Pumpkin Time

We went to the neighbor's house on Sunday to buy our fall decorations. What a time it was to watch as the kids picked out the perfect pumpkin and gourds. Pumpkins means one thing to Easton.....his birthday! That's my boy. Get the count down started.

Always a Photo Opportunity

Even grocery shopping I have my camera in my pocket. Looking at this photo I see innocence of children yearning for responsibility of a pet. It doesn't matter the age, they all want one and can pick out that special one that is just right for them. I make time each visit to look at the critters. We even name a few from time to time. A perfect fit. :)
Ian had his eye on that perfect one.

GIDDY UP, SANDY!

Yes, he was enjoying himself. Just macho today.

Today,I ran into a high school friend at Meijer. As we embraced she shared with me that I have inspired her to hug her children more everyday. This warmed my heart.

I hope through all of this that I have indeed inspired others through my words and actions to express their love to their children more. To be grateful for every day that you are alive. To help those in need despite your own hardships. To give more than you receive. To have faith in God that it will be alright. To be strong even when you think that it's not possible and to have faith in your spouse that you can and will survive the darkest moments in life together as one. We all have them. They just come at different times in our lives and at different strengths. What I do each day is no different than what my own mother or Dan's mother would have done in the same situation. I consider myself to be very lucky to have lived the life I have and learned all that I have along the way. Our story says it all in our blood type...B+ ( be positive) and we are. This fight will not be over until enough money is raised for research and a cure is found.

Pizza & Sub Shop

The kids were making pizzas (no anchovies) and sanwiches~ hold the green pepper for me tonight. I am completely full! You can bet I kissed the cooks!

Ringside seats!

Ian and I had ringside seats to Wrestle Mania 2009. Easton and Greer challenge their dad every night with Atomic Knee Bombs and Reverse Scissor Hold. I am not sure what Dan calls this one....I think Abdominal Crusher. Whatever the name, the fun is being had by all! Sometimes more by Dan than anyone else. :)

Greer even brings in props!

Food is Fun!

Here are a couple of meals where Ian really enjoyed them. He is slowly putting on weight. We just bought our first case of $50 juice boxes! Whatever it takes to get him beefed up. Not the most nutrious.....but he loves Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

Bring on the fried chicken, Papa Bill!

with corn of course!

Excitement For Elmo

Ian has a new love for Elmo after finding my Tickle Me Elmo doll. In this picture he is enjoying Elmo In Grouchland on TV. Cold pizza in one hand, peanut butter cup in the other....my kind of kid!

I took this picture to show how focused Ian is and also to show how far his neck has come. Scar has healed nicely and we have pretty much corrected the tilt. His lil' elf ear on the left will always be there from birth though. :) Not bad coming from a brain tumor the size a fist and no chance to life. Not bad at all!

Pizza Makes Me Sleepy

Pizza makes this boy sleepy apparently. Either that, or all of the fresh air. Poor thing went right to sleep at the table while I was cleaning up. You can see also that the drugs have taken the last of the blonde locks for now. If that's all they take we are in good shape. :) Bald is beautiful.

A Breath Of Fresh Air

Ian enjoyed a nice breath of fall fresh air outside before lunch. Those eyes are captivating!
We have so much to be thankful for. I will give thanks for this small moment right now. Ian is home, healthy and we get to enjoy each other. Easton said to me in the yard, "In two months, Mom, Ian is going to be running around the yard with me!". I am glad that we passed on the positive thinking to him as well. My reply was, "Easton, I can't wait to see it!"

Blown Away

Greer is so funny. I was blowing the leaves off the deck and she was chasing them.....so me being me I decided to see what would happen if I blew the air at her.....well, I got,"Do it again ,Mama!". I love this kid! Who needs to go to go anywhere for entertainment when we have Greer.

simple pictures

Ian is all giggles as his sister creeps in for a smooch! 20 Minutes a Day Reading Celebration was a hit as usual. Celebrating one of our favorite past times....reading together.

The gang swarming daddy after work.

Everyone knows what Saturday is around here.......DOUGHNUT DAY!

12 hours and counting

I leave right after school to go squeeze on my boy and hopefully smooch on his dad! Today at 3:00 say a prayer, Ian will have a 2nd attempt on a pic-line with a specialist this time. If all goes well, we may be home tomorrow.

If you are in town, be sure to take your children to the 20 Minutes a Day Reading Celebration at Wenona Park 11-1 tomorrow. Great time for all. Read TO your child , WITH your child and then BY the child. :)

Big Bump In The Road....

Posting has more difficult than ever. I have not seen my boy since last Thursday and I am ready to break at any moment. Ian's fungal infection is not clearing up. Unfortunately they had to remove his line. They tried to put in a pic-line and that did not work. He now has two IV lines in and they have to be changed every three days. There are concerns of a kindney infection as well. Today a cat scan was done as well as a chest x-ray after his surgery to remove his power line. All of this is written with a heavy heart as Dan and I live miles apart with only hours together here and there and no contact with Ian, as I continue to do my best here at home and work. I don't know how Dan is staying in one piece. He amazes me every day.
Meanwhile back home, Easton was up all night with croupe like symptoms. Thanks to Dr. Filek, he was seen today at her office and put on meds right away to insure a quick recovery and a germ free home for Ian.
Dr. Robertson has comforted us with words telling us that maintenance will be easier on Ian after our next round of chemo with less drugs less frequently. I can only continue to pray and thank our family and friends for the endless support.
I must quote Big Sister Greer, " Dear Jesus, make Ian better. Amen. "

Come home soon, Ian and Daddy! We need you here.

Dirty Jobs To Earn Their Keep

No rest for the wicked here! Easton and Greer are working their tails off to earn their keep around here this morning. Such good helpers. See Lori, this is how I clean my house. I have the kids do it, while I take pictures. lol! The fish survived another summer ( 4th year) and are now semi-safe in my classroom. I don't know which is more dangerous....the wild or first graders?

Game Time!

We had a great time together at the game yesterday despite the loss. We were definately at a loss without Dan and Ian. Ian has a line infection and will be in Ann Arbor for some time. He is such a strong boy. I miss him dearly, but I need to focus on the two at home and know that Dan, the nurses, Nana and Papa will give him more than enough love. Being a mother is by far the most rewarding job, but also hardest job I have ever had. I have learned from the best and will make the balance work.