An eventful week...

Life is continuing to show us that it doesn't like a slow pace. JR had his surgery-and it went well, though he has 8-10 weeks of physical therapy for his hand, and he has a big "mit" covering his arm. Poor guy!

Grace had chemo on Thursday and did well-she had her Aunt Sammy by her side which helped tremendously. She has the same regiment as last week. She has the needle in her port and I administer her chemo at home through her line and will deaccess it on Sunday. She hasn't let it slow her down, though it bothers her.

Did I mention the dog got hit by a car last week? Yes, I'm pretty sure that we're being tested in a big way...but by the same token...I'm pretty sure we have angels helping us along. I think she hurt the car more than the car hurt her. It gave her a good scare though! Poor thing.

We've been loving our visitors this last few weeks. Sammy (JR's youngest sibling and the kids' aunt) came to visit and help and was just a breath of fresh air! And, now we're lucky enough to have my sister MeriKaye and two of her kids, Zach and Emmie, here to visit.

This week also revealed an amazing experience called "crop a cop" in which the police officers that JR works with raised more money for Doernbecher. The kids got to help shave officers' hair-men and women. We thought there might just be a few individuals willing to shave their hair, but the line just continuously grew. Men and women, in fact about 40 of them, are now sporting a Gracie do! With their kindness, they raised almost 4,000 in her name. I could not stop bawling and of course, our whole family was just shocked at such a kind act from coworkers, friends, and perfect strangers. More pictures of the amazing event to come!

So, needless to say-it's been a big week! Also, I had to include a picture of the bday cake JR got me, because it was SO divine. And, so GIANT! If you have an affinity to triple chocolate cake from Papa Haydn's-don't be a stranger. We have enough to feed a small army.

Chemo regiment

Gracie's clinic appointment last Thursday went well. After spending 8 hours receiving treatment she was exhausted but in a positive mood. She still wanted visit Build-A-Bear, a promise we made to her when her numbers increased. Her spinal tap went well and her chemo continues to go well. She came home from the hospital with her port accessed because Kim and I have to inject chemo into her port until Sunday. It is very uncomfortable for her and she favors her right arm, but we are almost over with it. It is heartbreaking to see our front room transform into a doctors office as Kim cleans, flushes, and administers Chemo into Grace's port. We know it is the best for her, but very difficult none the less.

Tanner was ill with the flu last night, but seems a little better tonight. He is playing basketball this season and loving it. He also is having a great time in school and is continually challenged academically. We are very proud of him.

Eva is obsessed with Sesame Street and loves everyone from Abby Kadaby, to The Count. In fact, usually while counting she laughs like the count "1,2,3 ah , ah , ah." Every once in a while she gets a call from Ernie, or Big Bird (Grandpa Glen) and we cannot pry the phone out of her hands.

I am going to have to have surgery this Wednesday. After 3 weeks of not being able to move my right wedding finger, I visited the doctor. The x-rays show that I tore my tendon and broke my finger. In order to bend it again, the orthopedic surgeon needs to fix my broken bone and reattach my tendon. Just one more thing to add to the Ujifusa household. But good news, Kim turns 29 this week.

We miss you already Grandma Shele. You have no idea how much you have helped this past week. Thank you and please let Grandpa Glen, Nick, Max, and Sam know how much we appreciate all their help in your absence.

Grandma Shele

It has been so nice having Grandma Shele here. She has worked so hard to help with all the many needs. The kids can't get enough of her! From a freezer full of homemade dinners, to happily played with children and everything in between-we're so grateful that she'd come and help out! Grace has her LONG day of chemo on Thursday, if her blood counts are good enough. Though we don't want her to have to go through it, we know she needs to get back on track to keep her Cancer out of her body. So, our fingers are crossed and we're headed to the hospital in the morning.

Looking good...

Grandpa Gill just sent us these great and handsome pictures of him lowering the ears. It is such a wonderful gesture of love. We think you look great and love that you are willing to make Gracie and the rest of us feel so loved.

Surprise of the best kind....

We were excited for Grandma Shele to come into town this morning. She is always such a great help, and recently we have been needing a lot of it. She packed a surprise stowaway and minutes after she arrived at our house Grandpa Glen walked in saying "I heard there was a good barber here who gives buzz cuts." We were all very shocked and excited. We had a great day, watching T play basketball, and hanging out. Grandpa Glen, obviously anxious, was shaved tonight by Grace. Interestingly enough, it was his first shave ever! He was more fond of the hippy-hair as as kid then a buzz cut. When Gracie was asked why Grandpa let her shave his head she said "Because he wants to make me happy." Tears and smiles were plenty as we watched his hair go. What a sacrifice to make our little girl smile. We will be sad when Grandpa leaves tomorrow, but what a wonderful gift for him just to visit, let alone, return with much less hair.

We can't wait to spend the week with Grandma and know that she will make this week, as well as Thursday's long and arduous chemo, easier for all of us.

As for the kids, they are doing great and are excited for an extra day off of school. Gracie has been feeling better and seems to have a little more energy.