traditions...

Every year for the past oh 43 years my parents have made the trip to Morro Bay, California...they started going after my dad had been ill, really ill as in almost passed away. Those days were dark ones for my dad, mom, and sister and Morro Bay became a place they could go on a family vacation as they were not able to go too far away. And now 43 years later we still go, oh I was added to the trip 36 years ago...

And as the family has grown with the additions of my brother-in-law, nephews, niece, my husband, and my own children we have continued the tradition; only to miss one year. That year was two years ago when our family was dealing with illness again and a little girl was receiving her brother's bone marrow. Our family decided not to go as they felt it would not be the same without Camryn...in fact on Sunday morning while at breakfast my nephew Josh said, "we never could come without you Camryn, it wouldn't be right, it would never be the same." So we go...and in that we share our family traditions with each other.

Our trip is structured around traditions, things that we have always done...my parents are probably the most traditional people I know. They love the sameness of things, they do not thrive on adventure, they love what they know and what they enjoy. That being said we go to Morro Bay each year just about the same way, knowing what we'll do...oh we've changed a few things along the way, but for the most part it's traditional and we enjoy it.

On Saturday morning we headed up the coast for a wonderful weekend away. We enjoyed the shops, the fun at the aquarium, the seals, otters, dolphins, and the yummy food. The weekend was truly fantastic.

The kids loved playing Phase 10 with their cousins as well as my parents...there were lots of card games throughout the weekend. We hung out and shared family time, it was a treasure.

I am so very thankful for traditions, things that as my kids grow up they learn to expect and count on. Things that provide a sense of what is to come and fun to look forward to. I find that sometimes in the fast-paced life that we all live we get lost in the newness of things, changes, and constantly doing and doing...sometimes we miss the little traditions along the way. There is really nothing overly exciting about Morro Bay in that it's not Disneyland, but it is time with family and that what my kids are learning to appreciate with every trip to Morro Bay.

I enjoy watching my kids anticipate and wait for something that I did as a kid as well...I always counted down the days to Morro Bay because it meant fun, family time...a time to just be.

The timing of Morro Bay this year was perfect...funny how the Lord always does that. I needed a few days away to catch my breath...to relax and just enjoy a slower pace. The school year is quickly coming to a close and it is busy...grading, finals, and just the year end activities. And right in the midst of that...a trip to my favorite place...the Central Coast.

Some times we see the Lord in the littlest of things and I felt Him this weekend as I found peace and a moment to breathe and I am thankful.

I'll post pictures soon...but, for now I am thankful for the traditions that my parents have passed to me and we are passing to our kids.

lots of catching up to do...

It's been awhile...life is busy these days, and when I do have time to blog I would much rather just curl up on the couch and relax from the busy days. There are 3 weeks left in my school year and 5 left in Jason and Camryn's...so we are winding down, and it feels good.

But, probably the most exciting news to share...Camryn has now begun her steroid wean. Yay! This past Tuesday was her monthly clinic appointment, she saw her usual team and it was decided to begin weaning the steroids. Camryn has been on them almost two months and suffice it to say you can tell, she has gained a lot of weight and her cheeks are very steroid puffy...so we are very thrilled that her doctors decided enough is enough. So, it will take about 3 weeks to completely wean her to what will be her maintenance dose of 5mls every other day and at that dose you do not deal with the side-effects. Camryn will begin losing the weight and begin to again look like herself and the clothes that were ordered will be put away for when she is big enough on her own to wear them. Tuesday was a happy day. Her doctors also decided to put her on a new medicine as they wean the steroids and then her tacrolimus...so there are some changes being made in her medication which is always a little bit of an anxious time as we keep track of the daily regime. Camryn does super. We dose out her medicines and she takes them all on her own...it's taken her awhile to get to that point, but she feels so much more in control of things which is helpful for her.

We have had a busy month of celebrating Mother's Day and then both of our Mom's birthdays...it's been lots of fun hanging out with family and enjoying time together. We have enjoyed it!

I got home from San Francisco last night...BIG thanks to Jay who took care of the kids all on his own and he survived. I never doubted him for a second, but it is a lot to take care of two kids for three days on your own, but they did great! I missed them all terribly...but, thanks for cell phones I was able to keep in touch and enjoyed our daily chats. San Francisco is quite possibly one of my favorite places...I love it! We did a lot of fun things...walked the Golden Gate Bridge, Exploriturim, Pier 39, California Academy of Sciences, Alcatraz, cable car ride, Ghiradelli Square, AT&T Park...whew, it was a very jam packed trip but very fun. The trip always signals the end of the year...it is bittersweet. I love teaching, I love my students, but I love summer too! So, with three weeks left I will enjoy the end and the kids the Lord has blessed me with this year and look forward to the weeks of summer with my own kids and thoroughly enjoy too!

This morning we got up nice and early to head to the March of Dimes walk for prematurity. We walk in honor of Riley and Peighton, our sweet nieces who we love so much. And in memory of Blake and Ethan, our precious nephews who we long to see again. The walk means so much to us and it is a time to teach Camryn and Wyatt about the miracles of their cousins...and what their cousins mean to us. Love you all!

The rest of the weekend will be lots of relaxing and catching up...there is laundry to do and groceries to buy. But, most of all moments to enjoy.

If there is anything my time away gives me it is a perspective of just enjoying the laughter, hugs, kisses, and everything in between. The Lord has richly blessed our lives...yes there are some incredibly hard moments. I won't lie sometimes they hit me and I feel as though the storm clouds are gathering on the horizon. It is an interesting balance that daily has to be found...and some days I find it easily and some days it escapes me. Nonetheless, Jesus is faithful...

"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn whatever state I am in, therein to be content." ~ Helen Keller

best couple...

If you have been following for awhile you have probably noticed that I think our little girl is the strongest girl in the entire world...really she is. I know, I know I am biased, but I don't care she is the most precious little girl in the entire world and I thank the Lord daily for the gift of being her mom.

Sure we have our ups and downs and to be honest when she is on steroids it feels as if her and I have more downs. Her moods swing at the rate of a pendulum and it is impossible to know which way the mood will swing next. And yes, like most girls Mommy is the punching bag...sometimes I get the worst of the anger and it is tiresome. But, like everything with Camryn I have to remember and I have to believe that the best is yet to come.

Because it is...

Just like tonight Camryn and Wyatt were laying in her bed saying their good-nights and they were chatting. Jason and I stood in the hallway and listened in...

The conversation went something like this (excuse the paraphrase):

Camryn was telling Wyatt about their struggles, how it was that he gave her his juice. They then had a chat about what juice is...Wyatt was amazed that his juice was under his skin. She told him that he gave her his good juice and that she is trying to get her juice to be good so she can go to Village with him. They chatted about Village and all of the school things...she told Wyatt that they were the best couple ever. It was hilarious and darling and just plain priceless...

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stood amazed at the gift of Camryn Lee and Wyatt Jason. Camryn is the bravest, strongest, most amazing girl in the world...and her brother is her miracle.

She kissed him good-night and she asked him to pray for her tomorrow when she goes to the doctor. He said he would and he told her he loved her...

And it was a sweet good-night to the best couple ever.

a very special day...

Monday was a very special day and today is a very special day, but I'll start with Monday first...

Monday was the PAL Luncheon, Parents Against Leukemia. Camryn was selected as the Trophy Plate Artist of the Year...it was a Ladies Tennis Tournament and then a luncheon.

Camryn drew this at clinic and her plate became the trophy that each lady who won their tennis match received.



We were introduced and we told a little bit of our story...after we told our story the ladies who received plates asked if Camryn would sign her plate...and Wyatt too.

Here they are autographing the plates...





As an extra special treat both sets of grandparents were able to come for Camryn's special day...we had lots of fun! We ate a yummy lunch, hung out, and had a very enjoyable day as family. Our parents have been a HUGE support to us throughout this journey; it was very special to share the day with them. Jason commented, "that it was sort of like Camryn's very own Grandparent's Day." And it was...a day she got to spend with them and they got to see her honored for what she has done. It was very special...





Parents Against Leukemia raises funds to support research at UCLA, so of course we were super excited to be a part of their day. The people there were super nice and we were so happy to be there and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was a very special honor that meant so much to us, especially Camryn...some days it is fun to see her have her moment in the midst of the madness she has endured.

And then today...

Today marks 23 months post-transplant, only one more month and then Camryn will be at the TWO year mark!

We are thankful, beyond thankful for the moments that are given throughout these months...it is a hard journey, but it is a precious journey is learning to daily live in Jesus' hands. To hand over time and time again our children and their journeys knowing that Jesus' love for them is deeper than any we could ever have. We are thankful for our survivor, who has fought an amazing fight and yet she still has her days where the hurt meets her...

And a donor who heals her heart as only he can...he is her best friend, her biggest fan, her greatest cheerleader, her protector, her provider, and her greatest gift.

A bond that runs deeper than most...a treasure they will carry forever.

A celebration of a little girl and her little brother and two parents who are humbled and thankful each moment along the way.

well hello may...

People always say, "time is flying". But, truly I feel as though time is slipping through our fingers and the moments just seem to be racing by.

Hard to believe May is here...we've got a few things coming up:

* Tomorrow Camryn will be honored at the Parents Against Leukemia annual tennis tournament, auction, and luncheon. Every year they ask the kids at UCLA to draw a plate for their yearly competition, well Camryn's plate was chosen. We are so excited...so fun to see our little girl be honored for the fight she has fought for over five years.

* The last full month of school...yay! Camryn got her progress report on Friday and it was super great! She got all 4's and her teacher wrote the kindest note on the bottom accessing where Camryn is...she is above grade level in reading, writing and math. Her writing has improved much which we think has something to do with her occupational therapy. We are so proud of our girl...she is almost done with FIRST grade. Wow!

* Registering Wyatt for Pre-K...how in the world is this possible? There are a lot of mixed emotions regarding sending Wyatt to school. One, how is he that old? And two, he will be going to school before his sister...something I never thought possible and quite frankly it hurts. And there is a huge hurt for Camryn...but she is dealing with it as best she can. So, if you think of it you could say a little prayer for our special girl and her little heart that just is tired of not getting to do what she wants.

* San Francisco...I'll be heading to San Francisco for three days with my 8th grade students. It's a fun trip, but I'm always sad to leave Jay and the kids. It gets a bit easier the older they get, but still it's hard to go.

* Therapy, therapy, and more therapy. Camryn is continuing occupational and physical therapy throughout May. She goes to each once a week, it's a lot of traveling and such; but we are so happy with the progress she's made. In fact this past week she was super excited as she was able to put her hand flat on a table and bend her wrist...it was awesome to see the excitement in her eyes.

* Steroids. Camryn is still on steroid, a pretty high dose. We really need her GVHD to go away...the rash especially. Her liver numbers are much improved, now we just need that rash to leave and then the steroid dose will be lessened.

* Baseball. Wyatt cannot get enough of baseball...he plays everyday in our driveway. He eagerly awaits his daddy coming home so they can play. I know that many an evening will be spent playing baseball...in fact last night they were out there until 8:15. It was too cute when Wyatt hit the ball over our fence into the neighbor's yard and yelled "Homerun!" as he ran around the bases.

* 23 months post-transplant. One month away from TWO years.

All in all we are incredibly thankful for the many blessings that 2011 has held thus far and are anticipating great things for May.

Hello May, so glad you're here.