still going

Madi had a great time at Camp Rainbow.  It was an overnight camp for kids 6 to 13 living with cancer or other blood-related disorders.  I only got a couple of calls that week to let me know she was homesick.  The counselors also had a scare when Madi slept for 14 hours one night.  A quick CBC showed there was nothing to worry about.  She did last the whole week, though!  Huge accomplishment for a 6 year old who has never been away from home by herself.

Madi with Cara and Hannah, her counselors

The kids and I headed in to my parents' place for a few days after camp was finished.  We had a lot of fun catching up with my parents and some of the people I grew up with.  There was also a LOT of swimming.  Our 3 yr old son decided to take his little floaties off and learn how to swim.  I now have 5 kids who can keep their noses above the water all by themselves.  Makes time at the pool a little less stressful.

The day after we returned, Madi had to go in for treatment (vincristine and methotrexate) and a CBC.  She also started steroids for 5 days.  Steriod week is never an easy one, but we seem to be learning some tricks to make the time a little more bearable.   Naps seem to be the best help, but what kid wants to take a nap?!

July is going to be another busy month for us.  Different kids have different activities they will be a part of.  Thankfully, nothing is scheduled that overlaps.  Before I know it, I'll be purchasing school supplies and getting ready to meet our teachers for the year.  Time seems to be going by much too quickly for the fun stuff and not fast enough for the not so fun stuff.  Still, life is good!

good news

You know that old saying, 'No news is good news'?  That pretty much sums up what's been going on around here.  There's been a lot going on in our lives, but nothing bad -  a blessing, for sure!

Some of the highlights since I last posted:

St. Baldrick's Fundraiser- April 1-5

Read more here and here.  The school really rallied behind the family who set this in motion and was wonderful to include our family in it all.  We've been blessed to be living in this community at this time in our lives.

Maintenance Starts - April 24th

This is a HUGE milestone for Madi on her journey.  Maintenance is the last phase (Phase III) in her treatment and will last for 2 years from the start of Phase II.  So...... That takes us to, roughly, November of 2014. *sigh* 

Last Day of School - May 23

I think all of us were ready for this day. :)  There were a lot of projects the last quarter of school and Gretchen was really stressed.  She made it through, though.  Kevin was wonderful and took all the kids to his parents place for Memorial Day weekend.  Jim and Sandy then kept all 5 kids for the rest of the following week.  I had 7 days to get stuff done without having to worry about the kids.  Great time for appointments and a vicious head cold.  I was able to get a few things done, watch a couple of movies without interruption, go to the bathroom without an audience, read a little, have a much needed emotional catharsis, and spend some time with Kevin.  Over all, just a much needed week emotionally, mentally and physically.  Kevin and I were even able to go to Chicago one night and watch the CrossFit Regional Competition.  AMAZING!  It was nice to meet several of the people Kevin works out with, too.  

Haircut - June 3

Our oldest has a huge amount of hair on that little head of hers.  She's been asking me for a few weeks to get it cut.  I was dragging my feet getting it done incase she changed her mind.  (Plus, she has beautiful hair.)  Since Gretchen was determined to get it done, I told her about Locks of Love.  She was even more excited to get a cut, then!

First cut....

During....

After....

She loves it!  It's much easier for her to take care of and much cooler for the summer.  A win-win for sure.  (As you can see, Madi is getting a full head of hair just in time for summer!)

We've been going non-stop since school got out.  This week we had VBS in the mornings and various appointments, play dates, or time spent at the pool in the afternoons.  Yesterday afternoon Madi had labs and IVIG.  We then met up with Kevin for supper and then a devotional/singing at Gambril Gardens.  Today we will be catching up on our neglected house and getting Madi ready for Camp Rainbow.

Please continue to keep us all in your prayers.  Life is good, but there are starting to be more emotional issues for everyone as reality (and steroids) have settled in.  We are taking steps to deal with it, but prayers are coveted.  A big 'thank you' to everyone who has given us gift cards, helped with kids, sent Madi things in the mail and kept us in your prayers.  All the little things that mean so much to us!  Love to you all!