April 2011

April 2011 was a busy month for us. Jason started the month off by having the privilege of marrying some dear friends of ours.....congratulations Ryan & Katy!

Two days later we had our own anniversary which was marked by a quiet dinner (minus 3 of the 4 children) which allowed for some wonderful time for conversation.

April also meant two more chemo treatments. During the 1st chemo treatment of the month (#5 in total) I was told that I would need 3 more treatments for sure. That of course is not news you want to hear but I had expected it. It was during my 6th treatment that I learned that I now would need 6 more treatments for a total of 12. This was pretty tough news for me but I desperately tried to look on the bright side - if I go the 12 treatments then I hopefully won't have to have radiation. The idea of radiation was one that both Jason and I were struggling with and had been praying for clarity on whether or not I should have it. So we were thankful that God really took that decision out of our hands and made it for us.

We also remembered our baby boy that we lost 2 years ago. This was a difficult time for me especially since I was going through my 6th chemo treatment at the same time but God got me through it. I am so grateful for the love and support of so many of my friends who reached out to me in that time with an encouraging word, a warm hug, or even a soothing gift. I know so many of you know my pain out there and I thank you so much for your comfort in my time of need. Thank you for all of those who are praying for me as well. It really means so much to me.

April also marked some great things for our kids. Our 5 year old son is now participating in soccer. This is his first team sport and it is exciting for him. In his very first game he scored his first goal. I was grateful to be able to be there to watch this happen for him. He is a very natural athlete but he takes after his dad and does not like to run so his preferred position is goaly. But he does a really good job playing forward - especially when he puts his mind to it.

Our oldest son participated in his first track meet in April as well. He took after his mama this year and ran distance. He ended up running the mile, the 400 meter, and the 800 meter at his track meet (the exact same races I use to run! :-) It was so exciting to watch him and he did so good! Again, I was thankful that I was able to be there to watch him.

Our three year old is as funny and dramatic as ever and the baby is now teething once again - which has not been fun in the least for any of us involved. I cannot wait until she gets this one in. It breaks my heart to see her in pain.

We also celebrated Easter this month. I was just a few days past chemo and usually I am not up and around until at least the Monday or Tuesday after my chemo treatments so I basically willed myself well enough to go and I am so thankful that I did. Our church puts on a giant Easter egg hunt which the kids really enjoyed and then just being able to be present in church on such a special day was wonderful. I was pretty wiped out the next couple of days because of it but it was worth it.

So, that was April 2011 in a nutshell. I am sure I am forgetting a few things so if I remember something significant later on I will post about it then. We are now on to May.....it is sure to be an exciting month!