Beginning Our Journey

Sep. 7, 2008

Alyssa's 6th Birthday Party

God is so good to my little kids and answering their prayers. The forecast showed 60% chance of rain for Saturday. Alyssa prayed so hard "please please please please please Jesus, do not let it rain for my party, please please please please please, it can rain after my party" Well the day before it went to a 30% chance of rain and on the day of it was cloudy but the rain stayed away! Praise the Lord. I love when their little prayers are answered. So Alyssa had her 6th birthday party. Through the years we have done Noah's Ark, Shrek, Land Before Time, My Little Pony (Mommy kinda picked a girl theme for her that year) and gosh, I forget what last year even was... But this year it was Hannah Montana. Man is my little girl growing up. I TRIED to make her pick Disney Princesses but nooooo. Hannah won out. Sigh...  I like Hannah, I really do, I just know my little girl is getting so old! Anyways... It was a nice day. Small party. I only invited our cousins and one other friend Nikki but her mom had some medical stuff done this week and I do not think they were up to coming. She did not make it and I was sooo busy I did not get around to call and check on her. We will have to walk her gift bag and such down as they live on the next block from us. Anyways. at 12 we went to the park to play. Alyssa wanted to and I was not up for paying to rent a shelter at her park of choice. We used to rent a shelter at the cheaper park each year, but I got tired of fighting the cheerleaders for our shelter that we rented! I would find them practicing and eating and taking over the shelter we rented! I even had some rude ones sit at the COVERED tables for our PARTY and eat! It burned me up for 3 years until I said ENOUGH. So we met to play at the park while daddy got the food grilled at home. Here is Alyssa climbing the wall at the park. She Loves this wall. And here is some of our group on the wall, Tristan, Alyssa, (soon to be aunt) Chrissy (climbing) cousin Trent (head cut off at the top) (soon to be cousin) Abby, Uncle Travis and cousin Cloe. Alyssa got everything she picked for her party (well I admit, I said we could have pizza and icecream cake next week on her birthday since she asked for those last min after I had the rest of the menu planned) But she wanted to make the cake together. And she picked out funfetti and strawberry. We made cake and cupcakes. I am in NO way a cake decorator. The kids and I had fun though. I leave the pretty looking cakes up to my sister in law Megan. Oh and note to self - do NOT put candles on the dryer when using it... I melted her 6 and Justin had to go buy a new one! This was the first year Uncle Chris and Aunt Lauren could join us for Alyssa's party. Uncle Chris is a youth pastor in Maryland and each September they throw a back to school camp out. And you guessed it, it ALWAYS falls when we plan her party! So this year we asked when it was and scheduled her party around his trip. Thank you Uncle Chris and Aunt Lauren for driving 5 hours just for Alyssa! That is so super special! Alyssa did so well with gifts. She let daddy read the cards and was very appreciative of all her presents. And for everyone - She LOVED them all! Tristan and Alyssa have been playing non stop! The barbies/hannahs have all been opened and played with all night and day today. She is sleeping with her fur-berry toy the past two nights. (even though it is HARD! she still has to sleep with it she says) the parrot is her "favorite gift" although I think they all are. We have had lots of art work going on with her new art kit and she was showing Tristan the ins and outs of writing in her new diary. Thank you everyone!!! Pinyata Time! Had to add this one! It cracks me up, this is Isaac our soon to be cousin And what a perfect year for her, Even though I really think Trent got it open, Alyssa was let one final turn and she is THRILLED thinking she broke the pinyata! Ever since Aunt Megan and Uncle Nathan got pin the tail on the donkey for our neice's birthday, we have to have it. cracks me up how mean Justin is to my oldest nephew Trent though! He is cruel and gets him all going the wrong way just to laugh at him! Those Irwin boys are such picks! And here is a nice picture of Uncle Chris and Aunt Lauren with Alyssa. Alyssa said she cannot wait until Thanksgiving when Uncle Josh comes up because ALL her uncles will be there! And yes she REALLY did say that, she gets all sentimental sometimes and makes me laugh. Lots of pictures, I am sorry, But it was a really nice day. Thank you Jesus again for holding off the rain. And thank you everyone for coming and the fun party we had for Alyssa.

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Aug. 31, 2008

A Day at Pymatuning with just our family. It was nice :)

We had a very educational day today. Justin decided we should take the kids to Pymatuning to feed the fish. So off we drove 1 and a half hours to feed the fish. I had a TON of bread saved. I give Tristan his chemo on sandwiches sometimes. But I only use an inch square. So I had lots of crusts saved in the freezer. I thought someday we would feed ducks or birds with them. It came in handy today. First we went to the spillway and feed the fish/ducks/sea gulls our half bag of bread. Then we hurried over to the educational building as they were closing in a half and hour. That was so fun there. They had tons of stuffed animals for the kids to see and enjoy. And other touch and feel stations. I had to laugh at my mischievious little son. Signs said what you could and could not touch. Well daddy told Tristan not to touch these certain displays. Alyssa and I walked away, Tristan eyed us leaving and HAD to touch. He forgot daddy was behind him. He is such a stinker. We left the educational building and went on a nature walk. Then we went back to the spillway to feed our whole bag of bread to them. It was neat that we happened to see Justins aunt, uncle and family there! After that we went and found a picnic table and grill by a play center and had a little cook out. That was really nice. Then we ended the day with Brewsters Icecream!  And the nice thing about the day - besides gas, is we only had to buy a $3.50 bag of charcoal. We brought the rest from home. And even our icecream was free because the kids got babies. Tristan was under 40 inches. So his was free and we asked what we owed for Alyssa and the girl said - it is just a baby. You do not owe anything! Yay for us! And thank you to them! Here is a picture bombard of our day. Can you make tracks. What is in the box by sense of touch (but of course the kids had to pull it all out) Do NOT TOUCH... Justin and Alyssa are just pointing... Tristan... is touching. Whos skin is it? Who's Skull? On our Nature Walk - Excuse the hair! Dh had the TOP off the jeep and I had hairspray and mousse in from church! It was a mess!!! Back to feeding the fish/ducks/sea gulls Then on to a picnic The End Sorry Dial up People.

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Aug. 29, 2008

oh what is one more? Butterflies!

I know... 4 new posts in one night. But I have one more thing to blog about. And I think they are all better separate instead of one big post. We had butterflies arrive! I think the pictures speak for the post.

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Aug. 29, 2008

Tristan Updates.

Wow, three posts in one night! I got this shirt from an online friend, Tanya  while back and I kept forgetting to snap a picture of Tristan wearing it! So here it is for everyone - Since the board we post together on is down!!! It says BE Greater Than Cancer. Poor Tristan is suffering from allergies big time lately. Dr switched him to Zyrtec from Claritan. It seems like it is helping some but he is so stuffy and his eyes are puffy. I know it is not a cold because there would be no way the rest of us had not caught it. Dr checked him and said he is sure it is allergies.  He had to get a finger prick today. He did super good. He flinched but kept right on talking. The nurse was surprised he did so well (this was not at Childrens) and I said this is NOTHING for him! He is doing really good though. He was in the 94% for weight today. But it is because of his steroid chub I am sure. The kid can slim down but every month he is getting steroids. He has no chance to be that much smaller. And he was 85% for height. Next clinic date is Sept 12th.

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Aug. 29, 2008

Pregnancy Updates.

So I will be 29 weeks tomorrow. And besides a little spotting and some braxton hicks situations... things are going great! I am down to every two week appointments already! We are getting the babies room ready. Justin wants to do it this weekend. Well work on it some more. I doubt we will set the crib up until later but... you never know. We got this shelf given to us by some really sweet friends of my parents! And the other day, the other pastors at my parents church gave us a rug. It was their sons and daughter in laws. So now our hardwood in there has a nice NEW and soft area rug in it. I need to snap a picture because I have not gotten one of that yet. And things are just starting to shape up really nicely!

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Aug. 29, 2008

Homeschool Updates.

6 weeks under our belt of school this year. Alyssa is doing so well. I keep adding in things. I got a REALLY super awesome book of teaching kids about the USA. http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=593937#curr It is really neato. Takes things down simple from the Pledge to learning about the Flag, to holidays. I am really excited about taking a slow process but really teaching my kids about America and the great country we live in.  I recommend it! It was only $3.95 from Christianbook.com! I also got some great Why books from there. http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=411210 I got three of them. Very simple answers and pictures for preschool - 2nd grade I would say. We read one tonight. The kids really liked them but I am going to space out the other two for a few weeks from now. I probably will read them again with Tristan next year in PreK. I took Alyssa outside trying to get some school pictures today. I think I would like to take her out to McConnell's Mill again. That is where I Did hers last year and they turned out so pretty! I still want to work with them in Photoshop but here are a few from our backyard today. She dressed herself. And... what is it with the older she gets the HARDER it is to get a picture? They all look goofy or fake! It was so simple to make her laugh and smile naturally before. There there is Tristan who says Cheese and squints his eyes! I just love his hair color! It is so soft and pretty and different!

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Aug. 22, 2008

Tristans drs appointment today and updates.

I had to take Tristan to the drs today. He has had a good cold for a few days and last night he got the barking seal cough. With today being his super chemo day (once a week we add a half more 6mp pill and 7 methotrexate pills) I was worried about him over the weekend. Dr Trotta seemed to think it might be allergies since under his eyes were dark and he was blinking. I told him I have been giving him Claritin all summer and feel like it is doing nothing. I feel like I am giving it to him as a waste. He told me to switch to Zyrtec and to use this 12 hour cough syrup if he is coughing. So I got that all. Hoping to see an improvement. We did not do any school today. I did pick up more school supplies at Walmart today. You cannot beat 16 cent crayon boxes. I mean come on. I can throw a pack in my bag anytime we go somewhere so conviently! I love it! And then the glue that is like what 17 cents? The rate my kids squeeze glue on that is awesome! And I snagged a few packs more of pens for me. I love knowing my pen is not dying. And figured I can always use pens. Oh I got two more packs of markers too. The rate my son leaves caps off. So anyways... We are on the down hill with his steroids. He is chunked way out! (If dad sends me pictures from last night at his house I will post them) So he is an eating machine. But I know we are on the way down because he wants food out of habit all the time. But if I am stern with him saying no you have had enough, he does not flip out. So I know a few more days he will be back to eating normal. It is crazy the ups and downs his little body handles/goes through. I think I need to have two piles of clothes though. Steroid clothes and non steroid clothes. Because mom says his undies are too tight and I should get the poor kid bigger ones. Well just a few weeks ago they were loose! And I guarentee they will be again here at the end of the month! It is crazy! With their bodies being so little you can really notice a couple pound weight gain yk? Anyways. I have to check on the kids. Just wanted to give and update.

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Aug. 21, 2008

Homeschool Happenings and Random Ramblings.

Aug. 19, 2008

Just some Happenings.

Aug. 13, 2008

urgh

Aug. 8, 2008

Pregnancy update, Kennywood and 4 weeks down of school.

I am 26 weeks pregnant tomorrow! This pregnancy is flying by! Soon I will be in the 3rd trimester. Not sure if it is week 27 that hits you there or not. Here is my picture this week. We went to Kennywood on Sunday. The kids had a BLAST! It was with the VNA company picnic, where my MIL and BIL work. Here are a few pics. School is going well. Today we will have 4 weeks completed. Alyssa is doing so well as usual. Tristan is enjoying his Kumon workbooks. Well now that I got him "I can cut paper" it is the only thing he wants to do! lol The kid loves to cut and tape! Things with Tristan are doing good. Nothing new to report. We have clinic again next Friday. Oh I wanted to also add in these pictures. My kids are both such monkeys! Alyssa is a strong climber and Tristan just likes to climb anything he can. And here is Tristan doing some sensory play for school. :) Yes, that is what I call it. AKA peace for me while we work on Alyssa's!

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Aug. 1, 2008

Evan-Moor Hisotry Pocket Review

Jul. 23, 2008

Just for fun

Just a comparison picture from a couple months ago to now.

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Jul. 23, 2008

What is keeping me so busy I do not have time to update my blog

Wow... I am busy! Justin has "praise the LORD" switched shifts back to the 5 o'clock start time. It is really nice but my computer time is more limited now. But it is a much nicer shift for our family! Thank you everyone who was praying for the change for us! Add to that... my wonderful husband decided to get us a pool! Which is awesome but MAN does it take up our time and energy! I have two little non-swimmers in floaties who want to be in from 6 am until bedtime but only stay in for half and hour to an hour. Get out and want in later. So 3 or 4 times a day I am in the pool with them. Sure I could say no but they really love it. And I like it too. Just wish they STAYED in longer. Ok, Alyssa would. Tristan is who gets tired of it. But being so young, everyone is in or out. So that leaves housework. Do not want to do it in the afternoon when Justin is up because that is family time for a short while he is with us. So I am stuck with housework at night. My normal computer time! We also had a really nice weekend. We went berry picking together. Then to the drive-in to see two movies. Wall-E and Kung Fu Panda. We like them both! I think Tristan likes Kung Fu Panda better as he slept both times we have seen Wall-E now. But he was all about the panda. A Great site to check out movies we like is Christian Spotlight on Entertainment If you are ever wondering about a movie and is it a good one to see, this is the site for you to check out! We do not watch anything without checking here first. Tonight my uncle, aunt and cousins came over. We had a nice night of swimming, McDonalds (SORRY MOM! THE KIDS PICKED - shhh we are supposed to be boycotting it I hear) and bowling. Here is Tristan with my cousin Charlie and my uncle Joe. Bowling So that is what has kept me super busy lately. We had clinic last Friday. Here are three pics from clinic. First one is the kids in the waiting room. Notice Tristan's arm? He always covers his port with his arm like that from the moment I put his numbing cream on in the evening until the next day! Here is mom with Tristan. She had to come this week with me since my mil could not get off work this week. And last, here is a picture of Tristan loopy after his spinal tap. Sorry so long! I will try to keep up better with smaller posts and more of them if I can! Try is the key word :)

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Jul. 14, 2008

First Field Trip of the Year

Today was our first field trip of the year. It was the most AWESOME DAY I have had in a long time! I decided last night that I would let my mom watch Tristan. That was probably the best decision I could have made. I know he would have had fun but Alyssa and I were able to get so much more out of today. I know he had a great time with his Grandma and Grandpa. Although when he found out we went berry picking he had a meltdown. The day started out with my good friend, and field trip planner, Danielle Picking us up to go to her mothers out in Slippery Rock. Danielle, her son, Her brother in law, Alyssa and I. We met another lady with her two kids that were going to follow us there. Once we get to her moms and do our potty breaks (hey, kids or no kids, this pregnant lady has to keep herself looked after) we headed over to see the Purple Martins. What a neat learning experience that was! The kids even got to hold a few of the babies. I was very impressed with Alyssa. This was her fist "real" trip where she had to listen and learn. She did really well for her age at paying attention and not causing a fuss. I had to laugh though, the kids seemed to enjoy finding the dead dragonfly as much as seeing the birds. After the birds, we went to a bird store. There they had a big window to view many different feeders. There were a TON of different kind of birds out there. Even, of course, a pesky squirrel, feeding from a feeder in the back. Alyssa asked the girl there lots of questions and was very interested in it! Then we headed back to Danielle's mothers house for blackberries and ice cream! Yummy! After our treat we headed out with buckets to pick some. Alyssa was so happy, she was not even whining when she got pricked with the thorns. Being around all the boys was making her brave. I had to chuckle at her. It was like she was trying to impress them all day. She was the youngest and also the only girl there. Well besides the moms. The berry trail ended at Danielle's Stepfathers workshop. He is a bee keeper! We did not get close to the hives but we did stand by the fence. We learned that the electric fence was to keep the bears out and the BACON on the fence was to get them to lick it to get a jolt and know "Ouch, I do not want to be around this!" We went inside and saw how honey was processed. We got to have a taste of the comb, Alyssa thought that was the coolest! You just had to spit out the wax. I have to admit, I like honey but not a ton. But it was amazing tasting! Then we headed back to the house to get ready to go home. Don't step on the Raccoon poop! On our way home we looked for baby monarchs under milkweed plants but did not have success yet. I think we are a tad early. But we will keep looking. Last year I believe it was more end of August, beginning of September when we got ours. We are getting anxious for them though. If you have never raised a butterfly you have to try it this year! It is so super simple. Just got find some milkweed plants and look under the leaves. If you find tiny or even bigger caterpillars then just cut the whole stalk down. Put a few leaves in a jar with a lid with holes, I use kleenax over a canning jar. Then change to fresh leaves when it needs them. If you take a big stalk and put it in water it will be enough to last the life of the caterpillar. You need do nothing else but sit back and enjoy! Here is a picture of the milkweed we looked under - incase you need to know what it looks like, like I did! And to end our trip, Alyssa had to climb the tree in our front yard as always. Tristan was still out to dinner with my mom and dad so I took Alyssa to Long John Silvers and then Wally world. It was a full and fun day!

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Jul. 12, 2008

Homeschooling at the crazy house.

Homeschooling - this is going to be a very busy week for me. I am so excited that my friend Danielle has invited us to join her to her mothers house on Monday. We will be seeing Purple Martins and visiting a bird store. Also berry picking! I am thrilled!!! I think the kids will really enjoy the experience but not as much as I am looking forward to it! And berries to boot! Then this week, either Tuesday or Wednesday, Justin's aunt is coming to visit us. She will be "gaining knowledge" of how I homeschool. HA HA HA that is such a funny thought. But hopefully I will not scare her and can give her some of what she needs. I guess the biggest thing is - normal people can do it and it does not always have to be perfect! She homeschooled last year and wants to come join me for a day. She is going to give this year another try. The other day, my kids and I were doing Sonlight Science. We were on the float or sink experiment. Simple but kids love it. Tristan was having a blast! He must have tried our objects 5 times each! And each time he would jump up and down screaming - "it floats!" or "it sinks!" This is what the stinker does when I am doing homeschool with Lyss He GLUES my counters to paper! I gave him things to keep him busy. Counters, cups, glue, paper, popsicle sticks etc. What did he do? Glued my counters! What am I going to do with that boy? Each time I turn my back he is mixing or doing something. Yesterday I had a water bottle on my table. I drank most of it. Left to put clothes in the dryer while the kids were busy eating their bean soup. I come back and cannot find my bottle. Ok... check to see if I took it to the laundry. No. Nowhere. A while later I am getting a can from the can cupboard. Inside is my water bottle halfway filled with bean soup just sitting on the shelf! TRISTAN CHARLES! lol I could go on and on with stories. He keeps me on my toes and very busy! Here is my angel I never have to worry about her mixing or pouring or spilling (unless she is trying hard to get her own stuff instead of having me help) behind my back! She was such a good child! Oh she is getting her own mischievious side though. She can be bad with the rest of them! But I never worry with her. If I tell her not to do something - she listens! Friday is our next clinic date for Tristan. Keep him in your prayers as it is spinal tap day. Fun fun fun.

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Jul. 5, 2008

Hey blogging buddies

I was upstairs putting pictures on my computer and thought I would share some with you. Here is my 20 week preggo picture, I am 21 weeks now. Do not mind my washed out make-up in this picture. Blah. oh well. And here is my little guy and his cute fuzzy hair, he was doing "school" here. Mom and Dad got Alyssa new roller skates so here is Tristan in Alyssa's old ones. I had these hidden but they came out now that they can live at Grandmas and Grandpas! lol And we went to see the fireworks last night. I had my kids in Red, White and Blue but they had their night time bath already so they were in other clothes for fireworks. This is what Tristan did the WHOLE time and Alyssa did half the time. PLUGGED their ears! lol They really did enjoy them though. Hope you all had a happy 4th!

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Jun. 26, 2008

It's a...

I had my ultrasound today! Thank you for all your prayers. It was a very good ultrasound. The baby was right on target with weight (13 ounces) and measurements. The heart rate was 160, nice and good. And it is a BOY!

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Jun. 24, 2008

Picture of the kids with grandparents.

Although my little ones put a nice big smudge on the camera lens for these pictures, i thought they were good and wanted to share. Look how pudged out Tristan got from his steroids! He is on an eating frenzy this week. But with past months, we will have a good time of eating, then end of the month I can barely get him to touch his food. So he pudges out, then gets thin again. But you can really see it in his face. He is such a cutie patootie though!  Here he is with my dad. Alyssa took that one. Then Tristan wanted to take one. He said, sit down for a family picture! So that is my mom, me, my dad and my daughter :) And since we are posting Grandmas and Grandpas, here is my mother in law with my kids and my niece Esmerelda.

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Jun. 24, 2008

Preggo Picture

Here is a picture of me at 19 weeks pregnant. My ultra sound is Thursday Morning at 10:30. PLEASE pray for open legs and a clear shot! I was blessed with tons of hand me down clothes for my kids. So in return we blessed back by handing them to others that needed. I have no clothes for this baby so I need to find out! I have friends willing to hand me down and yard sales baby!!! but I need a willing show from this little on on Thursday Morning. So prayers would be appreciated!

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Jun. 24, 2008

Alyssas First Day of First Grade!

Ok, so we decided to go ahead and start school back up. I know that when this baby comes I will want time off, when Christmas comes, when our Make a Wish Trip to Disney comes... so lots of breaks planned for. Why not start now and get a jump on things so I am not feeling guilt when we do break later. I am having such a good time with this year already! Alyssa is doing so wonderful! I guess our break from finishing Kindergarten in April until starting her First right now, really matured her! The work is more of a challenge and takes more time but she is really enjoying it! And I am impressed with the quality of her work, writing and even double checking things! So two days under our belt and we are off and running! And enjoying it!! Even though the look on Alyssa's face tells a different story in the picture above! lol ETA - oh and what is with the first grader and the sippy cup? Well you spend $$$ on books and give a glass of grape juice to your kid! lol No way am I having grape juice spilled on our school books the 2nd day of school!

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Jun. 21, 2008

Things I never thought would be happening to us...

My friends just keep blessing me more and more. Thank you to everyone who had a luminary  or balloon in honor of Tristan at this years Relay for Life's around the US! I posted a picture of our dear friend little Philip and his mom with one for Tristan. They are from Texas. We also got pictures from Oregon and Maryland too! My good friends Larisa and Kym each participated and showed me a picture. It is such a great honor to have such amazing friends. _________________________________________________ Another event that we just went to last night, that I never thought we would be apart of was this years Dream Night at the Zoo sponsored by Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. We had a great time! It was after the zoo closed, all these amazing kids were able to have a nice night out. There was free Carousel Rides, Free Train Rides, Free Cotton Candy, Behind-the-scene tours, live animal presentations, Bio-fact table, Fire Breathing Entertainment, Face Painting, Stingray Touch Tank, Strolling Puppet Stage, Free Safari Cars and Log Rides, and Mini Sundaes. We did not have time to do it all! It was such a nice night. See Tristans little head peeking in front of Alyssa's horse Here is a homeschooling fact for everyone here, This lady told us that a rhino's horn is NOT made of bone. It is compressed hair! Alyssa's favorite part was the fire breathing people. She watched them like 20 times and never tired of it! She was amazed. The kids keep telling me about it over and over.

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Jun. 12, 2008

Tristans hair.

Tristans hair is getting sooo thick now. Well thick for him! I LOVE IT! My mil tells me that sometimes chemo and the process of the hair going and coming causes it to change colors. I would LOVE it if it stayed this color. Tristan hair is like a caramel blond color! Even when he was a newborn with his hair just growing in, it was always darker. But look at the comparison, I should have taken it in the bathroom tonight when I wanted to, but I snapped a pic of him in bed with the night vision. I am going to get a pic of it all fluffy tomorrow. But this is tonight in the dark and summer of 2007. Look at the color difference. He no longer looks bald. It just looks like he was blond and we  shaved his head and it is growing back in. We do not get looks anymore at all. He is getting a nice tan on his head too so the sun could be lightening it. He usually wears a hat and LOTS of sunscreen but sometimes it comes off. Tristan has clinic on Tuesday. Just vincristine in his mediport. No spinals. But pray for us because it has been a long time since we went last and I have this feeling it will not be pretty again.

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Jun. 9, 2008

Wow what a busy weekend!

We took the kids to Idlewild Friday. My parents and my family. That was so fun! Tristan got to meet Spiderman! How perfect is that!? We did not know he was going to be there! It was a very awesome day. Hot but awesome. Too bad we could not go to Soak Zone. That would have made it better. But with Tristan's mediport we are not allowed. So since he cannot, none of us do. I had a little scare Friday morning with some spotting. It lasted for a good bit. But so far since Friday afternoon I have not had anymore. This pregnancy sure is keeping me on my toes with worrying. Sigh. Thank you all for the prayers. Saturday we went to the inlaws and the kids made a huge slip-n-slide down the hillside. Wow that was dangerous but they had a blast and thankfully noone got hurt! Then we hit the Ford City bike trail. Justin picked Tristan up a new bike and helmet. Alyssa had gotten a new bike for Christmas. They did so good! We like to go to a small side of the trail where no one normally uses. it is shaded and I do not have to worry about the kids hogging both sides. Tristan had never rode a big boy bike before so I was happy to have it private. He did learn to brake and was doing fantastic! Justin and I walked. Sunday we had a little family crisis scare. So Justin and I got woken up to a phone call at 5 am when my sister in law (to be) had not gotten home from walmart and she was no where to be found. Cell phone died to top it off. So after lots of prayer and crying, she called from a gas station lost! Praise the LORD nothing happened to her or my niece who was with her. Wow that was a reality check! We were exhausted! Emotionally from our scare, and Physically from the weekend. But I am really glad we decided to go to church. I had thought about just going somewhere in Butler (moms church) because it would be quicker and easier. Alyssa had a party in Sunday school and she would have been devastated if she had missed it! It was her teachers last sunday class - the church gives them off for the summer. But then she moves to the 1st grade class so thank goodness she did not miss this week!  Oh and we are not the people who regularly skip just because we are tired either. I am just saying we thought about not driving the whole way from Butler to Kittanning instead. But today is Monday. Back to the grind of the week. :) It was a nice and full weekend. Here is one more cute picture of the kids and I from Idlewild. I have TONS more pictures but I talked so long in this post I will just limit it to one.

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Jun. 6, 2008

oh wanted to share what a sweet friend of ours did

Our dear friends Suzanne and Philip (a.l.l. Leukemia) were doing their relay for life and they sent me these pictures. I was very touched and thought it was such a sweet thing. I also got a really sweet t-shirt in the mail from another online friend Tanya. I have to get a picture of Mr. Tristan wearing it to put up. It is a great T-shirt that says B>cancer (be greater than cancer). I have the best friends!

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May. 30, 2008

Back to the land of the living...

What a week or two this has been. Last Monday Tristan spiked a high fever and we ended up in the ER again.  I am soooooo thankful for all our good friends who covered our family in prayers. Well we found out later in the week what the fever was from. Tristan caught hand foot and mouth. Oye... the day his sores came out was the day Alyssa came down with her fever/headache/sore throat. And sadly... it was also the day we were planning on going to Idlewild. So that trip was canceled. Alyssa was so bummed. It was going to be such a fun weekend. We were planning the zoo and picnics too. But that was not in the books for us. We stayed close to home to not spread our germs. Man am I ready to get out and about again! The kids and I took walks to keep us from going stir crazy but go figure we get sick on the first nice weekend of the year! Here is Tristan and his sores. Praise the LORD Alyssa never got the sores though! She would have been a peach to deal with. Tristans hair is growing and we keep calling him "peachy" Alyssa being a nectarine fan, not peaches did not understand why we called him that. Guess it has been a long time since we tried to give her a fuzzy peach! lol anyways... his hair is growing in light and fluffy for now. Hard to get a pic of it. But I think in about 2-3 weeks he is going to have a nice head of hair! Here are a few other cute pics I took the other day. Ok, ok. how many pictures can you look at of the same kids huh? Good thing it is MY BLOG! bwahahahaha I can put up as many as I want And in other rambling news, I went to walmart today. I saw a million people I know! Hello all my blog fans that I saw today! Made me realize how long it has been since I updated. So even though I was a cleaning fool tonight, actually putting away the folded laundry (I know mom - scary huh? I mean when I am pregnant, it just makes no sense for me to fold the laundry, trudge it upstairs to put in drawers and head back down only to have to go back up to get it for the kids to wear the next or even same day - I mean what is the point?) I decided to jump on before bed to update. Just for you! We are on summer vacation for homeschool. I am busy arranging my schedules for next year. I am just about ready. I am very pleased with the things I have put together to use for Alyssa. Tristan I am going to play it by ear I think. I am not going to start into sonlight until at LEAST Feb... and might just wait until the next year to start him in prek. I will just do what I did this year and give him busy work while I work with Alyssa. I have MORE then enough things to keep him happy and learning.