05:00.003-06:00

I forget not everyone is on my facebook and I forgot to update over here!

This time was a bit harder than most.....I actually had to leave my Doctors office without knowing the scan results (they were not read yet). I did have my tumor marker test, which actually went up a couple points (but I have been a little sick with a cold/sinus infection and the last time I had them drawn when I was sick they were up just a tad too, so I tried not to worry too much about that.) After we left the doctors, I had to go to have an FNA (fine needle aspiration--aka-biopsy) of a small (5 cm), soft, lump in my abdomen, right below my left ribs. Nerves were getting the best of me right around then.
But, the boipsy proved it was just a small "lipoma", not cancer! Shortly after, my doctor called and all my tests were NEGATIVE for cancer! Clear, clean scans!!
So, now I don't have to go through this again for 6 months.
I want to thank everyone who commented on my facebook, it really helps knowing people care! This is always a hard, scary time.
We got home late Wednesday night, got to rest up a bit yesterday and now I am packing getting ready to take the kids skiing and snowboarding tomorrow!
Thank you again for all your prayers!!!!!!
God is so good!
~Kasey

Houston.......have you missed me??

2010-02-25T08:18:00.004-06:00

Because I have not missed you!

Six months went WAY too fast. We head back to M.D. Anderson Monday. I will have all my scans Tuesday and meet with my Stem Cell doctor Wednesday. Have I mentioned before I hate scan time??? Really hate scan time. REALLY REALLY REALLY hate scan time!

I always try to stay busy right before scan time, to keep my mind off of it. Tonight, Kevin and I are going to the Elton John / Billy Joel concert in OKC. I love seeing Elton in concert. This will make my 4th time seeing him, but my first for Billy Joel! I have some portrait sessions this weekend to keep me busy too.
Larson started piano lessons last month--he's doing great! He has a little hidden talent there! His favorite song so far is Beethoven 9th Symphony "Ode to Joy". I have been taking violin lessons down in Dewey and they have been going great too. I have been working on Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 5" right now. Ya, our house sounds pretty interesting when we are praticing LOL!
Raisa has finished up cheerleading for the year and will get ready for high school tyouts soon. She stays pretty busy with her friends and omg, you would have thought the world was ending when her phone quit working hahaha! She had to go without it for a few LOOONG days (an impossible feat for a teenager!), but now she has a new one and all is well in her world.

I will post again next week when we get back from Houston. Prayers are surely welcomed!
~Kasey

Whew! Is it time to relax yet?

2010-01-06T16:15:00.007-06:00

I love Christmas time, but, wow, it is just so busy! I have hardly even had a chance to download any of my pictures from Christmas, let alone post any lol. We had a wonderful Christmas. I think the kids got mostly what they wanted and some things they didn't know they wanted, but loved. Larson got a skateboard (along with some Ryan Sheckler and Tony Hawk clothes to complete his look!), a FUN toy called Snap Circuits (he actually made an FM radio, a working fan and a light from this!), Tony Hawk Ride for the Wii, a new camera and so much more. Raisa got the usual stuff like clothes and shoes, plus a few surprises like an ipod touch (which we also gave Kevin--those things are cool--I think I may get Larson and I one too!!).
Me, I got a VIOLIN! I used to play in an orchestra MANY years ago. I am going to take some lessons from a lady in Bartlesville who plays in the Bartlesville Symphony. I am SUPER excited about that!
Well, now time for some R&R--I have been trying to plan a summer vacation these last few days. Had our mind pretty much made up to spend it at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, but they more we have talked about it, we have decided that it is too "theme park". We loved Maui when we went, it was so relaxing yet fun. So, right now I am looking into the Cayman Islands (warmer water, great snorkeling!). Larson thinks we should go to Fiji. I think he has seen the Truman Show one too many times haha!
We shall see!
Here are a couple of photos from Christmas I grabbed real quick off my computer!
Happy New Year!
~Kasey

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-22T20:47:00.003-06:00

Hello from Branson!

2009-11-27T18:49:00.000-06:00

Sharing a few pics off the phone :) Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T10:25:00.003-06:00

I just want to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! We are headed off to the cabin in Branson for a weekend of relaxing, shopping and eating! I love their old time Christmas! Really gets you in the spirit of Christmas!
Eat lots, love lots!
Kasey

Future Anchorman?

2009-11-14T13:31:00.003-06:00

Possibly!

Halloween Fun

2009-11-01T16:40:00.004-06:00

Just our usual Halloween fun! Even Howie and Maggie, our cats, got into it this year lol! Ok, so maybe they were not EXACTLY into it hahaha, but they looked cute!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T20:17:00.004-05:00

Have you seen the clip of Michael Jackson ghost?? SPOOOOOKY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqrFuPT56gg

NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE!!!

2009-09-30T10:50:00.001-05:00

Those four words are what every cancer survivor LOVES to hear!!!!! Every report was NED!! Praise God!
We do not have to come back for 6 months.I received my last round of immunizations and my flu shot---6 shots total. I am so relieved an happy!! I love MD Anderson. We are off to lunch, then off to the airport and hopefully will be back home in time to catch a bit of Larson's football practice. Thank you for all the prayers and good thoughts!

Scanorama Time

2009-09-20T12:50:00.002-05:00

The months, although they are longer in between scans, seem so much shorter. Next Sunday, we go back to Houston for my TWO year post stem cell transplant scans. Luckily, I have lots of work to keep me busy this week. I hate the week before scans. Very nerve wracking. After this visit, my scans will be every 6 months. It will be nice to have a longer interval without thinking about them.
Please keep us in your prayers next week! Thanks!! :)
Kasey

Beautiful Rainbow!

2009-08-17T20:15:00.003-05:00

I hope all of you in Coffeyville got to see this BEAUTIFUL, big, double rainbow tonight!

~OPENING NIGHT!~

2009-07-30T13:07:00.003-05:00

Tonight is opening night for The Jungle Book!! Larson is playing Mowgli, the main little boy, and Raisa is playing Akela (a wolf) and a vulture.
The cast and crew have worked so hard this past month on this!
BREAK A LEG, everyone!!

Best wedding procession--EVER!

2009-07-23T13:50:00.002-05:00

OMG--I just LOVE this hahahahaha!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

Swim Meet

2009-07-15T23:05:00.005-05:00

I finally brought my camera to the meet tonight to snap a few of Raisa and Larson in action!

And, I chose the first image in this post to use for Larson's Hot Shot. I do a 10x20 for him in every sport and have them on his wall in his room.

A letter to the editor.....

2009-06-30T14:45:00.002-05:00

(Ok, I admit, I rarely read all the forwards I get in my email, but this one caught my eye and the meaning is so great, I thought I would post it here. Thanks, Sarah, for passing this along!)

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back.

Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.

The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely
9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately
500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we
need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.

The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadronat Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt.Jeremy Fresques.
Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at
Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.
Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of
the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt.Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..

A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF

Larson as Curious George!

2009-06-26T17:12:00.001-05:00

Mr. Sportsman

2009-06-15T13:47:00.001-05:00

He keeps us busy!

Look who's driving....

2009-06-07T18:36:00.000-05:00

And, he's a darn good driver (well, usually, lol, that's another story!
He wasn't the only one driving today though......I took Raisa out for her first driving lesson! My little girl behind the wheel now! When we were done, I asked her what she thought and all she had to say was it made her feel powerful.....mmmmm alright lol
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

Where am I???

2009-06-01T22:02:00.002-05:00

And what day is it?? Those are two questions I have had to ask alot lately lol. We left for our Houston trip and were gone Sunday-Wednesday, had Britt's graduation Thursday, left for Branson on Friday, came back from Branson on Monday, went to Kansas City Wednesday, came back Thursday. I keep losing track of what day it is.

Houston scans were AWESOME (as stated earlier)! I even got a hug from my doctor! We got the Circulating Tumor Cells test back (the one that measures cancer cell in the blood) and they were at ZERO, again! YA!

Branson was ehhhh, so-so. Nice to get away. We stayed at the Grand Country Inn and LOVED the indoor water park. I swear, we were all running around like a bunch of kids haha! Kevin banged up his elbow on the water slide, but we had loads of fun there. Larson ended up pretty sick one day and then Kevin got it, so we didn't do a few things we were hoping to, but, we will go back.

The kids have lots to do this summer. They have swim practice (with meets every Wednesday), baseball (with games on Tuesday and Thursday), volleyball camp, basketball camp, theatre camp, totus tuus, etc. Not to mention, eye doctor visits and dentist visits. WHEW! I don't think we can squeeze anything else in our schedule! Yep, they will stay busy!

Tomorrow we have the funeral for Kevin's uncle. He will be missed.
I still have some photos I have been meaning to post on here. Hopefully I can find some time soon!
Until next time!
~Kasey

Scan results.....

2009-05-20T13:06:00.000-05:00

Every scan....ALL CLEAR!!!!!!!
We are at the Airport now waiting for our flight home. We are ready to come home!
Thanks for all they prayers!
Kasey

Recuperating after Raisa's party

2009-05-16T18:47:00.003-05:00

We had the best 13th birthday party for Raisa last night! We sent her and 6 of her friends on a photo scavanger hunt around town! It was so fun. We split the group in 2 (I had 4 girls and Kevin took 3). Each team had their own digital camera and had a list of about 20 different photos they needed to get.
They needed photos of their team at a welcome to coffeyville sign, with a firefighter, with a headstone of the last name of "Smith", at a laundromat, in a shopping cart, with a Disney movie (and what was weird, is both teams took photos with the same movie, but one team found it at blockbuster and the other team at Walmart!), working behind a cash register, waving to traffic, with a stanger in front of Walmart and behind bars (which was fun to see them use their imagination on this one! My team choose to have it taken behind "bars" as in Ceasars and the other team took it behind metal bars.), just to name some. They also needed to collect a few "items" like an empty bucket of chicken box from KFC, a business card from a hotel, a takeout menu from a restraunt and other things.
It was so funny. The other team went to KFC before we did, and they told them to give our team a hard time about the bucket lol, and so they did! We wasted like 10 minutes there haha!
We all met at Pizza Hut at 6:30 for pizza and cake. I took their cards from their cameras to Walmart and had 7 copies of each of the photos taken and am putting them in a little 4x6 photo book for them to keep. I have one teams photo on the top and the other team on the bottom of the same shots so they can see what each team did for each shot. It was hilarious listening to them talk about where they went for their shots when they finally met back up. I would not let either team text or call anyone on the other team so we had no idea where they were at.
I think they were all just the perfect age to do this.
Then, today, I took them all to the mall. We just got back and I think everyone is BEAT.

So, I am going to go rest up as we are heading to Houston tomorrow. Just routine scans. We will be back on Wednesday evening. I will be updating my twitter (which also updates my facebook). Then, Thursday is graduation and Friday we are heading to Branson for the weekend. I could use a vacation HAHA!

Take care,
Kasey

The Gray's

2009-05-13T14:05:00.003-05:00

Hey my prayer comrades......

A fellow parishoner of ours, Joe Gray, has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Here is his blog to follow along on his journey (a journey we never wanted to take, but nonetheless are on.)

Prayers to you Joe and Vicki!!

http://www.thisjourneyispavedwithprayers.blogspot.com/

Testing mobile posting

2009-05-11T13:31:00.001-05:00

Ok, ignore the photo haha! Just trying something out!

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

Prayers for Brent Blagg and family

2009-05-10T13:48:00.002-05:00

We found out this morning that Brent's wife, Amy, and their son, Kyler, were killed in a car wreck last night west of Wann. Their young daughter, Tara, is still in the hospital. Brent was Kevin's boss when they were at Dixon. Every year, we would have a Christmas party at their house. Amy was the sweetest person and Kyler was such a good kid. Tara loved playing upstairs with Raisa. Prayers to Brent and the whole family and prayers for Tara for a quick, full recovery.
This just saddens me so. Life is so unpredictable. Scary how fast it can change.

Happy Star Wars Day!

2009-05-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

May the Fourth be with you.

Bwwwwaaaaaahhhh!! Who knew!

Hello!

2009-04-28T12:04:00.001-05:00

I haven't forgot about the photos from our trip to California haha! They are still on the card in the camera. I just haven't even had time to download them yet. Hopefully in the next week or two I will have some time! Just a busy time of year as school unwinds. What am I saying, then it get even busier lol!

2009-04-11T11:50:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter!

Ummm, I think we will just stay in California :)

2009-03-28T16:56:00.004-05:00

What wacky weather I am hearing about there in Kansas! It is sunny and beautiful here! I don't want to come home to SNOW tomorrow uhhhhhggggg!

We have had alot of fun this week. We went to the Ronald Reagan Library and got to "board" air force one. They also have Marine 1 (the presidental helicopter) there. We went to Griffith Observatory in L.A. and also the Getty Museum. I think it was more like a field trip for Larson haha! He had fun and learned quite I bit, I think :). Raisa got to do her "shopping". All she bought was summer clothes, so luckily she is able to wear them before we head back to the snow.

Here's hoping all the snow stops so our flight is not delayed and Kevin can get to Tulsa safely to pick us up!
~Kasey

California!

2009-03-21T16:58:00.004-05:00

Monday I am taking Raisa and Larson to California to see my parents! Poor Kevin is staying home this trip and will miss all the fun. But, at least he will take us to the airport and pick us up so I won't have to pay the parking fee lol!
Anyhoo....I will be gone all next week having some fun in the California sun!
Larson is excited because we are going to go to the Ronald Reagan Library where they have Air Force I (the presidental airplane) parked. He will get to go on a tour of it. He is also excited about going to Griffith Observatory. We took Raisa there when she was around 4 and she loved it. Raisa is just excited about going shopping haha! She has been saving her money for that.
I will post some photos when we get back!
Have a great spring break!
~Kasey

Must be Spring Break time!

2009-03-20T09:29:00.003-05:00

Check out our forecast for Tuesday LOL! So, do you think we have a chance for rain?

Good thing I will be out of town haha! Hope ya all stay DRY haha!

2009-03-17T07:39:00.002-05:00

♣Happy St. Patrick's Day♣

My Kiddos!

2009-03-08T23:01:00.004-05:00

Finally got them into the studio for some photos!

Great News!

2009-03-01T14:53:00.004-06:00

While planning our next trip to Houston, I found out they changed my scans to every 4 months now! YAAAA! So, we won't have to be back until the end of May/First part of June. Then, the next one after that will be my 2 YEAR appointment!
That made my WEEK! :)

Taxes, Taxes

2009-02-19T08:21:00.002-06:00

I think my head is going to explode!! LOL. After today, they will be done!
Tomorrow I am heading to Branson for a *FUN* photographers only weekend at Big Cedar Lodge (I have 2 big buckets of Margaritas made yeehaa!) Better get to packing!
Have a great day!!!
~Kasey

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-12T14:24:00.005-06:00

Couldn't resist wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!
My sweetie is taking me to a Valentine dinner and dance at the DoubleTree at Warren Place in Tulsa for the night :). We finally get to go out of town, just the 2 of us, just for FUN!
Off to get ready for a basketball shoot..........
Have a GREAT Valentine's and remember, it's OK to eat chocolate (even if you are on a diet)!!!!!

BRIAN REGAN!

2009-02-07T09:37:00.002-06:00

OMGosh, what a hilarious show that was in Tulsa last night! If you are not fimilar with Brian Regan, just go to YOUTUBE and search for his name. Many of his skits show up. Some of the most funny are the ironing board, ups, doctor, pop tarts, food labels and emergency room. They're all so funny! His expressions just crack me up! We ended up on the front row last night. We took Raisa and Larson with us. Larson was just cracking me up laughing. Great show!
I am off of work on this nice Saturday, so I am off to Joplin to do some shopping!
Have a great day!
~Kasey

Last report...

2009-02-02T20:08:00.000-06:00

We were waiting on the CTC (circulating tumor cell) test and got it today! It was ZERO!!!!!!!! YA!
:)

Scan results!

2009-01-30T10:16:00.003-06:00

WHOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!

All GREAT news! All clear scans--bone scan, ct scan, mri, xray--I had the whole workup! Tumor markers are at an all time LOW of 42 :)! The biopsy of the thyroid came back NEGATIVE! I had the port put in Wednesday and was able to get the new "power port" where they can do blood draws from it as well as all the injections for the scans. No more getting poked in the arms or feet. When they were trying to find a good vein to start the iv for the surgery, they were looking to put it in my neck. Ummm, no thanks. Thank God for the port now!
So, we don't have to go back for 3 months! YAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you all SOOOOOOOOOO much for all the prayers! God is so good!
~Kasey

Back to Houston

2009-01-24T21:04:00.002-06:00

Well, it is time for my 1 year 3 month scans! We fly out tomorrow and will be back Thursday. I will post as soon as we get back!
~Kasey

10 things....

2009-01-20T13:43:00.002-06:00

You may not know about ME!

1. I love lifetime original movies
2. I am a published scrapbooker (in several well known books and magazines)
3. I admit it, I am an Elton John fan (I have been to 3 of his concerts)
4. I prefer Pepsi over Coke
5. I refuse to go barefoot
6. I can still do a backbend
7. I *LOVE* QuikTrip!
8. I could stay in blockbuster all day--just because it smells good lol!
9. I was on the first FKHS girls swim relay to go to state
10. I was born in N. Hollywood, California

Basketball

2009-01-12T21:45:00.002-06:00

I can't believe basketball is almost over! Larson had such a fun time playing. This was his first year doing it and like other sports, he really put his heart and soul into it. He won some, he lost some, but had fun every game!

Kindle, Kindle

2009-01-09T16:42:00.003-06:00

I *puffy heart* LOVE my Kindle!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T12:43:00.007-06:00

I am glad to be starting a fresh, new year.
We head back to Houston around the last week in January (the 24th). I have my 1 year, 3 month scans. I will also go into surgery and have a port placed. My doctor finally agreed. I am just getting tired of them trying to access a vein with no success here at crmc.

But after all that "fun" is over, I am going to get some "me" time with a bunch of area photographers for a fun filled weekend of shooting, playing and sharing at Big Cedar in Branson in February. I am really looking foreward to that. We have several of their cabins reserved. I have never stayed at Big Cedar before, but I hear it is beautiful!

In February, Kevin, the kids and I are going to see Brian Regan in concert. He has got to be the most hilarious comedian of all time!
You can check him out here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8t-2VkVhTc

Then, in March for Spring break, I am taking the kids to California to visit with my family. We have several things planned to do there, like go the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.

So, lots to look foreward to in 2009!
I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe new year!
~Kasey

"Where's my nutcracker parade?"

2008-12-30T16:45:00.002-06:00

LOL. Larson asked me the other day if I posted the photo of his nutcracker parade this year (remember from last year lol.). He was sad to hear I had not had a chance to go through any Christmas photos yet. So, I hurried to find a couple and post them. So here is his "nutcracker parade" and also his gingerbread house he made and a cute photo of him!

Happy Birthday...

2008-12-29T14:15:00.000-06:00

We love you and miss you Shelly!

Brown Mansion/ Penwell Gabel Calanders are out!

2008-12-28T17:43:00.004-06:00

Check out June!! Isn't he CUTE!! :)
There will be a signing at Penwell Gabel on Jan. 3rd from 5-6. For those of you that know Larson (or anyone else in the calander), they would love for you to bring your calander to "autograph"!

Cake Balls!

2008-12-22T14:03:00.003-06:00

OMGosh! These are the BEST things EVER! And so easy!
Take one cake mix-any flavor and make according to directions. When cake is done, crumble up (I used a food processor).
Take one can of frosting-any flavor and mix in with the crumbled cake. Form into balls. Dip into melted almond bark. ENJOY!!

So far, my favorites have been chocolate cake with chocolate almond frosting (with added almond extract to the frosting!) dipped in chocolate almond bark and red velvet cake with buttercream icing dipped in white almond bark. Tonight, I am making cherry chip cake with cherry icing dipped in chocolate. I also made yellow cake with chocolate icing (a personal family favorite flavor).
You can make it up with any combo that you like!
They are little bits of heaven and worth every pound you will put on eating them haha!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-18T21:08:00.002-06:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Kevin, Kasey, Raisa and Larson

2008-11-25T12:01:00.000-06:00

MySpace Graphics & Free Myspace Layouts

~Brown Mansion Calendar Shoot~

2008-11-20T09:04:00.003-06:00

Be sure to check out this calendar when you get it in the mail (mid December)!!! Larson was photographed as Donald, the young boy. He had a BLAST! He was so excited to do this! He requested to be the June photo, but we'll see :).
One reason he was so excited to do this is that he LOVES calendars lol. We call him our "calendar boy". Ever since he was about 2 he has been facinated with dates. We can always count on him to tell us what day it is haha! He has always had a calendar above his bed too. Now, he will have one with HIM in it!
I can't wait to get it!

What I've been up to.....

2008-11-15T22:50:00.003-06:00

Alot has been going on that I really didn't want to post until now. After we got back from Houston the beginning of October, I was sent to have an ultasound of the thyroid. Well, that lead to a biopsy that was done 2 weeks ago in Bartlesville. Not a fun thing to have done! Three needles poked into your neck! I had to wait a over a week to get the results of this (and let me tell you, that makes for a LONG week. Even keeping busy with 4-5 sessions a week, I still had some time to freak out a bit.) I finally heard from my Doctor in Houston and the results came back as "Non-diagnostic specimen due to lack of cellularity". Meaning, they didn't get any cells. On the bright side of that, they didn't get any cancer cells, but on the downside, they didn't get ANY cells. SO, I had to go in for a nuclear uptake scan (which I believe is similar to a bone scan, in that they give you radioactive stuff and then scan you and the radioactive stuff would stick to any cancer and it would light up). Ya, I'm real technical with this eh? It was a two day test, and I had that done this past Tuesday and Wednesday in Bartlesville. I think my anxiety level was out the roof this week! Well, yesterday, we got the results of that and it showed normal thyroid uptake!!! Meaning NO CANCER!!!!! :)!!
So, I was able to breathe a sigh a relief and thank the good Lord! I will repeat the biopsy in January when we are down in Houston, but I am not worried about it.
So, that's what has been happening in cancer land.

Now, in my real life, things are great! The studio is coming along. I just got back a few minutes ago from picking up my new flooring in Joplin for the studio. The contractors will finish Monday with the sheetrocking. We will paint this week, then have the new floor installed. I am so happy to see it coming along!

That's all for now! OHHHHH, I was going to tell you about a book I am in the middle of reading right now that I SO reccomend!! It is called "The Shack" by William P. Young. GREAT BOOK! Very moving and inspirational. I just bought the first book in the "Twilight" series today, so that is next on my list! After the "Twilight" series (I think there are 4 books in that series) I am going to read the "Left Behind" series. I need to make sure I get enough "me" time to finish them all!

In case I don't post before Thanksgiving, I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksging!
~Kasey

Halloween Fun!

2008-11-02T18:44:00.002-06:00

We are home!

2008-10-08T20:21:00.004-05:00

Man, I hate going down there every 3 months lol!
We got all the scan reports back. All looked great (bone scan, xray and ct), but I need to have an ultrasound of the thyroid. Don't know what is up with that, but it is most likely nothing, as the overall results from the CAT scan were great and "nothing new". Tumor markers are up slightly, but again, nothing to really worry about. They tend to fluctuate a bit. The CTC (Circulating Tumor Cells) test from July were ZERO! We won't have the one from today for a couple weeks. We also do not have the bone marrow biopsy back yet. I had that done on Monday and all went well with it. I hope to have that report back next week. All bloodwork is looking great! I started up with my re-immunizations too. I realized I had LIED to my kids lol! THEY DO HURT!
We were able to rent a car on Tuesday and drove down to Galveston. They have alot to clean up there, but I'll bet they will for the most part, be back to normal in a year or two. Sadly, my favorite "Joe's Crab Shack" took a real beating! I guess after seeing Coffeyville last year, this wasn't as shocking to see as I thought it would be. I took a few photos and will try and get some posted as soon as I get a chance.
That's it for now! Off to spend some time with my kiddos!
~Kasey

ETA------I just got this email!

Hello Kasey,

Your Bone marrow biopsy was Negative for any disease. Good news!

Thank you,

Tobi Fisher, MPAS, PA-C
Drs. Champlin and Ueno
Department of Stem Cell Transplantation & Cellular Therapy
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

ONE YEAR!

2008-10-02T13:15:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe it is time for my one year scans! A year ago (I think TODAY!) I had my stem cell transplant. We leave Sunday and will be there until Wednesday. I will be having a bone marrow biopsy on Monday (under sedation because I am a big baby lol!). I think we are going to rent a car and drive down to Galveston on Tuesday to check it out now. It has made me sad what I have seen on tv. I just love that little beach town! We meet with my Doctor Wednesday and I have an infusion of Zometa, then we will be home.
Raisa and Larson have kept us busy with volleyball and football lately. Raisa is done with volleyball now and I must say, they improved 150% from just a month ago! Looking foreward to it all again next year! Larson made his first TOUCHDOWN last Saturday! I did not get to see it as I was in Iola at Raisa's volleyball tournament, but I am SO PROUD of him!!
For those of you that only visit this blog of mine, I want to share some great news posted on my photography blog. I now have a studio! I am so excited. We close on October 14th. I have some contrators ready to do some work on it---lay hardwood floors, sheetrock, etc. Luckily, it won't need much work.
That's all the updates for now. I will post when we get back from Houston!
~Kasey

Stand up 2 cancer!!

2008-09-05T23:44:00.001-05:00

If you have a moment, PLEASE donate!!
http://su2c.standup2cancer.org/index.php

Larson Hoggatt....

2008-09-02T22:51:00.002-05:00

for President?? What has my little boy gotten himself into????
(Be sure to click the play arrow at the bottom left of the picture!)
http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=4c6172736f6e7c486f6767617474

Back 2 School!

2008-08-21T20:17:00.002-05:00

Raisa started Junior High this week! She loves all her classes and is trying out for volleyball. Larson is in first grade and really loves school. Tomorrow they are going to the library and he's so excited! He loves to read! He is going to be starting flag football any day now. Looks like a fun fall and I am just GLAD to be here this fall!!
~Kasey

Hellloooo!!!

2008-08-14T22:37:00.002-05:00

All is good here! Just RELAXING after a BUSY summer. I have taken this week off of work (to get myself caught up and spend some time with my kids before they go back to school!). Nothing much new happening.
We are going back to Houston the first week in October and will be there for the week this time. It will be time for my one year post tranplant check up. I can't believe that is coming up! I will have a bone marrow biopsy this time along with the CT and bone scans.
Well, I am off the computer now (trying to take a break from that too for the next week!). Talk to ya all later!
~Kasey

101 Dalmations!

2008-07-31T11:33:00.001-05:00

Opening night is tonite! This show will have 4 productions--Tonight, Friday, Saturday and a Sunday afternoon. Come out and see it!

CAT scan results

2008-07-25T22:19:00.001-05:00

Looks good!

I didn't realize I did not post this! Just been so busy the last week with swimming (the kids have their League meet tomorrow!), back to school shopping (yah! No uniforms this year for Raisa lol!), the play (101 Dalmations--Raisa is the Momma dog, Perdita, and Larson will be Pepper--opening night is this coming Thursday!!) and lots of photo sessions in between.

I will post some photos from 101 Dalmations later this week! It sounds like it is going to be another GREAT show for Childrens Summer Theatre!

Take care!!
Kasey

Back from Houston

2008-07-11T13:08:00.002-05:00

Well, we made it back from Houston. Same thing as last time (the first part of April), we are waiting on the CAT scans, but bone scan was clean and all bloodwook is fine! We aren't expecting anyting unusual to come up in the CAT scan.

I think the Doctor was more concerned with my finger. I had a run in with a firework on the 4th of July. Spent 2 1/2 hours in the ER. I thought it was broken, along with a BAD burn, right through the skin and muscle. They xrayed it and said it wasn't broken. Not much to do with the burn right now except keep Silvadine(?) on it and wait and see.
Well, that was on the 4th. Today, ONE WEEEK LATER!!! I got a call from the Doctor who was on staff in the ER that day. HMMMMMM....it seems my finger IS broken! Geezzzz, it was only an xray of the hand they had to look at. I am really getting fed up with this hospital! I don't think think they have EVER read an xray, ultrasound, mammogram, ct scan correct of mine. Bad luck, or bad hospital???

Any which way, our trip to MD Anderson went well again and that is the main thing!

Back to Houston

2008-07-03T22:33:00.007-05:00

We are going back to Houston Sunday for my 9 month post stem cell transplant scans. I have scans all day Monday and we will visit with the Doctor on Wednesday.

I am looking foreward meeting several more women in the same trial while I am down there. One is in the hospital now, one will be there for her 3 month scans and one is getting ready to start the whole process and her journey now. For that is the reason this blog was started.

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.
- Stephen Covey

Funeral for Michaelle

2008-06-21T18:37:00.008-05:00

Rosary will be at 7:30pm on Tuesday and the funeral will be Wednesday at 10:00am at Holy Name Catholic Church, Coffeyville with Father Ben officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.
We have set up a Memorial in her name at Grace Academy Preschool in memory of Shelly (Miss Michaelle); contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337
This will be used to purchase outdoor play epuiptment for the preschoolers.
http://www.dwbfh.com/

If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know w you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss some tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, 'This is eternity,
And all I've promised you.'
Today your life on earth is past,
but here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
and since each day is the same way,
There's no longing for the past.

So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Michaelle was found.

2008-06-19T23:06:00.007-05:00

Unforturnately the news was not good. What a TOUGH TOUGH day.
Funeral arrangements are being made for next week. We do not know a day yet.
We are all still in absolute shock.

Prayers for Michaelle

2008-06-19T01:18:00.006-05:00

What a day. I wasn't sure about posting this on my blog yet, but, after seeing the hundreds of hits my blog received today, I am here to post.
First off, yes, Michaelle is missing. They have found her car at Roosevelt Drive with her purse, money, phone, etc. all in it. She has had alot of problems this past week that she has had trouble dealing with. She did take her car keys with her. We think she had every intention of returning to it. We don't think foul play was involved. It was hard today as each of us had to go in for questioning at the police department.
We want to THANK everyone from the bottom of our hearts that came out today for the search and rescue. We were overwhelmed at the response. We will all be out again tomorrow.
Thank you to those who have called or emailed your support.
Please keep praying for her safe return.

Maui Photos

2008-06-05T20:37:00.004-05:00

I have finally had a chance to go through some of the photos taken while in Maui. We had such a great time there. We ate alot of really great food--Ahi, Mahimahi, tuna kabobs, spaghetti with calamari and my favorite--Macadamia Nut pancakes with butterscotch maple whipped cream and coconut syrup (what made that breakfast really great is we ate it at this beach side "Gazebo" restaurant while watching spinner dolphins right off the coast. Beautiful!)--ohhh and the pineapple---wow. We even had some shipped home and sent a box to my Mom, Dad and Brother, along with a box of macadamia nut chocolates (my sister got another gift, didn't want you to think I forgot her lol, and my parents received their box today!)
We went to the top of a volcano (there is one photo of that in the photos), had a great time at a Luau with free refills of MaiTai's, went in a "cave", swam with sea turtles, drove the Hana Highway (600 turns and 52 one lane bridges---took us 4 hours to drive the 35 mile stretch of Highway, but it was so worth it), shopped in Lahaina, snorkeled at Molokini, boogie boarded and even had time to just relax at the pool at the hotel. We even saw Helen Hunt hehehe--but, no photos of her, have to respect their privacy! One photo in there is of where they filmed the opening scene to Jurassic Park (you may recognize the cliff if you have ever seen the movie).

The colors in Maui are just gorgeous! So vibrant and rich. Everything there is just so colorful.
So, here is a link to just a few of the hundreds of photos taken. Just click on the link and enter the passcode and it will take you to my ordering gallery (it was just easier adding it there---just don't place any orders of us LOL! Well, if you want some of the flowers or sunset, be my guest haha!)

Passcode: Hawaii
http://www.photographybykasey.com/ordering/index.php

Aloha!

2008-06-05T11:50:00.002-05:00

What an AMAZING trip we had! It was truly the BEST vacation we have ever taken. Maui was just so beautiful! The water really was as blue as it is in photos. We got back into town yesterday around 3:00. We left Hawaii Tuesday evening at 8:45 (their time, which is 5 hours earlier than it is here) and we stopped in LA at 4:20am and Denver before finally getting into Tulsa at 12:45 pm. I have so many photos to share! I think I will just put them into a gallery on my website and post the link here. I should have a chance this evening to go through them. I will post more about the trip and what all we saw and did later today or tomorrow.
~Kasey

Howie & Maggie

2008-05-25T20:22:00.002-05:00

Meet our two new furry additions to our family! This is Howie (the orange one) and Maggie (the calico). Howie is pretty ornery and Maggie is pretty cautious, yet sweet.
Just taking some time from packing (ok, I have spent WAY more time packing my camera gear than my clothes LOL!)
Anyway, enjoy the photo of our new cute kittens!

ALOHA!
Kasey

HAWAII!!!

2008-05-21T14:30:00.003-05:00

HERE WE COME! We are taking a MUCH needed relaxing trip to Hawaii! We are leaving next Wednesday for 6 days in paradise on the island of MAUI! We told the kids last night and they are so thrilled! We are going to go snorkling at Molokini, go to the top of a volcano, go to some luau's, body surf (remember how Larson is the next Laird Hamilton lol!), rent some bikes, eat great Polynesian and Hawaiian food, and just HAVE FUN! We rented a convertible for the week (ya, baby!), so we will be able to take off and drive around the island. We are staying at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa on the beach of Ka'anapali. There at the hotel they have "Camp Hyatt" where the kids can go one evening from 6-10 and learn how to make lei's and hula and all about their culture, while Mom and Dad can go try all the nice tropical drinks at beach side bar ahhhhhhh! Paradise!
Be ready for LOTS of photos when we get back!
~Kasey

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T21:17:00.003-05:00

To all you great Mother's out there, Happy Mother's Day!

I am embarrassed I have not had time to post on this blog at all in the last month. It has been crazy busy now and I have been trying to keep my other 2 blogs current. Larson has finished soccer and has started t-ball. Raisa is gearing up for swimming and graduating from Holy Name and (gasp!) getting ready to start Junior High! I can't believe it! Where did my baby girl in pigtail and braids go??? Larson will be graduating from Kindergarten next week.
Next week is also Raisa's birthday. We took her and 2 of her best friends to Tulsa and we stayed at the Radisson that has "Leapin' Louie's Lagoon" in it. They had a blast. Then, we took them ice skating Saturday with lunch at Joe's Crab Shack and then shopping. (Oh, and a trip to Maggie Moos Friday night, how could I forget that!)
Kevin is happy it is warming up for some golf! He plays in the mens league at the Country Club and we will do couples golf on Fridays when we have the chance. That is always fun! That's it for now. Everything has been going real well!!
~Kasey

The Lord's Prayer

2008-04-12T23:16:00.001-05:00

Never too young to pray.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR4PQ30VkBk

Check out her version of "Amazing Grace" too!!

Economic Stimulus Program????

2008-04-11T14:09:00.004-05:00

(Email from my DH!)

Just to let you know, Kasey…

I feel it is my duty as an American citizen to invest our stimulus rebate from the government of the United States into the economy as soon as possible.

I am only doing this in hopes of steering this “recession” away from a possible “depression”.

So, being the upstanding citizen that I am, I have chosen to make a donation to the used recreational vehicle peddlers.

No, no….don’t applaud me just yet. It gets even better…In return, we will be receiving this great token of his appreciation!!!

(see attached photo)

How can anyone not love this country!!!!!!! Together we can all do it…and this is my part.

Aren’t you just proud to be an American??? (Can you hear that song in the background?...I can!!)

(OK…you can applaud your patriotic husband now)

HAHA! Can you tell this has been a hot topic with us lol!
Him: I want a new golf cart
Me: You have a golf cart
Him: But I want new one
Me: You don't need a new one, the one you have is fine
Him: But it doen't have this....and that....blah blah
Me: It doesn't need this and that blah blah BLAH

Well, I guess I lost this one LOLOL!
I guess I better find out what I can do to stimulate the economy.........hmmm........a cruise is looking pretty good......

CAT scan results

2008-04-10T16:12:00.001-05:00

ALL CLEAR!

Update on Terri---she came home from Houston yesterday and stopped by my house last evening. She is doing GREAT! Her seisuze meds got messed up and threw her into a series of seizures. She is talking and walking better than I have seen her do since last March--PRAISE GOD!!!!

What a great week!

~Kasey

Back from Houston

2008-04-02T23:14:00.004-05:00

What a busy last few days we have had.
First the good news! My scans have still came back clear (well, the bone scan, we are stil waiting to hear about the ct, but I am sure it will be fine as usual as the tumor markers have remained the same).
I got to meet some lovely, GREAT, women while I was there who are going through the same trial I am in (remember, I am patient #1, or NUMERO UNO I would like to be referred to as in this trial lol!)
I met patient #3 (well, our husbands met first as we were both having scans at the same time). We went out for a nice dinner together at Pappadoux Seafood Restrauant. We spent about 3 hours there just talking. She has 4 CUTE kids ranging in age from 4-18.
I met patient #7 (or 8??) who is in the hospital now. I got to spend an hour talking with her. She is the exact same age as I am.
I met patient #9 for breakfast this morning (well, they were running a tad behind, so we actually ate while waiting hehe!) She is getting ready to be admitted tonight or tomorrow to the hospital to start her transplant.
AMAZING women!!! I am so happy to have had the chance to meet with them.

Now, for some not so great news. My friend, Terri Hill, just happened to have her follow up scans down there at the same time I was down there (she is my friend with the brain tumor). She flew down there with her husband and son, Jacie. This was Jacie's first trip down there. He wanted to see where Mom goes to the Doctor at. Well, she went in for her MRI yesterday and started to have a seizure. Then another, then another. One right after the other. They had to intubate and sedate her. We met up with her husband and son early yesterday evening. We took Jacie with us at that time (what a sweet kid he is! He even sat through the 3 hour dinner at Pappadoux's without complaining!) He stayed with us at our hotel last night. We took him to go see his Mom and Dad today. Terri was still intubated. I think it was pretty upsetting for him to see his Mom like that. He just wanted to come home, so we brought him home with us on our flight home tonight and took him to his Grandma's house. Please keep them all in your prayers. I hate to see them have to go through this.

So, we had a pretty busy last few days! I am just so THANKFUL to God right now for my clean scans. I don't have to go back for 3 more months. I hope to spend most of that time not even thinking about cancer. It has consumed too much of my life the last year and half as it is.

Time to get back to living!

~Kasey

Sweet Cathy...

2008-03-29T22:28:00.003-05:00

I heard the news today. It came out of nowhere.
I wish I could run away,
but where would I go?
Is this my destiny? Something so unfair... What will become of me?
God only knows.

And they say the road to heaven might lead us back through hell.
Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, we will win this fight and bury this sorrow.
We're so alive, still holding on, not ready to die, so we LIVESTRONG.

My pride is left for dead, as my world gets shaken.
The thoughts inside my head are so hard to control.
I am staring down the unknown, but one thing is certain.
You could break my body, but you will never break my soul.

And they say the road to heaven might leads us back through hell, but we're holding on for more
than stories to tell.

Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, we will win this fight and bury this sorrow.
We're so alive, still holding on, not ready to die, so we LIVESTRONG.

You will be missed dear, sweet Cathy. Rest with Peace. Thank you for everything.
My heart is heavy tonight.
~Kasey

March 28, 2008

2008-03-28T08:32:00.003-05:00

Well, spring break is over (how sad!). I hope you all had a great time. I have heard from several of you that you enjoyed time down in Branson, as did we. We rented a cabin and while Silver Dollar City was not open at the time we went, we did enjoy some shopping at the craft and outlet malls, and at Branson Landing. We played some mini golf, ate great food and all around had a great time. I really enjoyed all my family being here!
Larson has started back up in Soccer and will start t-ball soon. Kevin's golf league has started back up. Raisa is getting ready to start preparing for swim season. I am getting ready to photograph 115 kids in the next week and a half! Yep, busy time of year!
We are leaving for Houston Sunday again (we have been to the airport 4 times in the last 2 weeks, what's one more!) I can't believe 3 months have went by. I will post next Thursday when we get back! Please keep us in you prayers! Thanks!!!!

~Kasey

(Here is a quick snap of me and my Mom, Dad, brother Mark and sister Corinne)

A Great Day!

2008-03-13T09:13:00.003-05:00

Today we go pick up my Mom, Dad and Mark at the airport! They will spend Spring Break with us. We rented a cabin in Branson for the weekend. Then, on Tuesday, we get to go pick up my sister at the airport! They will all stay for Easter. The kids are SOOOOOO excited. My Mom hasn't been here in a couple of years, my sister for 6 years (she came when Larson was born) and my Dad and Mark for almost 18 years!!
So, I don't think I will post much these next couple of weeks. I may post some photos though!
You all have a GREAT Spring Break and a HAPPY EASTER!
~Kasey

An Easter funny!

2008-03-05T08:31:00.003-06:00

My family and I have been LAUGHING for a few years over these chocolate bunnies!

Can't Resist!

2008-02-27T12:19:00.003-06:00

I was going to post this on my photography blog, but I really try to keep my kids off of that blog. So, this is another "Mommy post" here, well and a "Grandma and Grandpa" post (who, by they way are coming here for a visit during Spring Break----YA! I can't wait!)
I just love this photo of Raisa with her "new do".

Best Tax Lady!!

2008-02-25T16:26:00.002-06:00

I have seriously got the BEST tax lady! If anyone is looking for a great, knowledgable tax person, call Debbie Collins at H&R Block!! She has been doing my taxes for both of my businesses for the past 6 years. She is not only great at taxes, but an all around great person. I just had to give a little shout out about her!
~Kasey

Wanted......

2008-02-24T17:38:00.002-06:00

We are looking for a new kitten to join our family! Does anyone have any kittens they are looking to get rid of or know of anyone with some kittens? Or even a cat getting ready to have some kittens?? Please email me, call me at 251-8546 or reply to this post! We would like one soon. It has been too quite without Grady. We all miss him and think a new little kitten around here will spice things up a bit. So, please if you hear of anyone, let us know!
Thanks!!!!
~Kasey

Daddy's Girl

2008-02-23T21:20:00.004-06:00

I think Raisa got 2 years older this weekend or something! Isn't she PRETTY!! (Ok, I am very biased haha, and as her Mother, I should be!) Amazing how much a new hairstlye can change her! Her and her Daddy enjoyed a great evening at the Daddy/Daughter ball tonight while Larson and I dined at McDonalds (his choice of restruants!) and played Battleship, Scrabble and Hi-Ho Cherry-O.

Whose that girl?

2008-02-17T22:46:00.002-06:00

I may regret this one day, but here I am! My daughter, while helping me set up for a shoot today took this. I was teaching her the difference in broad lighting and short lighting and other "tools of the trade!"

With a heavy heart....

2008-02-16T12:59:00.004-06:00

We had to say goodbye to our dear, sweet cat of 19 1/2 years~~Grady Drake. He will be missed so much!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T10:52:00.001-06:00

~Kasey

Sick, Sick....

2008-02-13T12:45:00.002-06:00

I am sick of being sick! I went to the Doctor on Monday and tested positive for influenza. Yuck! I haven't had the flu in years. We have just passed it from one to the other here. Raisa had it first, then Kevin, now I, and Larson is showing the first signs of it now (hopefully starting him on Tamiflu now will help!). There are so many nasty bugs going around now. I hope you all have been staying well! I am officially ready for Spring!
~Kasey

Expelled-The Movie

2008-02-08T12:59:00.001-06:00

Have any of you heard of this movie coming out this Spring? Here is the movie trailer:

http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playgroundvideo3.swf

Sounds interesting. I have never doubted we are all a work of God. Maybe sience can prove it after all? Maybe it is never meant to be proven, just believed.
What do you all think of this movie? Worth seeing?

Snow Day!

2008-02-01T14:11:00.000-06:00

Wow! Don't you all just love how pretty all this snow is! I had some fun outside with the kids for awhile. Larson was too busy "working" to take photos, plus, poor kid was embarrased about his purple gloves lol! We couldn't find his, so it was his sisters or nothing! I am not a fan of selective coloring in a photo AT ALL, but darnit, every once in awhile you find a photo that looks ok with it. The kids went to a friends house after this and went sledding and snowboarding. They had a blast! I am just lovin' all this snow!

BUSY BUSY!

2008-01-30T10:40:00.000-06:00

And lovin' it!
http://photographybykasey.blogspot.com/

Cha...Cha....Cha....

2008-01-23T14:27:00.000-06:00

CHIA!

I finally found SOMETHING I can grow!

Blogapalooza!

2008-01-22T15:56:00.000-06:00

Raisa started her own blog! I wasn't going to post it on here, but she talked me into it. She has been having alot of fun with it. I also helped one of her friends with hers. TOO FUN!!
http://i-friendz.blogspot.com/

My journey

FIVE YEARS!

Back from MD Anderson

Back to Houston

M.D.Anderson

Goodbye summer, I'll miss you!

Where we went last week.......

First Communion

Skiing at SnowCreek!

Scan Updates..............

Houston.......have you missed me??

Whew! Is it time to relax yet?

Merry Christmas!!

Hello from Branson!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Future Anchorman?

Halloween Fun

Happy Halloween!

NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE!!!

Scanorama Time

Beautiful Rainbow!

~OPENING NIGHT!~

Best wedding procession--EVER!

Swim Meet

A letter to the editor.....

Larson as Curious George!

Mr. Sportsman

Look who's driving....

Where am I???

Scan results.....

Recuperating after Raisa's party

The Gray's

Testing mobile posting

Prayers for Brent Blagg and family

Happy Star Wars Day!

Hello!

Ummm, I think we will just stay in California :)

California!

Must be Spring Break time!

My Kiddos!

Great News!

Taxes, Taxes

Happy Valentine's Day!

BRIAN REGAN!

Last report...

Scan results!

Back to Houston

10 things....

Basketball

Kindle, Kindle

Happy New Year!

"Where's my nutcracker parade?"

Happy Birthday...

Brown Mansion/ Penwell Gabel Calanders are out!

Cake Balls!

Merry Christmas!

~Brown Mansion Calendar Shoot~

What I've been up to.....

Halloween Fun!

We are home!

ONE YEAR!

Stand up 2 cancer!!

Larson Hoggatt....

Back 2 School!

Hellloooo!!!

101 Dalmations!

CAT scan results

Back from Houston

Back to Houston

Funeral for Michaelle

Michaelle was found.

Prayers for Michaelle

Maui Photos

Aloha!

*Howie & Maggie*

HAWAII!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

The Lord's Prayer

Economic Stimulus Program????

CAT scan results

Howie & Maggie