Friday, December 29th

I just want to document a conversation we had on the way to Alex's chemo appointment yesterday. It went something like this.


A: Mom I hate chemo.


G: I know honey, but chemo helps make you stronger. (long pause)


A: No, mommy. Chemo does not make me stronger cuz it takes my energy away.


G: Yes, Alex. Chemo does take your energy away now, but it helps you fight the bump and when the bump is gone then you will have lots of energy.


A: (pause) When we will I be done with chemo?


G: In September.


A: How many days is September?


G: Well, it is 9 months and each month has 30 days.


A: September will NEVER come.


G: It will baby, I promise.


That conversation struck me as so poignant and revealing. We really got a glimpse into how Alex feels about chemo and his recovery. Alex is my hero and as his mother I pray that he did not have to go through all of this. I just have to have faith that this will all behind us some day and Alex will be a better human being for going through this struggle. I also know it will make us all better for going through it with him.



On a lighter note, the snow began yesterday around 10:30am. It snowed until we went to bed at 10:30pm and had 8 inches on the lawn. It obviously snowed during the night and has been off and on today. Steve keeps shoveling the walk ways every few hours. The news reports that we will continue to see snow showers through tonight and perhaps into Sunday. My sister, brother-in-law and nephew have a week long vacation planned in Breckenridge that begins tomorrow morning. She is in OKC and I have no idea how they plan to get to the mountains since I-70 is closed in Kansas and eastern Colorado. I will be praying for their safe journey.



I have some pics of the snow I will post soon. Seems like there is a lot of work to do around the house today even though it is a snow day. Steve started a minestrone last night and we just had some for lunch. Yum! Yum! Steve can make a mean soup!

Well, Happy New Year!
God Bless.

G

Wednesday, December 27th

Good Morning Everyone! Well we survived the holiday, one down one to go! Life was very busy and I thought of you all often but just never made it to the computer. Steve has been battling an upper respiratory illness and we just found out that Zoe has ear infections in both ears yesterday. Two weeks ago she cut all four bicuspids and was absolutely miserable for a few days. She is now on antibiotics and on her way to recovery. I woke yesterday and felt like a block of cement in the bed. It took a great deal of effort to get up and my body aches, so I may be coming down with something as well. But even with all of that, we still had a fabulous holiday.

I have to thank the Harris family and Robby's friends for making Christmas morning so wonderful. I did not count how many gifts they brought to our house but it was a sight to see them all under the tree. Alex was in heaven, opening one present after another; while Zoe was overwhelmed after two presents and decided to take a break in Daddy's arms.

Christmas Eve was very laid back and easy for the first time in my adult life. Steve and I were in bed by 10 pm!! Alex is afraid of a large, bearded man named Santa in our house on Xmas eve, so we put our Christmas cookies, milk and note outside on the front porch. This year when Alex went to retrieve the plate and glass he discovered a shiny, Superman bike! He was so excited, he was actually speechless for a few seconds.

As you may have all heard, we got socked by a huge snow storm a week ago! Luckily we did not have any place to go so it was pretty tolerable. When the snow stopped we headed outside to start digging out along with the rest of the neighborhood. Before you knew it, there was a "snow bar" set up and Xmas music playing in the streets. I love my neighborhood!! The impromptu party continued into the early afternoon then it was nap time. Steve just told me that another 3 feet is headed our way. I am just glad Alex got lots of new games for Xmas. We have already played the game of "Life" and the "Honey Bee Tree" game.

Robby's friends gave Steve a child carrier/backpack. We are so excited to try it out as soon as possible. It fits children up to 45 pounds and Alex is currently at 30. He has lost 10 pounds! I am very scared that he'll need a feeding tube soon. Tomorrow he starts his chemo again and he has his third MRI. He was supposed to have the MRI today, but the appointment went into a "black hole" somehow and had to be rescheduled. So tomorrow will be a long, long day for Alexander. I'm pretty confident that the tumor will show a decrease in size. He is definitely stronger. Last week during PT, he did a leg press machine, rode a bicycle and hopped in moon shoes! His voice is stronger and he has even started to use his right hand more, not alot but when he gets used to it being able to do what he wants he'll put it to use more often.

Well, I am going to try to attach some photos for you. I hope you enjoy them. Please have a safe and joyous New Year! God Bless!

G

Tuesday, December 5th

Good Morning. Well the Make-A-Wish Christmas Store was a complete hit! Alex and Zoe had a blast. Alex got his face stenciled with Santa and a Xmas tree. Zoe entertained the masses with her independence and cute self. Alex has a bag full of wrapped gifts all ready to go under the tree (whenever we get one).

Well all weekend through today the kids have been down with bad colds. Neither has a fever so we have not had to go to the hospital or pediatrician. Thank God!! Zoe and I are starting to get some cabin fever though. Steve left on a biz trip yesterday and these four walls are closing in fast! Hopefully Alex will go to school tomorrow morning. I am pretty sure he is well enough to go to PT this afternoon. It will do him good to see his physical therapist (that he has a crush on) and get moving again. Zoe also loves to play in the gym during Alex's PT sessions.

When Steve gets home we plan to go to Disney on Ice! It is nice to have something fun planned for the kids. They miss Steve so much when he is gone. Zoe came to me this morning and took me to the back door saying "dow steers" (downstairs, for those that don't speak Zoe). She wanted to go see her daddy who's office is set up downstairs as well as his gym and bear cave! Alex said to me a few minutes ago, "Mom, I don't want daddy to go on trips anymore." I told him they are very important trips that daddy goes on for his work. (Steve, I am not trying to give you a guilt trip, just telling it like it is, XOXO.) So like I said it will be nice to have a family outing when Steve returns. Especially since the weekend was a bust.

Well I really can't think of much else to say. Beside the colds, life is pretty uneventful right now. I should be getting the house set up for Xmas, but all the stuff is in the attic and it is too dangerous for me to get down by myself. I think I will enjoy a week off and just take care of the kids. That is a full time job any parent understands!

Hope you all are well. Have a wonderful week.

God bless.
G