Thanks everyone

Good Morning!! Just wanted to let everyone know we did not make the finals in the Snow Contest. But, we feel like winners thanks to all our family and friends!!! We have had lots of phone calls and support for Snow; it's as if snowflakes are already falling. Thanks everyone. Now we just wait to see if Mother Nature can bring some magic.

Hello everyone! Guess it's time for catch up. Mason has decided to wait on starting the meds. He somehow forgot all about double vision during the nurse visit. But, I can't really blame him. Chocolate milk and cereal are still his biggest request; yesterday it was Captain Crunch cravings; and Ally got her first Captain Crunch taste. Mason has been playing Phineas and Ferb DS game, along with T.V. and challenging mom at Farkle and cards.
We have had tremendous support and want to thank everyone!! Everything from a surprise Popcorn gift, dinner, and all sorts of ideas to make Mason smile. It makes us feel so good inside; when smiles are sometimes so hard. And I feel fantastic after my beauty makeover and date. Never felt so fabulous after a 4 hour beauty treatment; enjoyed every minute of it. And Trezo Vino was excellent!! Thanks Lisa for taking your time to nominate me. And Thanks mom and dad for watching the kids; and Mason enjoyed sharing the dinner stories at bedtime. We put our night stay at the Aloft hotel on hold; we have until November 2011. We may also decide to use over winter break as they have an indoor pool the boys would love! Thanks for everything!!

Double Vision

Wow, just two words tonight; Mason couldn't even say them. "Double vision." It was the end of what I almost wanted to call a perfect day. Mason seemed to be doing great all day, no complaints. And balance seemed better too; until tonight when I could tell something was bothering him. So I began with the questions. My heart sank when he nodded yes to double vision. And even more surprising he is ready to start steroids. What else can I say? I held him tight and told him not to be afraid, that I will always be by his side. No child should have to go through this. So tomorrow, I will pick up the prescription that I knew we could not avoid. With steroids the body's immune system weakens; so an antibiotic is also prescribed along with Zantac for stomach pain. And with the flu season upon us we'll have to be very cautious. Double vision; the most horrifying words I have ever known, it just takes me back to when this whole nightmare started. Such a mixture of emotions.

Laugh today and everyday

Good Morning! It was a wonderful relaxing weekend. We had lots of laughter this weekend. We played one of our new favorite games, Qwirkle. We piled all the mattresses in the living room and had a fun movie night. We went swimming at Matt Ross. We finished wrapping gifts for one another; and are counting the days until Christmas. We watched the Chiefs win over the Broncos. And last night the boys were having trouble sleeping so we pretended we were authors and made up funny book titles; and talked about ideas to help them fall asleep. It's hard not to smile when laughter is around. I know I had sweet dreams as I fell asleep with all the giggles in my heart.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~e.e. cummings

Live, Love, Laugh, Snow! - iWitness Weather Photos and Video Video

Live, Love, Laugh, Snow! - iWitness Weather Photos and Video Video

Here is the video for the Snow Contest. See previous blog for information.

You are #1

Mason let me cut his hair yesterday; we can see those brown eyes once again. I am no hair stylist; but he refuses to go elsewhere after someone nicked his ear. He is the same way about toenails and fingernails; trust me it is more painful for me. He let me cut his hair in exchange for a Target trip. "Can I have the $6 you saved?" Who can say no to that? There has been so much excitement stirring these last few days. My beauty makeover starts tomorrow, hair cut and shopping!! The makeover concludes with a night's stay at Aloft hotel after a dinner date on Wednesday the 8th; unless the boys go we may postpone. Night time is no fun for Mason; his legs give out. Last night, Mason sat in the hallway; no words could comfort. There's nothing to say when you can't stand on our own two feet. And finally, he whispered and pointed, "Bed." It's 3 a.m. and I have tried to sleep 3 times tonight but keep popping out of bed. We made a video and submitted to the Weather Channel for a Guaranteed White Christmas. We will post a link when available. I usually do not enter contests; but right now I'd do anything for Mason. So if Mother Nature does not cooperate we may have to resort to making our own snow or road trip! A big thank you to a group of school friends for stopping by and adding stars to our Make-a-Wish tree. And Mason's foam hand collection just doubled, thanks to a friend/co-worker in Texas. Thanks for bringing a smile! You are all #1 in our hearts! Another thanks to the St. Jude/ Make a Difference for Mason running team headed to Memphis. We wish them the best of luck and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all the support for us and the children of St.Jude. Lots of love this week. The spirit of Christmas is alive in our hearts everyday!

More snow please.....

It's the 4 a.m. wake up call, the "I can't sleep, too much on my mind" It's hard once again to put down words...
Yesterday I found myself sticking with the normal routine of cleaning and organizing, while Ally and Mason watched television, or played video games. Everything seems normal, until I get the, "Mom, will you help me". Walking, dressing and simple day to day tasks are challenging. When Maverick gets home there is added excitement, a trip to the pool was planned. Right before we left Mason fell down and hit his head. I had this added fear he might fall at the pool. My stomach is in knots all the time. As I sat and watched the boys race around the lazy river; wishing everything could be normal. But there is even a difference at the pool. And I try to concentrate on the laughter and the giggles between the boys. There is nothing better than the laughter; and it scares me to wonder when that may change. Laughter, that's not to much to ask for is it? For now, we concentrate on each day. We are so thankful for all the support. Lots of invites; but it is hard to leave the house. And I sit and worry; I've hurt someone's feelings.
Mason has stopped requesting Oreo blasts and instead eats cereal twice a day and maybe a snack here and there. Raisin Bran and Corn Pops, or a glass of chocolate milk are the requests this week.
And all I would like to request is "Snow", lots of it. Mason deserves the beauty and laughter of the snow. For anyone that has ever watched a kid play in the snow understands. I leave with a January 2010 photo. Almost a year has past; a year forever etched in my mind.....

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