I'd do anything

What can I say. Tears and pain have zapped away my energy. Please pray that Mason continues to be strong while taking his Chemo. The evening dose is so hard for him, I can't bear to watch him struggle. So many emotions right now, anger is raging through me. As Mason yells, "I'll do anything not to have to do this!" Mason, we'd do anything to make it go away. If only we had pixie dust to fly to a far away land where all your troubles would vanish and all your wishes came true.
Happiness is like those palaces in fairy tales whose gates are guarded by dragons: we must fight in order to conquer it. Alexandre Dumas

Cancer

This weekend was pretty normal. We cleaned the garage, mowed the yard, splashed at the pool, went shopping with my mom, boys argued, yep pretty normal. Then out of the blue, reality hits again,"Cancer". The crying at the dinner table, "Why does it feel like something is stuck in my throat?" and the tiredness, the out burst of emotions.
After cleaning out school papers today, I read the School newsletter "3rd grader Mason has cancer"." Cancer". One word forever changed our lives. With laughter and love, the cancer never disappears but somehow fades away.... you know...like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day.

Thanks to my aunts and cousins in NY for the garage sale and everyone involved for supporting Mason. Everyone's love, prayers, and support gives us HOPE and strength. Love to all!!!

My Hero

Breaks my heart when Mason tells me he doesn't think he can finish Chemo. He is having the worst time with the pills. Getting harder for him to take, sore throat and nasty taste all the time. Day by day. Just keeping up the positive vibes, he is my hero. Three more months of Chemo Mason, you can do it!!

Brothers...

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.
-Marc Brown

It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on! ~Author Unknown


The highlight of my childhood was making my brother laugh so hard that food came out his nose. ~Garrison Keillor

There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother. ~Astrid Alauda

All for one and one for all
My brother and my friend
What fun we have
The time we share
Brothers 'til the end.
~Author Unknown

Make a Wish......

It was wonderful to be able to see our doctor here at home, Dr. Jackson. I do have to admit it has been great not seeing a doctor everyday. The blood work at the lab was a different story! First, I got a lecture that the prescription was filled out wrong, from the same guy that was drawing blood. Then he rudely told Mason the numbing cream did not work. My mouth dropped!! Mason the Brave preceded to tell him not to forget the alcohol, the good news it was Mason's Fastest blood draw! And after we left, Mason calmly asked "Was that guy, psycho?" Mason sure does make me smile. He is full of never-ending questions. And if it is not an answer he likes, he will ask again and again. He made me smile today, after I told him how St. Jude is run on donations, he said, "you don't get paid much money if you work there then." Today, Make a Wish came and talked to Mason and he wants to visit Walt Disney World. What a wonderful organization, just brings happy tears to my face. Looking forward to the most magical time. Vacation, together as a family, a time for smiles, laughter and memories.

Today was a quiet day, we went to see Toy Story 3. Great movie! Made me cry. It was Ally's first movie at a theater. This evening we went for another swim at the pool. Mason has blood work tomorrow morning, his questions sometimes wear me down. He always wants a direct answer, his mind is constantly thinking. Hopefully, we can make some summer plans, We want to do it all! Birthdays make me think about how we spend our time. The smiles from my children are the times I cherish the most.
"Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live"

Happy 9th Birthday!

Wow! Indescribable! What a night! THANK YOU everyone for sharing Mason's special night. Every 100 of You!! It was a night Mason will remember forever!! We treasure each and every one of you, I wish I could have spent more time letting each of you know! I know how much it meant to Mason, because that is all he talked about!! A KU Jayhawk made a surprise appearance, thank you Carolyn!! It was very meaningful. Mason likes both KU and MU, he always talks about college. The picture with a Jayhawk and Tiger cake represents so much and is very sentimental! ( he wore his KU shirt almost everyday at St. Jude.) The entire party was sentimental, I held back tears so many times. Mason's 3 favorite songs were played throughout the night, "I've got a Feeling", "Gummi Bear Song" and "Phineas and Ferb" theme song! The most touching part was at the end, the song "My Wish" was played. Just like the song, "While you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you." We felt the love at Bluejacket!!! Mason, out of the blue wanted to release his #9 balloon. We did this one other time on his birthday for Grandma Ruth-who shares Mason's birthday. Mason had 3 awesome cakes, the wind was blowing, so we only lit one candle, but after the party we brought the tiger cake home, and he got to make his wish! And then we opened presents. Thank you everyone for being part of Mason's most memorable birthday party ever!!! A special thank you to Abby and the staff at Bluejacket Pool who made Mason's night phenomenal. The evening ended like it did 9 years ago, I told Mason the story of his birth, and he fell asleep in my arms. Thanks for the memories!!

Happy Father's Day

So many thoughts racing through my mind. We celebrated Father's Day with lots of love and splashes, and the laughter followed. Tonight Mason wanted to go off the high dive and the super fast slide, he has done this before. But, I can honestly say it was like watching him the first time. And I don't want much, only to have time stand still. Blessed at the life jumping out of him! Today I feel so lucky to have such a great dad. Who my kids love and adore. And so lucky for my hubby, who has put up with so much and does so much for us. Father's Day being so close to Mason's birthday is a great memory of the first time Eddie held Mason. There is no prouder dad in the world!!
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” -Jim Valvano

Our family of friends

There is no greater joy than watching the neighborhood kids at play. What a welcome home! We had a neighborhood hair trimming party! Mason got his hair trimmed, and his friend Jacob, followed next. (A hair cut just like Mason's) (Thanks Angie!!) And we saw some school friends at the pool, nothing says welcome home more than friends. I learn the value of true friendship more and more each day. Thank you everyone for making our lives so blessed. Birthday cards have arrived in the mail from people we have never met, our new friends. You have touched our lives. There is strength in friends.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."-Unknown

So this is what summer vacation is......

Laughing in the morning's sunshine, playing Wii in the summer's heat, jumping to make a BIG Splash. Living, Loving and Laughing.!! Mason that smile looks fabulous, you spread sunshine where ever you go. Sweet dreams everyone!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

A beautiful rainbow welcomed us as we arrived home! Eddie got us home through a raging storm. And then a giant bouquet of green balloons and goodies welcomed our arrival. Home Sweet Home!!! Today was a day of unpacking and organizing and shopping. I did not even have to use auto-pilot the van went directly to Sam's Club. Mimi watched the kids splash in our plastic kiddie pool. I went grocery shopping with the biggest smile ever! The great feeling continued, Mason has been begging me to go to the local Pool!! So away we went, I tried not to be a crazy mother hen. Mason took off, refreshed, revived and a kid again. I felt like crying as he jumped off the diving board. Look out summer we are making lots of splashes! We found our pot of gold right here at home, all our family and friends.

Looking forward to......

One more sticker...........

Mason has only one more sticker left on his radiation chart. Then we can go home!! Treatment will continue, it is bittersweet because Mason wants an end of treatment date. And even though he is done with radiation, his bloodwork continues at home once a week. He will continue Chemo 2x a day until September 13. He also will have MRI's every 3 months. Mason wants answers more than we do, "Do I have to do this until I am 85? " As for answers, it's not as simple as that. So we ask to keep Mason in your prayers. A special thank you to all the St. Jude staff. We leave hope in your hands too.

Trust your hopes

Everywhere you turn the walls at RMH are plastered with children's prints that have spent some time of their life here. It is really an eye-opener. Today, Mason added his to the collection. I was at a loss of what else to say and Mason handed me the mail. An inspirational quote from Eddie's co-workers, "Trust your hopes"

Bring on Monday!!

Yippee!!! We are giggly as ever!!!! Today we visited the Memphis Zoo and we all splashed in the fountains!! We took Eddie to visit the Komodo dragon and aquarium. We have visited the zoo numerous times and see something new every visit. It was not very busy today, since Memphis was 106 degrees heat index, but the water and shade kept us cool!! Mason is losing some of his puffiness, it's been one week since he has been off steroids, and we said good-bye to 2 more medications. His chemo dosage will get stronger once the radiation is over. We are thankful that he is back to being active and laughing more than ever. Enjoying each day! We are settling in for an evening movie. Ally is sleeping, but just our luck she will be up and dancing just about the time we are ready to catch some zzz's. Good night. Mason is singing, his famous "I've got a Feeling....., and I have to agree it is going to be a good night.

Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is Love.

This morning started by finding a wonderful surprise in the mail, a book, titled "A Letter to God" by Carol Montogomery Beall. And then a trip to the airport to pick up Eddie, and a trip to Graceland. Love seemed to follow us everywhere today. At dinner when an anonymous person paid our bill, we were at a loss for words.
O.k. I was downloading a picture from Graceland and this picture popped up. (today has been mysterious like that) Thanks for keeping Mason is your prayers, the power of your prayers are giving us incredible strength.

Live, Love, Laugh, Splash

I am so excited to have created a scrapbook from Memphis, although it is still in the works. Thanks to Walgreens website, it was easy. The theme of our story is "Live, Love, Laugh and Splash". Our scrapbook has only these words, inscribed on the back:
Mason was born the first day of summer. On his birthday and every day in between, we celebrate a life full of love, laughter, and plenty of splashes!

Live each day with love and laughter.
Love is a gift that surrounds us.
Laugh until your heart smiles.
There is nothing like a cool splash on a hot summer's day!

As we finish our last weekend in Memphis our journey really has just begun. We have learned so much about life, and are so thankful for YOU!! Thank you for sharing this part of our journey with us.. Your love and support brings smiles to our hearts. May love rain on you everyday!

Much love and happiness

Wow! I have to admit there are times when negative thoughts and" life is not fair", settle in my mind(even with all the laughter). A package arrived last night, erasing those thoughts! My spirits were immediately uplifted. The entire family got these wonderful shirts!! Love jumped right out and grabbed me. The message is so true, and inspiring! Mason, defines love and happiness. Lately I have been doing my best to concentrate on all the positive. As I miss home, I think of all the signs hanging on the walls, "Just Another Day in Paradise" Use to chuckle and wish I was at the beach, but Paradise is a part of my everyday life; my children. And a simple "Wish" reminds me of blowing out birthday candles, every year is a gift and celebration. And the list goes on, may you find your own "sign of life" and may love and happiness be a part of your life. Friends, family, God and life are my love and happiness. A special thank you Kevin and Heather. Both of you are an inspiration to me.

http://www.muchloveandhappiness.com/

http://www.boundlessinfinity.net/

Driving Home in a Golf Cart..........

One more week, and counting........now only 5 more stickers left. St. Jude is getting ready for a golf tournament, so the kids got to play putt-putt, we had a relaxing day and the boys have been entertained by Mighty Beanz. Mason and Maverick are having a blast with all the different characters. A new fad has begun! And I am so ready to drive home, I'd even drive a golf cart. Tomorrow is blood drawing day, they forgot on Tuesday which was o.k. by Mason. Two more blood drawing days here and then we can continue, once a week at home. I got the song "Fifteen" stuck in my head and Mason's constant questions about the future, but it's hard not to smile with the smell of playdough in the air, no t.v., just the boys singing and laughing.....time to go play! Life is front of you.

Every picture tells a story....

O.k. Here are the pictures, the boys thought it would be funny, if you make up a story from these photos...come on don't be shy...............

Little Things....

Just had to share...one of those moments where I totally got a reality check. I was making dinner and Maverick was outside on the patio playing. And Mason said, you won't believe what Maverick is doing. So, I assumed he was doing something wrong and saw him pushing a tricycle. So I yelled for him to come sit down, and then I saw on the table a HUGE pile of pop tops. And Maverick said, "I am sorry mom I was using the basket in the tricycle to collect pop tops" I really want to help this place." I just wanted to bawl....every since we arrived Maverick has been looking on the ground and finding every single pop top he can. He has a heart full of gold. And a whole lot of love for his brother.
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things"--Robert Brault

Love the Greatest Gift of All

Sending love and hugs to everyone tonight.

THANK YOU

I am going to keep it short tonight. Because today was so overwhelming with everyone back at home rallying together for Mason. Here, we had a fun day splashing and enjoying the sunshine. But my mind was back at home. I can't find the right words to thank everyone. But I want you to know how much your time, support, and help really mean to our family.
Mason is feeling the LOVE. THANK YOU!!! God bless each and everyone!

Please continue to keep Mason in your prayers. Sending hugs more than ever right now.

Live, Love, Splash!

Wow! It was one smile after another today!! Mason for the first time jumped in the fountains and let loose!! Loved every moment and did not want it to end. As we played and laughed my mind kept drifting to all of our friends working hard preparing for the Garage Sale!!! A HUGE thank you for those who helped, donated, and for all those that come out to support Mason. There are still people setting-up as I type, thank you just does not seem enough. You have made a difference in our lives that we can not describe in words. I hope the pictures below will be a huge THANK YOU to everyone for their support. This is what life is all about, thanks for adding smiles to our heart.

A bright sunny day

Ally thought we were in a parade today, no just the news, "St. Jude ranks #1 in children's cancer ." Mason's radiation mask was getting too tight, but it was fixed, so he does not need to go through the process of making a new one. Besides only 9 more radiation treatments!!! I love watching the calendar fill up with stickers. Today we visited the Pink Palace Museum. We had loads of fun at the museum, especially the rock section!! Yes, we even had more fun at the gift shop!!! Fortunately, the giant quartz was not for sale. Ally's taking an afternoon nap after racing around the museum in warp speed. A pasta dinner is being served tonight. :) Thank you friends, all I needed was a little lift from you and our day got brighter. And be sure to check out the Channel 5 interview on Make a Difference for Mason! We have lots of friends to be thankful for.

You have made a difference in our lives.

Not always easy

O.k. so I must admit it is not always easy. Today was pretty blah. I made a list of all medications, because it seems we keep adding more. And we have watched Phineas and Ferb until our eyeballs are sore. It is way too HOT here. I have decided we could never live here, because there are no outdoor pools. Besides, we'd miss our incredible friends. :) And I just can't get motivated about opening up a can of spaghettios for dinner. We take each day as they come and get rest when we need it. We were excited about the wonderful article in today's Sun newspaper. Thankful for our friends and family to lean on. And on a positive note, The countdown in ON! If everything continues as planned we can return home in only 14 days!!!!