Radiothon

It is time again for the Cure Kid's Cancer Radiothon, broadcasting live from Texas Children's Cancer Clinic. It will be going on today and tomorrow, so if you are in the Houston area get your kleenex ready and tune into one of these stations - 93Q (92.9), 97.1, 106.9, or 107.5. I tried to listen last year, here at work, but I had to turn it off because everyone who would walk into my office thought I was having a breakdown...the stories they share are incredible, whether they had happy endings or sad. So, tune in and be inspired...but don't say I didn't warn you!!

Riley has been having a tough week. My mom took her for her chemo on Monday, which also meant another steroid week. But, in addition she was starting to get sick...so all of those factors together created a very tired and agitated little angel. She is on zithromax to stop this viral thing in it's tracks, and it seems to be working. She is also on Tylenol with codeine for the increased pain she has been having in her legs and arms, as a result of her chemo. The pain usually only lasts for a couple of days after, and so far the tylenol seems to be helping. Dr. Dreyer said if this didn't help, they would reduce the amount of chemo she gets each month.

I promise to get some pictures up this weekend, it has been another crazy-busy week. Tuesday, Riley was in her school's Christmas program and was the most beautiful little lamb you have ever seen. Please continue to pray for all these cancer cuties!!

Prayers, please...

Last night, Josh's cousin (& Riley's God-father) Timmy was killed in a car accident. He and his wife Jen have 2 beautiful little girls...Katie is 3 and Karley is 1. Katie is the cute little blonde in the picture with Riley, in the post below, from their dance recital earlier in the week. Please pray for Jen and the girls to find peace and comfort, and for Timmy's parents. He and his dad were so close. Heaven better watch out...Popo and Timmy are reunited and probably looking to stir up a little mischief. Popo, please watch after Timmy...we miss you both!!


My friend Erin also lost her husband, Jerimy, yesterday. He had a 4-wheeler accident this past weekend, and had been fighting hard ever since. They also have 2 sweet little girls...Cadee is 5 and Julee is 2. Again, please pray for Erin and the girls to make it through this hard time. Death is always a hard thing, but it's just seems especially harder so close to Christmas.

Picture Post

I'm just too tired to try to form together some witty words to explain our busy last few days, so we will just relive it through pictures...afterall, they are worth a thousand witty words each. Enjoy!!

Friday night we went to the Christmas Stroll in downtown Brenham...it was super cold, but we still had a great time.

Saturday we attended 2 different Christmas parties in Houston. The first one was a North Pole party for Texas Children's Cancer Clinic, and was held in one of the hangars at Bush Intercontinental Airport. It was filled with games, bounce houses, ponies, and pretty much anything else you would imagine being fun for little kids.

The second Christmas party was for Sunshine Kids, but we didn't stay too long because the kids were worn out from all the fun they had at the North Pole. We did, however, stay long enough to play in the bubbles and make some cute little hats...Riley's was snowman and Hayden's was a penguin.

Last night was Riley's first ever dance recital, and her class did a quick little Christmas dance. They all danced their little hearts out, and were all so precious.

Surviving...

Don't you just love Texas weather? This morning it was 37, and by the time I go to pick the kids up it will be 77...and we wonder why everyone is sick. Everyone except Riley, that is. So far, Riley has survived this crazy weather and we couldn't be more thankful. Yesterday she had her blood work done, and everything was great...her ANC is 2,960!
We have a busy week planned for our little bee, so keep your fingers crossed everything stays well. Tomorrow Riley and I are going with Sunshine Kids to a dance studio in Houston to see the Nutcracker, and then Thursday Riley and her dance class are dancing in the park in Shiner...I will be sure to get some pictures!! Friday we are going to the Christmas Stroll in downtown Brenham, and Saturday we have a couple of Christmas parties in Houston to attend. No rest for the weary!!
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, it's hard to believe it has already come and gone. Time to gear up for Christmas now!!

Our little ray of sunshine

Back by popular demand...

Clinic day

Riley had her monthly clinic visit and spinal tap today, so we had a fun morning of sitting and waiting. Riley was fantastic all morning...she watched movies, colored, and then napped. Dr. Dreyer, Riley's oncologist, was out of clinic today so she was seen by one of the residents. This resident has done Riley's spinal tap before - the one that was unable to be completed due to her knicking a blood vessel...well she did it again today. Only she tried 2 more times until she was finally able to get it right. That's right, poor Riley had to get poked 3 times in her back...not something I'm very proud of. Needless to say, we won't be seeing this resident any more. Once her tap was over she ate her lunch, received her chemo, and we were out of there. Nothing to it.

Riley's blood counts were all great today. Her ANC is 1,250. She will begin her 5 day steroid pulse tonight, and then recheck counts again in 2 weeks. She is just breezing through it all.

Thanks for continuing to check in on our angel, and please continue the prayers during the cold and flu season. Hope you all have a great week!!

Happy Birthday Hayden!!

Today our silly little man turns 2 years old...where does the time go? We love you Bub, and hope you have a fantastic birthday. Thank you for being the sweet and funny little guy that you are.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

We hope you have a wonderful, fun-filled day...we love you more than we love ice cream!!

We also want to say Happy Veteran's Day, and thank you to all the Veterans out there.

Halloween Fun

We had a fun Halloween weekend. Riley and Hayden had fun trick-or-treating...when you looked past Riley's moodiness and Hayden's wanting to give everyone back their candy. It was his first experience with going door to door, and once he caught on he was golden. Now for Riley, I'm not sure what her issue was...when something wasn't going her way she would squeal and scream until everyone stopped to listen to her. It wasn't fun, but we still survived. Luckily I have a whole year to gear myself up for next Halloween.

We then spent the rest of the weekend at Josh's Aunt Carol and Uncle Dale's camp house, or camping house as Riley calls it. It was fun to play in the dirt, ride the mule, and just hang out. Sunday we headed to Brookshire and met some friends at Dewberry Farms. It is a super fun place for all ages to enjoy with tons of stuff to do. Unfortunately as soon as we arrived I was knocked down by the stomach bug and spent the day going back and forth to the bathroom...fun times. Luckily Aunt Carol, Reid and Hayes were there to take up my slack and we all made it home safely. I'm already looking forward to next year so I can really enjoy everything they have to offer.

Riley has been doing great, and staying well. I took her today to have her blood counts done, and then she and I got our flu shots. It was late in the day, so I didn't stick around to see what her counts were...I will get them first thing in the morning. Hopefully all is well, and it stays that way.

We want to give a quick congrats out to Paige...she had her final big chemo treatment last week and found out her bone marrow is still Leukemia free!! She has to take 6 months of chemo pills and then she is done!! We are so happy for you Paige, and proud of the battle you have fought!! I also want to give props to Josh...he shot a ten pointer opening weekend. Yea Daddy!!

Hope everyone has a great week!!

The Year in Pictures - What a Journey!

1 year later...

One year ago today Riley was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It's sort of a bittersweet day for me. I mean, look at how far we have come in one year. I say "we" because it truly has affected more than just Riley. During this year we have survived steroids, hair loss, countless pokes and prods, sleepless nights...and amazingly, right now I wouldn't want to go back and change one moment of any of that. It has made us stronger as individuals, as parents, and as a family. This year has brought along many tears of sadness, frustration, and from just being so darn mad at the world that this had to happen to our baby. This year has also brought along many moments of amazement, joy, relief, and a profound appreciation for all of you. We learned very early on that we were definitely not alone if this journey, and you all poured out in groves to offer the world to us. You know that saying that it takes a village to raise a child...we have proven that to be true countless times. I mean it when I say, we would not be here today if weren't for you guys. You have offered prayers, words of encouragement, meals, money, toys...you name it. Thank you.

This past year, Riley has grown into quite the young lady. She is wise beyond her years, and it never ceases to amaze me. No 4 year old should have to know what a port is, or be able to swallow 6 pills at one time. My 23 year old sister still has a hard time taking 1 small ibuprofen. (Love you Shelb!!) Riley can pop 'em back like they are M&M's. 4 year olds should not have to explain why they don't have any hair, or why they can't come to school because the chemo has made her counts too low. But, this 4 year old princess does not let any of that slow her down. She is kicking cancer's booty, and will not stop until it is gone for good. I knew there was a reason our sweet angel was born with her father's hard head, and her mother's care free spirit. Everything happens for a reason, right?!

Please continue the prayers, as our journey is not over yet. Riley still has over a year to go, and we don't want to slow down now. We can only hope this next year flies by even quicker, so Riley can continue to enjoy life as a "normal" kid. We love you all!!!

I had every intention of doing a slide show for this special day, to commemorate Riley's 1 year anniversary...but I just got too busy. I am close to being done, so please check back later.

Riley - October 22, 2007

Waiting for her first bone marrow aspiration with Daddy-10.22.07

Riley-October 22, 2008

Happy Birthday Papo!

Today is Papo's birthday!! We hope you have a very happy day!!
We love you!!

Quick update

Riley had her monthly check-up yesterday, and everything was perfect. Her blood counts were the highest they've been in a while...her ANC was 2,250! It could be because she's not quite back up to full strength on all her home medicines, we are only at about 75% right now. Depending on her counts in 2 weeks, we will probably then go up to full strength. Riley did receive her monthly dose of Vincristine in her port, and we also began another 5 day pulse of steroids...oh joy! Usually by about tonight or tomorrow she will start showing the side effects of the chemo and steroids together. She gets so exhausted, but doesn't want to slow down any. She will get the darkness around her eyes, and will usually start complaining of leg pain. It only lasts around a day or so, depending on her mood. Oh, the joys of childhood cancer.

Sorry for the short post, I have a lot to catch up on. Hope everyone has a good week!!

Lady Bee's

My sister, Jen/Nenni, has started an online store for monogrammed items. She has some super cute things, so go show her some love. Oh, and it's named after our one and only Riley-bee...how can you resist that? Go to http://www.ladybeesonline.com/, or just click here if that doesn't work. Thanks guys!!
While I'm giving out plugs, our good friend Cory has started a photography business. He's based out of Austin, but is willing to travel elsewhere for a little extra...even Hallettsville!! Go to http://www.jacksonwrightonline.com/, or just click here to show Cory some love...you will even be greeted by some pictures of my adorable angels.

My lil' pumpkins

Aunt Shelby grew her own little pumpkin patch, so Saturday we had fun picking our pumpkins and then making a jack-o-lantern.

Happy Birthday Nana!!

Today is my Mom's birthday!! We love you Nana, and hope you enjoyed your fun day of shopping! Thank you for everything you do for us...we would be lost without you!!

It was pretty cute this morning in the car Riley called Nana to wish her a Happy Birthday, and I guess at some point in the conversation my mom asked her if she was going to come help her celebrate this weekend at her house. Riley told her she would like to come, but that she had not been invited to her party. Nana told her she was invited, but Riley argued with her because she didn't receive the invitation in the mail. So, fair warning to all you readers...if you want Riley to attend your party you better make darn sure you send her an invitation.

Look at my little man as a baby...such a cutie!!