4th round of chemo ...

Ryan has had a good week - his counts were up and he has been on the go. He and Grammy (my Mom) went shopping for his birthday plates, etc. - he came home with camouflage plates, napkins, cups, and army hats, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pinata, and Curious George horns - a very interesting combination .... I'm not sure what those two were thinking. Anyway ... she did bring home a very happy boy who was thrilled with all of his stuff. His birthday is May 21st - he reminds us everyday asking, " .... now how many more days until I'll be 5?" He had told me he wanted a Ninja Turtle party - now, he says he wants a camouflage cake - can you say, "B-O-Y!". I have to admit I like planning Addie's princess parties a wee little bit more -Rob is pretty proud of him though.

We also went to Relay for Life - Addie's school had a team and they had the coolest shirts. They were black with glow in the dark Yoda on them - Ryan refused to take his off and put on the purple survivor shirt. I couldn't blame him because it was a really neat shirt. Howard school is the absolute best!! I tried to pay for our shirts - and they said that an angel had taken care of our shirts for us - so, to our angel - Thank you!! Ryan was very proud of his medal - at one point he said to Rob, "Maybe next year Addie can get cancer so she could get a medal." Uh ---- I think not! It just goes to show you that Ryan does not at all see himself as sick - it is amazing! He is such an inspiration to me. It was a good evening even though very wet and muddy - Ryan and Addie had a ball and were filthy by the time we left. We weren't sure if we were going - just didn't know really what to expect to be honest and weren't sure if we were emotionally up for it. It ended up being one of those nights that was perfectly planned even though we didn't plan one thing - Lauren, one of Ryan's best little friends was there - they have known and loved each other since they were about 18 months old. Lauren walked the survivor laps with Ryan - holding hands the whole time - it was precious! It was one of those moments that you knew God had been planning all along.

Addie is doing great - she got to participate in Special Olympics for the first time - she seemed to really enjoy it. The teachers treated them to Happy Meals - Addie was a happy camper with those french fries! Her picture was in our local paper - it was sooo good. If anyone happens to have any extra copies - I would love to have them. Only a few more weeks until summer break - I think she is past ready. I will really need your prayers then - I am not joking either :).

Tomorrow Ryan will have his hearing checked, blood counts checked, and his urine checked to make sure his kidneys are okay. Thursday we will be admitted for more chemo. - the specific prayer requests other than the obvious are for protection of his kidneys and his hearing.

Please continue to pray for Jackie - Rob's mom. She is having a terrible time with recovering from her back surgery - she has been back in the hospital 3 times since the surgery and is currently in now .... hoping to come home tomorrow.

I would like to encourage you to join the bone marrow registry - it is FREE through May 21st - no needle - they just have to swab the inside of your cheek (when I did this - you had to get stuck!). You could be the answer to someone's prayer - maybe even precious little Ethan Powell. Ethan is 11 weeks old and is in desperate need for a donor - his site is www.ethanpowell.com
You can actually join this Saturday for those of you in the Nashville area.
Place: Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
Date: May 12, 2007
Time: 8AM - 4PM
Phone #: 423.854.5658
866.680.0137

To find out more info. www.marrow.org

This is such simple thing to do .... but it could forever change someone's life.