A little of everything....

Tanner and Grace were so excited because their report cards came. (kinda weird I never looked forward to report cards) They both did amazingly well and we are so proud of them. Gracie regained some energy as she read through her great grades and complimented T on how great his grades were. T's grades were close to perfect and he must feel such a sense of accomplishment knowing his long and hard nightly work has paid off.

Grace probably has one or two days left to enjoy what is left of her hair. She seems to be taking it well, but for the last couple of days has asked us not to talk about it. While watching E.T. tonight for the very first time Grace said "I will never get sick of watching this movie it is fascinating!" As if chemo, hair loss, fatigue, and nausea is not enough another side effect of Grace's magical medicine is mouth sores, which have become prevalent.

Tanner is still feeling sick and hopefully will be feeling better soon. He attended space camp today with his school and came home so excited. Showing us the many things he learned about lift and air pressure and aerodynamics and so on.

Eva also just celebrated her 1/2 birthday, a tradition that was taught to us by Wells and Beth Parker (Thank you). For her half birthday she dined on a dessert of pink cupcakes.

We have had many amazing visitors in the last couple of days who have somehow known the perfect moment and the perfect thing to do. These amazing gestures of kindness and unselfishness have made all the difference in these very difficult times. The one thing Grace tries to have us promise her on a daily basis is that she does not have to do anything or go anywhere. A very difficult promise to keep with the needs of T and E.

We want to thank all of you for your love and support and wanted to let you know we feel your kindness and love daily.

Here are a couple pics from tonight. Of course Tanner is not in them because he hates his photograph being taken.

Grace

I wish we had happier updates to report, but things are only looking worse for Grace. I know we just need to hold on until she's through this difficult part, but it is so disheartening to watch her decline as she is. Her hair is falling out rapidly. Strands fall out at a touch. She hands me handfulls of hair and looks at me with droopy eyelids. She is predominately in bed or on the couch, staring off and feeling just horrid. The poor girl gets so sick, and can't help but vomit. She cries and just says she feels awful and we feel so helpless, though we're doing all we can to help her. Whenever we have to pick Tanner up from school she just cries and cries because she's too tired to even go in the car and today she felt so frustrated with her Cancer she just wanted to scream-but she was too tired to scream. And, then she told me she wished she was normal again and hated having Cancer. What can I say to that? I agree! I told her she's completely normal, but she's fighting hard right now and it's not easy. But, I told her it wouldn't last forever. I have to be honest...a day feels like an eternity and I can't imagine it from her perspective. But, as I've said before-she's so sweet through it all. She thanks us endlessly and tells us she loves us so much and we're the best parents. It's almost too heartbreaking to hear her sweetness in such a tumultous time. Not that I'm not grateful for her precious spirit, but I wouldn't care if she was mean and angry-I think that's how I'd feel if I was in her shoes. What a noble little person Grace is. She even fights this graciously. She brings us to our knees daily, as we are in awe of her strength.
Sweet Tanner came home sick from school today. I think he caught our flu bug. I'm trying to give extra TLC to him, because I can just tell he needs it right now. But, some happy news to report-Eva and Annabelle are right as rain. I'm pretty sure they are in cahoots though... they always seem to be forging a devious plan!

Updates...

Grace is not feeling well these days. Delayed Intensification has been pretty crummy for her this week. She, for the most part, just lays in bed or on the couch and doesn't want to do anything. She continuously says she feels awful and often she stops talking all together, because it's too much effort for her exhausted body. She wants us to hold her and be near her constantly and she just says how terrible she feels. Our hearts ache for her, because this is such a trying time for her. She has blood work tomorrow and a check up, but fortunately no chemo. Her blood counts are so low, they are trying to get them back up so they can start the next four weeks of intensive chemo. Next Tuesday, she has a full day chemo regiment, including another spinal tap with IT Methotrexate. Please keep Grace in your prayers!

Now that's some sisterly devotion!

My darling sister, Keri, in a selfless act of love and thoughtfullness.....went BALD!!! That's right...her sons Isaac and Oskar cut their hair short and she decided Grace should know that she's not alone when she looses her hair. We are so touched by this amazing act!!!!! What can we say...you're one beautiful, kind, amazing baldy!

Chemo Yesterday...

Gracie had chemo yesterday. Her sweet and helpful brother, Tanner went along. It's hard for both of them, but they support each other. Grace received Vincristine and her third dose of Doxorubicin. The doctor warned that we should really start seeing strong steroid side effects (appetite, mood swings!!! etc.). The Doxorubicin is definately taking effect. Grace is pale as a ghost, exhausted, and her ANC (absolute Neutrophil count) went from 3, 100 two weeks ago to 800 yesterday. We are told it could reach 0 and we just have to cross our fingers that she'll not get a fever or any sort of infection, or she'll be back in the hospital. The nurses have told us that Grace shouldn't go to any closed in places-malls, church, movies, etc. Of course, the doctor keeps saying live life as normally as possible, and just use really good hand washing, etc. We're erring on the side of caution and sticking around home! Many people have asked if her hair is coming out. In answer to that, yes it is. It is really thin, but still there. Although, in a fit of a toddler tantrum, Eva pulled on Grace's hair this morning and a big chunk came out. Grace was, needless to say, VERY cross with her baby sister. But, through it all, Grace remains as sweet as she can be under the circumstances. She is really enjoying books, movies, drawing and laying low because she's so tired.

Tanner has had fun over Christmas break...we don't know what we'll do without him when he goes back to school. He's such a happy medium and a source of fun in our home. He's crazy about Star Wars and making up all kinds of battle scenes with his figurines.
Eva is hilarious right now. If you give her a kiss, she wipes it off and laughs at you! She loves reading books and she is constantly following Annabelle around saying "sit and good girl" (more pronounced Goog Gil). She also calls JR and me "babe" constantly. We are in for trouble!