Remembering Robdob Video

This video played at the viewing on Friday night. The funeral service was inspiring. We hope to share more of the messages and memories that were shared here for those who live out of town and were unable to attend. Get a tissue to watch the video! It is beautiful.



Many thanks and sincere gratitude to all those who have been of service, sent flowers and donated to the Hope Trust Fund and the leukemia foundation. Ashley continues to be sustained by your prayers and love and the Spirit. Thank you!

Obituary

Robert Kenneth Ashworth, 25, a student, of Las Vegas, passed away December 13, 2009. He was born August 28, 1984, in St. George, UT, and was a 17 year resident of Nevada. Robert graduated from Las Vegas High School in 2003. He attended college in Missouri and CSN. Robert married Ashley Ann Squires July 8, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Ashley Ashworth; parents, Linda and Ken Ashworth; sisters, Amanda, Alicia, and Anjelica; and brothers, Ryan and Richmond. Viewing will only be 6-8 p.m. Friday December 18. Funeral services Saturday, 11 a.m., both at the LDS chapel, 4040 E. Wyoming (at Gateway). Graveside service will follow at Bunkers Memory Gardens, 7251 W. Lone Mountain Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hope Trust c/o Robert Ashworth, 1055 Whitney Ranch Drive, Suite 110, Henderson, NV 89014.

A Few Things

There has been some confusion about the time of the funeral on Saturday, we would just like to clarify that it will be at 11:00 a.m. at the same location as previously posted.

The Ashworth family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hope Trust Fund. This is a Robert Ashworth Memorial Fund that will benefit his wife, Ashley.

I would like to share the gratitude expressed by many in both the Ashworth and Squires families for the many sweet sentiments and great services that have been performed and offered on our behalf. With the strength and sustaining of the Spirit, it is getting us through.

Thank you to those have shared memories of Robert with us, I know they will be a treasure to Ashley and the Ashworth's in the years to come. Please keep them coming.

I just have to share a picture. This photo was taken on November 24th, 2009:

The most adorable, eternal couple ever!

Funeral Arrangements

We wanted to post the information that we know about the services .

The viewing will be on Friday the 18th from 6 to 8p.m.

The funeral will be on Saturday the 19th at 11 a.m.

Both will be held at the church building at

4040 E. Wyoming (just west of Lamb).

(The Gateway & Wyoming Building)

Thank you for the love and support.

Sharing Memories

We have already found comfort, inspiration, and even a chuckle or two sharing our memories of Robert with each other. We would like to invite everyone to share their memories. Please feel free to leave a comment with your memories, or send an email to memoriesofrobdob@gmail.com
Sometime next week we would like to compile all of these stories into a book and give a copy to Ashley and a copy to the Ashworth family.

A Wonderful Life

Robert Kenneth Ashworth returned home to his loving Father in Heaven at 9:20pm. He was surrounded by his family, Ashley and her family.

Setting the Record Straight

The news about Robert is a little better than it was yesterday. The word went around that Robert only had 24-48 hours, and we know that this was very stressful news for everyone that heard it. There was a time in the morning that his condition was very critical. His resting heart rate went over 200 bpm and there was concern that he would go into an irregular heart rhythm and require resuscitation. The doctors were able to adjust his ventilator settings and treat his pH levels to bring his heart rate down to a safer rate. It has been determined that he has ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), which is inflammation of the lungs. ARDS is a secondary response to some other stress. The cause has still not been determined since all the cultures have come back negative. Robert's condition is still very critical and he is receiving supportive care for ARDS, which means he is breathing with the assistance of a ventilator. He's hooked up to a plethora of monitors and is being watched very closely. His condition has been fairly stable since yesterday afternoon. The diagnosis of ARDS gives hope that Robert will be able to pull through this, although his condition could change from day to day or even hour to hour at this point.

We are moving forward with faith and so appreciate all who join their faith with ours. We know that Robert is in God's hands and He is in charge of the outcome. We continue to believe in miracles and to ask for one for Robert. Ashley is holding up with her usual optimism and courage and advocating for the best care possible for Robert.

*We will be posting if there is anything new. If there is any specific information that you would like to know or questions that you have please feel free to leave us a comment and we will answer it in the following post. It has been an overwhelming weekend, but we do plan to continue posting at least once a day.

Once again, thank you for your fasting and prayers on Robert and Ashley's behalf. We have all felt their power this weekend, and your love!

Fast Request & Update

Yesterday was a bit of a rough day. I couldn't bring myself to post. We received the results from the biopsy on the lump on Robert's chest. It is leukemia cells. The good news is that there are no leukemia cells in his blood work or in his bone marrow. It is the same thing that happened before, a few rogue leukemia cells that weren't destroyed by the chemo and radiation have just gotten together and formed the lump. The game plan: get Robert over his pneumonia, then send him up to Salt Lake. There they will do a lymphocite transfusion with more of Amanda's cells. That will force Robert's body to develop graph vs. host disease. When he gets GVHD then Amanda's cells will attack and destroy any remaining white blood cells of Roberts, including any leukemia cells. I believe they may also do a localized radiation treatment on the lump to kill those cells as well.
While they have a good plan to handle this new development it was still hard news to hear, and it took a day to process.

Currently Robert is still on 100% oxygen, his blood oxygen saturation is between 92-95. His pneumonia symptoms are a little worse today than yesterday. They are a little concerned about his brain activity as well, because even when they bring down his sedation levels, his brain activity doesn't increase. Ashley is asking that they change his pain medication from morphine to dilauded (or something else), because she remembered that he had that problem last time he was in the ICU and it helped. We're hoping that will help his brain activity right now. The docs have gotten back some of his test results, but so far everything has come back negative.

Ashley would like to ask anyone who can to participate in a fast for Robert this weekend (Saturday or Sunday). We are announcing in our wards here to fast on Sunday, but please feel free to fast tomorrow if that would be better for you. We are fasting for Robert's healing, but also specifically for his doctors to be guided to know what is causing his pneumonia and how best to help him heal. Please also pray for his speedy recovery, so that he can get up to Salt Lake quickly.

Thank you for all of your continued support and prayers. Ashley feels them, they are keeping her going; and she knows Robert feels them too.

With love and gratitude!

Update

There still isn't much to report on. We still haven't gotten any new results from cultures or tests. Robert is stable, and has been all day. He is currently on 100% oxygen to keep his saturation above the necessary 92 mark. They would like to be able to bring his oxygen level down soon. He is sedated. His chest x-ray last night looked worse, but the docs & nurses say that is typical of pneumonia and they will expect them to start looking better soon.

Thank you for your continued prayers, love and support.

Here's what's cookin'. . .

Remember that cook book we mentioned awhile back? Well here it is. . . (drumroll please) Ahem, that was lame. Let's try it again

(((DRUMROLL)))

That was much better! Here it is in real, life print. Life? Does that word describe a cookbook? Printed on pages that were once a living tree. Recipes to gift life to your body and a party to your taste buds. Yep, I think it works. I just love, love, love the title. Isn't the cover fabulously cute? It would have to be with pictures of such cuties, I just love those two.

This book is filled with yummy recipes, quick meals and family traditions. All these recipes are tried and true! Recipes I just love. If you don't have yours yet, you just might want to get one! We are selling them here.

To those who have already purchased a book, they are on their way! And a big THANK YOU for your support in our fundraising efforts. You won't regret it, we can really cook (and I'm humble about that fact!) Food is so good! I love food, and I just thought you needed to know. Well it is getting late and I might qualify as slap-happy at this juncture, so I'm gonna run.

Just don't forget to buy a cookbook!

Thank you for your love, prayers & comments!

Kisses!

*Robert has remained stable today. He is on a ventilator that is breathing for him at this point. They are maintaining his oxygen levels and treating his pneumonia. His blood pressure was a little low today, this is very typical for someone who is as sick as he is. They started him on meds to help with that. We don't have any test/biopsy results back yet. Still playing the waiting game. There just isn't a lot of new information at this point. When we know, you'll know, I promise!

Giving Thanks

Sunday November 22 at their Gratitude Night!

Check out those chubby cheeks! :)

Robert and Ashley gave me a gift. The gift of gratitude. The Sunday before Thanksgiving our family got together. We were joined by Mike, Lara & family, the only ones missing were the Bakers. Robert and Ashley started off an FHE by sharing stories from their experience battling leukemia. They pointed out in each story how gratitude has blessed their experience. Then they passed out slips of paper, on it was printed someone's name in our family. We went around the room and said why we were grateful for the person on our paper slip. No matter what your family relationships are like: good, bad or indifferent, they could benefit from that exercise. Suddenly you are reminded of all the amazing qualities each family member possesses. It was awesome! Here is a quote that Ashley posted on her facebook page:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -Melody Beattie

Robert and Ashley are such an amazing example to me, and many. They keep their spirits up and look for the blessings in every situation, both big and small. To finish up they gave everyone a piece of paper with the words "Things I would like to be more grateful for..." I've been thinking about it ever since. And you know what has happened? I have noticed the little things, the tender mercies and even the things I first think are a frustration--yet they work out for my benefit. I have seen the Lord's hand in my life a little more than I did before.

So Thanksgiving Day has passed, yet today I am giving thanks. Thanks for Robert and Ashley. Thanks for their example. Thanks for Robert's life. Thanks for families and for friends!

Thanks for you! For your thoughts and your prayers!

With Robdob back in the ICU lets fill up his waiting room. Please feel free to leave a comment and let him know that you are thinking of him and are praying for him. And Ashpants too! Thank you!

*Robert's bronchioscopy went well, they were able to easily get fluid from his lungs, as well as a biopsy. We are waiting on results from those cultures. His initial lumbar puncture results are in and they look good, they also sent off for a culture of that, and it hasn't come back yet. No other test results are in as of yet. We may hear more after rounds tonight.

Robert is stable, and he has been calm all afternoon. Ashley is catching up on her sleep a bit from her eventful night. We'll post again soon!

Monday Update

I don't have much time right now, but I wanted to get a quick post up. Robert was taken to the ICU last night around 3:30am. His blood oxygen levels were really low (45%), so he was admitted, sedated and intubated. I was able to go down to the hospital at 5:00am to be with Ashley while she waited outside the ICU. The Pulmonologist (lung doctor) came out and said that Robert has stage 4 pneumonia. The doctor would need to do a bronchioscopy with a biopsy of his lung tissue. That procedure will tell them what is causing his pneumonia (bacteria, virus, etc.) so they know exactly what they are dealing with and how to treat it. They were doing that at 11:00am today. We are still awaiting word that he is out. (He probably is, but I haven't heard from Ashley yet.)

We are also hoping for the results of a biopsy from the bump on his chest and for his lumbar puncture they performed on Saturday. The results of a couple of cultures should come in today as well. I know that one was to check for cytomegalovirus (cmv virus). Do you remember that one? It is the one that 80% of the population has all the time, but only affects people if their immune systems get too depressed.

Ashley is doing pretty well. She was able to go into the ICU for a little over an hour this morning, before she had to leave for rounds and shift change. It was hard for her to see Robert on the ventilator and hooked up to more tubes. He got a little worked up, but she was able to calm him down. He is sedated, but not completely unconscious.

Thank you for praying for both of them today. I hope to post again very soon!

Love,

Janelle

Update & Prayer Request!

We took a little break from posting, I'm sure you noticed! ;) It has been so nice for the past month to watch Robert and Ashley settle back into normal life, well as normal as it can be. Robert has been back up to Salt Lake twice for check ups and everything has been looking good. They even took Robert off of his appetite stimulator. He's been gaining weight so well, they want him to slow it down a little. He still takes it occasionally, it helps with his nausea or if he has a couple days when he doesn't feel hungry. He has some cute chubby cheeks these days!

About a week ago Robert started feeling a little crummy. His docs thought he was detoxing all of the chemo and radiation and other drugs from his bone marrow transplant--a little too fast. He developed a small bump on his chest on Tuesday, and he's been feeling a little worse and sleeping a lot. He had a check up here in Vegas with Dr. Gollard yesterday (Wed). Doc was concerned about his overall health, so he sent Robert to check in to the hospital. They ran some additional blood work, and there are no abnormal cells (great sign). I talked to my dad just after he had been at the hospital last night to give Robert a blessing. While he was there Dr. Litman stopped by (the infectious disease doc) and he was checking Robert out. He said from what he could see, and the look of his skin (he has a rash?) that he thought Robert was developing graph vs. host disease (GVHD). Now that would be a good thing! We've been waiting a long time for some GVHD to show up!

GVHD would explain him feeling worse and worse. And one doc even said it could have caused the bump on his chest. If is is GVHD they will start Robert back on anti-rejection meds and that would help him to keep the GVHD under control and he would start feeling better.

We don't want to cause too much concern. Robert is in the hospital because as my dad said, "with all of Robert's health concerns they are going to keep him on a short leash." They also wanted to be able to help Robert feel more comfortable too. They want to know exactly what caused the bump on his chest, so they are running more tests. Today they will do two bone marrow biopsies--one on his chest and one on his back.

So Ashley wanted me to request extra prayers for him today! Pray for them both please!

I started this post on Thursday. Here is the Friday update: the results from both bone marrow biopsies are in and there are no leukemia cells. His blood cultures came back and they look pretty good too. His liver is a little stressed, raised enzyme levels I believe. They did an MRI and a CT scan, they were checking on his liver and kidneys and they looked good. This afternoon they were doing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to be sure there isn't any infection in his spinal fluid. The docs thought that Robert might have a secondary infection, besides possible GVHD. So far they haven't seen signs of it. I hope this makes sense. It is a lot of medical info all at once!

Robert is feeling better. They have been giving him fluids and some pain meds, so he is much more comfortable.

Please keep praying for Robert and Ashley! We'll continue updating daily, at least until we know what is going on. Thank you again for your love and support!

Hugs & Kisses

XOXOXOXOXO

WELCOME HOME ROBDOB AND ASHPANTS!

Taryn loves having Uncle Robert home!

Robert and Ashley returned home just this past Sunday, October 18th. Robert completed all of his testing two weeks ago, and had his final appointment with the docs this past week. No cancer cells were found in his bone marrow. I feel the need to repeat...

NO CANCER CELLS WERE FOUND IN HIS BONE MARROW!!!

Or anywhere else in his body either. Amanda's bone marrow has taken over nicely and things are going well. Robert has been off his TPN (nutrition IV) for almost two weeks. His appetite increases daily. I would know, he ate three pulled pork sandwiches and potato salad when he was at my house the other day! He eats a lot of little meals, he still can't eat as much in one sitting. Robert is gaining weight nicely, and his energy is returning bit by bit. Robert will be going up to Salt Lake monthly for check ups.

As you can see in the photo his hair is growing back quickly this time! Robert can be around children for short periods of time, but still avoids large crowds. He is doing so very well! We are so excited for that, and we are thoroughly enjoying having them home!

Ashley is busy unpacking and settling them back in at home. They have been making the rounds to hang out with family, and a few friends. I wish I had more pictures of the gatherings and welcoming! This is the only one I snapped when they were at my house. Taryn is sure that Uncle Robert came home just to be her BFF. Ashley stopped by the next day without him and Taryn asked, "where's Robert?" She was bummed he hadn't come too!

Thank you again so much for all your prayers and loving support of Robert and Ashley!

Pillow Talk.

So this is how Robert was sleeping when I came into the room the other day. I thought it was hilarious. It looks like the pillow is eating his head.

After I got some pics of this I asked Robert if he wanted me to move his pillow around, but he insisted that he was "very comfortable". I got a kick out of this, so I thought I'd share.

Robert is doing well, he has had some more chest pain, but it is getting better. Robert is just frustrated that he was finally starting to eat and now his esophagus is hurting when he swallows. But, it is getting better, and we hope it continues to. Other than that things are going well. We've just been hanging out and waiting to be able to go home. We are hoping sooner than later. The weather is supposed to be cooling down a lot this week, and we are excited to possibly see some snow. Although I don't really want to drive in it! Things are going well, and we are so grateful. Thank you for the prayers and love.

All our love.

Little League.

Last night Robert was having some chest pains that were causing him a lot of pain, so we called the BMT wing and they told us to go to the ER to make sure everything was okay with his lungs and heart. So we went to the ER, and by the time we got there most of his pain has subsided, it only hurt when he was moving around a lot. They ran some tests and during a CT scan they gave him some dilauded, which is pain medication, and it's 6 times as strong as morphine. Needless to say, he was drugged up when they brought him back. It was entertaining to say the least. He was scratching everywhere, and of course made me scratch him as well. After they did their tests they cleared us to go home. They think he just tore his asaphogus when he threw up earlier in the night, or something to that effect, so we were grateful that it wasn't a big deal.

After we arrived home and Robert was in bed and had gotten more scratch time he was ready for bed, so we said a prayer together. Robert decided he wanted to say it, and I though he might actually fall asleep, since he was so out of it from the pain meds they gave him in the ER. So he was saying the prayer and was staying awake and then right at the end he says "Please help me keep feeling better and healing, so that one day I can coach little league baseball." He finished and then I look up and his eyes are closed. I just started laughing and he wakes up and is like "Whattt? I am sorry, I fell asleep. Did I finish praying?" I was in tears from laughing. It was the cutest, most hilarious thing he has done in a while. He didn't remember saying it, but we laughed about it today. I know one day he will get that chance to coach a little league team, and I can't wait to see it.

Robert is doing well. He didn't gain too much more weight this week, but he didn't lose any. So that is great. We are still working on his appetite. He has been feeling a lot better, and the IV nausea medicine is still helping a lot. Things are going great and we are hoping to be heading home by the end of October. We miss Vegas!

All our love.

What is Daisy?...

We get this question often, so I thought I would answer it today. People either think Daisy is super cute, if they know what an Italian Greyhound is, or else they ask if she ever eats. Thats just how she is. Skinny. Italian Greyhounds are a miniature version of Greyhounds, the racing dogs. So they are fast and agile, just like the big Greyhounds. Daisy is a quick dog. We can never catch her if she is running.
Robert had another Italian Greyhound while he was growing up and I have always thought they were stinkin' cute, so when we got married we often talked about getting one. Daisy is a great and loving dog. Robert is glad I made him wait to get a grey greyhound, because they are harder to find, but we held out and found Daisy and she is perfect for us.
Daisy is always patient when I smother her with kisses.
Daisy has this thing for Robert's ears. Not mine. Mostly Roberts. She is always licking them and sticking her cold wet little nose in there... or she is trying anyway.
I love this picture of Daisy and Robert having some bonding time while she was visiting us.

Robert has finally been able to start eating again this week. Yay! He has been on IV nausea medication that I give him when he needs it and it has been helping so much. He is still on TPN, but we are hoping he will be able to keep eating more and more and get off TPN in the next couple of weeks. Robert is still getting weened off his anti-rejection medication and he will be completely off it next week. We got a call this morning that Robert has been positive for CMV Virus 2 weeks is a row, so they are going to switch one of his antibiotics to one that is stronger to get it in check. Things are looking up and Robert has been feeling better. Thank you for all your prayers and love. We appreciate them so much.

All our love.

Nap Time.

The Ashworth's came to visit us this past weekend, and they brought Daisy with them. She was so excited to see Robert. We had to remind her to be gentle with him and eventually she would just come hang out one the couch with him and snuggle. They took lots of naps together, and Daisy ended up finding herself in some tight spaces, like these of Daisy squished between Robert's legs, passed out cold. As long as she gets to snuggle she doesn't care where she squeezes in. We have the best dog ever. We miss her all the time.
This just really made me laugh, I am so glad I got pictures of it. It just shows a little bit of the bond Daisy and Robert share. It's very cute.
Robert is doing well. Thank you everyone who has prayed and fasted for him extra this week. We appreciate it so much. Robert has still been having a hard time eating, because of his tongue sores, and his nausea, and he is just all in all miserable some days. It has been wearing on him mentally and emotionally. We are hoping the test results will show what is going on so his doc can get these things under control. He had his last test this morning, the one he wasn't looking forward to... the dreaded colonoscopy. Robert said "I shouldn't be getting a colonoscopy until I'm 50, I should have 25 more years..." Haha. The doctors just wanted to make sure they are covering all the bases of his GI tract. It wasn't too bad, and they took really good care of him and he is doing well now. We go to the Clinic on thursday, so I will let everyone know the results then. Please keep praying for Robert. We are so grateful for all of you, and your support.

All our love.

Special Fast for Robert

I am sorry for the short notice about this. I was supposed to post this yesterday.

Tomorrow, Sunday, September 6th, we invite any of you who would like to join us to fast for Robert. He had a GI scope on Friday and will have some more testing this coming week. He once again has sores in his mouth--they are lining the sides of his tongue this time. He continues to be plagued with nausea and is really struggling to eat, drink, and talk right now because it hurts or makes him feel so sick.

We would appreciate you joining your faith with ours as we fast and pray for Robert tomorrow. We are praying that the doctors will be able to determine the cause of his sores and GI upset as well as the best things to do for him. We are also praying that he gets feeling better really soon and that he shows signs of Graph vs. Host Disease (GVHD).

Thank you for your continued support, love, and prayers. They mean more than we can express. All our love.

Super-Hero Birthday.

Robert's birthday was this past friday, our super hero is now 25. (How does it feel to save on car insurance Robert?) So Robdob didn't want cake, or cookies, or pie for his birthday, no... he wanted donuts. He still has had a hard time eating, and things tasting different, and donuts were what sounded the most declicious, so donuts it was! I topped off that donut with some candles, I know it's not an accurate count, but 25 candles on one little donut seemed excessive, you know? But if you want to think he is turning 6 instead of 25, be my guest.
I wonder what his wish was?? I have an idea... but let's not talk about it, we want it to come true after all. I love birthday wishes.
Robert reading his cards in his new sunglasses that I got him for his big B-day! He loves them. He wears them to bed, and in the shower. I told him it crosses the line to wear them while reading. I tell him, "think about your retinas"... So he does. What are sidekicks for, if not for protecting your retinas? Huh? Exactly.
Doesn't he look seriously delicious in them though? Okay, TMI? Sorry... We had a fun day, relaxing and eating donuts, we even went to Best Buy to look at laptops. His parents are getting him a new one for his b-day. I think I was more excited about it than he was. Our current laptop is a dinosaur.
Oh how I love him. Isnt he just so lovable? Anyone who meets him loves him. It's impossible not to, I think. Although, I am quite biased.

Robert is doing well, the doc is weening him off of his anti-rejection meds in hopes to see some GVHD pop up. He should be completely off of it in the next couple of weeks. Robert is still really nauseated, but some days are better. He is still on IV nutrition during the nights, and we are tying to maintain his weight and help him gain... not lose any! He is doing well for the most part. We have been so blessed and we are grateful for the love and support you all offer us. We apologize for not updating as much since we have been out of the hospital, but we hope to start posting more. Please continue praying for our Super hero, for his healing an health. We love you guys! You're the best!

All our love.

A Message in the Sand!

Last week all us Las Vegas Squires peeps were at the beach. Our super heroes would have joined us under different circumstances and we missed them terribly! See...

Nonni taught Taryn and Tyler how to sign I love you for thier favorite super Aunt and Uncle!

Tyler, Karalee, Nonni & Taryn sharing all of our love with Robert and Ashley!

Well Ashpants, this one was for you! We know how you love a good message in the sand!

Here's to hitting the beach with everyone next summer! We'll help Robert and Ashley work on their goal to go to all their favorite beaches together!

We just want you two to know how much you are loved and missed by many!

Pssst, don't forget Robert's birthday is on Friday. Celebrating the big two-five! 25 years down, a hundred more to go! (You'll get in the Guinness Book for sure then ;0) Shoot him an email, phone call, pay him a visit! Whatever you can swing! Thank you!

*Robert is doing pretty well. About the same as last week. He is still on TPN, and hating it. He is still struggling with nausea and eating enough on his own. Slow and steady will win him the race there.

They are still waiting on signs of GVHD. They cut back on his anti-rejection meds every so often. They will keep doing this until he gets GVHD.

Cupcakes and love.

Do you read Nie Nie? She has a blog also, she and her husband were in a plane crash a year ago, and she writes about her experience recovering and her challenges as well as her joys. I don't personally know her, but I find inspiration in the things she shares, especially going through the challenges that I have faced with Robert. Today she shared this quote on her blog:

"There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire,
which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which
kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity."
-Washington Irving

I love it. I have found it to be true. It's amazing the power that we all hold within and that we can call upon when needed.

As you all know this friday was my birthday! Robert and I had a fun time hanging out, and spending time together. We also enjoyed these beauties:

They were delicious. We got them from Mini's cupcakes. So cute and so yummy.

And these babies, I have been lusting after for a while. Mine and Robert's fam got them for me and I am super duper excited about them! Thank you to everyone for the cards, email, and phone calls giving me all the birthday love. I appreciate it so much!

Robert has been doing better each week. He is still getting IV nutrition at night time, but he is also eating more and hasn't been getting nauseated as much. He gets tired and still rests a lot, but all in all things are slowly improving! And we are so grateful. Thank you for praying for us and loving us! You are the best!

All our love.

Super Heroes Have Birthdays, Too!

And...their birthdays are THIS month!!! Ashpants' birthday is August 14th. Robdob's birthday is August 28th.

If you'd like to help them celebrate by sending them an email greeting, please send it to ashley_ashworth@hotmail.com.

If you'd like to send them a card or another type of birthday surprise, you may email Ashley at the above email address or send an email to robdobcookbook@sbcglobal.net to ask for their mailing address. For security and privacy reasons, we are choosing not to go public with their current address on the blog.

If any of you live or visit the Salt Lake area while Ashley and Robert are staying there, please pay them a visit! They are able to receive and greatly appreciate visits from friends and family. Robert is pretty much homebound except for his clinic and doctor's visits. Just call and let them know you'd like to stop by--if you need their phone number, you may email one of the above email addresses.

Robert Update: Robert went to the clinic today. His numbers are steady. His patelets are low, but not low enough to require a transfusion. Low platelets are a normal occurrence at this point. For another week, he will receive TPN nutrition while he sleeps to ensure that his nutritional and hydration needs are met.

Robert and Ashley keep themselves busy with a little walk on the days Robert feels well enough. Ashley has been cooking and baking to her heart's content. She told me about a Pesto Artichoke Calzone she made last night (Sounds divine! She said it was delish.). They also sleep (especially Robert) and read quite a bit. They are doing well and are in good spirits. Robert is getting better all the time. His taste buds are slowly returning. We're still waiting for some signs of Graft vs. Host Disease. Thank you for your continued prayers in their behalf.

Some serious R&R

I am home recovering from our weekend with Ashley and Robert. And by recovering I mean dealing with the reality that sleeping in until 10am never happens at home. Sad, sad day. I am ecstatic to be back with my children, but I am already in deep missing. I miss the delicious food, the relaxing time, and the great company of some of my best friends. We had a wonderful weekend... this is how it went down.

It was all about hanging out with Ashley like we always do.(self taken car shots and all)

The boys they just hung out and relaxed. There were a lot of video games...

and goofiness.

A little of this.

And even a nap. Or two.

Ashley and I planned a menu and a grocery list and then we shopped our hearts out.

We had a blast at the farmer's market, even if it did start before 10am. Of course all of our shopping and planning led to this...

Raclette, so yummy, is a dinner where everyone cooks on the grill in the middle of the table. It makes for a slow and enjoyable dinner together with plenty of time for conversation.

Artichoke dip. Get in my belly!

Some more goofiness, but we were all business. Really.

Chocolate peanut butter cookie.
These were so delicious, honestly I am ready to make them again.

Homemade yellow cupcakes with a raspberry buttercream. These cupcakes reminded Ashley and I of sugar cookies. But light and airy. So scrumptious.

I had so much fun, and ate way too much. But I have one question...

Hey Robert and Ashley, are you free this weekend?

*It was great to see Robert this weekend relaxing at home and recovering. He is tons better than the last time I saw him (which was just a few days after his transplant), and even seemed to continue to perk up and eat more over the three days we were there. He still gets TPN at night to ensure he is getting enough nutrition, and goes to the clinic twice a week for his testing. We are looking forward to the 100 day mark. Please continue to pray for some GVH. We love you all.

Buh-Bye!

Robert busted out of the hospital on Monday night, and it has been so nice to get to relax in our apartment, sleep in a real bed, and eat some delicious food. Well Linda and I were doing most of the eating. Robdob has still been nauseated, so he hasn't been able to eat tons yet. But, we're working on it!
On his way out of the hospital. We will miss all of our wonderful nurses. They were awesome, but we were glad to go!
Getting some R&R and also some food at the same time! Robert is still getting IV nutrition(that white bag), since he can't consume enough calories on his own right now. But he only gets it at night. I just hook it up and he gets it while he sleeps.

Robert is doing well, just still recovering from his treatment, and trying to get used to the nausea and taking a bunch of pills. He is taking a LOT. But, everything is going well. Thank you as always for the love and support.

All our love.

DNA Sunday, I mean Sunny Monday--Byron

So we missed Sunday! We were having too much fun at Temple Square in SLC with Aunt Ashpants! And Robdob was hanging out with the Stevenator again. Then we were on the road heading home last night! So we'll just make it a DNA Sunny Monday today!

Byron Bradley Gratteau is next in line! He is Janelle and Steve's oldest. He will turn 6 on November 30th, but enjoys telling everyone he meets that he is six NOW. (Better than the 106  years old that used to be his answer to that question.) He is a funny guy, quite the character! He too loves baseball, and played t-ball for the first time this past spring. He doesn't have quite the same passion as Robdob or the Baker boys, he wants to try all the sport out first. He has asked to play football and soccer next!

Byron loves to climb, always has. I've found him on top of our fridge, the top shelf in the pantry and lots of trees:

Byron loved spending time with Aunt Ashley in SLC. He was sad that Robert was still in the hospital and that he didn't get to see him before we had to come home. He has a message for his Ashpants, "Thank you for letting us come to stay with you in Salt Lake. Tell Robert that I hope he gets to come home soon, and that I hope he feels better!"

Byron has quite the imagination. He loves to come up with costumes to be his favorite super heroes, and sometimes he makes up a new hero. This is the terrifying Thunder Man:

You can also check out the even more terrifying Ele Vader here.

Byron loves to have his picture taken as he is demonstrating by his cheese face:

And I couldn't resist the baby picture:

Here's a little more information about Byron:

Favorite color? Red and blue.

Favorite food? Turkey sandwiches.

Favorite dessert? Mint chocolate chip ice cream and Oreo cookies.

Favorite book: Harold and the Purple Crayon.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A baseball player or do Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe (on the Discovery Channel--he loves that show).

What is your favorite thing or memory about Uncle Robert? When he plays games with me. Video games, Candyland, UNO, and especially baseball in my backyard when he lived at our house.

What is your favorite thing to learn about? Space, gardens, zoos and learning how to make books (I didn't know he was learning that one!) "And my best thing to do is to know where to get ice cream at every place." That is definitely an important thing to learn!

Favorite movie? All the Land Before Times! We've now seen all 10, thanks to Netflix! I just know you're all jealous ;)

*Robert is doing better each day. They are trying some different medication combinations that are helping his nausea. He and Ashley got to head to their apartment in Salt Lake tonight. He will go back to the clinic for appointments twice a week. They are excited about that. Last time in Tucson they went back to the clinic every day for awhile. Robert will be receiving TPN (IV nutrition) bags at home each night until he is consuming more calories during the day. The doctors said he is doing so well--with his numbers and general health--and that they could do anything that he still needs at home. Anytime Robert needs additional fluids they will send some over to his apartment for him, and hook it up to his chest catheter. They are hoping that his healing and appetite will get better faster at home! We are still looking for signs of GVHD! 

They were packing up and heading home sometime tonight, so look for a post from Ashley about their excitement on being home (aka. "snuggle time")!

Thank you for your continued love, support and prayers!

Loves!

Sorry We Missed You . . .

The Gratteau family, Elyssa and friend Jinny are in SLC so . . .
The past couple of days, but we have been busy! Doing a little of this . . .

Ashley's been loving on & bonding with Josie . . .

And taking a little abuse from her too!

Hi-yah, I poke your eye! Take that Aunt Ashley!

They are sharing the love here for sure!

Ashley has been loving on all the Gratteau kiddos!

And a little of that . . .

Oh, and we've been swimming in the pool!

Taryn prefers the little pool aka. the spa, so she would drag Aunt Ashley over to hang out with her there.

Pulling funny faces, Ashpants teaches Taryn all her tricks!

Byron plays catch in the big pool!

We girls enjoyed a little shopping with Ashpants, while Linda graciously watched the kiddos. Nothing like some girl time, talk, and shopping break for super sidekick.

Me and Ashpants amid our shopping adventures.

Robdob has also had some extra fun (well, as much as the hospital will allow anyway!). He and Steve hung out all day, playing video games and getting some guy time. We're pretty sure Robert enjoyed having some testosterone around, and someone to play video games with.

Robert also got lots of love! This is Jinny, she is a friend of Elyssa's and our family's. She is a massage therapist, and Robdob talked her into massaging his feet a little when she came to visit him. Robdob loves having his feet tickled and massaged, and he will take it wherever he can get it, and Jinny is no exception!

We've been having fun, getting to bring some fun and excitement to Robert and Ashley here in Salt Lake City. Hopefully Robert will be able to have that fun outside of the hospital soon, but we loved being able to spend time with our favorite super hero and sidekick wherever we could.

*Robert is doing well. He is enjoying the extra company the weekend brought with it. He has been very nauseated while they are switching him to oral medications in preparation to send him home. They will keep trying different oral nausea meds until they find what will work best for him. They are hoping he will be eating enough and feeling ready to go home by monday. We are hoping so too! It's been a long time in the hopsital and we are hoping our super hero will be able to relax at home very soon. And eat whatever his heart desires! Please keep praying for him to continue feeling better each day. Thank you for all the prayers and love you offer. It is so appreciated.