Random Moments

It has been quite a month.  A bit too full of ups and downs but we are starting to feel a little more energetic so maybe things are working?!  We will have scans in a couple of weeks to see if this new regimen is giving the cancer the what for.  We keep hoping!

In the meantime, there are little moments and visits that put smiles on our faces and keep me going.  Some of these pictures go back a ways...

The kids enjoyed having Ronnie (short for Veronica Lodge!) to play with and we were very thankful for all of Nancy's help.  We have had so many offers of help and I haven't been very good about getting photos every time but suffice it to say, we've been very thankful for everyone who has come and made life a little easier.

Getting ready to leave the hospital.  I love this man!  Words can't describe how much he means to me through this all.  He takes good care of me.

Ryan's Aunt Joanne and cousin Elaine snuck over for a quick visit.  It was lovely to have a little time with them and the kids loved all the attention.

 A warm afternoon perfect for coloring on the deck.

 The Teacher-Moms made a second appearance.  They helped us through quite a week.

Morgan had a field trip to the Imax and the Carousel.  Her teacher texted this picture to us.  Love those big grins!

Our good friends Matt and Sally came for a visit and we met them at a cabin on the lake.  The kids were ecstatic to catch 15 fish total (I think they might have caught the same fish a number of times - that didn't dampen their enthusiasm though!).

Busyness down on the dock.  Little Dorian wasn't as interested in the fish as he was the cement mixer (you can just barely see him down by Sally).

Dear friends.

My hair is gone now, the brain radiation did the trick, so we're back to the wig.  But the terrible symptoms I was having are gone too so we're hopeful that the radiation was successful.  We're in the wait and see segment of the cycle right now.  Not the easiest segment, but it is nice to have a little more energy and be a more active participant in family life.  And we're looking forward to our church convention next week so hopefully I can keep building up a little more energy for that!  One day at a time - that is our motto!

'Tadpoling'

The kids have been having a grand ol' time out in the seasonal creek exploring for tadpoles and other water bugs.  They've spent quite a bit of time out there and it does a mother's heart good to hear their squeals of discovery and laughter.

The 'dock' that can barely hold them up.

The water is receding, but it is still deep enough to test the height of their boots!

Even Lane is getting into this whole business.  He had quite the bucket full of furiously swimming tadpoles.

Logan caught himself a frog even.  It escaped past his mother.  Now there was a squeal for you!

Did I mention the height of those boots?  There have been a few outfit changes and some extra laundry ... but boy is it worth it!

A Family Photo Shoot

We had the whole family over after Meeting this morning and it seemed a good time to get a decent photo (or attempt to anyway...).

Some little people required a little more 'encouragement' to see things the adults way!(:  And yes, that would be Logan.

All cleaned up, and, more importantly, looking at the camera!  The majority are even smiling.  It is a banner picture day people!  Keep up the good work!

 Well done kids!  Bumpa and Grammy with their even dozen.

 I love this picture and I love the siblings in it!  They are the best.

 One last photo for the sake of another photo.  You know how it goes!  I love this family!