Still snowing into the night...

WE ARE AT ABOUT 7 INCHES OF GREAT POWDERTHE KIDS (yes that includes Belles) LOVED PLAYING IN THE SNOW....

AND THEN THEY FOUND A WAY TO STAY WARM.

Delayed Intensification

Grace started Delayed Intensification on Tuesday. But, there was nothing delayed about our intense feelings. We have worried, been warned about, and prepared for this phase of her chemo for a while now. We know this will be eight difficult weeks for Grace in so many ways. From hair loss to steroid effects, it's just hard on such a tiny body.
Grace had a spinal tap on Tuesday and received intrathecal methotrexate. Fortunately, they listened to me this time when I was absolutely persistent that they use the Whitaker needle-it is smaller, and makes it less likely that she'll get her awful spinal tap headaches. The headaches usually hit about 3-5 days after the spinal tap, so we'll cross our fingers that it worked! The spinal taps are hard on her, and we know that the chemo there causes brain damage, however to what extent, we won't know until after chemo is done in two and a half more years. She also received vincrinstine through her port and a new chemo she's never had-Doxorubicin. Tuesday, she was exhausted and hurting. Wednesday she was achey and vomiting often. But, thankfully, today she had more energy and didn't vomit. We kept right on top of the nausea medicine so she wouldn't feel the effects. She actually did a dance off today and at moments felt ok. She is one tough little lady-always focusing on the good and wanting to have fun, despite the war that wages on inside of her. We are really proud of her, and grateful that her medicine is working. We are proud of how compassionate and understanding Tanner is and grateful that Eva is so fun loving and happy.
Grace goes back to the hospital tomorrow morning for chemo shots and then returns again on Tuesday for more chemo. She's a precious child, and it's hard to see her suffer. One thought keeps returning to my mind this week-why??? I don't know...it just keeps replaying in my head. "It is far better to light one candle then to curse the darkness."

Fun for Christmas

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Snow serves many a purpose...

It provides water, beauty, playtime...and a postponed chemo/spinal tap time! Yeah...a day or two more without beginning Delayed Intensification! The doctor's orders are in...we are to stay indoors and stay safe!

A perfect day to play before Chemo begins....

We didn't measure, but we think it was about 3-4 inches of powdery awesomeness. We can't tell who liked it more, but it was a great distraction. The only sad part is that church was cancelled and Tanner was going to sing a solo in sacrament. Guess we will have to wait one more week. Gracie is scheduled to start her hard chemo and spinal tap tomorrow weather permitting. We will let you know how it goes.