Tuesdays can be a little blurry… Day 677 21SEP10

Tuesday's can be a little blurry for Joshua thanks to the methotrexate he takes on Monday. It makes it hard for him to focus for more than an half an hour or so. Which definitely makes getting school work done a little challenging. We did, at his request, log our first little bit of hammock time today. 

The weather was pretty good and their was a nice breeze blowing. It was great to finally be able to pull out the hammock after its long sumer rest. 

After lunch we headed into the Children's Cancer Center for tutoring. Joshua did okay for a little while and then totally lost focus so we called it a day. Renee and the kids headed home, I went off to work for a bit. 

Normal Monday… Day 676 20SEP10

After our great weekend we crashed headlong into a normal week this morning. Joshua left early for clinic while Jarrod and I navigated the world of algebra. Amazing that how after several years of maths in high school and then again in college that you can utterly forget everything that you ever learned :) Jarrod thankfully does quite well at math and just needs a little help from time to time. It could get pretty ugly otherwise.

Joshua's counts are in the green at 1540 although his platelets have dropped to 168 which is the lowest they have been in quite some time. The Doctor didn't think it was anything to be worried about so we will leave it at that until next week. Joshua had time with his teacher this afternoon and managed to get a little work done before having a bit of trouble staying focused. 

Before settling in for the evening we got a little frisbee and hockey playing in outside. The weather is starting to get closer to being right and we all feel autumn's slow approach. Playing with the boys is loads of fun and great exercise for us all. 

Fort Desoto… Day 675 19SEP10

Today was another great family day. The kids and Renee got up early and headed off to church. As soon as they returned we got ready to go to the beach and celebrate Miss Avery's birthday. Her b-day is actually the 22nd but thats in the middle of the week which is no fun. We got our gear together and piled into the cars for the ride over to Fort Desoto. The kids had a blast playing around all over the old fort and Avery figured out a new and unique way to view the scenery.

Afterwards we headed down to the beach for some playtime in the water and a great picnic lunch that Renee's mom had put together. More frolicking in the water followed before we loaded everybody back into the cars for the ride home. After a round of quick showers we headed over to Renee's parents for some dessert and a proper singing of Happy Birthday. The kids all had a great day hanging out together and I am sure they will not have any trouble closing their eyes tonight when bedtime comes.

It was a wonderful day and although we are all pretty tired from all of the events this weekend it is a good tired that comes from spending time with special people while doing fun things.

Candle light and Harley's… Day 674 18SEP10

Today was a great family day. Joshua and I woke up early when Taylor and Avery came to visit. Avery was getting ready to celebrate her upcoming birthday and her and her mommy were headed off to a wonderful day of shopping, bears, and Tea Houses.

 Taylor decided early that he would rather hang with his cousins. Do you blame him? When Lee and Jarrod woke up we got the boys ready and headed over to Mira Bay pool.  Thanks to our wonderful friends, The Harris', we had a great morning swimming and sliding down their awesome pool slide. 

After that we went home to grab some lunch and rest up for our evening out. The Children's Cancer Center was involved in the Bike & Poker Night up at the Shoppes of Wiregrass. There were lots of motorcycles for daddy to drool over and even a simulation game that helped teach new riders. It was sponsored by Ride Safe from Clearwater and I actually took a spin on it. Surprisingly I did very well. Jarrod and Joshua also had a go and did a great job too. Lee didn't try it our but maybe the boys have the riding gene from me? 

Joshua's friend James Taylor Curtis was playing as well. He and the Silver Eagle Band are a wonderful group of guys. Joshua was once again asked up on stage with the guys and help pass out candles for the memorial service which was held at the end of the evening for all those who have passed away from cancer. James introduced Joshua as a cancer survivor and you could hear the crowd sigh. It touches my heart to hear the people care so much for one little boy. The next thing we knew Joshua was surrounded by people and selling candles like crazy! As Kristen said to me, "Who can resist him?" She's right! 

On  side note, I would like to invite everyone to visit the bands website at www.JTCurtis.com  James recently recorded a song titled "Hush". All the proceeds from this song are going to the Children's Cancer Center. This organization means so much to Lee and I. They have helped us in so many ways and they are always there when we need them.   Also, I know we should have talked about this in the beginning but September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Please spread the word and make a donation or volunteer to any organization that helps children with cancer. There are so many out there! 

Thank you to all that keep a constant vigil on Joshua and our family. You inspire us everyday knowing that you are out there and you care. We know not everyone posts but believe me when I tell you that we can feel the love that is sent our way. 

IVIG again… Day 673 17SEP10

Today was another IVIG infusion for Joshua. He got started this morning right after he woke up and finished early afternoon after school. He also got a visit from his teacher and got some school work done. Once again he did great with the IVIG and had no ill effects from the transfusion.  He actually had a pretty good afternoon playing a game on the xbox and resting.

Jarrod left this morning with me and I dropped him off for a day at my dad's. They got his gutters cleaned out and did a bunch of yard work before taking a dip in the pool next door. I picked him up after work and we headed home for movie night courtesy of Joshua. He had picked out a movie at the video store for us to watch together. So we all cuddled up on the couch, well except for Jarrod who is now to "big" to cuddle, and ended the week with a fun flick. We have several fun things on tap for this weekend, details to follow.

CCC Night… Day 672 16SEP10

Tonight was our bi-weekly meeting at the Children's Cancer Center. It is something I always look forward to and am very disconsolate if I can't attend. Being around the small group of people there and hearing and sharing our stories and experiences is as much comforting as it is saddening. But it is vitally important to all of us. Tonight we got to add two more families to our fold and hear that one of our own, a precious little girl, now cannot walk because of the side effects of chemo drugs we all give to our children. We are stronger though because we are not alone in the wilderness of cancer.

On a much happier note: Joshua had a really fun time with Jamie, Christian, and Allie. He did all of the things one should do when spending the night at ones older brother's house and although he only got five and a half hours sleep he came home with a big smile and played vigorously with his buddies tonight. It is definitely great to be a kid.

Jarod took a few pictures of his LED strips in action. He strategically placed them to light up some of his favorite items on his shelves.

Night away… Day 671 15SEP10

Joshua had school this morning with his teacher and did okay. He seemed to be having a little trouble staying focused. He was probably thinking about the fact that he was going over to spend the night at Jamie and Christian's all by himself. No big brother this time. I am sure he will have a great time and have loads of fun playing with Miss Allie. I'll let you know what he say tomorrow night when I see him again.