Good Morning

It's 3 a.m. and I give up on sleep from coughing and hacking. I tried Theraflu Cold relief the night before but it caused major sleeplessness. I'm so thankful the rest of the house is quiet. Mason looked at me worried yesterday and asked if I was going to be o.k. He just melts my heart. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Mason did get tired at the Christmas lighting and fell asleep on the couch as the last guest was leaving. He said he had a headache during the party, but never really complained. On Sunday; he wanted to visit the Target toy section to check out the latest Bakugan and Bionicles. I've turned him into a Target kid; in Memphis that was our get-away from the Ronald McDonald house. Maverick insisted on pushing his brother in the wheelchair; thankful he did not run over anyone, racing Mason as he were in the Grand Prix. This weekend the boys played so well together; and Mason had a great week. His speech was the only thing I really noticed and a few times difficulty swallowing. For the most part we had a restful and relaxing weekend.
The MRI scheduled December 4 has been rescheduled for mid-January. We decided that after the holidays would be much better; we were told we could wait until this time. And Mason is against flying; so we will hopefully have good weather for January.
I really want to thank everyone again, I really need to work on thank yous!! Just know we really appreciate you!

Magic was in the air...

Mason had a wonderful time at last night's lighting ceremony. It was truly awe-inspiring, I could feel the magic in the air as the lights came on. We were overwhelmed around 100 plus friends and family stopped by to celebrate one of our favorite holiday traditions. I tried to capture the moment, but have been unsuccessful with night photos. (Above Mason's ready to light the night) We are also very touched that Mason and Maverick raised $200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. They will be continuing to collect over the holiday season, for anyone that would like to contribute and receive a key chain.

Today marks my 40th birthday, and my voice has vanished (cold or allergies); but I can honestly say this has been the most cherished birthday. My friends and family have truly gone above and beyond to make this birthday the BEST. I have been truly blessed; a new washer and dryer thanks to a group of friends at an early birthday celebration. A Thanksgiving meal; and a dinner on my birthday; gift cards; the list goes on. And I can't forget to mention my latest surprise, a day of beauty courtesy of Michael Shae's Day Spa, new outfit, a date with Eddie, an evening at Aloft hotel; all thanks to a wonderful friend for entering a contest in my honor. All of this goes beyond the definition of friendship, we have a big FAMILY. We LOVE you all.

The greatest gift of all this birthday, "Love." Mason gave me a necklace with the word; MOM. The necklace is beautiful, but my greatest most treasured gift of all, my purpose in life- The day I became a Mom. Thank you Mason, Maverick and Ally. Your birthday is the reason for who I am today.

Happy Turkey Day!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!! Some of our friends shared a traditional Thanksgiving side dish or dessert with us. We did not have to do anything; but cook the turkey. WOW! I can't think of a more relaxed or special Thanksgiving. A day we will always remember and cherish. Lots of smiles and laughter. Thank you for sharing a part of your day with us. It was like having all our friends gathered around the table. Ally sang Johnny Appleseed; as the boys dug in! Mason gave dad an early Christmas gift; a replica lamp from the Christmas Story. And Mason has been talking about SNOW; and his wish came true. A special delivery arrived with just enough snow for a snowball fight!! What an awesome surprise!! And now Mimi and I are heading out soon to join all those crazy shoppers; because who wants to break tradition... Thanks everyone!!

Happy Wednesday!

Yesterday turned out to be a much better day. Mason has a wheelchair now. We took a trip to Red Robin for dinner and Target last night. He is up this morning enjoying a big bowl of Raisin Bran and watching Phineas and Ferb marathon. We are looking forward to Thanksgiving meal at home tomorrow; thanks to a group of friends for providing the meal. A Black eyed peas song keeps blaring in my head; "Tonight's going to be a good good night, I can feel it. " Thanks everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!! Feeling very thankful today.

Photos of Love

Good Morning! Last night we received a special delivery! Our family photos courtesy of Photos of Love. We had these pictures and many more taken on a beautiful Sunday evening; weeks ago at South Lake Park.
Such precious memories and a huge thank you to our photographer Myron.
This morning is a new day, Mason had a sore throat all day yesterday; along with balance issues and is just waking up this morning unhappy. Hopefully Honeycomb cereal will help start his morning; with some warm tea. Eddie is off to work so away I go......Thank you for all the support and continued prayers. We love you and can't tell you how much the support lifts our spirits.

Oreo Blast

The weekend has zapped my energy. I will try to keep the blog updated, but I struggle with the right words to say. There have been more physical changes with Mason. Simple things like raking leaves, and then falling down. A breakdown after suddenly not being able to get a word out. Dark clouds are above, as we search for rays of sunshine. Oreo blasts are an everyday request. It makes me smile that a simple Oreo blast brings a Smile. Snap circuit, Legos and Nerf guns add sunshine to our days. And thanks to the friends/family that organized and surprised me with an early birthday party!!! We are counting the days to Thanksgiving; this year we really understand the meaning of being Thankful. Goodnight everyone, it's time for our nightly reading of Hero. Chapter 7 here I come... Guess not, a # 7 headache tonight. Praying for sweet dreams.

A Star on top of our Tree....

My mind is blank..... really there is lots to say. Lots of words swirling around in my head. It's like my world is stuck on spin cycle. Mason is at home; today he organized all the Nerf guns and had each loaded and prepared for battle. It was nice having his brother home early - half a day of school. Mason is aware his coordination is off, simple daily things such as writing, drinking, and walking are all different. It comes and goes, some moments better than others. As the day wears; walking and sometimes speech is a challenge....
Lets concentrate on smiles. Mom finally made meatloaf and mashed potatoes after nights of requests. We owe a big thanks to friends for dropping off BBQ dinner over the weekend!!! And the boys enjoyed lunch on Sunday with their 2nd grade teacher. So many thank yous right now, big hugs to everyone for bringing smiles. Mason received a Circuit set in the mail and is eager to get started! Instead of curling up like an armadillo; we live through love and laughter. Because of YOU; we SHINE like the star on top of our tree.

My Star Everyday!!

Good Morning everyone! Mason would like to say hello to everyone out there. Especially all his school and class that he misses. I thought I'd share some of his favorites. Mason is "Star of the week "in his class, but has been at home. Necrosis being the reason (which was from receiving radiation.) His coordination and balance is off. And this morning he could not remember what he did last night. He also gets a headache when he thinks; making school work difficult. His body is not moving like it should at times, and that is very frustrating. Medication may help, but the right treatment for necrosis is still being discussed. Mason would love to go to school just now is not a good time.

Here are some of Mason's current favorites:
Start the morning: a bowl of Life Cereal or Lucky Charms
Favorite drink" Chocolate milk and Coca-Cola
Reading: Diary of Wimpy Kid, The Ugly Truth (read them all)
Favorite Song: Usher-DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love
Excited about: Snow (yesterday he could smell snow in the air)
Favorite Sport: soccer, but just yesterday he said Maverick and his new sport is Football!!
Favorite Snack: Oreo Blast-loves making his own with Oreos, milk and ice cream

Thanks everyone for checking in, have a GREAT weekend!! Go Chiefs!!

The good......

Some good news! We joined the local gym, Mason has always loved swimming. So glad to find a place to break away; and have fun. Mason loved the cards from his class, he misses everyone too, it is hard adjusting to some new changes. A visit from the D.A.R.E. officer brought a smile. We had a friend drop off dinner the other night; it would've been great if I turned on the oven. So, we voted for Chinese take-out. Tonight, Eddie remembered to turn on the oven and it was wonderful. Now, off to read more Diary of the Wimpy Kid, The Ugly Truth. Sweet dreams everyone and thank you!!

No School Today

Mason woke up with a headache, and after breakfast headache was slightly better but tummy ache. Ally is coughing and coughing every time I mention Preschool, she wants to stay home too. Last night, I dreamed I was trapped inside a boat spinning in every direction. It's amazing how real the dream interprets today. Thankful that my strength has returned after a restful night's sleep. Thanks everyone.

Tomorrow is a New Day

Mason went to sleep and plans on going to school tomorrow. It's been a roller coaster! Mason likes being home with me, and enjoys the company but "Ally's shows are boring." Ally told dad tonight about play time with Mason. "Mary had a little farm", and "Rex and Milo were sheep." Mason played the part very well, Ally sold him Milo for $5.00. I love when laughter sneaks into our day. Especially, when Mason bursts out laughing and I ask Ally, "What are you doing? "Cleaning the toilet mom" I guess, the toilet brush should not be left out. I am going to try and get some rest, as a stomach bug or lack of sleep is making me ill. Tomorrow is a new day. Thanks for all the kind words and prayers.

An extra hour........

Here's to you Mason, and your fabulous smile!! Saturday; a day of errands for mom and Christmas lights for dad. Santa has no problems finding our house. Eddie's slightly obsessed with holiday illumination. And this year; there is no stopping him, the kids love the lights. Giving that there is only 2 more weekends until our house is a glow; he's very busy. The boys were content at a day of watching T.V., playing Bakugan and watching dad decorate. Homework was attempted, and shoved in a corner. Maybe another day? Thankful for an added hour to our day. This Sunday; family pictures and KC Chiefs football blaring on the T.V.!! Each day a new day. Thankful for the cards from St. Lawrence School in Rochester NY, friends reaching out, and continued prayers. I could go on and on, you know who you are; thanks for getting us through our day. * As a side note: Liquid Zantac was so unbelievably nasty, that Mason does not mind swallowing the pill form.

Quick Update

Just wanted to let everyone know. Mason's headache is gone, replaced with a sore throat. I think he has some sinus/cold issues going on? Thanks for checking in and thanks for all the support and kind words. A big hug to our friends. Mason is writing instead of using his voice and the first thing he wrote is Do you have homework for me? Can you write math problems? So, I was thankful to get his school work. Gotta love it!!

Yesterday.......

Yesterday; one of those days where a dark cloud lingers above and you just keep waiting for a glimpse of sunshine. Pill is not a word to be said in our house, thankfully there is a liquid form of Zantac. But that still sits on the pharmacy shelf as last night's cloud continued to plague our household. Headache was intense; and sleep followed at 5:30 pm for Mason. While Mason slept and dad cleaned dishes, we left the quiet house to visit the library. I felt as if every book was jumping out and attacking me; it's been that long. "Call me Ishmael." Today brings a new day. My thoughts right now, disassembled, like a jigsaw puzzle. Today we are looking for a rainbow in the sky. Or finding a place to write our name in the sand and watch the waves crash against the rocks. "Yesterday," by the Beatles keeps playing in my head.... "now I need a place to hide away." And who knows this day can be filled with loads of sunshine and laughter; today is a new day. I know it's what you make of it. I see ice cream in today's forecast...

Trick or Treat

We had the most fabulous Halloween evening! Running from house to house, from block to block. Dad went and got the van, but Mason kept on going. Mason was too tired this morning for school and had a tummy ache but is feeling better after a day of rest. The mystery Halloween bug! Ally Kay has a nasty cold, hoping no else catches. Happy Halloween everyone!! And the boys sold their candy for 10 cents a piece. (All their idea) And thanks to wonderful friends for the surprise Halloween ice cream cake it was delicious!!!