Gathering Place

Newest Addition to our Family

2011-09-11T13:24:00.001-07:00

Mason Michael Gatherum

Born September 6, 2011

at 1:39 am

Weighing 5 lbs 15.5 oz.

17 inches long

Cute outfit that both of my kids liked to bring him home from the hospital in. Both of my kids love music and think they are rock stars.

Mason decided to come while I was working a shift at the hospital. It was Labor Day and I was scheduled to work 15-03. It had been quite a shift-with staffing issues and some one on one patients. At 10:30 pm I told the charge nurse that my contractions were 10 minutes apart and I was going to need to leave. I called Matt to have him find a sitter for our kids and told him to meet me at Jordan Valley Hospital. I told him my contractions were 10 minutes apart and I wouldn't make it home to turn around a drive to the hospital. I drove myself the 10 minutes to the hospital and checked myself in. After connecting me to the monitors my contractions were 3 to 4 minutes apart and I was dilated to a five. Matt arrived shortly after and I was given an epidural. I had to have penicillin with this delivery and the nurse gave me the first bag and between bags she had to stop my saline and start a new bag. The remainder of the penicillin continued to go into me which really, really, really hurt and I passed out completely. It scared both the nurse and Matt. I came to with all kinds of people leaning over me and giving me oxygen that it also scared me a little until I knew what had happened. Not long after the episode I began to feel a lot of pressure and had the nurse come and check me again. I was now dilated to a 10. The nurse called the doctor and she arrived a short 15 minutes later. I began pushing and after 3 contractions and some pushing she had me stop. He just kind of slipped out after that. He was precious and I just couldn't wait to see and hold him.

Aiden woke up that morning to see grandma at his house and was informed he was a big brother once again!

Finally a big sister!

Aiden Turns SIX!

2011-09-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Aiden opening his presents with my parents there.

Matt's family gave Aiden a surprise party! He was surprised-I only wish I could have captured his face on camera!

Averee attempted to brake the sonic pinata.

Aiden got his sonic cake-thanks to Matt's sister Angie who does such a great job with cakes.

Aiden with his cousin who is only 6 months older than him. They had a pool party surprise party for him. He enjoyed spending some time in Grandma's pool.

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Averee started preschool this year. She is attending Learning Dynamics and loves it.

She is a little shy at school-not sure where that comes from because she is far from shy at home.

Lagoon

2011-09-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

Matt took the kids to Lagoon for a work promotion. I was too far along in my pregnancy but not far along enough to have a baby that I decided to stay at my parents house that day and avoid the heat and all the walking around. This is Averee at the end of the day. She won this smurf all on her own, and is very proud of it.

They got the faces painted and Aiden insisted on his full face painted.
He makes for a cute little puppy dog. Averee has a flamingo.

Aiden's favorite ride at Lagoon this year was wicked. He is so excited to be tall enough to ride most every ride there. He is more brave than I would have been at his age.

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-09-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Aiden started Kindergarten this year. He loves it which makes me really happy. He loves his teacher and he has 4 of his friends from the neighborhood in his class.

Summer Fun!

2011-09-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed some family fun at Bear Lake. Both kids enjoyed riding the tubes and Averee said she wanted to do it all by herself-she could handle it. However on her first ride she rode with my brother Rod and they became detached from the boat and fell into the water. She panicked but quickly recovered and still rode the rest of the time on the tubes. Aiden got brave this summer and enjoyed jumping in the water with his life jacket on. This is a good accomplishment for someone who hates to get his face wet. In the second picture they are all getting brave and standing or kneeling on the tubes and waving to all of us on the beach.

2011-05-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Averee all dressed up for her dance pictures.

Easter 2011-Averee picked out her own dress this year and Aiden is just happy the Easter Bunny Came.

A little Catching UP!!!

2011-05-20T13:35:00.001-07:00

Easter 2011-we went to the South Jordan Easter Egg Hunt with family and both of our children had a special ticket in one of their eggs that they were able to turn in for a prize.
This is Averee with her special prize a duck and Aiden's name was put into a drawing for a bike and although he didn't get the bike he won a helmet instead!

Aiden and Averee both played indoor soccer. Well, I should say Aiden played and Averee wasn't to sure about playing and spent much of her time "resting." She was usually good for the first half and then the second half she was just too tired. She was by far the youngest on her team and since that adventure she has been begging her parents to put her in outdoor soccer. Come Fall-we may have to get it a try. She was also funny at the end of each game when the teams would give a cheer and then give a high five to each player. She refused and kept her arms folded. She told us she didn't want to touch those other kids. Funny Girl!

Averee started dance class in January and has enjoyed going each week.

I though I better post that Averee had a birthday in January (yes, I am way behind).

She turned 3!

It's a ......

2011-04-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

BOY

2010-11-19T14:19:00.001-08:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Updated Photos-it is about time

2010-10-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Better Late than Never

2010-10-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Aiden's 1st day of preschool

First time one of my child have cut themselves and needed stitches or dermabond.

And surprisingly enough it was Averee not Aiden.

This is part of the party crew dressed as mummies during a relay game

Aiden turned 5 in September and loves scooby doo so he

had a friends scooby doo party

Aiden sporting his glasses he is suppose to

wear during sports to protect his one good eye

and he has yet to follow my plea

Soccer began in September and

Averee wishes she was playing too!

TROUBLE with a capital "T"

2010-08-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am on the computer and Averee grabs out what I thought was a pen to draw a picture and I was completely wrong. In stead she decides to paint her fingernails and toenails with WHITE OUT. Now I can't get it off. She keeps me on my toes. It is hard to see in the picture but she did actually get some on her finger and toe nails.

Fishing

2010-07-01T15:55:00.001-07:00

Aiden and his cousin Maren-this is Aiden's first catch of the day

This is Maren's first catch ever!

This is Maren touching a fish from a river for the first time

Spring 2010

2010-07-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

Mickey and Minnie were walking together and earlier holding hands-they were in a hurry so we didn't get a picture of both up close but you can see Aiden a few feet away. Averee was with her grandparents and was able to see Mickey earlier and blew kisses to him and cute Mickey caught one of those kisses.
Aiden wanted Indiana Jones get-up for his take home toy.

We went to Minnie's breakfast and were able to get autographs and photos with a lot of characters.

Visiting Minnie's house. Averee was not a bit afraid of the characters and just loved seeing them all and dancing at the parades.

Goofy-one of our favorites!

Aiden in action at one of his soccer games

Aiden enjoyed playing soccer and T-ball this spring. He was able to soccer 26 goals this season! Way to go Aiden!!!

Life after Chemo!

2010-04-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Averee has become quite the little princess. Although she doesn't sit still or enjoy her hair being done,she loves to do others. She also loves to stand next to mom as she puts on her make-up and beg for some. Lotion is also one of her favorites and she even thinks she needs it on her legs.

(Jen-this pic is for you-this is the dress I made)

We have all been enjoying the nice spring weather (I know this post comes one day before a little storm). Aiden has started back to preschool and loves seeing his friends twice a week at school. Aiden has also started T-Ball and Soccer. I think Aiden has heard or read somewhere that their is a rule that you MUST slide into homeplate each time you run the bases. Also, he likes to steal homeplate while someone else is taking a little too long to get ready to hit. Aiden also made 8 goals in his first soccer game. It makes me so happy to see him happy and doing the things he loves.

(our wanna be T-Ball player)

We had an enjoyable Easter and I included a few pictures from Easter

Handsome Boy

2010-03-13T13:08:00.001-08:00

Aiden getting ready to come out of hiding and start attending primary again-He is looking good!!!

Happy Last Chemo Aiden!!!

2010-03-09T10:35:00.001-08:00

Aiden had the pleasure of painting while staying at PCMC.

He thought it would be fun to paint himself. Not mom's favorite choice

Aiden had to be constantly hooked to IV's and couldn't stray far from this chair or his movies.

On your last chemo treatment visit you are graced with a song "Happy Last Chemo Aiden" to the tune of "Happy Birthday to You" and given an opportunity to ring the bell. The bell can only be rung at that time.

They also make you a sign that you get to bring home.

Aiden is leading the hospital personnel in the song!

Aiden has been such a good sport about all of the hospital visits and the weekly blood draws. He will be as excited as all of his family to put this behind us. Aiden is very special and I hope and pray this trial does not come upon him again. Thank you to the many family and friends you have shown your love for our family as we have gone down this long road.

(only a few more weeks and Aiden can finally come out of hiding)

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

2010-01-07T10:30:00.001-08:00

Averee Happy Birthday!!!! We are so excited to have you in our family. You have a cute personality. You love to blow kisses to your family. You have become quite a little talker. Your brother loves to play with you and wishes you never had to take a nap. Hope you have a great day!!!

Christmas Memories

2010-01-07T10:15:00.001-08:00

Aiden slept one night in one of his favorite christmas presents from Grandma and Grandpa
After getting home from the 4th round of Chemo-Aiden wanted to stay up and ring in the new year. We were also very excited to be home and not in the hospital!

Christmas morning-Averee was not to sure about being woken up by her brother. She couldn't figure out what was going on.

This year I decided to make everyone PJs. Our family is divided when it comes to cheering for the Utes or the Cougars. Aiden and Averee has to put up with both sides. Matt a graduate of Utah loves the Utes and myself a graduate of BYU likes to cheer for the Cougars!

This Christmas was different from years in the past being that we stayed home and were unable to attend family christmas parties due to the fact that Aiden could potential get sick and set back his progress. Christmas was fun and I tried to focus more upon the true meaning of christmas. We attempted to read the Christmas story from the scriptures but neither child was understanding so instead it was told in way that a child could understand. We also had a tree made from paper that each time someone served another person he/she was able to put an ornament on the tree. Aiden worked really hard to get ornaments on the tree. He helped clean the house and tried to share and be more kind to his sister.

A New EYE!!!

2009-12-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Aiden after 30 minutes with his new eye (disease free).
Close-up of his face with his new eye. If you don't know or remember which eye then guess which one is real and which one is a prosethetic. Thank you to Rich Caurso for his amazing talents.

2009-11-23T13:18:00.001-08:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Halloween '09

2009-11-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Aiden decorating cookies for halloween
Averee licking the frosting off her cookies

Every year we have fun putting out a little graveyard-Aiden loves helping me put it out

Averee and her trip to the pumpkin patch

(wheelbarrow ride is the best part)

Aiden got to go as long as we avoided all the crowds. He quickly found his favorite pumpkins and back to the car we went while Dad paid.

Carving out our pumpkins (a couple of witches mixing up a brew and a funny face too)
Grandpa and Grandma getting into the festivites this year-Thanks for a fun halloween party!!!
Averee and her cousin Chloe dressing up in the exact witch costume.
All the grandkids in their costumes
Trick or treat

Averee would go to every door and say "treat" no tricks for this girl.

Aiden loved trick or treating and was wishing he could have gone to more houses.

Hope all had a great Halloween!!!

September and October 2009

2009-11-02T09:17:00.001-08:00

I haven't been good at posting any pictures lately. Therefore, here is a few thing we have been up to in the last couple of months.
Dad and Aiden riding the cars at Boondocks-Aiden's last venture outside to a public place until chemotherapy is completed and his ability to fight infection is returned to normal.

Aiden and Averee at the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving point

Sporting their new pjs they got for the holiday

Aiden's first day of preschool- He is sad that he can't go for a while.

Aiden got to play a few games of soccer before starting the chemo.

Enjoying the famous giant yellow slide at the Utah State Fair

Averee taking her turn to go in for surgery

and have her eyes looked at. The result=

eyes are clear of tumor but she will need

glasses before attending school.

2009-10-12T09:48:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

5 years ago today....

2009-09-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Matt!!!

It has been 5 years already. Hope the next 5 bring much happiness and joy as well.

I love you!

on a HAPPY note

2009-09-01T10:29:00.001-07:00

Aiden's 3rd birthday

A few days after bringing Aiden home from the hospital

Today is Aiden's 4th birthday!!!!

Aiden you are a special child who is loved by your family so much. We are all saddened to know that your little body has had to go through so much. Although we know and Heavenly Father knows you can overcome this.

Sad News

2009-09-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Aiden after surgery

Aiden before surgery-He said "can I keep the socks. I like them but I don't like these other things (meaning the gown and bottoms)

Our beautiful boy Aiden was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma (RB) approximatelty 2 weeks ago. It is a cancerous tumor of the eye. It is very aggressive and must be taken care of quickly. His prognosis is positive in that if the cancer is located only in the eye that it will have a 95 to 98% cure rate. If the cancer has traveled outside of the eye and into the optic nerve, he would require chemotherapy. It is a rare form of cancer that affects 300 children each ear and most often strikes in children birth to 5 years. There are two types of RB one being genetic and the other a gene mutation. You can also have unilateral (one eye) or bilateral (both eyes). Aiden has unilateral and most likely is not genetic and until proven Averee is at risk also. There are two types of treatment being done in the US. The first being enucleation (eye removal) and the second being intrarterial chemotherapy (IAC). Enucleation is the standard of care and the IAC is a trial that has been going on for a short three years. Matt, Aiden and myself flew to Pennsylvania this past weekend to find out if Aiden was a canididate for this new procedure and he was. However, Matt and I decided that it was too risky with unknown long term effects on Aiden. We made the decision to do the enucleation. Aiden was admitted to Primary Children's yesterday for the procedure. Everything went well and he is doing great and the pain has improved dramatically. It will be a long six to eight weeks for us until he is fit with his prosthetic eye. Thank you to all who knew and provided our family with love and support through this difficult two weeks.

Happy 4th of JULY

2009-07-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Awaiting the Centerville City parade to start!!!

Matt's Family Reunion

2009-07-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

Aiden loves Papa's Rhino and 4-wheeler
Aiden caught his own fish-very exciting

Aiden and Averee watching Dad unhook the fish from Aiden's pole. This is Aiden's first time using his new fishing pole and tackle box that Santa brought him this last Christmas

Aiden and Averee enjoying a ride on the 4-wheeler

Dad was stuck on the 4-wheeler giving rides two these two cute kids because neither one ever wanted to get off.

Newest member of our family-Black Lab

2009-07-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

Aiden playing with Ruggar after picking him up 30 minutes prior
Averee not sure about the dog

Averee deciding to pet him on the back side while her brother hold him in place.

Lagoon

2009-07-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Grandpa-we all enjoyed a day at Lagoon!!! Thanks Grandpa

Averee and cousin Chole

Aiden's favorite ride is the tidal wave and he has renamed it the fairy boat

Averee loved riding this little ride and using the guns to fire at her brother and the other riders.

SUMMER FUN!!!

2009-07-06T14:26:00.001-07:00

Aiden having fun with his cousin Max

Baseball and soccer ending for the summer-Aiden apparently thinks you have to slide into home each and every time you round the bases. He loved playing both these sports and most importantly he loved the after game treats.

My Cute Soccer Player!!!

Easter Eggs

2009-04-10T13:23:00.001-07:00

Aiden has been anxiously awaiting the day we were going to color easter eggs. Both Aiden and Averee had a good. She had to have all clothing removed in anticipation that she would indeed make a mess. Now Aiden is anxiously awaiting the Easter egg hunts.

Indoor soccer ends and T-ball begins

2009-04-10T13:15:00.001-07:00

Aiden enjoyed soccer-after a little persuasion from Dad, he got 2 goals in his last game

2009-04-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Airplane ride home
Matt, Averee and Aiden sitting in front of Grumpy
Epcot had some neat flower/bush gardens

Aiden was a little nervous to stand next to and talk with the characters

Aiden got the drive the boat on the Jungle Cruise ride-all the older boys on the boat declined the offer but Aiden willing raised his hand to drive the boat. Lucky for us we made it out safely and no animals got us.

Remy visited us while we were eating at the French restuarant at Epcot

Kara (my sister-in-law)bought all the young kids Mickey Mouse pajamas to wear

Aiden and Maren standing in front of Mickey's mailbox and his house

Averee loved Minnie's chairs in her reading room and cried when we had to leave her house.

We got to dance with Goofy in the street parade

We all had a good time. Aiden was just tall enough to ride some of the big rides like: a railroad rollercoaser, splash mountain and a dinosaur ride. However his favorite was pirates of the carribean. He loves to ride rides. Averee enjoyed the rides also but her favorite event was the light parade we watched one night. More imporantly Aiden was able to share Maren's (his cousin) birthday with her. He really enjoys her company.

Disney World here we come!!!

2009-03-24T14:04:00.001-07:00

We are off to Disney World tomorrow with Matt's family. Should be an adventure with two small children. I hope we all survive!!!

Scooters

2009-03-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Averee probably wished she would have received a scooter from Santa for christmas. She loves getting on Aiden's scooter and moving her body back and forth as if she is really cruising down the road. Thank heavens she is not moving. She gets really upset if I tell Aiden it is time to put it away for now. Hopefully the scooter will go outside and it will be warm enough for Aiden to ride outside.

2009-03-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

Awaiting Spring-Hope it comes soon!!!

I received a bunch of clothes from my sister-in-law and mother-in-law for Averee and among them was a swim device (for lack of a better term) and Averee tried it on first then Aiden. Averee cried when she had it on and didn't really want her picture taken but Aiden was all about posing. However, later on in the evening Averee took the same piece of clothing to Matt to put on her.

Aiden's sensitive side

2009-01-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

I have to catch up on a few funny stories about Aiden and his sensitive side.

Months ago Matt and I rented a movie for Aiden called Spirit. It is a movie about a horse-we thought he would enjoy it. Matt at the time was laid up with his ruptured achillies tendon. Matt and Aiden were watching the show in my bedroom when suddenly Matt called for my help. I round the bed and saw my cute son sobbing and he told me he could not watch the show anymore. The horse had been captured and he no longer wanted to see the movie. It took a few minutes for Matt and I to tell him that the horse would be fine and to keep watching. Reluctantly and with me by his side he finished the show and now loves the movie. He has however never forgotten what those men do to the horse but he knows the horse gets free and so it is okay to watch now.

The next story that demonstrates that although Aiden is a typical boy he does have a sensitive side. Averee had her appointment for her one year check-up which also included shots. I told him on Sunday evening we would be taking her the next day and he asked if she would have to have shots and I told him yes then he began to tell me no the doctor could not give her shots and was very upset over the whole idea so Matt and I told him no shot for Averee. Well, we arrived at the doctor's office and Averee goes into the room sees the doctor and then we are left waiting and Aiden wants to know why. I told him we had to wait for the nurse to come back and he said lets go right now before they come in and give Averee shots. The nurse arrives the shots are in hand and Aiden goes nuts and starts telling the nurse not to give his baby shots because she will die. The first shot is given and poor Aiden breaks out the tears and Averee is also crying. After the last shot was given Aiden tells me to let him give Averee a hug and tell her it is going to be alright. I am not sure who cried more, Averee-because of the pain, Aiden-because it was hurting his baby or me because I thought it was so cute and I was laughing so hard. Since that day surprisingly Aiden has been nicer to his sister.

2009-01-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the family that celebrated Averee's 1st birthday with us and spoiled her. We had a good time. We missed the family who were unable to attend.

Averee's Birthday

2009-01-12T18:00:00.001-08:00

2009-01-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Averee!!!
Your family loves you and are excited to have you in our lives. Enjoy your birthday party on Saturday

2008-12-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

I had some requests to see pics from my finished basement-here they are:

Gardner Village

2008-12-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to go on a short hayride with Mrs. Claus at Gardner Village for family home evening. Mrs. Claus told jokes that Santa tells and she told us about the elves. Aiden was in awe of the whole event. After our ride we enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate and the kids enjoyed a choc. chip cookie at the bakery.

2008-11-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

Yeah!!!

I have finally moved the computer to the FINISHED basement and I can use it when Averee is sleeping. If both of my children are awake at the same time I am constantly breaking up fights-yes I need a whistle!!!