Fruits and Veggies .... Yum!!

Ryan's blood counts were all back within normal range today!! He was thrilled to get to eat an apple tonight - as Jackson's Mommy says .... the things we take for granted before the big "C" comes into your life. Who would have ever thought I would have to tell my child that he could NOT eat fresh fruit and veggies. We are going to the grocery tomorrow so he can choose whatever he wants - the past few days he has been asking for bananas, grapes, apples, and strawberries - I will gladly buy anything he wants :). I am actually looking forward to taking him to the store - I used to try to avoid this adventure with them if at all possible, now I am just so thankful that his counts are good and that he can go with me - four months on this path can really change your perspective. However, if you happen to see us at the grocery tomorrow and I look a little short on patience - please don't judge me, I am still human and he is still 4 1/2 years old asking for one of everything :)! We are both excited to be out and about - this past week has been hardest I think - Ryan seems to be really missing having some friends to play with - most everyone we know has been sick. We praise Him that Ryan's counts have rebounded and that he is feeling so good! Please continue to pray for his protection against all the "bugs" that are going around - his next round of chemo is next week (3/1). It is so very hard to find that balance (if there is one) of giving him a good quality of life, yet protecting him at the same time. Please pray that we would have discernment in all of that.

Rob and I did get to go away for our anniversary and we had a good time - we just mostly ate out and rested (thank you Beth!!! - Beth made arrangements for out hotel - she is also a brain tumor survivor, so keep her in your prayers too. She is currently taking an oral chemo to keep things stable - I know she would greatly appreciate your prayers.) It was nice to sleep all night long and to sleep in - yay! Thanks to each of you who loved on our kids so we could do that - (Traci and Michael - I have a few questions for you two? - ha!) The kids thought they were on vacation too and I don't think they were in too big a hurry for us to return.

On a more serious note - sweet Jackson Ashley has his MRI tomorrow (Thursday) - please pray for clear results and for peace for his sweet Mommy and Daddy while they wait (usually over the w/end) - all of Jackson's have been clear so far and he is almost at the end of his treatment - we believe this MRI will be clear too - but, we are human and those fears and doubts creep in - I know you will be faithful to pray. www.ourlittleengineer.com