Smiles

Eddie arrived home safely. We miss him already. Mason is counting the days until dad returns and now that tomorrow is June, the counting down is on! Mason compares it to the days before Christmas. We truly cherished our weekend together. Each day has new meaning. I smile when my kids smile. At the end of the day it's the smiles in life that are worth fighting for. On this Memorial Day, thanks to all the those that have served our country and those who continue to serve our country. Thanks for another day of smiles.

Beale Street

We had a wonderful weekend. We visited the Memphis zoo, Maverick and Ally enjoyed the areas you can splash around. Mason enjoyed watching and talked about the next venture-Steak. He was anxious to visit Hard Rock Cafe, his 2nd one. So we visited the famous Beale Street, and he ordered steak at the Hard Rock cafe. The waiteress was so nice, and presented each of the kids t-shirts and then they got to go on stage. After dinner Mason was tired, and almost fell asleep on the carriage ride. What a beautiful evening. Eddie heads home tomorrow. But, only 11 more days, and hopefully he can return for the last weekend.

Thank you for a glorious day!

What a glorious day. Words can not describe the joy of being together again. So thankful for the joy today. Live, Laugh, Love

Let the Force be You!

 WOW! Here's to Zach in Shamong, New Jersey, you just made Mason the happiest kid in the whole world. You don't know how much this means to Mason. He is braver and stronger because of people like you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  May your random act of kindness spread around the world. You are an inspiration!! God is good. The outpouring of love surrounds us and makes us smile. You've made a new friend today.We also received a heartwarming picture of Mason 3rd grade class, that included him, and care packages from home. All are so meaningful, and we want to extend our arms and hug each one of you.  There are so many caring hearts. Thank you. Let the force be you!

Life is a Puzzle

YOU are an important piece of our puzzle!
In life, family and friends help keep the puzzle together. Thank you! We love you!!

It's a Beautiful Day!

We had a beautiful day today! The van key arrived so we had freedom again. Mason received cards from cousin Ashley's 2nd grade class in Burlington, NJ. They have never met Mason. It just proves no matter what your age you can make a difference! We can learn so much from kids! Mason smiled as he read each card. May you be blessed with a beautiful day everyday! Lee Dwyze, your song fit our day!Maverick voted 50 times for you! And Mason woke up to hear you sing!

Cheese Balls

Lots of appointments today, but Mason is doing well. What a difference, Mason gets the giggles now so easily and I have not heard," I am Bored." Of course, Ally doing hula dances to a volcano, and spinning in doctor chairs, passes the time away. Mason decreased his steroids and can drop to 2 mg on Thursday. He was taking 16 mg a day. His appetite should decrease after that! But I'll believe it when I see it. Ally and Mason are munching on Cheese Balls! Hopefully, Eddie can add a picture of Mason and Maverick in their Cheese Puff moment. We are staying on the schedule that Mason wrote yesterday. He beat me 3 times in Farkle and I just won a battle of Gormiti. And we have Sea Monkeys! We thought it was a much better addition, instead of a snake. American Idol and Taco night! We've decided to add laughter to everyday! We are forever thankful for your love and support, it means more than you know. We love you!!!

Friends are Important

We had a quiet Monday, it was nice to relax and enjoy all the activities from the mail.
Mason enjoyed ALL the cards from Brookridge. Today's cards were from Mrs. Bates third grade. She sent "The Important Book"by Margaret Wise Brown and all the students wrote something important about Mason. So he wrote, The important thing about friends is, they make me laugh, smile and make me feel good and important. But, the most important thing about friends is they make me laugh. We thank Brookridge for the wonderful support and Mason misses Mrs. Driscoll's class (photo above), he loves the class picture, cards, updates and the "Monkey in My Chair" We appreciate the smiles and cherish our friends near and far. As for today, Mason found time to plan for tomorrow-here is his list: Hospital, come home, count Gormiti, play, figure out something to do, American Idol, check the mail, get a bath, play computer, Farkle, find something to do. He calls this place home now, which is comforting. Ally, on the other hand wanted me to drive home to get an apple. Mason's theme song today is by Big Time Rush, "Halfway There." Sending hugs to all our friends, may you laugh today.

It's me Mason

Hello! Thank you everyone. My picture made the paper today in New Jersey. Today we watched tv, we never left the room. I'm losing hair only on the sides. I took a boring nap. It is very hot here. My sister and I watched Harry and the Hendersons she was scared. Ally should join the circus and ride on elephants.The boy scouts cooked dinner for us. I had chicken and green beans I wonder what people are doing? My sister is snoring. We are going to watch Extreme home makeover and play Farkle. I can't wait to go home. I hope in 23 more days.
here is a picture of a viper,this is Allys favorite pet.

Make a Difference for Mason

Wow! Our breath continues to be taking away! I just wanted to take time today to thank everyone for all the love and support all over today. I am posting pictures from today's events because they mean so much to us. Even more pictures on facebook at Make a Difference for Mason . From the bottom of our hearts we thank you. You have made a difference! From the boy in Memphis that collected a ziploc bag full of pop tops, to the the events in New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, and our hometown!! Thanks to everyone for coming together. The world needs more people like you! This day we will forever remember as the day everyone came together. Thanks for today, tomorrow and the days to come. You have lifted our spirits. May God bless each and everyone. You all are #1. And may your kindness spread to everyone, I know my heart grew today because of you!!

Friday-Treatment Day 14

Today is Friday and we are hoping next weekend Maverick can come stay with us. Ally is driving Mason crazy!! Can you see the love? She 's 3 and spoiled what else can I say. We ventured to Target again today, another Target, Mason thought there might be a different selection. No new Phineas and Ferb! Then we did our weekly grocery shopping. We then enjoyed root beer floats in celebration of the 3rd graders at Brookridge, it was their party today. Tonight dinner is being served from the Ghost River Hog Bike Riders. And Bingo afterwards!! Here's to settling in at Ronald McDonald house.

Maverick

Thank you Maverick for the heart to heart tonight. You are missed dearly. You are so brave and strong too. I miss you so much and it is not the same. No matter how many miles are between us, our love is the same. Don't let anyone tell you different. You are strong and we will be together soon. Be good for dad and we will all be home soon. Love, Mom
Ally and Mason miss you too. School will be out soon and if you want you can always come stay here.

The highlight of our trip

It all started with a simple flush, mom was distracted by the computer. Mason very calmly says,"Oh no!" Just as I turn to a tidal wave of water coming at me. It's amazing how quickly we flooded our room. Yes another clogged toilet. This time maintenance had to help clean our flooded room. While racing to save our belongings, Mason saved my flip flops, and Ally decided to dance with the towels (we used everyone) Overall, Mason thinks this was the highlight of our trip, "Well now you have something to tell people from our Memphis trip". I laughed and laughed, and the rest of the day we had the giggles.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

It is amazing how a simple trip to Target or Wal-mart can make us feel at home. Sad huh? We never had so much fun, men's t-shirts-(not appropriate at all) But oh my, Mason and I could not stop laughing. I almost bought them all to have them plastered on our walls. And then we bought Phineas and Ferb Daze of Summer DVD. The laughs continued, Mason says, "I can't get enough of this movie." Smiles were delivered by a huge package from Boy Scout Pack 3375. And more from friends. More laughs from a monster and rubber chicken! A huge thank you to everyone!!! From movies, food, maple syrup, books, games, etc. Mason no longer has a reason to say," I am bored!" 27 more days and counting. Dad and Maverick come help us eat all the goodies. (Above: Ally proudly displays her cardboard photo frame, she has carried around for a week, and her lastest friend is Fredo.)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game....

What a day! We made it to the RedBirds afternoon baseball game. It's only a 1.5 miles from the Ronald McDonald house. The GPS in a parking garage started the giggles, we made it to the 7th floor. And wow, what a beautiful day, nothing like stadium food, and the giant ice cream float! Mason said it made up for the banana split he missed. We left in the 7th inning, Redbirds won the game! Then we came back and Mason and Ally got free haircuts. And then we made edible arrangments and devoured all the fruit. Now we are rocking to American Idol. Mason and I think Lee is going to win. I forgot to mention, I cooked up an amazing Tony's frozen pizza and Mason whipped up a strawberry, blueberry yogurt salad. Mason has been really interested in helping prepare the meals. I asked the doctor again about our last day, after 31 radiation treatments we should be able to go home. Love to all.

Ready, Take Off

Dad should be arriving in Kansas City this evening. What a wonderful airline service, Sea Port. Ally and Mason got to see the plane dad flew home in. Ally kept saying"Ready, Take Off" Then she begged over and over to fly home. But only dad went home this time. Now we are relaxing before dinner. Another Spongebob sticker for the radiation treatment calendar, start of third week, six weeks total. Chemo is twice a day 10 am and 10 pm. We are hoping the last day here will be around June 15.

Give me a home where the buffalo roam.....

A day filled with sunshine! We visited Shelby Farms Park, and saw goats, llamas, and buffalo. Buffalo is the Kansas state animal, so we started singing,
Oh, give me a home, where the buffalo roam,
Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,
And the skies are not cloudy all day.
Then we got to pick our own strawberries, Mason's favorite. We were also fortunate to find a nearby Wal-mart. Mason had a craving for Salsa and Chips. Can't forget the cheese, he blurted out "Cheese" in his dreams last night. Mason keeps wondering what everyone is doing back at home, and can't wait to return. We have a treatment calendar and have finally settled in to a routine. Good night everyone. Salsa and Strawberry Dreams!

Mud River Island

This morning we headed to Mud River Island Park, just a mile from us. We rode the monorail over the Mississippi River. Or as Ally says, "a rollercoaster ride over the Sippy River." We rode paddle boats and enjoyed the map of the river, you could wade through. We also enjoyed the beauty of the South. Then we came back to more smiles, mail!! Thanks to everyone for brightening Mason's day. He got a wonderful prayer quilt that both Ally and him are snuggling under right now. They are watching Tooth Fairy. Mom just got done watching a video from Brookridge BBQ and miss home more than ever. And it won't be any easier because Eddie is flying home on Monday to return to work. Thank you everyone, for making our days a little easier. Love to all.