Father's Day!

I know, I know...that was yesterday...but we were so busy celebrating I couldn't post anything till now. 

So Rachel and I were trying to plan what we were gonna do for Father's Day...maybe go to the shooting range. We hadn't been in a while, and it's one of the few outdoors things David enjoys. His dad is a member at a gun range near where they live. We figured we'd cook burgers and such, go shooting for a bit and maybe even go hiking too. Seemed like it'd be fun for the both the dads...and David could always hang at the house and rest if he didn't want to do the other stuff. Anyways, that was what we came up with...best laid plans. :)

Some artwork the girls made on Thursday, I think...

Silly Red Three, using the chalk for makeup! And I told Red One and Red Two they could be on my blog...they wore gray that day! So did Buddy...Red Three just slipped in because she's so darn cute.

Well, it's been raining a ton lately...rain for a couple days, then sunny then rain for another couple days, then sunny. I had wondered briefly about my basement earlier this week, but it was fine. Then Friday night I headed down there to get something...flooded! Grrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd say it was about 2-3 inches. Our wet vac wasn't working, and it wasn't deep enough for our sump pump. We don't have a sump pump hole...that would have been a lifesaver. Thankfully, most of the stuff down there is in plastic bins. But I did have to throw away my entire collection of gift bags :( lol...there were a few other ruined things, but nothing I'll miss. After salvaging/moving what I could, I tried the sump pump...but like I said, not deep enough. The motor started overheating. Although we have a dehumidifier, there's no way it would get ahead of that much! It was late, so I figured we'd bail it out in the morning. So Saturday morning, the girls and I headed down to bail. I actually had the (genius) idea of putting the sump pump in the big 5 gallon paint bucket and scoop the water into that...and drain it into the sink down there. It worked pretty well. Of course, we were all soaked! But the girls thought it was fun. :) We couldn't keep up with the pump, so kept having to turn it off...but overall, it worked pretty well. It was a lot better than lugging the bucket to the sink at any rate, and faster too! We've had a couple days now of no rain, so hopefully the ground has dried a bit. It's only the second time it's flooded...the last was a couple of winters ago. We had 3-4 feet of snow on the ground, and when it all melted, we got about the same amount of seepage. I should have at least gotten a picture of the girls and I soaked from bailing, but oh well. Of course we couldn't get every last bit...but the dehumidifier is taking care of the rest...just about dry now. Could have been worse!

The rain did make it a perfect night for soup though! Pioneer Woman's Chicken and Dumplings hit the spot!

Red Two's modern art sculpture ;) She was very proud.

Sunday morning we head to first church. Buddy was so cute. He was actually mostly good throughout the mass...but he had a lot to say! At one point he was telling me something, I couldn't understand the whole story, but he ended it with "I so cool, I so awesome!" hahaha, that kid! 

I had made an apple pie, although to David, if it doesn't have a crust on top and bottom, it's not an apple pie. Well excuse me! Apparently, even though the crumble topping is 100 x more delicious, it's not a real apple pie! LOL...David's favorite is apple pie, but come on! That's so much work! He got a lattice pie out of me a couple Thanksgivings ago, and I said, you better enjoy it, cuz I don't know if you'll ever get another one! Anyways, I'm mostly joking, but yes, he did still comment on the crumble topping. Seriously, how can you go wrong with butter, sugar, flour, and pecans?!?!?!? Anyways, Red One wanted to make something too...so I let her make the cobbler. It was so funny, David had called me from work the other day to tell me about this new, easy way he'd heard of making cobbler. He's telling me you get fruit, then put cake mix on top and then butter and then bake it. I'm like, seriously? I've made that for YEARS! It's called dump cake and it's delicious. Haha, then he said, well call it cobbler and I'll like it more! bwahahaha, what a brat!

Back to the baking, I thought we'd make peach, because David loves peach. So, in between first church and second church, Red One put it together. She was a little miffed that it was so easy, she felt she was beyond that level...lol! She got over it though. 

Red Three also finally lost her first tooth! It's been wiggly for almost two months...I finally said, that thing is coming out today! It was ready and came right out. Then the poor baby lost it again, we never could find it :( I don't know if the dog ate it or what, but it's gone! Oh well, she'll still get a dollar ;)

I had almost forgotten that it was my week to work the nursery at CLG, or second church as we call it...Buddy calls it play church because he gets to go in the Toddler room :) That's why I have to put everything in my phone calendar! I was sad to miss the service though...our senior pastor has been gone the last three weeks, and I always enjoy his preaching! Red One stayed down to help me. She loves babies and they usually love her back! Not this time though...lol. We only had two little ones this week, and I think they were cousins. The one was totally fine, came right in, started playing. The other cried his little eyes out! He would almost stop, then nope, back to being upset. He's usually fine, but what can ya do. I finally had to call his parents to come get him. Then, after he was gone, the other little one starts to get upset and finally starts wailing. He was totally fine, didn't even care that his cousin was crying, but after he left, he didn't like that! Red One tried to play with him and pick him up...he screamed more! It was almost funny...so I called his mom, then had no one left. I didn't want to go upstairs with Buddy for 20 minutes before the service was over, but they had a tv in the nursing room, so I at least caught part of the preaching. I had lots of people asking about David...I love that they remember and care about him! I feel bad, but sometimes I don't even know who they are...but I appreciate the care and prayers immensely. I also talked to our pastor's wife a bit too...she's so lovely!

David had decided not to go to church...just feeling like crap lately! I was hoping that he'd still want to go hang at his dad's house...maybe go shooting...but he wasn't up for it. He said we'd celebrate again next weekend, when he's not taking the chemo, and he'd pick the menu. He wants rib-eye fajitas...cause apparently regular fajitas are for peasants...lol. Anyways, I really didn't want to leave him by himself...but he said he wanted us to go. Guess it's nice having some peace and quiet. But still :( I hate leaving him like that, but if I never went out without him, I don't know if I'd ever leave the house. He's always been a bit of a hermit, but add in chemo and he's just about a recluse! Of course I can't help worrying about him, but I try not to nag too much. He'd probably say it's still to much...haha! And, whatever he needs to do to get through, I want to be supportive. This cycle is definitely much worse! His stomach just doesn't know what to do...and there's nothing I can do to help. That's the worst part. Just sitting by helpless. Ugh.

Anyways, my brother called me right then...I hadn't talked to him in at least a month or so. It was nice to chat. He's a captain in the Army...he's commander of a company, but will have change of command coming up soon, then will be deployed to Kuwait for a year in September. He was deployed to Iraq about 4 years ago (I think). Kuwait should be much better...it's way better than Afghanistan, that's for sure! The girls are already asking me if we'll be sending care packages again...they really enjoyed sending boxes to the "shoulders" as Red Three called them at the time. So get ready for that Uncle Mike! ;) My oldest niece just turned 18 and graduated high school too...which is just shocking! Makes me feel old...I remember meeting her when she was just this tiny, mop of curls 4 year old! She's such a beautiful young lady now. Way to go, Rose! Super proud of you!!!

After I finally got off the phone with Mike (he'll talk your ear off...lol...love ya dude!), I figured we ought to head over to the in-laws. First, the girls gave their presents to Daddy...they had made some artwork at school. They had also picked out a bear claw back-scratcher from Cabelas, some ranch flavored sunflower seeds (took Red One forever to pick the right flavor, lol) and a tactical weapon magazine. At least he had stuff to do while we were gone! Although, I was worried I'd be the new owner of some new gun accessory when I got back...haha. Since the drive is about 45 minutes, I had time to call my dad...but never could get a hold of him :/

As soon as we got there, we threw on some burgers, dogs, and brats (my favorite!) since we were starving! Rachel had picked up some corn too...delicious! Red Three was eating a cob and what do you know, she totally knocked one of her other teeth loose...we didn't even know it was loose. She pulled it out...two in one day! I've been trying to tell her that Toothless is a cool nickname...she doesn't believe me. But she did say it was better than Baby, which is what we always used to call her. My little cutie!

We never did get to the gun range, or even make it to the park. After eating, it was overcast, we kept thinking it might rain...it never did though. We did shoot arrows with Rachel's bow though...that was way fun. The girls loved it! Only downer, we totally lost 2 arrows! Those suckers are crazy hard to find in the woods...even with the neon orange and green feathering. The problem is they slide in horizontally, and with all the leaves, if it goes under, you'll never find them. :/ oh well...it was a blast! My mom even got in on the fun! Plus the hammock was back in order and the fire pit was going...what more could you want? 

I am woman, here me roar! LOL

We not only had the apple pie (which everybody loved and said was better than regular pie, I might add! lol) and the peach cobbler, but Rachel had fixings for strawberry shortcake, plus of course, s'mores! 

Cool heatwaves! 

What a poser...lol

We even put up the tent to check it out...it hadn't been used for a few years. Easy peasy...came together no problem! We really want to go camping this summer, but we still need some supplies (like sleeping bags...haha). Soon though!

And, it would help if David was not in the middle of a chemo cycle! We finally tore ourselves away around 9:00...the girls had school in the morning...still! Can you believe it???? I hate the ridiculously long school year up here...that's my worst complaint with the Northeast...it's insane! Back in Texas school is typically out before Memorial Day...up here, the last day of school this year is the 25th of June...come one, they're not learning anything by that point!!! Anywho, I'm getting sidetracked...lol! What was I talking about...oh yeah, so that was the end of the day. Super fun, relaxing...just hanging out, playing, talking...perfect! The only thing that would have made it better is if David wasn't on stinking chemo, and even though he's a hermit, he would have come and hung out and played too. I always miss him when he's not there for all the activities...I really think that's my least favorite thing about this whole cancer thing. I hate the way it sucks the energy out of him and makes it hard to do the everyday things. But, we get around it...make it work...it's not perfect, but that's life! I still have so much more to be completely grateful about to allow myself to get lost in the things that aren't as great. 

Oh, I almost forgot! On the way home from walking the girls to school this morning, I saw the tiniest frog/toad I've ever seen! Of course, I didn't have my camera, but luckily I had a water bottle I could put it in to get it home. Buddy was thrilled to walk past the road construction going on...we actually passed it twice. He LOVES tractors! Of course, all the guys said hi to him too. ;) Anyways, I did get a couple good shots of the tiny thing when we got home. I've never seen one that small!!!

How can you help???

Let's face it...at some point in your life, unless you're a hermit, you will know someone who faces a tough situation, whether it be cancer, injury, death in the family, etc. In those times, sometimes it's hard to know what to do. How exactly can you help, what would be beneficial and what could just be more stress for your friend/family member. It was suggested that putting together a post on ways to be a good friend to someone going through hard times might be helpful. So, here goes...

First and foremost, prayer is the most important thing. Even if the person you are praying for is not someone of faith, the idea that you are putting them on the top of your prayer list will mean a lot. However, this is not a cop-out for you to get out of any practical help. This should just be a given.

Here are just a few ways that you can make such a huge difference in someone's life.

1. Meals - This is such a practical way to help in so many different circumstances, whether someone is sick, a family member has passed away, a new baby in the family...even just a friend having a really bad day. There is nothing like food to lift the spirits. There are a lot of great ways to organize a meal plan...my favorite is  http://www.takethemameal.com/ It's an easy way to get people signed up...you can note any allergies or delivery requests. It's usually a good idea to have a point person taking the lead and coordinating. Ask your friend if anyone is taking care of the details...if not, that's your cue. ;) It also helps avoid any redundant meals. The typical schedule is 3-4 meals per week, for about 3 weeks. Of course, that all depends on the circumstances. The website also has a lot of practical ideas for helping someone going through a difficult time. As someone who has been through a lot and been helped a lot, I can say that there are some great suggestions. They also have food ideas and recipes if you're not sure what would be a good meal to bring someone. Freezer meals are great too...especially if say a hospital is involved and they might not be able to eat the food that day...but having food in the fridge that can be pulled out as needed could be a real stress reliever. One of the things that TakeThemAMeal mentioned as well was the idea that meals could be dropped off and placed in a cooler by the door if the recipient wasn't up for talking to anyone. Again, there are a lot of ideas and options out there. You should be able to tell if the person is ready to see people or not. Another idea, especially for those of you out there who don't love to cook, delivery is a great option! They will be happy not to have to cook or worry about dinner that night...they won't be judging you...lol I have had someone bring us pizza from the grocery store and I was thrilled!

I've made this meal for new mom's before...it's delicious!

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/spicy-sausage-pasta.html

Oh, I almost forgot...if at all possible, please, please, please bring disposable packaging for the food. It really is less stressful to not have to worry about getting pots/pans/dishes back to the correct owner. Also, paper goods are awesome when included. Getting dessert is such a bonus. Sometimes when I bring a meal to someone, I try to include snacks, or condiments, fruit...even breakfast items like bagels...thinking outside the box to try to meet a practical need.

Following on that same note, care baskets are great and practical. You can tailor the packages again, based on the actual circumstances. For example, a mom to be would appreciate more pampering type things like lotion, hair bands, chapstick, socks.... Someone who is hanging out at the hospital for any extended period of time would appreciate a snack basket with things like popcorn, granola bars, crackers, fruit, water, roll of coins for vending machines, light reading (think magazines), etc. Someone who might be undergoing chemo treatment could use hard candy, water, crackers, ginger ale (or similar).  If you know a child might be going, things like crayons and notepads, small toys, stickers, and gum. Really, you could run with the idea based on the person that you're making it for. Not to mention, just the fact that you cared enough to think about them in this way to can really brighten their day!

2. Childcare - This is a giant concern for anyone with kids, especially if they don't have family nearby. Regardless of whether it's a joyful occasion like childbirth, or more difficult situations, having to find someone to take care of your children can be really stressful! Even just driving them to school and back...or taking them for just an hour can be a lifesaver! Speaking from experience, it's hard to think of people that you don't mind dumping your kids on...so if you would be willing, make sure that they are aware of that! Otherwise, it can feel like too much of an imposition and they may or may not ask. Really, as soon as you are aware that childcare could become an issue, if that's something that you feel you could help with, make sure they know!

3. Presence - Sit with them, wherever they are...waiting rooms, hospital rooms, bedrooms, living rooms. Your time and simple presence will mean the world! Both times David had surgery, my father-in-law was there the whole time, and I had friends who came by both times also. Even if it's just for a short time...it makes such a difference! The human connection can sometimes mean more than anything else...you're not alone! Severe illness/accidents can make someone feel so isolated, and sometimes they may not want to talk. That's fine, just sit with them.

4. Money - this is more for an unexpected emergency. Your friend probably isn't going to say that they're having a hard time...but most of us aren't prepared for life changing events. Even a death in the family can cause financial hardship. It doesn't have to be a big deal, or a large amount...but I don't know that anyone would be offended under the circumstances. When David underwent his first surgery, guys at his work raised money for him. Friends from across the country sent money as well. It was greatly appreciated. Even though at the time of the first surgery, we weren't doing poorly, there were a lot of unexpected transactions, not to mention weeks of missed work...so it was all greatly appreciated.

5. Gift Cards - this runs along the same lines as the money. Gift cards are extremely practical! You can get them to, say, Target or Walmart, the grocery store, restaurants, gas card, etc. I received a grocery card; that was so nice to be able to run and get groceries without having to worry about anything. Same with Walmart. Restaurants are great because they might not use it right away...but later after the meals have stopped coming, its a nice ace to have in the pocket for those nights that making dinner is just too much.

6. Yard work/housework - This is such a help! Depending on the season, mowing the yard, shoveling snow, heck, planting flowers even.... This is seriously the last thing on their minds, but coming home to a well kept yard is a relief. I know I told y'all about coming home from NYC  for the first time visiting Sloan Kettering, and my friends had dressed up the entire front of my house with flowers, mums, corn stalks, pumpkins etc. It was beautiful and I may or may not have cried like a baby. Same with housework...although this will depend on the person. Some people might not want anyone messing with their stuff, or they might be embarrassed. Let me tell you right now, if you want to come do my housework, I will allow you gladly! hahahaha! Dishes are always a good bet...that's not too personal, IMO.

7. Call/text/email/FB - This is similar to visiting them...basically reminding them that they are not alone and you are thinking of them. Again, these huge life events can be very isolating. The world view can get narrowed to the specific concern and it's nice to be reminded of friends' concern.

8. Help the Caretaker! This one is more for if you are friends with the caretaker...sometimes, they really need a break. While they are not the ones ill, they are the ones responsible for the household, kids, the individual who needs care taking, etc... Depending on the illness/surgery...they might really need a break. Offer to sit with the invalid so they can get out for an hour or two. Volunteer your husband and take her out for Girls night. Whatever it takes...they need a break. After David's surgeries, he was not supposed to be alone for the two weeks following. The doctors were worried about infections and falls. Luckily, I had family and friends who were willing to help out and I was able to get out every now and then. And really, two weeks isn't that long. But for someone who might be in a long term caretaking situation, please, get them out of the house!

9. Don't forget them in the months to come - I have to admit, I'm as guilty of this as anyone. It's easy once the shock has worn off, or hospital stay comes to an end...to just move on. But in cases of severe illness or a death of a loved one...life is changed forever. Oftentimes at the beginning, there's too much to do to really sit and think about what this might mean for your life. Mourning is delayed, grief of a different path that will be your life from now on doesn't set in all at once. Even though everyone else has moved on or forgotten, for that person, they will never completely move on. Yes, they will adapt and adjust and life will be OK...but it will not be the same. There is a new normal. For myself, I'm hopeless without my phone calendar...if it's not written in there and the reminder doesn't go off...it's not gonna get done. I would suggest either making a note for a few months from now, whether in your phone, your regular calendar, whatever works for you...but make a note to either send a card, or touch base in some way with your friend to let them know, "I haven't forgotten, I still care, I still pray, I love you." You will be a hero to them.

OK, on to a few things that are not my favorite. Everyone is different, so I'm not saying this will bother everyone, but for me...not my favorite.

 - Never ask "what can I do?" At this point, the person is so stressed, or grieving...they're not gonna know what to tell you. Or else, they can't think of anything on the spot, but it might be too hard to ask for help later. I know for myself, I have a hard time asking for help...and I think most of us do. I've gotten a little better about it, but still, I'll usually say OK, and never ask. If there is something specific that you are willing to do, let them know. Say, I'd love to take the kids next week...or I'm going to bring you a meal...or I would like to mow your lawn...or whatever. If you have something that you are good at, and it would benefit them, by all means, offer your services. Take the initiative and they will be much more likely to accept the help.

-  The most common question I get is how are you doing, or how is David doing? If someone asks you that, what would you answer? Mine is usually "fine" or "good, how about you?" Maybe it's just me...but it's hard to going around saying I'm so stressed or sick of this, or whatever...to show weakness. And I know that's a failing on my part...but again, I think a lot of us are like that. I think a better question is to ask, is there anything specific you'd like me to pray for...or, is there anything new that you'd like to share...or a variation on that. Specific questions are always better than broad...if you ask a broad question, you'll get a broad answer. It's like asking your kids, how was your day...what do they say? "Fine." Be specific.

 - Another suggestion, especially if you are at all close with the person, is to get familiar with their situation. If there has been a diagnosis, read up on it...be proactive about getting information. However, that does not mean to talk about it all with them, but just to be familiar with the disease. Don't go talking about the negatives with them either...I guarantee they already are aware, and they don't need the reminder. It's more for you to know how grave or good the situation is. If they are willing and show the urge to talk about it, then you'll be ahead of the curve and again, they will know that you cared enough to find out more information on your own.

 - Going along with this, never ask questions about prognosis, etc. If they are willing to share that with you, they will. Otherwise, butt out!

 - Also, on the flip side, don't assume that things are all better after treatment, or after surgery, or what have you. Just because you haven't heard anything, don't presume that all is well. I've had comments, and my friend who is in a similar situation, has heard numerous times, "I'm glad everything is better." Well, how do you know that? Unless they are shouting it from the rooftops, I would never assume that someone with a serious illness has recovered. They might be doing well, or no changes, or even might be worse. It's hard to know that some people think everything is fine, or back to normal, when it isn't. A lot of times, even if the person seems fine, in reality, they're in it for the long haul and things are never normal. They might be doing really, really well, all things considering, but the specter is always there. I'm not saying don't comment on how well they're doing, just don't make it seem like now everything is all better and no worries, everything is back to normal.

 - Watch how you phrase things...this is probably nit picky, but it means more if someone tells me that I'm doing a great job, etc, rather than "I don't know how you do it." Probably nothing, but I don't know how I'm doing it and if I stop to think about it, I might not do it anymore...not really, but you get the idea. It can be overwhelming when you're reminded of how overwhelming the situation is...if that makes any sense. I dunno, it's probably just me.

 - And lastly...I often get the sentiment of "you don't know how good you have it till you see someone else going through a hard time" with the understanding that I'm the one going through the hard time and they're the one that has it good. While I totally understand, and have even thought the same thing about other's inspiring stories...nobody wants to be the story. LOL...it's vaguely depressing to know that your hard times are the reason someone else feels good about their life. And again, it's not bad and I don't take it personally, it's just like, argghhh...I don't want to be that girl!

Really though, people know if your heart is in the right place, so don't get too caught up in this either. It's better to be there and maybe not say things perfectly, than to not be there at all!

So, these are some of my thoughts and ramblings on some practical ways that you can make a difference in the life of someone walking through the valley. I would seriously love to hear any ideas that y'all might have the either have helped you or that you have done for someone else...so please comment away!

I'm a horrible blogger!

It's been a week...isn't that like a year in internet years? Anyways, been a crazy, busy week!

Last Thursday, the older girls had their basketball playoff game. I mean, there are only 4 teams in their league, so everyone was in the playoff...but still...lol ;) They wound up winning, which is hilarious, because the only game they had won previously was a forfeit. Haha...we kept telling them they won when it mattered. Unfortunately for me, this meant that they would be playing for the championship on Saturday morning...no sleeping in. 

Friday, the 7th, David had an appointment in NYC again for the next infusion in the treatment cycle. It was raining all day, and let me tell you...Yankees can't drive in the rain! We've made faster trips to New York in the snow. It was awful! David didn't want to drive since he'd just gotten a ticket a couple days before...so I was already cranky. I mean, even a cop wouldn't let me change lanes to make my exit...I was so seriously steamed! We finally get there...barely on time. David meets with the nurse practitioner...you only see the doc in between cycles...not every time we go. His blood counts were fine...a tad low on the white blood cells, but not enough for any type of action. They did decide to start him on preventative antibiotics, mainly because there is a particularly nasty form of pneumonia that can hit PCV patients...and they want to avoid that. David's head has been hurting him lately, and getting worse. Not headaches, although he gets those too, but actual surface pain. It's been a year since his last surgery, so not really sure why he's getting pain, and it's getting worse. The NP said there were no signs of infection, no swelling, redness, or fever...so she didn't seem super concerned. He'd also had one night with super tingling on his head...but no idea about that either. I didn't love that he was already feeling nauseous, and he hadn't even started the chemo that usually causes that...the first (of the three, remember, it's a cocktail chemo he's on now) usually doesn't have many physical side effects. Then we go out to wait for his turn to get into the chemo suite. Thankfully, this particular infusion is relatively quick. Once you get called back, it only takes about 30 min, and that's mostly saline...the actual medicine is about a minute or two. The crazy thing is, if they don't have a clean needle poke, if any of the chemo gets in the arm and not straight in the vein, it can actually cause your arm to fall off...well, it'll start eating it away and it might need cut off. Crazy, right?!?!?! So, they're real careful about the needle sticks. Don't worry, his arm's still there...although, she had to do a second stick. We got out of there pretty quickly, which was good. It was still pouring, and we didn't have an umbrella...so David picked up a couple cheap ones from a sidewalk vendor...lol! We got out of the city as quickly as was possible in the horrible conditions. At least we were able to stop at Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe on the way home. It's this amazing sandwich shop with the most delicious bread ever! And I don't even like sandwiches...normally. I got my usual, the hot pepper, prosciutto chicken sandwich...it's awesome! Unfortunately, because of the chemo, David is on a low tyramine diet, which basically means almost all cheese, canned, pickled and smoked meats (so no deli meat, hot dogs, etc), sauerkraut, soy sauce, and a few other things, are not allowed while he's taking this one drug. This makes meal planning tough, as almost all my meals have some form of cheese in them...lol! Anyways, the garlic chicken sandwich had no cheese, and it's a cutlet, so it wasn't processed deli meat. It was so good! Unfortunately, the closest Nardelli's is about 30 min away, so that's one thing we often get when we go to Sloan...we always pass right by one. 

hmmm, dunno why the pic is all distorted...oh well...anyways, this is right after we got home. I forgot to take one at the Dr's office. Yup, I wore gray!

It was nice my mom was here...she was able to watch the kids while we made the trek there and back.

That night I finally made it to my small group from church. I missed both May meetings...it was nice to see everyone and join in prayer and study. My father-in-law also goes...he always has such great insight! We got back to the house and Rachel was there! She figured she'd spend the night so she could watch the girls' game in the morning. Since they live about 45 minutes away, and she's not a morning person, it was easier to spend the night. Dad wound up staying too, which was nice. He was working not far, so he went in for a little bit and then headed to the game too.

So, Saturday morning...big day! lol...they were so excited! They were playing the mayor's team. He's a good coach, and they had some good players. Fortunately, everyone brought their A-game and played awesome. It was a very tight game...Red One even made a basket! She was so happy. David came too, but wound up having to leave...he really wasn't feeling good at all! I felt so bad for him! It was neck and neck the whole game, but they won! 21-20...I told Red One she had the winning basket...if she hadn't made hers, they wouldn't have won! haha! Afterwards, they had the boys game, then food and fun for the players, so the rest of us went out to eat, then headed back for the awards ceremony. They were so thrilled...had a hard time taking off their medals!

When she got home, Red One made a basketball cake to celebrate!  

We ran out of powdered sugar for the frosting, but she improvised and it came out fine.

I so didn't feel like cooking at this point, but luckily, my friend called me and said they had leftover food from her dad's birthday party and did I want it? Heck yeah!!! hahaha...and it was good!

Then, she also stole me away to hang out that night...it was fun! Thanks Sarah!

Sunday, of course we went to church. But we wound up skipping second church. David really wasn't feeling great...this cycle is definitely the worst one yet. They say it's cumulative, and it certainly seems to be hitting David that way. It's always hard when there's nothing you can do to really help. 

We had already planned on going hiking/picnicking with the in-laws after church...the kids were really looking forward to it! Of course, David gave it a pass...but the rest of us went. We just got a couple of loaves of French bread and some ham and cheese from the grocery store...it was perfectly simple and delicious. Of course, can't have a picnic without dessert...so we got some of that too...oh, and oil packed olives...they're my favorite! There's this place near us, Case Mountain, that is so great! It was a waterfall at the bottom...a nice wide path to the lookout spot...you can actually see Hartford and the river and everything. There are a lot of trails...people even mountain bike out there. We stayed on the main one though. Of course, we barely get going and Buddy trips and cuts his knee open! It was bad...he was crying pretty hard and bleeding. Red One to the rescue! She had packed her backpack with emergency supplies...crackers, water bottles, and...band aids! Red Two had even made fun of her...why did you pack band aids??? Well, she just whipped them out and it was perfect! Way to go! Not much further up, we almost crashed with some dudes who were mountain biking down...they were going way too fast and side by side...they almost couldn't stop in time. Seriously though, this is a busy trail, you can't do that! Definitely should have been in a single file, at the least! It was cool to get to the lookout though...you can see the whole river valley! I think it's about a 3/4 mile hike to the top...so pretty good, but not too long for the kids. Anyways, it's pretty cool! After we headed back down, we went to look over the waterfall. Buddy is so adventurous, I was a bit scared...had to really keep a hold on him. He kept trying to climb the rock wall so he could see. :/

 

It really is just beautiful there!

After that, ice cream was a necessity. We decided to go to a local hot spot, Shady Glen. It's an old 50's style diner/ice cream bar. Other than a snafu with Dad's banana split, it was good!

Monday night, we were celebrating my two best friends' (Sarah and Kim) birthdays. They were both in May, but we weren't able to get together till now. I made a Bourbon Layer Cake with Bourbon Ganache and Milk Chocolate Buttercream! One of my favorite cakes...so delicious and moist! I couldn't wait to give them their presents! I had found recipes on Pinterest for homemade Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, and grenadine. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try them out. Wow, it was so easy and delicious! Grenadine is actually supposed to be pomegranate flavored, but the majority of commercial products are just corn syrup and red dye. To make it you just get some pomegranate juice and sugar and boil it down till it thickens. Kahlua is just brewed coffee, brown sugar, vanilla and vodka. The Bailey's had the most ingredients, but still relatively simple...sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, chocolate syrup, cream, vanilla, espresso powder, and almond extract. You would not believe how delicious they all turned out! I think Kim and Sarah really liked them. I made Milano Martinis...yum! I couldn't believe it though...I forgot the ice cream! haha, oh well! I made them sing Happy Birthday with me though...I said they really don't want to just hear my voice...lol! Then Sarah and I managed to get Kim to watch a Doctor Who episode...hehe! Kim is not really into the geeky stuff like we are...but she was a good sport about it. :)

Love you guys! Y'all keep me sane!

David wound up taking Tuesday off. His head is really hurting, and as he keeps texting me, chemo sucks! He mainly wanted to get his head checked out, make sure there's no infection. His coworker said he could see a bump on David's forehead, and that's where the pain is also. I made an appointment with his neurosurgeon also, but that's not for a couple weeks. We were thinking it could be hardware that's causing the pain. David has had terrible luck in the past with surgeries. Every time the doctors use dissolvable stitches, they don't dissolve. Usually what happens is years later, his body rejects it and he gets an infection and then the doctor winds up fishing out an undissolved stitch. It's so weird, but never seems to fail. We told the neurosurgeon this several times...but he was like, man, I gotta do what I gotta do to close you up. I'm not saying that's it...but it's definitely a possibility  at least in our heads. I mean, who knows what the doc actually used to close him up. Anyways, his appointment isn't for a couple weeks, so especially since his coworker saw a bump, David decided to go see his general practitioner just to make sure. The Dr said it could be stress/tension causing the pain, could be the chemo...could be a lot of things. He was pretty emphatic that it wasn't an infection though. Unfortunately, David's Sloan doctors didn't want him on pain meds last year while he was going through radiation, so they had called his GP to ask him to not keep giving him them. He still gives David some, but not that much. I think that's a little crazy, I mean, if he's having pain he should be able to take care of it. Whatever...he did give him some sort of caffeine, tylenol and something else combo that might help. He said it certainly wouldn't hurt to try. We'll see, I guess. Just praying that the chemo gets a little more bearable and that he'll be not so sick feeling!

And that is that...we're all caught up! I'll try to be better...at least every other day. Still need to get another Flashback post up...also, I've been requested to do a "How to help" post...so be on the lookout for that as well. 

Those are some big shoes to fill! ;)